Editorial Policy

[MANDATORY PUBLISHER NOTICE: This policy template is provided for editorial and compliance guidance under applicable laws of India. It must be reviewed, customized with accurate publication details, and verified by qualified legal counsel prior to formal publication. It does not constitute certified legal counsel or a platform compliance warranty.] EDITORIAL POLICY FOR NEWS VARTA MONTHLY Effective Date: [Insert Effective Date, e.g. 1st April 2026] Last Updated: [Insert Date of Last Revision] 1. JOURNALISTIC ETHICS & REGULATORY FRAMEWORK News Varta Monthly is committed to independent, truthful, and ethical journalism. Our newsroom adopts the Norms of Journalistic Conduct formulated by the Press Council of India ("PCI Norms", Edition 2022/2020) as our foundational editorial benchmark, alongside the Code of Ethics set out in Part III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. STATUTORY REGULATORY DISTINCTION: - Under the Press Council Act, 1978, statutory jurisdiction of the Press Council of India applies to print newspapers and periodicals registered with the Press Registrar General of India (PRGI/RNI). - For digital news operations, PCI Norms serve as recognized industry standards and form part of the Code of Ethics under Part III of the IT Rules 2021 (where applicable to the publication). - Our newsroom voluntarily adheres to these principles to uphold public trust in our editorial independence. 2. ACCURACY & PRE-PUBLICATION VERIFICATION (PCI NORMS 1 & 2) a) Commitment to Truth: Accuracy is paramount. Reporters and editors must verify all factual claims prior to publication using primary records, verified documents, direct eyewitness accounts, or reliable on-the-record sources. b) Multi-Sourcing: Critical or controversial allegations require independent corroboration from at least two credible sources. c) Rumour Verification: Speculation, unverified social media claims, and uncorroborated tips shall never be presented as established facts. 3. SOURCING & ATTRIBUTION a) Transparency: We identify information sources by name and title whenever possible. b) Confidential Sources: Source anonymity is granted sparingly, solely when disclosure presents a genuine risk of physical harm, severe reprisal, or legal peril to the source, and when the information is of compelling public interest. Confidentiality commitments are maintained strictly in accordance with professional journalistic ethics. 4. RIGHT OF REPLY & PRE-PUBLICATION OPPORTUNITY (PCI NORM 3) In adherence to PCI Norm 3, the Right of Reply, and fundamental principles of natural justice, whenever News Varta Monthly prepares a critical news report or investigative exposé concerning an individual, company, or public authority: a) A fair and reasonable opportunity to respond must be extended to the affected party prior to publication. b) Any response, denial, or explanation received must be given fair and balanced representation within the published report. c) If a response is declined or unanswered by deadline, the published report shall transparently record that comment was sought. 5. SEPARATION OF NEWS AND OPINION To maintain clarity for readers: a) News Reports: Objective, fact-centered dispatches free from personal reporter editorializing. b) Opinion Columns & Commentaries: Signed columns, editorials, and op-eds reflect the personal viewpoint of the named author and are prominently labeled as "Opinion", "Analysis", or "Editorial". 6. PROHIBITION OF PAID NEWS & ADVERTORIAL TRANSPARENCY (PCI NORM 32) a) Zero Tolerance for Paid News: News Varta Monthly strictly prohibits "Paid News"—the unethical practice of publishing news reports or editorial commentary in consideration for monetary payment or commercial benefits. b) Clear Commercial Labeling: Sponsored content, native advertisements, or commercial features must be unmistakably marked as "Sponsored Content", "Advertorial", or "Commercial Feature". 7. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST & EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE Journalists and editors must recuse themselves from reporting on subjects in which they hold personal, familial, or financial stakes. Editorial decision-making remains free from commercial advertising pressure, corporate influence, or political patronage. 8. EDITORIAL DESK CONTACT For editorial feedback, story suggestions, or journalistic inquiries: - Editor-in-Chief / Managing Editor: [Insert Editor-in-Chief / Managing Editor Name] - Editorial Newsdesk Email: newsvartawork@gmail.com - Website: https://newsvartamonthly.com