Our Commitment to Responsible Journalism

The Wise Indian is an independent digital publication committed to telling meaningful stories about India, its people, ideas, communities, businesses, culture, innovation, and the issues shaping society.

Our objective is not simply to publish more content. It is to publish content that is useful, credible, thoughtful, responsible, and worth the reader’s time.

We believe journalism and digital publishing carry a responsibility to inform without deliberately misleading, to question without unfairly targeting, and to tell compelling stories without compromising basic standards of accuracy and integrity.

This Editorial Policy explains the principles that guide our editorial work.

1. Editorial Independence

The Wise Indian seeks to maintain independence in its editorial decisions.

Our editorial decisions are not automatically determined by:

• Advertisers;
• Sponsors;
• Commercial partners;
• Public relations agencies;
• Political organisations;
• Individuals featured in our stories; or
• Other commercial or external interests.

A commercial relationship with The Wise Indian does not automatically guarantee editorial coverage.

Similarly, editorial coverage does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of the person, organisation, product, service, or viewpoint being covered.

Where commercial relationships exist, we seek to maintain an appropriate separation between commercial and editorial decision-making.

2. What We Publish

We may publish a wide range of editorial formats, including:

• News reports;
• Features;
• Interviews;
• Profiles;
• Investigations;
• Explainers;
• Opinion pieces;
• Columns;
• Essays;
• Human-interest stories;
• Business and startup stories;
• Technology and innovation stories;
• Culture and arts coverage;
• Social-impact stories;
• Reviews;
• Photographic stories;
• Video content;
• Data-driven stories; and
• Other editorial formats.

Not every article will follow the same reporting process. The level of verification and sourcing may vary depending on the nature and urgency of the story.

3. Accuracy

Accuracy is one of our fundamental editorial principles.

We make reasonable efforts to ensure that factual claims are accurate before publication.

Depending on the story, our editorial process may include:

• Reviewing primary documents;
• Checking official records;
• Speaking with relevant individuals;
• Consulting credible experts;
• Cross-checking information;
• Comparing multiple independent sources;
• Reviewing publicly available evidence; and
• Seeking clarification where information is unclear.

We recognise that mistakes can occur in journalism and digital publishing.

When we identify a significant factual error, we aim to correct it transparently and appropriately.

4. Verification

The level of verification required depends on the nature and significance of the claim.

Important factual claims should, where reasonably possible, be supported by reliable sources.

We give greater weight to primary sources where available, including:

• Official documents;
• Court records;
• Government publications;
• Regulatory filings;
• Direct interviews;
• Original research;
• First-hand accounts; and
• Directly observed information.

Secondary sources may also be used where appropriate.

We do not treat the fact that something is widely circulating online as evidence that it is true.

5. Sources

We seek to identify sources appropriately.

Depending on the circumstances, sources may be:

• Named;
• Identified by their professional role;
• Described generally where necessary; or
• Kept confidential in exceptional circumstances.

We may protect a source’s identity where there is a legitimate editorial reason to do so.

Confidential sources should not be used simply to make a story appear more authoritative.

Where anonymous or confidential information is important to a story, editors should consider the source’s credibility, access to the information, potential motivations, and the availability of independent verification.

6. Anonymous Sources

Anonymous sources may be used when:

1. The information is genuinely important to the story;
2. The source has a credible basis for knowing the information;
3. There is a legitimate reason the source cannot be identified;
4. Reasonable efforts have been made to verify the information; and
5. Publication is considered to be in the public interest.

Where possible, information from an anonymous source should be corroborated by other evidence or sources.

Anonymous sourcing should not be used merely for convenience.

7. Right of Response

When a story contains significant allegations or potentially damaging claims about an identifiable person, organisation, or institution, we may seek their response before publication.

Where appropriate, we may:

• Contact the relevant party;
• Provide an opportunity to respond;
• Include their response in the story;
• Update the story when a response is subsequently received.

A refusal to comment may be stated where editorially relevant.

We do not guarantee that every response will be published in full. Editorial judgment, relevance, legal considerations, length, and clarity may determine how a response is presented.

8. Allegations and Accusations

The Wise Indian distinguishes between an allegation and an established fact.

We should not present an unverified allegation as proven fact.

Where allegations are reported, we seek to provide appropriate context and, where reasonably possible, identify the source or basis of the allegation.

Particular care should be taken when allegations could materially damage someone’s reputation.

9. Public Interest

We consider public interest when determining whether certain sensitive information should be published.

Public interest may include matters relating to:

• Public safety;
• Government accountability;
• Misuse of public resources;
• Consumer protection;
• Serious wrongdoing;
• Significant social issues;
• Public health;
• Environmental concerns;
• Transparency;
• Institutional accountability; and
• Other matters that materially affect society.

“Public interest” does not simply mean that something is popular, sensational, controversial, or likely to attract clicks.

10. Privacy

We respect the privacy of individuals.

The fact that information is available online does not automatically mean that it should be republished.

We consider factors including:

• Public interest;
• Relevance to the story;
• Sensitivity of the information;
• Potential harm;
• Whether the person is a public figure;
• Whether the information has been independently verified; and
• Applicable law.

We take particular care with information relating to children, victims of abuse, vulnerable individuals, and people who are not public figures.

11. Children and Vulnerable People

Stories involving children and vulnerable individuals require additional care.

We will consider whether publication could expose a person to:

• Harm;
• Identification;
• Stigma;
• Harassment;
• Exploitation;
• Unnecessary distress; or
• Other foreseeable consequences.

We will avoid unnecessary identification of children and vulnerable individuals where doing so could cause harm or is not justified by legitimate public interest.

12. Images and Photographs

We aim to use photographs, illustrations, graphics, and videos responsibly.

We should not knowingly use images in a misleading manner.

Where appropriate, we provide:

• Photographer credits;
• Agency credits;
• Source attribution;
• Captions; and
• Relevant context.

We do not knowingly present a file photograph or illustrative image as an actual photograph of an event when doing so could mislead the reader.

Images may be edited for reasonable technical purposes such as cropping, resizing, colour correction, or formatting.

Material alterations that could materially misrepresent reality should be clearly identified where relevant.

13. Artificial Intelligence and Editorial Content

The Wise Indian may use artificial intelligence and other technological tools to support certain aspects of editorial and operational work.

AI may be used for purposes such as:

• Research assistance;
• Transcription;
• Translation;
• Grammar and language improvement;
• Data organisation;
• Headline or content brainstorming;
• Summarisation;
• Image or design assistance; and
• Other appropriate production tasks.

However, AI-generated information should not automatically be treated as factual.

Human editorial judgment remains responsible for published editorial content.

AI tools may produce inaccurate, fabricated, biased, incomplete, or misleading information. Accordingly, factual claims generated or assisted by AI should be independently reviewed and verified where appropriate.

We will not knowingly publish fabricated information simply because it was generated by an AI system.

Where AI-generated or substantially AI-created material is used in a way that could materially affect the reader’s understanding of the content, we may disclose that use where appropriate.

14. AI-Generated Images

Where AI-generated or substantially AI-generated images are used in editorial or illustrative contexts, we seek to avoid presenting fictional or generated imagery as authentic documentary photography.

Where necessary to prevent confusion, we may identify such images as:

“AI-generated image”, “Illustration”, or another appropriate description.

Documentary photographs should not be materially manipulated in a manner that falsely represents what occurred.

15. User-Generated Content

Readers and contributors may submit:

• Articles;
• Story ideas;
• Photographs;
• Videos;
• Opinions;
• Personal experiences;
• Documents; and
• Other material.

Submissions may be edited, fact-checked, verified, rejected, or modified before publication.

Submitting content does not guarantee publication.

Contributors are responsible for ensuring that they have the necessary rights and permissions to submit their material.

16. Plagiarism

The Wise Indian does not knowingly support plagiarism.

We expect contributors and editorial staff to properly attribute material originating from other sources.

Plagiarism may include:

• Presenting another person’s writing as one’s own;
• Copying substantial material without attribution;
• Misrepresenting another person’s reporting as original reporting; or
• Using another creator’s work without appropriate permission or attribution.

Where plagiarism is identified, we may reject, remove, correct, or otherwise address the material.

17. Attribution

We aim to provide appropriate attribution when using information, quotations, photographs, research, data, or other material from external sources.

Attribution may include identifying:

• The original publication;
• The author;
• The photographer;
• The organisation;
• The agency;
• The research institution; or
• Another relevant source.

Attribution does not replace the need to independently verify important information.

18. Press Releases and PR Material

Press releases, company statements, public-relations material, and promotional communications may be used as sources of information.

However, receiving a press release does not automatically mean that the material will be published.

Where editorially appropriate, we may independently verify significant claims made in promotional or institutional material.

Press releases should not be presented as independent reporting merely because they are published on our Platform.

19. Sponsored and Branded Content

The Wise Indian may publish sponsored or branded content as part of its commercial operations.

Sponsored content may include:

• Brand stories;
• Sponsored articles;
• Campaigns;
• Partner features;
• Promotional videos;
• Sponsored events; and
• Other commercial collaborations.

Where appropriate, such content should be clearly identified so readers can distinguish it from independent editorial content.

Commercial content should not intentionally be presented in a way designed to deceive readers about its nature.

20. Paid News

The Wise Indian does not intend to present paid promotional material as independent editorial reporting.

Payment, sponsorship, advertising, or another commercial relationship should not automatically be represented as independent editorial coverage.

Where applicable, commercial arrangements should be appropriately disclosed.

21. Conflicts of Interest

Editorial staff, contributors, and relevant collaborators should disclose material conflicts of interest where those conflicts could reasonably affect—or appear to affect—their editorial judgment.

Potential conflicts may include:

• Financial interests;
• Personal relationships;
• Employment relationships;
• Business relationships;
• Investments;
• Promotional arrangements;
• Gifts or benefits; or
• Other significant interests.

Where a conflict cannot reasonably be managed, an individual may be removed from involvement in the relevant story.

22. Gifts and Benefits

Editorial personnel should avoid accepting gifts, benefits, hospitality, travel, or other advantages that could reasonably compromise or appear to compromise editorial independence.

Where travel or other expenses are accepted for legitimate editorial reasons, the relationship should be handled transparently and in accordance with our internal standards.

23. Reviews and Recommendations

Where The Wise Indian reviews or recommends a product, service, experience, organisation, book, film, technology, restaurant, destination, or other subject, the editorial basis of the review should be reasonably independent of commercial pressure.

A positive review should not be guaranteed in exchange for payment.

Where a commercial relationship exists, it should be handled transparently.

24. Headlines and Social Media

Headlines, thumbnails, captions, notifications, and social-media posts should accurately represent the substance of the underlying story.

We do not believe that attracting clicks justifies deliberately misleading readers.

We seek to avoid:

• False claims;
• Misleading headlines;
• Out-of-context quotations;
• Deliberately deceptive thumbnails;
• Fabricated urgency; and
• Sensational presentation that materially distorts the story.

25. Corrections

We acknowledge that mistakes can occur.

When we identify a material factual error, we will consider whether the appropriate response is:

• A correction;
• An editor’s note;
• A clarification;
• An update;
• A correction to a headline or caption; or
• Removal of the content in exceptional circumstances.

We aim to correct significant errors transparently rather than silently changing material information where doing so could mislead readers.

Minor typographical or formatting errors may be corrected without a formal correction notice.

26. Requests for Corrections

Readers, subjects, organisations, and other parties may contact us regarding factual concerns.

Correction requests should be sent to:

wiseindianofficial@gmail.com

Please provide:

• The article title;
• The relevant URL;
• The specific statement in question;
• The reason it is believed to be inaccurate; and
• Supporting evidence, where available.

We will review legitimate correction requests in good faith.

A request for correction does not automatically mean that a correction will be published.

27. Removal Requests

The Wise Indian does not automatically remove accurate editorial content simply because an individual or organisation requests removal.

Removal requests may be considered based on factors including:

• Legal obligations;
• Serious factual errors;
• Privacy concerns;
• Safety concerns;
• Ethical considerations;
• Identification of vulnerable individuals;
• Copyright issues;
• Editorial integrity; and
• Other legitimate circumstances.

Each request will be considered on its individual facts.

28. Defamation and Reputation

We recognise that publication can affect people’s reputations.

Before publishing potentially defamatory or damaging material, editors should consider:

• Accuracy;
• Evidence;
• Public interest;
• Source reliability;
• The seriousness of the allegation;
• Whether the subject has been given an opportunity to respond;
• Whether the wording accurately reflects the evidence; and
• Applicable law.

We aim to distinguish clearly between fact, allegation, inference, analysis, and opinion.

29. Data and Statistics

When publishing statistics, surveys, research findings, or other numerical information, we aim to provide sufficient context to prevent misleading interpretation.

Where reasonably possible, we identify:

• The source;
• Date;
• Sample size;
• Methodology;
• Relevant limitations; and
• Other material context.

Statistics should not be selectively presented in a manner that intentionally creates a materially misleading impression.

30. Scientific and Health Information

Scientific, medical, and health-related stories require particular care because inaccurate information can cause harm.

Where appropriate, we seek to rely on:

• Peer-reviewed research;
• Recognised scientific institutions;
• Qualified professionals;
• Government or regulatory bodies;
• Primary research; and
• Established medical or scientific sources.

We should distinguish between established evidence, emerging research, expert opinion, and speculation.

Editorial content should not be presented as medical advice.

31. Political and Public Affairs Coverage

Political and public-affairs reporting should aim to be factual, fair, and appropriately sourced.

We may publish criticism of governments, political parties, public officials, institutions, or public figures where editorially justified.

Political coverage should not knowingly present fabricated claims as facts.

Where competing factual claims are relevant, we may provide appropriate context or responses.

32. Corrections to Social Media Content

Where a significant factual error appears in a social-media post, video caption, headline, or other promotional material connected to our editorial work, we may correct, update, delete, or otherwise amend the relevant material.

Where practical and appropriate, significant corrections may be acknowledged rather than silently altered.

33. Editorial Complaints

Readers may raise concerns about:

• Accuracy;
• Sourcing;
• Corrections;
• Editorial conduct;
• Conflicts of interest;
• Misrepresentation;
• Copyright;
• Privacy; or
• Other editorial matters.

Complaints should be sent to:

wiseindianofficial@gmail.com

Please provide sufficient information and supporting material so that we can properly investigate the concern.

34. Editorial Decision-Making

Not every editorial decision will satisfy every reader.

The Wise Indian retains editorial discretion over:

• Whether to publish a story;
• Whether to commission a story;
• How a story is framed;
• Which sources are used;
• Whether an interview is published;
• Whether content is updated;
• Whether a correction is issued; and
• Whether content is removed.

Editorial independence includes the ability to make these decisions without being compelled by individuals or organisations simply because they disagree with the coverage.

35. Transparency

We believe trust is strengthened when readers understand how journalism is produced.

As The Wise Indian develops, we may publish additional information about:

• Our editorial standards;
• Corrections;
• Sponsorships;
• Editorial contributors;
• AI usage;
• Partnerships;
• Data sources; and
• Other aspects of our editorial process.

This policy may therefore evolve with our publication.

36. Applicable Standards

The Wise Indian seeks to operate in accordance with applicable Indian laws and recognised principles of responsible journalism.

Our editorial practices may take guidance from relevant professional and regulatory standards, including the Press Council of India’s Norms of Journalistic Conduct, while recognising that The Wise Indian’s editorial operations and legal obligations may differ depending on the nature of individual content and services.

The Press Council of India describes its journalistic norms as standards intended to maintain professional standards and encourage responsible self-regulation in journalism.

37. Policy Updates

We may update this Editorial Policy as our publication grows, our editorial processes develop, technology changes, or applicable laws and professional standards evolve.

The latest version will be published on this page with the applicable “Last Updated” date.

38. Contact The Wise Indian

For editorial questions, correction requests, story ideas, complaints, copyright concerns, source-related matters, or other editorial enquiries, please contact:

The Wise Indian
Website: thewiseindian.com
Editorial & General Enquiries:
wiseindianofficial@gmail.com

We encourage readers and sources to provide relevant supporting information wherever possible.

Our Editorial Promise

The Wise Indian aims to follow a simple principle:

Be accurate. Be fair. Be independent. Be responsible.

We may make mistakes, but we will strive to acknowledge and correct them.

We may publish stories that challenge assumptions, but we will strive not to deliberately mislead.

We may work with commercial partners, but we will strive to maintain a clear distinction between commercial interests and independent editorial judgment.

And above all, we believe that our responsibility is to our readers and the truth—not simply to the number of clicks a story can generate.

The Wise Indian

Last Updated: 20 August 2026