1. WORKPLACE HARASSMENT, TRAUMA, AND STAFF WELLBEING POLICY

Purpose

At MMI Online Limited (“MMI”), we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive workplace for all staff. This policy outlines the measures MMI has implemented to prevent, identify, and address harassment, abuse, and work-related trauma, reflecting our dedication to staff wellbeing, ethical conduct, and compliance with applicable workplace laws. These include the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act, relevant labour regulations, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. The policy emphasizes proactive support, ensuring that every person working with MMI is protected, respected, and empowered to carry out professional responsibilities without fear of harassment or harm.

Scope

This policy applies to all individuals associated with MMI, including permanent employees, contractual staff, interns, freelance contributors, consultants, and temporary personnel. It covers incidents occurring within the workplace, during field assignments, and online, including harassment or abuse from external actors linked to professional responsibilities. The policy ensures that all staff have access to protective measures, reporting channels, and support systems to address workplace challenges.

Definitions

Harassment: Harassment refers to any verbal, physical, psychological, or digital conduct that is intimidating, hostile, demeaning, or offensive. This includes sexual harassment as defined under POSH legislation, bullying, repeated abusive behaviour, and discrimination based on gender, caste, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

Work-Related Trauma: Work related trauma refers to emotional or psychological distress employees may experience due to their professional responsibilities. This includes exposure to disturbing or sensitive content, online abuse or threats, or occupational stress arising from high-risk, emotionally demanding, or prolonged assignments.

Preventive and Protective Measures

MMI has implemented several preventive and protective safeguards to ensure a safe working environment for all staff:

1. A statutory POSH Committee is established to handle complaints of sexual harassment and ensure compliance with applicable laws.
2. Regular compliance reviews and risk assessments are conducted to maintain organizational standards.
3. Clear codes of conduct define expected professional behaviour and workplace etiquette.
4. Employees receive periodic training and awareness programs to recognize harassment, maintain professional boundaries, and understand how to access support.
5. Operational and editorial risk assessments identify high risk assignments, such as field reporting on sensitive topics, allowing proactive mitigation of potential stressors.
6. Staff have access to internal support channels, including HR, compliance, and managerial contacts, for guidance, reporting, or assistance.

These measures collectively create a workplace culture that is safe, informed, responsive, and proactive, with risk management integrated into day to day operations.

Reporting and Redressal Mechanisms

MMI encourages employees to report any incidents of harassment, abuse, or trauma without fear of retaliation:

1. Complaints of sexual harassment may be submitted directly to the POSH Committee.
2. Other grievances can be reported through internal grievance redressal mechanisms or to designated HR, compliance, or management representatives.
3. All reports are treated with strict confidentiality, impartiality, and fairness, ensuring that individuals who report in good faith are fully protected from professional or personal consequences.
4. The reporting system is designed to be accessible, transparent, and supportive, empowering staff to raise concerns whenever necessary.

Investigation and Resolution

1. All complaints are addressed promptly, objectively, and fairly, in accordance with principles of natural justice.
2. Investigations are conducted impartially, giving all parties the opportunity to present their account and evidence.
3. Based on investigation findings, appropriate corrective or disciplinary actions are implemented, which may include administrative measures, counselling, reassignment, or, in severe cases, legal escalation.
4. The resolution process emphasizes transparency, timeliness, and fairness, ensuring dignity and respect for both the complainant and respondent.

Support and Wellbeing

MMI actively supports the mental and emotional wellbeing of staff, recognizing the potential impact of work related trauma and high-pressure assignments. Support measures include:

1. Temporary workload adjustments, reassignment of duties, or flexible work arrangements to help manage stress.
2. Access to professional counselling and mental health resources for employees who require support.
3. Encouragement of peer and managerial support, providing a network of guidance and reassurance.

These initiatives create a workplace where employees feel valued, safe, and supported, while potential harm is proactively managed.

Consequences of Violations

Violations of this policy, including harassment, abuse, or breaches of workplace conduct, may result in:

1. Disciplinary action, including warnings, suspension, or termination of employment or engagement.
2. Legal action, where applicable, in accordance with statutory requirements.
3. The severity of consequences is determined based on the nature of the violation, its impact on individuals and the organization, and applicable legal provisions.

Through these measures, MMI reinforces accountability, ethical conduct, and a safe workplace culture.

Alignment with POSH and Legal Frameworks

This policy is fully aligned with MMI’s statutory POSH Committee obligations, relevant labour regulations, and other workplace safety laws, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. By integrating statutory compliance, proactive staff wellbeing initiatives, trauma prevention strategies, and robust support mechanisms, MMI ensures a holistic, legally compliant, and ethical approach to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive work environment for all employees and associates.

2. CONTENT USAGE & CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSING POLICY

Purpose and Commitment

MMI Online Limited (“MMI”) is committed to promoting transparency, access to information, and public interest journalism. In furtherance of this objective, MMI supports the responsible reuse of certain original content for educational, research, and awareness-building purposes, provided such use is non-commercial, appropriately attributed, and consistent with ethical and legal standards.

This policy defines the conditions under which MMI permits limited reuse of its content under a Creative Commons or similar open licensing framework.

Scope of Applicability

This policy applies only to original content that is created and owned by MMI Online Limited (“MMI”) and published on its digital platforms, including vishvasnews.com, unless stated otherwise on the relevant content page. This includes original news articles, fact-checks, explainers, educational and awareness material, research and analytical content, and visual material such as infographics, charts, illustrations, and data visualisations developed by MMI.

This policy does not apply to content obtained from third parties, syndicated or partner content, embedded media, advertisements, trademarks, logos, or any material that carries separate copyright or licensing terms. Where specific content is governed by different or more restrictive usage conditions, those conditions will take precedence over this policy.

License Framework

Where applicable, MMI permits the reuse of eligible content under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial licence or a similar open licence. This licence allows users to copy, share, and redistribute the content in any medium or format, as well as adapt, modify, or build upon the material, provided that such use is strictly for non -commercial purposes.

All reuse of content must clearly acknowledge MMI as the original source through proper attribution. Users must ensure that the content is not presented out of context, altered in a misleading manner, or used in a way that distorts the original intent, meaning, or accuracy of the material. Any use that suggests endorsement by MMI or misrepresents MMI’s work is not permitted.

Attribution Requirements

All reuse of MMI content must clearly and prominently acknowledge MMI as the original source. Proper attribution should include the name of the publisher, which is MMI Online Limited / Vishvas News, the title of the content, and a direct link to the original source whenever possible. Users should also indicate that the content is shared under a Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial licence or a similar open licence.

Attribution should be clear and visible, so that anyone viewing the reused content can easily identify the original creator. It is important that the content is not presented in a misleading way, altered in a manner that changes its meaning, or used in a context that could suggest endorsement by MMI unless explicitly approved. Providing proper attribution ensures respect for MMI’s work and allows others to locate the original content for reference or further use.

An example of acceptable attribution is,“Originally published by Vishvas News (MMI Online Limited), licensed under Commons Attribution Non Commercial.”

Restrictions and Enforcement

Users are strictly prohibited from using MMI content licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial licence for commercial purposes without obtaining prior written permission from MMI. Users must not remove or alter copyright notices, attribution details, or other information that identifies MMI as the original source. Additionally, content must not be presented as if it were the user’s own work, and it must not be used in any way that could harm individuals, communities, or public trust. MMI reserves the right to withdraw permission to use its content at any time and to take appropriate action, including legal remedies, if this policy is violated or the content is misused. Users are expected to act responsibly, respecting both the legal and ethical obligations associated with the reuse of MMI content.

3. POLICY ON MENTIONING, IDENTIFYING, AND PROTECTING MINORS

Objective and Scope

MMI Online Limited (“MMI”) recognizes its heightened duty of care when reporting on, referencing, or processing information about minors. This policy establishes strict safeguards to protect the privacy, dignity, safety, and best interests of children in all editorial, operational, and public facing activities.

For the purposes of this policy, a minor is defined as any individual below the age of eighteen (18) years, or any higher age as required under applicable local laws. This policy applies in addition to, and in alignment with, MMI’s Privacy Policy and all relevant provisions under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and other applicable child protection or data protection legislation.

Guiding Principles

All content involving minors is created and managed in accordance with the principle that the best interests of the child must take priority over editorial, commercial, or operational considerations. Privacy and confidentiality are protected by default, and any collection, processing, or publication of information related to minors is undertaken only on a lawful basis and with verifiable consent from a parent or legal guardian where required. Decisions regarding the use or publication of such content are made with harm prevention as the central focus, while ensuring full compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, child protection laws, and other relevant regulations. Further details on data handling and processing practices can be found in MMI’s Privacy Policy https://www.vishvasnews.com/privacy-policy/.

Identification and Anonymisation Standards

Except where disclosure is legally mandated or clearly justified in the public interest, MMI does not publish names, photographs, videos, audio recordings, addresses, school details, or any other information that could identify a minor. Visual identifiers are blurred or obscured, pseudonyms or generic descriptions are used, and metadata or contextual information that could indirectly reveal a minor’s identity is removed. These measures are applied consistently across all content and platforms to safeguard the minor’s privacy and safety.

Consent and Lawful Processing

Any collection or processing of a minor’s personal information is carried out only when strictly necessary and always on a lawful basis. Verifiable consent from a parent or legal guardian is obtained in accordance with the requirements of the Digital Data Protection Act, 2023. Consent records are securely maintained following MMI’s Data Retention Policy and may be withdrawn at any time, subject to legal obligations. Personal data concerning minors is protected with enhanced technical and organizational measures, retained only for the shortest duration necessary, and is never used for profiling, targeted advertising, or automated decision making. Requests for access, correction, or erasure of a minor’s personal information are handled in accordance with MMI’s Privacy Policy.

Prohibited Practices

MMI strictly prohibits any practices that may expose minors to stigma, harm, retaliation, or exploitation. Minors must never be associated with sensitive legal, medical, or personal matters in an identifiable manner. Content involving minors must not be sensationalized or misused under any circumstances. All staff, contributors, and partners are expected to adhere strictly to this policy, ensuring the highest standards of child protection and privacy in line with MMI’s legal and ethical obligations.

Scope

This policy applies to all individuals associated with MMI, including permanent employees, contractual staff, interns, freelance contributors, consultants, and temporary personnel. It covers incidents occurring within the workplace, during field assignments, and online, including harassment or abuse from external actors linked to professional responsibilities. The policy ensures that all staff have access to protective measures, reporting channels, and support systems to address workplace challenges.

Definitions

Harassment: Harassment refers to any verbal, physical, psychological, or digital conduct that is intimidating, hostile, demeaning, or offensive. This includes sexual harassment as defined under POSH legislation, bullying, repeated abusive behaviour, and discrimination based on gender, caste, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

Work-Related Trauma: Work related trauma refers to emotional or psychological distress employees may experience due to their professional responsibilities. This includes exposure to disturbing or sensitive content, online abuse or threats, or occupational stress arising from high-risk, emotionally demanding, or prolonged assignments.

Preventive and Protective Measures

MMI has implemented several preventive and protective safeguards to ensure a safe working environment for all staff:

1. A statutory POSH Committee is established to handle complaints of sexual harassment and ensure compliance with applicable laws.
2. Regular compliance reviews and risk assessments are conducted to maintain organizational standards.
3. Clear codes of conduct define expected professional behaviour and workplace etiquette.
4. Employees receive periodic training and awareness programs to recognize harassment, maintain professional boundaries, and understand how to access support.
5. Operational and editorial risk assessments identify high risk assignments, such as field reporting on sensitive topics, allowing proactive mitigation of potential stressors.
6. Staff have access to internal support channels, including HR, compliance, and managerial contacts, for guidance, reporting, or assistance.

These measures collectively create a workplace culture that is safe, informed, responsive, and proactive, with risk management integrated into day to day operations.

Reporting and Redressal Mechanisms

MMI encourages employees to report any incidents of harassment, abuse, or trauma without fear of retaliation:

1. Complaints of sexual harassment may be submitted directly to the POSH Committee.
2. Other grievances can be reported through internal grievance redressal mechanisms or to designated HR, compliance, or management representatives.
3. All reports are treated with strict confidentiality, impartiality, and fairness, ensuring that individuals who report in good faith are fully protected from professional or personal consequences.
4. The reporting system is designed to be accessible, transparent, and supportive, empowering staff to raise concerns whenever necessary.

Investigation and Resolution

1. All complaints are addressed promptly, objectively, and fairly, in accordance with principles of natural justice.
2. Investigations are conducted impartially, giving all parties the opportunity to present their account and evidence.
3. Based on investigation findings, appropriate corrective or disciplinary actions are implemented, which may include administrative measures, counselling, reassignment, or, in severe cases, legal escalation.
4. The resolution process emphasizes transparency, timeliness, and fairness, ensuring dignity and respect for both the complainant and respondent.

Support and Wellbeing

MMI actively supports the mental and emotional wellbeing of staff, recognizing the potential impact of work related trauma and high-pressure assignments. Support measures include:

1. Temporary workload adjustments, reassignment of duties, or flexible work arrangements to help manage stress.
2. Access to professional counselling and mental health resources for employees who require support.
3. Encouragement of peer and managerial support, providing a network of guidance and reassurance.

These initiatives create a workplace where employees feel valued, safe, and supported, while potential harm is proactively managed.

Consequences of Violations

Violations of this policy, including harassment, abuse, or breaches of workplace conduct, may result in:

1. Disciplinary action, including warnings, suspension, or termination of employment or engagement.
2. Legal action, where applicable, in accordance with statutory requirements.
3. The severity of consequences is determined based on the nature of the violation, its impact on individuals and the organization, and applicable legal provisions.

Through these measures, MMI reinforces accountability, ethical conduct, and a safe workplace culture.

Alignment with POSH and Legal Frameworks

This policy is fully aligned with MMI’s statutory POSH Committee obligations, relevant labour regulations, and other workplace safety laws, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. By integrating statutory compliance, proactive staff wellbeing initiatives, trauma prevention strategies, and robust support mechanisms, MMI ensures a holistic, legally compliant, and ethical approach to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive work environment for all employees and associates.

CONTENT USAGE & CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSING POLICY

Purpose and Commitment

MMI Online Limited (“MMI”) is committed to promoting transparency, access to information, and public interest journalism. In furtherance of this objective, MMI supports the responsible reuse of certain original content for educational, research, and awareness-building purposes, provided such use is non-commercial, appropriately attributed, and consistent with ethical and legal standards.

This policy defines the conditions under which MMI permits limited reuse of its content under a Creative Commons or similar open licensing framework.

Scope of Applicability

This policy applies only to original content that is created and owned by MMI Online Limited (“MMI”) and published on its digital platforms, including vishvasnews.com, unless stated otherwise on the relevant content page. This includes original news articles, fact-checks, explainers, educational and awareness material, research and analytical content, and visual material such as infographics, charts, illustrations, and data visualisations developed by MMI.

This policy does not apply to content obtained from third parties, syndicated or partner content, embedded media, advertisements, trademarks, logos, or any material that carries separate copyright or licensing terms. Where specific content is governed by different or more restrictive usage conditions, those conditions will take precedence over this policy.

License Framework

Where applicable, MMI permits the reuse of eligible content under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial licence or a similar open licence. This licence allows users to copy, share, and redistribute the content in any medium or format, as well as adapt, modify, or build upon the material, provided that such use is strictly for non -commercial purposes.

All reuse of content must clearly acknowledge MMI as the original source through proper attribution. Users must ensure that the content is not presented out of context, altered in a misleading manner, or used in a way that distorts the original intent, meaning, or accuracy of the material. Any use that suggests endorsement by MMI or misrepresents MMI’s work is not permitted.

Attribution Requirements

All reuse of MMI content must clearly and prominently acknowledge MMI as the original source. Proper attribution should include the name of the publisher, which is MMI Online Limited / Vishvas News, the title of the content, and a direct link to the original source whenever possible. Users should also indicate that the content is shared under a Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial licence or a similar open licence.

Attribution should be clear and visible, so that anyone viewing the reused content can easily identify the original creator. It is important that the content is not presented in a misleading way, altered in a manner that changes its meaning, or used in a context that could suggest endorsement by MMI unless explicitly approved. Providing proper attribution ensures respect for MMI’s work and allows others to locate the original content for reference or further use.

An example of acceptable attribution is,“Originally published by Vishvas News (MMI Online Limited), licensed under Commons Attribution Non Commercial.”

Restrictions and Enforcement

Users are strictly prohibited from using MMI content licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial licence for commercial purposes without obtaining prior written permission from MMI. Users must not remove or alter copyright notices, attribution details, or other information that identifies MMI as the original source. Additionally, content must not be presented as if it were the user’s own work, and it must not be used in any way that could harm individuals, communities, or public trust. MMI reserves the right to withdraw permission to use its content at any time and to take appropriate action, including legal remedies, if this policy is violated or the content is misused. Users are expected to act responsibly, respecting both the legal and ethical obligations associated with the reuse of MMI content.

POLICY ON MENTIONING, IDENTIFYING, AND PROTECTING MINORS

Objective and Scope

MMI Online Limited (“MMI”) recognizes its heightened duty of care when reporting on, referencing, or processing information about minors. This policy establishes strict safeguards to protect the privacy, dignity, safety, and best interests of children in all editorial, operational, and public facing activities.

For the purposes of this policy, a minor is defined as any individual below the age of eighteen (18) years, or any higher age as required under applicable local laws. This policy applies in addition to, and in alignment with, MMI’s Privacy Policy and all relevant provisions under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and other applicable child protection or data protection legislation.

Guiding Principles

All content involving minors is created and managed in accordance with the principle that the best interests of the child must take priority over editorial, commercial, or operational considerations. Privacy and confidentiality are protected by default, and any collection, processing, or publication of information related to minors is undertaken only on a lawful basis and with verifiable consent from a parent or legal guardian where required. Decisions regarding the use or publication of such content are made with harm prevention as the central focus, while ensuring full compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, child protection laws, and other relevant regulations. Further details on data handling and processing practices can be found in MMI’s Privacy Policy https://www.vishvasnews.com/privacy-policy/.

Identification and Anonymisation Standards

Except where disclosure is legally mandated or clearly justified in the public interest, MMI does not publish names, photographs, videos, audio recordings, addresses, school details, or any other information that could identify a minor. Visual identifiers are blurred or obscured, pseudonyms or generic descriptions are used, and metadata or contextual information that could indirectly reveal a minor’s identity is removed. These measures are applied consistently across all content and platforms to safeguard the minor’s privacy and safety.

Consent and Lawful Processing

Any collection or processing of a minor’s personal information is carried out only when strictly necessary and always on a lawful basis. Verifiable consent from a parent or legal guardian is obtained in accordance with the requirements of the Digital Data Protection Act, 2023. Consent records are securely maintained following MMI’s Data Retention Policy and may be withdrawn at any time, subject to legal obligations. Personal data concerning minors is protected with enhanced technical and organizational measures, retained only for the shortest duration necessary, and is never used for profiling, targeted advertising, or automated decision making. Requests for access, correction, or erasure of a minor’s personal information are handled in accordance with MMI’s Privacy Policy.

Prohibited Practices

MMI strictly prohibits any practices that may expose minors to stigma, harm, retaliation, or exploitation. Minors must never be associated with sensitive legal, medical, or personal matters in an identifiable manner. Content involving minors must not be sensationalized or misused under any circumstances. All staff, contributors, and partners are expected to adhere strictly to this policy, ensuring the highest standards of child protection and privacy in line with MMI’s legal and ethical obligations.