Agra 24 is a news website with a difference, serving bilingual news, views, and analysis of the daily events in Agra. Founded by four senior journalists of Agra – Vishal Sharma, Sunayan Chaturvedi, Dr. Siraj Qureshi, and Vijay Upadhyay, this news portal is aimed more towards the analysis of the events, instead of simply presenting bare facts.
In view of the changing scenario in India for news websites, we are aimed at publishing only established facts, staying clear of any controversial topics that can be construed as detrimental to national security, communal harmony, or could be termed as undue criticism of the ruling establishment.
We aim to be more open in our approach and conform to the journalistic ideals, once the guidelines for news websites are clearly established and online journalism gets the same level of legal protection, as the mainstream media.
OUR TEAM
VISHAL SHARMA
Editor
Senior Journalist | Legal & Policy Analyst | Cybersecurity Consultant | Editor | Social Activist | Poet
With more than 27 years of experience in journalism, public policy, law, and digital media, Vishal Sharma has established himself as one of North India’s respected voices in political, business, legal, and public affairs reporting. His career spans national newspapers, digital journalism, editorial leadership, cybersecurity consulting, and public service, combining investigative reporting with legal and policy analysis.
As the Founder and Editor of Agra24.in, Vishal has built a bilingual digital news platform committed to factual, analytical, and socially responsible journalism. The publication focuses on governance, heritage, law, tourism, environment, civic affairs, business, and public policy while maintaining high editorial standards and a balanced approach to reporting.
Professional Journey
Vishal began his journalistic career in the late 1990s and has worked with several leading Indian newspapers, covering some of the country’s most significant political and economic developments.
His professional experience includes:
- Founder & Editor, Agra24.in
- Editor / Managing Editor, Indian Talent Magazine (2013–Present)
- Reporter, Business Standard
- Correspondent, The Indian Express
- Correspondent, The Pioneer
Over the course of his career, he has reported extensively on:
- National and state politics
- Elections and political campaigns
- Constitutional and legal affairs
- Business and economic policy
- Tourism and heritage conservation
- Environment and urban development
- Public administration
- Defence and strategic affairs
- Cybersecurity and technology
He has covered numerous Lok Sabha and Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections since 2002, providing ground-level political reporting and analytical coverage.
Apart from journalism, Vishal has remained actively involved in public service and institutional development.
He currently serves as:
- Joint Secretary, Agra Tourist Welfare Chamber
- Managing Director, Vikirna Mediatek
Previously, he has served on heritage and civic committees dedicated to preserving Agra’s architectural and cultural legacy.
He has regularly worked alongside public institutions, tourism stakeholders, civil society organizations, and administrative authorities on issues relating to tourism development, communal harmony, heritage preservation, and civic governance.
Beyond journalism, Vishal writes poetry under the Urdu takhallus “सुरूर अकबराबादी” and publishes fiction under the pen name Wayne Wakefield.
His literary work explores themes of:
- Humanity
- Conflict
- Love
- Social justice
- National identity
- Historical memory
- Freedom of expression
His writing combines journalistic realism with literary sensitivity, reflecting both contemporary issues and timeless human experiences.
Over a career spanning nearly three decades, Vishal has earned recognition for his contributions to journalism, editorial leadership, technology, and public service. His work has consistently emphasized informed public discourse, responsible reporting, and civic engagement while adapting to the evolving landscape of digital media.
Outside the newsroom, Vishal enjoys:
- Photography
- Travel
- History
- Heritage conservation
- Public policy research
- Cybersecurity
- Literature
- Classical Urdu poetry
These interests continue to inform both his journalistic work and creative writing.
“Journalism is not merely the reporting of events—it is the responsibility to preserve truth, provide context, question power, and strengthen democracy through informed public discourse.”