World Press Freedom Day 2023 observed on 3rd May
Every year on May 3, we observe World Press Freedom Day to increase understanding about the significance of a press that is free and not influenced by external forces.
World Press Freedom Day 2023
Every year on May 3, we observe World Press Freedom Day to increase understanding about the significance of a press that is free and not influenced by external forces. The occasion emphasizes the importance of unrestricted journalism and advocates for the fundamental right of freedom of speech.
World Press Freedom Day 2023- Theme
This year’s World Press Freedom Day focuses on the theme of “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other Human Rights,” which emphasizes the critical role of freedom of expression in safeguarding and promoting other human rights.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed an international day for press freedom 30 years ago, and to celebrate this milestone, UNESCO organized a special anniversary event at the UN headquarters in New York. The anniversary edition of World Press Freedom Day included a full day of events at the UN Headquarters on May 2nd.
World Press Freedom Day 2023- Significance
World Press Freedom Day is significant for several reasons. First and foremost, it serves as a reminder of the crucial role of a free and independent media in promoting democracy, human rights, and sustainable development. The day provides an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the work of journalists and media professionals who strive to provide accurate and reliable information to the public, often in the face of great risk and adversity.
Moreover, World Press Freedom Day is an occasion to draw attention to the many challenges and threats that journalists and media workers face around the world, including censorship, harassment, intimidation, and violence. The day offers a platform to call for greater protection of journalists and to advocate for reforms that safeguard press freedom and ensure the free flow of information.
Finally, World Press Freedom Day provides a forum for governments, civil society organizations, media professionals, and the public to come together to discuss and reflect on issues related to press freedom and media development. Through workshops, conferences, and other activities, the day fosters dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders and promotes a better understanding of the vital role of a free and independent media in society.
World Press Freedom Day- History
The UNESCO General Conference proposed the idea of World Press Freedom Day in 1991 to celebrate and promote the fundamental principles of press freedom. In 1993, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution to officially declare May 3 as World Press Freedom Day.
Since then, this day has been observed annually to raise awareness about the significance of press freedom and to remind governments of their responsibility to uphold the right to freedom of expression. It also provides an opportunity to honor journalists who have lost their lives while performing their duties and to advocate for the safety and independence of journalists who work to disseminate information to the public.
CBSE ready to introduce AI and coding from Classes 6 to 8
CBSE ready to introduce AI and coding from Classes 6 to 8: CBSE, as part of NEP 2020, has made the decision to include coding and artificial intelligence (AI) in the curriculum for Classes 6 to 8.
CBSE ready to introduce AI and coding from Classes 6 to 8
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), as part of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, has made the decision to include coding and artificial intelligence (AI) in the curriculum for Classes 6 to 8. This move recognizes the importance of mathematics and computational thinking in preparing students for future careers in AI, machine learning, and data science.
CBSE ready to introduce AI and coding from Classes 6 to 8: Key Points
Under the NEP 2020, AI and other subjects such as coding, financial literacy, and data science will be introduced in early education.
Additionally, Class 6 students will be taught about proper medicine storage, while Class 8 students will learn about data science.
CBSE has listed 33 subjects, including AI, to promote skill education among students.
These subjects also include topics like augmented reality, Kashmiri embroidery, application of satellites, humanity, and Covid-19.
The schools’ coding modules will span 12-15 hours, with a 70/30 ratio of hands-on activities to theory. Microsoft will compose the coding syllabus to ensure top-quality education in AI and coding for pupils.
India to join international climate action in civil aviation from 2027
Why is educating Coding and AI important?
Educating younger individuals in coding and AI through the board’s resolution will foster creativity, develop problem-solving abilities, and prepare them for future careers.
Aim
India’s leadership and prospects in upcoming AI, machine learning, and data science sectors are acknowledged by NEP 2020, which recognises the importance of mathematics and computational thinking. The policy seeks to emphasise these subjects for years throughout the school levels, starting with the basics and encouraging mathematical thinking through games and puzzles. Also, the middle stages will incorporate coding activities towards achieving this objective.
Socialist Pandit Ramkishan Becomes Man Of The Century At 97
Former Lok Sabha MP Pandit Ramkishan was recently awarded the title of "Shatabdi Purush" (Man of the Century) in New Delhi in recognition of his contributions as a socialist leader.
Former Lok Sabha MP Pandit Ramkishan was recently awarded the title of “Shatabdi Purush” (Man of the Century) in New Delhi in recognition of his contributions as a socialist leader. The honor was bestowed on him during the birth centenary celebrations of Madhu Limaye, a renowned socialist ideologue and parliamentarian. Ramkishan is considered the most senior and iconic figure in Indian socialism and has been recognized as the “Socialist Shatabdi Purush”. The event was attended by senior politicians including former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechuri, INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala and JDU leader KC Tyagi.
Pandit Ramkishan, a well-known socialist leader, played an active role in the movements led by other socialist leaders such as Jayaprakash Narayan and Lohia. He was imprisoned multiple times, including during the Emergency period. Ramkishan also served as a member of the Lok Sabha once, in 1977, and was elected four times to the Rajasthan Assembly in 1962, 1967, 1974, and 1990. Ramkishan was arrested several times while fighting for tribals, Dalits and the poor.
BRO organizes a Multi-modal Expedition “ EKTA EVAM SHRADHANJALI ABHIYAAN” as part of 64th BRO Day celebrations
To honor the sacrifices and contributions made by its Karmyogis in nation-building, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is organizing "Ekta Evam Shradhanjali Abhiyan".
BRO Organizes “Ekta Evam Shradhanjali Abhiyan” Expedition to Commemorate Karmyogis:
To honor the sacrifices and contributions made by its Karmyogis in nation-building, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is organizing “Ekta Evam Shradhanjali Abhiyan” as part of its 64th BRO Day Celebrations.
Flag Off Ceremony:
On May 1, 2023, Lt. Gen. Rajeev Chaudhry, Director General Border Roads, flagged off the multi-modal expedition from Seema Sadak Bhawan in New Delhi. The expedition comprises motorcycle and car rally teams that started their journey from the North East and Northern regions of the country.
Collection of Soil, Water, and Saplings:
The motorcycle leg of the expedition began on April 14, 2023, from Kibithu, Arunachal Pradesh. The expedition team, consisting of members from 18 projects, collected soil, water, and saplings from 108 remote border locations.
Plantation:
The collected soil, water, and saplings will be planted at BRO Alma Mater, BRO School, and Centre in Pune, Maharashtra.
Flag In Ceremony:
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt will flag in the expedition teams on May 7, 2023, at Pune, on the occasion of BRO’s 64th raising day.
About Border Roads Organisation (BRO):
Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Defense, responsible for the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges in India’s border areas.
Some key points about BRO are:
BRO was established in 1960, with the primary objective of ensuring the security of India’s borders by constructing and maintaining roads and bridges in the border areas.
BRO operates in some of the most challenging and inhospitable terrains in the world, including the Himalayan ranges, deserts, and high-altitude areas.
BRO is involved in the construction of strategic roads and border infrastructure, which plays a crucial role in the defense of India’s borders.
BRO also plays a critical role in the socio-economic development of remote and inaccessible areas by providing connectivity through roads and bridges, which helps in the movement of goods and people.
BRO has executed several prestigious projects, including the construction of the world’s highest motorable road at Khardung La Pass, the Rohtang Tunnel, and the Zojila Pass Tunnel.
BRO also plays a significant role in disaster management, and its personnel are often involved in relief and rescue operations in the aftermath of natural calamities.
The Supreme Court of India has granted couples the right to divorce on the grounds of “irretrievable breakdown of marriage” under Article 142 of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court of India has granted couples the right to divorce on the grounds of “irretrievable breakdown of marriage” under Article 142 of the Constitution. This ruling applies to cases where both parties seek a mutual consent divorce or where one partner seeks a divorce despite opposition from the other.
Factual determination and objective evaluation necessary:
The court noted that it must be fully convinced and satisfied that the marriage is beyond salvation, emotionally dead, and totally unworkable before granting a divorce on the grounds of “irretrievable breakdown of marriage”. The factual determination and evaluation must be objective and firmly established.
Discretionary power under Article 142:
Article 142 of the Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to give precedence to equity over law in the pursuit of “complete justice” in a matter. The court, however, cannot be directly approached under Article 32 to seek divorce on the grounds of “irretrievable breakdown of marriage”. Granting a divorce on these grounds is not a right but a discretionary power to be exercised with great care and caution.
Removal of the cooling-off period:
The verdict removes the mandatory six-month cooling-off period between the first and second motion for divorce in mutual consent divorce petitions under the Hindu Marriage Act (HMA). The court may also set aside and quash other proceedings and orders, including criminal cases and First Information Reports, based on the settlement between the parties.
Factors for determining “irretrievable breakdown of marriage”:
The court has provided factors as illustrations to determine “irretrievable breakdown of marriage”. The exercise of this discretionary power must be based on the factual matrix in a particular case, evaluated objectively.
Ending agony, suffering, and torment:
The court held that a hyper-technical view in cases of “irretrievable breakdown of marriage” is counter-productive as the pendency of such cases causes pain, suffering, and harassment. The court’s duty is to ensure that matrimonial matters are amicably resolved to end the agony, affliction, and torment caused by such disputes.
Three imprisoned Iranian female journalists win top UN prize
On May 3, UNESCO marked World Press Freedom Day by awarding its annual World Press Freedom Prize to three imprisoned Iranian female journalists.
UNESCO Awards Press Freedom Prize to Imprisoned Iranian Female Journalists:
On May 3, UNESCO marked World Press Freedom Day by awarding its annual World Press Freedom Prize to three imprisoned Iranian female journalists. The winners, Niloufar Hamedi, Elaheh Mohammadi, and Narges Mohammadi, were recognized for their work in reporting on human rights abuses in Iran and their commitment to truth and accountability.
The Work of the Iranian Journalists:
Hamedi and Mohammadi played crucial roles in breaking the news of the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in police custody for wearing her headscarf too loosely. Amini’s death sparked months-long protests across Iran, leading to one of the most significant challenges to the Islamic Republic since the 2009 Green Movement. The third winner, Narges Mohammadi, is a journalist and prominent human rights activist in Iran.
The Charges Against the Journalists:
However, the journalists’ reporting also led to their indictment by Iran’s judiciary on charges of collaborating with the United States, acting against national security, and creating “propaganda against the system.” They have been in prison since September, with Hamedi in solitary confinement.
The Significance of the UNESCO Prize:
The UNESCO World Press Freedom Prize, named after Colombian journalist Guillermo Cano who was assassinated in 1986, is awarded to those who have made an outstanding contribution to press freedom. UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay emphasized the importance of paying tribute to women journalists who are prevented from doing their jobs and who face threats and attacks on their personal safety, saying: “Now more than ever, it is important to pay tribute to all women journalists who are prevented from doing their jobs and who face threats and attacks on their personal safety.”
The Bravery of the Iranian Journalists:
The Chair of the international jury of media professionals that chose the winners, Zainab Salbi, praised the bravery of the three women and their work, which she said “led to a historical women-led revolution.” She added that they had paid a high price for their commitment to reporting on the truth, and the international community was committed to honoring them and ensuring their voices continue to echo worldwide until they are safe and free.
The Importance of Protecting Press Freedom:
The imprisonment of Hamedi and Mohammadi has sparked international criticism over the security forces’ crackdown on dissent, which has included the arrests of nearly 100 journalists. According to human rights activists in Iran, at least 529 people have been killed since the protests began, and over 19,700 others have been detained. Despite this, Iran has not offered any overall casualty figures.
Australian High Commission in India Announces Government Grant for Project in Kargil
The Australian High Commission in India has recently announced its government grant for a project in Kargil.
Australian High Commission Announces Government Grant for Project in Kargil:
The Australian High Commission in India has recently announced its government grant for a project in Kargil. This is a first-time initiative in the history of Ladakh, and it is expected to provide immense benefits to the region. The announcement was made during a special meeting at Srinagar, which was chaired by the Australian high commissioner to India, Barry O’Farrell.
Project “Return to Roots”:
The project is called “Return to Roots” and aims to integrate traditional knowledge with the current school science curriculum. The goal of the project is to align with the National Education Policy, which emphasizes increasing scientific engagement among school children from tribal backgrounds. By incorporating traditional knowledge into the curriculum, students will gain a deeper understanding of their culture and heritage, while also learning important scientific principles.
Benefits for the Kargil Region:
The “Return to Roots” project is expected to have significant benefits for the Kargil region. It will provide a unique opportunity for students to learn about their culture and heritage while also gaining valuable scientific knowledge. The project is also expected to promote greater engagement with the local community and foster a sense of pride in their traditions.
In addition, the project is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy. By promoting traditional knowledge and practices, the project is expected to create new opportunities for local artisans and craftsmen. This will help to preserve traditional skills and knowledge while also promoting economic growth in the region.
Overall, the Australian government grant for the “Return to Roots” project is a significant development for the Kargil region. It represents a commitment to promoting education and preserving traditional knowledge, while also fostering economic growth and community engagement. The project is expected to have a lasting impact on the region and serve as a model for other initiatives in the future.