PCI condemns blocking of YouTube channels of 2 Hindi news outlets
New Delhi: Press Club of India (PCI) has denounced the action by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) directing YouTube to block the channels of two Hindi news outlets.
While the Press Club of India and Press Association condemn such extreme action of the government, “we feel concerned as this step amounts to censorship on media and an attack on the freedom of the press, especially when the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are just a few days away.”
On April 3, Hindi channel, “Bolta Hindustan,” with over three lakh subscribers, was taken offline by YouTube at the directions of the government. Similarly, the streaming platform informed another Hindi channel, “National Dastak” with 94.2 lakh subscribers that it has been instructed to take it offline.
In emails sent to the owners of these channels, YouTube said that the blocking requests it had received from MIB invoked Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and Rule 15(2) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
On April 13, according to news reports, YouTube channels run by two independent journalists, Mehgnad and Sonit Mishra, received notices for demonetisation for hosting videos pertaining to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), the statement added.
“These two journalists were merely addressing various concerns surrounding EVMs and VVPAT at a time when India is headed for crucial Lok Sabha elections. Even the Supreme Court is seized of the EVM and VVPAT issue and has issued notices to the government. Earlier, several X handles (formerly Twitter) of independent journalists, reporting on farmers protest, were blocked. These handles were unblocked just a few days back after remaining inaccessible for more than two months.”
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Yenepoya University conducts autism awareness campaign in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: The Department of Occupational Therapy at Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) conducted a community-based Autism Awareness Campaign at Fiza Mall and Ullal Beach in the city.
The campaign was aimed at promoting awareness, inclusion, and early identification of autism, in line with the global theme, “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value.”
The programme was led by Dr. Dhayanithi K and Dr. Ananya Jana as organising chairpersons, with Dr. Anas, Dr. Amanda S. Phillip, and Dr. Ansu V. David served as organising members.
Students of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) programme participated in conducting the campaign.
The event included activities such as flash mobs, street plays, face painting, mehendi, and direct interaction with the public.
These activities focused on highlighting early signs of autism, the need for early intervention, and the importance of inclusion and acceptance of individuals with autism.
The campaign reached around 300 to 500 members of the public. It also provided students with practical exposure to community-based rehabilitation and public health education.
As part of the initiative, QR-based digital resources were introduced to help the public access reliable information on autism.
“Awareness is the first step towards inclusion, and early intervention can significantly improve outcomes,” the organising team said.
The department thanked the university for its support in organising the campaign. It also acknowledged the cooperation of the management of Fiza Mall and the Ullal Beach Police Department in facilitating the event.
