RSF Press Freedom Awards 2024: Ravish Kumar wins Independence Prize
The 32nd edition of the RSF Press Freedom Awards was held on 3 December 2024, at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, DC. Organised by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the ceremony honoured journalists and media outlets for their exceptional contributions to press freedom worldwide. Among the laureates was Indian journalist Ravish Kumar, who received the prestigious Independence Prize.
Ravish Kumar, known for his fearless journalism, has become a symbol of resistance against political and media suppression in India. Despite facing severe challenges, including being ousted from NDTV after its takeover by a businessman close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and enduring relentless smear campaigns, Kumar has continued to champion independent journalism. Through his YouTube channel, which boasts over 12 million subscribers, he persistently raises critical issues, amplifying the voices of the marginalised and defending the principles of press freedom.
Other awardees included Palestinian journalist Waël al-Dahdouh (Courage Prize) for his resilience in reporting amidst personal losses during the Gaza conflict, Ukrainian journalist Natalya Gumenyuk (Impact Prize) for documenting war crimes through The Reckoning Project, Burkinabe journalist Mariam Ouédraogo (Mohamed Maïga Prize) for her investigations into terrorism-related sexual violence, and Belgian photojournalist Gaël Turine (Lucas Dolega-SAIF Photo Prize) for his striking series on the opioid epidemic in the United States.
The ceremony featured notable speakers, including Lulu Garcia-Navarro, Michel Martin, and Aïssa Maïga, and recognised the contributions of 18 journalists, two media outlets, and five photojournalists from 22 countries.
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1,850 missing mobile phones recovered as Delhi Police focusses on victim-centric policing
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police has recovered 1,850 stolen and lost mobile phones worth around Rs 4 crore in past 40 days under "Mission Reconnect", an initiative aimed at returning phones to their rightful owners in outernorth Delhi, an official said on Saturday.
The recovered phones were traced from different parts of the country, including remote areas, through technical surveillance and sustained field operations, police said, adding that the devices were handed over to their owners during a programme at the Sports Ground, New Police Lines, Kingsway Camp.
The initiative focused on a victim-centric approach and aimed at strengthening public trust through proactive policing and coordinated efforts across states, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outernorth) Hareshwar Swami said.
As part of the programme, teams performed 'nukkad nataks' and screened awareness videos on cybercrime, drug abuse prevention, and senior citizen safety, sensitising the public about digital frauds and safety measures, officials said.
The initiative combines technology, investigation and community participation to ensure recovery of lost property and reconnect citizens with their valuables, they added.
