Bhatkal, August 10: The Media Watch Committee of Majlise Islah wa Tanzeem conducted a one-day workshop on cybersecurity and cyber laws at Rabita Hall, Bhatkal.
The event aimed at raising awareness among students, social media influencers, group administrators, and community leaders about the evolving digital landscape and the importance of secure online practices.
The workshop commenced with a session by Advocate BT Venkatesh, a distinguished human rights defender and former public prosecutor of Karnataka. In his address, Venkatesh explored the multifaceted role of social media in contemporary society. He described social media as a double-edged sword—while it empowers individuals to voice their opinions and connect with broader audiences, it also exposes them to risks such as misinformation, privacy breaches, and cyberbullying. Venkatesh stressed the importance of responsible social media usage, urging the audience to be discerning about the content they consume and share.
He also highlighted how social media can be a powerful educational tool, enabling students to access a wealth of information and learn new skills.
Dr. Anant Prabhu, a leading cybersecurity expert, followed with an in-depth discussion on the critical aspects of cybersecurity and the legal framework surrounding it.
Dr. Prabhu underscored the growing threat of cybercrimes, noting that as technology advances, so do the methods used by cybercriminals. He elaborated on various forms of cybercrimes, such as phishing, identity theft, and hacking, explaining how these threats can impact individuals and organizations alike.
Dr. Prabhu emphasized the need for constant vigilance and proactive measures to protect personal and sensitive information online. He advised the audience to adopt strong passwords, use two-factor authentication, and stay updated on the latest cybersecurity practices. Additionally, he discussed the legal implications of cybercrimes, detailing the laws in place to combat such offenses and protect victims.
Both resource persons also interacted with the attendees, answering questions and offering personalized advice on how to navigate the digital world safely. They emphasized that while technology offers numerous benefits, it is essential to approach it with a cautious and informed mindset.
The event saw the participation of several notable figures from the community, including Majlise Islah wa Tanzeem President Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President Ateequr Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Moulana Abdul Raqeeb MJ, and Admin Secretary Jailani Shabandri. The Media Watch Committee's Convener, Aftab Kola, Joint Convener Mubasshir Hallare, and committee member Misbah ul Haq Shaikh were also present. The workshop was further graced by the presence of Yunus Kazia, President of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen and a prominent businessman, as well as Qamar Sada, Vice President of the Indian Overseas Congress and an NRI businessman, among others.
The workshop concluded with an interactive session, where participants engaged in discussions with the experts, seeking guidance on various cybersecurity issues and the ethical use of social media. The event was well-received by the attendees, who appreciated the valuable insights and practical advice provided by the speakers.
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Rudraprayag (U'khand) (PTI): Bodies of four more pilgrims, including three women, were recovered on Tuesday from the debris of a landslide that occurred on the Kedarnath highway, taking the toll in the incident to five, officials said on Tuesday.
The rescue operation, which was resumed at 5 am, concluded at 7.30 am, Ryudraprayag Superintendent of Police Akshay Konde told PTI.
The landslide occurred at Mankutiya along the five-km stretch between Sonprayag and Gaurikund at around 7.20 pm on Monday while a group of pilgrims was returning on foot from Kedarnath.
Traffic along the route had been restored only two-three days back after a 150-metre damaged stretch of the road was repaired. It had been demolished in a massive landslide on July 31 triggered by heavy rain.
Soon after the landslide on Monday, State Disaster Response Fund and National Disaster Response Fund personnel had launched a rescue operation and retrieved body of a pilgrim identified as Gopal (50) from Dhar in Madhya Pradesh besides rescuing three other pilgrims who were rushed to Sonprayag in an ambulance.
The injured pilgrims were identified as Jeewach Tiwari from Nepal, Manpreet Singh from West Bengal and Chagan Lal from Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh
The rescue operation hampered by continuing rain and prevailing darkness had to be suspended on Monday night.
As rescue efforts were resumed on Tuesday morning, bodies of four more pilgrims, including three women, were pulled out of the debris.
The pilgrims were identified as Durgabai Khapar (50) from Ghat district in Madhya Pradesh, Titli Devi (70) from Vaidehi village of Nepal's Dhanwa district, Saman Bai (50) from Dhar, Madhya Pradesh and Bharat Bhai Niralal (52) from Surat, Gujarat.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident.