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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Amit Shah reviews security along Indo-Pak border, airports with top officials
New Delhi (PTI): Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday reviewed the prevailing situation along India's border with Pakistan and airports in the country amid the military conflict between the two countries, sources said.
The meeting came hours after the Border Security Force said it has foiled an infiltration bid from across the International Border in Jammu, killing at least seven terrorists and destroying a Pakistan Rangers post.
Apart from reviewing the security situation along the India-Pakistan border, Shah also took stock of the steps taken to beef up security at airports across the country, the sources said.
While the BSF guards the India-Pakistan border, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) protects the airports in the country, Metro networks and other vital installations.
Those who attended the meeting included Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, Directors General of the BSF, CISF and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security.
There has been heightened tension between India and Pakistan following India's strike on multiple locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday and Pakistan's attempts to hit Indian military sites on Thursday, which were thwarted by the Indian armed forces.
