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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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
