The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA), an independent agency established by the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA), has recently ordered some news channels to remove certain programs from their online platforms. The instruction was based on findings that these programs infringed upon the Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards and Specific Guidelines.
The NBDSA represents private television news, current affairs, and digital broadcasters and acts as their collective voice in India. Entirely funded by its member organizations, it strives to prevent them from engaging in unjust or unethical practices that could undermine television news broadcasters, digital news media, and other connected entities.
Grievance Appellate Committee Portal – Addressing Online Content Takedown Requests
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has unveiled the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) portal under the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021. This initiative provides a platform for people unsatisfied with responses to social media content takedown requests to raise their appeals to one of the three committees set up by the government.
In 2022, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, were revised to mandate that social media platforms respect all rights granted to citizens under constitutional provisions, including articles 14, 19, and 21. In January 2023, the Union government announced the formation of three GACs tasked with handling user complaints against social media and other internet-based platforms.
World NGO Day – Recognizing the Role of NGOs
Each year on 27th February, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide celebrate World NGO Day. Across six continents, more than 89 countries participate in International NGO Day. The theme for 2023 focuses on the contributions and influence of NGOs in promoting human rights and achieving sustainable development goals.
World NGO Day received official recognition when the IX Baltic Sea NGO Forum’s Final Statement Resolution adopted the day in 2010. However, it was only in 2014 that the United Nations first observed World NGO Day. NGOs, as non-profit entities, work to address a wide range of human, animal, and community issues, offering support in health, education, job creation, among other areas.
Siang Unying Festival – Celebration of Community Bonding
Recently, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush attended the Siang Unying Festival, a significant festival of the Adi community in Boleng, Arunachal Pradesh. This festival marks the start of the cultivation season, the onset of the Adi community’s new year, the arrival of spring, and serves to reinforce bonds within the community.
The Adi tribe, believed to have originated from southern China in the 16th century, predominantly inhabits the East Siang and Lower Dibang Valley districts of Arunachal Pradesh. Skilled in crafting cane and bamboo goods, the Adis also celebrate other major festivals like Solung, a harvesting festival featuring animal sacrifices and rituals, and Aran, a hunting festival involving all male members of the family.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024