News Headline
INSI formed to protect journos reporting from battle front
MUMBAI: During the recently concluded Iraq conflict there were heart rending reports of young media personnel getting killed leaving behind families. Now, a global coalition of more than 100 media organisations has announced the formation of the International News Safety Institute (INSI).
The INSI campaign aims at raising awareness of the dangers many journalists face on the job and to support risk-reduction programmes throughout the industry. Founding members of INSI include Reuters, CNN, ABC, BBC, SKY News, Wall Street Journal Europe, and The Statesman.
The Newspaper Guild-CWA president Linda Foley was reported as saying: “At least, 13 journalists were killed during the Iraq war and others lost their lives recently in Afghanistan and Pakistan in the war against terror. These are increasingly dangerous times for reporters on the front lines of these stories, and it is more important than ever that news organisations do everything possible to give journalists proper training and protective equipment before sending them into war zones.”
The INSI has launched a website www.newssafety.com which provides news, safety tips and resources for protecting journalists. The campaign seeks to expand its network of organisations committed to risk reduction, as well as provide an information clearing house, and sponsor forums and events to raise awareness of the issues.
AFTRA President John Connelly said, “Last year, the discovery of anthrax-tainted letters in American newsrooms made it clear that journalists are not only at risk while covering the news abroad — in some cases, journalists themselves are the targets of attacks. Issues of health and safety are of paramount concern to working journalists whether at home or abroad.”
The World Press Freedom Day celebration a couple of days ago was marked by events held around the world, including a formal launch of the INSI programme at the International Press Centre in Brussels, meetings organised by UNESCO in Jamaica and by press freedom activists in London.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
