Latest news with #ManKiBaat
Time of India
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
The invisible threat: How online strangers are grooming children, and what we can do about it
In the dim, quiet corners of our digital barnyard, a disturbing menace is growing, and it will very soon be too big to ignore — a parasite that trains on us and milks us of trust and truth, quality and attention, the little bit of sapience we were able to scrape together as a species. While kids are spending more and more time on the Internet for school, gaming and socializing, they are also inadvertently stepping into areas where predators lurk behind guises of fake names and identities. India's rapid digital evolution has opened up a new world of possibilities for children to learn and connect, but it has also exposed them to cyberbullying, grooming, identity theft and inappropriate content. Global Overview With more than 950 million internet users around the world, children represent the largest growing digital population who are at risk of online abuse. Cyber-crimes against children have seen an increase of 500% in India between 2019 and 2022, according to Crime in India Report 2023 by the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) run under the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of India. Cyber pornography or display or publication of obscene sexual materials of children, cyber blackmailing, etc are some other cyber-crimes against children. According to a report released in the media by LocalCircle, 60% of the 9-17 age group spend more than three hours on any of the social media or gaming sites every day. Most kids, beginning from a point of unsupervised exposure or limited parenting, and not 'knowing' even due to deficient education or reinforcement of safe internet engagement, have little or no clue endangering predators take advantage digitally in an effort to attack them. The heightened sophistication of AI can now generate fake identities that can even hoodwink the more experienced cybersecurity professionals, leaving vulnerable young people at risk. And there is a good reason why the United Kingdom is implementing laws to make it a crime to create, possess and distribute child sexual abuse materials brought into existence by AI systems. Hon'ble Prime Minister of India while delivering a public audio speech through 'Man Ki Baat' (115th Episode) presented in October 2024 stressed on the importance of safeguarding citizens from increasing trend and menace of cyber-crimes and frauds. He appealed to everyone in the society, specially the schools and colleges to participate and contribute to sensitize the masses on cyber safety in the country. Police have a critical role to play in the response to cybercrimes against children. Amending cyber laws and arresting the accused at the earliest can act as deterrent. This is unlike some first world countries where they recommend banning and even completely denying access to social media platform for children under 16 years of age, where recently Government of India is in the process of bringing out an amendment in the Digital Personal Data Protection Act that is making it mandatory to have parent's consent to process data of children which is to be linked to the government IDs or digital tokens. Health care and educational institutions could handle the data with limitations. Plus, if you are under 18, you have to have parental permission to sign up for social medias. Further, the Government of India has also introduced various measures such as "Cyber Swachhta Kendra" for cyber hygiene enabled awareness and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal for reporting offences done online. Initiatives such as '#StaySafeOnline' by the Government of India have created awareness on safe internet etiquettes – stressing on the importance of being cautious. Yet, the responsibility to make the online safe is a mutual responsibility of Parents, Educators, Law Enforcement, NGOs and technology companies. Parents should be vigilant and check on their children's online habits and participate in open talks about responsibility using digital technology. Schools should incorporate digital literacy across their curriculum to equip students with the ability to identify and respond to risks online. Awareness campaigns should take place to teach both children and parents about internet safety and the need to report suspect behaviour. Even as India scales up digitally, maintaining a safe online environment for children has to be the top priority. Social media (share)Digital platforms, gaming sites and messaging apps must make age verification tools stronger, content moderation systems more robust and work to strengthen reporting mechanisms to help identify and remove harmful content. GOI also has to come up with a monitoring, certification or categorize mechanism of the Apps for the child safety parameters, available in different platforms. Safeguarding children from cyber threats is crucial in perpetuating their right to a safe childhood. India can protect children by raising awareness and enhancing protective measures that allow children to play, learn and grow in a safe environment online. Note: This should also be against children as Save the Children, India (also known as Bal Raksha Bharat) has been involved in promoting safe online experience. It collaborates with NortonLifeLock to deliver an online child protection program since 2021 focusing on educating children, school teachers and parents and implementing mass awareness campaigns online and offline to ensure a safer online environment. It also calls for inclusion of basic cyber safety education in schools and colleges. Thus far, it has established nearly 169 cyber safety clubs in the same number of schools, trained more than 1,200 teachers, 4,200 parents and over 34,000 school children on online safety. It has also developed training modules for children, teachers and police. It also has a scheme to popularise among the youth, the Cyber Crime Volunteer Programme of the Government of India. Shaping up a safe online world for children through NGOs They can play a decisive role in ensuring protection private and NGOs work with children virtually in all regions and landscapes. (Ramakanta Satapathy, Manager- Program Implementation, Bal Raksha Bharat - Programs related Education & Child Protection)
India Gazette
29-06-2025
- General
- India Gazette
PM Modi highlights Meghalaya's Eri Silk in Mann Ki Baat, calls it 'Ahinsa Silk'
New Delhi [India], June 29 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 123rd episode of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, lauded the traditional Eri Silk of Meghalaya, which has gained global recognition. PM Modi stated that the production process of Eri Silk does not involve killing silkworms, making it an ethical and eco-friendly alternative in the global textile market. That is the reason the Meghalaya silk is also called 'Ahimsa Silk'. 'Eri Silk from Meghalaya was recently awarded a GI tag... The tribes of Meghalaya, especially the Khasi community, have preserved it for generations and enriched it with their skills... The silkworms that produce this are not killed, which is why it is known as 'Ahimsa Silk,'' PM Modi said during his Man Ki Baat. Emphasising its environmental appeal, the Prime Minister said that Eri Silk presents an opportunity because of its characteristics. 'It is a perfect product for the global market since there is an increased demand for products that don't harm the environment,' he added. PM Modi also highlighted the functional benefits of the fabric, noting that Eri Silk keeps the wearer warm in winter and cool in summer, a unique property that makes it suitable for all climates. 'This silk keeps you warm during winters and cool during summers,' he added. Further praising the role of local communities, he said, 'Women of Meghalaya are taking this to a larger scale via self-help groups,' showcasing how grassroots efforts are empowering women and expanding the reach of indigenous products. Eri Silk is renowned as the world's only vegan silk, where, unlike other silks, the moth inside the cocoon is not killed. Instead, the moth naturally exits the cocoon, leaving it behind for us to use. This ethical and eco-friendly process sets Eri Silk apart, making it a symbol of compassion and sustainability in the textile industry. Last year, the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), under the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India, obtained the prestigious Oeko-Tex certification for its Eri Silk directly from Germany on the nation's 78th Independence Day. This remarkable accomplishment not only elevates the region's traditional craftsmanship but also positions Eri Silk as a globally recognised, sustainable textile. This achievement further solidifies the silk's status as a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Assam, underscoring its authenticity and regional significance. This certification marks a pivotal step in bringing Eri Silk closer to penetrating the global export market, expanding its reach, and establishing a strong international presence. The milestone also opens new doors for Eri Silk, positioning it as a leading eco-friendly fabric in the international market and showcasing the region's potential in contributing to the global textile industry. (ANI)
Time of India
29-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
PM Modi calls Meghalaya's Eri Silk ‘Ahimsa Silk', praises eco-friendly production in Mann Ki Baat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi , in the 123rd episode of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, lauded the traditional Eri Silk of Meghalaya , which has gained global recognition. PM Modi stated that the production process of Eri Silk does not involve killing silkworms, making it an ethical and eco-friendly alternative in the global textile market. That is the reason the Meghalaya silk is also called ' Ahimsa Silk '. "Eri Silk from Meghalaya was recently awarded a GI tag... The tribes of Meghalaya, especially the Khasi community, have preserved it for generations and enriched it with their skills... The silkworms that produce this are not killed, which is why it is known as 'Ahimsa Silk,'" PM Modi said during his Man Ki Baat. Emphasising its environmental appeal, the Prime Minister said that Eri Silk presents an opportunity because of its characteristics. "It is a perfect product for the global market since there is an increased demand for products that don't harm the environment," he added. Live Events PM Modi also highlighted the functional benefits of the fabric, noting that Eri Silk keeps the wearer warm in winter and cool in summer, a unique property that makes it suitable for all climates. "This silk keeps you warm during winters and cool during summers," he added. Further praising the role of local communities, he said, "Women of Meghalaya are taking this to a larger scale via self-help groups," showcasing how grassroots efforts are empowering women and expanding the reach of indigenous products. Eri Silk is renowned as the world's only vegan silk , where, unlike other silks, the moth inside the cocoon is not killed. Instead, the moth naturally exits the cocoon, leaving it behind for us to use. This ethical and eco-friendly process sets Eri Silk apart, making it a symbol of compassion and sustainability in the textile industry. Last year, the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), under the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India, obtained the prestigious Oeko-Tex certification for its Eri Silk directly from Germany on the nation's 78th Independence Day. This remarkable accomplishment not only elevates the region's traditional craftsmanship but also positions Eri Silk as a globally recognised, sustainable textile. This achievement further solidifies the silk's status as a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Assam, underscoring its authenticity and regional significance. This certification marks a pivotal step in bringing Eri Silk closer to penetrating the global export market, expanding its reach, and establishing a strong international presence. The milestone also opens new doors for Eri Silk, positioning it as a leading eco-friendly fabric in the international market and showcasing the region's potential in contributing to the global textile industry.
India.com
26-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
As boycott calls for Turkey, Azerbaijan grow louder, PM Modi makes big statement, urges Indians to....
PM Modi- File image In a significant statement amid the calls for boycotting Turkey and Azerbaijan trending in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that several families have vowed to spend their vacation in India in recognition of 'vocal for local' calls after India's Operation Sindoor. For those unversed, the Indian Armed Forces conducted an operation against the terror camps in Pakistan and PoK killing more than a hundred terrorists across nine terror camps. PM Modi on 'Vocal for Local' During his recent 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi emphasised that the country is going for 'vocal for local' . 'Some families have taken a pledge, 'We will spend our next vacation in some beautiful place in the country.' Many young persons have taken a pledge to wed in India…that they would get married in the country itself. Someone also said, 'Now whatever gift we will give, it will be made by an Indian artisan',' PM Modi said during his latest Man Ki Baat. 'After this campaign, a renewed energy is visible in the whole country regarding 'vocal for local'', PM Modi said on 'vocal for local'. 'This is not just a matter of economic self-reliance…it is a feeling of participation in nation-building. One step of ours can become a huge contribution to the progress of India,' PM added. PM Modi on Operation Sindoor In a recent statement on Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the operation was not just a military mission, but 'the face of a changing India' that reflects the country's resolve, courage, and growing strength on the global stage. The Prime Minister said while addressing the nation through his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat that 'Today the entire country is united against terrorism, filled with anger and determination.' In addition to this, PM Modi also hailed Operation Sindoor as a turning point in the global fight against terror, describing it as a symbol of India's growing strength and clarity of purpose, as per a report by news agency PTI. 'Operation Sindoor has infused new confidence and energy into the global fight against terrorism,' he said. (With inputs from agencies)
