This year's International Literacy Day, celebrated on September 8, is a reminder that literacy is not just about being able to read and write, but about providing individuals with the tools they need to participate fully in society and shape their own futures. Despite progress made, over 770 million people worldwide still lack basic literacy skills, with women disproportionately affected. The day calls for continued efforts to bridge this gap and create a more equitable and prosperous world for all.
International Literacy Day: Empowering Individuals for a Brighter Future
International Literacy Day, observed annually on September 8, highlights the paramount importance of literacy in shaping individuals' lives and fostering societal progress. While reading and writing are fundamental skills, literacy encompasses a broader spectrum of abilities that empower people to interact with the world around them.
Historical Background
The concept of International Literacy Day originated in 1966 at the World Congress of Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy. UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, officially proclaimed the day in 1967 to raise awareness about the urgent need for global literacy.
Global Literacy Challenges
Despite significant advancements in education, illiteracy remains a persistent issue worldwide. According to UNESCO, over 770 million adults lack basic literacy skills, and women are disproportionately affected by this gap. This disparity presents a formidable barrier to their economic and social empowerment.
Theme for 2023: Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces
This year's theme, "Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces," emphasizes the need to create inclusive and engaging learning environments for all learners. It calls for innovative approaches to literacy instruction, such as digital literacy programs, early childhood education, and accessible materials for people with disabilities.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why is International Literacy Day important? International Literacy Day brings attention to the vital role literacy plays in fostering individual well-being, social development, and economic growth. It advocates for increased efforts to bridge the literacy gap and empower all individuals.
2. What are the benefits of literacy? Literacy empowers individuals by enabling them to:
3. How can we improve global literacy rates? Improving literacy rates requires a multi-pronged approach, including:
4. What has been achieved on previous International Literacy Days? Past International Literacy Days have witnessed a range of initiatives, such as:
5. What can I do to support International Literacy Day? There are many ways to support International Literacy Day, including:
Conclusion
International Literacy Day serves as a potent reminder of the transformative power of literacy. By equipping individuals with the tools they need to participate fully in society, we can unlock their potential, foster economic growth, and create a more just and equitable world for all.
As the Indian government holds edible oil firms responsible for the rise in prices amid huge stockpiles, recent reports by the SEAI and expert predictions suggest that the country's import of edible oil and pulses is steadily decreasing. In line with this, Adani Wilmar has announced investments worth Rs.600 Crore in the edible oil and solar sectors. While the government's ambitious goal of achieving a USD 55 trillion economy by 2025 seems promising, doubts have been raised about the success of their Digital Agriculture Mission, with the AIKS expressing concerns. The agricultural sector's reactions to the Union Budget 2024 also reflect a forward-looking attitude towards the use of high-yielding pulses and oilseeds as a means to reduce imports.
The Indian Railways has approved a bonus of Rs 2,028.57 crore for 11 lakh employees to recognize their hard work and dedication in enhancing the performance of the sector. The bonus, equivalent to 78 days' wages, will be distributed among various categories of employees, including track maintainers, loco pilots, and station masters. This decision comes after the Railways achieved record milestones and advancements in technology during the 2023-2024 financial year, leading to improvements in infrastructure and operational efficiency. The bonus is a testament to the Indian Railways' dedication to its employees and recognizing their contributions towards its growth.
With an increasing number of children and adults using technology in their daily lives, two local churches are hosting events to educate and equip families on safe practices. The Redemption Church and Trinity Lutheran Church & School will be hosting events focusing on protecting young eyes and creating tech-ready homes. New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church and Immanuel Presbyterian Church are also hosting events for their respective congregations on the subject. With a rise in technology use, it is important for families to be informed and prepared to create a safe online environment.
A recent agreement has been signed between Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, allowing for the creation of a cross-border electricity trade. This alliance is expected to significantly benefit India's leading oil companies, IOC and Reliance, as well as other major players in the energy industry, such as IREDA, SJVN, and GMR. This development comes amidst the Indian government's decision to scrap a Rs 30,000 crore oil company support, as well as reports of a minor oil leak that has been contained by ONGC. In light of these events, the IOC plans to raise its refining capacity by 25% to meet India's growing oil demand, while GE Power India wins a lucrative Rs 240 crore project in Nepal.
PETRONAS, Malaysia's national oil and gas company, reported a revenue of RM171.7bil for the first half of the year, with a decrease in net profit by 19.2% year-on-year. However, the company remains focused on ensuring energy security and fostering partnerships to drive Malaysia's growth. The company also reported a 20% increase in capital investments to RM25.7bil and a 3.3% increase in total assets to RM798.6bil as of June 30, 2024, despite facing challenges such as foreign exchange impact and higher taxation.
In a commendable move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Cabinet has approved a payment of Rs. 2028.57 crore, equivalent to 78 days' wages, as a performance-linked bonus for 11.72 lakh non-gazetted Indian Railway employees. Recognizing the railway's record performance in 2023-2024, this decision is aimed at motivating and incentivizing the employees to continue their hard work. With improving infrastructure and technology, the Indian Railways loaded a record cargo of 1588 Million Tonnes and carried nearly 6.7 Billion Passengers, making this bonus a well-deserved reward for their efforts.
In a move towards utilizing clean energy, Google has partnered with Adani Group to source clean power for its cloud services and operations in India. Adani Group will supply 61.4 megawatt of electricity from a new solar-wind hybrid project located at its renewable energy park in Gujarat. This partnership will help Google achieve its target of running operations entirely on clean energy by 2030. The project is expected to start commercial operations in the third quarter of 2025. Additionally, Google has also announced a partnership with CleanMax to source 125.4 MW of clean energy for its offices and cloud regions in India.
Silversea, a popular luxury cruise line, has announced plans to open a 150 room hotel in the southernmost city of Puerto Williams, Chile by the end of 2025. The hotel is set to be the first Silversea branded property and will offer stunning views of the Beagle Channel and snow-capped Patagonian mountains. This development marks the company's commitment to innovation and excellence in the luxury travel industry and will greatly enhance the Antarctic travel experience for guests during the peak season.
In a groundbreaking move, tech giant Google and CleanMax have joined forces to develop sustainable renewable energy capacity of 125.4 GW. Under this partnership, CleanMax will establish a hybrid project featuring solar and wind energy in Rajasthan and Karnataka. This project will support Google's goal to operate on carbon-free energy by 2030 and is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 250,000 tons annually. This venture highlights the importance of strategic collaborations in driving sustainable change and mitigating the effects of climate change.
As the world of luxury fashion becomes increasingly complex and exclusive, fashion sourcers like Gab Waller have emerged as essential players for those seeking the most coveted and viral items. With a growing demand for her specialized services, Waller has built a successful business that grants clients access to hard-to-find products through her extensive connections and insider knowledge. However, as demand continues to rise, Waller faces challenges with the current limitations of her business model. Despite this, Waller's impressive growth and high-profile clients demonstrate the increasing demand for her unique and valuable services in the luxury market.