Indian Newspaper Day: Celebrating the Legacy of Journalism in India
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News? | India observes Indian Newspaper Day on January 29 to mark the introduction of the first newspaper in pre-Independence India. |
| Historical Background | The first printed newspaper, Hicky's Bengal Gazette, was introduced on January 29, 1780, by James Augustus Hicky in Kolkata (then Calcutta). |
| Significance | Recognizes the role of newspapers in shaping India's socio-political landscape, promoting freedom of expression, and advocating public rights. |
| Challenges Faced | Hicky's Bengal Gazette was shut down in 1782 due to its criticism of Governor General Warren Hastings. British colonial rule imposed press censorship. |
| Evolution of Newspapers | Early newspapers: Bengal Journal, Calcutta Chronicle, Madras Courier, Bombay Herald. British era censorship laws, including Vernacular Press Act (1878), restricted press freedom. |
| Post-Independence Developments | Press Enquiry Committee (1947) and Justice Rajadhyaksha Press Commission (1954) worked on press reforms, leading to the formation of the Press Council of India (PCI) in 1966. |
| Press Council of India | PCI was established under the Press Council Act, 1965, to uphold press freedom. It was abolished during the Emergency (1975) but re-established in 1979. |