History of World Press Freedom Day

World Press Freedom Day was traced back to 1948 after World War II. The global community seeks to promote peace through the creation of the United Nations. Then the UN universally declared Article 19 for human rights of the Declaration stated that everyone has the right to receive and transfer information regardless of their location or situation. On 3 May 1991, a workshop was held in Namibia to promote the Independent and Pluralistic African Press. In 1993, the first World Press Freedom Day was observed, and the UN-designated 3 May as the official day to reflect upon the press freedom across the world.

Theme 2020: Journalism without fear or favour

UNESCO has decided journalism without fear or favour theme for this year. In this difficult time, journalists and media professionals need our support. During COVID-19 Pandemic crisis journalists have certainly placed media front and center, in providing accurate, verified, and potentially life-saving information and have underlined the safety of media professionals. Whether we are facing a global crisis or exposing local concerns, the media’s public interest role is essential to how we understand our world and make a decision in it.

The sub-themes for this year:

• Safety of Women and Men Journalists and Media Workers
• Independent and Professional Journalism free from Political and Commercial Influence
• Gender Equality in All Aspect of the Media

INFORMATION SOURCE: https://www.un.org/en/observances/press-freedom-day

Every year on the first Sunday of May World Laughter day is celebrated, this year it is on May 3.  The World laughter day was introduced by Dr. Madan Kataria, in 1988, the founder of the worldwide Laughter Yoga Movement. Dr. Madan started the Laughter Yoga movement with an aim that a person’s facial expressions can influence their emotions. Laughter builds a global consciousness of brotherhood and friendship. The first World Laughter Day was celebrated on 11 January 1998 in Mumbai, India.

Health Benefits of laughter

1. Lowers blood pressure: laughing can lower your blood pressure. This can lower your risk of a stroke or a heart attack.
2. Burns calories– Laughing is like a mini-workout. When you laugh out loud, the stomach muscles expand and contract just as when you are doing the workout.
3. Stress buster: When you laugh, the facial muscles send signals to the brain to release neurotransmitters called endorphins. The endorphins act as natural pain killers, make you feel happy and reduce stress levels.
4. An immune booster: Laughter boosts your immune system. Your immune system consists of T-cells that are activated when you laugh. T-cells can help you to fight off sickness.
5. It feels good: Smiles bring optimism with them! If you laugh a lot, you’re going to be more of a positive person, and it can keep negative thoughts out of your life.

Thus celebrate the World Laughter day 2020 with your family during the lockdown and you can call your loved ones and digitally also can spread the laughter.