Kerala based NGO to receive UNESCO literacy prize in Paris

Kerala based NGO to receive UNESCO literacy prize in Paris

A Kerala-based NGO will on Wednesday receive the prestigious UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy for its literacy-linked skill development activities at a ceremony in Paris.

The Jan Sikshan Sansthan (JSS), based in state's Malappuram, has bagged the award for its activities in the field of lifelong education and skill development programme in rural areas - aiming to help underprivileged individuals achieve better livelihood.

JSS Malappuram chairman and Rajya Sabha member P V Abdul Wahab and the unit's director V Ummerkoya will receive the award at the ceremony that will also mark 50th anniversary celebrations of UNESCO's literacy programmes, a statement said.

Education Ministers from UNESCO's member states are expected to attend the function, in which third edition of Global Report on Adult Learning and Education (GRALE 3) will be launched. (more)

France terror attack: Facebook activates Safety Check tool

France terror attack: Facebook activates Safety Check tool

Facebook on Friday turned on its Safety Check Tool feature after a large truck mowed through a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, France, killing at least 80 people.

According to CNET, it is the third time in nearly a month that the social networking giant has activated the tool.

The feature allows people to notify their friends if they are in the affected area and mark themselves as safe.

A click or tap on the "I'm Safe" button lets friends and loved ones know straight away. Users can also check to see whether their friends are safe too.

"Last month, we began testing features that allow people to both initiate and share Safety Check on Facebook," a Facebook spokesperson said in a statement.

"We hope the people in the area find the tool a helpful way to let their friends and family know they are OK," the spokesperson added.

The feature was activated in early June after the deadly attack on a Florida night club that claimed the lives of 49 people.

Less than two weeks later, Facebook activated Safety Check feature for users after a suicide attack that killed 45 people at Istanbul's Ataturk airport.

Legacy of Charlie Hebdo attack victims is inspiration to all: John Kerry

On the first anniversary of the Charlie Hebdo terror attack in Paris that left 17 people dead, US Secretary of State John Kerry said the legacy of the victims endures as a challenge and inspiration to all.

"On the one-year anniversary of the January 7-9, 2015, attacks that took the lives of 17 people, we honour the victims of this tragedy and share the sadness of their loss," Kerry said in a statement yesterday.

"Their legacy endures as a challenge and inspiration to all of us. Charlie Hebdo continues to publish, and journalists around the world continue in their essential mission to tell the stories that people everywhere need to hear," he said.