제목 : Why is International Women’s Day on March 8? 내용 : March 8th is ‘International Women’s Day’. You’ve probably heard about this from the media or people around you. But what exactly is ‘International Women’s Day’ and when is it? Is there even an ‘International Men’s Day’? Why is this day important? For over a century, people around the world have celebrated March 8 as a special day for women. We looked into the reason. ‘International Women’s Day’, also abbreviated as ‘IWD’, started from the labor rights movement and today has become an annual holiday recognized by the United Nations (UN). Its origins date back to 1908 in New York City, USA. At that time, 15,000 women took to the streets and shouted for shorter working weeks, higher wages, and guaranteed voting rights. And a year later, the Socialist Party of America declared the first national ‘Women’s Day’. Later, the person who suggested that Women’s Day should be made an international holiday was a woman named Clara Zetkin, a communist and human rights activist. Zetkin proposed this idea at the ‘International Conference of Women Workers’ held in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1910, and 100 women from 17 countries who attended unanimously agreed to it. Events commemorating International Women’s Day in 1911 were held for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, and the 100th anniversary of the celebration was celebrated in 2011. It became official in 1975 when the United Nations celebrated International Women’s Day. The UN chose a theme for each International Women’s Day in 1996, and the theme at that time was ‘Celebrating the Past and Planning for the Future.’ In this way, International Women’s Day has become a day to celebrate and celebrate how much progress women have made in social, political, and economic fields, while at the same time, its political roots continue, with various protests and strikes to raise public awareness of gender inequality. This is often organized. When Zetkin first proposed International Women’s Day, no specific date was set. Then, in 1917, when World War I was in full swing, Russian female workers staged a large-scale strike, shouting ‘Bread and Peace’. After four days of protests, the Russian tsar was dethroned, and women gained the right to vote from the provisional government. The day the protests began was Sunday, February 23rd according to the Julian calendar used in Russia at the time, but if calculated according to the Gregorian calendar used today, it becomes March 8th. According to the International Women’s Day website, the symbolic colors of International Women’s Day are purple, green, and white. “Purple symbolizes justice and dignity, and green symbolizes hope. White symbolizes purity, but this is controversial. These symbolic colors were first used by the British Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1908. The explanation is, “It originated from.” Is there even an ‘International Men’s Day’? Yes. November 19th is ‘International Men’s Day’. It is a day that began to be celebrated only in the 1990s, and it is not a day officially recognized by the UN. However, citizens of about 80 countries, including the UK, commemorate this day. According to International Men’s Day organizers, the day focuses on “the positive value men contribute to the world, their families and their communities,” highlights positive role models and raises public awareness of men’s well-being. and aims to improve relations between genders. How do we celebrate Women’s Day? Some countries have designated International Women’s Day as an official national holiday. For example, in Russia, flower sales are said to double around March 8th. In China, many women receive bancha on March 8 according to the recommendations of the State Council. In Italy, mimosa flowers are given to women on International Women’s Day. The exact origins of this custom are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Rome after World War II. In the United States, March is ‘Women’s History Month’. Every year, the president issues a statement celebrating the achievements of American women. What is the theme of Women’s Day 2024? The theme for Women’s Day announced by the UN this year in 2024 is ‘Investment in Women: Let’s Accelerate Progress’. It highlights the lack of funds invested in actions for gender equality. “Conflict and rising prices will cause 75% of countries around the world to cut public spending by 2025, which could have a negative impact on women and their essential services,” the UN says. According to the UN, an additional $360 billion (approximately 481 trillion won) per year is needed to achieve gender equality around the world by 2030. In addition, according to a UN report, only 5% of government support is provided to resolve the problem of violence experienced by women and girls globally, and less than 0.2% is provided to prevent violence. Meanwhile, there is another topic. The International Women’s Day website introduces a number of events with the theme of ‘Inspiring Inclusivity’ to “break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create an environment where all women are valued and respected.” Why is Women’s Day necessary? Over the past year, women in many countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Ukraine, and the United States, have fought to protect their rights amid war, violence, and policy changes in their countries. First of all, women in the Middle East are facing extreme violence due to the recent conflict between Israel and the Gaza Strip. UN experts said they had received credible allegations of human rights abuses against women and girls in Gaza, including acts of rape by Israeli soldiers. In addition, the BBC also encountered evidence pointing to rape, sexual violence, and mutilation of women during the Hamas attack on October 7 last year. Additionally, women are facing a humanitarian crisis due to this conflict. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), it is estimated that 5,500 women in Gaza will have to give birth without proper medical support next month alone. Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, women’s rights to equal education are still not upheld as the Taliban bans girls older than elementary school from attending school. In Sudan, North Africa, the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is having a huge impact on the lives of women. The UN says women and girls appear to be victims of crime in RSF-controlled areas, including being forced into marriages and becoming victims of kidnappings for ransom. As a result, more than 1.2 million Sudanese people have fled to neighboring countries, and nearly 90% of these refugees are women and children. Meanwhile, September this year marked the first anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old female college student who died in custody after being arrested for violating Iran’s strict rule that women must cover their heads. Many women have since protested against the rules, and Iranian human rights activists such as Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi face lengthy prison sentences. However, there has been some progress over the past year. In October 2023, the Argentine Congress approved the ‘Olympia Bill’, which aims to prevent online sexual violence and hold perpetrators accountable. According to Amnesty International’s Argentina branch, one in three Argentine women experienced online violence. Meanwhile, in Taiwan, a Netflix drama sparked the MeToo movement, which led to various allegations of sexual violence. Accordingly, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party strengthened laws related to sexual harassment and mandated the establishment of a sexual violence reporting channel in all workplaces, including small businesses where this was not the case previously. Additionally, employers must investigate all complaints of sexual violence they receive and report the results of the investigation to the authorities. In Mexico, abortion was decriminalized last September, and many women’s rights groups welcomed it. It is part of the ‘green wave’ that is sweeping across Latin America, a trend of easing abortion restrictions. The French Senate recently voted overwhelmingly to enshrine a woman’s right to an abortion in the constitution. And close to 2 million fans flocked to the Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand in July and August. This is an increase of more than 600,000 people from the previous record. According to a recent survey by the Women’s Sports Trust, 46.7 million people will watch women’s sports on TV in the UK in 2023, showing that interest in women’s sports is increasing. However, the day when the Spanish team, which won the Women’s World Cup, should be celebrated, lost its meaning due to the incident in which former Spanish Football Association president Luis Rubiales kissed player Renifer Hermoso on the lips. Hermoso claimed that he never consented to the kiss and filed a lawsuit against the association president. President Rubiales denied any wrongdoing, but eventually resigned from his position. The incident sparked several discussions about the sexist culture that exists within and outside of the women’s soccer world.
제목 : India’s entrance exam system has serious problems 내용 : Amid a rise in student suicides in India, stricter restrictions will be imposed on private schools in the northern city of Kota. BBC Hindi Service’s Vinit Curry spoke to students taking classes in Kota. They were feeling extreme pressure to pass the entrance exam to a prestigious university. 21-year-old Vijay (pseudonym) failed the medical school entrance exam three times. Vijay expected to pass the exam by studying at an expensive academy in Kota, Rajasthan, northern India. Like many other students, I thought of Kota as a place where dreams come true. Large billboards with the names, photos, and rankings of successful applicants are erected throughout Kota. More than 200,000 people live in hostels or rented accommodation to study in Kota. There are also students as young as 13 years old. Kota is famous as an academy town. The main goal is to be accepted into the best medical and engineering schools in India, where competition is fierce. There are 12 large academies and more than 50 small academies. Pride, pressure, anxiety Having a child accepted to a prestigious university is a source of pride for Indian parents. If you are eliminated, great disappointment follows. Academy fees are more than 100,000 Indian rupees (approximately 1.63 million won) per year, which is a huge burden for many families. However, admission to a prestigious engineering or medical school is a shortcut to getting a high-paying job. Vijay’s family living in the countryside is not well off. My father is a farmer. I always feel heavy because I’m afraid of disappointing my parents. “I used to lie to my parents about my test results,” Vijay confessed. He says his anxiety grew, his headaches and chest pains got worse, and he became suicidal after failing his exam for the second time. “I felt like I had no choice,” Vijay said. “I wasted my parents’ money and ruined their reputation,” he explained. “The pressure made me feel suicidal, but I kept those thoughts to myself.” However, she says she changed her mind after seeing Bollywood star Deepika Padukone talk about depression. Actress Padukone has spoken out publicly about how overwork is often glamorized and the negative effects it can have on mental health. Vijay saw that openness and gained the courage to ask for help from outside. Vijay is currently receiving psychiatric treatment and said he is trying to take each day as it comes. Other students also spoke about the difficulties of studying abroad alone, high expectations from parents, peer pressure, fierce competition, and studying 14 hours a day. According to police data, more than 100 students have committed suicide in Kota in the past 10 years. At least 25 people took their lives this year alone, hitting an annual high. Even while I was visiting Kota, there was a case of suicide of a 15-year-old girl. It is not clear why the girl took her own life. After hearing the news of his daughter’s death, he spoke to the girl’s father who was coming to Kota. “My daughter never told us about her studies-related concerns,” he said, adding, “But she did tell us about the student suicide incident that occurred in Kota… I told her to focus on her studies.” Local newspaper Hindustan Times analyzed government statistics and found that most of the students who took their lives in Kota in 2023 were boys under the age of 18 preparing for medical exams. Mostly from low-income families, they came to Kota to study and were living alone. Adarsh Raji, who was born in a farming family and studied in Kota, also wanted to become a doctor. However, he committed suicide last August at the age of 18. Raj’s family was in deep shock. “We did not put any pressure on Raj. It seems that his low score in the exam led to depression and he took the extreme step,” said his uncle Harishankar, adding, “But suicide is not the solution.” Regulations, helplines, mental health seminars As student suicides increased in Kota recently, the Rajasthan government established stricter regulations for private academies. On September 29, guidelines were announced, including not recommending admission to students under the age of 14 and not disclosing test results. The importance of mental health seminars and related programs for students will also be further emphasized. Plans are also underway to put up more posters to promote the student helpline. In June, an 11-member team was formed under the leadership of senior police officer Chandrashiel to identify students showing signs of depression. “We go to hostels and talk to people to identify students whose behavior has changed,” he explained. “If we see red flags, we observe students and communicate with them, hostel managers and parents.” Corona pandemic and isolation According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29 worldwide. According to government statistics, more than 13,000 students in India took their own lives in 2021. This is a 4.5% increase compared to 2020. One instructor said that the number of students in one class at the academy can sometimes be up to 300, and that sometimes the instructor does not know the students’ names, which can make the children feel isolated. The COVID-19 pandemic and multiple lockdowns also had a significant impact. Nitin Vijay, managing director of Motion Education, a famous academy in India, said, “After Corona, students’ stress tolerance is weaker than before,” adding, “But it will improve over time.” Urmil Bakshi, who has worked in education for decades, agrees that the pandemic has affected students’ ability to communicate. However, Kota’s commercialization of the academy was also criticized for causing the current situation. Bakshi said, “There are hundreds of students in a class. The instructors don’t even know the names of all the students. Some students can’t make friends for fear that other students will find out their study methods and get ahead of them. Those kids are left alone.” said. Students in Kota live in more than 3,500 hostels and thousands of rental accommodations. This contributes enormously to the city’s economy. I decided to look into accommodation in Vigyan Nagar area of Kota. I went up the stairs along the unlit passageway and found myself on the second floor of an apartment where a student lived. I entered the old, cramped room next to the bathroom door. Arnav Anurag (18), who lives here, came to Kota to become a doctor, a dream he had since he was young. There were a few books stacked on the shelf and many more scattered on the bed. There was a laptop on one side and an air cooler on the other. There were clothes hanging behind the door and a periodic table poster on the wall. “It’s suffocating to be here,” Arnav said. However, he added in a confident voice, “If I pass the test, I can say this is where I studied and leave with confidence.” The new guidelines also include mandatory training for hostel managers and other staff in student accommodation, instructors and academy managers. We also established an “easy check-out and refund policy” for students experiencing difficulties. But Vijay said a total change was needed: “Let kids follow their passion.” “Parents need to tell their children that there is a world beyond engineering and medicine. Their lives are more important than anything else.”
제목 : How Amazon indigenous people live 내용 : A closer look at the history of the Amazon rainforest reveals that its indigenous people have lived there for thousands of years “without any detectable loss or degradation of species.” Peruvian researchers examined soil layers for microscopic fossil evidence of human impact on the Amazon. However, we discovered that there were no major changes during prehistoric times, such as forests being cleared or converted to farmland. This study was published in the academic journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Dr. Dolores Piperno of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, who led the study, said that uncovering how indigenous people were able to survive while preserving the rich biodiversity in the Amazon could also be helpful in the current conservation situation. Piperno’s research also sheds light on a long-running debate about the extent to which indigenous peoples have influenced the Amazon’s vast and diverse landscape. Some studies suggest that the current shape of the Amazon was largely formed by indigenous people before Europeans arrived in South America. According to a recent study, the tree species that make up most of today’s forests were planted by indigenous people in prehistoric times. Dr Piperno told the BBC: “This discovery provides evidence that indigenous peoples have used the rainforest in a sustainable way for thousands of years without causing any detectable species loss or problems. ” In search of evidence, researchers conducted a type of plant archaeological study, excavating soil layers and searching for information to reconstruct the history of the rainforest. What they examined was soil from three locations in a remote region of northeastern Peru. All three areas are located between rivers and valleys, and are located at least 1 kilometer from flow paths and floodplains. Because the forest covers more than 90% of the Amazon land area, research on it is important to understand the impact of indigenous peoples on the entire Amazon landscape. The researchers examined each sediment layer to find microscopic plant fossils called ‘phytoliths’ that have grown in the forest for thousands of years. “We have found almost no traces of human modification over the past 5,000 years,” Dr Piperno said. He added, “We found a lot of evidence that the riverside forest was less invaded and modified.” Dr Suzette Plantois from the University of Bergen, a researcher on the Human on Planet Earth project, said this was important research for uncovering the history of human impact on Amazon biodiversity. He explained, “Such studies are like a puzzle-assembly process that creates evidence to support or refute the theory that today’s Amazon is a giant forest created after thousands of years of human management.” He added, “It will be very interesting to see which side will have the most conclusive evidence.” Scientists explained that this discovery will identify the value of indigenous knowledge in helping to preserve biodiversity in the Amazon by informing us about species that are optimal for regeneration and recovery. “Indigenous peoples have tremendous knowledge about the forests and environments in which they live,” Dr. Piperno said. “This must be included in human conservation plans.” Dr Plantua told the BBC: “The longer we wait, the more likely it is that that knowledge will be lost. It is now time to integrate knowledge and evidence to create sustainable management plans for the Amazon and include the presence of prehistoric humans in those plans. “It’s time,” he said.
제목 : Four North Koreans defect again 내용 : South Korean authorities are investigating after four North Korean residents crossed the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the East Sea on a small wooden boat. On the morning of the 24th, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Coast Guard were dispatched after receiving a report that a North Korean small wooden boat was discovered by a Korean fishing boat operating in the waters east of Sokcho, Gangwon-do. They announced that they had secured four new North Korean soldiers. Military authorities reported that they had discovered unusual signs in the waters near the NLL in the East Sea since early morning on this day and were taking operational measures to prepare for various situations. The Joint Chiefs of Staff added that it was captured and tracked at sea using coastal surveillance equipment such as thermal imaging equipment (TOD) and radar, and that it was secured in waters east of Sokcho in cooperation with the Coast Guard. A government joint investigation team consisting of the military, police, intelligence authorities, and the Ministry of Unification is confirming their movement routes and intentions to defect. It has been about four years since 2019 that North Korean residents came by boat from the East Sea. At the time, the Ministry of Unification and the National Assembly Intelligence Committee announced that two North Korean fishermen in their 20s who had been fishing for squid between North Korean and Russian waters killed 16 of their fellow sailors and then headed south. However, at the time, the South Korean government judged that they were not normal defectors and that they were fleeing after committing a crime, so they were deported to North Korea through Panmunjom. The last confirmed case of defection was in May, when nine members of a North Korean family, including children, defected. The family, who were confirmed to have arrived on an old wooden boat of 10 meters in length and 5 tons in size, reportedly expressed their intention to defect as soon as they saw the Korean military near Yeonpyeong Island in the West Sea. It was a defection that had been carefully planned and led by my younger brother, who had worked as a captain and knew the sea conditions well. It is known that they defected from North Korea to avoid the extreme hardships of life and the brainwashing education environment that would be imposed on their children. Why ‘East Sea’? It appears that maritime defections over the past 10 years have been concentrated in the ‘East Sea’. According to data released by the Ministry of Unification and the office of People Power Party lawmaker Tae Young-ho, more than 80% of North Korean residents defected through the East Sea. Experts explain that it is easier to defect to the East Sea than to the West Sea. Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the Graduate School of North Korean National University, said, “Defecting through the West Sea may seem less risky in that the waves are not as big, but it has the disadvantage of being easy to fall into China’s surveillance network.” Additionally, the west coast is said to be under stricter surveillance because it is closer to Pyongyang. According to the Ministry of Unification, the number of North Korean defectors entering Korea through the third quarter of this year was 139. This is a more than three-fold increase compared to 42 people in the same period last year. An official from the Ministry of Unification said, “The number of arrivals in 2020 and 2021 was unusually low due to a combination of factors such as the border blockade between North Korea and China (due to COVID-19) and restrictions on movement within China, but with the lifting of COVID-19, movement within China became freer and borders were closed. “We believe that the number of North Korean defectors entering the country has increased this year as the blockade has been partially eased,” he explained. However, he added, “Before 2019, more than 1,000 people entered the country annually, and it is impossible to predict whether that number will recover at all.” Meanwhile, regarding the fact that the North Korean wooden boat came down without any restraint, Kim Dong-yup, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, said, “Due to the nature of small wooden boats, they do not operate at high speeds, so considering the current situation, there is a reasonable suspicion that the wooden boat was not properly identified. “I have no choice but to do it,” he explained. On this day, a Joint Chiefs of Staff official explained that a suspicious vessel detected by radar and thermal imaging equipment had no signal from a fishing boat, so patrol planes and high-speed boats were sent in pursuit, but they were unable to find the small North Korean wooden boat, and in the meantime, a private fishing boat reported the North Korean boat.
제목 : The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Humanity 내용 : Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transcended its status as mere technology; it has become a beacon of hope, a source of fascination, and a harbinger of societal transformation. The convergence of human ingenuity and cutting-edge technology has opened a Pandora’s box of possibilities and challenges, raising profound questions about our future. In the realm of healthcare, AI emerges as a guardian of our well-being. Beyond diagnosis and treatment, AI algorithms analyze vast datasets, predicting disease outbreaks, revolutionizing drug discovery, and personalizing patient care. The fusion of AI with genomics promises tailored treatments, heralding an era where diseases are not just treated but preemptively thwarted. Education, too, stands at the precipice of an AI revolution. Smart classrooms equipped with AI-driven tutors adapt learning to individual student needs, fostering creativity and critical thinking. As AI tutors track students’ progress, they provide real-time feedback, cultivating a generation of lifelong learners prepared to navigate an ever-changing world. Yet, with great power comes great responsibility. Ethical considerations loom large as AI permeates our lives. The ethics of AI in warfare, privacy invasion, and job displacement demand our attention. Furthermore, the issue of bias in AI algorithms, which can reinforce societal prejudices, calls for stringent regulations and unbiased data sets. The ethical imperative to ensure AI benefits all of humanity must guide our technological advancements. AI’s impact transcends individual spheres; it reshapes industries and economies. Industries harness AI for predictive maintenance, optimizing supply chains, and enhancing customer experiences. However, this technological disruption demands a paradigm shift in our understanding of work. Education systems must pivot, equipping the workforce with skills resilient to automation, fostering a society where no one is left behind. The symbiosis of AI and humanity extends to environmental conservation. AI algorithms analyze climate patterns, aiding in climate change predictions and enabling proactive measures. Smart grids optimize energy distribution, minimizing waste. AI-powered precision agriculture ensures food security while minimizing environmental impact. These applications signify AI’s potential to be a steward of our planet, preserving its beauty for future generations. In the grand tapestry of AI’s evolution, international collaboration is paramount. Nations must unite to establish ethical guidelines, ensuring the responsible development and global accessibility of AI technologies. Research collaboration, data sharing, and ethical consensus-building are vital to addressing the challenges that are inherently global in nature. In conclusion, as AI becomes intertwined with our very existence, it presents boundless opportunities and profound ethical dilemmas. It is our collective responsibility to harness AI’s potential for the greater good. By nurturing innovation, fostering inclusivity, and upholding ethical standards, we can embark on a transformative journey where AI elevates humanity, leaving no one behind. Let us stride into this future with wisdom, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to shaping a world where AI serves as a force for positive change, enriching the lives of all.
