• It is observed on 16^th November every year.
• It is celebrated to honour the essential role of a free and responsible press in society.
• It was on this day in 1966 that the Press Council of India began its operations as a moral watchdog to ensure that the press maintains high standards and is not unduly influenced or threatened.

About Press Council of India (PCI)

• Genesis: First established in 1966 under Indian Press Council Act, 1965, following recommendations of the First Press Commission.
• It was dissolved during Emergency in 1975.
• Re-established: Under Press Council Act 1978, re-established PCI in 1979.
• Objective: To preserve press freedom & maintain high standards of journalism in India.
• Composition: It consists of a Chairperson (Supreme Court Judge retd.) & 28 members.