Post by : Bianca Suleiman
Wikipedia, renowned as the largest online encyclopedia, celebrated its 25th anniversary on Thursday, marking a remarkable journey of offering free and accessible knowledge to individuals around the globe.
In celebration of this significant milestone, the Wikimedia Foundation initiated a worldwide campaign that reflects on its history, the commitment of its volunteers, and prospects for the future. Maryana Iskander, CEO of the Wikimedia Foundation, expressed, “Wikipedia is a remarkable digital innovation. It has surmounted numerous obstacles, thanks to the dedicated individuals behind it, sharing trustworthy knowledge worldwide.”
To commemorate the occasion, Wikimedia debuted a docuseries featuring eight devoted volunteer editors from various regions. This series showcases their relentless efforts, from chronicling storms in California to providing essential COVID-19 information in India. Dr. Netha Hussain, an Indian medical professional, played a crucial role in sharing pandemic-related insights, underscoring India's significant contribution to the Wikipedia community.
India stands fifth globally in terms of Wikipedia page views, accumulating approximately 800 million monthly, while ranking third in English Wikipedia contributors following the United States and the United Kingdom. With entries available in over 25 Indic languages—including nearly all 22 scheduled languages of India—Wikipedia serves as an invaluable tool for local educational initiatives.
To celebrate its anniversary, the Wikimedia Foundation has planned:
An engaging quiz aimed at exploring Wikipedia’s trajectory
A global initiative for signing a digital birthday card
A virtual birthday celebration scheduled for January 15, streamed live on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram
Special “Birthday mode” surprises featuring the new mascot, Baby Globe
Exclusive Wikipedia merchandise, including a plushie of Baby Globe
Despite the rise of AI technology, Wikipedia continues to rank among the top ten global websites. Its expansive collection of 65 million articles across over 300 languages garners nearly 15 billion views monthly, serving as a critical foundation for search engines, AI chatbots, and voice assistants, reaffirming the enduring cruciality of human knowledge.
BAFTA Unveils Shortlist of Five Rising Stars for Public-Voted Award
The BAFTA Rising Star Award features five promising actors, each recognized for their standout perfo
Scott Robertson Departs as All Blacks Head Coach Following Performance Evaluation
Scott Robertson steps down as All Blacks coach after a review, ending his tenure amid mixed results
Afghanistan Imposes Restrictions on Rashid Khan's International League Engagements
Afghanistan Cricket Board limits international league involvement for key players to enhance fitness
Strengthening Regional Security: Philippines and Japan Forge Defence Agreements
Philippines and Japan finalize significant defence pacts, enhancing military cooperation amid South
Bounou's Brilliance Sends Morocco to AFCON Final Against Senegal
Morocco triumphs over Nigeria 4-2 in penalties, advancing to the AFCON final with goalkeeper Yassine
Concerns Emerge Over Worker Conditions at Labubu Doll Factory in China
Labubu doll supplier accused of labor violations, including excessive hours and incomplete contracts