OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reassures that writers' jobs are secure from being replaced by AI, at least for now. He explained that while AI chatbots can serve as useful tools for writers, they lack the ability for original thought and creativity—essential elements of quality writing.

ChatGPT CEO Sam Altman Says AI Won't Replace Human Writers Anytime Soon

In cinema history, 2023 will go down as the year of Hollywood's historic twin strike. Both WGA and SAG-AFTRA took to picket lines to fight for their rights. Here's a quick recap of everything that happened during the dual strike.

2023: Hollywood's stormy season of strikes

It was February 23, 1821, when one of the greatest Romantic poets of English literature, John Keats, lying in a small room amid the mild winters of Rome, finally embraced death at the age of 25, ending his suffering from tuberculosis. After more than 50 years, the world lost another "Keats" to the same illness in a faraway land, but this time she was just a little more than 21 years old. Toru Dutt, who is often called the Keats of Indo-English literature, emerged as the first woman who broke through the fetters of colonial Indian society and became a poetess. This was the first attempt by a woman to pick up her pen and add to the flowing stream of literature.

<img alt="Toru Dutt" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2f15db85-aee2-4906-b8a7-ce2bcabeace0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-03-08T124750.521_0.png" />

A new habit: How did Indian women indulge in novels in the 19th century?

Formal education was a privilege denied to women of all castes in 19th century colonial India. Women belonging to upper castes enjoyed the liberty to study classical literature and religious texts. Generally though, women were trained in household chores like cooking, and sewing and were married by the time they reached the age of 12.

Stealing some time from the day to escape the monotony of domestic chores, the women in the eastern state of Bengal indulged themselves in popular performing arts like medieval poetry's oral recitations, theatrical performances and musicals while also participating in the collective reading sessions where they discussed religious text.

In the middle of the 19th century, the educated middle class along with the elite and ruling English class expressed their apprehensions over these popular performing arts badly impacting the morals and minds of women. The women were considered morally vulnerable, mentally weak and likely to fall into trap of corrupt influences as men took it as their duty to regulate and control the way they spend their leisure time.&nbsp;

<img alt="writers" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="256cee90-e3c4-4f42-99bd-2dc004e2678d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-03-08T124944.954_0.png" />

Yet slowly, women moved away from participating in popular traditions and started indulging themselves in novels and finding their solace in reading a long fictional narrative. The novels, in all their forms, shot to enormous popularity in the Bengali milieu. Novels didn't remain restricted to literate women only, as they could be read out even to illiterate ladies seeking a break from their household chores.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-roald-dahls-french-publisher-will-not-rewrite-british-authors-translated-books-564647">Roald Dahl's French publisher will not rewrite British author's translated books</a>

How did women writers and poets emerge from households?

Most of the novels being read by women in the 19th century were declared taboo and the society's intelligentsia expressed its anxiety over the reading habits of women, accusing them of becoming averse to household chores, being indolent, sexually deviant, suicidal and morally corrupt.

The women were asked to stop misusing their education by reading novels and instead only devote time to reading religious books.

Writer Maroona Murmu, in an article titled ‘Kahake: Swarna Debi’s Literary Resistance?’ writes, “Complaints were raised about the novel’s tendency to corrupt the moral sensibilities of tender minds, causing mental stultification, making women neglectful of housework, defiant and shameless. It was alleged that the identification with and imitation of the central characters in novels encouraged immoral habits and transgressive desires. The fear of ‘novel-reading women’s sexuality’ led to greater surveillance over woman’s reading habits."

<img alt="book" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="70dbc7fe-3f27-4ee9-a70f-998f76fbb2cc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-03-08T132344.800_0.png" />

However, these diktats issued by the patriarchal society fell flat as women continued reading novels, and some of them went ahead and picked up their pens to narrate to the world the stories they have lived and longed for.

WATCH | Author Salman Rushdie attacked, currently on ventilator

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/author-salman-rushdie-attacked-currently-on-ventilator-506401/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ladies who made the 19th century the 'age of women'

Among the pioneers who broke the fetters of societal bindings and used their pens to challenge the patriarchal society and its conservative norms were Toru Dutt, Begum Rokeya Hossain, Swarnakumari Devi, Pandita Ramabai, Krupabai Satthianadhan and Rassundari Devi.

Toru Dutt, who succumbed to tuberculosis in 1877 when she was just 21 after losing her siblings to the same disease, is considered the first Indian poetess who wrote in French and English. "A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields", which was published in 1876, is considered her best work.

<img alt="dutt" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="80e7bc81-93dd-4a0d-bd11-9f3706ee0e48" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-03-08T124851.231_0.png" />

Rassundari Devi's autobiography Amar Jiban, which was published in 1876, became the first autobiography ever written by an Indian woman. A mother of 12 children, Devi fulfilled her aspiration to become literate by teaching herself during her free time from daily chores.

Rabindranath Tagore's sister Swarnakumari Devi was among Bengal's first women writers to gain prominence. Her debut novel Deepnirban, which was published in 1876, ignited the national spirit among people.

Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, who was born in a well-to-do family where she received encouragement to study English and Bengali, wrote stories which talked about the importance of educating women. Her novel “Sultana’s Dream” is still widely read and celebrated as the finest example of feminist science fiction which sketches a world for its readers where everything is run by women and men remain secluded.

<img alt="bk" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8de4587b-53f1-40ef-9e9f-c1fc12710492" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ds2kqEjWoAIYwQD.jpg" />

These women not only challenged the stereotypes but inspired others to break their barriers and gain an education. These writers made the 19th century the 'age of women', unmasking their feelings, emotions, disappointments, longings, pleasures, priorities and literary tastes which remained veiled for a long time. In the 19th century's second half, more than 300 books were written by women authors in Bengal and were listed officially across different categories, with poetry emerging as the most favourite.

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

It was February 23, 1821, when one of the greatest Romantic poets of English literature, John Keats, lying in a small room amid the mild winters of Rome, finally embraced death at the age of 25, ending his suffering from tuberculosis.

It was February 23, 1821, when one of the greatest Romantic poets of English literature, John Keats, lying in a small room amid the mild winters of Rome, finally embraced death at the age of 25, ending his suffering from tuberculosis. After more than 50 years, the world lost another "Keats" to the same illness in a faraway land, but this time she was just a little more than 21 years old. Toru Dutt, who is often called the Keats of Indo-English literature, emerged as the first woman who broke through the fetters of colonial Indian society and became a poetess. This was the first attempt by a woman to pick up her pen and add to the flowing stream of literature. A new habit: How did Indian women indulge in novels in the 19th century? Formal education was a privilege denied to women of all castes in 19th century colonial India. Women belonging to upper castes enjoyed the liberty to study classical literature and religious texts. Generally though, women were trained in household chores like cooking, and sewing and were married by the time they reached the age of 12. Stealing some time from the day to escape the monotony of domestic chores, the women in the eastern state of Bengal indulged themselves in popular performing arts like medieval poetry's oral recitations, theatrical performances and musicals while also participating in the collective reading sessions where they discussed religious text. In the middle of the 19th century, the educated middle class along with the elite and ruling English class expressed their apprehensions over these popular performing arts badly impacting the morals and minds of women. The women were considered morally vulnerable, mentally weak and likely to fall into trap of corrupt influences as men took it as their duty to regulate and control the way they spend their leisure time. Yet slowly, women moved away from participating in popular traditions and started indulging themselves in novels and finding their solace in reading a long fictional narrative. The novels, in all their forms, shot to enormous popularity in the Bengali milieu. Novels didn't remain restricted to literate women only, as they could be read out even to illiterate ladies seeking a break from their household chores. ALSO READ | Roald Dahl's French publisher will not rewrite British author's translated books How did women writers and poets emerge from households? Most of the novels being read by women in the 19th century were declared taboo and the society's intelligentsia expressed its anxiety over the reading habits of women, accusing them of becoming averse to household chores, being indolent, sexually deviant, suicidal and morally corrupt. The women were asked to stop misusing their education by reading novels and instead only devote time to reading religious books. Writer Maroona Murmu, in an article titled ‘Kahake: Swarna Debi’s Literary Resistance?’ writes, “Complaints were raised about the novel’s tendency to corrupt the moral sensibilities of tender minds, causing mental stultification, making women neglectful of housework, defiant and shameless. It was alleged that the identification with and imitation of the central characters in novels encouraged immoral habits and transgressive desires. The fear of ‘novel-reading women’s sexuality’ led to greater surveillance over woman’s reading habits." However, these diktats issued by the patriarchal society fell flat as women continued reading novels, and some of them went ahead and picked up their pens to narrate to the world the stories they have lived and longed for. WATCH | Author Salman Rushdie attacked, currently on ventilator Ladies who made the 19th century the 'age of women' Among the pioneers who broke the fetters of societal bindings and used their pens to challenge the patriarchal society and its conservative norms were Toru Dutt, Begum Rokeya Hossain, Swarnakumari Devi, Pandita Ramabai, Krupabai Satthianadhan and Rassundari Devi. Toru Dutt, who succumbed to tuberculosis in 1877 when she was just 21 after losing her siblings to the same disease, is considered the first Indian poetess who wrote in French and English. "A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields", which was published in 1876, is considered her best work. Rassundari Devi's autobiography Amar Jiban, which was published in 1876, became the first autobiography ever written by an Indian woman. A mother of 12 children, Devi fulfilled her aspiration to become literate by teaching herself during her free time from daily chores. Rabindranath Tagore's sister Swarnakumari Devi was among Bengal's first women writers to gain prominence. Her debut novel Deepnirban, which was published in 1876, ignited the national spirit among people. Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, who was born in a well-to-do family where she received encouragement to study English and Bengali, wrote stories which talked about the importance of educating women. Her novel “Sultana’s Dream” is still widely read and celebrated as the finest example of feminist science fiction which sketches a world for its readers where everything is run by women and men remain secluded. These women not only challenged the stereotypes but inspired others to break their barriers and gain an education. These writers made the 19th century the 'age of women', unmasking their feelings, emotions, disappointments, longings, pleasures, priorities and literary tastes which remained veiled for a long time. In the 19th century's second half, more than 300 books were written by women authors in Bengal and were listed officially across different categories, with poetry emerging as the most favourite. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained | How women emerged as writers in 19th century colonial India

Two French journalists were put on trial on Monday&nbsp;in France for allegedly attempting to extort money from the king of Morocco in exchange for concealing supposedly damaging revelations about him.&nbsp;In order to stop the release of a book on the Moroccan royal family, Eric Laurent, 75, and Catherine Graciet, 48, allegedly demanded $2 million&nbsp;in 2015.

Both authors, who could be sentenced to five years in prison and fined 75,000 euros if proven guilty, have denied any wrongdoing and claim that a lawyer for the Moroccan royal family was the one who initially gave them the money.

In court on Monday, Laurent acknowledged that accepting to "let myself be caught up in this affair" was an "ethical error" and a "disaster."

Co-author Graciet said that the Moroccan envoy "seduced me with his financial offer, I took the plunge and I regret it".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-who-is-alireza-akbari-the-british-iranian-executed-by-iran-for-spying-552893">Explained: Who is Alireza Akbari the British-Iranian dual national executed by Iran for ‘spying’?</a>

In 2012, the authors had already released "The Predator King," a book about King Mohammed VI that was strongly criticised and later outlawed in Morocco.

In August 2015, Laurent visited a lawyer for the royal at the bar of a Parisian hotel and informed him that the second volume was scheduled to include potentially unpleasant disclosures for the monarchy.

Morocco claims the journalist offered to put an end to the book's initial 2016 release date in return for three million euros. After talks, he allegedly eventually lowered that sum to $2 million.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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Two French journalists were put on trial on Monday in France for allegedly attempting to extort money from the king of Morocco in exchange for concealing supposedly damaging revelations about him.

Two French journalists were put on trial on Monday in France for allegedly attempting to extort money from the king of Morocco in exchange for concealing supposedly damaging revelations about him. In order to stop the release of a book on the Moroccan royal family, Eric Laurent, 75, and Catherine Graciet, 48, allegedly demanded $2 million in 2015. Both authors, who could be sentenced to five years in prison and fined 75,000 euros if proven guilty, have denied any wrongdoing and claim that a lawyer for the Moroccan royal family was the one who initially gave them the money. In court on Monday, Laurent acknowledged that accepting to "let myself be caught up in this affair" was an "ethical error" and a "disaster." Co-author Graciet said that the Moroccan envoy "seduced me with his financial offer, I took the plunge and I regret it". Also read | Explained: Who is Alireza Akbari the British-Iranian dual national executed by Iran for ‘spying’? In 2012, the authors had already released "The Predator King," a book about King Mohammed VI that was strongly criticised and later outlawed in Morocco. In August 2015, Laurent visited a lawyer for the royal at the bar of a Parisian hotel and informed him that the second volume was scheduled to include potentially unpleasant disclosures for the monarchy. Morocco claims the journalist offered to put an end to the book's initial 2016 release date in return for three million euros. After talks, he allegedly eventually lowered that sum to $2 million. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

French journalists go on trial for blackmailing the king of Morocco; could face five years in jail

From Arundhati Roy in the 1990s to Geetanjali Shree, a look at all the renowned Indian writers who were awarded the prestigious Man Booker Prize.

India@75: Indian writers who won Man Booker Prize

India@75: Indian writers who won Man Booker

South Korean picture book artist Baek Heena was announced as the 2020 winner of the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) on Tuesday (March 31).

South Korean picture book artist Baek Heena wins top children and young adult literature award

Saudi Arabia has detained at least nine academics, writers and activists, campaigners said Monday, the latest in a series of crackdowns on intellectuals over the past two years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gay-saudi-journalists-detained-in-australia-after-asylum-bid-263362">The detention of liberals</a>,&nbsp;in the midst of a much-hyped liberalisation drive,&nbsp;underscores what observers call increasing repression and authoritarianism under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's de facto rule as he consolidates his grip on power.

In a sweeping crackdown that began on November 16, authorities raided the homes of nine journalists, bloggers and activists across multiple cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah and Hail,&nbsp;and seized their laptops and mobiles, rights group ALQST said.

"Saudi authorities have carried out a new wave of arrests of journalists and activists, women and men, over the past few days, in a continuation of their previous crackdowns on civil society," ALQST said in a statement.

"At the same time, the authorities have stepped up their harassment of existing prisoners of conscience by means of continued torture, sexual harassment and other kinds of abuse."

Prisoners of Conscience, a Saudi group that tracks political prisoners, put the number of people detained at 10.

The charges against them were unclear and there was no immediate comment from Saudi authorities.&nbsp;

Prisoners of Conscience said writer Suleiman al-Nasser was among those detained on "the grounds of his intellectual opinions", as was blogger Fuad al-Farhan for his "intellectual activities".

Many of those held had given up writing or maintained a low public profile amid Prince Mohammed's widening crackdown on dissent that has seen dozens of activists, businessmen and clerics arrested since 2017.

Saudi Arabia, which has taken over the G-20 presidency as it prepares to host the gathering next year, has faced intense global criticism since the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018.

The killing sparked unprecedented scrutiny of the kingdom's human rights record, including its crackdown on women activists, many of whom have accused interrogators of sexual harassment and torture. Saudi prosecutors deny the accusations.

Riyadh has faced pressure from Western governments to release the women, most of whom were detained in summer last year in a wide-ranging crackdown just before the historic lifting of a decades-long ban on female motorists.

In April this year, Saudi Arabia mounted a fresh crackdown that sent shock waves through the kingdom.

Authorities arrested at least nine writers and academics, including two US citizens, in what appeared to be a targeted crackdown on supporters of the detained women activists, campaigners said.

Such arbitrary crackdowns are amplifying public fears as aggressive hyper-nationalism takes root that promotes veneration of the kingdom's rulers.

Prince Mohammed has eased social restrictions in the conservative kingdom, allowing mixed-gender concerts and sporting extravaganzas as he seeks to open up the country to foreign tourists while curtailing the freedom of expression.

Saudi Arabia has detained at least nine academics, writers and activists, campaigners said Monday, the latest in a series of crackdowns on intellectuals over the past two years.

Saudi Arabia has detained at least nine academics, writers and activists, campaigners said Monday, the latest in a series of crackdowns on intellectuals over the past two years. The detention of liberals, in the midst of a much-hyped liberalisation drive, underscores what observers call increasing repression and authoritarianism under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's de facto rule as he consolidates his grip on power. In a sweeping crackdown that began on November 16, authorities raided the homes of nine journalists, bloggers and activists across multiple cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah and Hail, and seized their laptops and mobiles, rights group ALQST said. "Saudi authorities have carried out a new wave of arrests of journalists and activists, women and men, over the past few days, in a continuation of their previous crackdowns on civil society," ALQST said in a statement. "At the same time, the authorities have stepped up their harassment of existing prisoners of conscience by means of continued torture, sexual harassment and other kinds of abuse." Prisoners of Conscience, a Saudi group that tracks political prisoners, put the number of people detained at 10. The charges against them were unclear and there was no immediate comment from Saudi authorities. Prisoners of Conscience said writer Suleiman al-Nasser was among those detained on "the grounds of his intellectual opinions", as was blogger Fuad al-Farhan for his "intellectual activities". Many of those held had given up writing or maintained a low public profile amid Prince Mohammed's widening crackdown on dissent that has seen dozens of activists, businessmen and clerics arrested since 2017. Saudi Arabia, which has taken over the G-20 presidency as it prepares to host the gathering next year, has faced intense global criticism since the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. The killing sparked unprecedented scrutiny of the kingdom's human rights record, including its crackdown on women activists, many of whom have accused interrogators of sexual harassment and torture. Saudi prosecutors deny the accusations. Riyadh has faced pressure from Western governments to release the women, most of whom were detained in summer last year in a wide-ranging crackdown just before the historic lifting of a decades-long ban on female motorists. In April this year, Saudi Arabia mounted a fresh crackdown that sent shock waves through the kingdom. Authorities arrested at least nine writers and academics, including two US citizens, in what appeared to be a targeted crackdown on supporters of the detained women activists, campaigners said. Such arbitrary crackdowns are amplifying public fears as aggressive hyper-nationalism takes root that promotes veneration of the kingdom's rulers. Prince Mohammed has eased social restrictions in the conservative kingdom, allowing mixed-gender concerts and sporting extravaganzas as he seeks to open up the country to foreign tourists while curtailing the freedom of expression.

Saudi Arabia: 9 academics, writers detained in new crackdown

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