Why in the News?
- India ranked 159th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) 2024, released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Key Observations
- Consistent decline in India’s rank since 2015.
- Concerns over press censorship, journalist safety, and increasing state control over media.
- WPFI methodology evaluates pluralism, media independence, and legal protections for journalists.
Global Rankings
- Top 3: Norway, Denmark, Sweden.
- Lowest: North Korea, Eritrea, Iran.
Concerns Raised
- Increase in self-censorship due to legal and political pressure.
- Misinformation and government-backed content regulation.
- Journalists facing legal action and online harassment.
Way Forward
- Strengthen legal protections for media professionals.
- Curb government influence over press regulation
