World Press Freedom Index: India Falls And Ranks At 161, Pakistan Climbs 7 Ranks Up At 150

Every year on May 3, World Press Freedom Day is observed to raise awareness of the importance of an independent press that is not controlled by outside influences. This year, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), on Wednesday, published the World Press Freedom Index. The report showed that India slipped down and ranked 161 as compared to last year, while Pakistan climbed 7 ranks and ranked 150.

World Press Freedom Index

The report on the World Press Freedom Index was published after analysing the state of journalism in 180 countries. India ranked 161, which is 11 places below its last year’s rank. This is the second consecutive year that India has slipped down the list.

In 2021, India’s rank on the World Press Freedom Index was 142, which slipped to 150 in 2022. Now in 2023, the rank has further slipped down. According to the report, press freedom is in jeopardy in “the largest democracy in the world,” as seen by the violence against journalists, the politically politicised media, and the consolidation of media ownership.

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Journalists And Violence Against Them

As compared to India, Pakistan climbed up the ladder and ranked at 150, which is seven places higher than last year. Nepal slides down to 95, which is 19 places down from last year. Myanmar ranked 173, which is 3 places higher as compared to last year.

It was said that journalists are subject to a variety of physical assaults, including those of police officers, political activists, and lethal retaliation by gangs or dishonest local officials.

According to RSF research on journalist safety, social media is the site of horrifyingly coordinated campaigns of hatred and murderous incitement.

The top three nations on the survey were all Nordic nations—Norway, Ireland, and Denmark—while Vietnam, China, and North Korea came in last place. (As per ABP live)