2018 World Press Freedom Index released: India falls to 138th rank

India has ranked 138^th out of 180 countries in the 2018 ‘World Press Freedom Index’ released by Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF), also known as Reporters Without Borders.

Highlights of 2018 ‘World Press Freedom Index’:

India’s 138th rank in the 2018 ‘World Press Freedom Index’ marks a drop of two places as compared to 136th rank in 2017.

• Killing of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot down outside her house in Bengaluru in September 2017 has been cited as the main reason behind India’s low ranking on the index.
• Besides, hate crime has been identified as another issue plaguing India.
• Among world’s major powers, Russia retained its position at 148th rank while US slipped to 45th as compared to 43rd rank in 2017. China too retained its spot at 176th.
• Among India’s neighbouring countries, Bhutan (94th), Nepal (106th) and Sri Lanka (131st) rank ahead of India. Myanmar, Pakistan and Bangladesh rank 137th, 139th and 146th respectively.
• Norway topped the index for second consecutive year, while North Korea at 180th spot remained the most repressive country.

2018 ‘World Press Freedom Index’ – Top 10 Countries:

About World Press freedom Index:

• It was first published in year 2002.
• It ranks 180 countries in context of freedom available to Press.
• The methodology to compile the index is based on qualitative inputs (responses of experts to a questionnaire) and quantitative inputs (data on abuses and acts of violence against journalists).
• The questionnaire seeks views on prevailing pluralism, media environment and self-censorship, media independence, legislative framework, transparency and the quality of the infrastructure that supports the production of news and information.