India ranks 136 on World Press Freedom Index, slips three places since 2016

India ranks 136th among 180 countries in the 2017 ‘World Press Freedom Index’ released by Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF) also known as Reporters Without Borders. In 2016 India ranked 133^rd on this index.

Highlights of 2017 ‘World Press Freedom Index’:

India’s dismal performance has been attributed to self-censorship which journalists have imposed upon themselves, as they fear that their opinion will be misinterpreted by radical nationalists and consequentially they will be subjected to physical threats and prosecution.

The report specifically mentioned about the internet ban in Kashmir during protests in July 2016.

• Many African countries, including dictator-ruled Zimbabwe, are ranking higher than India.
• China ranks 176^th and has been described as the “world’s leading prison for citizen journalists”.
• Russia retained its position at 148^th rank, whereas US at 43^rd rank had a marginal improvement of 1 spot as compared to 2016.
• North Korea ranked at the bottom of the Index.
• Norway ranked first on the index. It replaced Finland which was holding the top spot since past six years.

2017 ‘World Press Freedom Index’ – Top 10 Countries:

2017 ‘World Press Freedom Index’ – India’s Neighbouring 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)