World Press Freedom Index 2019

press freedom index
Question: Consider the following statement regarding World Press Freedom Index 2019:
(1) India is at 140th rank featuring dropdown to two places from 2018 report
(2) Total 180 countries are included in this report
(3) Norway has topped from last three years
Choose the correct statement/s from the above

(a) Only (1)
(b) Only (1)and (2)
(c) Only (1) and (3)
(d) All the above
Answer: (d)
Related facts:
  • India’s rank in the World Press Freedom Index 2019 dropped two places to 140th in 2018. One of the most striking features of the current state of press freedom in India is violence against journalists including police violence, attacks by Maoist fighters, criminal groups and corrupt politicians.
  • The year 2018 witnessed a surge in attacks against journalists. The emergence of #Me-too movement in India exposed many cases of sexual harassment to which women reporters have been subjected. The media coverage in the sensitive regions like Kashmir continues to be very difficult.
  • This year, the index has been topped by Norway again for the third year, followed by Finland and Sweden at second and third positions, respectively. 
  • At the bottom of the Index, North Korea fetched 179th position; and Turkmenistan moved two positions down to 180th rank.
  • Only 24% of the 180 countries and territories were classified as good or fairly good, as compared to 26% last year. 
  • Published annually by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) since 2002, the World Press Freedom Index measures the level of media freedom in 180 countries.
  • It is based on an evaluation of media freedom that measures pluralism, media independence, the quality of the legal framework and the safety of journalists in 180 countries.  It also includes indicators of the level of media freedom violations in each region.
  • The global indicator and the regional indicators show that there has been a deep and disturbing decline in respect for media freedom throughout the world.
  • It is compiled by means of a questionnaire in 20 languages that is completed by experts all over the world. This qualitative analysis is combined with quantitative data on abuses and acts of violence against journalists during the period are evaluated.

Links:

https://rsf.org/en/2019-world-press-freedom-index-cycle-fear

https://rsf.org/en/world-press-freedom-index

https://rsf.org/en/ranking_table

https://rsf.org/en/india