Question: Consider the following statements with reference to Freedom in the world 2020 report:
(1) The Freedom in the World- 2020 report is released by U.S based watchdog, Freedom House.
(2) India secured 84th position in this report.
Choose the correct options from the following:
(a) Only (1)
(b) Only (2)
(c) Both (1) and (2)
(d) None of the above
Answer: (a)
Related facts:
- The Freedom in the World- 2020 report is released by U.S based watchdog, Freedom House which has been tracking global political and civil liberties for almost 50 years.
- Top five countries in this report are Finland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands and Luxembourg.
- In this report India was ranked 83rd along with Timor-Leste (asian country) and Senegal among the bottom five of free democracies.
- India witnessed the worst score decline among the world’s 25 largest democracies
- India’s overall score declined from 75 in 2019 to 71 in 2020, with civil liberties taking the biggest hit.
According to the report reasons behind the declination of India’s rank:
- Loss in autonomous status of J &K and Internet shutdown in the State.
- Controversial Citizenship Register in Assam.
- Citizenship Amendment Act- 2019.
- Freedom of expression under threat.
Links:
https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2020/leaderless-struggle-democracy
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/freedom-in-the-world-2020-report-ranks-india-among-least-free-democracies/article30988277.ece
https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/03/06/freedom-in-the-world-2020/