What is Reporters Without Borders ?
Reporters Without Borders or Reporters Sans Frontiers (in French) is a global media watchdog headquartered in Paris, France, and it publishes a yearly report on press freedom (World Press Freedom Index) in countries across the world.
Founded in 1985 , Reporters Sans Frontiers (RSF) is at the forefront of the defence and promotion of freedom of information.
Recognised as a public interest organisation in France since 1995, RSF has consultative status with the United Nations, UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the International Organization of Francophonie (OIF)
What is the rank of India in World Press Freedom Index 2023?
In the 2023 edition of the World Press Freedom Index, released annually by the non-profit organisation Reporters Without Borders, India has slipped 11 places to the 161st rank out of 180 countries – ranking below countries such as Somalia (141), Pakistan (150), and Afghanistan (152).
It develops a score between 0 (for the worst possible performance in terms of securing press freedom) and 100 (the best possible score).
This year, Norway scored 95.18 at the first position, North Korea was at 21.72 and India scored 36.62.
A score below 70 falls under the ‘problematic’ category.
North Korea (180th), China (179th), Vietnam (178th), Myanmar (173rd) – Asia’s one-party regimes and dictatorships are the ones that constrict journalism the most, with leaders tightening their totalitarian stranglehold on the public discourse.
What is Press freedom?
Press freedom is defined as the ability of journalists as individuals and collectives to select, produce, and disseminate news in the public interest independent of political, economic, legal, and social interference and in the absence of threats to their physical and mental safety.
When World Press Freedom Day is observed ?
World Press Freedom Day is observed 3rd May.
The day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993.
The day also marks the 1991 Windhoek Declaration adopted by UNESCO.
World Press Freedom Day is observed to raise public awareness of the value of press freedom, the importance of protecting journalists’ rights, and the importance of encouraging independent, free media.
