India ranked 157th among 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Norway retained first position, while Eritrea ranked last. India improved marginally from 159th rank in 2025. Best Book for Current Affairs & General Knowledge Preparation
The World Press Freedom Index evaluates countries using political, economic, legislative, social, and security indicators affecting journalists and media institutions. The ranking is published annually by the Paris-based organisation Reporters Without Borders.
India scored poorly in journalist safety and media independence indicators. RSF highlighted concerns regarding attacks on journalists, legal pressure, internet shutdowns, and concentration of media ownership.
According to RSF, India remains one of the world’s largest democracies with a highly diverse media landscape, including more than 100,000 registered publications and hundreds of television news channels.
The Constitution of India guarantees Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19(1)(a). However, reasonable restrictions can be imposed under Article 19(2) on grounds including sovereignty, security, public order, and defamation.
India’s neighbourhood showed mixed performance in the 2026 rankings. Nepal ranked higher than India, while Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China remained in lower positions due to restrictions on media freedom and journalist safety.
RSF also observed growing economic pressure on global journalism. Rising misinformation, political polarisation, surveillance technologies, and declining advertising revenue have affected independent journalism worldwide.
The Press Council of India acts as a statutory watchdog for print media standards. It was established under the Press Council Act, 1978, to preserve freedom of the press and maintain journalistic ethics.
India has repeatedly stated that the Press Freedom Index methodology lacks transparency and fails to adequately reflect the country’s democratic framework and media diversity. Government agencies have questioned several RSF assessments in previous years.
Expected Current Affairs Questions for UPSC CDS NDA and AFCAT 2 2026 Written Exam
Q1. Which organisation releases the World Press Freedom Index?
A. UNESCO
B. Amnesty International
C. Reporters Without Borders
D. Human Rights Watch
Answer: C. Reporters Without Borders
Explanation: The World Press Freedom Index is published annually by the Paris-based organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Q2. Freedom of speech and expression in India is guaranteed under which Article of the Constitution?
A. Article 14
B. Article 19(1)(a)
C. Article 21
D. Article 32
Answer: B. Article 19(1)(a)
Explanation: Article 19(1)(a) guarantees freedom of speech and expression, including press freedom.
Q3. The Press Council of India was established under which Act?
A. Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867
B. Official Secrets Act, 1923
C. Press Council Act, 1978
D. Information Technology Act, 2000
Answer: C. Press Council Act, 1978
Explanation: The Press Council of India is a statutory body formed under the Press Council Act, 1978, to preserve press freedom and ethics.
Also Check: Best Book for Current Affairs & General Knowledge Preparation
Also Read: Important NCERT Notes for UPSC CDS NDA CAPF AC and AFCAT Written Exam
