Pakistan has made progress on the World Press Freedom Index, climbing seven places and now ranks 150 out of 180 countries, compared to 157 last year. In contrast, India fell 11 positions to rank 161 as media acquisitions by oligarchs close to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are undermining pluralism in the country.
Norway remains at the top of the rankings for the seventh consecutive year, followed by Ireland and Denmark in second and third place respectively. The Netherlands has moved up 22 places to sixth place. However, North Korea and Vietnam remain the worst countries for independent reporters and commentators. The United States fell three places to 45th, largely due to an increasingly dangerous environment for journalists.
The data explained that traditional forms of political interference are also gaining ground in many countries, including India, where political actors are often involved in massive disinformation or propaganda campaigns. It is important to mention that Reporters Without Borders is a non-profit organization that defends and promotes freedom of information.
