<h5>What has happened?
</h5>  <p>In the 2022 edition of the Press Freedom Index, released by Reporters Without Borders, India dropped to the 150th rank - its lowest ever - out of 180 countries. India was placed 142 in the previous edition, eight ranks higher. This drop in ranking is worrisome. This shows that journalists are not protected enough in the country.</p>
<p>The ranking is determined by how well each nation performs in five major areas: political context, legal framework, economic context, sociocultural context and safety of journalists. India's position among the five was highest in the legal framework category and lowest in the safety of journalists category.</p>
<p>The index ranked India as one of the world's most dangerous countries for the media. This is due to an average of three or four journalists dying while doing their jobs each year. </p>
<p>The index says that journalists are frequently the target of physical attacks, including those by police, political activists, and by gangs or corrupt local officials.
</p> <h5>What is the government’s opinion regarding the index?
</h5> <figure>
        <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/india-slips-to-150th-rank-in-press-freedom%2F1084px-Press_Conference_-_Sunita_Lyn_Williams_-_Science_City_-_Kolkata_2013-04-02_7593.jpeg?alt=media&token=4012dd43-9d3a-4f08-92d1-15ea8ace29e2" alt="What is the government’s opinion regarding the index?
" >
        <figcaption>Indian journalists during a press conference. Photo by Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0.</figcaption>
      </figure> <p>The government informed the Parliament that it disagreed with the findings of the World Press Freedom Index. Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur, has said that the government disagrees with the organization's findings for a number of reasons.</p>
<p>The government disagrees because the report was made based on a small sample size, little weight given to democratic principles, and the use of a questionable methodology. The minister stated that upholding the right to freedom of speech and expression was a priority for the government.</p>
<p>According to Thakur, the Press Council of India (PCI) looks after press freedom for newspapers and news organisations across the nation.
</p> <h5>What do we know about Reporters Without Borders?
</h5>  <p>The international organisation Reporters Without Borders, also known as Reporters sans Frontières (RSF), was established in France in 1985 to promote press freedom around the world. The head office of the organisation is located in Paris, France.</p>
<p>RSF defends imprisoned or attacked journalists and media workers. It also highlights abuse and torture against journalists, offers financial support to struggling media workers (as well as to the families of imprisoned journalists), and promotes the safety of journalists, particularly in war zones.</p>
<p>The group gathers information to reveal press freedom violations. RSF uses publicity campaigns and protests to put pressure on governments once it has proof of violations against journalists. However, the organisation and its press freedom index have been criticised. Some say that it is partial to some countries in its reports.
</p> <h5>What did we learn from this article?
</h5>  <p>Media and press are important because it is their job to bring the true facts to people. When journalists expose corruption and wrong-doings of powerful people, they are targeted and their safety is threatened. </p>
<p>We learned that journalists must be protected. People wouldn't be able to make informed decisions without their reports. So, they must be given proper freedom and safety.</p>
<p>How many of you want to become a journalist when you grow up? Please let us know in the comments section.
</p>

The Press Freedom Index is released by Reporters Without Borders. In the latest edition of the index, India has been placed at the 150th position. Let’s read to find out more.


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