- According to the World Press Freedom Index 2019, released on April 18, 2019, India has dropped two places to be ranked 140th out of 180 countries.
- The index was released by the Paris-based Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF), or Reporters Without Borders which documents and combats attacks on journalists around the world.
- As per the index violence against journalists – including police violence, attacks by Maoist fighters, and reprisals by criminal groups or corrupt politicians – is one of the most striking characteristics of the current state of press freedom in India.
- The report also says that at least six Indian journalists were killed in connection with their work in 2018. A number of doubts surround a seventh case. These murders highlighted the many dangers Indian journalists face, especially those working for non-English-language media outlets in rural areas. Attacks against journalists by supporters of current ruling party at centre.
- The index was topped by Norway, and followed by Finland and Sweden.
- Turkmenistan and North Korea were ranked at 180th and 179th respectively.
