CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
A recent global survey conducted by the U.S.-based think tank, The Future of Free Speech, placed India 24th out of 33 nations in its Free Speech Index. The study, carried out in October 2024, revealed a contrast between public perception and actual free speech conditions in the country. While most Indians believe freedom of speech has improved, the findings indicate a decline since 2021. The report, titled Who in the World Supports Free Speech?, also highlights broader global patterns of democratic decline.
India’s Free Speech Ranking And Insights
Ranking & Score - India secured the 24th position with a score of 62.6, ranking between South Africa (66.9) and Lebanon (61.8).
Perception vs. Reality - Despite a drop in free speech protections, public sentiment in India suggests an improvement.
Support For Free Speech In India
A large section of the Indian population values the right to express opinions without government intervention.
However, support for criticizing government policies falls below the global average.
Views On Government Criticism
37% of Indian respondents agreed that authorities should have the power to restrict criticism of government policies— the highest percentage among all surveyed nations.
In contrast, only 5% of respondents in the U.K. and 3% in Denmark shared this view.
India’s Unique Position In Global Trends
Typically, countries with strong public support for free speech also have high levels of free speech protections.
India, alongside Hungary and Venezuela, deviates from this trend, displaying strong public support despite limited legal safeguards.
Global Overview
Top Ranking Nations - Norway (87.9) and Denmark (87.0) scored the highest in free speech support.
Biggest Improvements - Indonesia (56.8), Malaysia (55.4), and Pakistan (57.0) recorded significant progress, despite remaining in the lower rankings.
Declining Support Worldwide - Many countries have seen a drop in support for free speech since 2021, including democratic nations such as the United States, Israel, and Japan.
Broader Perspective On Free Speech
Scandinavian nations continue to lead in free speech protections.
Countries like Hungary (85.5) and Venezuela (81.8) demonstrate a gap between public attitudes and government-imposed restrictions.
Free speech extends beyond legal frameworks it thrives in a culture that encourages open discussions and tolerates differing opinions.
Without societal commitment, legal protections may become ineffective, cautioned Jacob Mchangama, executive director of The Future of Free Speech.
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