India’s Free Speech Ranking in Global Index

Current Context: The Global Free Speech Index 2025, released on March 19, 2025 by the U.S.-based think tank "The Future of Free Speech," .

• Top Country: Norway, with a score of 87.9.
• India's Position: Ranked 24th out of 33 countries, with a score of 62.6.

India's Performance:

• India ranks between South Africa (66.9) and Lebanon (61.8).
• 37% of Indian respondents supported government restrictions on policy criticism, the highest among surveyed nations.
• Despite public support for free speech, actual conditions reflect "democratic backsliding."

Question:

Q.1 What is India's rank in the Global Free Speech Index 2025?
a) 22nd
b) 24th
c) 26th
d) 28th

Answer: b) India was ranked 24th out of 33 countries in the Global Free Speech Index 2025, with a score of 62.6, placing it between South Africa (66.9) and Lebanon (61.8).