India Slips to 157th in Press Freedom Index; Report Says 'Informal Emergency'

India has ranked 157th in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, with the report describing the situation as akin to an 'informal emergency'. The index, released on April 30, 2026, highlights growing restrictions on media freedom, including attacks on journalists, legal pressures, and government interference. The decline reflects concerns over democratic backsliding and shrinking space for independent reporting.