Goa, May 19 -- The recent exchange involving Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Prime Minister's visit to Norway has brought renewed attention to the World Press Freedom Index and how it is interpreted globally. During a joint media appearance, Lyng called out a question referencing Norway's standing on the press freedom rankings. The moment quickly gained traction online and sparked conversations about media freedom, public accountability and the role of international rankings in shaping perceptions of democracies.

While the interaction generated political reactions in India and abroad, it also led many to revisit how the World Press Freedom Index is compiled and what the rankings actually measur...