In a stark revelation on World Press Freedom Day, Reporters Without Borders unveiled its annual press freedom index, highlighting a dire global trend.

Only eight countries, representing a mere 0.8% of the world's population, enjoy "good" press freedom, a significant decline from 25 countries a decade ago.

The report further illuminates the growing threats to independent journalism, including the systematic persecution of journalists in conflict zones like Gaza and Afghanistan, and the rise of generative AI technologies producing convincing deepfakes.

Political efforts to dismantle media diversity have intensified, with instances such as Argentina's president shutting down the country's largest news agency.

Amidst these challenges, the report points out a few improvements in countries like Surinam and Fiji but underscores the overall negative trajectory for press freedom worldwide..