Press freedom remains sharply uneven worldwide in 2025, with Nordic countries maintaining their dominance at the top of global rankings, while dozens of nations continue to operate under constrained or reduced media conditions, according to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The index, which scores countries on a scale from 0 to 100, shows Norway once again leading globally with a score of 93, followed closely by Estonia and the Netherlands at 89, and Sweden at 88. Finland, Denmark and Ireland also rank among the highest performers, each scoring 87, reinforcing Northern Europe’s longstanding position as a stronghold for independent journalism.

European countries dominate the upper tier of the index, with several nations, including Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, and Czechia, scoring in the mid-80s, indicating a broadly stable media environment. The United Kingdom and Canada sit slightly lower at 79, reflecting what RSF describes as “moderate but notable pressures” on press independence.

Despite Europe’s overall strength, the index highlights variations within the region. Countries such as Hungary (63) and Greece (55) fall into lower categories, underscoring concerns about political influence, media concentration and journalist safety.

A large group of countries falls into what RSF classifies as “moderate” or “constrained” press freedom. These include major economies such as the United States (65), Japan (63), and South Korea (64), where structural and political challenges continue to affect journalistic work.

In Africa, the picture is mixed. Ghana (67) and Namibia (75) perform relatively well, while others, such as Zambia (57) and Niger (57), face tighter constraints. Similarly, Latin American countries show divergence, with Uruguay (65) and Costa Rica (73) outperforming regional peers like Bolivia (54) and Ecuador (54).

Asia-Pacific nations also display a broad spectrum. Australia and New Zealand remain in the moderate category, while countries such as Papua New Guinea (58) and Malaysia (56) highlight ongoing struggles with regulatory and political pressures.

At the lower end of the index, countries including Benin, Bolivia, Ecuador and Tanzania all score 54, placing them in the “reduced press freedom” category. Serbia, Brunei, Eswatini, Kosovo and Angola follow closely with scores of 53.

These rankings point to systemic issues such as censorship, legal intimidation, limited access to information and threats to journalists’ safety, factors RSF identifies as key barriers to a free press.

According to officials, a DNA test has confirmed the identity of the last victim of the Air India plane crash that occurred on June 12 in Ahmedabad, bringing the death toll to 260. The crash resulted in the deaths of 241 people on board and 19 others on the ground, with one survivor reported. Previous estimates had pegged the death toll higher, but 240 bodies were identified before this confirmation. Medical authorities indicated that the DNA matching process was complex due to severe damage to many bodies.

Mahaa News office vandalised in Hyderabad, allegations against BRS

Reports confirm that unidentified assailants attacked the office of Mahaa News in Hyderabad, vandalising vehicles and property on June 28. Congress MLC Venkat Balmoor has condemned the incident, attributing responsibility to BRS party leaders. Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka is scheduled to visit the affected channel's office as authorities continue to investigate the attack.

Saquib Nachan, alleged ISIS leader, dies in Delhi Hospital

Saquib Abdul Hamid Nachan, alleged chief of ISIS India , has died in a Delhi hospital following complications from a brain haemorrhage. Nachan, previously convicted for his involvement in the 2002-03 Mumbai blasts, was under medical care after being admitted from Tihar Jail. His death raises concerns over the ongoing investigations into terrorism in India.

India's unvaccinated children: Global ranking reevaluated

India has been reported to have the second highest number of unvaccinated children globally, with 1.4 million behind Nigeria's 2.5 million, according to The Lancet. However, analysis suggests that these figures may not accurately reflect India's vaccination efforts due to its large population. Experts highlight the need for more nuanced comparisons to understand the context of vaccination rates in such a populous nation.

Air India flight returns to Mumbai due to cabin emergency

An Air India flight from Mumbai to Chennai made a precautionary return on June 27 after a burning smell was detected in the cabin. The airline confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and provided support to passengers affected by the disruption. This incident follows other recent reports concerning aircraft safety and security measures within the airline.

This staggering figure underscores the country’s ongoing struggle with organized crime, much of which is deeply tied to gang violence and the lingering effects of its Civil War. Adding to this crisis, El Salvador recorded the world’s highest murder rate in 2023, with over 50 homicides per 100,000 people, further highlighting the scale of the violence plaguing the nation.

In Cuba, the incarceration rate stands at 794 per 100,000 people, reflecting a justice system shaped by the criminalisation of political dissent and independent journalism.

Many arrests are based on vague charges, such as “pre-criminal social dangerousness,” while other legal restrictions target unauthorized emigration and informal economic activities. These policies have drawn criticism from human rights organizations and underscore the tight grip of the Cuban government on individual freedoms.

In the United States , states such as Texas, California, and Florida have the largest prison populations. Crimes like sexual assault and murder remain the leading causes of incarceration in these states, reflecting the broader challenges of addressing violent crime within the country’s justice system.

These figures illustrate the complex political, social, and historical factors driving incarceration rates worldwide. From El Salvador’s fight against gang violence to Cuba’s restrictive policies and the United States’ focus on addressing violent crime, the global picture of imprisonment reveals the diverse challenges facing justice systems today.

Research conducted by Global South World shows that between February 1 and April 3, close to 700,000 total mentions of “USA & Tariffs” were recorded across media channels. But most of those came from social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Reddit, and Instagram. While traditional media produced in-depth coverage and expert commentary, it was individual users and influencers who dictated the speed and tone of the conversation.

Top-performing news content

Top-performing social media content

Social media posts racked up thousands of likes, shares, and replies within hours, quickly making their way into article quotes and news analysis.

News stayed neutral, but social media didn’t

While 63% of news content stayed neutral in tone, social media didn't pull any punches. Emotional reactions, partisan framing, and direct calls to action flooded feeds. Influential accounts on X like @YourAnonNews posted grim takes, warning: “USA is losing allies quick. The economy is about to tank when the tariffs hit.” These types of posts captured the underlying anxiety that official reports often avoided.

Platforms like MSN.com and USA Today had the largest potential reach—with audiences in the tens of billions—their content often presented facts without fury. In contrast, social posts spread anger, urgency, and humour—and did it faster.

Viral voices

It wasn’t just politicians or media personalities leading the conversation. Lesser-known accounts like @DemosKratosCA, a Canadian user, sparked viral engagement by sharing a list of existing Canadian tariffs on U.S. goods—some as high as 270% on milk. The implication? “Canada started it.”

The tweet went viral, flipped the narrative, and drew hundreds of replies from both sides of the border. It was picked up by commentators, featured in blog articles, and became a reference point for those defending or denouncing the new U.S. tariff policy .

Meanwhile, Canadian users like @1414Maple urged: “The only way to beat these tariffs is to buy strictly Canadian.”  

According to World Population Review, Hungary and Romania report the earliest average bedtimes, with people heading to bed around 11.59 PM and 11.09 PM, respectively. These schedules reflect what sleep researchers have long suggested: going to bed earlier and in line with natural circadian rhythms often results in more restorative sleep and improved well-being.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Russia and Slovakia report the latest bedtimes, with averages around 1.05 AM and 1.03 AM. However, both countries also report later wake-up times, suggesting that while the sleep window begins later, the total sleep duration may still be sufficient. This raises a long-standing question in sleep science about whether sleep timing or total hours of rest matter more for overall health.

China and Taiwan show a more balanced approach. With bedtimes of around 12.32 AM and 12.37 AM, both countries reflect consistent, middle-of-the-night patterns that support stable rest. These sleep habits may be influenced by a blend of modern work schedules and cultural routines that stretch into the late evening but still prioritise daily rhythm and recovery.

Countries like the Czech Republic and Poland in Central Europe show signs that natural light cycles may shape sleep behaviour. Later summer sunsets in these regions are associated with longer sleep durations, hinting daylight's role in regulating melatonin levels and prompting rest.

Together, these findings suggest that national sleep habits are shaped by biology and culture, time structure, geography, and public routines. As sleep health draws attention globally, understanding how and when we sleep may offer essential insights for improving quality of life.

Britannica revealed that, the turning point came in 1935. Jesse Owens, already a rising star in American athletics, leapt 8.13 metres in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His record was a statement of athletic brilliance and a feat of precision and technique. Owens’ jump remained unbeaten for 25 years and symbolised excellence in track and field.

The 1960s brought new energy to the sport. Ralph Boston from the United States extended Owens’ record to 8.21 metres. He entered into a memorable rivalry with Soviet jumper Igor Ter-Ovanesyan. Over the next seven years, the world record changed hands between them, inching forward until Boston reached 8.35 metres. This period marked the first time athletes from opposing Cold War powers openly contested global track and field dominance.

Then came the defining moment in long jump history. At the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, Bob Beamon stunned the sporting world with an almost superhuman jump. His leap of 8.90 metres surpassed the existing record by 55 centimetres. Spectators, officials, and even Beamon himself struggled to process the distance. His record lasted 23 years and remains the longest-standing Olympic record, now at 52 years and counting.

In 1991, the drama reached another peak. At the World Championships in Tokyo, Mike Powell and Carl Lewis engaged in one of the greatest duels in track and field history. Lewis had been in top form and had already jumped past Beamon’s distance, but his leap was wind-assisted and ineligible for record recognition. In the same competition, Powell delivered a clean jump of 8.95 metres. Over three decades later, it remains the world record, a testament to the power, technique, and mental strength required to break limits.

From the early 1900s to now, the long jump world record has been shaped by legendary names and moments that transcend sport. It reflects how far an athlete can leap and how far ambition and determination can carry human performance.

They are accused of plotting against the state but activists say the charges are false and part of a government effort to silence critics.

Nine of the accused were not allowed to appear in court because the authorities said they were too dangerous to be released from prison. Their lawyers and protesters outside the courthouse demanded they be given the right to defend themselves in person.

Some have already spent more than two years in jail waiting for this trial, while others have fled the country.

 Some of them could face the death penalty if found guilty of charges including plotting against state security, terrorism, and having secret links with foreign diplomats.

Critics say President Kais Saied is using the courts to get rid of his opponents.

Since taking full control of the government in 2021, Saied has been accused of rolling back Tunisia’s freedoms .

There are also accusations that his crackdown has destroyed the democracy Tunisia fought for during the Arab Spring.

Saied has however denied this, accusing those on trial of being “traitors and terrorists.”

His supporters say he is trying to fix the country, which has serious problems like high prices, unemployment, and corruption. They argue that the old political leaders are to blame for Tunisia’s struggles.

International human rights groups have condemned the trial. The International Commission of Jurists said the way the accused were treated before the trial was unfair and that this raises serious questions about whether the court is truly independent.

According to him, these challenges have hurt government revenue and made it harder for the country to move forward.

The plan focuses on making the government stronger and more effective. Napat wants to ensure that government resources are used wisely and that ministers work together without repeating the same efforts.

Each minister will get a copy of the plan to help them stay on track.

He intends to introduce political reforms as a key part of the plan. The government has introduced new rules, known as 17A and 17B, to make operations smoother, which it believes will help stabilise the country.

On the economic front, the government is looking at ways to recover from the damage caused by natural disasters.

Officials are discussing new ideas to boost revenue and strengthen the economy . Some of these plans will be brought to Parliament soon for approval.

Napat said this is a moment for Vanuatu to come together and make real progress. He stressed that the country has faced many difficulties but must now focus on building a stronger future.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil told Parliament that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is responsible for taking down these posts and blocking websites.

He said social media platforms must now apply for a special license if they have over eight million users in Malaysia. This rule, which started in January, is meant to make the internet safer.

The issue was raised by a lawmaker, Dr. Halimah Ali, who said that despite government action, pornographic ads are still common online.

Fahmi responded by saying that MCMC has a team dedicated to monitoring and removing harmful content, adding that social media companies must take responsibility for keeping their platforms clean.

"Social media platforms have a duty of care to avoid putting up inappropriate content and that is why we need to work with them," he was quoted by The Star .

Another lawmaker, RSN Rayer, also raised concerns about the spread of false and harmful content, especially posts insulting Malaysia’s rulers and politicians.

Communications Minister Fahmi urged everyone, including politicians, to avoid sharing false information, stressing that spreading fake news can have serious consequences.

The government set up the Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC) in 2019 to track and stop false stories.

The goal is to give people the right information quickly before they fall for scams. The centre focuses on five key areas: government policies and security, illegal businesses, the economy, natural disasters, and online crime.

The   AFNC website is already in use by many Thais and has nearly 28 million visits. The centre also shares updates through Line, a popular messaging app, where it has 2.8 million followers.

Since 2022, the government has been sending alerts about scams and fake news through the Pao Tang app, which many Thais use for financial services. Last year, the system sent an average of 23.5 million alerts each month.

To make its fight against fake news stronger, the ministry has teamed up with 16 banks and media organisations.

It has also signed an agreement with the Thai Media Fund to help people understand the difference between real and fake news.

Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong said the next step is to use AI to quickly check if the news is real, fake, or misleading. The plan is to make it easier for people to trust the news they read and avoid being tricked by false information.

The Industrial Revolution and Mass Urban Migration

Data revealed that the 19th and 20th centuries saw one of the most significant transformations in urban history. The rise of industrialisation fuelled large-scale migration to cities, as people sought jobs in factories and emerging industries. Urban populations surged, and cities like Manchester, New York, and Shanghai expanded rapidly, becoming economic powerhouses. Colonial influence also played a key role, as trade networks and administrative centres grew, shifting global economic power toward industrialized nations.

Technology and Infrastructure – The Backbone of Megacities

As urban populations swelled, advancements in infrastructure became critical to sustaining large cities. Improved transportation networks, including railroads and later automobiles, allowed for greater mobility and suburban expansion. Sanitation systems reduced disease outbreaks, making densely populated areas more habitable. High-rise construction techniques enabled cities to build upward, maximizing space and redefining skylines.

The Future of Urbanisation: AI, Sustainability, and Climate Resilience

Urbanisation will continue to evolve and will be shaped by new economic and environmental challenges. AI-driven economies influence workforce trends, automation, and thoughtful city planning. Climate resilience is becoming a priority as cities develop adaptive strategies to mitigate extreme weather and rising sea levels. The next wave of urban growth may focus on sustainable megacities that integrate technology, green infrastructure, and efficient resource management.

As history has shown, cities are living entities that constantly adapt to the forces that shape them. The question now is: Will the future of urbanization be led by innovation, sustainability, or entirely new forces we have yet to anticipate?

Japan , a nation already grappling with the challenges of an ageing society, follows closely behind at 30%. The country’s ageing demographic has sparked critical conversations about the sustainability of its healthcare and welfare systems as policymakers scramble to address the needs of its older citizens.

Across Europe, countries like Italy, Finland, and Germany face similar demographic pressures, with over 23% of their populations aged 65 or above. These nations are contending with issues ranging from labour shortages to rising healthcare costs as their ageing populations place unprecedented demands on public services and economies.

The implications of this global trend extend far beyond social systems. Industries such as healthcare, finance, and technology must adapt to meet the needs of older adults, while businesses face the challenge of catering to a consumer base with evolving priorities. As the world’s population ages, questions loom about whether governments and industries are ready to respond to this seismic demographic shift.

With 2050 fast approaching, the ageing population is not just a statistic—it is a call to action for innovation and reform on a global scale.

Walmart, the retail behemoth, leads the charge, which achieves this staggering figure in just 1 hour and 16 minutes. This incredible pace underscores Walmart’s unparalleled reach, bolstered by its extensive network of stores and robust e-commerce presence, catering to millions of customers daily.

Amazon, the global e-commerce leader, is not far behind, reaching the same milestone in 1 hour and 22 minutes. Known for its fast-paced innovation, expansive product offerings, and highly efficient logistics, Amazon’s ability to generate such rapid revenue solidifies its position as a leader in both retail and technology.

In the tech sector, Apple and Alphabet (Google's parent company) demonstrate the power of innovation and brand loyalty by achieving $100 million in sales within just 2.5 hours.

Apple’s dominance is driven by its ecosystem of popular products, including the iPhone and Mac, while Alphabet thrives on its advertising revenue and growing ventures in cloud computing and AI. Microsoft follows closely, reaching the mark in just over 3 hours, highlighting its success in enterprise software, cloud computing, and consumer products.

These figures reflect not just the financial strength of these companies but their ability to tap into global markets with remarkable efficiency. Walmart and Amazon excel in serving the everyday needs of billions of customers, while tech giants like Apple, Alphabet, and Microsoft shape the digital age with cutting-edge innovation and services that touch every aspect of modern life.

The extraordinary speed at which these companies generate revenue speaks to their market dominance and operational excellence. It also raises questions about the broader economic landscape, including the competitive pressures on smaller players and the potential societal impact of such concentrated economic power.

As these corporations continue to grow and diversify, their influence on global markets, consumer behaviour, and technological advancement remains undeniable.

This approach comes amidst a hostile environment for journalists, where reporting has become increasingly perilous.

The situation for journalists in Venezuela has deteriorated significantly under Nicolás Maduro's government, especially after the disputed election victory in July.

An environment characterised by widespread repression and censorship has resulted in severe restrictions on freedom of speech. Journalists regularly face detention, harassment, and even loss of essential documents like passports, nullifying their ability to report effectively. 

With over 16 journalists detained during recent anti-government protests and many others facing severe threats, traditional news dissemination has been compromised.

"Venezuela Retweets" aims to alleviate these risks by allowing journalists to report via AI avatars, thereby removing them from potential government backlash. The show not only provides an avenue for critical reporting but also ensures that the content is adapted for social media, increasing its shareability and decreasing the likelihood of government censorship.

The project's implementation is coordinated by a Colombian platform called Connectas, which emphasises the importance of protecting journalists akin to firefighting.

"You still need to attend the fire, even though it’s dangerous," said Carlos Eduardo Huertas, the director of Connectas.

By utilising AI to communicate vital information while keeping journalists safe from persecution, the initiative aims to inspire similar movements in other authoritarian regimes.

Europe remains a stronghold for a free press, with the Netherlands and Finland also securing the top 5 positions.

However, some Western countries, such as France (21st), the UK (23rd), and the USA (55th), are ranked lower than anticipated.

These are the top 10 countries with the highest press freedom:

Stand News, a Chinese-language news outlet, gained significant popularity during the 2019 pro-democracy protests.

However, it was raided and shut down in December 2021 as part of a broader crackdown on dissent.

The editors were charged with conspiracy to publish and reproduce seditious publications, a charge rooted in colonial-era laws that have seen renewed use in recent years.

District court judge Kwok Wai-kin ruled that the articles published by Stand News had seditious intent, accusing the outlet of promoting illegal ideologies. The parent company, Best Pencil Limited, was also found guilty.

"The line (Stand News) took was to support and promote Hong Kong's local autonomy. It even became a tool to smear and vilify the Central Authorities (Beijing) and the (Hong Kong) SAR government," reads a written judgement by Kwok.

Critics argue that the use of outdated sedition laws to silence media and dissenting voices is a significant step back for press freedom in Hong Kong.

Beh Lih Yi from the Committee to Protect Journalists stated, "Journalism is not seditious. Today's oppressive ruling shows Hong Kong is descending further into authoritarianism"

Chung and Lam have been granted bail pending their sentencing on September 26. They face up to two years in prison under the colonial-era law, though recent security legislation could extend this to seven years.

By Alexandra Valencia

A court in Ecuador on Friday handed down prison sentences of 12 years and 34 years for five people found guilty of murdering presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.

Journalist and former legislator Villavicencio was shot while leaving a rally in August 2023, becoming the most prominent victim of Ecuador's spiralling violence.

The ruling, read out by Milton Maroto, one of the court's three judges, can be appealed by both the prosecution and the defence. The trial started at the end of June.

Prosecutors accused at least two of those tried of belonging to the Los Lobos crime gang, among 22 criminal gangs designated as terrorists by President Daniel Noboa in January.

According to the attorney general's office, Carlos Edwin Angulo Lara, known as 'El Invisible' ('The Invisible'), gave the order to murder Villavicencio from prison, while Laura Dayanara Castillo was in charge of logistics.

Both Angulo and Castillo were sentenced to 34 years and eight months.

Erick Ramirez, Victor Flores and Alexandra Chimbo were sentenced to 12 years.

Villavicencio, whose journalism exposed corruption and connections between organized crime and politicians, had long faced threats.

Prosecutors are undertaking a separate investigation into who requested the murder.

One of the hit men died at the scene of Villavicencio's murder and seven other suspects - mostly Colombian citizens - were murdered in October while being held in prisons on pre-trial detention.

Villavicencio's friends and family have decried multiple delays and urged an investigation into who ordered the killing.

Veronica Sarauz, Villavicencio's widow, had asked judges earlier on Friday in a post on X to apply the full weight of the law to those accused.

Actor and politician Suresh Gopi has apologised to a female journalist after he touched her shoulder twice as she asked him questions. However, he faced criticism for caveating his apology with “if she felt bad about my behaviour”. The incident happened at an event in Kozhikode, according to the Indian Express .

Qatar sentences

The Indian government has promised to explore all legal avenues after eight former navy personnel were sentenced to death in Qatar. The exact details of the charges were not revealed but the men were believed to have been working on a submarine project in the country at the time of their arrest, the Hindustan Times reported .

Mass suicide

Seven people, including three children have been found dead after an apparent mass suicide. The dead are all believed to have belonged to the same family in Surat, Gujarat, according to NDTV .

India abstains

India’s decision to abstain from a UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza has sparked controversy. The Measure, proposed by Jordan, was adopted with support of 120 nations but India, alongside Canada, the UK, Ukraine and Germany, was one of 45 abstentions. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said he was shocked by the decision but members of the ruling BJP party pointed out that the resolution failed to condemn Hamas’s attack on Israel, according to NDTV.

Pension rise

Many retired government officials will benefit from an increase to their pensions following a hike in Dearness Relief, the Economic Times reported . Dearness relief is designed to compensate pensioners for the impact of inflation.

The relationship between Niger and France, its former colonial ruler, has significantly deteriorated since the military seized power in Niamey in July. The junta's decision to expel Ambassador Itte came at the end of August, citing actions by France that were deemed "contrary to the interests of Niger."

France resisted the order, considering the military government illegitimate and demanding the reinstatement of elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who was deposed in the coup. However, President Macron made an abrupt reversal, confirming the ambassador's return to Paris and the withdrawal of French troops.

Two security sources in Niger reported that Ambassador Itte left the country, and the president's office in Paris confirmed his departure from the Chadian capital, N'Djamena, on Wednesday.

Upon his return to Paris, Itte was received by French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, according to the Quai d'Orsay.

Yucouba Abdou, a local resident, remarked to Reuters, "Today is a very proud day for me, and especially for the Nigerien people, hearing of the French ambassador’s departure who stubbornly stayed in Niger to show that the new government was not a real authority." He added, "But today, he saw that Niger was not a little country."

Niger has witnessed almost daily protests against France since the military's ascent to power, with crowds of junta supporters gathering outside a French military base to demand the withdrawal of French troops. Macron had expressed concern that Itte and his staff were effectively being held hostage at the embassy.

Anti-French sentiment has been on the rise in several of France's former West African colonies where military rulers have seized power. In Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Niger, army officers now govern, and criticism of France's influence has become increasingly prominent.

While France denies exerting excessive influence and maintains that its actions were conducted with the consent of local governments, some critics argue that military juntas are using France as a scapegoat for complex issues. In Mali and Burkina Faso, French forces have been expelled, posing challenges to Western efforts to combat the Islamist insurgency in the Sahel region, potentially paving the way for increased Russian influence.