India’s Free Speech Ranking 2024: Important MCQs for Social Work Exams"

1. Which organization conducted the global survey on free speech support?

• A) Amnesty International
• B) The Future of Free Speech
• C) Freedom House
• D) Reporters Without Borders

Answer: B) The Future of Free Speech
Explanation: The survey was conducted by The Future of Free Speech, an independent U.S.-based think tank.

2. What was India’s rank in the 2024 Free Speech Index?

• A) 15th
• B) 24th
• C) 30th
• D) 33rd

Answer: B) 24th
Explanation: India was ranked 24th out of 33 countries surveyed, with a score of 62.6.

3. Which two countries topped the Free Speech Index?

• A) USA & UK
• B) Norway & Denmark
• C) Sweden & Finland
• D) Germany & France

Answer: B) Norway & Denmark
Explanation: Norway (87.9) and Denmark (87.0) ranked highest in the index.

4. What percentage of Indian respondents supported government restrictions on criticism of policies?

• A) 10%
• B) 25%
• C) 37%
• D) 50%

Answer: C) 37%
Explanation: 37% of Indians supported government restrictions on criticism—the highest among all surveyed countries.

5. Which of the following countries showed significant improvements in free speech support?

• A) India, USA, Japan
• B) Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan
• C) Hungary, Venezuela, China
• D) France, Germany, Italy

Answer: B) Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan
Explanation: These countries showed biggest improvements, though they remained at the lower end of rankings.

6. According to the report, which countries exhibit a "disconnect" between public support and actual free speech protection?

• A) USA & UK
• B) India, Hungary, Venezuela
• C) Norway & Denmark
• D) Japan & South Korea

Answer: B) India, Hungary, Venezuela
Explanation: These countries showed high public support but low actual protection, indicating democratic backsliding.

7. What does the survey suggest about global trends in free speech support since 2021?

• A) Most countries improved
• B) More countries declined than improved
• C) No significant change
• D) Only authoritarian nations declined

Answer: B) More countries declined than improved
Explanation: The report states that more countries saw declines in free speech support since 2021.

8. What key observation did Jacob Mchangama make about free speech?

• A) Legal protections alone ensure free speech
• B) Free speech depends on a culture of open debate
• C) Only democratic nations support free speech
• D) Governments should control political speech

Answer: B) Free speech depends on a culture of open debate
Explanation: He emphasized that free speech requires tolerance for dissent, not just legal rights.