Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Study attributes decline in academic freedom to restriction of free speech

Notable declines were observed in countries like India, China, and Russia

Study attributes decline in academic freedom to restriction of free speech

Academic freedom is on the decline globally, according to a recent index released in Paris, France. The Academic Freedom Index -- based on input from more than 2,300 experts in 179 countries, was published last month as part of a report on democracy by the V-Dem Institute at Sweden's University of Gothenburg.

Only one in three individuals reside in a nation that ensures the autonomy of universities and research, with particular concerns raised for countries like Russia, China, and India.


Various forms of threats to academic freedom, such as restrictions on freedom of expression, interference in universities, and the imprisonment of researchers, are outlined in the index.

It measures changes in higher education and research over the last half-century by looking at five different indicators: freedom of research and teaching; academic exchange; academic and cultural expression; institutional autonomy; and campus integrity.

By examining five key indicators, including freedom of research and teaching, academic exchange, and institutional autonomy, the index tracks changes in higher education and research spanning the last fifty years.

Professor Katrin Kinzelbach from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany, involved in organising the index, noted that despite 171 states ratifying human rights treaties committing to safeguarding scientific research freedom, recent trends indicate significant setbacks, particularly in populous nations.

The report revealed that presently, 45.5 per cent of the global population resides in countries where academic freedom faces severe restrictions, with the situation mirroring that of 1973 when accounting for population growth.

Notable declines were observed in countries like India, China, and Russia, characterised by what Kinzelbach termed "clear examples of autocratisation." India, under the leadership of Modi since 2014, has witnessed a marked decline in academic freedom, exemplified by cases such as the denial of entry to British-Indian academic Nitasha Kaul for a conference in India.

Similarly, academic freedom in Russia and China, which was already constrained, has further deteriorated. Surprisingly, the index highlighted a decline in academic freedom in the United States since 2019, attributed to heightened polarisation within both society and the political system.

In contrast, most European countries boasted high levels of academic freedom, with Hungary scoring the lowest, followed by Poland. However, Kinzelbach suggested that Poland's score may improve under the new government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

But the question, that what are the parameters for academic freedom are still ambiguous and will differ on the basis of the socio-economic and political scenario of the country

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less