The debate around India’s press freedom narrative has taken a dramatic turn after former Norwegian minister Erik Solheim publicly criticized journalist Helle Lyng over her viral question to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. What began as a sharp exchange during a media interaction has now snowballed into a larger global debate involving international journalism, foreign media narratives, press freedom rankings, and India’s image on the world stage. Solheim strongly pushed back against claims made about India’s press freedom situation, calling several international narratives “misleading” and accusing sections of foreign media of relying on sensational headlines rather than factual ground realities. He also questioned how global press freedom rankings place India below countries like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, arguing that such comparisons “go against common sense.”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a fierce political attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the PM urged Indians to adopt economic restraint amid rising pressure from the West Asia crisis and global uncertainty. In a sharp statement posted on X, Rahul Gandhi accused PM Modi of asking ordinary citizens to carry the burden of economic stress after years of governance failures. The Congress MP slammed the government’s appeal asking people to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, delay gold purchases, avoid unnecessary foreign travel and embrace austerity measures. The political showdown intensified after PM Modi called for greater economic discipline, encouraging citizens to use metros, work from home where possible and conserve foreign exchange reserves during turbulent global conditions linked to the escalating West Asia conflict. WATCH