UPSC CSE 2024 · PYQ · Reading Comprehension / Democracy and Media · easy
Passage: In a robust democracy, reality, howsoever inconvenient it may be, finds its expression both in the speech of political leaders and the other social forms of assertion. The existence of the real has to be transparent, both through its circulation in and by the media as well as its argumentative articulation in deliberative democracy. A normatively responsible media through its communication effect has the responsibility to circulate the content of reality without distortion. Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the above passage?
A.Responsible media should not distort the real in an ideal democracy.✓ Correct
B.Fake news seems inherent in the life of an ideal democracy.
C.There should not be any kind of restrictions on the freedom of expression in an ideal democracy.
D.Irresponsible media and political leaders cannot be effectively controlled in an ideal democracy.
Explanation
The passage emphasises that in a robust democracy reality must be expressed transparently, and that a normatively responsible media has the responsibility to circulate the content of reality without distortion. The crux is therefore that responsible media should not distort reality in an ideal democracy. Option (b) about fake news being inherent contradicts the passage. Option (c) about no restrictions on freedom of expression is not the focus of the passage. Option (d) about inability to control irresponsible media is not stated. Hence (a) best reflects the crux.
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