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Comprehension

Mr. Zubin Mistry is the owner and the chief editor of the newspaper The Pluralist, renowned for its high reporting standards and outstanding writing quality. The Pluralist’s authentic reporting distinguishes it from other newspapers that sensationalize news. They are responsible employers, known to be highly supportive towards their employees. Its news editing team is led by Ms. Ramya Kattabomman, a respected veteran in the newspaper reporting industry, wellknown for her stringent adherence to the ethical standards of newspaper reporting. 
Mr. Aditya Swaroop Verma, an award-winning senior journalist, has brought in an exposé into the activities of a mining company, operating in an ecologically vulnerable area. In his hardhitting reporting style, he has presented interviews with tens of people, delineating how the mining company has used illegal means to start mining in that area. These mining activities may lead to the destruction of the local ecological balance. However, Aditya Swaroop is unable to obtain an interview with the management of the mining company.
Aditya Swaroop’s investigative report article offers signi cant revelations about the alleged illegal activities of the mining company which were hardly covered in the media otherwise. Nevertheless, his sources have requested for complete anonymity

Question: 1

Ramya is trying to decide whether to publish the article. While publishing the article may enhance the reputation of The Pluralist, there are possibilities of political and economic backlash for reporting on the powerful mining company. She has consulted the legal team of the newspaper, who have warned that the report, relying mostly on anonymous sources, is likely to be legally vulnerable. On the other hand, Aditya Swaroop is a senior journalist, well known and well respected for the quality of his investigative reporting. The topic of the report is time sensitive: if the report is not published within the next 2–3 days, the mining company would get an important government project in the same area.
Which of the following reasons will BEST enable Ramya to publish the article?

Show Hint

When evaluating investigative journalism, timeliness is often as critical as accuracy. Delayed reporting can render important findings irrelevant.
Updated On: Nov 26, 2025
  • Ramya should publish the article because any investigation by Aditya Swaroop has enhanced the reputation of The Pluralist till date.
  • Ramya should publish the article because a similar article was published on another mining company last week in another news daily.
  • Ramya should publish the article because the same news can get published by a competitor known for breaking news.
  • Ramya should publish the article because her legal team is mostly over cautious about any possibility of backlashes.
  • Ramya should publish the article given the time-sensitive nature of the report.
Hide Solution

The Correct Option is

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Define the core dilemma.
Ramya faces a conflict between the potential reputational benefits of publishing and the legal/political risks of a negative reaction. The report's relevance is time-sensitive; a delay would allow the mining company to secure a government project, thereby diminishing the story's value.
Step 2: Evaluate the options.
- Option A: Past successes of Aditya Swaroop are irrelevant; each story must be judged independently. - Option B: The publication of similar stories by other newspapers is not directly pertinent, as it does not address the urgency or exclusivity of this particular report. - Option C: While the concern of competitors publishing the story first is valid, it is secondary to the report's time-critical nature. - Option D: Disregarding the legal team's concerns as overly cautious is imprudent and lacks justification. - Option E: The report's urgency is the most compelling and defensible reason. If not published within 2–3 days, the story will lose its impact, and the mining company will gain an unassailable advantage.
Step 3: Select the best reason.
Option E provides the strongest justification by highlighting the time sensitivity. This ensures the newspaper's continued relevance and impact while fulfilling its role in serving the public interest.
Final Answer: \[\boxed{\text{E}}\]
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Question: 2

After the article is published next morning in The Pluralist, it goes viral. However, the mining company pushes back with a public declaration, contesting some of the findings of the article. While the potential inaccuracies do not entirely invalidate the article, they substantially undermine its message if proven true.
When Ramya asks Aditya Swaroop to bring in further proof to publish a rebuttal, he informs her that his sources, for a vital part of the article, were two employees recently fired by the mining company. And, they now admit that they were not completely honest in their initial interaction with him. Though some points raised in the article might still be valid, it is difficult to separate the inaccuracies given the unreliability of the sources.
Ramya immediately brings it to the attention of Zubin, while admitting that she hastily permitted the publication of the article.
What is the MOST responsible action should Zubin take, keeping in view the recent developments due to the inaccuracies of the article?

Show Hint

In journalism, credibility is the cornerstone. When faced with unreliable sources, retracting and apologizing is often better than defending questionable work.
Updated On: Nov 26, 2025
  • Publish an article accusing the mining company of bullying witnesses to change their versions.
  • Publish a modified version of the article next day, defending the investigative journalism of Aditya Swaroop.
  • Retract the entire article, and publish that Aditya Swaroop will no longer be with the newspaper.
  • Retract the entire article, and publish Ramya’s apology in the newspaper.
  • Publish a follow-up article disclosing the identity of the sources used for the article, attributing the responsibility of the errors to them.
Hide Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Problem Identification.
The published article's credibility is compromised due to admitted dishonesty from its sources. Continued defense or alteration will further damage The Pluralist's reputation. Zubin must act with integrity.

Step 2: Option Evaluation.
- Option A: Unsubstantiated accusations against the mining company risk further credibility loss.
- Option B: A modified article still relies on untrustworthy sources, failing to address the core issue.
- Option C: Dismissing Aditya unfairly deflects blame, overlooks Ramya's impulsiveness, and deters investigative reporting.
- Option D: Retracting the article and publishing Ramya’s apology acknowledges fault and rebuilds trust through transparency and responsibility.
- Option E: Disclosing sources breaches journalistic ethics and jeopardizes future informant relationships.

Step 3: Best Action Selection.
Option D is the most ethical choice. Retraction and an apology by Zubin demonstrate accountability, safeguarding the newspaper's reputation.


Final Answer: \[\boxed{\text{D}}\]
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Question: 3

After the article is published in The Pluralist, the mining company pushes back with a public declaration, contesting some of the findings of the article. This has hit Aditya Swaroop’s reputation because he trusted unreliable sources. Nevertheless, he is confident about the illegal activities of the mining company; he wants to redeem himself.
He approaches Zubin with a request to go back to the mining company project to find new sources and rewrite an article with reliable pieces of evidence. Though this fresh investigation will require time and money, it might also enhance the reputation of the newspaper.
Zubin respects Aditya Swaroop and wants his reputation to be restored. However, Zubin is confident that continuing to work on the mining company project will not yield any results.
Which of the following actions by Zubin will BEST enable Aditya Swaroop to enhance his diminishing reputation?

Show Hint

Reputation recovery works best through fresh, credible achievements rather than revisiting old failures.
Updated On: Nov 26, 2025
  • Assign Aditya Swaroop to work as an anonymous journalist for the next few months, until he feels confident of himself.
  • Tell Aditya Swaroop that he plans to delegate the mining company project to a fresh team, who will work in consultation with Aditya Swaroop.
  • Assign a new investigative project to Aditya Swaroop, advising him to focus on the new project without worrying about the past project.
  • Ask Aditya Swaroop to start his own YouTube channel, since more people are aware of him now than before.
  • Ask Aditya Swaroop to focus on mentoring new and young journalists instead of working on any investigative report for some time.
Hide Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Define the problem.
Aditya's reputation is damaged by errors in his prior mining company article. He seeks to correct this by returning to the same project, but Zubin believes this is unproductive. A new approach is required to restore Aditya's professional standing.
Step 2: Analyze potential solutions.
- Option A: Anonymous work offers temporary protection but fails to rebuild his professional reputation. - Option B: Delegating the project still links him to the disputed mining case, providing minimal opportunity for a successful recovery. - Option C: A new investigative project allows Aditya to showcase his skills afresh, separate from prior errors. This is the most effective method for rebuilding his reputation. - Option D: Launching a YouTube channel might enhance visibility but lacks the credibility of serious investigative journalism. - Option E: Mentoring others shifts Aditya's focus away from actively restoring his credibility.
Step 3: Select the optimal solution.
Option C is the preferred choice as it enables Aditya to re-establish his credibility constructively, while moving past the prior controversy.
Final Answer: \[\boxed{\text{C}}\]
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