Comprehension
Read the following passage carefully:
1. People below the age of 20 and above the age of 50 are more likely to believe fake news. Those relatively new to the use of the internet still do not grasp the concept of fake information over these platforms, reveals a new survey "Countering Misinformation in India." This survey has been conducted jointly by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
2. At least 40% of the respondents believed in "misinformation" received over social media if it came with leading backgrounds and evidence, while 34% of them believe the information when it is shared by a trustworthy organization.
3. The dominant factor that drives people to forward such information is their belief that it might benefit others and help in their safety. In fact, that was the response of almost 50% of the respondents. This was compounded by the fact that at least 20% of the respondents expressed their lack of trust in conventional media, thus placing their faith in content shared by common people over social media.
4. But even then, newspapers still remain the top source of information for most. At least 53% of the respondents trust what is generally perceived as neutral media, and only 29% trust technology and social media platforms.
5. However, what was surprising was that almost 45% of the respondents did not even know about the existence of fact-checking organizations, and most did not even know that journalists had to verify data before they let it out. Only 26% of the respondents believe that it is the responsibility of the media to curb or identify fake news. Many respondents also put the responsibility of identifying such fake news on individuals.
6. The survey has found that first-time or early users of internet platforms are more susceptible to fake news than others. There is a need for building capacities and creating a National Civic Digital Literacy Strategic Plan.
Question: 1

Select the option that comes under conventional media:

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The passage highlights that newspapers are still considered the top source of conventional information, trusted by 53\% of respondents (Paragraph 4).
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • Instagram
  • Newspaper
  • Facebook
  • E-mail
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Traditional mass communication methods, including newspapers, radio, and television, are known as conventional media.
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Question: 2

Select the correct option: One factor that prompts people to believe fake news is that ___. 
 

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Paragraph 3 states that people often forward fake news because they believe it benefits others or aligns with their own perspective.
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • It supports their point of view
  • They are biased
  • It is from a reliable site
  • It has more \'likes\' and \'shares\'
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Individuals are more prone to accepting fake news when it corroborates their existing viewpoints or prejudices, thereby diminishing their critical evaluation of the content.
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Question: 3

What, according to the passage, are the intentions of people who share information?

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According to Paragraph 3, the primary intention of people sharing information is their belief that it might benefit others or contribute to their safety.
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Motivations can differ, encompassing public enlightenment, reinforcement of preconceptions, desire for notice, or advancement of objectives.
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Question: 4

Which reason, as inferred from the passage, is responsible for journalists spreading misinformation?

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Paragraph 5 states that many respondents were unaware of the existence of fact-checking organizations and the necessity for journalists to verify data, leading to misinformation.
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Journalists may disseminate inaccurate information under pressure to publish rapidly, insufficient verification, or reliance on prejudiced sources.
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Question: 5

Complete the sentence appropriately:
The threat faced by the new entrants in social media is competition from established platforms and credibility issues.

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\textbf{Understand the challenges faced by emerging platforms as stated in the passage.}
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

New companies find it difficult to attract users due to competition from established platforms and the challenge of verifying content authenticity.
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Question: 6

Explain your understanding of the difference between ‘misinformation’ and ‘fake news’.

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\textbf{Distinguish between intent and accuracy when defining these terms.}
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Misinformation is the unintentional spread of false data, while fake news is intentionally produced to mislead or control audiences.
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Question: 7

As per your inference drawn from Para (1), which category of people fall as victims to fake news?

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\textbf{Consider behavioral and awareness factors for identifying victims.}
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Individuals exhibiting low awareness, excessive credulity, or a disregard for information verification are particularly vulnerable to disinformation.
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Question: 8

What is the blame game that goes on in fixing the onus of identifying fake news?

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\textbf{Focus on accountability issues and shared responsibilities mentioned in the passage.}
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Responsibility for identifying or eliminating fake news is commonly diffused among social media platforms, content creators, and the audience, with no single entity assuming accountability.
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