Assertion (A): Of late, the third sector in India has been making an effective use of media, including online, reaching different publics.

Reason (R): Media are basically anti-establishment and have supported the third sector campaigns always.

Codes:

(A) Both (A) and (R) are true.

(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.

(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.

Correct Ans: (B)

Explanation:

Assertion (A) states that India’s third sector has effectively used media, including online platforms, to reach diverse audiences. This statement is accurate because NGOs, advocacy groups, and non-profits now leverage digital tools, social media, and news platforms to amplify their causes. Campaigns related to environment, human rights, and social justice often gain momentum through widespread media coverage.

On the other hand, Reason (R) suggests that media are inherently anti-establishment and always support third-sector campaigns. This claim is not entirely correct. While media can act as a watchdog and expose governmental or corporate misconduct, its stance varies based on ownership, political affiliations, and economic interests. Some media houses support third-sector initiatives, but others align with dominant political or business powers.

Thus, both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) does not directly explain (A). The third sector benefits from media coverage, but media’s role is not consistently anti-establishment. Therefore, the correct answer is (B): Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).