The first foreign news agency to start its operations in India was
(A) Associated press
(B) DPA
(C) Reuters
(D) TASS
Correct Ans: (C)
Reuters was the first foreign news agency to begin operations in India, and this marked a significant moment in the history of Indian journalism. This development played a crucial role in shaping how international news entered Indian media channels during colonial times and even after independence.
To begin with, Reuters, a well-established British news agency, had strong ties with the British Empire. Naturally, its presence in India reflected the colonial structure of communication, where news from Western perspectives dominated the media landscape. Over time, Reuters became a key source of international news for Indian newspapers and radio broadcasts. This allowed Indian audiences to stay connected with global events, although the lens remained Western for a long time.
Moreover, the arrival of Reuters in India signaled the start of a more organized, professional approach to foreign news reporting. It influenced Indian newsrooms to adopt faster news collection and dissemination methods. As a result, many local news agencies eventually followed Reuters’ model.
Furthermore, Reuters’ operations helped bridge the gap between Indian and foreign journalism. Although early coverage reflected imperial narratives, Indian journalists began adapting global standards in their own reporting practices. Consequently, this early exposure helped Indian media evolve into a more robust and globally connected press over the years.
In conclusion, Reuters played a pioneering role in connecting India with international journalism. Its early entry laid the foundation for future collaboration and growth in the Indian media sector.
