Assertion (A): Social networking can make the Indian political class watchful and refrain from getting involved in misdeeds.
Reason (R): Social media have made the Arab spring possible and hence, the Indian political class is cautious.
(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:
Social media has transformed political accountability in India. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram allow citizens to raise concerns, expose corruption, and demand action. Viral posts and trends often pressure politicians to maintain a clean image. Thus, Assertion (A) is true—social networking makes politicians cautious about their actions.
However, the Arab Spring was a specific movement that used social media to mobilize protests and overthrow regimes in the Middle East. While it showcased the power of digital activism, it does not directly explain why the Indian political class is more watchful. Indian politics has its own unique digital landscape, driven by citizen activism, election campaigns, and media scrutiny. Therefore, while Reason (R) is true, it does not fully explain Assertion (A).
Thus, the correct answer is (B)—Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. Social media keeps Indian politicians in check, but the Arab Spring is not the main reason for this shift. Instead, India’s digital engagement, growing internet penetration, and active political discourse have led to this change.
