Assertion (A): The Press Council of India has outlived its utility.
Reason (R): The new technology has made ethical issues of the press even more complex.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true
Correct Ans: (D)
Explanation:
Let’s start with the Assertion (A): The Press Council of India has outlived its utility. This is false. Although the Press Council of India (PCI) has limitations—such as lack of enforcement powers—it still serves as a watchdog for print media. It offers a platform for grievance redressal, issues guidelines for ethical journalism, and promotes responsible reporting. So, despite being criticized for being toothless, it hasn’t completely lost its relevance.
Now consider the Reason (R): The new technology has made ethical issues of the press even more complex. This is true. Indeed, digital platforms, viral misinformation, paid news, and deepfakes have complicated ethical standards in journalism. These modern challenges go beyond traditional press norms, demanding adaptive regulations and more robust media ethics.
However, the truth of the Reason does not logically prove or justify the Assertion. In fact, the emergence of new technologies and complex ethical situations further reinforces the need for regulatory bodies like the PCI, possibly with expanded roles and powers.
So, while the PCI needs reform and modernization, it hasn’t outlived its utility. Therefore, Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true, making Option (D) the most accurate choice.
In summary, the Press Council still plays a role, especially as media evolves. The increasing complexity of ethical issues makes regulatory oversight even more critical in today’s fast-changing digital environment.
