Question

Ramya is trying to decide whether to publish the article. While publishing the article may enhance the reputation of The Pluralist, there are possibilities of political and economic backlash for reporting on the powerful mining company. She has consulted the legal team of the newspaper, who have warned that the report, relying mostly on anonymous sources, is likely to be legally vulnerable. On the other hand, Aditya Swaroop is a senior journalist, well known and well respected for the quality of his investigative reporting. The topic of the report is time sensitive: if the report is not published within the next 2–3 days, the mining company would get an important government project in the same area.
Which of the following reasons will BEST enable Ramya to publish the article?

• A. Ramya should publish the article because any investigation by Aditya Swaroop has enhanced the reputation of The Pluralist till date.
• B. Ramya should publish the article because a similar article was published on another mining company last week in another news daily.
• C. Ramya should publish the article because the same news can get published by a competitor known for breaking news.
• D. Ramya should publish the article because her legal team is mostly over cautious about any possibility of backlashes.
• E. Ramya should publish the article given the time-sensitive nature of the report.
• A. Publish an article accusing the mining company of bullying witnesses to change their versions.
• B. Publish a modified version of the article next day, defending the investigative journalism of Aditya Swaroop.
• C. Retract the entire article, and publish that Aditya Swaroop will no longer be with the newspaper.
• D. Retract the entire article, and publish Ramya’s apology in the newspaper.
• J. Publish a follow-up article disclosing the identity of the sources used for the article, attributing the responsibility of the errors to them.
• A. Assign Aditya Swaroop to work as an anonymous journalist for the next few months, until he feels confident of himself.
• B. Tell Aditya Swaroop that he plans to delegate the mining company project to a fresh team, who will work in consultation with Aditya Swaroop.
• C. Assign a new investigative project to Aditya Swaroop, advising him to focus on the new project without worrying about the past project.
• D. Ask Aditya Swaroop to start his own YouTube channel, since more people are aware of him now than before.
• O. Ask Aditya Swaroop to focus on mentoring new and young journalists instead of working on any investigative report for some time.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Define the core dilemma.
Ramya has to balance reputational gains of publishing against legal/political risks of backlash. The critical factor is that the report’s relevance is time-sensitive: if delayed, the mining company secures a government project, and the story loses value.
Step 2: Evaluate the options.
- Option A: Past success of Aditya Swaroop is not sufficient reason; each story must stand on its own merits. - Option B: Other newspapers publishing similar stories is not directly relevant—this does not address urgency or exclusivity. - Option C: Fear of competitors scooping the story is valid but secondary; the key issue is the report’s time-critical nature. - Option D: Dismissing the legal team as over-cautious is dangerous and not a responsible justification. - Option E: The urgency of the report is the strongest and most defensible reason. If not published within 2–3 days, the story loses its impact, and the mining company secures an irreversible advantage.
Step 3: Select the best reason.
Option E is the strongest justification—it emphasizes the time sensitivity, ensuring the newspaper remains relevant and impactful while serving public interest.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{E}} \]

Answer 2

Step 1: Identify the issue.
The published article faces credibility issues because the sources admitted dishonesty. Continuing to defend or modify it would further harm the newspaper’s reputation. Zubin must act responsibly to protect the integrity of The Pluralist.
Step 2: Evaluate the options.
- Option A: Accusing the mining company of bullying without proof risks further credibility loss. - Option B: Publishing a modified version still relies on unreliable sources; it does not fix the root problem. - Option C: Firing Aditya shifts blame unfairly and ignores Ramya’s admission of her hasty decision. It also discourages investigative journalism. - Option D: Retracting the article and publishing Ramya’s apology acknowledges responsibility and restores trust. It is transparent and responsible. - Option E: Revealing sources violates journalistic ethics and damages trust with future informants.
Step 3: Select the best action.
Option D is the most responsible choice. By retracting the article and publishing an apology, Zubin demonstrates accountability and preserves the newspaper’s credibility.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{D}} \]

Answer 3

Step 1: Identify the challenge.
Aditya’s credibility has taken a hit due to inaccuracies in his earlier mining company article. He wants redemption by revisiting the same project, but Zubin knows that this would not be productive. A new strategy is needed to restore Aditya’s professional reputation.
Step 2: Evaluate the options.
- Option A: Anonymous work protects him temporarily but does not rebuild his professional reputation. - Option B: Delegating the project still ties him to the controversial mining case, offering limited chance for a clean comeback. - Option C: A fresh investigative project gives Aditya the chance to demonstrate his abilities anew, independent of past mistakes. This is the most effective way to rebuild his reputation. - Option D: Starting a YouTube channel may increase visibility but does not carry the same credibility as serious investigative journalism. - Option E: Mentoring others sidelines Aditya instead of actively restoring his credibility.
Step 3: Best solution.
Option C is the best choice because it allows Aditya to prove himself again in a constructive way, while distancing from the past controversy.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{C}} \]