HS

Harsh Santosh LodhaAIR 261· 2025

Question Q1GS2GS2

Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India.

Open scan (p.2)

Introduction

Media is the 'Fourth estate' which holds the monumental democracy of ours in good stead.

15 words

Main Body

Media is the 'Fourth estate' which holds the monumental democracy of ours in good stead.

Role in upholding democratic values:

1Hold the government accountable for its promises to manifesto eg. Aap ka aadhaar.
2Exposes the excesses of government like corruption, scams, etc. eg. Indian Express exposed ONORE exclusions
3Ensure transparency of government fund usage and its efficiency eg. MGNREGA unpaid issue exposed.
4Demands of vulnerable sections are represented to government eg. Recent media coverage of PUTAs.

Analyse issues affecting press freedom:

1Look forward issue of violence against journalist eg. 126th in Press Freedom Index.
2Strong opposition to sedition under 124 A, criminal defamation that act against freedom of speech and expression under A19.
3Press censure issue taken up to courts eg. Brij Bhushan case
4Self-regn on yellow journalism. Need of the hour is to bring digital media under the horizon as increasingly becoming important.
152 words3 paragraphs
Examiner score
1.1/10

Open original scan

Page 2

Topper

Harsh Santosh Lodha

AIR 2612025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Executive, Judiciary, Ministries and Pressure Groups

Pressure Groups and Formal/Informal Associations and their Role in the Polity

Press Freedom and Fourth Estate

Writing Stats

167

Total words

3

Paragraphs

formal

Tone