Media Laws and Ethics

Copyright, privacy and information rights

23 Previous Year Questions from 2006–2025 · answers and explanations included

Visual recall · Rights triangle

Creator’s controlindividual dignitypublic access

Year-frequency chart

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516
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Previous Year Question practice

Questions, answers & explanations

Open each answer after attempting the question.

23 of 23 questions
Question 1 of 23Original Question No.: 35Asked in: June 2006 Paper II

Assertion (A): The right to information Act 2005, will bring transparency in governance. Reason (R): Now every Indian citizen has access to the governmental informations.

  1. Both (A) and (R) are true
  2. Both (A) and and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
  3. (A) is true, but (R) is false
  4. (A) is false, but (R) is true
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

A. Both (A) and (R) are true

Option 1 states the keyed relationship between the assertion and reason: Both (A) and (R) are true. Check each statement first, then test whether the reason actually explains the assertion.

Question 2 of 23Original Question No.: 17Asked in: June 2007 Paper II

Section 132 A of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, protects:

  1. personal privacy
  2. official informers
  3. police informers
  4. information sources
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

D. information sources

The keyed response is option 4, “information sources”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this copyright, privacy and information rights question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 3 of 23Original Question No.: 31Asked in: June 2007 Paper II

Assertion (A): The Right to Information has made the Indian democracy vibrant. Reason (R): Transparency is the key to the success of any democracy.

  1. Both (A) and (R) are true.
  2. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation.
  3. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  4. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

A. Both (A) and (R) are true.

Option 1 states the keyed relationship between the assertion and reason: Both (A) and (R) are true.. Check each statement first, then test whether the reason actually explains the assertion.

Question 4 of 23Original Question No.: 25Asked in: June 2009 Paper II

Assertion (A): Right to information Act (2005) was enacted in India to bring in transparency and accountability in governance. Reason (R): The US government has passed such an Act.

  1. Both (A) and (R) are true
  2. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
  3. (A) is true but (R) is false
  4. (A) is false but (R) is true
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

A. Both (A) and (R) are true

Option 1 states the keyed relationship between the assertion and reason: Both (A) and (R) are true. Check each statement first, then test whether the reason actually explains the assertion.

Question 5 of 23Original Question No.: 19Asked in: June 2010 Paper II

Which of the following is an exception provided under the Copyright Act of India?

  1. For academic research
  2. For commercial production
  3. For profit through sales
  4. For performance before paid audience
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

A. For academic research

The keyed response is option 1, “For academic research”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this copyright, privacy and information rights question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 6 of 23Original Question No.: 28Asked in: June 2010 Paper II

Assertion (A): Indian journalism is fast moving towards tabloidisation like its western counterparts. Reason (R): Because there is no law of privacy in India to prevent its invasion.

  1. Both (A) and (R) are true.
  2. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation.
  3. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  4. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.

Option 4 states the keyed relationship between the assertion and reason: (A) is false, but (R) is true.. Check each statement first, then test whether the reason actually explains the assertion.

Question 7 of 23Original Question No.: 33Asked in: December 2011 Paper II

Which is a correct chronological sequence of these Acts? Official Secrets Act (OSA) Indian Telegraph Act (ITA) Copyright Act (CA) Right to Information Act (RTI)

  1. OSA – ITA – CA – RTI
  2. ITA – CA – OSA – RTI
  3. ITA – OSA – CA – RTI
  4. ITA – CA – RTI – OSA
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

A. OSA – ITA – CA – RTI

Option 1 gives the keyed pairing or order: OSA – ITA – CA – RTI. Reconstruct the dates or associations in copyright, privacy and information rights before comparing the four sequences.

Question 8 of 23Original Question No.: 16Asked in: December 2012 Paper III

The first International Convention related to Copyright was held at

  1. Berne
  2. London
  3. Geneva
  4. Rome
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

A. Berne

The keyed response is option 1, “Berne”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this copyright, privacy and information rights question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 9 of 23Original Question No.: 62Asked in: June 2013 Paper III

Find out the correct chronological sequence of following PR associations

  1. PRSA, IPRA, PRCI, PRSI
  2. PRCI, PRSA, IPRA, PRSI
  3. IPRA, PRSA, PRSI, PRCI
  4. PRSI, PRSA, IPRA, PRCI
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

C. IPRA, PRSA, PRSI, PRCI

Option 3 gives the keyed pairing or order: IPRA, PRSA, PRSI, PRCI. Reconstruct the dates or associations in copyright, privacy and information rights before comparing the four sequences.

Question 10 of 23Original Question No.: 57Asked in: December 2015 Paper III

Assertion (A): There is an urgent need for a law of privacy in India. Reason (R): As most media outlets, especially electronic, have opted for blatant sensationalism, the proposition needs a global consideration. Codes:

  1. Both (A) and (R) are true.
  2. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  3. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  4. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.

Option 3 states the keyed relationship between the assertion and reason: (A) is true, but (R) is false.. Check each statement first, then test whether the reason actually explains the assertion.

Question 11 of 23Original Question No.: 24Asked in: July 2016 Paper III

The problem of hyphenated identities is related to _____ in international communication.

  1. Copyright issues
  2. Trade and Commerce
  3. Alienated Economy
  4. Contra-flows of information
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

D. Contra-flows of information

The keyed response is option 4, “Contra-flows of information”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this copyright, privacy and information rights question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 12 of 23Original Question No.: 56Asked in: July 2016 Paper III

Assertion (A): The invasion of copyright does not constitute trespass. Reason (R): Because it is a proprietary right. Codes:

  1. Both (A) and (R) are true.
  2. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  3. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  4. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.

Option 4 states the keyed relationship between the assertion and reason: (A) is false, but (R) is true.. Check each statement first, then test whether the reason actually explains the assertion.

Question 13 of 23Original Question No.: 10Asked in: September 2016 Paper III

Which of the following prejudices the due process of justice?

  1. Infringement of copyright
  2. Trial by media
  3. Seditious statements
  4. Fair criticism
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

B. Trial by media

The keyed response is option 2, “Trial by media”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this copyright, privacy and information rights question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 14 of 23Original Question No.: 21Asked in: September 2016 Paper III

The phenomenon central to the acceleration of western media flows towards non-western countries is

  1. Capital infusion
  2. Globalization
  3. IPR
  4. Government subsidy
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Correct answer

B. Globalization

The keyed response is option 2, “Globalization”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this copyright, privacy and information rights question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 15 of 23Original Question No.: 56Asked in: September 2016 Paper III

Assertion (A): Copyright is transmissible by assignment in writing. Reason (R): Because copyright constitutes a right to property. Codes:

  1. Both (A) and (R) are true.
  2. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  3. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  4. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

A. Both (A) and (R) are true.

Option 1 states the keyed relationship between the assertion and reason: Both (A) and (R) are true.. Check each statement first, then test whether the reason actually explains the assertion.

Question 16 of 23Original Question No.: 63Asked in: November 2017 Paper III

Identify the correct chronological sequence of the following statutes:

  1. The contempt of Court Act, the copyright Act, the Right to Information Act, the young persons (Harmful publications) Act
  2. The copyright Act, the young persons (Harmful publications) Act, the Right to Information Act, the contempt of Court Act
  3. The Right to Information Act, The young persons (Harmful publications) Act, the copyright Act, the contempt of Court Act
  4. The Young Persons (Harmful publications) Act, the copyright Act, the contempt of Court Act, the Right to Information Act
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

D. The Young Persons (Harmful publications) Act, the copyright Act, the contempt of Court Act, the Right to Information Act

Option 4 gives the keyed pairing or order: The Young Persons (Harmful publications) Act, the copyright Act, the contempt of Court Act, the Right to Information Act. Reconstruct the dates or associations in copyright, privacy and information rights before comparing the four sequences.

Question 17 of 23Original Question No.: 50Asked in: July 2018 Paper II

Limitation on invasion of privacy is founded on the common law of:

  1. Public safety
  2. Torts
  3. Criminal wrong
  4. Enforceability
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

B. Torts

The keyed response is option 2, “Torts”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this copyright, privacy and information rights question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 18 of 23Original Question No.: 87Asked in: July 2018 Paper II

Match the following: List - I List - II (Concept) (Description) (a) Cumulation (i) Unified picture of events held by various media (b) Ubiquity (ii) Powerful effect of media (c) Consonance (iii) Slow and pervasive influence of media (d) Dependency (iv) Omnipresence of media Code: (a) (b) (c) (d)

  1. (iv) (ii) (iii) (i)
  2. (iii) (iv) (i) (ii)
  3. (i) (iii) (ii) (iv)
  4. (ii) (i) (iv) (iii)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

B. (iii) (iv) (i) (ii)

Option 2 gives the keyed pairing or order: (iii) (iv) (i) (ii). Reconstruct the dates or associations in copyright, privacy and information rights before comparing the four sequences.

Question 19 of 23Original Question No.: 15Asked in: June 2020 cycle - 24 September 2020, Shift II

When is it said that an advertisement has '‘worked'?

  1. When the product has been sold
  2. When it leads to brand building
  3. When it delivers specific results that meet the stated o le
  4. When the company makes profits
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

C. When it delivers specific results that meet the stated o le

The keyed response is option 3, “When it delivers specific results that meet the stated o le”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this copyright, privacy and information rights question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 20 of 23Original Question No.: 23Asked in: June 2020 cycle - 24 September 2020, Shift II

Originally, the copyright concept came into being under a/an

  1. Statutory law
  2. Constitutional law
  3. Common law
  4. International law
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

C. Common law

The keyed response is option 3, “Common law”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this copyright, privacy and information rights question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 21 of 23Original Question No.: 54Asked in: December 2022 cycle - 3 March 2023, Shift I

What are the amendment made in the Copyright Amendment Act, 2012? A. The writer would be considered first owner B. It enables the writer to claim equal royalty in case of any use of sound recording and cine-art. C. It provides complete rights to the director. D. It provides original specific identify to the rights of artist. E. It enables especially to the owner. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  1. B,C, D and E only
  2. A, B, C and D only
  3. A,B, D and E only
  4. A, C, D and E only
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

C. A,B, D and E only

The keyed response is option 3, “A,B, D and E only”. It directly fits the factual or conceptual cue in this copyright, privacy and information rights question; use the other choices as contrast points during revision.

Question 22 of 23Original Question No.: 81Asked in: December 2023 - 13 December 2023, Shift II

Identify the chronological ascending order of the following magazines in accordance with their year of publication A. Sudhakar B. Buddhiprakash C. Banaras Akhbar D. Kavivachan Sudha E. Harishchandra Magazine Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. A, B, C, D, E
  2. C, A, B, D, E
  3. D, B, A, C, E
  4. E, C, D, A, B
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

B. C, A, B, D, E

Option 2 gives the keyed pairing or order: C, A, B, D, E. Reconstruct the dates or associations in copyright, privacy and information rights before comparing the four sequences.

Question 23 of 23Original Question No.: 46Asked in: June 2025 - 25 June 2025, 3-6 p.m.

Match the LISTI with LIST LIST-I LIST-I Institutions Purpose. Promotes Performing (Music, song and A.| Lalit Kala Academy if drama) AreinTudia Promotes and Propagates understanding B.| Sangeet Natak Academy LIB of Indian Fine Art C.| Sahitya Academy II. | Developing Indian Literature D.| National School of Drama IV. | Promotes Indian Theatre and Allied Art Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  1. A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
  2. A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
  3. A-III, B-II, C-I, D-IV
  4. A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer

A. A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV

Option 1 gives the keyed pairing or order: A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV. Reconstruct the dates or associations in copyright, privacy and information rights before comparing the four sequences.

References

  1. Question papers and answer keys: UGC NET Mass Communication and Journalism — June 2006 Paper II; June 2007 Paper II; June 2009 Paper II; June 2010 Paper II; December 2011 Paper II; December 2012 Paper III; June 2013 Paper III; December 2015 Paper III; July 2016 Paper III; September 2016 Paper III; November 2017 Paper III; July 2018 Paper II; June 2020 cycle - 24 September 2020, Shift II; December 2022 cycle - 3 March 2023, Shift I; December 2023 - 13 December 2023, Shift II; June 2025 - 25 June 2025, 3-6 p.m..
  2. Nayyar, Deepak. Modern Mass Communication: Concepts and Processes.
  3. Sterling, Christopher H., general editor. Encyclopedia of Journalism.
  4. University Grants Commission. UGC NET syllabus listing, Subject Code 63: Mass Communication and Journalism.
  5. India Code. Right to Information Act, 2005.
  6. India Code. Copyright Act, 1957.
  7. India Code. Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.