CUET English: 50 MCQs on “Tackling the disinformation threat in India” The Hindu
Reading Comprehension MCQs on “Tackling the disinformation threat in India”
- What does the WEF Global Risks Report 2025 identify as the highest-ranked short-term global threat?
Courtesy: The Hindu, April 2, 2025
a) Climate change
b) Disinformation
c) Economic crisis
d) Political instability
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage states that the WEF Global Risks Report 2025 ranks disinformation as the highest short-term global threat.
- How does disinformation affect a country, according to the passage?
a) It improves economic growth
b) It adversely affects population, GDP, and natural resources
c) It enhances political stability
d) It promotes social harmony
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage mentions that disinformation can adversely affect a sizable portion of the GDP, population, and natural resources. - What has India faced since the 2017 Doklam standoff, as per the passage?
a) Economic growth
b) A ban on over 300 Chinese apps
c) Improved foreign relations
d) Reduced political tensions
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage notes that since the 2017 Doklam standoff, India has banned over 300 Chinese apps, including TikTok. - What percentage of disinformation in India is fueled by political accounts, according to the Indian School of Business?
a) 16.8%
b) 33.6%
c) 46%
d) 60%
Answer: c)
Explanation: The passage states that political disinformation accounts for 46% of the total, as per the Indian School of Business. - Which platform has been actively trying to propagate a distorted image of India, as mentioned in the passage?
a) WhatsApp
b) TikTok
c) Weibo
d) Facebook
Answer: c)
Explanation: The passage mentions that platforms like Weibo have been actively trying to propagate a distorted image of India. - What does the passage say about the youth in the U.S. regarding disinformation?
a) They are unaffected by disinformation
b) They are a growing threat as a source of disinformation
c) They are immune to false information
d) They are not targeted by disinformation
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage states that the youth in the U.S. are a growing threat as a source of disinformation, as per a survey report. - According to the Global Risks Report 2025, who are more concerned about disinformation risks?
a) People in lower-income countries
b) People in high-income countries
c) People in rural areas
d) People in urban areas
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage notes that people in high-income countries are more concerned about disinformation risks than those in lower-income nations. - What is a consequence of disinformation deepening political divides in India?
a) It improves social harmony
b) It creates severe consequences for the democratic fabric
c) It enhances economic growth
d) It reduces political tensions
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage states that if disinformation deepens political divides, the consequences could be severe for the democratic and social fabric. - What does the passage recommend to tackle disinformation in India?
a) Banning all social media platforms
b) Upskilling developers and improving digital literacy
c) Reducing internet access
d) Ignoring the issue
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage recommends measures like upskilling developers, improving digital literacy, and ensuring accountability through supervisory boards. - What initiative is mentioned to tackle fact-checking in India?
a) Global Risks Report
b) Shakti – India Election Fact-Checking Collective
c) WEF Global Forum
d) Digital India Campaign
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage mentions the Shakti – India Election Fact-Checking Collective as an initiative to tackle disinformation. - How many Facebook and WhatsApp users does India have, according to the passage?
a) 300 million
b) 400 million and 500 million
c) 600 million
d) 200 million
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage states that India has almost 400 million Facebook users and over 500 million WhatsApp users. - What does the passage suggest about the role of regulatory bodies in tackling disinformation?
a) They should ban social media
b) They can push tech toward positive policy changes
c) They should reduce internet access
d) They have no role
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage notes that regulatory bodies can push tech toward positive policy changes to tackle disinformation. - What is a risk associated with platforms having 45 million users, as per the passage?
a) They are immune to disinformation
b) They could escalate surveillance and compromise democratic safeguards
c) They improve digital literacy
d) They reduce political divides
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage warns that platforms with 45 million users could escalate surveillance and compromise democratic safeguards. - What does the passage recommend regarding funding for cybersecurity research?
a) It should be reduced
b) It should be adequately allocated
c) It should be stopped
d) It is not necessary
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage recommends that adequate funding should be allocated for advancing cybersecurity research. - What does the passage say about the role of online ads in disinformation?
a) They have no role
b) They should be banned
c) They must disclose funding sources to prevent malicious actors
d) They improve public health
Answer: c)
Explanation: The passage suggests that online ads must disclose funding sources to prevent malicious actors from spreading false narratives. - What is the role of the Reserve Bank of India’s Financial Literacy Campaign with Amitabh Bachchan?
a) To promote social media use
b) To foster critical thinking and resilience against disinformation
c) To ban online ads
d) To reduce internet access
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage mentions the campaign as essential for fostering critical thinking and resilience against disinformation. - What does the passage imply about the global nature of disinformation?
a) It only affects India
b) It requires cross-border collaboration to tackle
c) It is a minor issue globally
d) It does not affect democracy
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage states that coordinated global responses are needed to tackle the cross-border nature of disinformation. - What does the passage suggest India should do to combat disinformation?
a) Ignore global trends
b) Set an example of diversity and resilience
c) Ban all foreign apps
d) Reduce digital literacy
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage concludes that India must set an example of diversity and resilience in a growingly polarized digital world. - What is the tone of the passage regarding disinformation?
a) Optimistic
b) Neutral
c) Concerned
d) Indifferent
Answer: c)
Explanation: The passage expresses concern about the severe consequences of disinformation on democracy and society. - What does the passage imply about the role of technology in tackling disinformation?
a) It is a test of shared values and threats
b) It should be banned
c) It has no role
d) It reduces disinformation automatically
Answer: a)
Explanation: The passage quotes Joe Biden, stating that technology is a test of shared values and threats to collective ability, unity, and equality. - What is the primary concern of the WEF Global Risks Report 2025, as mentioned in the passage?
a) Economic inequality
b) Disinformation as a short-term global threat
c) Climate change impacts
d) Global health crises
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage states that the WEF Global Risks Report 2025 ranks disinformation as the highest short-term global threat. - What has India done in response to disinformation since the 2017 Doklam standoff?
a) Increased internet access
b) Banned over 300 Chinese apps, including TikTok
c) Reduced social media usage
d) Improved foreign relations
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage mentions that India banned over 300 Chinese apps, including TikTok, since the 2017 Doklam standoff. - What percentage of disinformation in India is related to religious content, according to the passage?
a) 16.8%
b) 33.6%
c) 46%
d) 60%
Answer: a)
Explanation: The passage states that religious content accounts for 16.8% of disinformation in India. - Which group in India is facing a growing threat from disinformation, as per the passage?
a) Elderly citizens
b) The youth
c) Rural communities
d) Urban professionals
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage notes that the youth in India are facing a growing threat from disinformation, as seen in the U.S. context. - What does the passage say about the impact of disinformation on India’s political landscape?
a) It has no impact
b) It creates fertile ground for voter influence and economic disruption
c) It improves political stability
d) It reduces economic conflicts
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage states that disinformation creates fertile ground for manipulating voter influence and economic disruption. - What does the passage suggest about the role of citizens in combating disinformation?
a) They should avoid social media
b) They are relying more on social media for news
c) They should not be involved
d) They are not affected by disinformation
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage mentions that citizens are relying more on social media for news, indicating their role in the disinformation landscape. - What is one consequence of disinformation mentioned in the passage?
a) It improves public trust
b) It fuels consumer boycotts and economic conflicts
c) It enhances social harmony
d) It reduces political divides
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage states that disinformation fuels consumer boycotts, economic conflicts, and international tensions. - What does the passage recommend for platforms like Weibo?
a) They should be banned
b) They should be monitored for propagating distorted images
c) They should be promoted
d) They have no role in disinformation
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage notes that platforms like Weibo have been actively trying to propagate a distorted image of India, implying a need for monitoring. - What does the passage say about the role of fact-checking initiatives in India?
a) They are ineffective
b) They are crucial for tackling disinformation
c) They should be banned
d) They are not necessary
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage highlights initiatives like Shakti – India Election Fact-Checking Collective as crucial for tackling disinformation. - What does the passage suggest about the role of transparency in combating disinformation?
a) It is not important
b) It should be implemented through content moderation policies
c) It should be avoided
d) It has no impact
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage recommends that transparent content moderation policies must be implemented to address disinformation threats. - What is the role of the European Union’s Digital Services Act, as per the passage?
a) To ban social media
b) To combat disinformation and foreign information manipulation
c) To reduce internet access
d) To promote disinformation
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage mentions the EU’s Digital Services Act as a policy to combat disinformation and foreign information manipulation. - What does the passage say about the role of social media in India’s disinformation crisis?
a) It has no role
b) It is a minor contributor
c) It is significant due to 400 million Facebook and 500 million WhatsApp users
d) It reduces disinformation
Answer: c)
Explanation: The passage highlights India’s large social media user base (400 million Facebook, 500 million WhatsApp users) as a significant factor in the disinformation crisis. - What does the passage recommend for online ads to prevent disinformation?
a) They should be banned
b) They must disclose funding sources
c) They should be promoted
d) They have no role
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage suggests that online ads must disclose funding sources to prevent malicious actors from spreading false narratives. - What does the passage imply about the role of global collaboration in tackling disinformation?
a) It is not necessary
b) It is crucial for establishing a coordinated global response
c) It should be avoided
d) It has no impact
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage states that coordinated global responses are needed to tackle the cross-border nature of disinformation. - What is the passage’s view on India’s role in the global fight against disinformation?
a) India should ignore global trends
b) India should set an example of diversity and resilience
c) India should ban all social media
d) India should reduce digital literacy
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage concludes that India must set an example of diversity and resilience in a growingly polarized digital world.
(Vocabulary, Grammar, Idioms, Sentence Correction, Critical Thinking)
Vocabulary & Synonyms/Antonyms (3 MCQs)
- What is a synonym for “fertile” in “creating fertile ground for manipulating voter influence”?
a) Barren
b) Productive
c) Dry
d) Empty
Answer: b)
Explanation: “Fertile” means conducive or productive, making “productive” a synonym.
- What is an antonym for “distorted” in “propagate a distorted image of India”?
a) Accurate
b) Twisted
c) Misleading
d) False
Answer: a)
Explanation: “Distorted” means misrepresented or twisted; “accurate” means correct, the opposite.
- What is a synonym for “upskilling” in “upskilling developers working with AI”?
a) Downgrading
b) Training
c) Reducing
d) Ignoring
Answer: b)
Explanation: “Upskilling” means improving skills through training, making “training” a synonym.
Grammar: Sentence Correction (2 MCQs)
- Correct the sentence: “India have 400 million Facebook users and over 500 million WhatsApp users.”
a) India has 400 million Facebook users and over 500 million WhatsApp users.
b) India had 400 million Facebook users and over 500 million WhatsApp users.
c) India have been 400 million Facebook users and over 500 million WhatsApp users.
d) India having 400 million Facebook users and over 500 million WhatsApp users.
Answer: a)
Explanation: The subject “India” is singular, so the verb should be “has,” not “have,” and the sentence is in present tense.
- Correct the sentence: “The youth is facing a growing threat from disinformation.”
a) The youth are facing a growing threat from disinformation.
b) The youth were facing a growing threat from disinformation.
c) The youth has facing a growing threat from disinformation.
d) The youth facing a growing threat from disinformation.
Answer: a)
Explanation: “Youth” here refers to a group of people (plural), so the verb should be “are,” not “is.”
Idioms & Phrases (2 MCQs)
- What does the phrase “fertile ground” mean in “creating fertile ground for manipulating voter influence”?
a) A barren area
b) A favorable environment
c) A difficult situation
d) A neutral space
Answer: b)
Explanation: “Fertile ground” means a favorable environment or condition for something to grow or succeed.
- What does the phrase “set an example” mean in “India must set an example of diversity and resilience”?
a) Follow others
b) Be a role model
c) Ignore trends
d) Avoid responsibility
Answer: b)
Explanation: “Set an example” means to be a role model or demonstrate a standard for others to follow.
Critical Thinking (3 MCQs)
- What can be inferred about the role of high-income countries in addressing disinformation?
a) They are less concerned about disinformation
b) They are more concerned about disinformation risks
c) They are not affected by disinformation
d) They do not face disinformation
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage states that people in high-income countries are more concerned about disinformation risks than those in lower-income nations.
- What does the passage suggest about the role of digital literacy in combating disinformation?
a) It is not important
b) It should be reduced
c) It is a key measure to improve public awareness
d) It has no impact
Answer: c)
Explanation: The passage recommends improving digital literacy as a measure to tackle disinformation, implying its role in raising public awareness.
- What can be inferred about the impact of disinformation on India’s democracy?
a) It has no impact
b) It could deepen political divides and harm the democratic fabric
c) It improves democratic processes
d) It reduces political divides
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage warns that if disinformation deepens political divides, the consequences could be severe for India’s democratic fabric.
5 MCQs on Other Topics (Vocabulary, Grammar, Critical Thinking)
Vocabulary (2 MCQs)
- What is a synonym for “escalating” in “escalating information disorder”?
a) Decreasing
b) Rising
c) Stabilizing
d) Ignoring
Answer: b)
Explanation: “Escalating” means increasing or rising, making “rising” a synonym. - What is an antonym for “resilience” in “resilience against disinformation”?
a) Strength
b) Vulnerability
c) Resistance
d) Endurance
Answer: b)
Explanation: “Resilience” means the ability to withstand; “vulnerability” means susceptibility, the opposite.
Grammar: Sentence Correction (1 MCQ)
- Correct the sentence: “India have faced disinformation since the 2017 Doklam standoff.”
a) India has faced disinformation since the 2017 Doklam standoff.
b) India had faced disinformation since the 2017 Doklam standoff.
c) India have been faced disinformation since the 2017 Doklam standoff.
d) India facing disinformation since the 2017 Doklam standoff.
Answer: a)
Explanation: The subject “India” is singular, so the verb should be “has,” not “have,” and the sentence is in present perfect tense.
Critical Thinking (2 MCQs)
- What can be inferred about the role of social media in disinformation in India?
a) It has no impact
b) It is a minor contributor
c) It plays a significant role due to its large user base
d) It reduces disinformation
Answer: c)
Explanation: The passage highlights India’s 400 million Facebook and 500 million WhatsApp users, implying social media’s significant role in spreading disinformation. - What does the passage suggest about the youth’s role in combating disinformation?
a) They should be banned from social media
b) They are a growing threat and need education
c) They are not affected by disinformation
d) They should not be involved
Answer: b)
Explanation: The passage notes that the youth are a growing threat as a source of disinformation, implying they need education to combat it.
