16 July 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis
 1. In the name of flood control
(Source: Indian Express; Section: The Ideas Page; Page: 11)
| Topic: GS1– Geography GS3 – Disaster Management |
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Geographical Influences on Assam
Eastern Himalaya and Fragile Geology
- Assam’s geography is deeply influenced by the mighty Eastern Himalaya, whose towering peaks and dynamic geological activities shape the region’s topography.
- The area’s fragile geology, characterized by frequent landslides and seismic activities, adds to the complexity of the landscape.
- These factors, combined with Assam’s forested terrain, create a unique environment that is constantly evolving.
Southwest Monsoon and Bay of Bengal
- The southwest monsoon plays a crucial role in Assam’s climate, bringing heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.
- The turbulence of the Bay of Bengal further influences weather patterns, contributing to the state’s high precipitation levels.
- This combination of monsoonal rain and coastal turbulence is a significant factor in the annual flooding experienced in the region.
Rivers and Sediment from the Himalaya
- Assam is home to hundreds of braided and meandering rivers, including the powerful Brahmaputra.
- These rivers carry billions of tons of sediment originating from the Himalaya, which they deposit across the floodplains.
- This sedimentation process is vital for the region’s fertility but also contributes to the frequent flooding and changing river courses.
The Impact of Annual Floods
Historical Context and Earthquake of 1950
- Floods have always been a part of life in Assam, but their intensity and impact have increased since the Assam earthquake of 1950, which had a magnitude of 8.6.
- This earthquake caused significant changes to the environment, including alterations in river courses and sedimentation patterns.
- The imprints of these changes are still visible today and have exacerbated the annual flooding issues.
Post-Earthquake Environmental Changes
- The environmental crisis triggered by the 1950 earthquake marked a turning point for Assam’s flood patterns.
- The changes introduced by this seismic event affected the state’s rivers, water bodies, and agricultural fields, leading to more severe and frequent floods.
- These effects have been felt consistently since 1952, creating ongoing challenges for the region.
Coping with Floods: Embankments and Infrastructure
Initial Response and Garg Committee Recommendations
- In response to recurrent floods, Assam requested the construction of embankments as early as 1950.
- However, the Garg committee, appointed by the Government of India in 1951, warned against such measures.
- The committee emphasized that embankments could disrupt the natural land-building and drainage processes of rivers, especially those carrying large amounts of silt, like the Brahmaputra.
Construction of Embankments (1950s-1970s)
- Despite the committee’s warnings, Assam pursued the construction of embankments between the 1950s and 1970s.
- Thousands of kilometers of embankments were built along the Brahmaputra, the Barak, and their tributaries.
- Inspired by American and Chinese examples of flood control, these structures were erected at a rapid pace, funded by government finances.
- The establishment of the Brahmaputra Board in 1982 aimed to oversee this extensive infrastructure project.
Mixed Reactions and Short-Lived Relief
- The initial response to the embankments was mixed. While some appreciated the protection they provided to crops, properties, and livestock, others noticed a decline in the environmental vitality of their localities.
- Paddy fields, for instance, required more artificial manure as natural nutrient replenishment from floodwaters ceased.
- Over time, embankments failed to provide long-term relief, as breaches caused by various factors, including rat holes, led to continued flooding.
Long-Term Effects and Future Considerations
Declining Vitality and Increased Risks
- The embankments fundamentally altered the relationship between Assam’s rivers and its residents.
- The disruption of the natural connection between rivers and floodplains led to a decline in the region’s ecological vitality.
- As floodplains became drier, human habitation moved closer to the rivers, increasing the risk to lives and properties, a situation predicted by the Garg committee in 1951.
Reassessment of Embankment Effectiveness
- After two decades of living with embankments, the National Flood Commission (1976-1980) expressed concerns about their effectiveness.
- The commission highlighted that the deposition of coarse silt and sand had raised river beds above the surrounding countryside, creating a dangerous scenario where breached embankments could cause widespread devastation.
- This realization has led to a significant reduction in new embankment construction.
Ongoing Challenges and Legacy
- Despite the diminished focus on new embankment projects, the institutional mindset and strategies developed in the previous decades continue to influence flood control efforts in Assam.
- The region grapples with the consequences of ignoring its complex riverine history in flood-control projects, as echoed in Garg’s warnings.
- The legacy of these interventions remains a critical aspect of Assam’s ongoing struggle with annual floods.
| PYQ: The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods. highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2016) |
| Practice Question:Â Discuss the geographical and environmental factors contributing to Assam’s recurrent floods. Analyze the effectiveness of embankments constructed since the 1950s in mitigating flood risks, and examine the long-term impacts on the region’s ecology and society. (250 words/15 m) |
 2. News, as you like it
(Source: Indian Express; Section: The Ideas Page; Page: 11)
| Topic: GS3 – Role of media and social networking sites |
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The Evolution of News
Historical Perspective on News Production
- The question “What is news?” gains significance with each technological advancement in media production.
- The nature of news has evolved over time, from pre-Independence India to the era of Manmohan Singh, and further to today’s digital age.
- These changes highlight that news is not a fixed entity but rather a fluid concept influenced by technological, social, and political contexts.
Technological Influence and News Values
- The Reuters Digital News Report 2024 examines the transformation of news in a rapidly changing media environment.
- The values that determine what is considered newsworthy differ across media outlets, influenced by their individual missions and editorial stances.
- For instance, The New York Times’ tagline “All the news that’s fit to print” contrasts with Fox News’ controversial “Fair and balanced” slogan, reflecting their respective approaches to news production.
The Internet Era and Horizontalism
Decentralization of News Production
- The internet era has introduced horizontalism in news production, challenging the traditional vertical structures.
- Readers now have access to a vast array of news sources and can even become news producers themselves through social media platforms.
- This shift has democratized news creation but also complicated the landscape with a mix of credible and dubious information.
Digital Disruption and the Media Ecosystem
- Digital disruption is no longer novel; it has significantly impacted the global news media ecosystem. Factors such as misinformation, declining trust, political influence, and financial challenges are prevalent. Additionally, major tech companies are prioritizing their interests, often sidelining credible news content in favor of more engaging, often frivolous, formats to retain user engagement.
Changing Consumption Patterns
Social Media and News Consumption
- Social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube have altered how news is consumed, with a preference for short-form videos, especially among younger audiences.
- This trend is further complicated by the rise of artificial intelligence, which introduces new dynamics such as deep fakes and content generated by chatbots based on user data rather than journalistic standards.
Subscription and News Avoidance
- There is a notable reluctance among consumers to pay for online news, with only 17 percent of users in wealthy countries subscribing to news services.
- In regions like Asia, there is an expectation of free online content. Additionally, prolonged news stories, such as conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, have led to news fatigue and avoidance among some audiences.
The Indian Context
Trust in News and Emerging Trends
- India presents a unique case with its active news market and slightly increased trust in both legacy and digital news sources in 2024.
- However, social media platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp have emerged as significant news sources, reflecting the growing influence of charismatic influencers and personalized news consumption.
User-Generated News Ecology
- Indian media users are increasingly creating their own news ecology, sharing news content and engaging with information that resonates with them personally.
- This trend emphasizes the “shareability” of digital content, allowing users to feel more connected and assertive in their news consumption.
Conclusion
- The Reuters Digital News Report 2024 highlights the ever-changing nature of news in a digital landscape.
- While the findings may be temporary, they offer crucial insights into the ongoing evolution of news production, consumption, and the underlying values that shape them.
| PYQ: What are social networking site and what security implications do these sites present? (200 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2013) |
| Practice Question:Â With reference to the Reuters Digital News Report 2024, critically analyze how technological advancements have transformed the nature of news production and consumption (250 words/15 m) |
