APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes by SuchitraACS 29-11-2024

APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (29/11/2024)

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, staying updated with current affairs is vital. This blog covers most important topics from the Assam Tribune today (29-11-2024). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.

1. Assam’s Advanced Border Infrastructure Project

Relevant for: GS Paper 3: Internal Security; Governance

Introduction:
The Assam government has announced a large-scale infrastructure upgrade along the Indo-Bangladesh border to curb illegal infiltration and enhance national security. The initiative aims to strengthen surveillance and ensure better connectivity for border security forces.

Key Facts:

  • Objective: Enhance border security and reduce cross-border crimes.
  • Components:
    • 200 km of new fencing equipped with advanced surveillance technology.
    • 50 new Border Outposts (BOPs) with modern facilities.
    • Construction of all-weather roads for quick troop movement.
  • Funding: Supported by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS).

Prelims Pointers:

  • Indo-Bangladesh Border: Spanning 4,096 km across five Indian states, including Assam.
  • CIBMS: Incorporates smart fencing and real-time surveillance systems.
  • BOPs: Permanent outposts manned by the Border Security Force (BSF).

Mains Pointers:
Importance:

  1. National Security: Reduces infiltration and cross-border terrorism.
  2. Economic Stability: Prevents smuggling, especially of cattle and drugs.
  3. Regional Development: Improves infrastructure in border areas, benefiting local populations.
  4. International Relations: Strengthens India-Bangladesh cooperation in maintaining peace.

Challenges:

  1. Geographical Constraints: Hilly terrains and riverine stretches hinder infrastructure development.
  2. Community Displacement: Potential issues in land acquisition for project execution.
  3. Maintenance Costs: High operational costs for advanced systems.

Government Initiatives:

  • Deployment of advanced surveillance drones and radar systems.
  • Bilateral agreements with Bangladesh to address border-related concerns.

Way Ahead:

  1. Local Engagement: Work closely with local communities to address grievances.
  2. Technology Integration: Expand CIBMS to cover all vulnerable stretches.
  3. Bilateral Efforts: Strengthen intelligence-sharing mechanisms with Bangladesh.

Conclusion:
The border infrastructure upgrade is a critical step towards securing Assam’s borders and fostering regional stability. Holistic implementation can ensure long-term benefits for both security and development.

2. Assam’s Push for Electric Vehicle (EV) Adoption

Relevant for: GS Paper 3: Environment and Economy

Introduction:
In a significant move towards sustainability, the Assam government launched its Electric Vehicle Policy 2024, aiming to make the state a leader in green mobility and reduce vehicular pollution.

Key Facts:

  • Target: 25% of all vehicle sales to be electric by 2030.
  • Incentives:
    • Up to ₹2 lakh subsidy on EV purchases.
    • Free registration for EVs purchased within the state.
  • Infrastructure: Plan to establish 1,000 EV charging stations by 2026.
  • Budget: Allocated ₹500 crore under the Green Mobility Mission.

Prelims Pointers:

  • FAME India Scheme: Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and EVs by the Government of India.
  • Battery Swapping: An alternative to conventional charging to reduce waiting times.

Mains Pointers:
Importance:

  1. Environmental Impact: Reduces carbon emissions and air pollution.
  2. Energy Security: Decreases reliance on fossil fuels, promoting renewable energy.
  3. Economic Growth: Creates jobs in EV manufacturing and charging infrastructure.
  4. Urban Mobility: Promotes cleaner and efficient transport systems in cities like Guwahati.

Challenges:

  1. High Initial Costs: EVs remain expensive compared to traditional vehicles.
  2. Charging Infrastructure: Limited availability of charging stations in rural areas.
  3. Battery Recycling: Lack of sustainable disposal mechanisms for used batteries.

Government Initiatives:

  • Collaboration with private companies to develop charging networks.
  • Skill development programs for EV manufacturing and maintenance.
  • Tax exemptions under the state EV policy.

Way Ahead:

  1. Public Awareness: Conduct campaigns highlighting the benefits of EVs.
  2. R&D Investment: Promote research into cost-effective battery technologies.
  3. Incentive Expansion: Include benefits for EV manufacturers and service providers.

Conclusion:
Assam’s Electric Vehicle Policy 2024 is a visionary step towards sustainability. Comprehensive planning and stakeholder collaboration are essential to achieve its goals and set an example for other states.

3. Bahini River De-siltation Plan

Relevant for: GS Paper 3: Environment; Urbanization

Introduction:
The Public Works Department (PWD) in Assam has emphasized the need for extensive de-siltation of the Bahini River near Rukminigaon, Guwahati. The riverbed has risen by three meters over the past decade due to heavy siltation, leading to severe waterlogging during the monsoon season.

Key Facts:

  • Primary Issue: Siltation has significantly reduced the water-carrying capacity of the river.
  • Proposed Solution: A de-siltation drive to restore the Bahini River’s drainage efficiency.
  • Focus Area: Bahini River’s diversion channel toward Silsako Beel for flood mitigation.

Prelims Pointers:

  • Bahini River: A tributary of the Bharalu River in Guwahati.
  • Siltation: The accumulation of sediments that obstructs natural waterways.
  • Silsako Beel: A critical wetland in Assam aiding flood absorption.

Mains Pointers:
Importance:

  1. Flood Mitigation: Reduces waterlogging in densely populated urban areas like Rukminigaon.
  2. Environmental Benefits: Restores the river’s ecological balance.
  3. Infrastructure Protection: Prevents damage to nearby roads and drainage systems.
  4. Improved Urban Planning: Integrates sustainable water management into Guwahati’s development.

Challenges:

  1. High Costs: Conducting large-scale de-siltation projects is expensive.
  2. Encroachments: Unauthorized constructions near riverbanks hinder progress.
  3. Maintenance Issues: Regular upkeep of de-silted areas is often neglected.

Government Initiatives:

  • Monitoring urban flooding through real-time satellite imagery.
  • Restoring wetlands like Silsako Beel as natural flood buffers.

Way Ahead:

  1. Community Engagement: Involve local stakeholders in monitoring and maintaining the river.
  2. Wetland Protection: Safeguard natural floodplains to complement de-siltation.
  3. Technology Integration: Utilize GIS and drone-based mapping for effective silt removal.

Conclusion:
De-silting the Bahini River is a crucial step towards flood-proofing Guwahati. A balanced approach integrating technology and community participation can ensure long-term success.

4. Promoting Equity and Reproductive Health Access in Northeast India (PRERANA)

Relevant for: GS Paper 2: Governance; Health

Introduction:
The US Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with Jhpiego, has launched the PRERANA initiative to improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes in Assam and other northeastern states.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: Five years.
  • Focus: Address critical SRH challenges among young people.
  • Implementing Agencies: USAID and Jhpiego (a nonprofit health organization).

Prelims Pointers:

  • USAID: A US federal agency responsible for administering foreign aid and development.
  • Jhpiego: Focuses on healthcare innovations for developing countries.
  • PRERANA Initiative: Aims to empower youth with resources for better SRH outcomes.

Mains Pointers:
Importance:

  1. Healthcare Access: Improves SRH services in underserved regions.
  2. Youth Empowerment: Equips adolescents with knowledge and resources for healthy choices.
  3. Gender Equity: Addresses issues like early pregnancies and gender-based barriers.
  4. Policy Alignment: Complements India’s SDG commitments on health and gender equality.

Challenges:

  1. Cultural Sensitivity: Resistance due to conservative societal norms.
  2. Infrastructure Deficiency: Lack of adequate healthcare facilities in remote areas.
  3. Awareness Gaps: Limited understanding of SRH issues among adolescents.

Government Initiatives:

  • Implementation of adolescent health programs under Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK).
  • Partnerships with international organizations to boost healthcare delivery.

Way Ahead:

  1. Community Involvement: Work with local leaders to overcome cultural barriers.
  2. Digital Outreach: Use mobile apps and social media for spreading awareness.
  3. Capacity Building: Train healthcare providers in culturally appropriate SRH services.

Conclusion:
PRERANA represents a holistic approach to improving SRH outcomes in Assam and the Northeast. Its success will depend on addressing social barriers and strengthening healthcare systems.

APSC Prelims Practice Questions

1. Assam’s Advanced Border Infrastructure Project

Question:
Which of the following is/are correct about the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS)?

  1. It integrates smart fencing, surveillance technology, and real-time communication to secure India’s borders.
  2. CIBMS is applicable to all of India’s international borders.
  3. It includes the construction of Border Outposts (BOPs) for enhancing border security.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, and 3
D. 2 and 3 only

Answer: B

Explanation:

  • Statement 1: Correct. CIBMS involves smart fencing, night vision cameras, radars, and sensors for securing borders.
  • Statement 2: Incorrect. CIBMS is selectively implemented in vulnerable and sensitive areas of India’s international borders, not across all borders.
  • Statement 3: Correct. BOPs are part of the broader effort to enhance border security under this system.

2. Assam’s Push for Electric Vehicle (EV) Adoption

Question:
Which of the following is/are features of Assam’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2024?

  1. A subsidy of up to ₹2 lakh is provided on EV purchases.
  2. All EV registrations in the state are free of cost.
  3. The policy targets 50% electric vehicle adoption by 2030.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

  • Statement 1: Correct. The policy provides subsidies of up to ₹2 lakh for electric vehicle purchases.
  • Statement 2: Correct. EVs purchased within Assam are exempt from registration fees.
  • Statement 3: Incorrect. The policy aims for 25% of vehicle sales to be electric by 2030, not 50%.

3. Bahini River De-siltation Plan

Question:
Which of the following wetlands in Assam is directly associated with flood mitigation for Guwahati city?
A. Silsako Beel
B. Deepor Beel
C. Chandubi Lake
D. Son Beel

Answer: A

Explanation:

  • Silsako Beel is a critical wetland near Guwahati that acts as a natural flood buffer, receiving excess water from rivers like the Bahini.
  • Deepor Beel is another significant wetland near Guwahati, but it is primarily known for its biodiversity.

4. PRERANA Initiative

Question:
The PRERANA initiative launched in Assam focuses on which of the following objectives?

  1. Addressing sexual and reproductive health challenges among adolescents.
  2. Promoting gender equity through community engagement.
  3. Ensuring universal primary education for girls in rural areas.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 3: Incorrect. While education for girls complements gender equity, the initiative specifically targets SRH and does not directly address universal primary education.

Statement 1: Correct. PRERANA addresses sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges, especially for youth.

Statement 2: Correct. Gender equity is a core objective of the initiative.

APSC Mains Practice Question

Topic: Assam’s Push for Electric Vehicle (EV) Adoption
GS Paper 3: Environment and Sustainable Development

The Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2024 launched by Assam aims to promote green mobility and reduce vehicular pollution. Discuss the significance of such initiatives in combating climate change and achieving energy security. Highlight the challenges and suggest measures for effective implementation.

Model Answer

Introduction:
The Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2024 by Assam is a progressive step toward promoting sustainable urban mobility and reducing carbon emissions. By targeting 25% EV sales by 2030 and incentivizing adoption, it aligns with India’s National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) and global climate goals.

Significance of EV Policies:

  1. Environmental Benefits:
    • Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants like PM2.5 and NOx.
    • Promotes eco-friendly transport systems to mitigate urban air quality issues.
  2. Energy Security:
    • Decreases dependency on fossil fuels, reducing import bills and enhancing energy independence.
    • Supports the transition toward renewable energy-powered mobility systems.
  3. Economic Growth:
    • Stimulates investments in EV manufacturing, battery production, and infrastructure.
    • Generates employment opportunities in the green energy sector.
  4. Global Commitments:
    • Contributes to India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

Challenges in Implementation:

  1. High Initial Costs:
    • EVs and associated technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries, are expensive for the average consumer.
  2. Charging Infrastructure:
    • Limited availability of EV charging stations, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
  3. Battery Management:
    • Absence of robust recycling systems for used batteries, leading to environmental concerns.
  4. Awareness and Adoption:
    • Low awareness among the public about EV benefits and incentives.
  5. Grid Dependence:
    • Increased demand for electricity may strain the existing power grid infrastructure.

Measures for Effective Implementation:

  1. Incentive Expansion:
    • Broaden subsidies for EV purchases and provide financial support for manufacturers and service providers.
  2. Infrastructure Development:
    • Accelerate the establishment of charging stations across urban and rural areas.
    • Promote battery-swapping facilities to overcome long charging times.
  3. Skill Development:
    • Train local workers in EV assembly, maintenance, and battery management.
  4. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Conduct workshops and campaigns highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of EVs.
  5. Renewable Energy Integration:
    • Power EV charging stations through solar and wind energy to enhance sustainability.

Conclusion:
Assam’s EV Policy 2024 is a visionary approach to achieving green mobility and combating climate change. By addressing infrastructural, financial, and technological barriers, it can position Assam as a leader in sustainable development and contribute significantly to India’s global climate commitments. A comprehensive strategy involving all stakeholders is crucial for the policy’s success.

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