APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (30/11/2024)
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 (30-11-2024). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
1. TERI’s 50th Anniversary Commemoration
Relevant for: GS Paper 3 – Environment, Climate Change
Introduction:
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) marked its 50th anniversary in Guwahati, focusing on sustainability and climate action. The event emphasized TERI’s transformative role in energy efficiency and environmental conservation.
Key Facts:
- Event Highlights:
- Collaboration with the Balipara Foundation to address sustainability in Northeast India.
- Participation by eminent figures like Queen Diambi Kabatusuila and Dr. Ravi Kota.
- Discussions on biodiversity preservation, renewable energy, and regional sustainability goals.
- Historical Impact: Over five decades, TERI has contributed to energy policy formulation and environmental sustainability.
Prelims Pointers:
- TERI: Established in 1974, focuses on energy research and sustainability.
- Balipara Foundation: Promotes ecological preservation in the Eastern Himalayas.
- Biodiversity Hotspots: Key regions with significant biological diversity.
Mains Pointers:
Importance:
- Policy Formulation: Supports the government in renewable energy and climate-resilient policies.
- Climate Action: Develops initiatives to mitigate climate change effects, especially in vulnerable regions like Northeast India.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Aids in preserving the unique ecosystems of Assam and surrounding areas.
- Collaborative Frameworks: Enhances multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainable development.
Challenges:
- Limited Resources: Inadequate funding for large-scale projects.
- Community Involvement: Difficulty in integrating local communities into climate initiatives.
- Infrastructure Deficiencies: Lack of advanced technology to implement TERI’s recommendations effectively.
Government Initiatives:
- National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
- State-specific action plans focusing on biodiversity and renewable energy.
Way Ahead:
- Strengthen TERI’s collaboration with local governments and industries.
- Promote community-based programs for biodiversity conservation.
- Increase public and private investment in renewable energy projects.
Conclusion:
TERI’s five-decade-long contributions underscore the significance of integrating policy, science, and grassroots efforts for achieving sustainable development goals.
2. COP-29 Summit Outcomes and Relevance for India
Relevant for: GS Paper 3 – Environment and Climate Change
Introduction:
The 29th UN Climate Conference (COP-29) concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, with a focus on climate finance and carbon market mechanisms. This year’s summit highlighted the urgency of climate action amid the hottest year on record.
Key Facts:
- Climate Finance: Developed countries pledged $300 billion, significantly short of the $1.3 trillion demanded by developing nations.
- Carbon Markets: Agreement on operationalizing carbon trading mechanisms, with 25 nations committing to a “no new coal” policy.
- Key Announcements: Australia’s first commitment to halting new coal power plants.
Prelims Pointers:
- COP-29: A UN framework addressing global climate issues.
- Carbon Markets: Mechanisms allowing countries to trade emission allowances.
- Paris Agreement: A 2015 accord focusing on limiting global temperature rise to below 2°C.
Mains Pointers:
Importance:
- Global Climate Leadership: Establishes India as a critical player in climate negotiations.
- Economic Opportunity: Carbon trading offers economic benefits for renewable energy projects.
- Technology Transfer: Facilitates access to green technologies for developing nations.
- Environmental Benefits: Advances the goal of achieving net-zero emissions.
Challenges:
- Insufficient Finance: Funding commitments fall short of developing countries’ needs.
- Coal Dependency: Transitioning from coal remains a challenge for India and other major economies.
- Diplomatic Strains: Disparities between Global North and South on responsibilities and contributions.
Government Initiatives:
- National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Focus on renewable energy and sustainable practices.
- International Solar Alliance (ISA): India-led initiative promoting solar energy.
Way Ahead:
- Advocate for increased climate finance commitments.
- Enhance focus on renewable energy and carbon capture technologies.
- Strengthen global partnerships for sustainable development.
Conclusion:
India’s proactive engagement in COP-29 can strengthen its global standing while ensuring a sustainable future.
3. Eviction Drive in Karbi Anglong: Legal and Governance Dimensions
Relevant for: GS Paper 2 – Governance; GS Paper 3 – Land Reforms
Introduction:
The district administration of West Karbi Anglong carried out an eviction drive in compliance with a Gauhati High Court directive. Encroachments on a 22-bigha plot were removed, reflecting Assam’s commitment to protecting property rights.
Key Facts:
- Location: Kherani village, Karbi Anglong.
- Action Taken: Eviction of 10 families following a prolonged legal battle.
- Court Order: Directed eviction of illegal settlers from private property.
Prelims Pointers:
- Karbi Anglong: A tribal-majority district in Assam.
- Gauhati High Court: Jurisdiction over Assam and neighboring states.
- Land Reforms: Policies addressing land ownership and encroachment issues.
Mains Pointers:
Importance:
- Rule of Law: Reinforces legal accountability in land disputes.
- Property Rights: Protects citizens’ right to private property.
- Tribal Interests: Safeguards the socio-economic fabric of Karbi Anglong.
- Governance: Enhances trust in state machinery for dispute resolution.
Challenges:
- Rehabilitation Issues: Lack of resettlement plans for evicted families.
- Ethnic Sensitivities: Risk of communal tensions in tribal areas.
- Legal Delays: Prolonged court cases impede timely resolution.
Government Initiatives:
- Mission Basundhara: Digitalization of land records in Assam.
- Land Acquisition Acts: Streamlining processes for fair compensation and rehabilitation.
Way Ahead:
- Ensure resettlement and compensation for affected families.
- Promote awareness campaigns on legal landholding rights.
- Expedite judicial processes to prevent prolonged disputes.
Conclusion:
The Karbi Anglong eviction drive highlights the necessity of balancing legal enforcement with humane rehabilitation measures to uphold justice and governance.
4. Assam’s Focus on Green Energy Transition
Relevant for: GS Paper 3 – Environment and Economy
Introduction:
The Assam government announced the launch of its first floating solar power plant under its Green Energy Mission, in collaboration with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
Key Facts:
- Location: Dipor Bil, a Ramsar site near Guwahati.
- Capacity: 25 MW, with plans to expand to 50 MW in subsequent phases.
- Investment: ₹300 crore, with assistance from SECI and the State Renewable Energy Fund.
Prelims Pointers:
- Dipor Bil: An important bird sanctuary and wetland ecosystem.
- Floating Solar Power Plants: Solar installations on water bodies, maximizing land use.
- SECI: A central government agency promoting solar energy projects across India.
Mains Pointers:
Importance:
- Energy Security: Diversifies Assam’s energy mix, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
- Sustainability: Mitigates environmental degradation by promoting renewable energy.
- Economic Growth: Attracts investments and creates jobs in the green energy sector.
- Climate Goals: Supports India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Challenges:
- Ecological Sensitivity: Ensuring the project does not harm Dipor Bil’s biodiversity.
- High Initial Costs: Floating solar plants are costlier than traditional solar setups.
- Maintenance: Challenges in maintaining installations on water bodies.
Government Initiatives:
- State incentives for renewable energy under the Assam Solar Policy, 2022.
- Alignment with national targets under the National Solar Mission.
Way Ahead:
- Conduct environmental impact assessments to mitigate ecological risks.
- Engage local communities for the project’s smooth execution and monitoring.
- Collaborate with private players to increase investments in renewable energy.
Conclusion:
The floating solar power plant underscores Assam’s leadership in sustainable development, balancing ecological preservation with economic progress.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
1. TERI’s 50th Anniversary Commemoration
Question:
Which of the following statements regarding The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is/are correct?
- TERI was established in 1974 to focus on energy research and sustainability.
- The Balipara Foundation, a partner of TERI, works exclusively on renewable energy projects in Assam.
- TERI has contributed significantly to India’s environmental policy and renewable energy strategies.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, and 3
D. 1 only
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. TERI was established in 1974 to advance energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
- Statement 2: Incorrect. The Balipara Foundation focuses on biodiversity and ecological preservation, not exclusively on renewable energy.
- Statement 3: Correct. TERI has played a key role in shaping India’s energy policies and sustainability frameworks.
2. COP-29 Summit Outcomes and Relevance for India
Question:
Which of the following is NOT a key focus area of COP-29?
A. Operationalizing carbon market mechanisms
B. Increasing climate finance for developing nations
C. Proposing a “no new coal” policy
D. Establishing new coal-based power plants for energy security
Answer: D
Explanation:
- COP-29 emphasized reducing coal dependency through initiatives like the “no new coal” policy, operationalizing carbon trading, and enhancing climate finance.
- Establishing new coal-based power plants contradicts the goals of COP-29.
3. Eviction Drive in Karbi Anglong
Question:
Which of the following initiatives by the Assam government aims to digitize land records to resolve land disputes?
A. Mission Basundhara
B. Assam Land Reforms Act, 1956
C. National Land Record Modernization Programme
D. Land Acquisition Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Mission Basundhara focuses on digitizing land records and simplifying land-related services to address disputes and ensure transparency.
- The other options have broader or unrelated objectives.
4. Assam’s Focus on Green Energy Transition
Question:
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding floating solar power plants?
- They are installed on water bodies to maximize land use.
- They significantly reduce the ecological footprint compared to traditional solar plants.
- Dipor Bil, Assam’s Ramsar site, hosts one of India’s largest floating solar projects.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, and 3
D. 1 only
Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 3: Incorrect. While Dipor Bil is an important site, the project is in its early stages and is not yet among India’s largest floating solar projects.
Statement 1: Correct. Floating solar plants are designed to maximize land efficiency by utilizing water surfaces.
Statement 2: Correct. They reduce ecological footprints but must be carefully designed to avoid harming aquatic ecosystems.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Topic: COP-29 Summit Outcomes and Relevance for India
GS Paper 3: Environment, Climate Change
The COP-29 Summit in Baku highlighted the urgency of global climate action but revealed significant disparities in commitments between developed and developing nations. Critically analyze the implications of COP-29 outcomes for India’s climate policy, energy transition, and global leadership. Suggest measures India can adopt to balance its developmental needs with its climate commitments.
Model Answer
Introduction:
The COP-29 Summit underscored the importance of enhancing climate finance, operationalizing carbon markets, and transitioning away from coal to mitigate climate change. For India, which balances rapid development with ambitious climate goals, the outcomes of COP-29 present both challenges and opportunities to strengthen its global climate leadership.
Implications for India:
- Climate Policy:
- India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 aligns with global climate targets but requires recalibrating its policy frameworks.
- The focus on carbon trading can incentivize investments in renewable energy projects.
- Energy Transition:
- The “no new coal” policy challenges India’s reliance on coal for energy security.
- Expanding renewable energy infrastructure is crucial to achieving 50% non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
- Global Leadership:
- India’s role in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and commitments to green hydrogen make it a significant player in shaping global energy strategies.
- Advocacy for climate finance can bridge the divide between the Global North and South.
Challenges:
- Insufficient Climate Finance:
- The $300 billion pledged falls short of the $1.3 trillion demanded by developing nations, limiting India’s ability to scale renewable projects.
- Coal Dependency:
- India faces challenges in phasing out coal due to its role in energy security and employment.
- Technology Gaps:
- Dependence on developed nations for green technology and intellectual property rights remains a constraint.
- Equity Concerns:
- The principle of “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities” (CBDR) is under strain due to uneven contributions to emissions reductions.
Measures for Balancing Development and Climate Commitments:
- Promoting Renewable Energy:
- Accelerate investments in solar, wind, and hydroelectric projects through public-private partnerships.
- Expand the National Hydrogen Mission to create alternative energy pathways.
- Leveraging Carbon Markets:
- Establish a robust domestic carbon trading framework to align with COP-29 outcomes.
- Climate Finance Advocacy:
- Strengthen negotiations for higher financial commitments from developed nations.
- Mobilize resources through multilateral platforms like the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
- Technology and Innovation:
- Foster indigenous R&D in green technologies to reduce reliance on external support.
- Incentivize startups and industries working in clean energy and climate resilience.
- Global Cooperation:
- Strengthen partnerships under ISA and G20 presidency to amplify the voice of the Global South.
Conclusion:
COP-29 outcomes reaffirm the urgency of climate action but expose significant disparities in global commitments. For India, navigating these challenges requires integrating sustainable development with inclusive growth. By leveraging its leadership in renewable energy and advocating for equitable climate finance, India can emerge as a key architect of global climate solutions while meeting its developmental aspirations.
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