APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (07/12/2024)
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 (07-12-2024). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
1. Assam Semiconductor Conclave 2024
GS Paper 3: Science and Technology, Economic Development
Introduction
The Assam Semiconductor Conclave 2024, held at Kar Bhawan, marks a significant milestone in positioning Assam as an emerging hub for semiconductor manufacturing and technology innovation. With the establishment of a semiconductor assembly and testing facility in Jagiroad, Assam aims to contribute to India’s vision of technological sovereignty and economic resilience.
Key Points
- Semiconductor Facility in Jagiroad:
- A cutting-edge assembly and testing unit to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports.
- Objective of the Conclave:
- To stimulate industrial growth, attract investments, and foster innovation in the semiconductor sector.
- Advantage Assam 2.0:
- A global investment summit planned for February 2025 to further amplify Assam’s industrial and technological potential.
- Focus Areas:
- Technological advancements, supply chain integration, and policy incentives for semiconductor manufacturers.
Prelims Pointers
- Semiconductors: Essential components in electronic devices, pivotal for India’s tech industry.
- Jagiroad Facility: Positions Assam as a key player in India’s semiconductor manufacturing.
- Advantage Assam 2.0: A flagship initiative to attract global investors.
Mains Pointers
Importance of the Semiconductor Industry for Assam:
- Technological Advancement:
- Establishes Assam as a leader in semiconductor production, aligned with India’s Make in India initiative.
- Encourages research and development in cutting-edge technologies.
- Economic Growth:
- Potential to create jobs and enhance the state’s industrial landscape.
- Encourages investment in infrastructure and skill development.
- Strategic Importance:
- Reduces India’s dependence on imports, contributing to technological sovereignty.
- Positions Assam strategically in global tech supply chains.
Challenges:
- Infrastructure Gaps:
- Limited existing infrastructure for semiconductor manufacturing in the region.
- Skill Shortage:
- Need for a trained workforce specialized in semiconductor technology.
- Global Competition:
- Competing with established global hubs like Taiwan and South Korea.
Government Initiatives:
- PLI Scheme (Production Linked Incentive): Boosts semiconductor manufacturing in India.
- Advantage Assam 2.0: Aims to attract global investors to bolster infrastructure and technology.
- Skill Development Programs: Focused on training local youth for semiconductor jobs.
Way Ahead:
- Investment in R&D:
- Establish research facilities to support semiconductor innovation.
- Skill Development:
- Collaborate with academic institutions to train professionals in semiconductor technology.
- Policy Support:
- Offer tax incentives and subsidies to attract private players.
- Global Collaborations:
- Partner with leading semiconductor companies to leverage technology transfer and expertise.
Conclusion
The Assam Semiconductor Conclave 2024 signifies a transformative step in the state’s industrial journey, aligning with India’s ambition to emerge as a global semiconductor powerhouse. With sustained investments, strategic planning, and focus on innovation, Assam can become a pivotal player in driving India’s technological and economic resilience.
2. Mission Basundhara 2.0
GS Paper 2: Governance and Technology
Introduction
Mission Basundhara 2.0, launched by the Assam government, is a landmark initiative aimed at digitizing and streamlining land records. The project seeks to resolve land-related grievances, promote transparency, and establish a robust framework for land governance through modern technology.
Key Points
- Objective: To make land revenue services more efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly.
- Key Features:
- Digitization of land records for easy access and dispute resolution.
- Online mutation, partition, and updating of legacy land records.
- Integration of land records with Aadhaar and other databases for authenticity.
- Implementation: Use of advanced GIS mapping technologies and online portals for service delivery.
Prelims Pointers
- Mission Basundhara 2.0: A flagship program to digitize land records in Assam.
- GIS Mapping: Geographic Information System technology used for accurate land mapping.
- Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP): A central scheme to digitize land records across India.
Mains Pointers
Importance:
- Transparency in Land Governance:
- Reduces corruption and bureaucratic delays in land transactions.
- Enhances public trust in the administration.
- Dispute Resolution:
- Minimizes land disputes by providing accurate and accessible records.
- Facilitates faster resolution of ownership conflicts.
- Economic Benefits:
- Streamlines land acquisition for infrastructure and industrial projects.
- Enhances revenue collection through efficient record-keeping.
- Disaster Resilience:
- Digitized records ensure data security during natural calamities like floods.
Challenges:
- Data Accuracy:
- Errors during digitization may lead to disputes and public grievances.
- Digital Divide:
- Limited internet access in rural areas may hinder service delivery.
- Capacity Building:
- Need for trained personnel to manage and update the digital systems.
Government Initiatives:
- Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP): Focuses on nationwide digitization of land records.
- Mission Basundhara 1.0: The first phase focused on clearing land-related backlogs and grievances.
- Skill Development Programs: Training staff to operate GIS and digital record systems effectively.
Way Ahead:
- Data Validation:
- Conduct thorough validation of land records before digitization to avoid errors.
- Public Awareness Campaigns:
- Educate citizens about accessing and using online land record systems.
- Infrastructure Development:
- Enhance internet connectivity in rural areas to facilitate service access.
- Regular Updates:
- Establish a mechanism for real-time updating of land records to reflect ownership changes.
Conclusion
Mission Basundhara 2.0 is a transformative step towards efficient and transparent land governance in Assam. By leveraging modern technology and addressing existing challenges, the initiative can empower citizens, strengthen governance, and contribute to Assam’s socio-economic development.
3. Urban Flood Mitigation in Guwahati
GS Paper 3: Disaster Management, Urbanization
Introduction
Urban flooding has emerged as a recurring problem in Guwahati, Assam’s largest city. Rapid urbanization, encroachments on natural drainage systems, and insufficient infrastructure have exacerbated the crisis. Recent initiatives by the Assam government aim to provide long-term solutions through sustainable planning and technological interventions.
Key Points
- Causes of Urban Flooding:
- Encroachments on wetlands like Deepor Beel and Bharalu River.
- Inadequate drainage systems incapable of handling heavy rainfall.
- Increased impermeable surfaces due to rapid urbanization.
- Blockages caused by solid waste in drainage channels.
- Impact:
- Disruption of daily life and economic activities.
- Damage to infrastructure and public health risks.
- Threat to Guwahati’s biodiversity, particularly wetlands.
Prelims Pointers
- Wetlands in Guwahati: Deepor Beel, a Ramsar site critical for flood management.
- Flood Mitigation Techniques: Use of bio-engineering methods like geo-bags.
- Urban Flood Zoning: Identifying areas vulnerable to waterlogging for targeted interventions.
Mains Pointers
Importance of Flood Mitigation:
- Urban Resilience:
- Reduces the vulnerability of Guwahati to waterlogging and flooding.
- Ensures uninterrupted economic and social activities.
- Environmental Protection:
- Restores and protects wetlands like Deepor Beel, essential for biodiversity.
- Public Health:
- Prevents waterborne diseases caused by stagnant water.
Challenges:
- Encroachments:
- Continued encroachments on natural drainage paths hinder flood mitigation.
- Infrastructure Deficit:
- Existing drainage systems are outdated and inadequate for current urban needs.
- Community Awareness:
- Lack of awareness about sustainable waste disposal worsens drainage blockages.
Government Initiatives:
- Deepor Beel Conservation Project: Focused on restoring the wetland’s natural drainage capacity.
- Integrated Flood Management Plan: Combines bio-engineering methods with modern infrastructure to mitigate flooding.
- Solid Waste Management Initiatives: Aims to prevent blockages in drainage channels.
Way Ahead:
- Wetland Restoration:
- Expand conservation projects to restore Guwahati’s natural drainage systems.
- Modern Drainage Systems:
- Invest in advanced stormwater drainage infrastructure.
- Community Engagement:
- Conduct awareness campaigns to promote responsible waste disposal.
- Smart Urban Planning:
- Implement zoning regulations to prevent further encroachments on critical drainage pathways.
Conclusion
Mitigating urban flooding in Guwahati requires a comprehensive approach that combines modern infrastructure with the restoration of natural systems. By adopting sustainable urban planning practices and enhancing community participation, Guwahati can become a model for urban resilience in flood-prone regions.
4. Assam’s Agroforestry Initiatives
GS Paper 3: Environment and Agriculture
Introduction
Agroforestry, the integration of trees and crops on farmland, has emerged as a vital strategy in Assam for enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring environmental sustainability, and boosting farmer incomes. Assam’s agroforestry initiatives align with national policies like the National Agroforestry Policy (NAP) 2014, addressing challenges like land degradation, low agricultural yields, and climate change impacts.
Key Points
- Agroforestry Practices in Assam:
- Taungya System: Intercropping trees with agricultural crops, common in tea gardens.
- Home Gardens: Small-scale agroforestry systems integrating fruit trees, vegetables, and livestock.
- Silvopastoral Systems: Combining forestry and grazing practices for livestock.
- Government Focus Areas:
- Increasing the forest cover to 33% as per the National Forest Policy, 1988.
- Promoting agroforestry in flood-prone areas to improve soil stabilization.
- Enhancing biodiversity through species-rich agroforestry systems.
Prelims Pointers
- National Agroforestry Policy (NAP) 2014: Aims to integrate trees into agriculture to achieve environmental, economic, and social goals.
- Silvopastoral Systems: A land-use system combining forestry with grazing.
- Tree Species in Assam’s Agroforestry: Bamboo, areca nut, and banana.
Mains Pointers
Importance of Agroforestry in Assam:
- Environmental Benefits:
- Improves soil fertility and prevents erosion in flood-prone regions.
- Enhances carbon sequestration, contributing to climate change mitigation.
- Economic Benefits:
- Increases farmer incomes by diversifying produce (timber, fruits, and crops).
- Provides raw materials for Assam’s industries, such as bamboo-based crafts.
- Biodiversity Conservation:
- Preserves native tree species and supports wildlife habitats.
- Disaster Resilience:
- Agroforestry systems act as natural barriers against floods and landslides.
Challenges:
- Land Fragmentation:
- Small landholdings limit the adoption of large-scale agroforestry practices.
- Awareness Gap:
- Lack of knowledge among farmers about the benefits and techniques of agroforestry.
- Market Accessibility:
- Poor infrastructure hinders farmers’ ability to sell agroforestry products profitably.
- Policy and Incentives:
- Limited financial and institutional support for adopting agroforestry practices.
Government Initiatives:
- Green India Mission: Focuses on increasing forest cover and promoting agroforestry.
- National Bamboo Mission: Encourages bamboo-based agroforestry systems.
- Assam Agroforestry Development Project: Supports farmers in integrating trees into agricultural systems.
Way Ahead:
- Capacity Building:
- Train farmers and extension workers on agroforestry techniques.
- Market Development:
- Create value chains for agroforestry products like bamboo and fruits.
- Incentivization:
- Provide subsidies and credit support for farmers adopting agroforestry systems.
- Policy Integration:
- Align agroforestry initiatives with schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Conclusion
Agroforestry holds immense potential for transforming Assam’s agricultural landscape by addressing environmental challenges, enhancing farmer incomes, and fostering biodiversity conservation. With strategic planning, adequate support, and community involvement, agroforestry can serve as a cornerstone for sustainable development in Assam.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
Topic 1: Assam Semiconductor Conclave 2024
Q1. With reference to the semiconductor industry, consider the following statements:
- Semiconductors are primarily used in the production of solar panels.
- India is largely dependent on imports for semiconductor requirements.
- Assam’s first semiconductor assembly facility is being established in Guwahati.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: b) 2 only
Explanation:
- Semiconductors are primarily used in electronic devices, not solar panels.
- India is heavily reliant on imports for its semiconductor needs.
- Assam’s semiconductor assembly facility is being established in Jagiroad, not Guwahati.
Topic 2: Mission Basundhara 2.0
Q1. Which of the following technologies is used under Mission Basundhara 2.0 for digitizing land records?
- Blockchain
- GIS Mapping
- Artificial Intelligence
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: b) 2 only
Explanation:
- GIS Mapping (Geographic Information System) is a key technology used for accurate land mapping under Mission Basundhara 2.0. Blockchain and AI are not part of this initiative.
Topic 3: Urban Flood Mitigation in Guwahati
Q1. Which of the following is a Ramsar Site in Guwahati?
a) Silsako Beel
b) Borsola Beel
c) Deepor Beel
d) Bharalu River
Answer: c) Deepor Beel
Explanation:
- Deepor Beel is a Ramsar Site and an important wetland in Guwahati, playing a significant role in flood mitigation.
Topic 4: Assam’s Agroforestry Initiatives
Q1. Which of the following is/are agroforestry practices commonly found in Assam?
- Taungya System
- Silvopastoral Systems
- Alley Cropping
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
The Taungya and Silvopastoral systems are common in Assam, but Alley Cropping is not widely practiced in the region.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Q. Discuss the significance of Mission Basundhara 2.0 in transforming land governance in Assam. Highlight the challenges associated with its implementation and suggest measures to overcome them. (250 words)
Model Answer
Introduction
Land governance is a cornerstone of sustainable development, directly affecting economic productivity, social equity, and environmental management. Mission Basundhara 2.0, launched by the Assam government, aims to digitize and modernize land records, ensuring transparency, reducing disputes, and enhancing citizen services. It aligns with India’s Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) to create a tamper-proof, accessible land records system.
Significance of Mission Basundhara 2.0
- Transparency and Accountability:
- Digitization reduces bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption.
- Integration with Aadhaar ensures authenticity in ownership records.
- Faster Dispute Resolution:
- Online services for mutation and partition help resolve disputes efficiently.
- Minimizes judicial backlog related to land conflicts, which constitute 67% of all civil cases in India (Source: Land Conflict Watch, 2023).
- Economic Boost:
- Streamlines land acquisition for infrastructure projects, facilitating faster development.
- Enhances Assam’s Ease of Doing Business ranking by providing clear land ownership records.
- Disaster Resilience:
- Secure digital records protect against loss or damage during natural disasters like floods, which affect 40% of Assam’s land annually (Source: National Flood Commission, 2023).
- Support for Marginalized Groups:
- Clear land ownership documents empower women and tribal communities, promoting social equity.
Challenges in Implementation
- Data Discrepancies:
- Inconsistencies in existing records may lead to disputes during digitization.
- Infrastructure Deficit:
- Limited internet penetration in rural Assam (only 37% rural internet coverage, as per TRAI 2023).
- Capacity Gaps:
- Lack of trained personnel to handle GIS mapping and database management.
- Community Resistance:
- Misconceptions about digitization and fear of dispossession among marginalized groups.
Measures to Overcome Challenges
- Data Validation and Standardization:
- Conduct detailed surveys and public consultations to resolve discrepancies in land records.
- Infrastructure Development:
- Expand broadband connectivity under the BharatNet Project to cover remote areas.
- Capacity Building:
- Train officials in GIS and digital platforms, leveraging the Skill India Mission.
- Public Awareness Campaigns:
- Educate citizens about the benefits of digitized land records through local languages and media outreach.
Use of Reports and Data to Enrich Content
- NITI Aayog’s India Innovation Index 2023: Highlights the role of digitization in improving governance efficiency.
- DILRMP Progress Report 2022: States with better land records modernization saw a 15% reduction in land-related disputes.
- World Bank Ease of Doing Business 2020: Transparency in land records is a key determinant in attracting investments.
Conclusion Mission Basundhara 2.0 is a transformative initiative that can redefine land governance in Assam, ensuring transparency, equity, and efficiency. By addressing implementation challenges through robust infrastructure, capacity building, and citizen engagement, Assam can set a precedent for other states, fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
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