APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (16/12/2024)

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 (16-12-2024). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.

1. Peer-to-Peer Solar Energy Transactions in Assam

GS Paper 3: Renewable Energy, Economy, and Technology

Introduction

Assam is pioneering a peer-to-peer (P2P) solar energy trading model to revolutionize renewable energy utilization. This initiative enables energy prosumers (producers-consumers) to trade surplus solar power with neighboring consumers, fostering localized energy distribution and cost savings.

Key Points

• Mechanism:
  • Prosumers with surplus rooftop solar (RTS) energy can sell excess units through a digital trading platform.
  • Buyers can purchase locally generated solar energy at rates cheaper than utility prices.
• Pilot Progress:
  • 3,000 solar installations completed under the PM Surya Ghar Scheme; a target of 20,000 by the year-end.
  • Dynamic pricing with a ceiling ensures affordability and transparency.
• Benefits:
  • Provides passive income to solar producers.
  • Reduces transmission losses associated with long-distance grid distribution.
  • Promotes clean, green energy adoption among non-solar users.

Prelims Pointers

• PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Scheme aimed at promoting rooftop solar installations in Assam.
• Dynamic Pricing: A pricing system where rates fluctuate based on demand and supply within a defined ceiling.
• Energy Prosumers: Consumers who also produce energy, typically through renewable sources like solar panels.

Mains Pointers

Importance of Peer-to-Peer Solar Transactions:

1. Localized Energy Distribution:
   • Balances supply-demand in real-time, ensuring grid stability.
   • Empowers communities to manage their energy needs sustainably.
2. Economic Benefits:
   • Generates revenue for prosumers, reducing payback time for solar installations.
   • Provides affordable green energy options for consumers without RTS setups.
3. Environmental Impact:
   • Reduces dependency on fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions.
   • Mitigates energy loss during long-distance transmission.

Challenges:

1. Technology Barriers:
   • Requires robust digital infrastructure for platform management.
2. Consumer Awareness:
   • Limited understanding of P2P energy trading among rural populations.
3. Regulatory Hurdles:
   • Need for clear policies and frameworks to manage dynamic pricing and trade volumes.
4. Initial Costs:
   • High upfront costs for RTS installation deter widespread adoption.

Government Initiatives:

1. PM Surya Ghar Scheme: Promotes solar adoption through subsidies and awareness programs.
2. APDCL Solar Projects: Assam Power Distribution Company Limited actively supports localized solar energy trade.
3. Net Metering: Allows prosumers to sell surplus electricity back to the grid.

Way Ahead:

1. Digital Literacy Campaigns:
   • Educate communities on using trading platforms effectively.
2. Incentive Programs:
   • Offer tax rebates or additional subsidies for prosumers.
3. Policy Framework:
   • Establish clear rules for P2P transactions, dynamic pricing, and dispute resolution.
4. Research and Development:
   • Invest in battery storage solutions to optimize solar energy utilization.

Conclusion

The peer-to-peer solar energy model reflects Assam’s commitment to achieving energy sustainability. By addressing challenges and strengthening infrastructure, this initiative can set a national precedent, contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

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2. Assam’s Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Efforts

GS Paper 3: Environment, Conservation, and Disaster Management

Introduction

Assam, home to diverse wildlife and several endangered species, faces recurring challenges from human-wildlife conflicts, floods, and habitat loss. The state’s focus on wildlife rescue and rehabilitation initiatives, particularly in Kaziranga, Manas, and Dibru-Saikhowa, aims to safeguard its biodiversity while mitigating conflict with human populations.

Key Points

• Recent Achievements:
  • 3,200+ animals rescued in 2023 from floods and poaching-related incidents in Kaziranga.
  • Establishment of the Assam State Zoo Wildlife Rescue Center, specializing in rehabilitating injured and orphaned animals.
  • Deployment of trained rescue teams during floods to evacuate animals from inundated national parks.
• Focus Areas:
  • Rescue of orphaned rhinos, elephants, and leopards; rehabilitating them for release into the wild.
  • Use of technology-driven monitoring like drones and radio collars to track rescued animals post-release.

Prelims Pointers

• Kaziranga National Park: Known for its flood-adaptive rescue measures, including highlands for animal refuge.
• Wildlife Trust of India (WTI): Collaborates with the Assam Forest Department for rescue and conservation.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict Hotspots: Identified in districts like Sonitpur and Udalguri.

Mains Pointers

Significance of Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Efforts:

1. Biodiversity Conservation:
   • Protects endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros, wild elephants, and pygmy hogs.
   • Maintains ecological balance in Assam’s sensitive ecosystems.
2. Flood Mitigation:
   • Effective strategies during annual Brahmaputra floods save hundreds of animals.
3. Tourism Potential:
   • Enhanced wildlife protection attracts eco-tourists, bolstering Assam’s green tourism initiatives.
4. Community Engagement:
   • Empowers local communities through employment in rescue operations and awareness campaigns.

Challenges:

1. Recurring Floods:
   • Annual monsoon floods submerge national parks, displacing wildlife.
2. Human-Wildlife Conflict:
   • Rising cases of elephants raiding crops and leopards entering residential areas.
3. Limited Resources:
   • Insufficient funding and lack of trained personnel for large-scale operations.
4. Poaching Threats:
   • Persistent poaching of rhinos and other species for illegal trade.

Government and NGO Initiatives:

1. Highland Projects in Kaziranga: Elevated land areas within the park provide flood refuge for animals.
2. Manas Tiger Project: Focuses on tiger rehabilitation and protection.
3. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): Collaborates with Assam to combat wildlife trafficking.
4. WTI-Centered Programs: Run wildlife care and post-rescue monitoring projects.

Way Ahead:

1. Strengthen Infrastructure:
   • Expand rescue centers and invest in mobile veterinary units for faster response.
2. Leverage Technology:
   • Deploy drones and AI-based monitoring tools for rescue operations and habitat surveillance.
3. Community Participation:
   • Train and engage local youth in conservation activities, creating livelihood opportunities.
4. Policy Reinforcement:
   • Implement stricter anti-poaching laws and penalties to deter illegal activities.

Conclusion

Assam’s wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts are vital for conserving its rich biodiversity amidst rising ecological threats. By scaling up initiatives and integrating local communities, Assam can strike a balance between human development and wildlife conservation, ensuring long-term sustainability.

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3. Assam’s Agritech Push for Smart Farming

GS Paper 3: Agriculture, Science and Technology, and Economy

Introduction

Assam is embracing agritech solutions to modernize its predominantly traditional farming practices. Recent initiatives focus on integrating drones, IoT (Internet of Things), and AI-driven analytics to enhance productivity, reduce crop losses, and improve farmers’ incomes. These efforts aim to address Assam’s agricultural challenges, including fragmented landholdings, floods, and outdated techniques.

Key Points

• Recent Initiatives:
  • Introduction of drone-based spraying systems for pest control in tea gardens and paddy fields.
  • Establishment of smart irrigation systems in flood-prone districts like Dhemaji and Lakhimpur.
  • Use of AI to monitor soil health, predict weather patterns, and suggest optimal planting times.
• Key Technologies:
  • IoT Sensors: Installed in fields to monitor moisture levels and nutrient content.
  • AI Predictive Models: Help farmers prepare for floods and droughts, reducing crop losses.
  • Digital Platforms: Mobile apps to connect farmers with markets and advisory services.

Prelims Pointers

• Drones in Agriculture: Used for spraying fertilizers, pesticides, and monitoring crop health.
• Kisan Drones Initiative: Launched under the Ministry of Agriculture to promote drone usage in farming.
• IoT in Agriculture: Facilitates precision farming through real-time data collection and analysis.

Mains Pointers

Significance of Agritech for Assam’s Agriculture:

1. Productivity Enhancement:
   • Drones reduce pesticide use by 30-50% while ensuring uniform coverage.
   • AI helps optimize sowing and harvesting cycles, increasing yields.
2. Disaster Resilience:
   • Smart irrigation systems reduce waterlogging in flood-prone areas.
   • Predictive models mitigate risks from climate variability.
3. Economic Benefits:
   • Reduces input costs and increases profitability for farmers.
   • Creates employment opportunities in agritech startups.
4. Sustainability:
   • Promotes resource-efficient practices, reducing overuse of fertilizers and water.

Challenges:

1. High Initial Costs:
   • Drones and IoT devices are expensive, limiting accessibility for small and marginal farmers.
2. Digital Divide:
   • Low digital literacy among rural farmers hampers the adoption of technology.
3. Connectivity Issues:
   • Limited internet access in remote villages affects real-time data sharing.
4. Scalability Concerns:
   • Integrating advanced agritech solutions across fragmented landholdings is challenging.

Government Initiatives:

1. Digital Agriculture Mission 2021-2025: Promotes tech-driven solutions for Indian agriculture.
2. Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM): Provides subsidies for purchasing advanced equipment like drones.
3. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): Act as nodal centers for training farmers in using modern agricultural tools.

Way Ahead:

1. Financial Incentives:
   • Expand subsidies and loan schemes for farmers adopting agritech.
2. Capacity Building:
   • Train farmers through workshops on using drones, IoT devices, and digital platforms.
3. Infrastructure Development:
   • Improve internet connectivity and power supply in rural areas to support digital farming.
4. Public-Private Partnerships:
   • Collaborate with agritech startups to innovate cost-effective solutions for small farmers.

Conclusion

Assam’s agritech initiatives signify a transformative shift toward smart and sustainable farming. By addressing challenges related to costs and digital adoption, the state can lead India’s agricultural modernization, ensuring food security and economic empowerment for its farming communities.

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4. Horticulture and Food Processing in Assam

GS Paper 3: Agriculture, Economy, and Technology

Introduction

Assam, with its diverse soil and climate, is well-suited for growing a variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants. However, the lack of robust food processing infrastructure and policy interventions has hindered its potential for an agricultural boom.

Key Points

• Present Scenario:
  • Horticulture contributes significantly to Assam’s agriculture, yet remains untapped in terms of commercial production.
  • Food processing in Assam lags behind states like Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh despite similar geo-climatic advantages.
• Potential Crops:
  • High demand for Assam’s bananas, oranges, pineapples, and ginger.
  • Medicinal and aromatic plants have global export potential.
• Major Challenges:
  • Limited availability of quality planting material.
  • Lack of cold storage and processing units, leading to post-harvest losses.

Prelims Pointers

• Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): Provides funds for horticulture and food processing infrastructure.
• Organic Farming in Assam: Focus on turmeric, ginger, and tea under Assam’s organic initiatives.
• Horticulture in Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim: Examples of successful models for scaling food processing.

Mains Pointers

Importance of Horticulture and Food Processing in Assam:

1. Economic Growth:
   • Reduces dependency on traditional crops like rice.
   • Generates employment opportunities through agri-entrepreneurship.
2. Reduction in Wastage:
   • Food processing reduces post-harvest losses, which account for 20-25% of total produce.
3. Export Potential:
   • Boosts Assam’s share in the global market, especially in organic and high-value products.
4. Livelihood Security:
   • Provides a stable income for farmers, particularly in flood-prone and hilly areas.

Challenges:

1. Policy Gaps:
   • Lack of a dedicated state policy for horticulture and food processing.
2. Infrastructure Deficits:
   • Absence of cold chains, packhouses, and market linkages.
3. Skill Shortages:
   • Limited trained personnel for post-harvest processing and marketing.
4. Market Access:
   • Farmers face difficulties in accessing global markets due to logistic and regulatory bottlenecks.

Government and Private Initiatives:

1. APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority): Supports export-oriented projects in Assam.
2. Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH): Funds for infrastructure and skill development.
3. Private Investments: Initiatives by startups for creating value chains in the region.

Way Ahead:

1. Policy Focus:
   • Formulate a state-specific policy for horticulture and food processing.
2. Technology Integration:
   • Promote AI-based soil health analysis and drone-enabled monitoring.
3. Infrastructure Development:
   • Build cold storages, rural markets, and processing units in key districts.
4. Farmer Awareness:
   • Train farmers in best practices for cultivation and post-harvest management.

Conclusion

Assam’s horticulture sector holds immense promise for economic transformation and export-driven growth. By investing in technology, infrastructure, and policy reforms, the state can unlock its potential as a leader in high-value agriculture, contributing significantly to achieving SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

APSC Prelims Practice Questions

Topic 1: Peer-to-Peer Solar Energy Transactions in Assam

Q1. Which scheme in Assam promotes rooftop solar installations and peer-to-peer energy trading?
a) Surya Mitra Program
b) PM Surya Ghar Scheme
c) National Solar Rooftop Initiative
d) Pradhan Mantri KUSUM Yojana

Answer: b) PM Surya Ghar Scheme

Explanation:

• PM Surya Ghar Scheme focuses on rooftop solar installations and facilitates peer-to-peer energy transactions in Assam.

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Q2. The term “Energy Prosumers” refers to individuals who:
a) Produce and consume energy simultaneously.
b) Exclusively consume energy from renewable sources.
c) Monitor energy consumption without producing it.
d) Purchase surplus energy from the grid.

Answer: a) Produce and consume energy simultaneously.

Explanation:

• Energy prosumers are individuals or entities that generate energy (e.g., rooftop solar) and consume it, with the option to trade surplus energy.

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Topic 2: Assam’s Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Efforts

Q1. Which of the following national parks in Assam is known for its flood-adaptive wildlife rescue strategies?
a) Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
b) Manas National Park
c) Kaziranga National Park
d) Nameri National Park

Answer: c) Kaziranga National Park

Explanation:

• Kaziranga uses highlands and trained rescue teams during annual floods to save wildlife.

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Q2. Which of the following species is NOT commonly associated with Assam’s wildlife conservation efforts?
a) One-horned rhinoceros
b) Pygmy hog
c) Indian lion
d) Hoolock gibbon

Answer: c) Indian lion

Explanation:

• Indian lions are primarily found in Gujarat, not Assam. Assam focuses on species like the one-horned rhinoceros, pygmy hog, and hoolock gibbon.

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Topic 3: Assam’s Agritech Push for Smart Farming

Q1. Which technology is being widely promoted in Assam for pest control and crop monitoring?
a) Blockchain
b) Drones
c) IoT-enabled smart tractors
d) Satellite imaging

Answer: b) Drones

Explanation:

• Assam is introducing drones for pest control and crop health monitoring in tea gardens and paddy fields.

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Q2. The term “Precision Agriculture” primarily involves:
a) Manual monitoring of soil and crop conditions.
b) Use of advanced technologies like IoT and AI for optimized farming.
c) Traditional farming methods to preserve biodiversity.
d) Large-scale monoculture farming.

Answer: b) Use of advanced technologies like IoT and AI for optimized farming.

Explanation:

• Precision agriculture leverages technologies like IoT and AI to enhance efficiency in farming practices.

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Topic 4: Horticulture and Food Processing in Assam

Q1. Which scheme promotes infrastructure development for food processing in Assam?
a) Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH)
b) National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
c) Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
d) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)

Answer: a) Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH)

Explanation:

• HMNEH provides funds and infrastructure support specifically for horticulture and food processing in the Northeast.

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Q2. Which horticultural crops from Assam have significant export potential?
a) Tea and Rice
b) Pineapple and Ginger
c) Cotton and Jute
d) Wheat and Mustard

Answer: b) Pineapple and Ginger

Explanation:

Pineapple and ginger are high-value horticultural crops from Assam with significant export potential.

APSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Assam has made significant strides in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Discuss the challenges faced in rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife in Assam, and critically evaluate the role of government and non-governmental organizations in mitigating these challenges. (15M)”

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Model Answer

Introduction

Assam, home to some of India’s most iconic wildlife, including the one-horned rhinoceros and wild elephants, faces several challenges in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. The state’s unique geography, climate, and growing human-wildlife conflicts make effective conservation efforts a complex task.

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Challenges in Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation:

1. Floods and Natural Disasters:
   • Assam’s annual floods, especially in Kaziranga National Park, cause widespread displacement of wildlife, making rescue operations challenging. The inundation of habitat complicates swift evacuations.
2. Human-Wildlife Conflict:
   • Encroachment into wildlife habitats and the expansion of agricultural activities lead to frequent human-wildlife conflicts. Elephants and leopards often raid crops, and in retaliation, they are injured or killed by local farmers.
3. Inadequate Infrastructure:
   • The rescue centers and facilities for rehabilitating injured or orphaned wildlife are limited in capacity. There is a need for advanced medical and rehabilitation centers equipped with modern infrastructure.
4. Poaching and Illegal Trade:
   • Despite significant efforts, Assam’s wildlife faces threats from poaching, especially the illegal trade of rhino horns and elephant tusks.

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Role of Government and NGOs in Mitigating Challenges:

1. Government Initiatives:
   • The Assam Forest Department, along with organizations like Kaziranga National Park authorities, have worked to build flood-resistant highlands for animals, offering refuge during floods.
   • Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) collaborates with the government to prevent poaching and illegal wildlife trade, and initiatives like Project Elephant support conservation efforts.
2. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):
   • NGOs like Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) partner with the government to facilitate wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and community engagement. They assist in establishing rescue centers and conduct workshops for local communities to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
   • NGOs also provide funding and expertise for veterinary care and rehabilitation efforts for animals affected by natural disasters.

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Way Forward:

1. Strengthening Infrastructure:
   • Develop more wildlife rescue centers equipped with modern tools and trained professionals to handle large-scale rescue operations.
2. Community Involvement:
   • Community-based conservation programs can help engage locals in wildlife protection. Training local youth as wildlife first responders can build resilience in areas prone to conflict.
3. Technological Integration:
   • Use drones, GPS tracking, and AI-based monitoring systems for tracking wildlife movements and predicting areas of potential conflict.
4. Collaborative Approach:
   • Increase collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to build a comprehensive wildlife conservation strategy that includes habitat restoration and protection.

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Conclusion Assam’s wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts are vital for preserving the region’s rich biodiversity. By addressing infrastructural challenges, enhancing community participation, and integrating technology, Assam can overcome the challenges it faces in wildlife conservation and emerge as a model for others.

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