APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (23/12/2024)

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 (23-12-2024). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.

1. Decline in Forest Cover in Assam

GS Paper 3: Environment, Biodiversity, and Climate Change

Introduction

The India State of Forest Report 2023 revealed a decline of 83.92 sq km in forest cover in Assam between 2021 and 2023. The state faces challenges due to encroachment, illegal logging, and infrastructure development, resulting in biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.

Key Points

1. Extent of Decline:
   • Assam recorded a forest loss of 83.92 sq km.
   • Northeast India as a whole lost 327.30 sq km, with Mizoram experiencing the highest loss of 178.42 sq km.
2. Reasons for Decline:
   • Encroachment: 13% of Assam’s forest area is under encroachment, double the national average.
   • Infrastructure Projects: Expansion projects, including roads and energy facilities, led to large-scale tree felling.
   • Illegal Logging: Mature trees critical for biodiversity have been indiscriminately cut.
3. Impact on Biodiversity:
   • Loss of habitat for rare and endemic species.
   • Reduced carbon sink capacity, aggravating climate change threats.
4. Government Actions:
   • Occasional eviction drives to remove encroachers.
   • Afforestation programs launched but insufficient to reverse the damage.

Prelims Pointers

• India State of Forest Report (ISFR): Biennial report assessing forest cover.
• Dense Forest Cover in Assam: Shockingly low, constituting only 13% of total forest cover.
• Carbon Sink: Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 and mitigating climate change.

Mains Pointers

Importance of Forest Cover

1. Ecological Significance:
   • Vital for maintaining Assam’s biodiversity hotspot status.
   • Provides ecosystem services such as water regulation and soil conservation.
2. Climate Mitigation:
   • Forests are critical in countering climate change by absorbing greenhouse gases.

Challenges

1. Policy Implementation Gaps:
   • Delayed actions against encroachers.
   • Weak enforcement of forest conservation laws.
2. Balancing Development and Conservation:
   • Infrastructure needs conflict with ecological preservation.
3. Social Issues:
   • Resettlement of encroachers often lacks proper planning.

Government Initiatives

• National Afforestation Programme (NAP): Focuses on enhancing forest cover.
• State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCC): Includes strategies for forest management.
• CAMPA Funds: Utilized for compensatory afforestation.

Way Ahead

1. Integrated Forest Management:
   • Promote agroforestry to reduce dependence on forests.
   • Strengthen forest monitoring using satellite imagery.
2. Community Involvement:
   • Encourage joint forest management with local communities.
   • Incentivize sustainable practices for livelihoods.
3. Policy Reforms:
   • Swift legal actions against encroachment.
   • Reevaluate development projects impacting forested regions.

Conclusion

The decline in Assam’s forest cover is a pressing concern that demands immediate action. A balanced approach focusing on sustainable development and robust conservation mechanisms can ensure ecological stability while meeting developmental needs.

---

2. Assam’s Crackdown on Child Marriage

GS Paper 2: Governance, Social Justice, and Welfare

Introduction

Assam has intensified its crackdown on child marriage with a recent third phase of arrests, reflecting the state government’s commitment to eradicating this social evil by 2025. These efforts aim to protect child rights, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and ensure better future prospects for girls.

Key Points

1. Recent Developments:
   • In the third phase of the crackdown, 431 individuals were arrested across Assam between December 21 and 22, 2024.
   • Those arrested include accused husbands, family members, and Kazis who solemnized the marriages.
2. Statistical Impact:
   • First Phase (February 2023): 3,425 arrests; 4,387 cases registered.
   • Second Phase (October 2023): 913 arrests; 682 cases registered.
   • 2024 Data: 189 arrests and 187 cases registered before the current drive.
3. Impact on Health Metrics:
   • Maternal mortality decreased from 984 deaths in 2020-21 to 372 deaths in 2023-24.
   • Infant mortality reduced from 9,472 deaths in 2020-21 to 4,790 in 2023-24.
4. Government Strategy:
   • Preliminary investigations conducted over six months prior to each special drive.
   • Focused on high-incidence districts such as Dhubri, Barpeta, and South Salmara-Mankachar.

Prelims Pointers

• Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006: Prohibits marriages where either party is underage (girls below 18, boys below 21).
• Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): Key indicator of maternal health.
• Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Measures child health outcomes under the age of one year.

Mains Pointers

Importance of Tackling Child Marriage

1. Social Justice:
   • Protects the rights of young girls.
   • Promotes gender equality and empowerment.
2. Health Outcomes:
   • Early pregnancies often lead to complications, increasing maternal and infant mortality rates.
   • Reduces malnutrition and stunted growth among children.

Challenges

1. Cultural Resistance:
   • Deep-rooted socio-cultural norms perpetuate child marriage in rural areas.
2. Enforcement Issues:
   • Limited legal awareness among communities.
   • Difficulty in tracking underage marriages in remote regions.
3. Rehabilitation of Affected Families:
   • Arrests often lead to financial and social insecurity among families.

Government Initiatives

• Assam’s Child Marriage Eradication Drive: Phased operations to apprehend violators.
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Encourages education and welfare of girl children.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Focused on health risks and legal consequences of child marriage.

Way Ahead

1. Enhanced Awareness Campaigns:
   • Use local languages to spread awareness through schools, self-help groups, and panchayats.
2. Community Involvement:
   • Engage local leaders, NGOs, and women’s groups to champion the cause.
3. Robust Support Systems:
   • Establish counseling and vocational training centers for affected girls.
   • Provide financial aid to families transitioning out of child marriage practices.
4. Technology in Governance:
   • Use Aadhaar-based tracking to monitor and prevent underage marriages.

Conclusion

Assam’s crackdown on child marriage is a commendable step toward social reform. By combining stringent legal enforcement with community-driven initiatives and robust support systems, the state can pave the way for a brighter, healthier future for its young population.

---

3. Assam’s Border Disputes with Meghalaya

GS Paper 2: Governance, Inter-State Relations

Introduction

Assam and Meghalaya have long-standing border disputes over 12 disputed areas along their 884.9 km shared boundary. Recent clashes near the Lailapur area have reignited tensions, underscoring the need for amicable resolutions to prevent further conflicts.

Key Points

1. Historical Background:
   • The disputes date back to Meghalaya’s formation in 1972 when it was carved out of Assam.
   • Different interpretations of the 1951 maps and administrative demarcations led to disagreements.
2. Recent Clashes:
   • Incidents in Lailapur (Cachar district, Assam) and Mukroh (Meghalaya) resulted in fatalities.
   • Both states have claimed the regions as part of their jurisdiction, escalating tensions.
3. Bilateral Efforts:
   • Assam and Meghalaya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2022 to resolve 6 of the 12 disputes.
   • Committees were formed to study historical, legal, and socio-political claims on disputed areas.
4. Challenges:
   • Local community opposition to territorial adjustments.
   • Political differences between the state governments.

Prelims Pointers

• Assam-Meghalaya Boundary Dispute: Involves 12 identified areas, including Langpih and Khanapara-Pilingkata.
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) 2022: Framework for resolving six less-contentious disputes.
• Article 263 of the Constitution: Empowers the President to establish inter-state councils for dispute resolution.

Mains Pointers

Importance of Resolving Border Disputes

1. Inter-State Harmony:
   • Reduces tensions and fosters cooperative federalism.
   • Ensures safety and security for border residents.
2. Economic Growth:
   • Encourages seamless trade and development in disputed regions.
   • Attracts investments with better governance.

Challenges

1. Community Sentiments:
   • Ethnic and cultural ties complicate territorial adjustments.
2. Administrative Overlap:
   • Dual administration in disputed areas creates confusion.
3. Political Pressure:
   • Local political groups oppose compromise, fearing loss of influence.

Government Initiatives

• Inter-State Boundary Commission: A proposed body to resolve disputes through dialogue.
• Use of Technology: Satellite imagery and GIS mapping for precise demarcation.
• Dialogue Mechanisms: Involvement of local leaders and civil society in negotiation processes.

Way Ahead

1. Institutional Mechanism:
   • Establish permanent dispute resolution mechanisms under Article 263.
2. Confidence-Building Measures:
   • Joint cultural programs and community exchanges to build trust.
3. Involvement of Neutral Parties:
   • Engage neutral experts or central government representatives for impartial mediation.
4. Equitable Solutions:
   • Consider historical claims and socio-economic factors for fair agreements.

Conclusion

The Assam-Meghalaya border disputes are a microcosm of larger inter-state challenges in India. A pragmatic and inclusive approach, combining legal frameworks and community engagement, can pave the way for lasting peace and regional cooperation.

---

4. Assam’s Push for GI Tags for Local Products

GS Paper 1 & 3: Indian Culture, Economy, and Intellectual Property Rights

Introduction

The Assam government is actively pursuing Geographical Indication (GI) tags for local products to promote the state’s rich cultural heritage and boost economic opportunities for its artisans and farmers. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to preserve traditional knowledge and create a global identity for Assam’s unique products.

Key Points

1. GI Tags and Their Importance:
   • A GI tag recognizes products specific to a region for their quality, reputation, or characteristics.
   • It ensures legal protection and enhances marketability.
2. Assam’s GI-Tagged Products:
   • Existing: Muga Silk, Assam Tea, Joha Rice, and Boka Saul (soft rice).
   • Proposed: Chokuwa Rice, Gamosa (traditional handwoven cloth), and Kaji Nemu (Assam lemon).
3. Economic Implications:
   • Increases the income of local artisans and farmers.
   • Protects indigenous products from imitation and counterfeiting.
4. Cultural Significance:
   • Promotes Assam’s traditional crafts and agricultural practices.
   • Preserves knowledge systems passed down through generations.

Prelims Pointers

• Geographical Indication (GI): Governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
• Assam Tea: The first GI-tagged product from Assam.
• Muga Silk: Known for its natural golden sheen and exclusivity to Assam.

Mains Pointers

Significance of GI Tags for Assam

1. Economic Growth:
   • Boosts exports by leveraging the uniqueness of GI-tagged products.
   • Encourages rural entrepreneurship and employment.
2. Cultural Preservation:
   • Ensures the survival of traditional crafts and practices.
   • Promotes Assam’s identity on the global stage.
3. Intellectual Property Protection:
   • Protects Assam’s products from unauthorized use and imitation.

Challenges

1. Awareness Gaps:
   • Limited understanding among artisans and farmers about the benefits of GI tags.
2. Market Access:
   • Lack of robust supply chains and global marketing strategies.
3. Counterfeit Products:
   • Imitation of Assam’s goods dilutes their market value.

Government Initiatives

• Skill Development Programs: Train artisans in innovative techniques and GI application processes.
• Assam’s GI Mission: A dedicated effort to identify and register potential products.
• Global Promotion Efforts: Participation in trade fairs and exhibitions to showcase GI-tagged goods.

Way Ahead

1. Capacity Building:
   • Educate producers about GI benefits and processes.
   • Develop cooperatives for efficient management of GI-tagged product production.
2. Enhanced Marketing Strategies:
   • Use digital platforms for e-commerce and branding.
   • Collaborate with international agencies to access global markets.
3. Legal Safeguards:
   • Strengthen enforcement mechanisms to curb counterfeit products.

Conclusion GI tags represent a significant opportunity for Assam to combine cultural preservation with economic growth. By addressing challenges and leveraging policy support, the state can ensure its traditional products gain rightful recognition, enhancing both local livelihoods and global stature.

APSC Prelims Practice Questions

1. Decline in Forest Cover in Assam

Question 1: Which of the following factors contribute significantly to the decline in forest cover in Assam?

1. Encroachment of forest lands
2. Illegal logging activities
3. Infrastructure development projects
4. Industrial mining activities

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1, 2, and 3 only
C. 1, 2, 3, and 4
D. 2, 3, and 4 only

Answer: B. 1, 2, and 3 only

Explanation:
Encroachment, illegal logging, and infrastructure development are the primary reasons for forest loss in Assam. Industrial mining, while a contributor in some states, is not a major factor in Assam’s forest decline.

---

2. Assam’s Crackdown on Child Marriage

Question 2: The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, sets the legal age for marriage in India as:
A. 18 years for both boys and girls
B. 21 years for boys and 18 years for girls
C. 18 years for boys and 16 years for girls
D. 21 years for both boys and girls

Answer: B. 21 years for boys and 18 years for girls

Explanation:
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, defines the legal minimum age for marriage as 21 years for males and 18 years for females, making marriages below these ages punishable.

---

3. Assam’s Border Disputes with Meghalaya

Question 3: Which article of the Constitution allows the President to establish inter-state councils for resolving disputes between states?
A. Article 262
B. Article 263
C. Article 256
D. Article 275

Answer: B. Article 263

Explanation:
Article 263 provides for the establishment of inter-state councils to address disputes or issues between states and promote cooperation.

---

4. Assam’s Push for GI Tags for Local Products

Question 5: Which of the following is NOT a GI-tagged product of Assam?

A. Assam Tea
B. Muga Silk
C. Boka Saul (Soft Rice)
D. Brahmaputra Banana

Answer: D. Brahmaputra Banana

Explanation:
While Assam Tea, Muga Silk, and Boka Saul are GI-tagged products, Brahmaputra Banana is a proposed product under the GI registration process but has not yet received the tag.

APSC Mains Practice Question

Topic: Assam’s Border Disputes with Meghalaya

Question:
Border disputes between Indian states pose significant challenges to cooperative federalism and regional development. Discuss the Assam-Meghalaya border dispute, its impact on governance and local communities, and suggest solutions for its resolution. (250 words)

---

Model Answer

Introduction
Assam and Meghalaya have been embroiled in border disputes since Meghalaya’s creation in 1972. The disagreement over 12 areas along their shared 884.9 km boundary has led to periodic clashes, affecting local governance and inter-state relations.

Issues and Impact

1. Historical and Legal Discrepancies:
   • Differences in interpreting the 1951 maps and administrative demarcations fuel disputes.
   • Absence of a clear demarcation exacerbates tensions.
2. Impact on Governance:
   • Frequent clashes disrupt law and order, diverting administrative focus from development.
   • Dual claims over territories create confusion in delivering public services.
3. Impact on Local Communities:
   • Loss of lives and property due to clashes, as seen in the Lailapur and Mukroh incidents.
   • Communities face displacement and restricted access to resources.
   • Strains social harmony between neighboring villages.

Solutions

1. Institutional Mechanism:
   • Establish a permanent Inter-State Boundary Commission for negotiation and resolution.
   • Use satellite imagery and GIS mapping for precise demarcation.
2. Confidence-Building Measures:
   • Conduct joint cultural programs and community exchanges to rebuild trust.
   • Involve local leaders and civil society in dialogue processes.
3. Central Government Mediation:
   • Facilitate impartial negotiations and ensure adherence to agreements.
   • Provide financial incentives for states to resolve disputes amicably.
4. Implementation of MoUs:
   • Follow through on agreements like the 2022 Assam-Meghalaya MoU, resolving less contentious areas first.

Conclusion
Resolving the Assam-Meghalaya border dispute is crucial for fostering inter-state harmony and regional stability. A combination of institutional mechanisms, community involvement, and central mediation can pave the way for a peaceful resolution and cooperative federalism.

✨ APSC Prelims Crash Course, 2025
at most affordable rate in Assam!

🔔 Join Our WhatsApp Study Group!

For exclusive access to premium quality content, including study materials, current affairs, MCQs, and model answers for APSC CCE and other Assam competitive exams.

Click here to join: SuchitraACS Study WhatsApp Group

📚 Want to know more about SuchitraACS’s most affordable courses?

Click here to know more: SuchitraACS Courses for APSC CCE and Assam Competitive Examinations