APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (25/12/2024)

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 (25-12-2024). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.

1. Revival of Namrup Fertilizer Plant

GS Paper 3: Economy, Infrastructure Development

Introduction

The Assam government has approved a 40% ownership share in the Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL) to revive its Namrup unit. This initiative aims to boost the production of nitrogenous fertilizers locally, ensuring agricultural and industrial benefits for the Northeast region.

Key Points

1. Background of the Project:
   • Namrup Fertilizer Plant is India’s first to use natural gas as a raw material for nitrogenous fertilizers.
   • Production capacity expansion to 8.64 lakh metric tons (MT) annually is planned.
2. Government’s Role:
   • Assam’s ₹4,000 crore investment will fund the establishment of a new ammonia-urea complex under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
   • Central clearance for restructuring the plant was previously delayed but is now expedited.
3. Expected Benefits:
   • Fulfillment of the Northeast’s urea demand, reducing reliance on supplies from Western and Central India.
   • Employment generation and skill development for the local population.
4. Economic and Agricultural Impact:
   • Reduced transportation costs for fertilizers, boosting rice and tea cultivation.
   • A catalyst for regional industrial growth by supporting agro-industries.

Prelims Pointers

• BVFCL: Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited.
• Natural Gas as Feedstock: Unique for fertilizer production in Namrup.
• PPP Model: Collaboration between public and private sectors for industrial revival.

Mains Pointers

Significance of Namrup Fertilizer Revival

1. Economic Boost:
   • Promotes self-sufficiency in fertilizer production.
   • Reduces input costs for farmers and industries.
2. Agricultural Growth:
   • Ensures steady urea supply for Assam’s rice and tea sectors.
   • Supports sustainable farming practices.
3. Employment Opportunities:
   • Large-scale job creation in operations and allied industries.

Challenges

1. Implementation Delays:
   • Slow approval processes hinder timely completion.
2. Resource Management:
   • Dependence on consistent natural gas supply for operations.
3. Operational Inefficiencies:
   • Legacy issues like corruption and mismanagement.

Way Forward

1. Timely Project Execution:
   • Regular monitoring and adherence to deadlines.
2. Technological Upgradation:
   • Modernize facilities to enhance productivity.
3. Community Involvement:
   • Ensure local stakeholders benefit from employment and training programs.

Conclusion

The Namrup Fertilizer Plant’s revival is pivotal for Assam’s agricultural and economic progress. By leveraging strategic investments and ensuring efficient implementation, this initiative can transform the region into a self-reliant hub for fertilizer production and industrial growth.

2. Assam’s Heritage Village Initiative

GS Paper 1 & 3: Indian Culture, Rural Development, and Tourism

Introduction

The Assam government has launched the Heritage Village Initiative to preserve traditional crafts, architecture, and cultural practices while promoting rural tourism. The project focuses on showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of Assam’s indigenous communities.

Key Points

1. Objective of the Initiative:
   • To preserve and promote traditional crafts, architecture, and cultural practices.
   • Encourage tourism-based rural development by creating heritage villages.
2. Initial Locations:
   • The first heritage village is being developed in Sivasagar district, focusing on Ahom architecture and cultural artifacts.
   • Plans to extend the initiative to other districts, including Majuli and Darrang.
3. Economic Impact:
   • Promotes local employment through eco-tourism and handicraft industries.
   • Offers a platform for artisans and craftsmen to market their products directly to tourists.
4. Cultural Preservation:
   • Highlights the traditions of indigenous communities like the Ahoms, Bodos, and Mishings.
   • Promotes traditional art forms, weaving techniques, and local cuisines.

Prelims Pointers

• Ahom Kingdom: Historical dynasty that ruled Assam for nearly 600 years.
• Sivasagar: Known for historical sites like Rang Ghar and Talatal Ghar.
• Majuli: World’s largest river island and a hub of Vaishnavite culture.

Mains Pointers

Significance of the Heritage Village Initiative

1. Cultural Preservation:
   • Protects endangered art forms and traditional knowledge systems.
   • Promotes Assam’s rich cultural diversity to national and international audiences.
2. Rural Economic Development:
   • Generates income for artisans, craftsmen, and local businesses.
   • Enhances rural infrastructure, including roads, accommodations, and utilities.
3. Tourism Boost:
   • Attracts eco-tourists and cultural enthusiasts.
   • Diversifies Assam’s tourism offerings beyond wildlife and tea estates.

Challenges

1. Infrastructure Development:
   • Requires significant investment in roads, sanitation, and accommodation facilities.
2. Sustainability Concerns:
   • Balancing tourism development with environmental conservation.
3. Community Participation:
   • Ensuring local stakeholders are involved in planning and decision-making.

Way Forward

1. Capacity Building:
   • Train local communities in hospitality, marketing, and sustainable tourism practices.
2. Public-Private Partnerships:
   • Collaborate with private players to fund and manage heritage villages.
3. Promotion Strategies:
   • Use digital platforms to market heritage villages globally.

Conclusion

The Heritage Village Initiative is a commendable step toward preserving Assam’s cultural legacy while boosting rural development. By combining cultural preservation with eco-tourism, the initiative has the potential to transform rural areas into vibrant economic and cultural hubs.

3. Assam’s Solar Power Expansion Plans

GS Paper 3: Infrastructure, Renewable Energy, and Environment

Introduction

The Assam government has announced plans to expand its solar energy capacity by 1,000 MW by 2030. This initiative aligns with India’s renewable energy goals under the National Solar Mission and seeks to reduce the state’s dependency on non-renewable energy sources.

Key Points

1. Current Solar Capacity:
   • Assam currently has an installed solar capacity of 250 MW.
   • Plans to set up solar parks in Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, and Bongaigaon districts.
2. Government Support:
   • ₹1,200 crore allocated for solar power infrastructure development.
   • Subsidies for rooftop solar installations in urban and rural areas.
3. Environmental Impact:
   • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves air quality.
   • Supports sustainable energy practices in industries and households.
4. Economic Benefits:
   • Reduces power costs for consumers by replacing expensive imported coal-based energy.
   • Creates jobs in solar equipment manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.

Prelims Pointers

• National Solar Mission: Part of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), aiming for 100 GW of solar capacity by 2030.
• Solar Parks: Large-scale solar power generation projects, often supported by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
• Rooftop Solar Subsidies: Central government scheme offering financial assistance for residential solar installations.

Mains Pointers

Significance of Solar Power Expansion in Assam

1. Energy Security:
   • Reduces Assam’s reliance on imported coal and hydropower from other states.
   • Ensures a stable power supply for industrial and agricultural activities.
2. Environmental Benefits:
   • Contributes to climate change mitigation by lowering carbon emissions.
   • Supports Assam’s commitment to India’s renewable energy goals.
3. Economic Growth:
   • Attracts investments in solar energy projects.
   • Reduces electricity tariffs, benefiting industries and households.

Challenges

1. Land Acquisition:
   • Solar parks require significant land resources, often facing resistance from local communities.
2. High Initial Costs:
   • Solar installations, though cost-effective in the long run, require upfront investments.
3. Grid Integration:
   • Managing intermittent solar power supply with existing energy infrastructure.

Government Initiatives

• Subsidies for residential and commercial rooftop solar installations.
• Collaboration with SECI to establish solar parks.
• Partnerships with private players for technology transfer and project implementation.

Way Forward

1. Decentralized Energy Systems:
   • Promote mini-grid solar projects in rural areas.
2. Incentivizing Private Sector Participation:
   • Tax benefits and reduced import duties for solar equipment manufacturers.
3. Capacity Building:
   • Train local youth in solar installation and maintenance.

Conclusion

Assam’s solar expansion plan reflects a commitment to sustainable development and energy independence. By overcoming challenges and leveraging government support, the state can emerge as a leader in renewable energy, contributing to India’s climate goals and boosting local economies.

4. Assam’s Role in India-Bangladesh Waterway Development

GS Paper 2 & 3: International Relations, Infrastructure, and Trade

Introduction

India and Bangladesh are collaborating to enhance waterway connectivity, with Assam playing a pivotal role. The development of inland waterways aims to boost bilateral trade, reduce transportation costs, and improve regional connectivity in the Northeast.

Key Points

1. Strategic Importance of the Waterway:
   • Assam provides access to major rivers like the Brahmaputra and Barak, which are part of India’s National Waterways 2 (NW-2) and 16 (NW-16).
   • Facilitates seamless cargo movement between India’s Northeast and Bangladesh’s ports, including Chittagong and Mongla.
2. Recent Developments:
   • Joint dredging operations on the Brahmaputra and Kushiyara rivers to improve navigability.
   • Trial runs successfully conducted for containerized cargo from Assam to Bangladesh.
3. Economic Benefits:
   • Reduces transit costs by up to 30% compared to road transportation.
   • Boosts Assam’s exports, particularly tea, bamboo, and horticultural products.
   • Encourages industrial development in Assam by improving trade logistics.
4. Environmental Advantages:
   • Waterways are a cleaner mode of transport, reducing the carbon footprint compared to road and rail.

Prelims Pointers

• National Waterway 2 (NW-2): Brahmaputra River, connecting Assam to Bangladesh.
• National Waterway 16 (NW-16): Barak River, linking Assam to Mizoram and Bangladesh.
• Chittagong and Mongla Ports: Key maritime gateways in Bangladesh for Northeast India.

Mains Pointers

Significance of Waterway Development

1. Boosts Regional Trade:
   • Facilitates Assam’s access to international markets via Bangladesh.
   • Encourages investment in Assam’s agro-industries and manufacturing sectors.
2. Improves Connectivity:
   • Reduces logistical challenges for the Northeast, fostering regional integration.
   • Provides an alternative route for goods to bypass the Siliguri Corridor (Chicken’s Neck).
3. Strengthens India-Bangladesh Relations:
   • Enhances bilateral ties through economic and infrastructure collaboration.

Challenges

1. Infrastructure Gaps:
   • Limited dredging capacity and inadequate port facilities in Assam.
2. Environmental Concerns:
   • Risk of ecological damage due to large-scale dredging.
3. Geopolitical Sensitivities:
   • Coordination issues with Bangladesh over water sharing and management.

Government Initiatives

• Indo-Bangladesh Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT): Governs waterway connectivity between the two nations.
• Sagarmala Project: Supports port development and waterway infrastructure.
• Integrated Waterway Development Plan: Focuses on dredging, modernizing ports, and creating cargo terminals in Assam.

Way Forward

1. Infrastructure Upgradation:
   • Develop state-of-the-art terminals and cargo-handling facilities.
2. Environmentally Sustainable Practices:
   • Minimize ecological disruption through advanced dredging technologies.
3. Bilateral Cooperation:
   • Strengthen diplomatic mechanisms to resolve water-sharing disputes and enhance mutual benefits.

Conclusion Assam’s role in India-Bangladesh waterway development highlights its strategic importance in regional trade and connectivity. By addressing infrastructure and environmental challenges, this initiative can transform the Northeast into a thriving hub of economic activity while strengthening ties with Bangladesh.allenges, the state can become a leader in EV adoption in the Northeast, contributing significantly to India’s green energy transition.

APSC Prelims Practice Questions

1. Revival of Namrup Fertilizer Plant

Question 1: Namrup Fertilizer Plant, located in Assam, is unique because:
A. It uses coal as a feedstock for fertilizer production.
B. It is India’s first fertilizer plant to use natural gas as feedstock.
C. It focuses exclusively on organic fertilizers.
D. It is the largest fertilizer plant in India.

Answer: B. It is India’s first fertilizer plant to use natural gas as feedstock.

Explanation: Namrup Fertilizer Plant pioneered the use of natural gas as a raw material for producing nitrogenous fertilizers, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

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Question 2: Which of the following describes the funding model for reviving the Namrup Fertilizer Plant?
A. 100% government funding.
B. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) driven.
C. Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
D. Funded exclusively by international loans.

Answer: C. Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

Explanation: The revival of the Namrup Fertilizer Plant involves a PPP model, with the Assam government holding a 40% ownership stake and investing ₹4,000 crore.

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2. Assam’s Heritage Village Initiative

Question 3: The first heritage village under Assam’s Heritage Village Initiative is being developed in:
A. Majuli
B. Sivasagar
C. Guwahati
D. Darrang

Answer: B. Sivasagar

Explanation: The first heritage village under this initiative is in Sivasagar, showcasing Ahom architecture and cultural heritage.

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Question 4: Which of the following is true regarding the Heritage Village Initiative in Assam?

1. It focuses on promoting rural tourism and traditional crafts.
2. Majuli is part of the initiative for its Vaishnavite culture.
3. The project is entirely funded by private investments.

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

Answer: B. 1 and 2 only

Explanation: The Heritage Village Initiative emphasizes rural tourism and cultural preservation. While Majuli is part of the plan, the project involves both government and private funding.

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3. Assam’s Solar Power Expansion Plans

Question 5: Which of the following schemes support solar power development in Assam?

1. National Solar Mission
2. Rooftop Solar Subsidy Scheme
3. UDAY Scheme

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

Answer: A. 1 and 2 only

Explanation: The National Solar Mission and Rooftop Solar Subsidy Scheme directly promote solar power in Assam. The UDAY Scheme focuses on improving DISCOM efficiency and is not specific to solar energy.

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Question 6: Which district in Assam is NOT part of the proposed solar park development plans?
A. Dibrugarh
B. Lakhimpur
C. Bongaigaon
D. Jorhat

Answer: D. Jorhat

Explanation: The districts included in Assam’s solar park development plans are Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, and Bongaigaon.

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4. Assam’s Role in India-Bangladesh Waterway Development

Question 7: Which of the following is a part of National Waterway 2 (NW-2)?
A. Barak River
B. Kushiyara River
C. Brahmaputra River
D. Ganga River

Answer: C. Brahmaputra River

Explanation: NW-2 covers the Brahmaputra River, a major inland waterway connecting Assam to Bangladesh.

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Question 8: The Indo-Bangladesh Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) primarily aims to:
A. Build international dams on shared rivers.
B. Facilitate cross-border waterway trade.
C. Provide drinking water to border communities.
D. Enhance disaster management in border areas.

Answer: B. Facilitate cross-border waterway trade.

Explanation: The PIWTT agreement facilitates trade between India and Bangladesh through waterways like NW-2 and NW-16.

APSC Mains Practice Question

Topic: Assam’s Role in India-Bangladesh Waterway Development

Question:
Enhancing inland waterway connectivity between India and Bangladesh, with Assam as a pivotal player, has significant implications for regional trade and economic development. Discuss the benefits, challenges, and strategic importance of this initiative for both nations. (250 words)

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Model Answer

Introduction
The development of inland waterways between India and Bangladesh, facilitated through Assam, is a game-changing initiative aimed at boosting bilateral trade, reducing logistics costs, and enhancing connectivity. The Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, part of National Waterways 2 and 16, are central to this collaboration.

Benefits

1. Economic Growth:
   • Reduces transportation costs by up to 30% compared to roadways.
   • Boosts Assam’s exports, including tea, bamboo, and horticultural products.
   • Encourages agro-industrial development by improving trade logistics.
2. Regional Connectivity:
   • Provides an alternative route bypassing the congested Siliguri Corridor (Chicken’s Neck).
   • Strengthens integration between India’s Northeast and Southeast Asia.
3. Environmental Advantages:
   • Promotes eco-friendly transportation, reducing carbon emissions.
4. Strategic Significance:
   • Enhances India-Bangladesh relations by fostering mutual economic dependence.
   • Positions Assam as a hub for transboundary trade and commerce.

Challenges

1. Infrastructure Deficits:
   • Inadequate dredging and underdeveloped ports in Assam hinder smooth operations.
2. Environmental Concerns:
   • Dredging impacts aquatic ecosystems and riverbank stability.
3. Geopolitical Sensitivities:
   • Water-sharing disputes and cross-border coordination issues.

Way Forward

1. Infrastructure Upgradation:
   • Develop modern cargo terminals and enhance dredging capacity.
2. Environmentally Sustainable Practices:
   • Implement advanced dredging techniques to minimize ecological disruption.
3. Bilateral Cooperation:
   • Strengthen diplomatic efforts to address water-sharing and operational challenges.

Conclusion
Assam’s role in India-Bangladesh waterway development underscores its strategic importance in regional trade, connectivity, and diplomacy. By addressing existing challenges, this initiative can transform the Northeast into an economic gateway to Southeast Asia, fostering mutual growth and collaboration.

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