APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (10/01/2025)
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 (10-01-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
1. Seismic Microzonation in the Northeast
GS Paper 3: Disaster Management and Infrastructure Development
Introduction
The National Centre of Seismology (NCS) has initiated the seismic microzonation of vulnerable cities in India to reduce earthquake-related risks. Guwahati has been the first city in the Northeast to complete this study, given its location in Zone V, the highest seismic risk category.
Key Points
- Significance of Seismic Microzonation:
- Aimed at assessing earthquake vulnerability at micro-levels.
- Facilitates improved planning and development of infrastructure to withstand seismic shocks.
- Highlights Guwahati’s need for enhanced preparedness due to its past earthquake history.
- Findings for Guwahati:
- Identifies areas with varying seismic risk levels.
- Encourages stricter adherence to building codes in identified zones.
- Key Outcomes Expected:
- Development of new earthquake-resistant building codes.
- Retrofitting of older, non-compliant buildings.
- Comprehensive hazard maps for city planning.
- Implementation Plan:
- Survey of old buildings for retrofitting.
- Regular training of engineers and architects in earthquake-resilient designs.
- Integration of seismic risk data into urban planning policies.
Prelims Pointers
- Seismic Zones in India: Zone V is the most earthquake-prone, covering parts of the Northeast, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
- Retrofitting: Strengthening existing structures to improve their resistance to seismic activity.
- Seismic Microzonation: Dividing a region into smaller zones based on earthquake hazard levels.
Mains Pointers
Importance of Seismic Microzonation:
- Disaster Risk Reduction:
- Ensures minimized loss of life and property during earthquakes.
- Facilitates informed decision-making for urban development.
- Economic Benefits:
- Reduces long-term costs associated with disaster recovery.
- Encourages investments in infrastructure by mitigating risks.
- Public Safety:
- Strengthens early warning systems.
- Enhances community awareness about seismic risks.
Challenges in Implementation:
- Infrastructure Deficit:
- Lack of adequate resources for retrofitting.
- Insufficient adherence to building codes in rural areas.
- Awareness Gap:
- Limited understanding among local authorities and citizens about seismic safety.
- Coordination Issues:
- Difficulty in aligning multiple stakeholders, including government agencies and private builders.
Way Forward:
- Capacity Building:
- Training programs for engineers, architects, and urban planners.
- Policy Reforms:
- Strict enforcement of new building codes.
- Community Engagement:
- Awareness campaigns to promote safety practices during earthquakes.
- Technological Upgrades:
- Use of GIS for real-time seismic monitoring and risk mapping.
Conclusion
The seismic microzonation initiative is a proactive step toward reducing earthquake vulnerabilities in high-risk regions like the Northeast. Guwahati’s successful implementation serves as a model for other cities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive planning and stringent enforcement to ensure public safety and sustainable urban development.
2. Eklavya Model Residential Schools and Inclusive Education
GS Paper 2: Governance, Education Policies, and Tribal Welfare
Introduction
The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs emphasized the role of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in Mizoram during a visit to Tlangnuam, highlighting their significance in fostering inclusive education and addressing developmental gaps in tribal regions.
Key Points
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS):
- Residential schools aimed at improving access to quality education for tribal children.
- Focuses on holistic development, including academics, sports, and extracurricular activities.
- Six new schools are under construction in Mizoram, with 95% of work completed for the Tlangnuam school.
- Role of EMRS in Inclusive Development:
- Bridges the educational gap for tribal children in remote and disadvantaged areas.
- Provides free education, boarding, and skill-building opportunities.
- Encourages higher education and career aspirations among tribal youth.
- Government’s Commitment:
- Union Minister emphasized the importance of teachers in shaping students’ futures.
- Efforts underway to operationalize all EMRS facilities by March 2025.
- Challenges Identified:
- Inadequate infrastructure in remote tribal areas.
- Shortage of skilled educators and administrative staff for these schools.
Prelims Pointers
- EMRS: A Government of India initiative under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
- Mizoram: Hosts six new EMRS projects, indicating the government’s focus on tribal education.
- Inclusive Education: Ensures equitable access to education for marginalized communities.
Mains Pointers
Significance of EMRS:
- Educational Equity:
- Reduces dropout rates among tribal students.
- Provides access to modern education in rural and remote areas.
- Skill Development:
- Prepares students for vocational and higher education opportunities.
- Focuses on digital literacy and life skills to enhance employability.
- Cultural Preservation:
- Promotes local traditions and languages within the school curriculum.
- Social Empowerment:
- Encourages social mobility and integration of tribal communities into mainstream society.
Challenges in Implementation:
- Infrastructure Deficit:
- Delay in the completion of facilities affects the quality of education.
- Resource Allocation:
- Insufficient funds and resources for advanced teaching aids and extracurricular activities.
- Teacher Shortage:
- Lack of trained educators familiar with tribal contexts and languages.
- Community Participation:
- Limited involvement of local communities in school management.
Way Forward:
- Timely Completion of Projects:
- Ensure strict monitoring to complete pending EMRS infrastructure.
- Teacher Training:
- Conduct specialized training programs for teachers to address the unique needs of tribal students.
- Community Engagement:
- Involve tribal leaders and parents in school administration to improve accountability.
- Policy Support:
- Increase budget allocation and provide incentives for educators in remote regions.
Conclusion
Eklavya Model Residential Schools are transformative for tribal education in India, bridging gaps in access, quality, and inclusivity. By addressing infrastructure challenges and enhancing community participation, EMRS can significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of tribal communities.
3. Assam Features in NYT’s 52 Places to Visit in 2025
GS Paper 1: Indian Culture and Tourism
GS Paper 3: Infrastructure Development and Economy
Introduction
The New York Times has listed Assam as one of the top 52 places to visit in 2025, highlighting its unique cultural, natural, and historical significance. The recognition underlines Assam’s global tourism potential, showcasing its diverse attractions such as Charaideo Moidams, Kaziranga National Park, and world-famous tea gardens.
Key Points
- Recognition by NYT:
- Assam is the only Indian destination on the list.
- The Charaideo Moidams (ancient burial mounds of the Ahom dynasty), now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were particularly emphasized.
- Tourism Highlights:
- Natural Wonders: Kaziranga National Park, home to the one-horned rhinoceros.
- Cultural Legacy: Renowned tea gardens and traditional Assamese crafts.
- Infrastructure Growth: Major expansion of Guwahati airport, enhancing connectivity and tourist access.
- Key Developments:
- Improved roads and transportation networks.
- Promotion of lesser-known heritage sites like the Charaideo Moidams.
- State Initiatives:
- Assam Tourism’s campaigns focus on eco-tourism and cultural tourism.
- Collaborations with international agencies to boost the state’s visibility on global platforms.
Prelims Pointers
- Charaideo Moidams: Burial mounds of the Ahom dynasty, now a UNESCO site.
- Kaziranga National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its biodiversity.
- Tea Gardens: Assam is the largest tea producer in India, renowned for its distinct flavor.
Mains Pointers
Importance of Tourism for Assam:
- Economic Impact:
- Boosts local employment in hospitality, transportation, and crafts.
- Enhances state revenue through tourism-related activities.
- Cultural Preservation:
- Promotes traditional art forms and crafts on international platforms.
- Revives interest in historical sites like the Charaideo Moidams.
- Environmental Significance:
- Eco-tourism initiatives preserve biodiversity hotspots like Kaziranga.
- Promotes sustainable practices among local communities.
Challenges in Tourism Development:
- Infrastructure Gaps:
- Limited access to remote tourist destinations.
- Insufficient public amenities in key areas.
- Environmental Risks:
- Over-tourism threatening fragile ecosystems like Kaziranga.
- Cultural Sensitivity:
- Risk of commercialization affecting the authenticity of traditional practices.
Way Forward:
- Infrastructure Investments:
- Focus on developing eco-friendly lodges and guided trails.
- Expand airport and road connectivity further into rural Assam.
- Community Involvement:
- Train locals as tour guides to create a sense of ownership and inclusion.
- Promote community-run homestays to ensure equitable benefits.
- Marketing and Promotion:
- Leverage social media and digital platforms to target global audiences.
- Collaborate with travel influencers and agencies to highlight Assam’s unique offerings.
Conclusion
Assam’s inclusion in the NYT’s 52 Places to Visit in 2025 is a testament to its cultural richness, natural beauty, and growing tourism infrastructure. By addressing existing challenges and prioritizing sustainable practices, Assam can emerge as a global tourism hotspot, fostering economic growth and cultural preservation.
4. Assam’s Semiconductor Initiative and Advantage Assam Conclave
GS Paper 3: Economy, Science & Technology, Infrastructure Development
Introduction
Assam is making significant strides in economic diversification by venturing into semiconductor manufacturing and hosting the Advantage Assam Conclave. These initiatives aim to attract domestic and foreign investments, positioning Assam as a key player in India’s industrial and technological landscape.
Key Points
- Semiconductor Manufacturing Initiative:
- Assam is establishing a semiconductor unit in Jagiroad, leveraging its geographical location and skilled labor pool.
- Aligns with India’s goal to become a global electronics manufacturing hub.
- Advantage Assam Conclave:
- Scheduled for February, the conclave aims to showcase Assam’s potential to global investors.
- Highlights include the state’s strategic position as a gateway to Southeast Asia and its growing infrastructure network.
- Key Focus Areas for Investments:
- Agro-processing, eco-tourism, textiles, electronics, renewable energy, and defense supply chains.
- A ₹25,000 crore Production Linked Incentive (PLI) corpus supports these industries.
- Infrastructure and Policy Support:
- Developing industrial corridors and logistics hubs.
- Incentives like tax benefits and single-window clearances to ease investment processes.
Prelims Pointers
- Semiconductor Unit in Assam: First such initiative in the Northeast, critical for India’s electronics industry.
- Advantage Assam Conclave: A global investment platform for fostering industrial growth in Assam.
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Encourages investments in manufacturing and innovation.
Mains Pointers
Significance of Initiatives:
- Economic Diversification:
- Reduces dependence on traditional sectors like tea and oil.
- Attracts high-value industries to Assam.
- Job Creation and Skill Development:
- Semiconductor manufacturing offers opportunities for skilled professionals.
- Industrial growth fosters employment across various sectors.
- Strategic Importance:
- Enhances Assam’s role in India’s Act East Policy.
- Strengthens connectivity with ASEAN nations.
Challenges:
- Infrastructure Deficits:
- Remote areas lack robust transport and power facilities.
- Investment Competition:
- States like Gujarat and Maharashtra offer stiff competition.
- Skilled Workforce:
- Limited availability of trained professionals in high-tech industries.
Way Forward:
- Strengthen Infrastructure:
- Prioritize multimodal transport connectivity and reliable power supply.
- Focus on Skill Development:
- Collaborate with universities and industries for specialized training programs.
- Streamline Policies:
- Ensure regulatory transparency and ease of doing business.
- Global Partnerships:
- Collaborate with international agencies for knowledge sharing and technology transfer.
Conclusion Assam’s proactive approach to industrial and technological development, exemplified by its semiconductor initiative and the Advantage Assam Conclave, underscores its potential as a rising economic hub. By addressing existing challenges and leveraging opportunities, Assam can integrate itself into global value chains, driving long-term growth and prosperity.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
1. Seismic Microzonation in the Northeast
Q1. What is the primary objective of seismic microzonation?
- (a) To divide regions based on climatic conditions.
- (b) To categorize areas according to earthquake hazard levels.
- (c) To monitor volcanic activity in seismic zones.
- (d) To identify regions prone to tsunamis.
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Seismic microzonation involves dividing regions into smaller zones based on their vulnerability to earthquake hazards, enabling better urban planning and disaster mitigation.
Q2. Guwahati is located in which seismic zone of India?
- (a) Zone III
- (b) Zone IV
- (c) Zone V
- (d) Zone VI
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Guwahati lies in Zone V, the highest risk seismic zone, characterized by frequent and potentially severe earthquakes.
2. Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in Mizoram
Q3. What is the primary focus of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)?
- (a) Promoting digital literacy in urban areas.
- (b) Providing free and quality education to tribal children.
- (c) Ensuring vocational training for all rural students.
- (d) Educating only male tribal students for competitive exams.
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
EMRS aims to improve access to quality education for tribal children, focusing on holistic development through free residential schooling.
Q4. In which year was the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) initiative launched?
- (a) 1997
- (b) 2001
- (c) 2005
- (d) 2010
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
The EMRS scheme was launched in 1997 under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to provide education to tribal students in remote areas.
3. Assam Features in NYT’s 52 Places to Visit in 2025
Q5. The Charaideo Moidams, highlighted by the New York Times, are associated with which dynasty?
- (a) Ahom
- (b) Kachari
- (c) Koch
- (d) Sutiya
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
The Charaideo Moidams are ancient burial mounds associated with the Ahom dynasty, showcasing their unique architectural and cultural heritage.
Q6. Which of the following is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam?
- (a) Charaideo Moidams
- (b) Kaziranga National Park
- (c) Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
- (d) Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Kaziranga National Park, known for its one-horned rhinoceroses, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam.
4. Assam’s Semiconductor Initiative and Advantage Assam Conclave
Q7. What is the primary goal of the Advantage Assam Conclave?
- (a) Promote Assam’s cultural heritage internationally.
- (b) Attract domestic and foreign investments in key sectors.
- (c) Establish Assam as a defense manufacturing hub.
- (d) Enhance Assam’s agricultural output for exports.
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The Advantage Assam Conclave aims to attract investments in sectors like electronics, agro-processing, and tourism to boost the state’s economy.
Q8. Semiconductors are primarily made from which material?
- (a) Graphene
- (b) Silicon
- (c) Copper
- (d) Aluminum
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Silicon is the primary material used in semiconductor manufacturing due to its excellent conductive and insulating properties.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Q. Discuss the significance of Assam’s initiatives, such as seismic microzonation, Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), and the Advantage Assam Conclave, in fostering sustainable development and inclusive growth in the state. Highlight the challenges and suggest measures to address them.”
Model Answer
Introduction
Assam, a key state in India’s Northeast, is undertaking transformative initiatives across disaster management, education, and industrial development. These efforts aim to address vulnerabilities, promote socio-economic inclusion, and position Assam as a strategic hub for growth and sustainability.
Significance of Assam’s Initiatives
- Seismic Microzonation:
- Disaster Preparedness: Facilitates informed urban planning and reduces earthquake-related risks in high-seismic regions like Guwahati.
- Infrastructure Safety: Enables retrofitting of old buildings and adoption of earthquake-resistant construction techniques.
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS):
- Educational Inclusion: Provides quality education to tribal children, reducing regional disparities.
- Skill Development: Equips tribal youth with skills for higher education and employability, fostering upward social mobility.
- Advantage Assam Conclave:
- Economic Growth: Attracts investments in agro-processing, tourism, and high-tech industries like semiconductors.
- Regional Integration: Strengthens Assam’s connectivity with ASEAN countries under the Act East Policy.
Challenges
- Seismic Microzonation:
- Infrastructure Gaps: Limited resources for retrofitting buildings.
- Awareness Deficit: Poor understanding of seismic risks among local authorities and citizens.
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools:
- Resource Constraints: Inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of trained educators in remote tribal areas.
- Dropout Rates: Social and economic barriers discourage sustained participation in education.
- Advantage Assam Conclave:
- Competition: States like Gujarat and Karnataka offer better industrial ecosystems.
- Logistics Issues: Insufficient transport and power infrastructure in remote regions.
Measures to Address Challenges
- Strengthen Implementation Frameworks:
- Ensure timely completion of seismic retrofitting and educational infrastructure projects.
- Introduce incentives for private investments in high-risk and underserved areas.
- Promote Capacity Building:
- Conduct awareness campaigns on seismic safety and sustainable development practices.
- Train teachers and administrators in tribal education and disaster management.
- Enhance Policy Support:
- Expand subsidies for industries under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
- Develop targeted policies to attract investments in eco-tourism and renewable energy.
- Leverage Technology:
- Use GIS mapping and AI tools for real-time disaster monitoring and risk assessment.
- Promote digital learning platforms for EMRS students to improve accessibility and quality.
Conclusion
Assam’s multi-faceted approach, addressing disaster resilience, educational inclusion, and economic development, reflects its commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. By addressing existing challenges and ensuring effective implementation, these initiatives can transform Assam into a model for balanced regional development, contributing to national progress.
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