APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes by SuchitraACS 23-01-2025

APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (23/01/2025)

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 (23-01-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.

1. Advantage Assam 2.0: Global Outreach for Investment

Relevance:
GS Paper 3: Economy, Investment, and Infrastructure Development

Introduction

The Assam government launched the second edition of the Advantage Assam initiative to attract global investment in infrastructure and industries. The Chief Minister, during his visit to Japan, interacted with over 160 business leaders to promote Assam’s business-friendly environment, investment policies, and potential for international partnerships.

Key Points

  1. Key Highlights of Advantage Assam 2.0:
    • Focus on sectors like renewable energy, semiconductor manufacturing, and infrastructure development.
    • Special emphasis on establishing a business park for Japanese firms in Assam.
    • Collaboration with leading Japanese companies such as Hitachi and Renesas for green energy and semiconductor projects.
  2. Economic Potential:
    • Assam as a gateway to Southeast Asia under the Act East Policy.
    • Utilization of natural resources and human capital to boost the state’s economy.
  3. Government Strategies:
    • Offering production-linked incentives (PLI) for manufacturing industries.
    • Streamlining investment processes through a single-window clearance mechanism.
    • Promoting skill development to align with global labor requirements, particularly in Japan.
  4. Role of Japanese Firms:
    • Interest in renewable energy, including solar and hydropower projects.
    • Exploration of partnerships in high-tech industries like semiconductors.

Prelims Pointers

  • Advantage Assam: State-led initiative to attract global investments.
  • Act East Policy: Central government policy promoting ties between India and Southeast Asian countries via the Northeast.
  • Production-Linked Incentive (PLI): A scheme offering financial incentives for manufacturing.

Mains Pointers

Significance

  1. Boost to Infrastructure:
    • Development of industrial parks and testing centers for global companies.
    • Improved connectivity with ASEAN nations.
  2. Economic Growth:
    • Creation of jobs and skill development opportunities for the youth.
    • Strengthening Assam’s position as a hub for renewable energy and electronics manufacturing.
  3. Global Partnerships:
    • Establishing long-term relationships with Japanese firms for economic and technological collaboration.

Challenges

  1. Geopolitical Factors:
    • Balancing relationships with other Southeast Asian countries.
  2. Infrastructure Gaps:
    • Need for better logistics, including road and rail connectivity.
  3. Skilled Workforce:
    • Lack of adequately trained professionals for advanced industries.

Government Initiatives

  1. Infrastructure Development: Creation of industrial parks and energy projects.
  2. Skill Development Programs: Collaboration with Japan on technical training.
  3. Ease of Doing Business: Simplifying regulatory frameworks for foreign investors.

Way Ahead

  1. Sustainability Focus: Prioritize eco-friendly infrastructure projects.
  2. Diversified Investment: Explore partnerships beyond Japan to include other ASEAN countries.
  3. Strengthen Regional Connectivity: Develop multimodal logistics hubs for seamless trade.

Conclusion

Advantage Assam 2.0 reflects the state’s commitment to economic growth through global partnerships. By addressing infrastructural and workforce challenges, Assam can emerge as a significant player in India’s growth story and a key partner in Southeast Asia’s economic landscape.

2. Power Demand and Renewable Energy Projects in Assam

Relevance:
GS Paper 3: Energy, Environment, and Infrastructure

Introduction

Assam’s peak power demand is projected to rise significantly from the current 2,800 MW to over 7,000 MW by 2041-42. The state is addressing this challenge by diversifying energy sources and prioritizing renewable energy projects, including solar power and hydropower, to ensure sustainable and reliable electricity supply.

Key Points

  1. Power Demand Projections:
    • Current peak demand: 2,800 MW
    • Expected demand by 2041-42: Over 7,000 MW
  2. Renewable Energy Initiatives:
    • 1,000 MW Solar Project: Under development in Karbi Anglong, expected to commence in 2025.
    • 3,000 MW Solar Power Projects: Joint ventures with SJVN, OIL, and OTPC for renewable energy and battery storage.
    • Hydropower Projects:
      • 120 MW Lower Kopili Hydropower Project (commissioning in 2025).
      • 377 MW from bilateral hydropower projects in Bhutan.
      • 208 MW from NHPC’s Lower Subansiri project.
  3. Key Agreements:
    • Collaboration with NTPC and other entities for long-term thermal and renewable energy procurement.
    • MoUs with Mahanadi Coal Ltd. for 1,200 MW of power.
  4. Environmental and Technological Focus:
    • Battery energy storage to stabilize intermittent renewable energy supply.
    • Transparent bidding processes for project execution.

Prelims Pointers

  • Lower Kopili HEP: Hydropower project under Assam Power Generation Company Limited.
  • SHAKTI Scheme: Central government initiative for coal linkage to thermal power plants.
  • Energy Exchange Market: Platform for states to meet short-term energy needs.

Mains Pointers

Significance

  1. Energy Security:
    • Ensures reliable power supply for industries and households.
    • Reduces dependency on fossil fuels and imported coal.
  2. Economic Growth:
    • Boosts industrial development and employment opportunities.
    • Encourages investment in renewable energy sectors.
  3. Environmental Sustainability:
    • Promotes cleaner energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Addresses climate change concerns through hydropower and solar energy.

Challenges

  1. Infrastructure Deficits:
    • Delayed project execution due to geographical and logistical challenges.
    • Transmission losses in existing power grids.
  2. Land Acquisition:
    • Difficulties in acquiring land for large-scale solar parks and hydropower projects.
  3. Dependence on External Sources:
    • Heavy reliance on power imports from other states and countries.
  4. Environmental Concerns:
    • Impact of hydropower projects on biodiversity and river ecosystems.

Government Initiatives

  1. Solar and Hydropower Policies: Focus on renewable energy development.
  2. Energy Storage Development: Battery storage systems to stabilize renewable energy supply.
  3. Bilateral Hydropower Agreements: Collaboration with Bhutan for clean energy imports.
  4. Capacity Building: Strengthening APDCL and other energy institutions.

Way Ahead

  1. Diversify Energy Sources: Develop wind and biomass energy in addition to solar and hydro.
  2. Smart Grids: Deploy smart grid technologies to reduce transmission losses and optimize energy distribution.
  3. Community Participation: Engage local stakeholders in energy projects to ensure sustainable implementation.
  4. Policy Reforms: Simplify clearance procedures for renewable energy projects and ensure timely execution.

Conclusion

With its growing power demand, Assam’s focus on renewable energy is a crucial step toward sustainable development. By addressing infrastructural challenges and ensuring environmental safeguards, Assam can lead the Northeast in achieving energy security and economic growth while mitigating climate change impacts.

3. National Health Mission (NHM) Progress and Health SDGs

Relevance:
GS Paper 2: Governance, Health, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

The National Health Mission (NHM) has been instrumental in transforming India’s healthcare landscape. Recent reports indicate that India is on track to meet its health-related SDG targets ahead of the 2030 deadline, with significant achievements in maternal and child health, disease elimination, and healthcare infrastructure development.

Key Points

  1. NHM’s Achievements:
    • Maternal and Child Health: Reduction in maternal mortality rate (MMR) and infant mortality rate (IMR).
    • Disease Control: Progress in eliminating TB, malaria, kala-azar, and leprosy.
    • COVID-19 Response: Administered over 220 crore vaccine doses between January 2021 and March 2024.
  2. Healthcare Workforce Expansion:
    • 2021-22: 2.69 lakh healthcare workers engaged, including general duty medical officers and staff nurses.
    • 2023-24: Workforce expanded to 5.23 lakh, including 1.38 lakh community health officers.
  3. Strengthened Infrastructure:
    • Use of the NHM framework to expand healthcare delivery to underserved areas.
    • Improved access to healthcare facilities in rural regions.
  4. Focus on Health Emergencies:
    • Integrated response mechanisms during COVID-19.
    • Expansion of health programs targeting non-communicable diseases.

Prelims Pointers

  • National Health Mission (NHM): Launched in 2013, focuses on health system strengthening and universal health coverage.
  • Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): Ensures healthy lives and promotes well-being for all at all ages.
  • Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR): Number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.

Mains Pointers

Significance of NHM

  1. Improved Public Health Outcomes:
    • Significant reduction in IMR, U5MR (under-5 mortality rate), and MMR.
    • Enhanced healthcare access in rural and underserved regions.
  2. Workforce Development:
    • Creation of jobs in the healthcare sector, especially for women.
    • Development of a trained cadre of community health officers.
  3. Disease Management:
    • Accelerated efforts in TB, malaria, and leprosy eradication.
    • Expansion of immunization programs under Mission Indradhanush.
  4. Contribution to SDGs:
    • Positioned India as a global leader in achieving health-related SDG targets.

Challenges

  1. Infrastructure Deficits:
    • Shortage of advanced medical facilities in rural areas.
    • Limited capacity of primary healthcare centers (PHCs) and district hospitals.
  2. Funding Constraints:
    • Inadequate budget allocation for public health.
    • Dependence on external aid for certain health programs.
  3. Human Resource Issues:
    • Retention of healthcare professionals in remote areas.
    • Uneven distribution of trained personnel across states.
  4. Health Inequities:
    • Urban-rural and inter-state disparities in healthcare access.
    • Challenges in addressing social determinants of health, such as sanitation and nutrition.

Government Initiatives

  1. Mission Indradhanush: Comprehensive vaccination coverage for children and pregnant women.
  2. Ayushman Bharat: Provides health insurance to economically weaker sections.
  3. Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission: Focuses on reducing the prevalence of this genetic disorder.
  4. NHM Framework: Integrated response to health emergencies and strengthening of grassroots healthcare delivery.

Way Ahead

  1. Enhancing Infrastructure:
    • Invest in advanced medical equipment and technology for PHCs.
    • Develop mobile health units to reach remote areas.
  2. Capacity Building:
    • Increase training programs for healthcare workers.
    • Offer incentives to retain professionals in rural areas.
  3. Community Participation:
    • Encourage local self-help groups to participate in health awareness campaigns.
    • Promote behavioral changes to address sanitation and nutrition challenges.
  4. Policy Support:
    • Ensure timely budget allocations and disbursements.
    • Strengthen monitoring mechanisms for health program implementation.

Conclusion

NHM’s achievements in improving healthcare delivery and addressing disease burdens are commendable. By prioritizing capacity building, equitable access, and community engagement, India can meet its health-related SDG targets and ensure holistic well-being for its population.

4. East Himalayan Agri Expo 2025

Relevance:
GS Paper 3: Agriculture, Economy, and MSMEs

Introduction

The 14th East Himalayan Trade Fair and the first East Himalayan Agri Expo 2025 were inaugurated in Guwahati. The event aims to promote agricultural innovation, entrepreneurship, and market linkages, showcasing the economic potential of the Northeast in agriculture, horticulture, and MSMEs.

Key Points

  1. Theme of the Event:
    • Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India): Focus on empowering local producers, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs.
  2. Key Sectors Represented:
    • Agriculture and Horticulture: Processed food, organic products, spices, and tea.
    • MSMEs and Startups: Handicrafts, textiles, and innovative agricultural technologies.
    • Capital and Service Sectors: Engineering goods, equipment for healthcare, tourism, and IT services.
  3. Objectives:
    • Foster networking between local producers and global markets.
    • Provide a platform for self-help groups (SHGs) and women entrepreneurs to showcase their products.
    • Promote adoption of modern agricultural technologies.
  4. Special Features:
    • Interactive sessions with MSMEs, startups, and experts.
    • Live demonstrations of agricultural equipment and techniques.

Prelims Pointers

  • East Himalayan Agri Expo 2025: First edition focusing on agriculture and allied sectors in the Northeast.
  • Atmanirbhar Bharat: Central government initiative promoting self-reliance across sectors.
  • MSMEs: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, critical for India’s economic growth.

Mains Pointers

Significance

  1. Boost to Agriculture and Horticulture:
    • Encourages organic farming and sustainable practices.
    • Provides market access for local agricultural produce.
  2. Economic Growth:
    • Supports MSMEs and startups in developing innovative products.
    • Increases employment opportunities in rural and semi-urban areas.
  3. Women Empowerment:
    • Promotes participation of women entrepreneurs and SHGs.
    • Enhances income generation for rural women.
  4. Technology Transfer:
    • Introduces modern farming equipment and techniques to local farmers.
    • Encourages adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Challenges

  1. Infrastructure Deficits:
    • Lack of storage and cold chain facilities for agricultural produce.
    • Poor connectivity to markets in remote areas.
  2. Financial Constraints:
    • Limited access to credit for MSMEs and small farmers.
    • High costs of adopting advanced technologies.
  3. Market Linkages:
    • Difficulty in connecting local producers with national and international buyers.

Government Initiatives

  1. PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PM-FME): Supports local food processing units.
  2. Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER): Promotes organic farming in the Northeast.
  3. National Livelihood Mission: Encourages SHGs and small entrepreneurs.
  4. Startup India: Facilitates innovation and funding support for startups.

Way Ahead

  1. Strengthen Infrastructure:
    • Build storage and processing units in rural areas.
    • Improve road and rail connectivity to enable better market access.
  2. Capacity Building:
    • Conduct training programs for farmers and entrepreneurs on modern practices.
    • Provide financial literacy and marketing workshops for SHGs.
  3. Policy Support:
    • Introduce subsidies for small-scale adoption of agricultural technologies.
    • Develop export promotion strategies for Northeast-specific products like tea and spices.
  4. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP):
    • Collaborate with private players for technology transfer and market development.

Conclusion The East Himalayan Agri Expo 2025 provides a crucial platform to showcase the potential of agriculture and MSMEs in the Northeast. By addressing infrastructural gaps, fostering innovation, and promoting market linkages, the region can become a hub for sustainable agricultural practices and rural entrepreneurship, contributing significantly to India’s economic growth.

APSC Prelims Practice Questions

Topic 1: Advantage Assam 2.0: Global Outreach for Investment

Q1. Consider the following statements about the “Advantage Assam” initiative:

  1. It aims to position Assam as a gateway to Southeast Asia under the Act East Policy.
  2. The initiative includes a single-window mechanism for investment clearance.
  3. It focuses exclusively on renewable energy projects.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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:

  • Statement 1: Correct. Advantage Assam aligns with the Act East Policy to attract investments and strengthen ties with Southeast Asia.
  • Statement 2: Correct. A single-window mechanism has been introduced to streamline investment approvals.
  • Statement 3: Incorrect. While renewable energy is a priority, the initiative also focuses on sectors like infrastructure, semiconductors, and manufacturing.

Topic 2: Power Demand and Renewable Energy Projects in Assam

Q2. Which of the following power projects in Assam focuses on renewable energy?

  1. Lower Kopili Hydropower Project
  2. Karbi Anglong Solar Project
  3. NTPC Talcher Thermal Power Station
  4. Bilateral Hydropower Projects with Bhutan

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2, and 4 only
c) 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: b) 1, 2, and 4 only

Explanation:

  • Lower Kopili HEP and Karbi Anglong Solar Project are renewable energy projects in Assam.
  • Bilateral hydropower projects with Bhutan contribute to clean energy.
  • NTPC Talcher is a thermal power project, not renewable.

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the SHAKTI Scheme:

  1. It is a central government scheme aimed at providing coal linkage to thermal power plants.
  2. It promotes renewable energy generation in coal-deficient states.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: a) 1 only

Explanation:

  • Statement 1: Correct. SHAKTI provides coal linkage to thermal power plants to enhance energy security.
  • Statement 2: Incorrect. It is not directly related to renewable energy but addresses coal shortages in thermal power plants.

Topic 3: National Health Mission (NHM) Progress and Health SDGs

Q4. Consider the following indicators related to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being):

  1. Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR)
  2. Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR)
  3. Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER)

Which of the above are monitored under SDG 3?
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:

  • SDG 3 focuses on improving health outcomes, including reducing MMR and U5MR. GER is related to education (SDG 4).

Q5. Which of the following programs is/are implemented under the NHM framework?

  1. Mission Indradhanush
  2. Ayushman Bharat
  3. National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: d) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation:

  • All the listed programs are implemented under NHM to improve public health outcomes.

Topic 4: East Himalayan Agri Expo 2025

Q6. Consider the following statements regarding the East Himalayan Agri Expo 2025:

  1. The theme of the expo was “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
  2. It was organized exclusively for the agricultural sector.
  3. MSMEs, self-help groups, and startups participated in the event.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 only
c) 1, 2, and 3
d) 1 and 2 only

Answer: a) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

  • Statement 1: Correct. The theme was aligned with “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
  • Statement 2: Incorrect. It included multiple sectors like horticulture, MSMEs, and the capital goods sector.

Statement 3: Correct. MSMEs, SHGs, and startups played a significant role in the event.

APSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Assam is increasingly focusing on renewable energy and infrastructure development to meet its growing power demand. Discuss the significance of these initiatives and identify the challenges in their implementation. Suggest measures to address these challenges. (250 words)

Model Answer

Introduction
Assam’s power demand is projected to rise from 2,800 MW to over 7,000 MW by 2041-42. To address this, the state has initiated several renewable energy and infrastructure development projects, including solar and hydropower, to ensure sustainable energy security and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

Body

Significance of Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Initiatives

  1. Energy Security:
    • Reduces reliance on imported coal and external power supply.
    • Stabilizes electricity for industrial and residential use.
  2. Economic Growth:
    • Facilitates industrial expansion and job creation.
    • Attracts investment in the renewable energy sector.
  3. Environmental Sustainability:
    • Minimizes greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Promotes climate-resilient practices, addressing global climate change commitments.
  4. Regional Development:
    • Hydropower projects in the Brahmaputra basin boost connectivity and rural electrification.

Challenges in Implementation

  1. Geographical Constraints:
    • Assam’s flood-prone and hilly terrain hinders project execution.
  2. Land Acquisition Issues:
    • Resistance from local communities delays infrastructure projects.
  3. Financial Limitations:
    • High initial costs of renewable energy projects and energy storage technologies.
  4. Transmission and Distribution Losses:
    • Outdated grid infrastructure reduces energy efficiency.

Measures to Address Challenges

  1. Technological Advancements:
    • Deploy smart grids and advanced storage systems for efficient energy distribution.
  2. Policy Reforms:
    • Introduce incentives and subsidies for renewable energy adoption.
  3. Community Engagement:
    • Involve local stakeholders to mitigate land acquisition issues.
  4. Public-Private Partnerships:
    • Collaborate with private investors for funding and expertise in renewable energy projects.

Conclusion
Assam’s renewable energy and infrastructure development initiatives are crucial for sustainable growth and energy security. By addressing challenges through technology, policy reforms, and community involvement, the state can ensure equitable energy access while contributing to India’s climate goals.

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