APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (04/02/2025)
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 (04-02-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
1. Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit
📌 GS Paper 3: Economy, Infrastructure, Investment
Introduction
Advantage Assam 2.0 is an upcoming investment and infrastructure summit aimed at attracting national and global investors to Assam. With the participation of the Prime Minister and key Union ministers, the summit is expected to drive industrial growth, boost infrastructure, and promote Assam as a leading investment destination in Northeast India.
Key Points
- Economic Significance
- Aims to position Assam as an investment hub in sectors like tourism, energy, and technology.
- Focus on export-driven economic growth with support from the Centre.
- Infrastructure Development
- Sessions on hydrocarbon energy, digital connectivity, and transport infrastructure.
- Special emphasis on “Role of I-Ways in Viksit Assam” for digital transformation.
- Government’s Role & Initiatives
- Assam government collaborating with Union ministries to attract foreign investments.
- Chief Minister met with the Prime Minister and key ministers to discuss investment strategies.
- Strategic Importance for Assam
- Strengthens Assam’s position in the Act East Policy.
- Enhances connectivity with Southeast Asian markets.
Prelims Pointers
- Advantage Assam 2.0: Investment & Infrastructure summit in Assam.
- Viksit Assam: Concept focusing on digital highways & infrastructure growth.
- Hydrocarbon Energy Session: Chaired by Union Petroleum Minister.
- Exports as Growth Engine: Discussion led by Union Commerce Minister.
Mains Pointers
Importance of Advantage Assam 2.0
- Boost to Investment & Trade
- Encourages domestic & foreign investments in Assam.
- Expands trade ties with Southeast Asia under Act East Policy.
- Infrastructure Growth
- Focus on oil & gas, digital highways, transport networks.
- Strengthens connectivity between Assam & neighboring states.
- Employment Generation
- Large-scale investments expected to create jobs.
- Skill development initiatives aligned with industrial needs.
Challenges in Implementation
- Investment Risks
- Need for better ease-of-doing-business policies.
- Ensuring security for industrial projects.
- Infrastructure Gaps
- Limited urban planning for large-scale investments.
- Need for better logistics & supply chain networks.
- Environmental Concerns
- Industrial expansion might impact Assam’s biodiversity & environment.
- Need for sustainable development policies.
Government Initiatives to Support Industrial Growth
- North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) – Financial incentives for businesses in Assam.
- PM Gati Shakti Scheme – Infrastructure boost through multi-modal connectivity.
- Start-up India & Make in India – Encouraging local entrepreneurship & manufacturing.
Way Ahead
✅ Policy Reforms: Enhance business-friendly regulations & tax benefits.
✅ Public-Private Partnerships: Attract global players to invest in Assam.
✅ Sustainable Development: Balance industrial growth with environmental conservation.
✅ Infrastructure Investments: Prioritize roads, digital connectivity, & energy projects.
Conclusion
Advantage Assam 2.0 is a crucial step toward transforming Assam into an economic powerhouse. By attracting investments, fostering industrial growth, and improving infrastructure, the summit can play a pivotal role in Assam’s long-term development. However, addressing challenges related to policy, environment, and infrastructure will be key to ensuring its success.
2. Cancer Awareness and Healthcare Challenges in Assam
📌 GS Paper 2: Health, Social Justice
Introduction
Assam has seen a rising number of cancer cases, making it one of the most affected states in India. Despite government schemes like Ayushman Bharat, gaps in early detection, awareness, and palliative care persist. Experts stress the need for community participation to improve cancer awareness and support patients, especially in rural areas.
Key Points
- High Cancer Incidence in Assam
- Assam has one of the highest cancer burdens in India, especially oral, lung, and gastrointestinal cancers.
- Tobacco and betel nut consumption contribute significantly to cancer cases.
- Challenges in Cancer Care
- Limited access to early screening and diagnostic facilities.
- High cost of treatment, making it unaffordable for many, especially the middle class.
- Lack of palliative care services in rural areas.
- Need for Community Participation
- Government schemes alone are not enough to tackle cancer effectively.
- NGOs and local communities must engage in awareness campaigns, screening drives, and home care services.
- Budgetary and Policy Concerns
- Experts suggest including middle-class families under government health schemes to make cancer treatment affordable.
- Budget allocation for cancer care needs to focus on preventive measures and better healthcare infrastructure.
Prelims Pointers
- Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Provides free treatment up to ₹5 lakh for poor families.
- National Cancer Grid: A network of cancer centers aiming for affordable cancer treatment.
- Tobacco Consumption in Assam: Major cause of oral and lung cancer.
- Palliative Care: Specialized care for terminally ill patients to improve quality of life.
Mains Pointers
Importance of Cancer Awareness in Assam
- Public Health Challenge
- High mortality due to late diagnosis and poor treatment access.
- Early detection can significantly reduce fatality rates.
- Social & Economic Burden
- Financial strain on families due to expensive cancer treatment.
- Loss of productivity due to prolonged illness and lack of proper care.
- Need for Holistic Healthcare Approach
- Beyond medical treatment, there’s a need for psychological and social support.
- Family and community involvement is crucial for patient well-being.
Challenges in Cancer Management
- Inadequate Healthcare Infrastructure
- Shortage of cancer treatment centers and trained oncologists in Assam.
- Long waiting times at hospitals like Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati.
- Financial Constraints for Middle Class
- Government schemes cover the poor but leave out middle-income groups.
- High cost of diagnostic tests and advanced treatments like chemotherapy.
- Low Awareness and Late Diagnosis
- Many people ignore early symptoms due to lack of knowledge.
- Rural populations rely on traditional healers instead of modern medicine.
- Need for Better Palliative Care
- Patients in rural areas struggle to get end-of-life care.
- Lack of trained doctors and nurses for home-based cancer care.
Government Initiatives for Cancer Control in Assam
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer (NPCDCS) – Focuses on early detection and treatment.
- Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati – One of India’s top cancer hospitals.
- Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF) – Public-private partnership for better cancer care.
- PM-JAY (Ayushman Bharat) – Covers cancer treatment for the underprivileged.
Way Ahead
✅ Strengthening Early Screening: Mobile diagnostic units in rural areas.
✅ Expanding Government Health Coverage: Including middle-class families in health schemes.
✅ Increasing Cancer Awareness: Community-based campaigns on tobacco hazards and early symptoms.
✅ Boosting Palliative Care: Training healthcare workers for home-based support.
✅ Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging investments in cancer research & hospitals.
Conclusion
Cancer is a growing public health challenge in Assam, requiring a multi-pronged approach involving the government, healthcare institutions, and communities. Strengthening early detection, expanding treatment access, and promoting awareness will be key to reducing Assam’s cancer burden and ensuring better healthcare for all.
3. Hydrocarbon Energy Development in Assam
📌 GS Paper 3: Energy, Environment, Economy
Introduction
Assam has rich hydrocarbon reserves and is a key player in India’s oil and gas sector. The central government has approved a new urea plant at Namrup, which is expected to boost Assam’s industrial development. Additionally, the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit will focus on Assam’s hydrocarbon sector, aiming to attract investments in oil exploration, refining, and natural gas infrastructure.
Key Points
- Significance of Hydrocarbon Sector in Assam
- Assam is home to India’s oldest oilfield, Digboi, and has major oil refineries in Digboi, Numaligarh, and Bongaigaon.
- The state contributes significantly to India’s domestic crude oil and natural gas production.
- The Namrup urea plant approval is seen as a major boost for Assam’s fertilizer industry.
- Current and Upcoming Projects
- The Numaligarh Refinery Expansion Project aims to increase refining capacity.
- Plans for hydrocarbon pipeline networks to improve gas supply across Northeast India.
- Public-private partnerships being explored to enhance oil extraction and refining.
- Government’s Vision for Hydrocarbon Development
- Assam’s “Hydrocarbon Vision 2030” focuses on increasing oil and gas exploration.
- Boosting investment in alternative fuels like biofuels and compressed natural gas (CNG).
- Encouraging cleaner and more efficient energy production.
Prelims Pointers
- Numaligarh Refinery Expansion: One of India’s key refinery projects.
- Namrup Urea Plant: Approved by the central government to boost Assam’s fertilizer production.
- Digboi Oil Refinery: India’s first oil refinery, established in 1901.
- Hydrocarbon Vision 2030: A policy initiative to develop Northeast India’s oil & gas sector.
- ONGC and OIL in Assam: The two major companies engaged in hydrocarbon exploration.
Mains Pointers
Importance of Hydrocarbon Development in Assam
- Economic Growth
- Boosts Assam’s revenue through crude oil production.
- Provides employment in oil exploration, refining, and logistics.
- Energy Security for Northeast India
- Strengthens domestic energy supply, reducing dependence on imports.
- Enhances natural gas infrastructure, supporting industries and households.
- Industrial Expansion
- The new Namrup urea plant will benefit Assam’s agricultural sector.
- Expansion of refineries like Numaligarh will boost industrial investments.
- Role in Act East Policy
- Oil and gas exports to neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar.
- Strengthening Assam’s position as an energy hub for Southeast Asia.
Challenges in Assam’s Hydrocarbon Sector
- Environmental Concerns
- Oil extraction leads to deforestation, pollution, and land degradation.
- Risk of oil spills and groundwater contamination.
- Infrastructure and Connectivity Issues
- Need for better pipeline networks to transport crude oil and natural gas.
- Limited refineries in the region restrict large-scale production.
- Social and Political Issues
- Protests by local communities over land acquisition and environmental damage.
- Delays in project approvals due to bureaucratic hurdles and regulatory issues.
Government Initiatives for Hydrocarbon Development
- Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for Northeast – Focuses on increasing oil and gas production.
- North East Gas Grid (NEGG) – Developing a gas pipeline network for better energy distribution.
- Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) – Promoting biofuels to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project – Expanding natural gas infrastructure in Assam.
- Strategic Oil Reserves Initiative – Creating oil storage facilities to ensure energy security.
Way Ahead
✅ Sustainable Exploration: Use eco-friendly drilling techniques to minimize environmental damage.
✅ Infrastructure Upgrades: Expand pipelines and refineries for better oil & gas distribution.
✅ Community Engagement: Ensure local participation to avoid conflicts over land acquisition.
✅ Diversification into Renewable Energy: Promote solar, wind, and biofuels to balance energy needs.
✅ Strengthening Regional Trade: Explore oil and gas export opportunities to Southeast Asian nations.
Conclusion
The hydrocarbon sector is a vital pillar of Assam’s economy, contributing to energy security, industrial growth, and employment. However, environmental sustainability, community concerns, and infrastructure development need attention. By balancing economic growth with ecological responsibility, Assam can emerge as a key energy hub in the region.
4. Disaster Management in Assam
📌 GS Paper 3: Disaster Management, Environment, Security
Introduction
Assam is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, and riverbank erosion due to its geographical location and climatic conditions. The annual floods caused by the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers displace millions, affecting infrastructure, livelihoods, and biodiversity. The state’s disaster management framework focuses on mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, with increasing emphasis on climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems.
Key Points
- Major Disasters Affecting Assam
- Floods and Riverbank Erosion – Over 40% of Assam’s land is flood-prone.
- Earthquakes – The state falls under Seismic Zone V, the highest risk category.
- Landslides – Common in hilly regions of Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, and North Cachar Hills.
- Cyclones & Storms – Seasonal storms affect rural areas, damaging houses and crops.
- Impact of Disasters
- Human Displacement – Thousands of families are displaced annually due to floods.
- Economic Losses – Damage to agriculture, infrastructure, and public utilities.
- Ecological Disruptions – Kaziranga National Park and other biodiversity hotspots are affected.
- Government Response & Initiatives
- Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) – Coordinates disaster response and preparedness.
- Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Management Programme (IFREM) – Focuses on embankment strengthening.
- Use of Technology – Deployment of satellite mapping and GIS-based flood forecasting.
Prelims Pointers
- Seismic Zone V – Assam is in the highest earthquake-risk category.
- ASDMA (Assam State Disaster Management Authority) – State-level disaster response body.
- Dibrugarh & Majuli Erosion – Severely affected by riverbank erosion.
- Brahmaputra Early Warning System (BEWS) – Flood monitoring initiative.
- Kaziranga Floods – Annual monsoon floods impact Assam’s wildlife reserves.
Mains Pointers
Why Disaster Management is Crucial for Assam
- High Disaster Vulnerability
- Assam experiences recurrent floods and riverbank erosion due to the Brahmaputra’s dynamic nature.
- Earthquake-prone zone, making seismic-resistant infrastructure essential.
- Economic and Social Impacts
- Annual floods cause damage worth thousands of crores.
- Loss of fertile agricultural land due to erosion, affecting food security.
- Health issues like waterborne diseases post-floods.
- Threat to Assam’s Biodiversity
- Kaziranga National Park suffers from severe flooding every monsoon.
- Landslides impact forest ecosystems in hilly regions.
Challenges in Disaster Management
- Poor Infrastructure & Preparedness
- Weak embankments, lack of urban flood management in Guwahati.
- Insufficient evacuation shelters for displaced people.
- Delays in Response & Relief
- Inefficiencies in disaster response coordination.
- Slow relief distribution to flood-affected families.
- Climate Change & Unpredictable Weather
- Uncertain rainfall patterns leading to more extreme floods and droughts.
- Rising Brahmaputra water levels due to glacial melt and deforestation.
Government Initiatives for Disaster Mitigation
- Brahmaputra Early Warning System (BEWS) – Monitors water levels for flood alerts.
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) – Provides funding and training for disaster risk reduction.
- North East Flood Control Programme – Strengthens embankments and drainage systems.
- Geo-Textile Technology in Embankments – Pilot projects to control riverbank erosion.
- Smart City Flood Management – Integrating drainage and rainwater storage in urban planning.
Way Ahead
✅ Early Warning Systems: Enhance satellite monitoring for timely flood alerts.
✅ Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Construct earthquake-proof buildings and flood-resistant embankments.
✅ Community-Based Preparedness: Strengthen local disaster response teams.
✅ Afforestation & Watershed Management: Prevent landslides and river erosion.
✅ Better Relief Mechanisms: Faster and more transparent aid distribution.
Conclusion
Disaster management in Assam requires a multi-dimensional approach, combining technology, infrastructure, and community preparedness. With climate change worsening disaster intensity, the state must invest in sustainable solutions to protect lives, livelihoods, and biodiversity.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
1. Advantage Assam 2.0
Question 1
Which of the following statements about the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit is/are correct?
- It aims to attract both domestic and foreign investments in Assam’s industrial sector.
- The summit is a part of India’s Act East Policy to enhance trade with Southeast Asian nations.
- It focuses only on the promotion of Assam’s tourism industry.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(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:
- Statement 1 is correct – Advantage Assam 2.0 aims to attract both domestic and foreign investments in multiple sectors, including hydrocarbon, IT, agriculture, and tourism.
- Statement 2 is correct – Assam plays a crucial role in India’s Act East Policy, which focuses on strengthening trade ties with Southeast Asia.
- Statement 3 is incorrect – Although tourism is one of the focus areas, the summit covers multiple industries, including hydrocarbon, digital infrastructure, and exports.
2. Cancer Awareness and Healthcare in Assam
Question 2
Consider the following statements regarding cancer awareness and treatment in Assam:
- Assam has one of the highest incidences of oral and lung cancer in India.
- The Ayushman Bharat scheme covers all cancer treatments, including early diagnostic tests for all income groups.
- The Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF) is a public-private partnership initiative for better cancer treatment in the state.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
🔎 Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct – Assam has one of the highest oral and lung cancer cases in India, mainly due to high tobacco and betel nut consumption.
- Statement 2 is incorrect – Ayushman Bharat covers only treatment costs but does not include early diagnostic tests, making early detection difficult for middle-class families.
- Statement 3 is correct – The Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF) is a public-private partnership (PPP) initiative to improve cancer diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care.
3. Hydrocarbon Energy Development in Assam
Question 3
Which of the following initiatives is/are aimed at boosting hydrocarbon development in Assam and the Northeast region?
- Hydrocarbon Vision 2030
- North East Gas Grid (NEGG)
- Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
✅ Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3
🔎 Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct – The Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 aims to increase oil and gas exploration and promote Assam as an energy hub.
- Statement 2 is correct – The North East Gas Grid (NEGG) aims to expand natural gas pipelines across Northeast India.
- Statement 3 is correct – The Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project focuses on extending natural gas infrastructure to Assam and other Northeast states.
Question 4
Which of the following oil refineries is the oldest in India?
(a) Bongaigaon Refinery
(b) Numaligarh Refinery
(c) Digboi Refinery
(d) Paradip Refinery
✅ Answer: (c) Digboi Refinery
🔎 Explanation:
- Digboi Refinery, located in Assam, is India’s first oil refinery, established in 1901 by the Assam Oil Company. It remains one of the oldest functioning refineries in the world.
4. Disaster Management in Assam
Question 5
Assam is highly prone to disasters. Which of the following are major disasters affecting the state?
- Floods
- Landslides
- Earthquakes
- Cyclones
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
✅ Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
🔎 Explanation:
- Assam faces multiple natural disasters:
- Floods (due to the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers).
- Landslides (in hilly districts like Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao).
- Earthquakes (Assam falls in Seismic Zone V, the highest risk category).
- Cyclones & Storms (Seasonal storms impact villages, damaging crops and homes).
Question 6
Which initiative uses satellite monitoring for flood forecasting in Assam?
(a) North East Flood Control Programme
(b) Brahmaputra Early Warning System (BEWS)
(c) Assam Urban Disaster Mitigation Programme
(d) Geo-Textile Embankment Project
✅ Answer: (b) Brahmaputra Early Warning System (BEWS)
🔎 Explanation:
- The Brahmaputra Early Warning System (BEWS) uses satellite and GIS mapping technology to predict floods in Assam and alert local authorities.
Question 7
Which of the following government initiatives focus on disaster management and flood control in Assam?
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
- Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Management Programme (IFREM)
- Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA)
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
✅ Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3
🔎 Explanation:
- NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) formulates policies for disaster risk reduction at the national level.
- IFREM (Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Management Programme) focuses on controlling floods and reducing river erosion in Assam.
- ASDMA (Assam State Disaster Management Authority) handles disaster response and preparedness at the state level.
Question 8
Which of the following regions in Assam is most severely affected by riverbank erosion?
(a) Majuli
(b) Silchar
(c) Jorhat
(d) Barpeta
✅ Answer: (a) Majuli
🔎 Explanation:
Majuli, the world’s largest river island, is severely affected by erosion caused by the Brahmaputra River, leading to loss of land and displacement of local communities.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Q. Discuss the significance of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit in promoting economic growth and regional integration. What are the key challenges in implementing investment and infrastructure projects in Assam, and how can they be addressed?” (250 words, 15 marks)
Model Answer
Introduction
Advantage Assam 2.0 is a crucial investment and infrastructure summit aimed at transforming Assam into a major economic hub. It aligns with the Act East Policy, leveraging Assam’s strategic location to attract domestic and foreign investments, enhance industrial growth, and improve connectivity with Southeast Asia.
Significance of Advantage Assam 2.0
- Boost to Industrial Development
- Encourages investment in hydrocarbon, IT, agriculture, tourism, and logistics sectors.
- Expansion of Numaligarh Refinery and development of Namrup Urea Plant will boost Assam’s energy sector.
- Infrastructure Growth
- Focus on multi-modal transport networks (rail, road, waterways).
- Development of digital infrastructure under the “Role of I-Ways in Viksit Assam” initiative.
- Employment Generation and Skill Development
- Attracts startups and MSMEs, creating new job opportunities.
- Encourages public-private partnerships (PPP) to enhance industrial training.
- Regional Integration & Act East Policy
- Enhances Assam’s trade connectivity with ASEAN nations.
- Strengthens border trade with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Bhutan.
Challenges in Implementation
- Infrastructural Deficits
- Poor transport and logistics hinder investment flow.
- Limited urban planning for industrial expansion.
- Bureaucratic and Policy Hurdles
- Land acquisition issues delay large-scale projects.
- Need for a business-friendly regulatory framework.
- Security and Social Concerns
- Ethnic conflicts and insurgency affect investor confidence.
- Environmental concerns due to industrial expansion.
Way Forward
✅ Enhancing Policy Reforms – Simplify regulations, improve ease of doing business.
✅ Infrastructure Development – Invest in industrial corridors and connectivity projects.
✅ Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) – Encourage global investments in key sectors.
✅ Sustainable Development – Balance economic growth with environmental protection.
✅ Community Engagement – Ensure stakeholder participation in major projects.
Conclusion
Advantage Assam 2.0 presents an opportunity to transform Assam into an economic powerhouse, linking it with Southeast Asia and the global market. By addressing infrastructural gaps, streamlining policies, and ensuring sustainable growth, Assam can emerge as a leading industrial and trade hub in the region.
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