APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (07/02/2025)
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 (07-02-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
1. Mega Dam on Brahmaputra – India’s Concerns Over China’s Hydropower Projects
📌 GS Paper 2: International Relations, Water Disputes, India-China Relations
📌 GS Paper 3: Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management
Introduction
China is constructing a mega hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). This has raised serious concerns in India, particularly in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, over the potential impact on water flow, ecological stability, and regional security. The issue has renewed calls for a bilateral water-sharing agreement between India and China.
Key Points
- China’s Mega Dam Project
- Part of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan for renewable energy.
- Planned at Medog County, near Arunachal Pradesh, making it the largest hydropower dam in the world.
- The dam aims to generate 60 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, exceeding the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam.
- India’s Major Concerns
- Water Security Issues: Potential risk of China diverting or restricting Brahmaputra’s flow to India.
- Ecological Impact: Reduced water flow could affect agriculture, fisheries, and biodiversity in Assam.
- Flood and Disaster Risks: A dam collapse or sudden water release could cause flash floods in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
- Lack of a Water Treaty: Unlike with Bangladesh, India has no formal water-sharing agreement with China.
- Geopolitical and Strategic Dimensions
- China’s Control Over Tibet: Gives it upper-hand over Brahmaputra’s water flow.
- India’s Hydropower Response: India is accelerating dam projects in Arunachal Pradesh to counterbalance China’s control.
- Impact on India-Bangladesh Relations: Bangladesh is also concerned about lower water flow into its territory.
Prelims Pointers
- Yarlung Tsangpo: Tibetan name for the Brahmaputra River.
- Medog County: Location of China’s mega hydropower project.
- Three Gorges Dam: Currently the largest hydropower project in the world, located in China.
- Brahmaputra’s Path: Originates in Tibet, flows through India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam), and enters Bangladesh.
- India’s Hydropower Projects: Dibang, Subansiri, Siang Dams in Arunachal Pradesh.
Mains Pointers
Why India is Concerned About China’s Dam on Brahmaputra
- Water Scarcity Risks for Northeast India
- China controls Brahmaputra’s upper course, allowing it to regulate India’s water supply.
- If China diverts water, Northeast India could face severe droughts.
- Flood Threats and Disaster Risks
- Sudden water release from China’s dam could trigger flash floods in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
- Increased silt deposits could impact agriculture and river ecosystems.
- Impact on Agriculture and Livelihoods
- Assam’s economy relies on Brahmaputra for irrigation, fisheries, and river transport.
- Unregulated water flow could destroy paddy fields and wetlands like Deepor Beel.
- China’s Strategic Intentions
- China has not signed any formal water-sharing treaty with India.
- Dams could give China leverage during border disputes by restricting water flow.
Challenges in Managing the Brahmaputra Dispute
- No Bilateral Water Treaty with China
- Unlike with Bangladesh, India has no water-sharing agreement with China.
- China provides limited hydrological data only during monsoon (flood season).
- Ecological and Geological Fragility
- The Brahmaputra is one of the world’s most dynamic rivers, prone to floods and erosion.
- Dam construction in seismically active regions (Himalayas) increases the risk of earthquake-induced dam failure.
- India’s Limited Hydropower Capacity
- India has few large dams on Brahmaputra, making it dependent on China’s water release.
- Projects like Subansiri and Dibang Dams in Arunachal Pradesh are delayed due to protests and funding issues.
India’s Response to China’s Mega Dam
- Accelerating India’s Hydropower Projects
- Government approved the Dibang Dam (3,000 MW) and Subansiri Dam (2,000 MW) in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Plan to build reservoirs to store excess water and prevent sudden flooding.
- Strengthening Diplomatic Efforts
- Engaging China through bilateral talks on water-sharing agreements.
- Strengthening India-Bangladesh cooperation to protect lower riparian rights.
- Regional Cooperation on Water Governance
- Need for joint river basin management between India, China, and Bangladesh.
- Using organizations like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and Mekong-Ganga Cooperation for diplomatic negotiations.
- Technological Solutions
- Satellite monitoring of water flow in Tibet for early warning on floods or diversions.
- Enhancing flood prediction models in Assam to prevent disasters.
Way Ahead
✅ Push for a Brahmaputra Water Treaty – Negotiate a legally binding river-sharing agreement with China.
✅ Expand Hydropower Projects in Arunachal Pradesh – Strengthen India’s strategic control over Brahmaputra.
✅ Develop Early Warning Systems – Use AI-based flood monitoring and satellite tracking.
✅ Strengthen Diplomatic Talks with Bangladesh – Ensure equitable water sharing for all riparian states.
✅ International Pressure on China – Work with UN, SAARC, and BIMSTEC to ensure fair water management.
Conclusion
China’s mega hydropower project on the Brahmaputra poses a serious challenge to India’s water security, environmental stability, and regional peace. Without a formal water treaty, India must strengthen its hydropower capacity, use satellite surveillance, and engage in diplomatic negotiations to safeguard its national interests and ecological balance.
2. Japanese Investors Show Interest in Assam’s Semiconductor Industry
📌 GS Paper 3: Economy, Industrial Growth, Science & Technology, Foreign Investment
Introduction
Japanese investors have expressed strong interest in Assam’s semiconductor industry, seeing the region as a potential electronics manufacturing hub under India’s Semicon India Programme. The move aligns with India-Japan economic cooperation, particularly in technology-driven sectors, and is expected to generate employment, industrial growth, and economic diversification in Northeast India.
Key Points
- Why Assam is Attracting Semiconductor Investment?
- Strategic Location: Assam is a gateway to Southeast Asia, making it a crucial link under the Act East Policy.
- Abundant Skilled Workforce: The state has a growing pool of engineers and technicians from IIT Guwahati and NIT Silchar.
- Government Incentives: Assam is offering tax benefits, land allotments, and subsidies to investors under the North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS).
- Lower Production Costs: Compared to traditional hubs like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, Assam offers cheaper labor and land.
- Japanese Interest in India’s Semiconductor Mission
- Japan has cut reliance on China for semiconductor production due to geopolitical risks.
- India’s Semicon India Programme (₹76,000 crore investment plan) is attracting Japanese chipmakers and electronic firms.
- Japanese tech giants like Renesas, Toshiba, and Sony are exploring partnerships with Indian firms.
- Potential Economic Impact on Assam
- Job Creation: High-value manufacturing can generate thousands of skilled and semi-skilled jobs.
- Boost to Electronics Manufacturing: Encourages development of supply chains for mobile chips, automotive electronics, and AI processors.
- Integration with Global Markets: Strengthens trade ties with Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea.
Prelims Pointers
- Semicon India Programme: ₹76,000 crore initiative to develop semiconductor manufacturing in India.
- Act East Policy: India’s strategy to strengthen economic ties with Southeast Asia.
- NEIDS (North East Industrial Development Scheme): Govt scheme offering subsidies and tax exemptions to industries in the Northeast.
- Silicon Wafer: A key material in chip manufacturing.
- Fab (Fabrication) Plants: High-tech facilities where semiconductors are produced.
Mains Pointers
Why Semiconductor Investment in Assam is Crucial?
- Strategic Importance for India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem
- Reduces dependence on China, Taiwan, and South Korea for chip imports.
- Supports India’s ambition to become a global electronics hub.
- Boost to Northeast’s Industrialization
- Assam has traditionally been agriculture and tea-driven, and this shift diversifies its economy.
- Strengthens Assam’s integration with global supply chains.
- Technology Transfer from Japan
- Japanese companies bring advanced chipmaking expertise.
- Assam can develop a high-tech electronics cluster with R&D partnerships.
- Geopolitical Significance
- Japan’s investment is part of India-Japan Strategic Partnership.
- Counters China’s dominance in the global semiconductor supply chain.
Challenges in Establishing Semiconductor Industry in Assam
- Infrastructure and Power Issues
- Chip manufacturing is energy-intensive, and Assam lacks stable power supply for fab plants.
- Need for modern industrial zones with high-speed internet, water, and logistics support.
- Skilled Workforce Shortage
- Assam needs more specialized engineers in semiconductor physics and chip design.
- Requires collaboration with IITs, NITs, and technical institutes.
- Supply Chain and Raw Material Dependency
- India imports most raw materials for semiconductors, leading to high production costs.
- Assam must develop local supply chains for silicon wafers, rare earth metals, and fabrication equipment.
- Investment Risks and Global Competition
- India is competing with Taiwan, South Korea, and the US for semiconductor manufacturing.
- Assam must offer competitive incentives to attract large-scale investments.
Government Initiatives to Support Semiconductor Industry
- Semicon India Programme – ₹76,000 crore scheme for semiconductor design and fabrication.
- Modified Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC) Scheme – Helps create chipmaking hubs.
- Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Electronics – Offers financial incentives for semiconductor production.
- North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) – Provides tax exemptions and capital investment subsidies.
Way Ahead
✅ Developing Semiconductor Clusters – Create special economic zones (SEZs) in Assam for high-tech industries.
✅ Improving Infrastructure – Ensure uninterrupted power supply and world-class industrial parks.
✅ Strengthening Technical Education – Establish chip design and semiconductor engineering courses in IIT Guwahati.
✅ Faster Clearances & Incentives – Offer single-window approvals and tax breaks for investors.
✅ Enhancing Japan-India Collaboration – Set up joint R&D centers to boost innovation.
Conclusion
Japanese investment in Assam’s semiconductor industry marks a major shift in Northeast India’s industrial development. If proper infrastructure, skilled workforce, and policy incentives are provided, Assam could become India’s next high-tech manufacturing hub, supporting the country’s vision of becoming a global semiconductor leader.
3. Gauhati High Court’s Directive on Deepor Beel Conservation
📌 GS Paper 3: Environment, Biodiversity Conservation, Role of Judiciary
Introduction
The Gauhati High Court (HC) has issued a strong directive to the Assam government and civic authorities to take urgent steps for conserving Deepor Beel, a Ramsar wetland site that is facing severe pollution, encroachments, and habitat degradation. The court emphasized the constitutional duty of the state to protect Deepor Beel under Article 48A (Environment Protection) and Article 51A(g) (Fundamental Duty to Protect the Environment).
Key Points
- Why is Deepor Beel Important?
- It is a Ramsar Site (since 2002) and an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
- Supports endangered species like the Greater Adjutant Stork and Asian Elephants.
- Functions as a natural stormwater reservoir for Guwahati, preventing urban flooding.
- Provides livelihoods to local fishing communities.
- Court’s Key Directives
- Stop illegal encroachments and remove unauthorized settlements.
- Prevent garbage dumping from nearby areas (Borbari and Paschim Boragaon).
- Ban industrial effluents and sewage discharge into the wetland.
- Implement a long-term conservation plan with scientific wetland management.
- Major Threats to Deepor Beel
- Urbanization & Encroachments: Rapid expansion of Guwahati city has reduced wetland area.
- Pollution: Municipal solid waste, untreated sewage, and industrial chemicals are degrading water quality.
- Railway Line Through the Beel: Causes noise pollution and wildlife habitat fragmentation.
- Declining Biodiversity: Loss of aquatic vegetation, fish populations, and migratory birds.
Prelims Pointers
- Deepor Beel: A permanent freshwater lake in Assam, connected to the Brahmaputra River.
- Ramsar Site: Wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention (1971).
- Greater Adjutant Stork: Endangered bird species found in Deepor Beel.
- Article 48A: Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP) on environmental protection.
- Article 51A(g): Fundamental Duty to protect the environment and wildlife.
Mains Pointers
Why is Deepor Beel Conservation Important?
- Ecological Significance
- Acts as a carbon sink, helping mitigate climate change effects.
- Supports migratory birds under the Central Asian Flyway (CAF).
- Role in Guwahati’s Water Management
- Prevents urban flooding by absorbing excess rainwater.
- Serves as a natural recharge zone for groundwater.
- Livelihood & Tourism Potential
- Supports fishermen, eco-tourism operators, and traditional communities.
- A well-managed Deepor Beel can be a sustainable tourism hotspot.
Challenges in Conservation
- Encroachments & Unregulated Construction
- Land grabbing and illegal housing colonies have shrunk wetland boundaries.
- Lack of strong enforcement of wetland protection laws.
- Waste Dumping & Pollution
- The Borahgaon Garbage Dumping Site is polluting Deepor Beel’s water.
- Heavy metal contamination is threatening aquatic life.
- Lack of Coordinated Management
- Multiple agencies (State Wetland Authority, Forest Department, Municipal Bodies) lack coordination.
- No scientific restoration plans implemented so far.
Government Initiatives for Wetland Protection
- Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 – Provides legal protection to Ramsar sites.
- National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) – Funds wetland restoration projects.
- Assam Wetlands Management Authority – Responsible for monitoring and conservation of wetlands.
- Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) Proposal – Assam govt has proposed declaring Deepor Beel an ESZ to limit human activities.
Way Ahead
✅ Strict Anti-Encroachment Drive – Remove illegal constructions around Deepor Beel.
✅ Sustainable Waste Management – Shift Borahgaon garbage dump site away from the wetland.
✅ Regulate Industrial Effluents – Enforce zero-discharge policies for nearby industries.
✅ Strengthen Eco-Tourism – Promote community-based tourism for revenue generation.
✅ Scientific Wetland Restoration – Restore aquatic vegetation and improve water quality.
Conclusion
The Gauhati High Court’s directive on Deepor Beel is a landmark step in wetland conservation and environmental governance. Ensuring strong enforcement, scientific management, and community participation is crucial to protecting Assam’s largest wetland from degradation. If effectively implemented, Deepor Beel can become a model for sustainable wetland conservation in India.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
1. Mega Dam on Brahmaputra – India’s Concerns Over China’s Hydropower Projects
Question 1
Which of the following statements about China’s mega hydropower project on the Brahmaputra River is/are correct?
- The dam is being constructed in Medog County, Tibet, near the Indian border.
- The Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) flows through India and Myanmar before entering Bangladesh.
- China’s dam project could lead to seasonal water scarcity and increased flood risks in Northeast India.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
✅ Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
🔎 Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct – The dam is being built in Medog County, Tibet, close to the Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Statement 2 is incorrect – The Brahmaputra flows through India and Bangladesh, not Myanmar.
- Statement 3 is correct – Unregulated dam water release may cause sudden floods, while water diversion could lead to droughts in India.
Question 2
Which of the following Indian hydropower projects are being developed in Arunachal Pradesh to counterbalance China’s water control over the Brahmaputra?
- Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project
- Dibang Multipurpose Project
- Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation 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: (a) 1 and 2 only
🔎 Explanation:
- Subansiri and Dibang Projects are key hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Kaleshwaram Project is an irrigation project in Telangana, unrelated to the Brahmaputra basin.
2. Japanese Investors Show Interest in Assam’s Semiconductor Industry
Question 3
Which of the following reasons make Assam attractive for semiconductor investment?
- Assam is a gateway to Southeast Asia, aligning with the Act East Policy.
- Assam has large reserves of silicon, making it a natural hub for chip production.
- The North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) offers financial incentives to investors.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(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’s proximity to Southeast Asian markets makes it attractive for global investors.
- Statement 2 is incorrect – India imports silicon wafers, and Assam does not have large silicon reserves.
- Statement 3 is correct – The NEIDS scheme provides tax benefits and incentives to industries in the Northeast.
Question 4
Which of the following statements about Semicon India Programme is correct?
(a) It is a ₹76,000 crore initiative to boost semiconductor and display manufacturing in India.
(b) The programme is aimed only at assembling electronic devices and does not include semiconductor fabrication.
(c) It is a joint initiative between India and Japan for setting up chip factories in Assam.
(d) It focuses exclusively on solar energy-related semiconductors.
✅ Answer: (a) It is a ₹76,000 crore initiative to boost semiconductor and display manufacturing in India.
🔎 Explanation:
- The Semicon India Programme (2022) is aimed at developing India’s semiconductor and display fabrication capabilities with ₹76,000 crore in funding.
- It is not limited to solar energy applications or just assembly operations.
3. Gauhati High Court’s Directive on Deepor Beel Conservation
Question 5
Deepor Beel is important because:
- It is a Ramsar Wetland Site supporting migratory birds.
- It acts as a natural floodwater reservoir for Guwahati city.
- It is a major industrial hub, producing electronics and chemicals.
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 – Deepor Beel is a Ramsar Site (since 2002) and a key wetland for migratory birds.
- Statement 2 is correct – It helps regulate floods in Guwahati by absorbing excess rainwater.
- Statement 3 is incorrect – Deepor Beel is not an industrial hub, but rather an ecologically sensitive wetland.
Question 6
Which of the following are threats to Deepor Beel?
- Encroachments and unregulated construction
- Pollution from the Borahgaon Garbage Dump
- Noise pollution from the railway line passing through the wetland
- Salinization of water due to rising sea levels
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
✅ Answer: (a) 1, 2, and 3 only
🔎 Explanation:
- Encroachments, pollution from garbage dumping, and railway disturbance are major threats.
- Salinization due to sea level rise does not affect Deepor Beel, as it is an inland freshwater wetland.
Question 7
Which of the following constitutional provisions support wetland conservation in India?
- Article 48A – Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP) for environmental protection.
- Article 51A(g) – Fundamental Duty to protect the natural environment.
- Article 370 – Special status for environmental zones in Northeast India.
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:
Article 370 is unrelated to environmental conservation (it granted special status to Jammu & Kashmir, now revoked).
Article 48A directs the state to protect and improve the environment.
Article 51A(g) makes environmental protection a fundamental duty of citizens.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Q. The conservation of wetlands is crucial for environmental sustainability, biodiversity preservation, and climate resilience. Discuss the significance of Deepor Beel in Assam and analyze the challenges it faces. Suggest measures that can be taken to ensure its long-term conservation. (250 words, 15 marks)
Model Answer
Introduction
Wetlands play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and water management. Deepor Beel, a Ramsar Wetland Site in Assam, is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the region, providing ecological, economic, and cultural benefits. However, increasing urbanization, pollution, and encroachments threaten its survival.
Significance of Deepor Beel
- Ecological Importance
- Home to over 200 species of birds, including the Greater Adjutant Stork and Spot-Billed Pelican.
- Supports rich aquatic biodiversity and functions as a natural stormwater reservoir for Guwahati.
- Climate and Environmental Benefits
- Acts as a carbon sink, mitigating climate change impacts.
- Helps prevent urban flooding by absorbing excess rainwater.
- Economic and Livelihood Importance
- Supports local fishing communities and provides resources for wetland-based livelihoods.
- Has the potential to become an eco-tourism hub, promoting sustainable income sources.
Challenges Facing Deepor Beel
- Encroachments and Land Conversion
- Illegal settlements and urban expansion of Guwahati have reduced wetland area.
- Lack of strict enforcement of wetland protection laws.
- Pollution from Garbage Dumping and Sewage
- Borahgaon Garbage Dump releases toxic waste and heavy metals into the water.
- Untreated sewage and industrial effluents have degraded water quality.
- Disturbance from Infrastructure Development
- A railway line passing through Deepor Beel causes noise pollution and disrupts wildlife habitats.
- Declining water levels and siltation affect the wetland ecosystem.
- Weak Conservation Efforts
- Lack of coordinated management between state agencies, forest departments, and municipalities.
- Insufficient funds for wetland restoration projects.
Measures for Conservation
✅ Strict Anti-Encroachment Measures – Demarcate protected wetland boundaries and remove illegal settlements.
✅ Relocation of Garbage Dumping Site – Shift the Borahgaon landfill to prevent pollution of Deepor Beel.
✅ Scientific Wetland Management – Improve water quality monitoring, de-siltation, and aquatic vegetation restoration.
✅ Community Participation – Involve local fishermen and indigenous communities in conservation programs.
✅ Sustainable Eco-Tourism Development – Promote regulated boating, birdwatching, and nature trails to generate revenue for conservation.
✅ Stronger Legal Frameworks & Implementation – Enforce Wetlands (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017 to ensure strict penalties for violations.
Conclusion Deepor Beel is an ecological treasure of Assam, but rapid urbanization and poor waste management have put it at risk. The recent Gauhati High Court directive is a step in the right direction. However, sustained conservation efforts, strict legal enforcement, and community participation are essential for ensuring the long-term survival of Deepor Beel as a vital wetland ecosystem.
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