APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (29/03/2025)
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 (29-03-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
🟩 India–Bhutan Relations: Significance of King Jigme’s 2025 Visit
GS Paper 2: International Relations, India and its Neighbourhood – Relations
Assam Focus: Strategic proximity to Bhutan and cross-border cooperation.
Introduction
India and Bhutan share a time-tested friendship rooted in mutual trust and strategic cooperation. The 2025 visit of Bhutan’s King signals a renewed momentum in bilateral ties amid evolving regional dynamics.
Key Points from the Visit
High-Level Diplomatic Engagement
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on 8-day India visit (March 28 – April 4, 2025).
Meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi.
Strengthening “Transformational Partnership”
Follows 2023 decision to elevate ties to “Transformational Partnership.”
Focus on expanding economic, digital, and connectivity cooperation.
Expected Agreements
Rail connectivity from India to southern Bhutan.
Upgrading India-funded road projects and new digital payment infrastructure.
Joint tech cooperation, capacity building, and tourism integration.
Geostrategic Importance
Bhutan is a buffer between India and China; India has stakes in Bhutan’s sovereignty.
India’s outreach counters increasing Chinese pressure on Bhutan’s northern borders.
Prelims Pointers
Transformational Partnership (2023): Framework to deepen India–Bhutan ties across energy, tech, and infrastructure.
Bharat-Bhutan e-Rupi Pilot: Cross-border UPI-based transaction mechanism launched in 2024.
South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC): India and Bhutan cooperate on regional connectivity under this program.
India’s Neighbourhood First Policy: Emphasizes Bhutan’s centrality in India’s foreign policy.
Mains Pointers
🌐 Importance of India–Bhutan Relations
Strategic and Security Dimensions
Bhutan shares a ~600 km border with Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Sikkim.
Key partner in counter-insurgency and anti-smuggling efforts in Northeast India.
Doklam standoff (2017) showed India’s role in safeguarding Bhutanese territory.
Economic Cooperation
Hydropower projects (e.g., Tala, Mangdechhu) contribute to Bhutan’s GDP and India’s clean energy goals.
Bilateral trade value: ₹12,000 crore (2024–25 est., MEA).
Bhutan is the first country to adopt India’s RuPay and BHIM UPI.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties
Shared Buddhist heritage; regular student and religious exchanges.
Bhutanese students in Indian universities; growing tourism flows both ways.
🚧 Challenges in the Relationship
China Factor
China’s attempts to establish relations with Bhutan and press for boundary settlements.
Recent talks between Bhutan and China raised concerns in India.
Overdependence on India
Bhutan’s economy highly dependent on Indian aid and markets; diversification is slow.
Concerns over debt burden due to hydropower projects.
Youth Discontent in Bhutan
Rise in educated youth migration from Bhutan to Australia and Canada due to lack of opportunities.
🏛️ Government Initiatives
Hydropower cooperation – India’s aid for Punatsangchhu-I and II Projects.
Digital Partnership 2024 – Expansion of Indian digital stack (Aadhaar-lite, UPI) in Bhutan.
Border Infrastructure Assistance – Special funds for road and bridge projects in southern Bhutan.
🛤️ Way Ahead
Balanced Economic Support
Shift from aid to investment model: focus on entrepreneurship, tourism, and tech start-ups.
Promote Bhutan’s organic farming exports to India.
Strategic Sensitivity
India should respect Bhutan’s sovereignty while continuing high-level political engagement.
Northeast–Bhutan Synergy
Enhance Assam–Bhutan trade via border haats and integrated check-posts.
Collaboration on environment and river basin management (e.g., Manas, Sankosh).
Conclusion
King Jigme’s 2025 visit reflects the deep strategic, cultural, and emotional bonds between India and Bhutan. Strengthening this friendship through mutual respect and future-ready cooperation can serve as a model for neighborhood diplomacy.
🟩 Commissioning of INS Jatayu: Strategic Significance for India’s Maritime Security
GS Paper 3: Internal Security, Defence, Maritime Security
GS Paper 2: India and Its Neighbourhood – Security Dynamics
Introduction
In a bold strategic move, India has commissioned INS Jatayu in Lakshadweep, projecting maritime strength in the Arabian Sea to counter regional threats and assert coastal dominance.
Key Points from the News
What is INS Jatayu?
A full-fledged naval base established on Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep.
Commissioned in March 2025 to boost India’s western maritime defence architecture.
Equipped with radar systems, berthing facilities, and surveillance integration with Indian Navy’s Coastal Surveillance Network.
Geostrategic Importance
Located near 8° Channel, a key route for global energy trade.
Enhances India’s anti-piracy, anti-smuggling, and counter-terrorism surveillance.
Counters growing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Statements by Leadership
PM Modi: INS Jatayu is a “symbol of India’s strategic autonomy” and part of “SAGAR vision.”
Navy Chief: “Western seaboard is now tactically empowered.”
Prelims Pointers
Minicoy Island: Southernmost island of Lakshadweep, nearest Indian territory to Maldives.
SAGAR Vision (2015): India’s strategic doctrine – Security and Growth for All in the Region.
8° Channel: Maritime chokepoint between Minicoy and Maldives; major global shipping route.
INS Baaz (Andaman): Eastern maritime base; Jatayu mirrors this on the western front.
Integrated Coastal Surveillance System (ICSS): Real-time radar-based maritime monitoring system.
Mains Pointers
⚓ Strategic Significance of INS Jatayu
Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
Enables round-the-clock tracking of vessels in Arabian Sea.
Supports real-time response to maritime threats and illegal activities.
Counterbalancing China’s Influence in IOR
China’s dual-use ports in Gwadar (Pakistan), Hambantota (Sri Lanka), and Djibouti pose regional challenge.
INS Jatayu strengthens India’s naval posture amidst the String of Pearls strategy.
Support for Energy and Trade Security
India imports over 80% of crude oil via western sea routes.
Protection of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) is critical.
Disaster Response and HADR Operations
Quick deployment for disaster relief, oil spill response, and search-and-rescue operations.
Proximity to Maldives and Sri Lanka allows regional HADR leadership.
🧱 Challenges in Operationalizing Lakshadweep as a Naval Hub
Logistical and Infrastructure Issues
Difficult terrain and limited port capacity in Lakshadweep.
Need for sustainable development without harming fragile coral ecosystems.
Civil-Military Coordination
Balancing defence installations with local administration and eco-tourism.
Vulnerability to Climate Events
Low-lying islands exposed to cyclones and sea-level rise.
🛡️ Government Initiatives & Allied Projects
Coastal Radar Chain Extension (2024): Linked Jatayu with Indian and friendly foreign radars.
Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti: Capacity-building for naval personnel in cyber and AI tools.
Neighbourhood Maritime Outreach: Naval diplomacy with Seychelles, Maldives, and Mauritius.
📊 Relevant Reports & Indices
IISS Military Balance Report 2024: India has the 5th largest navy by tonnage.
World Bank Trade Report 2023: Over 95% of India’s trade by volume moves via sea.
🔭 Way Ahead
Dual-Use Infrastructure
Integrate military and civilian logistics for better island development.
Coastal Youth Recruitment
Boost local employment via naval support jobs and technical training.
Indo-Pacific Partnerships
Joint patrols with QUAD partners and extended IOR countries.
Sustainable Defence Footprint
Green naval base models with renewable energy integration.
Conclusion
INS Jatayu is a strategic masterstroke, enhancing India’s vigilance in the Arabian Sea and ensuring that Lakshadweep becomes the watchtower of the western front. Its success lies in balancing strength with sustainability.
🟩 Electoral Bonds Verdict: Ensuring Transparency in Political Funding
GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance – Electoral Reforms, Judiciary, Transparency in Governance
Introduction
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme, declaring it unconstitutional and paving the way for transparent political funding in the world’s largest democracy.
Key Points from the News
Supreme Court Verdict (Feb 15, 2024)
Struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme (2017), declaring it violative of Right to Information (Article 19(1)(a)).
Directed SBI to disclose all buyers and recipients of electoral bonds since inception.
Rationale Behind the Verdict
Electoral bonds created opaque channels of corporate-political nexus.
Violated level playing field in elections by disproportionately favoring ruling party.
Ignored citizen’s right to know about political party funding sources.
Fallout and Data Disclosure (2025)
SBI released donor lists after court order.
Political parties received ₹12,155 crore via bonds from 2018 to 2024 (ADR Report).
Most donations went to the ruling party (~54%).
Prelims Pointers
Electoral Bonds Scheme (2017): Anonymous bearer instruments for donating to political parties; introduced via Finance Act, bypassing Rajya Sabha.
Article 19(1)(a): Fundamental Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression, includes Right to Information.
Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR): NGO that filed PIL and tracks political funding transparency.
Companies Act Amendment (2017): Removed cap on corporate donations (earlier 7.5% of average profits).
Mains Pointers
⚖️ Significance of the Verdict
Restoring Electoral Transparency
Citizens can now track who funds which party, strengthening democracy.
Reinforces judicial activism in preserving democratic values.
Balancing Voter Rights and Donor Privacy
Court prioritized voter’s right to know over donor anonymity.
Judicial Check on Executive Overreach
Finance Act route and Money Bill classification were ruled unconstitutional in spirit.
⚠️ Issues with Electoral Bonds Scheme
Opaque Funding Channels
Bonds were sold anonymously; created space for quid pro quo and lobbying.
Undue Corporate Influence
Companies with zero profit donated crores, raising suspicions of shell companies being used.
Inequality Among Parties
Favored parties in power due to fear among corporates of vendetta.
Bypassing Parliamentary Scrutiny
Introduced through Money Bill to avoid Rajya Sabha debate (violates Art 110 spirit).
📜 Judicial and Civil Society Role
SC Bench (led by CJI Chandrachud): Emphasized “informed electoral choice is the cornerstone of democracy.”
ADR, Common Cause: Persistent advocacy for electoral funding transparency.
CEC’s Views: Former ECs (e.g., S.Y. Quraishi) supported bond ban for leveling electoral field.
🏛️ Global Best Practices
USA: PACs and Super PACs must disclose donors.
UK: Strict caps and mandatory disclosures for all political contributions.
Germany: Donations over €10,000 must be made public.
🛣️ Way Ahead
Comprehensive Political Funding Law
Include digital disclosures, donor caps, time-bound audits.
State Funding of Elections (Debated)
Explore models for partial public funding to reduce corporate capture.
Real-Time Disclosure Portals
Use Election Commission and IT Department portals for transparency.
Strengthen Role of EC
Provide EC with greater autonomy to monitor and penalize funding irregularities.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s bold stance on electoral bonds reclaims the democratic space for the voter, ensuring that elections remain free, fair, and informed. It lays the foundation for a more transparent and accountable electoral future.
🟩 Heightened Security Along Assam-Mizoram Border: Border Management and Inter-State Coordination
GS Paper 3: Internal Security – Border Management
GS Paper 2: Federalism, Inter-State Relations
Introduction
Amidst rising tensions due to ethnic unrest in neighboring states, Assam has strengthened security along its border with Mizoram, highlighting the complex challenges of inter-state border management in India.
Key Points from the News
Security Deployment
Assam Police intensified patrolling in Hailakandi and Cachar districts.
Armed security personnel and checkpoints deployed in vulnerable border villages.
Reason for Alert
Intelligence inputs about possible cross-border movement of insurgents and illegal arms.
Spillover from ethnic tensions in Manipur and Mizoram.
Administrative Action
Joint coordination between district administrations of Assam and Mizoram.
Involvement of central paramilitary forces in maintaining peace.
Civilian Response
Local tribal leaders urged peace; some villages demanded fencing or demarcation.
Fear of displacement and livelihood disruptions due to tightened security.
Prelims Pointers
Assam-Mizoram Border Length: 165 km
Cause of Historical Disputes: Based on differing interpretations of British-era demarcation (1875 vs 1933).
Border Districts (Assam): Hailakandi, Cachar, Karimganj
Major Ethnic Groups: Mizos (Zo), Assamese, Bengali Muslims, Dimasa, Hmar
Peace Agreement 2022 (Assam-Mizoram): Attempted to reduce skirmishes after 2021 clash that killed 6 Assam policemen.
Mains Pointers
🧱 Causes of Inter-State Border Disputes
Colonial-Era Boundaries
Different boundary notifications used by states.
Assam follows 1933 map, while Mizoram refers to 1875 notification.
Ethnic and Identity Politics
Competing claims over tribal land and forest zones.
Political groups often mobilize sentiments for electoral gains.
Resource Pressure and Land Encroachment
Illegal settlements and deforestation escalate disputes.
Agricultural activity and land rights at core of local tensions.
🧰 Security and Governance Issues
Cross-Border Infiltration
Fear of arms smuggling and insurgent regrouping in forest areas.
Linkage to unrest in neighboring Manipur.
Weak Institutional Coordination
Lack of joint border committees or permanent dispute resolution bodies.
State police often act unilaterally without central mediation.
Impact on Civilians
Border villagers face curfews, economic disruptions, and lack of trust in law enforcement.
🛡️ Government and Judicial Measures
Union Home Ministry Guidelines (2023): Focus on coordination via CAPFs and local police.
Inter-State Coordination Committees: Proposed but under-implemented.
Supreme Court PILs: Filed seeking demarcation by Survey of India.
📊 Relevant Reports and Data
North East Development Vision 2040 (NITI Aayog): Emphasizes inter-state cooperation.
Assam Police Annual Report 2024: Mentions increase in border-related incidents in Barak Valley region.
🛣️ Way Ahead
Permanent Border Demarcation
Conduct joint survey and set up fenced neutral zones with mutual consent.
People-Centric Peacebuilding
Involve local leaders, tribal councils in conflict resolution.
Strengthen Inter-State Institutions
Functional Border Area Development Councils (BADCs).
Deployment of Neutral Forces
Use of CRPF or BSF as buffer to avoid inter-police conflicts.
Conclusion
Strengthening security on the Assam-Mizoram border reflects deeper governance challenges. Lasting peace lies not in force but in inclusive dialogue, cooperation, and historical reconciliation.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
✅ Topic 1: Unified University and College Management System (UUCMS)
🧠 Q1. With reference to the Unified University and College Management System (UUCMS), consider the following statements:
- It is a centralized digital platform for university administration and student data management.
- Assam is the first state in India to implement UUCMS across all government colleges.
- UUCMS enables real-time tracking of students’ academic performance and facilitates inter-university transfers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct – UUCMS is a digital platform for academic, administrative, and financial management.
- Statement 2 is incorrect – Karnataka pioneered it; Assam is adopting it now.
- Statement 3 is correct – UUCMS allows performance tracking and academic portability.
✅ Topic 2: Investment Summit in North East
🧠 Q2. Consider the following pairs related to initiatives for economic development in the North-East region:
| Scheme/Initiative | Implementing Ministry |
| PM-DevINE | Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) |
| NESIDS | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| North East Industrial Policy | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade |
Which of the pairs is/are correctly matched?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Explanation:
- PM-DevINE is by DoNER (Correct)
- NESIDS is also under DoNER, not MHA (Incorrect)
- NE Industrial Policy is under DPIIT (Correct)
✅ Topic 3: Electoral Bonds Verdict
🧠 Q3. The Supreme Court recently declared the Electoral Bonds Scheme unconstitutional. Which of the following were reasons cited in the judgment?
- It violated the Right to Equality under Article 14.
- It infringed on the citizen’s right to information under Article 19(1)(a).
- It enabled disproportionate corporate influence in politics.
- It mandated public disclosure of all political contributions.
Select the correct answer using the code 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
Explanation:
- Article 19(1)(a) violation (Right to know) – YES
- Corporate influence and opacity – YES
- The scheme did not mandate public disclosure (Statement 4 is incorrect)
✅ Topic 4: Assam-Mizoram Border Security
🧠 Q4. Which of the following statements regarding the Assam-Mizoram border dispute is/are correct?
- The dispute arises due to conflicting interpretations of boundary demarcations from the colonial era.
- The recent escalation is partly linked to cross-border insurgency threats and ethnic tensions.
- The entire boundary between Assam and Mizoram has been officially demarcated by the Survey of India.
Select the correct code:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 3 is incorrect – No final Survey of India demarcation accepted by both states.
Statement 1 is correct – 1875 vs 1933 maps are the issue.
Statement 2 is correct – Recent unrest in Manipur, etc., contributes.
APSC Mains Practice Question
✍️ Mains Question (GS Paper 2 – Polity & Governance)
“The Supreme Court’s verdict on Electoral Bonds is a watershed moment for electoral transparency in India. Critically examine the implications of the judgment on political funding, transparency, and democratic accountability in India.”
✅ Model Answer
🟢 Introduction:
When democracy thrives in the sunlight of transparency, opacity in political funding becomes a democratic anomaly. The Supreme Court’s recent judgment striking down the Electoral Bonds Scheme as unconstitutional is a decisive step in restoring public trust in India’s electoral process.
🧱 I. Background and Nature of Electoral Bonds
- Introduced in 2017 via Finance Act (Money Bill route), the Electoral Bonds Scheme allowed anonymous donations to political parties through SBI.
- Bonds could be purchased by individuals and corporates, and donor identity remained confidential.
⚖️ II. Key Observations of the Supreme Court Verdict (Feb 2024)
1. Violation of Right to Information (Article 19(1)(a))
- The Court held that voters have a fundamental right to know about political funding.
- Anonymity undermines public scrutiny.
- Cited PUCL vs Union of India (2003) judgment.
2. Violation of Article 14 (Right to Equality)
- Scheme disproportionately benefits ruling parties.
- No level playing field among political parties.
- Transparency available to government (via SBI) but not to citizens.
3. Unconstitutional Use of Money Bill Route
- Finance Act introduced significant changes in Companies Act, RP Act, and IT Act through the Money Bill, bypassing the Rajya Sabha.
📉 III. Implications of the Verdict
A. Positive Implications
| Area | Impact |
| 🗳️ Electoral Transparency | Voter awareness and informed choices improve. |
| 💰 Corporate Accountability | Companies must now disclose political donations in financial reports. |
| 🏛️ Democratic Fairness | Level playing field restored for opposition parties. |
| 🕵️ Reduction in Cronyism | Prevents backdoor deals and quid pro quo between corporates and politicians. |
📌 Example: Over ₹6,000 crore out of ₹12,000 crore bonds went to ruling party (ADR Report 2023).
B. Challenges Post-Verdict
- Alternative Anonymous Channels
- Rise in cash donations or foreign routes via shell NGOs possible.
- Implementation Hurdles
- Monitoring real-time disclosures and enforcing accountability.
- Resistance from Political Class
- Lack of political will to bring structural reforms in campaign finance.
📊 IV. Related Reports and Data
| Report | Insight |
| ADR 2023 | 57% of total bonds went to one political party. |
| V-Dem 2024 | India ranked as “electoral autocracy” partly due to opaque funding. |
| Assam Election Watch | Over ₹42 crore of political funds in Assam untraceable (2021). |
🔄 V. Way Forward
1. Comprehensive Campaign Finance Law
- Cap on donations, public funding for recognized parties.
2. Digital Disclosure Portal
- Real-time tracking of donors and political expenditure.
3. Strengthening Institutions
- Empower ECI with greater autonomy and punitive powers.
4. Voter Awareness Campaigns
- Encourage citizens to demand transparency and accountability.
📌 Example: UK mandates public disclosure of all political donations above £7,500.
🔚 Conclusion
The SC’s verdict is not just a legal pronouncement, but a moral checkpoint in India’s democratic journey. Now, the baton is with Parliament and civil society to institutionalize transparency and safeguard the soul of our electoral democracy.
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