APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (05/04/2025)
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 (05-04-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
India Refrains from Supporting UN Gaza Ceasefire Resolution
📌 GS Paper 2: International Relations | GS Paper 3: Internal Security (Counter-Terrorism)
Introduction
India’s abstention from the recent UN General Assembly resolution calling for an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza highlights its evolving foreign policy—balancing strategic interests, counter-terrorism concerns, and humanitarian principles.
Key Points
1. The UN Resolution Context
The UNGA resolution called for a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
It was passed with overwhelming support but non-binding in nature.
India abstained, expressing concerns over the resolution not condemning Hamas’ terror attacks of October 7, 2023.
2. India’s Official Stand
India emphasized its support for a two-state solution and peace in the Middle East.
Maintained that terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances.
India also provided humanitarian aid to Palestine, signaling balanced engagement.
Prelims Pointers
UNGA Resolutions: Non-binding recommendations; differ from UNSC resolutions.
Two-State Solution: Supports the creation of an independent Palestine coexisting with Israel.
Abstention: A diplomatic tool to express neutrality without rejecting core concerns.
India’s Gaza Aid: India sent medical and food supplies to Gaza via Egypt in 2023–24.
Mains Pointers
🔹 India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
1. Strategic Partnership with Israel
Defense cooperation in UAVs, cyber tech, and counter-terrorism.
Israel is one of India’s top arms suppliers.
2. Support for Palestinian Cause
Traditional support since the 1970s; recognition of Palestine as a state in 1988.
India backs UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) and humanitarian aid.
3. Global Image and Normative Diplomacy
India aims to be a moral power and mediator on global issues.
Abstention helps India avoid taking rigid sides amid global polarization.
🔹 Challenges in India’s Position
| Issue | Explanation |
| Geopolitical Dilemma | Need to maintain ties with Israel, USA, and Arab world. |
| Domestic Sensitivities | Balancing internal public opinion on Palestine. |
| Global South Leadership | Expectation to support humanitarian justice. |
| UNSC Aspiration | Abstention may draw criticism from pro-Palestine blocs. |
🔹 Implications for India’s Foreign Policy
Enhanced Role as a Balancer
India can act as a credible interlocutor in future peace processes.
Strengthened Counter-Terrorism Credentials
Consistent messaging that terror cannot be legitimized, even in asymmetric warfare.
Middle-East Engagement
Continued collaboration with GCC countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) on energy, trade, and diaspora issues.
🔹 Way Forward
✔ Continue advocating for a just and lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
✔ Enhance humanitarian assistance without compromising on security concerns.
✔ Leverage platforms like G20, BRICS, and SCO to support multilateral conflict resolution.
✔ Push for UN reforms to make global conflict resolution more effective and inclusive.
Conclusion
India’s abstention reflects a realist, interest-based diplomacy, balancing moral commitments and strategic imperatives. By maintaining this delicate posture, India upholds its image as a responsible global power and emerging peacemaker.
North East to Become India’s Organic Hub: President Murmu
📌 GS Paper 3: Agriculture | GS Paper 2: Governance and Development | GS Paper 1: Regional Development (NE)
Introduction
President Droupadi Murmu, during her visit to Assam, emphasized the Northeast region’s potential to emerge as India’s organic agricultural hub, highlighting its rich biodiversity and traditional eco-friendly farming practices.
Why Northeast is Suitable for Organic Farming
| Factor | Explanation |
| Low Use of Chemicals | Traditional reliance on natural farming methods due to lesser industrial farming. |
| Biodiversity Hotspot | High agro-biodiversity with indigenous crop varieties. |
| Climate Suitability | Agro-climatic zones favor organic horticulture and plantation crops. |
| Cultural Compatibility | Farming systems in tribal and rural communities align with organic principles. |
Current Status of Organic Farming in NE
| State | Initiative / Highlight |
| Sikkim | First fully organic state of India (FAO certified, 2016). |
| Assam | Has potential for tea, horticulture, turmeric, and rice. |
| Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland | High tribal farming; shifting cultivation adopting organic models. |
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for NE Region (MOVCDNER) are key schemes promoting organic farming.
APEDA assists in certification and export promotion.
Government Support & Policy Framework
🔹 Central Initiatives
MOVCDNER: Market linkages, value chains, certification support.
PKVY: Cluster-based organic adoption with training and financial aid.
National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture: Climate-resilient, organic-friendly practices.
🔹 Assam State Initiatives
Assam Organic Mission: Targeting 1 lakh hectares under organic farming by 2025.
Support for Organic Certification: Assam Agro Export and Certification Council.
Challenges
| Challenge | Impact |
| Market Access & Logistics | Lack of cold chains and organic mandis hampers income. |
| Certification Delays | Costly and complex procedures affect small farmers. |
| Awareness and Training Gaps | Farmers lack knowledge of organic standards and methods. |
| Input Shortages | Biofertilizers and organic inputs are limited in remote areas. |
Way Forward
Streamlined Certification System
Expand Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) for faster group certification.
Infrastructure & Supply Chains
Build storage, transport, and processing hubs for organic produce.
Branding & Export Promotion
Position “Organic NE” as a premium brand globally through APEDA and tribal marketing cooperatives.
Farmer Cooperatives & FPOs
Strengthen Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to scale organic farming collectively.
Digital Platforms for Marketing
Use e-NAM and organic-specific portals for direct market access.
Conclusion
With the right institutional support, infrastructure, and market linkages, the Northeast can become India’s organic powerhouse, aligning agricultural growth with ecological sustainability and inclusive rural development.
India Emerges as World’s Third-Largest Solar Power Generator
📌 GS Paper 3: Environment | Energy | Infrastructure | Climate Change
Introduction
India’s rise to the third-largest solar power generator globally showcases its commitment to clean energy transition, energy security, and climate goals under the Paris Agreement and Net Zero 2070 target.
Key Highlights
| Indicator | Details |
| Global Rank (2024) | 3rd (after China and USA) in installed solar capacity |
| Total Installed Solar Capacity | Over 82 GW (as of February 2025) – MNRE data |
| Share in Total Renewable Mix | Solar: 41%, Wind: 25%, Hydro: 28% (CEA, 2024) |
| Target by 2030 | 280 GW solar capacity (part of 500 GW renewable energy target) |
Major Government Initiatives for Solar Power
🌞 1. National Solar Mission (2010)
Launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
Aim: 100 GW solar power by 2022 (extended due to pandemic delays)
🏘️ 2. PM-KUSUM Scheme
Targets solarizing agriculture through solar pumps and grid-connected systems
Benefits farmers with energy access and income from surplus power sale
🏙️ 3. Rooftop Solar Programme
Incentivizes solar adoption in residential and commercial buildings
Current capacity: 10+ GW (MNRE)
🌞 4. Solar Parks Scheme
Large-scale, plug-and-play infrastructure for solar developers
Example: Bhadla Solar Park, Rajasthan – World’s largest (2.25 GW)
India’s Global Collaborations in Solar Energy
| Initiative | Role |
| International Solar Alliance (ISA) | Founded by India & France; 120+ member countries |
| One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) | Concept of trans-national solar power transmission |
| G20 Presidency (2023) | Pushed global financing for green energy |
State-wise Contribution
| State | Key Solar Projects |
| Rajasthan | Bhadla Solar Park, high irradiation zones |
| Gujarat | Charanka Solar Park, rooftop solar incentives |
| Karnataka | Pavagada Solar Park |
| Assam | Aims 250 MW by 2026, floating solar projects underway |
Challenges in Scaling Up Solar Power
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Land Acquisition | Scarcity of land for large solar parks in populated regions |
| Storage Infrastructure | Lack of grid-scale battery storage systems limits efficiency |
| DISCOM Financial Stress | Affects payments to solar developers |
| Chinese Import Dependency | 80% of solar modules sourced from China (MNRE data) |
Solutions & Way Forward
✅ Promote Domestic Manufacturing
PLI Scheme for solar modules, cells, wafers
Aim: Reduce import dependency and create jobs
✅ Invest in Grid Modernization
Strengthen Green Energy Corridors for efficient transmission
✅ Incentivize Storage Solutions
Promote pumped hydro, battery storage, and hybrid solar-wind projects
✅ Focus on Decentralized Solar
Empower rural households, MSMEs, and farmers via rooftop and off-grid solutions
Conclusion
India’s rise as a global solar leader is a testament to its policy foresight, climate leadership, and inclusive development model. With the right investments in infrastructure, innovation, and local manufacturing, India can not only meet its own energy needs but also become a green power exporter in the near future.
Assam Records Dip in Forest Fires Due to Early Precautionary Measures
📌 GS Paper 3: Environment | Disaster Management | Internal Security (Forest Security)
Introduction
With wildfires increasing globally due to climate change, Assam’s dip in forest fire incidents this season highlights the success of preventive forest management strategies and community participation.
Key Data and Highlights
| Indicator | Details |
| Reported Forest Fires (2024-25) | Over 60% drop compared to 2023-24 season |
| Worst-hit Districts in 2023 | Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Cachar |
| Main Fire Season | November to April (dry season) |
| Forest Cover in Assam | 35.33% of geographical area (FSI, 2023) |
Causes of Forest Fires in Assam
🔥 1. Natural Causes
Dry weather, high temperatures, strong winds
Lightning in hilly forest areas (rare but possible)
🔥 2. Anthropogenic Causes
Jhum cultivation (shifting agriculture) in hill districts
Forest fringe communities burning dry leaves
Poaching-related fires to trap wildlife
Negligence: campfires, cigarette butts, etc.
Precautionary Measures Taken in 2024-25
✅ Early Detection & Surveillance
Satellite-based fire alerts (INFRMS, FSI)
Real-time mapping of vulnerable zones
✅ Pre-fire Control Measures
Creation of fire lines and removal of dry biomass
Deployment of fire watchers in strategic forest ranges
✅ Capacity Building of Forest Personnel
Training in fire control techniques, use of blowers and water sprays
Equipping forest staff with GPS, radio sets, and protective gear
✅ Community Awareness Campaigns
Collaboration with Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs)
Use of radio and local dialect posters in forest villages
Institutional and Technological Support
| Mechanism | Description |
| Forest Fire Alert System (FAST) | Developed by FSI & NRSC for fire detection |
| Van Agni Geo-Portal | Real-time GIS-based tracking of fire zones |
| Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) | Coordination with Forest Dept. for response |
Impacts of Forest Fires (If Not Controlled)
| Area | Impacts |
| 🌳 Biodiversity | Loss of endemic species in Kaziranga, Manas |
| 🏞️ Ecosystem Services | Soil degradation, disruption of water cycle |
| 🧑🌾 Livelihoods | Forest-dependent communities face loss of NTFPs (Non-Timber Forest Produce) |
| 🌫️ Air Quality | PM2.5 and carbon emissions affect health, contribute to climate change |
Best Practices for Forest Fire Management
🔄 Integrated Forest Fire Management (IFFM)
Combines early warning, prevention, suppression & rehabilitation
🌍 Global Examples
Australia’s Fire Danger Rating System
USA’s Prescribed Burns for fire-resilient ecosystems
Way Forward
| Focus Area | Action |
| Local Participation | Empower Van Suraksha Samitis & eco-development committees |
| Modern Equipment | Use of drones, thermal sensors for surveillance |
| Long-term Ecological Planning | Replace fire-prone species with native moist-deciduous flora |
| Climate-Resilient Strategies | Integrated watershed and forest management in hill regions |
Conclusion
The significant drop in forest fires in Assam is not just a statistical achievement but a model of proactive environmental governance. By deepening community partnerships and embracing smart technologies, Assam can emerge as a leader in forest fire resilience in the Northeast.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
1. India Refrains from Supporting UN Gaza Ceasefire Resolution
✅ Question 1:
With reference to India’s stance on international resolutions, consider the following statements:
- India has consistently supported all United Nations resolutions that seek immediate ceasefires in global conflicts.
- India abstained from voting on a recent UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
- India’s foreign policy traditionally emphasizes strategic autonomy and national interest over bloc-based alignments.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
🟩 Correct Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect: India has not supported all such resolutions; it evaluates them case-by-case based on language, context, and national interest.
- Statement 2 is correct: In 2025, India abstained from a UN General Assembly resolution on Gaza ceasefire, citing concerns over omission of condemnation of Hamas.
- Statement 3 is correct: India’s foreign policy continues to focus on strategic autonomy — choosing issue-based alignments (Source: MEA).
2. India Emerges as World’s Third-Largest Solar Power Generator
✅ Question 2:
Which of the following countries are among the top three global producers of solar power as of 2025?
- China
- India
- United States
- Germany
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1, 3 and 4 only
C. 1, 2 and 4 only
D. 2, 3 and 4 only
🟩 Correct Answer: A. 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
According to IEA and MNRE reports, China remains the leader, followed by United States, and India overtook Japan and Germany to become the third-largest solar generator in 2025.
- Germany is still among top 5 but has been overtaken by India in installed solar capacity.
✅ Question 3:
Consider the following statements regarding India’s solar energy landscape:
- India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
- The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was launched jointly by India and the United States.
- India’s solar capacity has crossed 80 GW as of early 2025.
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
🟩 Correct Answer: B. 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: As per India’s NDC and COP26 commitments.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: ISA was jointly launched by India and France at COP21 (2015).
- Statement 3 is correct: India’s installed solar capacity surpassed 80 GW in 2025, per MNRE.
3. Assam Records Dip in Forest Fires Due to Early Precautionary Measures
✅ Question 4:
With reference to forest fire management in India, consider the following pairs:
| Forest Fire Management Tool | Associated Institution |
| 1. Forest Fire Alert System | Forest Survey of India (FSI) |
| 2. Van Agni Geo-Portal | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) |
| 3. Integrated Forest Protection Scheme | Ministry of Home Affairs |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
🟩 Correct Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
- Pair 1 is correct: The Forest Fire Alert System is managed by FSI under MoEFCC.
- Pair 2 is correct: Van Agni is a real-time GIS tool developed with ISRO support.
- Pair 3 is incorrect: Integrated Forest Protection Scheme (IFPS) comes under MoEFCC, not MHA.
✅ Question 5:
Which of the following are considered environmental impacts of forest fires?
- Release of greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide
- Increased soil fertility in the long term
- Destruction of habitat for endemic flora and fauna
- Increased surface runoff and soil erosion
A. 1, 3 and 4 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
🟩 Correct Answer: A. 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation:
Options 1, 3, and 4 are all valid adverse impacts of frequent or uncontrolled forest fires.
Option 2 is incorrect: Forest fires reduce soil fertility by burning the organic layer and microorganisms.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Mains Question & Model Answer
Q. India’s emergence as the third-largest solar power generator signals a pivotal shift in its energy transition. Examine the key drivers, associated challenges, and the way forward to ensure a sustainable solar revolution. (15 marks, 250 words)
📝 Model Answer:
India’s solar leap is not just about numbers—it reflects a vision to decarbonize one of the world’s fastest-growing economies while ensuring energy equity and security.
1. Key Drivers of India’s Solar Surge
🔸 Policy Push and Ambitious Targets
- National Solar Mission (2010) under NAPCC aimed at 100 GW solar capacity by 2022 (later revised to 280 GW by 2030).
- Green Hydrogen Mission and Solar Park Scheme supported scale.
🔸 International Cooperation
- Formation of International Solar Alliance (ISA) with France (2015) gave global momentum.
- Joint initiatives like One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG).
🔸 Declining Costs & Domestic Manufacturing
- Sharp fall in solar module prices due to economies of scale.
- PLI Scheme to boost indigenous solar module and cell production.
🔸 Private Sector & Innovation
- Entry of giants like Adani, Reliance, Tata; use of AI in solar tracking.
- Decentralized solar innovations: solar pumps, rooftop panels (Grid Interactive Rooftop Scheme).
2. Challenges Hindering Solar Potential
| Challenge | Example |
| Intermittency and Grid Integration | Lack of storage; need for hybrid systems |
| Land Acquisition Issues | Rajasthan solar park protests |
| Financial Viability for DISCOMs | Low tariff recovery; power purchase delays |
| Import Dependence on China | 80% of solar modules/components still imported (MNRE 2023) |
3. The Way Forward
✅ Storage and Hybrid Models
- Promote Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS); integrate with wind, hydropower.
✅ Green Financing & Carbon Markets
- Expand viability gap funding; tap into Sovereign Green Bonds (introduced in Union Budget 2022-23).
✅ Localized Solar Push
- Empower Gram Panchayats with solar micro-grids.
- Example: Dharnai village in Bihar – first solar micro-grid village.
✅ Skilling and R&D Boost
- Solar Skills Council and R&D clusters in IITs to develop domestic tech.
🔚 Conclusion:
India’s solar success story is a testimony to its climate commitment, but sustaining the momentum requires fixing gaps in storage, finance, and local manufacturing. If addressed wisely, India can become a solar superpower, illuminating the path for the Global South.
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