APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (29/04/2025)
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 (29-04-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
✨ Current Affairs Crash Course for the APSC Prelims 2025
🌧️ Urban Flooding in Guwahati: A Recurring Governance and Infrastructure Crisis
📘 GS Paper 1: Geography – Urban Issues
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance – Urban Local Bodies & Accountability
📘 GS Paper 3: Disaster Management | Environment | Infrastructure
🔹 Introduction
A short 15-minute downpour on April 28, 2025, submerged large parts of Guwahati city once again, highlighting the worsening urban flooding problem. Despite repeated government promises and pre-monsoon desilting drives, citizens were left wading through waterlogged streets. The event reveals a deeper crisis of urban planning failure, weak drainage infrastructure, and civic apathy.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
| Rainfall Recorded | 20 mm total, 17.5 mm in just 15 minutes |
| Worst-hit Areas | Anil Nagar, Nabin Nagar, Hatigaon, Chandmari, Beltola, Rukminigaon |
| Root Cause | Poor desilting, blocked drains, debris not cleared in time |
| Govt Action | New order by DC invoking Disaster Management Act, 2005 to penalize errant contractors |
| Minister Involved | Jayanta Mallabaruah, Urban Affairs |
| Public Reaction | Severe anger on social media, opposition criticism, citizen protests |
⚙️ Background
Guwahati faces chronic urban flooding due to:
Encroachment on wetlands and natural drainage channels
Unregulated urban construction
Incomplete desilting and illegal dumping of silt
Despite a 21-member monitoring committee and standard operating procedures (SOP), compliance remains poor.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Disaster Management Act, 2005: Empowers district authorities to penalize non-compliance in disaster mitigation.
Urban Flooding: Defined by NDMA as flooding in densely populated areas due to inadequate drainage and stormwater management.
Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA): Main urban planning authority for Guwahati.
Ramsar Sites: Nearby Deepor Beel, a Ramsar site, has lost flood-absorbing capacity due to encroachments.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Why Urban Flooding Persists in Guwahati
| Cause | Description |
| Encroachment | Wetlands like Deepor Beel are shrinking due to construction |
| Inadequate Drainage | Guwahati’s stormwater drains are often clogged and outdated |
| Poor Governance | Contractors leave silt on roads; SOPs not enforced |
| Rapid Urbanization | Concrete surfaces have reduced natural percolation zones |
B. Impacts of Urban Flooding
Disruption of schools, transport, health services
Risk of waterborne diseases (e.g., leptospirosis, cholera)
Increased insurance claims and infrastructure losses
Erosion of public trust in municipal governance
C. Government Response & Its Shortcomings
| Action | Gaps |
| Desilting Orders | Often delayed or incomplete |
| Monitoring Committees | No legal accountability or transparency |
| Dewatering Pumps | Deployed late or non-functional in many areas |
| Public Awareness | Poor communication on flood-prone zones or safety advisories |
D. Way Forward
Integrated Urban Drainage Planning
Conduct hydrological modelling and drainage master plans for all wards.
Nature-Based Solutions
Restore natural channels and wetlands (e.g., recharge zones in Deepor Beel basin).
Contractor Accountability
Real-time geotagged monitoring of desilting with fines for delay under DMA.
Community Participation
Use RWAs and citizen forums for local floodwatch and reporting.
Urban Policy Reform
Implement strict zoning laws and green infrastructure in Smart City plans.
🧩 Conclusion
Guwahati’s flooding is not just a natural event but a man-made disaster rooted in governance failure. Without long-term systemic reforms—backed by scientific planning, strict accountability, and community ownership—the city risks drowning under its own apathy.
🚂 Drone-Based Cleaning at Kamakhya Railway Station: A Step Towards Smart Railway Management
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Initiatives | E-Governance
📘 GS Paper 3: Science & Technology | Innovation | Infrastructure
🔹 Introduction
In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Northeast, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has introduced drone-based cleaning operations at the Kamakhya Railway Station, Guwahati. This marks a significant move towards technology-enabled cleanliness and modernization of Indian Railways under the Swachh Bharat Mission and smart infrastructure goals.
🔑 Key Details
| Aspect | Description |
| Implementing Body | Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) |
| Location | Kamakhya Railway Station, Guwahati |
| Nature of Tech | Drone-based aerial cleaning |
| Areas Covered | Sick Line, Underfloor Wheel Lathe Shed, Train exteriors, Station dome |
| Objective | Enhance cleanliness, reduce human risk, access hard-to-reach areas |
| Outcome | Demonstrated increased efficiency, safety, and hygiene standards |
⚙️ Benefits of Drone-Based Cleaning
Improved Accessibility: Drones can reach high domes, rooftops, and coach exteriors that are hard to clean manually.
Reduced Human Risk: Minimizes accidents for cleaning staff in elevated/hazardous areas.
Efficient Water & Chemical Use: Precision spraying saves resources.
Automation: Can be programmed for routine, remote cleaning cycles.
Eco-Friendly: Some drones are compatible with bio-degradable or less water-intensive cleaning agents.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat: Cleanliness initiative under Indian Railways tied to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
NFR Zone: Headquartered at Maligaon (Guwahati), covers Assam, Arunachal, Nagaland, parts of West Bengal & Bihar.
Kamakhya Station: Named after the Kamakhya temple, a key junction in Assam’s pilgrimage and tourism circuit.
Drone Regulations in India: Governed under the Drone Rules, 2021 by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Drone Cleaning in Railways
Tech Integration: Supports Digital India and Smart Railways vision.
Manpower Optimization: Reduces manual labor and operational costs.
Public Health Boost: Clean coaches and platforms reduce transmission of diseases.
Scalability: Pilot project can be scaled to other major stations like Guwahati, New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Description |
| Regulatory Hurdles | Drone usage in public spaces requires DGCA clearance. |
| Weather Conditions | Rain and wind may disrupt operations. |
| Technical Training | Railway staff need upskilling to operate and maintain drones. |
| Battery Limitations | Limited flight time may restrict coverage during peak hours. |
C. Government Support & Policy Linkages
Drone Rules, 2021: Eased drone usage norms for commercial and public purposes.
National Logistics Policy, 2022: Encourages tech adoption in transport & logistics.
Railway Innovation Council: Supports pilot tech projects like AI, IoT, and drones.
Make in India: Promotion of indigenous drone startups for railway logistics and maintenance.
🧭 Way Forward
Integration with IoT Sensors: Enable real-time condition-based cleaning alerts.
Expand to Other Terminals: Apply to other busy hubs like Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Rangiya.
Public–Private Partnerships: Invite drone-tech startups for scalable deployment.
Drone Ports in Rail Yards: Dedicated zones for charging and maintenance.
Impact Metrics: Set KPIs for cleanliness levels, cost savings, and accident reduction.
🧩 Conclusion
Drone-based cleaning at Kamakhya represents the future of sustainable and smart public infrastructure management. Assam’s adoption of this high-tech solution could lead the way in positioning the Northeast as a hub for tech-enabled civic services, aligning with national missions of cleanliness, digital governance, and innovation.
🌱 Assam Targets Major Boost in Organic Farming under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
📘 GS Paper 3: Agriculture | Environment | Sustainable Development
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Policies | Rural Development
🔹 Introduction
The Assam government has decided to expand organic farming coverage under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), aiming to transform Assam into a major hub for chemical-free, sustainable agriculture. The move aligns with national goals for soil health restoration, eco-friendly food production, and doubling farmers’ income.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
| Scheme | Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) |
| Objective | Promote traditional organic farming practices without synthetic chemicals |
| Area Targeted | Expand from 5,000 hectares to 20,000 hectares by 2027 |
| Focus Districts | Sonitpur, Barpeta, Nalbari, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, Darrang |
| Financial Support | Cluster-based support of ₹50,000 per hectare over 3 years |
| Organic Clusters | Farmer groups of 50–100 members practicing collective organic farming |
⚙️ Core Components of PKVY
Farmer Training: Capacity building in composting, biopesticide use, natural farming methods.
Certification Support: PGS-India (Participatory Guarantee System) certification for organic produce.
Market Linkages: Creation of organic mandis, branding of Assam organic products.
Input Assistance: Provision of biofertilizers, vermicompost units, neem-based pesticides.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
PKVY: Launched in 2015 under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
PGS-India: A decentralized organic certification system endorsed by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Organic Assam: Branding initiative for Assam’s naturally grown crops like Joha rice, ginger, turmeric.
Jaivik Kheti Portal: National portal for organic farmers’ produce marketing.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Organic Farming for Assam
| Area | Benefit |
| Environmental Sustainability | Reduces soil and water contamination from chemical residues |
| Market Premium | Organic produce fetches higher prices in national and international markets |
| Climate Resilience | Organic soils retain better moisture, resisting drought and floods |
| Health Benefits | Promotes safer food, reducing disease burden linked to pesticide exposure |
B. Challenges to Organic Farming Expansion
| Challenge | Impact |
| Initial Low Yields | Transition phase sees reduced productivity compared to chemical farming |
| Certification Bottlenecks | Lengthy and costly process discourages small farmers |
| Market Mismatch | Lack of organized organic markets or value chains in Assam |
| Awareness Gap | Farmers often unaware of organic practices and financial incentives available |
C. Way Forward
Cluster-Based Approaches
Encourage FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations) exclusively for organic clusters.
Certification Simplification
Subsidize and fast-track PGS-India certification for small and marginal farmers.
Agri-Infra Development
Cold chains, organic processing centers, branding, and rural transport facilities.
Global Branding and Exports
Position Organic Assam under APEDA (Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) branding initiatives.
Policy Convergence
Integrate PKVY with other schemes like MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture) and PM-FME (Food Processing Scheme).
🧩 Conclusion
Scaling up organic farming under PKVY can redefine Assam’s agricultural future, blending environmental stewardship, rural prosperity, and global competitiveness. For a sustainable tomorrow, Assam must invest today in its farmers’ shift toward greener pastures.
🛡️ Assam and Arunachal Pradesh Sign Border Agreement: Boost to Peace and Federalism
📘 GS Paper 2: Federalism | Inter-State Relations | Governance
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Border Management
🔹 Introduction
In a historic move, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh signed a final border agreement resolving disputes along their 804 km-long shared boundary. The pact, signed under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs, is seen as a significant step towards cooperative federalism, internal peace, and developmental cooperation in the Northeast.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
| Agreement Signed Between | Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu |
| Total Villages Affected | 123 villages along the disputed border areas |
| Nature of Agreement | Mutual land adjustment based on historical ownership, ground verification, and local consent |
| Supervisory Body | Ministry of Home Affairs (GoI) |
| Wider Context | Assam signed a similar agreement with Meghalaya in 2022 (partial resolution) |
⚙️ Background of the Border Dispute
Origin:
Arises from differing interpretations of colonial-era demarcations and forest boundary maps post-1950.
Tension Points:
Frequent skirmishes between local communities.
Resource sharing conflicts (forests, grazing lands).
Impact:
Disrupts law and order.
Delays infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, schools.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Article 131 of the Constitution: Deals with original jurisdiction of Supreme Court in inter-state disputes.
Inter-State Council: Constitutional body under Article 263 to resolve inter-state conflicts (revived in recent years).
Assam–Meghalaya Border Agreement 2022: Resolved disputes in 6 out of 12 sectors along their border.
Inner Line Permit (ILP): Required for outsiders to enter Arunachal Pradesh, preserving tribal culture.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Assam–Arunachal Agreement
| Area | Impact |
| Federalism Strengthening | Reinforces cooperative mechanisms rather than adversarial litigation |
| Development Push | Facilitates road, health, education, and connectivity projects in NE hinterlands |
| Internal Security | Reduces chances of violent clashes between border communities |
| Model for Other States | Sets precedent for Assam–Nagaland, Assam–Mizoram disputes resolution |
B. Challenges in Border Agreement Implementation
| Challenge | Impact |
| Ground-Level Discontent | Some villagers may resist re-settlement or demarcation outcomes |
| Political Sensitivities | Future governments could face pressure to revisit the pact |
| Logistical Issues | Demarcation, fencing, and administrative integration will take time and funds |
| Ethnic and Tribal Concerns | Careful handling needed to avoid cultural alienation or resource loss feelings |
C. Way Forward
Participatory Monitoring
Involve local Panchayats and tribal councils in border demarcation roll-out.
Transparent Compensation Mechanisms
Fair land compensation and livelihood support for affected families.
Joint Infrastructure Planning
Co-develop cross-border schools, hospitals, and public utilities.
Institutionalized Dispute Redressal
Regular Assam–Arunachal boundary coordination meetings to resolve emerging micro-disputes.
Sociocultural Integration Efforts
Promote cross-border festivals, educational exchanges, and cultural diplomacy.
🧩 Conclusion
The Assam–Arunachal Pradesh border agreement marks a landmark moment for Northeast India’s political stability and integration. Successful implementation, based on trust, transparency, and tribal engagement, could transform inter-state borders from conflict lines into cooperation corridors.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🌧️ Topic 1: Urban Flooding in Guwahati
Q1. Which of the following are commonly cited causes of urban flooding in Indian cities like Guwahati?
- Encroachment on natural drainage systems
- Inadequate stormwater drainage infrastructure
- Unregulated groundwater extraction
- Loss of wetland ecosystems
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A
🧠 Explanation: Urban flooding is primarily caused by encroachment, poor drainage, and wetland loss. While unregulated groundwater use affects water table levels, it doesn’t directly lead to surface flooding.
Q2. Under which law can a District Collector issue penalties for civic contract failures related to disaster mitigation in India?
A. Environment Protection Act, 1986
B. Disaster Management Act, 2005
C. Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897
D. Indian Penal Code, 1860
✅ Answer: B
🧠 Explanation: The Disaster Management Act, 2005 empowers district authorities to take proactive measures and enforce penalties for negligence in disaster preparedness or response.
🚂 Topic 2: Drone Cleaning at Kamakhya Station
Q3. The Drone Rules, 2021 in India are regulated by:
A. Ministry of Railways
B. Ministry of Civil Aviation
C. Ministry of Electronics and IT
D. NITI Aayog
✅ Answer: B
🧠 Explanation: Drone Rules, 2021 fall under the purview of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, which regulates drone use in India for personal, commercial, and government purposes.
Q4. Which of the following are advantages of using drones in public infrastructure maintenance?
- Reduced human risk in hazardous zones
- Improved resource efficiency in cleaning operations
- Monitoring biodiversity in urban lakes
- Replacing train drivers in high-speed rail operations
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1, 2 and 4 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A
🧠 Explanation: Drones help with safety, efficiency, and monitoring, but do not replace train drivers—that’s the role of automation/AI in transport.
🌱 Topic 3: Organic Farming & PKVY
Q5. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is aimed at:
A. Mechanizing conventional agriculture
B. Promoting Bt cotton in tribal zones
C. Encouraging organic farming using traditional practices
D. Providing universal crop insurance
✅ Answer: C
🧠 Explanation: PKVY promotes chemical-free, traditional, organic farming practices through cluster-based support.
Q6. Consider the following statements regarding Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India):
- It is an internationally recognized third-party certification scheme.
- It is a decentralized organic certification system suitable for small farmers.
- It is managed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: B
🧠 Explanation:
- PGS-India is a decentralized certification (not third-party).
- Managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, not MoEFCC.
🛡️ Topic 4: Assam–Arunachal Border Agreement
Q7. Article 131 of the Indian Constitution deals with:
A. Special provisions for Scheduled Tribes
B. Inter-State water disputes
C. Original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in inter-State disputes
D. Emergency powers of the President
✅ Answer: C
🧠 Explanation: Article 131 provides the Supreme Court original jurisdiction in disputes between states or between a state and the Union.
Q8. The Inner Line Permit (ILP), applicable in Arunachal Pradesh, is issued under:
A. Sixth Schedule
B. Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873
C. Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958
D. Forest Rights Act, 2006
✅ Answer: B
🧠 Explanation: ILP is issued under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873 to regulate entry of non-natives in certain tribal-dominated areas.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Mains Question (GS Paper 3 – Disaster Management | Urban Governance)
“Urban flooding in Indian cities is increasingly becoming a governance failure rather than a natural disaster.” Discuss with reference to Guwahati’s recurring flood crisis. Suggest a sustainable mitigation roadmap.
🔹 Introduction
Urban flooding is no longer a seasonal anomaly but a structural failure of city management. Cities like Guwahati, despite receiving moderate rainfall, experience disproportionate flooding due to encroachments, inadequate drainage, poor waste management, and lack of accountability. This recurring disaster demands a paradigm shift from reactive relief to preventive governance.
🔹 Urban Flooding in Guwahati: The Core Issues
| Issue | Explanation |
| Encroachment on Wetlands | Natural recharge zones like Deepor Beel have been drastically reduced. |
| Blocked Drains & Silt Mismanagement | Contractors leave desilted material on roads, re-clogging drains. |
| Concrete Urban Expansion | Reduced soil percolation due to rampant paving and construction. |
| Inadequate Infrastructure | Legacy stormwater drains insufficient for current rainfall intensity. |
| Weak Civic Monitoring | Lack of contractor accountability and SOP enforcement, despite repeated warnings. |
🔹 Why It’s a Governance Failure
- Poor urban planning—lack of flood zonation, hydrological mapping.
- Ineffective implementation of SOPs by Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and PWD.
- Delay in pre-monsoon desilting drives; tokenism over genuine preparedness.
- Inadequate community involvement in monitoring and maintenance.
- Absence of real-time disaster early warning systems at ward-level.
🔹 Impacts of Urban Flooding
- Public Health Crisis: Rise in dengue, leptospirosis, waterborne diseases.
- Economic Losses: Damages to vehicles, homes, small businesses.
- Infrastructure Strain: Rapid road degradation, disruption of schools and hospitals.
- Psychological Stress: Loss of faith in government responsiveness.
🔹 Sustainable Mitigation Roadmap
| Strategy | Implementation Steps |
| Hydrological Urban Planning | Conduct GIS-based drainage mapping and rainfall runoff modeling. |
| Nature-Based Solutions | Restore natural floodplains, build green corridors, recharge wells. |
| Contractor Accountability | Use geo-tagged, time-stamped progress tracking for desilting works. |
| Community Engagement | Establish Ward Flood Management Committees with local residents. |
| Legal Enforcement | Penalize illegal constructions on natural drains using DMA 2005 powers. |
| Urban Flood Monitoring Cells | Real-time control rooms with CCTV, sensors, drone surveillance. |
🔹 Case Studies / Best Practices
- Chennai’s Sponge Cities Initiative: Emphasis on water-retentive surfaces and urban wetlands.
- Kochi’s Flood Early Warning System: Automated alerts + community mapping.
- Delhi MCD’s Public Drain Audit System: Residents audit pre-monsoon drain cleaning via apps.
🔹 Conclusion
Guwahati’s flooding crisis reflects a deeper accountability deficit in urban governance. A shift to resilient, people-centric planning backed by data, transparency, and ecological respect is essential. Urban flooding must be addressed not only with infrastructure, but with institutional courage and civic inclusion.
✨ APSC Prelims Crash Course, 2025
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