APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (13/05/2025)
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 (13-05-2025). 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
🟠 Topic: India-UK Trade Pact Likely After Elections
📘 GS Paper 2: Bilateral Relations | International Trade
📘 APSC GS Paper 2: International Affairs | India’s Foreign Policy
📘 APSC Prelims: India’s trade partners, FTAs, economic diplomacy
🔹 Introduction
India and the United Kingdom have been working on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) since 2022. This proposed pact aims to deepen economic ties in a post-Brexit world by reducing tariffs, enhancing trade in services, and improving market access. However, political developments—particularly the upcoming UK general elections—have delayed its finalization.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Trade Pact Type | Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) |
| Launched | January 2022 |
| Expected Timeline | Likely post UK elections in 2024 |
| Target Sectors | Automobiles, Alcohol (Spirits), Financial Services, IT, Pharma |
| Trade Target | Double bilateral trade by 2030 |
| India’s Priority | Greater labor mobility, services access |
| UK’s Priority | Tariff reduction on whisky, automobiles, insurance |
| Stalled By | UK’s domestic political uncertainty |
⚙️ Prelims Pointers
What is an FTA? A pact between two or more nations to reduce barriers to imports and exports.
India’s existing FTAs: UAE (CEPA), Australia (ECTA), ASEAN, Japan, Korea.
India-UK Trade Stats: Bilateral trade ~ $20 billion (2023).
Institutional Mechanism: JETCO (Joint Economic & Trade Committee).
Mode 4 Services: Temporary movement of professionals across borders.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Trade Pact
Post-Brexit Re-alignment: UK seeks non-EU markets; India offers a vast consumer base.
Tech & Talent Exchange: UK needs Indian IT and healthcare professionals.
Strategic Relations: Complements Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2021).
B. Challenges in Negotiation
| Issue | India’s Stand | UK’s Stand |
| Spirits (Whisky) Tariff | Gradual reduction, protect domestic players | Immediate sharp cuts |
| Labor Mobility | Wants easier visa and work access | Concerns over immigration |
| Auto Sector | Seeks longer tariff phase-out | UK wants faster access |
| Data Regulation | Emphasis on sovereignty | UK favors free cross-border data flow |
C. Government Initiatives
14 negotiation rounds held (latest in March 2024).
Regular updates via JETCO.
Consultations with industry stakeholders (FICCI, CII).
D. Way Forward
Wait for UK’s political clarity post-elections.
Consider interim trade arrangements for early benefits.
Strengthen strategic ties beyond trade—education, climate, defense.
📚 Relevant Documents & Agreements
India-UK Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP), 2021
UK’s Indo-Pacific Tilt (Integrated Review 2021)
India’s Foreign Trade Policy (2023)
🧩 Conclusion
The India-UK FTA is a cornerstone of India’s 21st-century economic diplomacy. While political uncertainties have paused its finalization, its eventual success could transform India’s global trade presence, especially in services and innovation-led sectors.
🟢 Topic: ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy: Focus on Myanmar and Bangladesh Borders Amid Rising Security Threats
📘 GS Paper 2: India and its Neighbourhood | International Relations
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Border Management
📘 APSC GS Paper 2 & 3: India’s Neighborhood Policy | National Security Challenges
🔹 Introduction
India’s eastern frontier, especially the borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar, has recently come under renewed security focus. With rising cross-border infiltration, smuggling, and insurgent activities, India has sounded a high alert in several northeastern states. This is part of a broader assertion of India’s Neighbourhood First policy, where peace and cooperation with bordering nations are prioritized to ensure regional stability.
🔑 Key Points
| Issue | Details |
| Trigger | Recent intelligence inputs about cross-border terrorist threats |
| Affected Areas | Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, Assam (Karimganj and Cachar) |
| Security Measures | High alert status, intensified patrolling, drone surveillance |
| Key Agencies Involved | BSF, Assam Rifles, IB, local police |
| Smuggling Concerns | Narcotics, arms, gold, and illegal migration |
| Refugee Influx | Post-coup Myanmar refugee crisis affecting NE India |
| Diplomatic Communication | India working with Bangladesh and Myanmar on coordinated response |
⚙️ Prelims Pointers
India-Myanmar Border: 1,643 km, porous and largely unfenced.
India-Bangladesh Border: 4,096 km, world’s 5th longest land border.
Free Movement Regime (FMR): Allows tribes on both sides of India-Myanmar border to move 16 km freely.
Border Guarding Forces: BSF (Bangladesh), Assam Rifles (Myanmar).
Act East Policy: Focuses on enhancing connectivity and security with Southeast Asia.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Neighbourhood Stability
Northeast is strategically sensitive and ethnically diverse.
Border peace directly affects internal security and developmental efforts.
Insurgent groups often use cross-border sanctuaries (e.g., Arakan Army, ULFA factions).
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Description |
| Porous Terrain | Difficult to monitor and fence due to hilly, forested regions |
| Refugee Pressure | Rohingya and Chin refugees from Myanmar put stress on local infrastructure |
| Smuggling and Trafficking | Narcotics from the Golden Triangle and illegal arms enter through borders |
| Insurgency Linkages | Safe havens across the border complicate anti-insurgency operations |
C. Government Responses
High Alert Measures: Increased joint operations by BSF and State Police.
Surveillance Enhancement: Use of UAVs, night vision, thermal imaging.
Fencing and Border Roads: Accelerated fencing projects, border roads under BADP.
Bilateral Mechanisms: Flag meetings, intelligence sharing with Bangladesh and Myanmar.
D. Way Ahead
Strengthen border infrastructure and all-weather roads.
Review FMR to prevent misuse by insurgents.
Community participation in border vigilance (Village Defence Committees).
Enhance regional diplomacy through BIMSTEC and trilateral cooperation.
📚 Relevant Treaties & Frameworks
India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement (2015)
India-Myanmar Border Cooperation Agreement (2018)
BIMSTEC Security Dialogue
Act East + Neighbourhood First Policies
🧩 Conclusion
The safety of India’s eastern borders is not only a security imperative but also a strategic necessity for India’s Look East ambitions. A multi-pronged approach—combining diplomacy, development, and deterrence—is key to ensuring peace and prosperity in the region.
🟢 Topic: India’s Defence Preparedness: Successful Interception of Turkish Drone Launched by Pakistan
📘 GS Paper 2: India and Its Neighbourhood | Bilateral Relations
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Defence Technology | Cybersecurity & Strategic Challenges
📘 APSC GS Paper 2 & 3: International Affairs | National Security
🔹 Introduction
India recently intercepted a Turkish-origin drone reportedly deployed by Pakistan, marking a critical episode in modern asymmetric warfare. This incident highlights the increasing use of unmanned systems in regional conflicts and reflects the growing need for India to enhance its counter-drone capabilities. It also underscores the evolving Pakistan-Turkey defence nexus and its implications for India’s national security.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Drone Type | Turkish-origin armed surveillance drone |
| Deployed By | Pakistan military establishment |
| Indian Response | Successfully intercepted near LoC using indigenous air defence tech |
| Defence Concern | Use of foreign drones for covert surveillance and tactical warfare |
| Geostrategic Implication | Turkey’s growing defence ties with Pakistan |
| Security Doctrine Shift | Move towards AI-driven surveillance and drone-based incursions |
⚙️ Prelims Pointers
Loitering Munitions: Aerial drones that hover and attack targets—used increasingly in modern warfare.
DRDO Anti-Drone Technology: Includes D4 system (Detect, Deter, Destroy, Delay).
Turkey-Pakistan Defence Link: Joint drills, arms transfers (Bayraktar drones), tech cooperation.
Line of Control (LoC): De facto border between India and Pakistan in J&K.
Drone Policy 2021: Regulates drone operations in India, including security clearances.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Strategic Significance for India
Drones offer low-cost, high-impact methods of surveillance and targeted attacks.
These devices can bypass conventional radar systems, posing asymmetric threats.
Highlights Pakistan’s proxy strategy using technologically advanced partners.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Drone Detection Gaps | Small drones fly at low altitudes, often below radar coverage |
| Cross-Border Complicity | Involvement of non-regional players like Turkey complicates diplomacy |
| Technological Lag | India is still catching up in drone warfare and counter-drone AI systems |
| Border Terrain | Mountainous and densely vegetated areas make detection and neutralization hard |
C. Government Initiatives
Deployment of D4 Anti-Drone System across border posts.
DRDO & BEL collaborating on AI-based autonomous threat identification.
Cyber-Drone Security Protocols to counter drone jamming and spoofing.
International Engagements: Raising concerns at multilateral forums like SCO, UNGA.
D. Way Forward
Invest in indigenous drone technology and export-ready systems.
Create a Unified Airspace Surveillance Grid across critical borders.
Boost military diplomacy to counter Pakistan-Turkey collaboration.
Enable real-time intelligence sharing with trusted partners like Israel, USA, France.
📚 Relevant Doctrines and Programs
Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020
Counter Rogue Drone Technology Framework (2022)
🧩 Conclusion
The Turkish drone incident is a wake-up call to India’s strategic community. With evolving battlefield paradigms dominated by unmanned systems and hybrid tactics, India must adapt its doctrines, accelerate indigenous innovation, and forge stronger international partnerships to neutralize such threats preemptively.
🟢 Topic: ISRO to Launch Assam’s ‘SARAH’ Satellite in 2025
📘 GS Paper 3: Science & Technology | Space Technology | Applications in Governance
📘 APSC GS Paper 3: Scientific Innovations & Emerging Technologies | Disaster Management | State Initiatives
🔹 Introduction
In a major step towards space-based governance and disaster resilience, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch Assam’s dedicated satellite ‘SARAH’ in 2025. This marks Assam’s first independent satellite initiative for earth observation, aimed at real-time monitoring of floods, forest fires, and other natural disasters.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Name of Satellite | SARAH (State Advanced Remote-sensing Application for Holistic Monitoring) |
| Launched By | ISRO |
| Funded & Developed By | Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) & ISRO |
| Purpose | Flood mapping, forest fire tracking, urban planning, agriculture |
| Launch Year | Planned for late 2025 |
| Orbit Type | Low Earth Orbit (LEO) |
⚙️ Prelims Pointers
SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar): Imaging radar used in satellites for high-resolution earth observation, all-weather capability.
LEO (Low Earth Orbit): Orbit at altitude below 2,000 km; ideal for remote sensing.
Cartosat & RISAT: Previous Indian earth-observation satellites.
ASDMA: Assam’s nodal body for disaster preparedness and mitigation.
Space Applications Centre (ISRO): Key unit for remote-sensing payload design.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance for Assam
Enhances real-time disaster warning systems, especially for annual Brahmaputra floods.
Boosts agricultural planning with crop monitoring and irrigation analysis.
Aids urban development through land-use mapping and encroachment tracking.
Strengthens forest fire response and ecological data collection.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Technical Maintenance | Post-launch operations require trained satellite tracking units in-state |
| Data Interpretation | Real-time analysis depends on skilled GIS experts |
| Infrastructure Support | Need for robust ground stations and weather-resilient systems |
| Budgetary Constraints | Long-term sustainability of state-driven space ventures |
C. Government Initiatives
North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC) at Umiam, Meghalaya.
Integration with Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP).
Assam’s State Action Plan on Climate Change to incorporate space-based tools.
Capacity Building via IIT Guwahati and ASTEC for GIS and space-tech expertise.
D. Way Forward
Collaborate with academic institutions for data analytics and interpretation.
Ensure multi-departmental integration of satellite outputs (agriculture, disaster, forest).
Promote state-level R&D ecosystem to enhance usage of satellite data.
Launch public dashboards for accessible real-time flood/fire alerts.
📚 Relevant Programs & References
ISRO’s Earth Observation Program
Disaster Management Act, 2005
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
Digital India Geospatial Guidelines (2022)
🧩 Conclusion
Assam’s SARAH satellite represents a bold leap in using space technology for regional development and resilience. As climate risks intensify, such innovations in satellite-based governance can serve as models for other disaster-prone states in India.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🛰️ 1. ISRO to Launch Assam’s SARAH Satellite
Q1. Consider the following statements:
- The SARAH satellite will be launched in geostationary orbit by ISRO.
- It aims to assist Assam in urban planning and disaster response.
- The project is implemented jointly by ISRO and Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).
Which of the statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
📌 Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
- SARAH will be in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), not geostationary.
- It supports urban planning, flood mapping, and disaster mitigation.
- It is a joint initiative of ISRO and ASDMA, supported by NE-SAC.
🇮🇳 2. India Thwarts Turkish Drone Attack via Pakistan
Q2. Which of the following best explains the relevance of the Wassenaar Arrangement in the context of drone technology?
A. It facilitates the sharing of nuclear technology among member states.
B. It is a UN framework for controlling landmines.
C. It promotes transparency and restraint in transfers of arms and dual-use goods and technologies.
D. It allows intelligence-sharing on cyber warfare threats.
📌 Answer: C.
Explanation: The Wassenaar Arrangement is a multilateral export control regime aiming to prevent the destabilizing accumulation of conventional arms and dual-use technologies, including drones.
🇧🇩 3. High Alert Along Borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh
Q3. The India-Bangladesh border passes through which of the following Indian states?
- Assam
- Meghalaya
- Tripura
- Mizoram
- West Bengal
Select the correct answer:
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
C. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
D. 1, 3 and 5 only
📌 Answer: C.
Explanation: All five states share a border with Bangladesh.
- Assam (~262 km), Meghalaya (~443 km), Tripura (~856 km), Mizoram (~318 km), and West Bengal (~2216 km).
☀️ 4. Anti-Dumping Duty on Solar Glass from China and Vietnam
Q4. Consider the following statements:
- Anti-dumping duties are imposed to protect domestic industries from unfair foreign pricing.
- The World Trade Organization (WTO) allows such duties under the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.
- India cannot impose anti-dumping duties on goods from countries it has Free Trade Agreements with.
Which are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
📌 Answer: A.
Explanation:
- Anti-dumping is a WTO-compliant mechanism under the Agreement on Anti-Dumping (ADA), not the SCM agreement.
- FTAs do not prevent anti-dumping if unfair trade is proven.
🏆 5. NE Students Shine at Khelo India Youth Games
Q5. The Khelo India Programme aims to:
- Identify and nurture grassroots sporting talent
- Establish sports infrastructure at the panchayat level
- Support elite athletes for Olympics preparation
- Promote traditional Indian sports
Choose the correct set:
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
📌 Answer: D.
Explanation: Khelo India includes grassroots talent, infrastructure, Olympic preparation (TOPS program integration), and traditional sports promotion like Mallakhamb, Thang-Ta.
🛰️ 6. Match the Satellite with its Function (Static + Current Affairs)
| Satellite | Purpose |
| A. SARAH | 1. Disaster management in Assam |
| B. CartoSat-3 | 2. High-resolution earth observation |
| C. INSAT-3DR | 3. Weather monitoring |
Select the correct match using the codes below:
A. A-2, B-3, C-1
B. A-1, B-2, C-3
C. A-3, B-1, C-2
D. A-1, B-3, C-2
📌 Answer: B.
Explanation:
INSAT-3DR – meteorological satellite launched by ISRO
SARAH – flood, forest fire, urban planning
CartoSat-3 – sub-meter resolution imaging
APSC Mains Practice Question
🛰️ Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the significance of state-sponsored satellite missions like Assam’s SARAH in enhancing disaster preparedness, environmental monitoring, and governance. What challenges must be addressed to ensure their effective implementation?
(GS Paper 2 & 3: Governance | Disaster Management | Science & Tech in Development)
Word Limit: 250
✅ Model Answer:
🔹 Introduction
India has increasingly leveraged space technology to enhance governance, with ISRO playing a pivotal role in supporting central and state agencies. The launch of Assam’s State-of-the-Art Resource and Analytical Hub (SARAH) satellite marks a pioneering initiative where a state collaborates with ISRO to monitor floods, urban planning, and forest fires through dedicated satellite imagery.
🔑 Significance of SARAH and Similar Missions
| Domain | Benefits of SARAH Satellite |
| Disaster Management | Real-time flood mapping, early warning for floods, landslides |
| Urban Governance | Monitoring of land use, encroachments, and infrastructure growth |
| Environmental Protection | Forest fire detection, biodiversity tracking, wetland monitoring |
| Data-Driven Policy | Satellite data enables evidence-based policy decisions |
| Decentralized Capacity | Strengthens state-level autonomy in handling spatial data |
🚧 Challenges
| Challenge | Description |
| Technical Capacity | Limited expertise at state level in satellite data interpretation |
| Data Utilization Lag | Delay in integrating space data into departmental workflows |
| Coordination with ISRO/NE-SAC | Inter-agency coordination is often fragmented and bureaucratic |
| Funding and Maintenance | High initial cost and operational sustainability concerns |
| Privacy and Ethics | Need for regulatory safeguards in spatial data use, esp. for surveillance |
🚀 Government Initiatives Supporting Satellite Integration
- NE-SAC (North Eastern Space Applications Centre): Assists NE states in space-based resource planning
- National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC): Provides satellite data to states for disaster response
- Digital India Programme: Encourages use of GIS and AI in governance
- Bhuvan Portal by ISRO: Enables public access to geospatial data
🧭 Way Forward
- Capacity Building: Training state officers in GIS, remote sensing, and spatial data analytics
- Integrated Platforms: Linking SARAH data with disaster dashboards, e-governance systems
- Policy Standardization: Clear guidelines for ethical use of satellite surveillance data
- Public-Private Collaboration: Use of startups for analytics, AI-based risk assessment
🧩 Conclusion
State-sponsored satellites like SARAH reflect a growing trend of tech-enabled governance and climate-resilient planning. For disaster-prone states like Assam, such missions can transform vulnerability into resilience—provided there is parallel investment in human capital, policy alignment, and inter-agency synergy.
✨ APSC Prelims Crash Course, 2025
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