APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (04/06/2025)
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 (04-06-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🌧️ Assam Bracing for Below-Normal Monsoon: Climatic Implications for the Region
📘 GS Paper 1: Physical Geography | Climatic Patterns
📘 GS Paper 3: Environment | Climate Change | Disaster Management
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Geography of Assam | Environmental Challenges | Agriculture
🔹 Introduction
For the fifth consecutive year, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted below-normal monsoon rains for the Assam-Meghalaya subdivision. Despite receiving excess pre-monsoon showers that caused floods in May-June, the forecast for the core June–September period points to persistent monsoon deficit trends. This anomaly poses risks to agriculture, water security, and disaster planning in Northeast India.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Forecast Agency | India Meteorological Department (IMD) |
| Region Affected | Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh (deficit zone) |
| Normal Rainfall Benchmark | Assam-Meghalaya average: 1,762.2 mm during June–Sept |
| Deficit Forecast Probability | 54% chance of below-normal monsoon |
| Years of Past Deficit | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024—all recorded < normal rainfall |
| Climatic Reason | Possibly linked to Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and multi-decadal variability |
| Contrasting Trend | All-India average is forecasted to be normal to above-normal |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO): A long-term ocean temperature fluctuation in the North Pacific Ocean impacting Indian monsoon
Negative Epoch: A multi-decade phase of subdued rainfall; Northeast might be in one since 1950s
IMD Long Range Forecast: Seasonal outlook predicting rainfall deviations based on ocean-atmosphere interactions
Assam’s Agriculture: 70% of cropping still rainfed, especially in Barak and Brahmaputra valleys
IMD Regional Centre: Located in Borjhar, Guwahati – monitors NE region
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the Forecast
Agriculture in Assam is monsoon-dependent, especially for sali paddy and jute crops
Impacts flood and drought cycles — erratic rainfall increases disaster unpredictability
Threatens drinking water security in rural and hilly regions
Linked to poor reservoir recharge and reduced hydropower output (e.g., Kopili, Karbi Langpi)
B. Challenges Due to Monsoon Deficit
| Challenge | Description |
| Delayed Sowing | Paddy transplanting and seed germination may be delayed |
| Groundwater Stress | Shallow aquifers in the Brahmaputra basin depend on monsoon recharge |
| Disease Spread | Irregular rainfall favors pest cycles, vector diseases |
| Crop Yield Reduction | Tea, pulses, oilseeds particularly vulnerable to water stress |
| Food Security & Price Rise | Local market shortages could trigger inflation in perishable items |
C. Government Response Measures
Contingency crop planning by Assam Agriculture Dept and ICAR Research Complex NE
Use of drought-resilient paddy varieties (e.g., Ranjit Sub-1, Bahadur)
ASDMA coordination for weather-adaptive disaster relief
Deployment of Agromet advisories through KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras)
Greater reliance on irrigation schemes under PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana)
D. Way Forward
🛰️ Enhance weather modelling and agro-climatic zoning for Northeast
🌱 Promote climate-resilient agriculture: System of Rice Intensification (SRI), rainwater harvesting
🚰 Invest in micro-irrigation and watershed development projects
📊 Integrate real-time monsoon alert systems into village extension programs
🌾 Set up regional monsoon research hubs to study long-term rainfall patterns in Eastern Himalayas
📑 Relevant Reports & Frameworks
IMD Monsoon Outlook (Second Long Range Forecast, June 2025)
Assam SAPCC (State Action Plan on Climate Change)
IPCC AR6 Report – Northeast India flagged as monsoon-sensitive eco-region
National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) advisories
India State of Forest Report (ISFR) – impact of deforestation on local rainfall patterns
🧩 Conclusion
The projection of below-normal rainfall in Assam for the fifth straight year demands urgent policy attention. The region, already vulnerable to climate extremes, must transition from reactive to resilient planning—where agriculture, water governance, and disaster management operate in tandem with emerging climatic realities. Assam’s future monsoon strategy must be data-driven, people-centric, and ecologically sensitive.
🛢️ Centre Clears Oil Exploration on North Bank of Brahmaputra: Development vs Ecology Debate
📘 GS Paper 3: Natural Resources | Environment Impact Assessment | Energy
📘 GS Paper 1: Geography – Resources in Assam | Human-Environment Interaction
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Economy of Assam | Environmental Governance | Infrastructure
🔹 Introduction
The Government of India has approved exploratory oil drilling in the North Bank of the Brahmaputra, including parts of Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Sonitpur, and Biswanath districts. This move follows Oil India Ltd’s (OIL) multiple proposals and reflects a shift in energy strategy to tap unexplored hydrocarbon reserves in ecologically sensitive zones. While the Centre highlights the economic potential, local communities and environmentalists have raised concerns about deforestation, seismic risks, and threats to protected areas.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Project Type | Hydrocarbon exploration & drilling |
| Location | North Bank of Brahmaputra (Upper Assam) – Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, etc. |
| Approved By | Union Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas |
| Executing Agency | Oil India Ltd (OIL) |
| Estimated Reserves | Undisclosed (classified during exploration phase) |
| Environmental Concerns | Close proximity to Kaziranga, Bordoibam Bilmukh, and wildlife corridors |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
OIL (Oil India Limited): Second-largest PSU oil company in India, HQ in Duliajan (Assam)
North Bank: Region north of Brahmaputra with fragile terrain, floodplains, and rich biodiversity
Environmental Clearance (EC): Required under EIA Notification, 2006, for Category A projects like oil drilling
Bordoibam Bilmukh: Notified bird sanctuary spread across Dhemaji and Lakhimpur
AAI (Area of Influence): In EIA, refers to radius where project impact (e.g., spills, vibration) is assessed
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Oil Exploration in North Bank
Aims to reduce crude oil import dependency
Could bring infrastructure, roads, and jobs to underdeveloped North Bank districts
Part of India’s Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for Northeast India
Could boost local state revenues and royalty earnings
B. Environmental and Societal Risks
| Risk Type | Description |
| Ecological Fragility | Area is flood-prone, seismic, and close to forest reserves |
| Biodiversity Loss | Drilling impacts migratory birds, elephants, and endemic aquatic species |
| Displacement Risk | Community lands (including Scheduled Tribes) may face land acquisition pressures |
| Oil Spill & Wastewater Threat | Could pollute river systems like Subansiri, Ranganadi |
| Public Resistance | Local tribal councils and youth groups demanding EIA compliance and transparency |
C. Government Actions and Safeguards
Conditional clearance with EIA and EMP (Environmental Management Plan) requirements
Mandate for zero-discharge systems, safe drilling protocols, and vibration monitoring
Wildlife clearance pending for certain blocks falling near eco-sensitive zones (ESZs)
Regular environmental audits by State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) and MoEFCC
Public hearing to be conducted as per EIA notification clauses
D. Way Forward
🔬 Conduct cumulative ecological impact studies, not project-specific EIAs
🛑 Declare no-go zones near national parks and reserved forests
🌱 Compensatory afforestation must be locally implemented with third-party verification
📣 Ensure Free, Prior, Informed Consent (FPIC) of indigenous communities under Forest Rights Act
🛠️ Promote green oil technology, including zero-flaring and closed-loop systems
🧾 Create a North Bank Environmental Monitoring Authority with inter-agency jurisdiction
📑 Relevant Reports & Frameworks
Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for Northeast India (MoPNG)
EIA Notification, 2006 – Schedule 1 projects require full clearance
IPCC Reports – Risks of oil infra in floodplains and tectonic zones
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Amended 2022) – regulates activities near ESZs
Assam Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (ABSAP)
🧩 Conclusion
The decision to open the North Bank to oil exploration reveals the classic dilemma between economic development and ecological sustainability. Assam must walk a fine line—leveraging its natural wealth for growth while ensuring long-term environmental integrity and social consent. Without this balance, short-term gains may turn into irreversible losses for the region’s future.
🧬 Centre’s Clarification on ST Status: Constitutional Process & Assam’s Backward Class Dynamics
📘 GS Paper 2: Indian Constitution | Governance | Social Justice
📘 GS Paper 1: Society | Tribes & Marginalized Communities in Assam
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam – Demography | Tribal Politics | Welfare Measures
🔹 Introduction
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda, during a visit to Assam, clarified that granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to communities must follow a constitutional and procedural route, emphasizing the need for scientific, anthropological, and social examination. The issue has gained traction with demands from six OBC/General communities in Assam—Koch-Rajbongshi, Tai-Ahom, Moran, Muttock, Chutia, and Tea Tribes—seeking inclusion in the ST list.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Description |
| Central Position | ST status cannot be granted solely by political decision—must follow constitutional process |
| Committees Involved | Registrar General of India (RGI), National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) |
| Assam’s Demanding Groups | Koch-Rajbongshi, Tai-Ahom, Moran, Muttock, Chutia, Tea Tribes |
| Political Context | Long-standing demand; opposition blames delay on Centre’s political hesitancy |
| Constitutional Articles | Article 342 – President specifies tribes for each state |
| Current ST Population in Assam | ~12.4% (as per 2011 Census); includes Bodos, Karbis, Misings, Dimasas, etc. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Article 342: Empowers the President to specify STs for a state after consultation with the Governor
NCST (National Commission for Scheduled Tribes): Constitutional body under Article 338A
Registrar General of India (RGI): Validates ethnographic and demographic data before ST inclusion
ST List Amendment Process: Requires Parliamentary approval via constitutional amendment
Tea Tribes: Categorized under OBC currently; include sub-groups like Adivasis, Santhals, Mundas, Oraons
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Issue
ST status provides access to reservation in education, jobs, and legislature
In Assam, the OBC/ST divide intersects with ethnicity, identity, and political representation
Assam Accord and subsequent accords (e.g., Bodo, Karbi) influenced the tribal status matrix
Delay causes inter-community tensions, as benefits are unequally distributed
B. Procedural Challenges in ST Inclusion
| Challenge | Description |
| Ethnographic Complexity | Many groups are culturally mixed, with some members already ST or OBC |
| RGI Non-Concurrence | RGI has earlier withheld consent for inclusion of some groups |
| Lack of Anthropological Evidence | No updated census-based study available since 1931 |
| Political Sensitivity | Fear among existing STs of dilution of benefits and competition |
| Need for Constitutional Amendment | Parliament must pass a bill to modify the ST list under Article 342 |
C. Government & Judicial Responses
Central Govt has held several rounds of consultations since 2016
Committee of Secretaries submitted feasibility reports
NCST has recommended field surveys and State ST Advisory Council consultation
Supreme Court in past rulings has insisted on “concrete social and backwardness data”
Assam Govt formed High-Level Committee for each group demanding ST status
D. Way Forward
📊 Commission a fresh ethnographic study and socio-economic survey
⚖️ Ensure legal safeguards to existing STs during any inclusion process
📑 Introduce reservation sub-categorization if required (pending SC’s judgment in EWS/OBC split)
🗳️ Form an Independent Inclusion Commission insulated from political pressures
📚 Promote awareness and representation reforms in local bodies regardless of final ST status
📑 Relevant Legal and Policy Frameworks
Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Amendments)
Article 15 & 16: Enables affirmative action
Supreme Court Judgment in Indra Sawhney vs Union of India (1992)
Justice Rohini Commission: On sub-categorization within OBCs
National Tribal Policy (Draft, 2006) – status pending
🧩 Conclusion
The ST status debate in Assam reflects deeper questions of social justice, political identity, and federal process integrity. While affirmative action must be inclusive, it must also be evidence-based and constitutionally sound. Assam’s demographic complexity calls for deliberate, transparent, and community-sensitive decisions—not electoral shortcuts.
🚢 Inland Water Trade with Bangladesh: Assam’s Expanding Role in Regional Connectivity
📘 GS Paper 2: India and Neighbourhood | Bilateral Agreements | International Relations
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Logistics | Regional Trade
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam – Economy | Connectivity | Foreign Trade
🔹 Introduction
With the growing emphasis on using inland waterways for cross-border trade, Assam is emerging as a key logistics hub in the Indo-Bangladesh connectivity framework. The recent developments under the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) have seen increased cargo movement through Assam’s Dhubri and Karimganj ports, enabling cheaper, greener trade between India’s Northeast and Bangladesh. This also opens new prospects for trade with Bhutan and Nepal via the Brahmaputra basin.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Description |
| Bilateral Agreement | Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT), first signed in 1972 |
| Recent Update | India and Bangladesh renewed and expanded the protocol in March 2024 |
| Active Ports in Assam | Dhubri (Western Assam), Karimganj (Barak Valley), Pandu (Guwahati) |
| Common Cargo | Fly ash, cement, food grains, coal, petroleum products |
| Strategic Benefit | Reduces pressure on Siliguri Corridor, bypasses congested land routes |
| Environmental Benefit | Inland waterways have lower carbon emissions than trucks or rail |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
NW-2 (National Waterway 2): Brahmaputra from Dhubri to Sadiya
NW-16: Barak River from Lakhipur to Bhanga (Barak Valley)
PIWTT: Allows use of 10 routes and 11 ports of call in India and Bangladesh
Dhubri Port: Located near the India-Bangladesh border; recently modernized
IWAI (Inland Waterways Authority of India): Regulates and develops national waterways
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Assam in Indo-Bangla Water Trade
Assam provides natural water connectivity to Bangladesh via Brahmaputra and Barak
Dhubri and Karimganj serve as gateway ports for trade with NE India and Bangladesh
Facilitates export of Assam goods: agri-produce, cement, limestone, tea
Acts as strategic alternative to land-based trade routes via Siliguri
Enhances India’s Act East and Neighborhood First policies
B. Challenges in Implementation
| Challenge | Explanation |
| River Depth Variability | Brahmaputra and Barak rivers are prone to seasonal siltation and low draft |
| Border Infrastructure Gaps | Lack of container handling, customs clearance, and security screening facilities |
| Bilateral Bottlenecks | Protocols need harmonized taxation, security, and logistics standards |
| Environmental Sensitivity | Water trade can affect wetlands, fish habitats, and river bank erosion |
| Institutional Overlaps | IWAI, State Govt, Customs, BSF, and Shipping Ministry must coordinate |
C. Government Measures
Ongoing dredging and modernization of Dhubri and Karimganj ports under IWAI
Agreement to allow Nepal and Bhutan to use Bangladesh river ports via Assam
Boost to public-private partnerships (PPPs) for warehouse and jetty development
Incorporation of River Information Systems (RIS) for navigation safety
Integrated customs and e-clearance platforms to be introduced soon
D. Way Forward
🛠️ Build multimodal logistics parks near Dhubri and Silchar to integrate river-road-rail
🚤 Deploy eco-friendly cargo vessels and incentivize river transport over diesel trucks
📜 Establish a permanent Indo-Bangladesh Inland Water Coordination Council
🧾 Introduce waterway-specific export incentives for NE India-based producers
🌿 Strengthen ecological safeguards to ensure trade doesn’t degrade sensitive riverine ecosystems
📑 Relevant Reports & Frameworks
India-Bangladesh PIWTT Agreement (2024)
National Logistics Policy (2022) – emphasizes inland water transport
Assam Inland Water Transport Policy (2020)
SAGARMALA Programme – port modernization and inland connectivity
UNESCAP Regional Connectivity Reports – highlight Assam’s trade role
🧩 Conclusion
Inland water trade with Bangladesh is not merely a logistical innovation—it is a strategic economic and diplomatic opportunity for Assam. As Dhubri and Karimganj transform into regional trade hubs, Assam must ensure that infrastructure, environmental safeguards, and regional cooperation evolve in tandem. This initiative has the potential to reshape Assam’s identity from a frontier state to a trade gateway of the Northeast.
🧑⚖️ Assam to Launch Special Drive for Filling SC/ST Backlog Vacancies in Government Jobs
📘 GS Paper 2: Social Justice | Reservation Policy | Governance
📘 GS Paper 4: Ethics in Public Administration – Equity and Inclusiveness
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam – Administration | Social Equity | Welfare of SC/ST Communities
🔹 Introduction
The Assam Government has announced a special recruitment drive to fill backlog vacancies reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in state government departments. This move comes in response to longstanding underrepresentation of SC/STs in Group B, C, and D posts, despite reservation mandates under the Constitution. The drive is expected to begin from July 2025, after final data collation by the Department of Personnel.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Description |
| Purpose | Fill reserved posts lying vacant for SC/STs in various departments |
| Timeline | State-wide data collection in June; recruitment notifications in July |
| Affected Categories | ST (Plains), ST (Hills), SC, and OBC/MOBC |
| Departments Covered | Education, Home, Health, Revenue, Transport, and others |
| Supervision | Assam Administrative Reforms Commission and Department of Personnel |
| Recruitment Route | Through special selection boards with relaxed cutoffs and eligibility scrutiny |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Article 16(4): Permits reservation in public employment for backward classes
Article 335: Provides for SC/ST claims in appointments while maintaining administrative efficiency
Post-based Roster System: Ensures rotation of reserved posts across levels and departments
SC/ST Welfare Dept: Nodal agency for ensuring implementation of reservation policies
Assam ST Sub-Categorization: In Assam, ST is split into ST (Plains) and ST (Hills) with separate quotas
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the Drive
Aims to address chronic underrepresentation of SC/STs in public administration
Promotes social equity and affirmative action, especially in rural and remote districts
Builds public trust in governance and enhances the diversity of government machinery
Aligns with national equity goals under the Constitution and Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes Orders
Addresses judicial mandates to periodically review and implement reservation policies effectively
B. Structural Challenges in Reservation Implementation
| Challenge | Description |
| Inadequate Data Auditing | Many departments don’t update post-wise SC/ST data regularly |
| Procedural Delays | Department-level delays in requisitioning posts for reserved category |
| Recruitment Gaps | Backlogs often arise due to non-availability of eligible candidates under strict norms |
| Stigma & Discrimination | Social exclusion continues despite legal provisions |
| Lack of Awareness | Eligible youth often unaware of their rights or miss application deadlines |
C. Government Responses
Data Verification Drive launched across 80+ departments in Assam
Use of automated reservation roster software to identify post-wise backlog
Creation of Special Selection Boards with SC/ST members
Coordination with APSC and other recruiting agencies for time-bound recruitment
Inclusion of awareness campaigns through SC/ST hostels, student networks, and NGOs
D. Way Forward
📊 Maintain department-wise reservation dashboards accessible to the public
🧾 Conduct periodic reservation audits under the Assam Public Service Delivery Act
👨🎓 Provide pre-recruitment coaching and scholarships for SC/ST aspirants
🧑💻 Integrate backlog monitoring with Assam Recruitment Portal and Mission Bhumiputra
🏛️ Ensure reservation in contractual and outsourced jobs under PPP models where applicable
📑 Relevant Reports & Legal Frameworks
Supreme Court in M. Nagaraj vs Union of India (2006) – laid down tests for SC/ST promotions
Indra Sawhney Case (1992) – clarified the scope and limits of reservation
DoPT Guidelines on Backlog Clearance (2012 & 2022 updates)
Assam Reservation of Vacancies in Services and Posts Act (2012)
Annual Reports of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
🧩 Conclusion The special recruitment drive to clear SC/ST backlog vacancies is a timely and necessary step toward ensuring representational justice and constitutional equity in Assam. However, for sustained impact, the state must adopt institutionalized monitoring, inclusive recruitment pipelines, and awareness empowerment—making reservation not just a policy, but a pillar of democratic participation.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
✅ Topic 1: Assam Bracing for Below-Normal Monsoon
1. Which of the following climatic phenomena are associated with variations in monsoon rainfall in Northeast India?
- El Niño
- Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)
- Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)
- Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)
Choose the correct code:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4 ✅
D. 2 and 4 only
🧠 Explanation:
All four affect Indian monsoon variability. PDO influences decadal rainfall trends. El Niño weakens monsoon winds. IOD affects rainfall over peninsular India but can influence NE as well. MJO is a short-term intra-seasonal modulator of rainfall.
2. The term “Negative Epoch” in rainfall patterns refers to:
A. A year with sub-zero temperatures in Northeast India
B. A phase of high monsoon rainfall spread over decades
C. A multi-decade period with below-normal monsoon rainfall ✅
D. A year with extreme drought in Central India
🧠 Explanation:
The “Negative Epoch” refers to multi-decadal low rainfall trends, observed in NE India since the 1950s. Assam is believed to be in such a phase now.
✅ Topic 2: Oil Exploration in North Bank
3. With reference to oil exploration in ecologically sensitive zones, consider the following:
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is mandatory before exploratory drilling.
- Wildlife Clearance is not required if the area is outside a National Park.
- Forest Rights Act requires Free, Prior, Informed Consent (FPIC) of communities.
Which of the above are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only ✅
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
🧠 Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: EIA is mandatory for oil projects (Category A).
- Statement 2 is incorrect: Wildlife clearance is needed even near eco-sensitive zones (buffer zones, corridors).
- Statement 3 is correct: FRA mandates community consent in forest land diversion.
4. Oil India Ltd (OIL), which is exploring North Bank, is headquartered at:
A. Digboi
B. Guwahati
C. Duliajan ✅
D. Numaligarh
🧠 Explanation:
OIL is headquartered at Duliajan, Assam. Digboi houses the oldest refinery, but not OIL HQ.
✅ Topic 3: ST Status Clarification in Assam
5. Under Article 342 of the Constitution, the President can:
A. Unilaterally declare any group as ST in a state
B. Declare a community ST after consultation with the Governor ✅
C. Only act on the advice of the Chief Minister of the concerned state
D. Recommend ST status without Parliamentary approval
🧠 Explanation:
Article 342 states that the President specifies the ST list in consultation with the Governor. Any modification requires a constitutional amendment.
6. Consider the following communities demanding ST status in Assam:
- Tai-Ahom
- Tea Tribes
- Moran
- Mishing
Which of these are already recognized as Scheduled Tribes in Assam?
A. 1 and 4 only ✅
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
🧠 Explanation:
Only Mishing are recognized as ST (Plains). Tai-Ahom have partial ST claims but are not officially in the ST list. Tea Tribes and Moran are OBC currently.
✅ Topic 4: Inland Water Trade with Bangladesh
7. Dhubri and Karimganj Ports are associated with which National Waterways?
A. NW-2 and NW-16 respectively ✅
B. NW-1 and NW-2 respectively
C. NW-2 and NW-3 respectively
D. NW-5 and NW-6 respectively
🧠 Explanation:
- NW-2 = Brahmaputra (Dhubri to Sadiya)
- NW-16 = Barak River (Lakhipur to Bhanga), where Karimganj is a key port.
8. The Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) is signed between:
A. India and Myanmar
B. India and Bangladesh ✅
C. India and Bhutan
D. Bangladesh and Nepal
🧠 Explanation:
PIWTT is a bilateral agreement between India and Bangladesh to facilitate cargo and passenger movement through inland waterways.
✅ Topic 5: SC/ST Job Backlog in Assam
9. Consider the following constitutional provisions regarding reservation in public employment:
- Article 16(4) enables reservation for backward classes.
- Article 335 provides for maintaining efficiency of administration while considering SC/ST interests.
- Article 15(4) allows reservation in employment for economically weaker sections.
Which of the above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only ✅
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
🧠 Explanation:
- Article 15(4) permits reservation in education, not employment (for backward classes).
- EWS reservation is under Article 15(6) and 16(6) (added by 103rd Amendment).
- Articles 16(4) and 335 are related to employment and administration.
10. Assertion (A): Special recruitment drives are essential for clearing SC/ST job backlog in Assam.
Reason (R): Backlog vacancies often arise due to lack of eligible candidates and delayed recruitment processes.
Choose the correct option:
A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation ✅
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation
C. A is true, but R is false
D. A is false, but R is true
🧠 Explanation:
The Reason directly explains the Assertion. Procedural delays and unavailability of candidates are real causes for backlog, making option A correct.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Mains Question (GS Paper 3 – Environment | Geography | Disaster Management):
Q. With Assam expected to face a fifth consecutive year of below-normal monsoon, examine the implications of monsoon variability on the state’s agriculture, water security, and disaster management. Suggest a climate-resilient roadmap for Assam in this context.
📘 Model Answer
Introduction
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast below-normal monsoon for Assam in 2025—marking the fifth consecutive deficit year for the Assam-Meghalaya subdivision. While Assam is traditionally flood-prone due to the Brahmaputra basin’s hydrology, it is now increasingly facing erratic rainfall, marked by intense pre-monsoon flooding followed by monsoon shortfall. This monsoon variability challenges the region’s agricultural stability, water planning, and disaster resilience.
Implications of Monsoon Variability in Assam
A. Agricultural Stress
- 70% of Assam’s agriculture is rain-fed, especially sali paddy and pulses.
- Irregular rainfall delays sowing and transplantation, reducing yields.
- Tea plantations in upper Assam face moisture stress, impacting quality and exports.
B. Water Security Threat
- Inconsistent rainfall leads to insufficient groundwater recharge, especially in Barak Valley and hill districts.
- Overdependence on rivers like Brahmaputra and its tributaries, which are now behaving unpredictably.
- Drinking water schemes and minor irrigation projects suffer operational delays.
C. Disaster Management Complexity
- Monsoon anomalies have resulted in a paradox—pre-monsoon floods (May) and monsoon droughts (June–Sept).
- Early floods damage sowing cycles, while late monsoons delay harvests.
- ASDMA’s seasonal preparedness protocols become ineffective due to shifting patterns.
Factors Contributing to Monsoon Anomalies
| Climatic Factor | Effect on Assam |
| Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) | Long-term ocean cycle; current negative phase linked to low rainfall |
| El Niño Events | Weakens monsoon wind; frequent El Niño years observed recently |
| Deforestation & Land Use Change | Affects local rainfall and increases surface runoff |
| Climate Change | Intensifies weather extremes—frequent cloudbursts and dry spells |
Roadmap for Climate-Resilient Assam
1. Agricultural Adaptation
- Promote climate-resilient crop varieties (e.g., Ranjit Sub-1 for flood tolerance, Bahadur for drought).
- Encourage System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and crop diversification (e.g., from paddy to millets or oilseeds).
- Set up weather-linked crop insurance under PMFBY with village-level customization.
2. Water Resource Management
- Expand micro-irrigation coverage under PMKSY in rain-deficit districts.
- Revive traditional water-harvesting systems in Bodo, Mishing, and Karbi areas.
- Create real-time groundwater monitoring networks with IMD and CGWB collaboration.
3. Disaster Risk Planning
- Shift from reactive flood relief to anticipatory risk management using seasonal climate forecasts.
- Incorporate flash droughts and short dry spells into ASDMA’s response matrix.
- Create a Monsoon Resilience Cell under the Disaster Management Department with AI/ML-based forecasting.
4. Institutional and Community Engagement
- Establish climate field schools in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).
- Involve local tribal councils and panchayats in village-level vulnerability mapping.
- Integrate climate literacy into school curriculum under NEP 2020.
Relevant Policies & Reports
- State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) – Assam
- IPCC AR6 Report – identifies Northeast India as a monsoon-sensitive hotspot
- National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) – guidelines on managing climate variability
- IMD Second Long-Range Forecast (June 2025) – predicted monsoon deficit in Assam-Meghalaya
Conclusion
Monsoon variability in Assam is no longer a statistical anomaly—it is a climatic reality. It threatens not only food and water security but also erodes the state’s disaster preparedness architecture. Assam must adopt a climate-resilient development model, one that blends traditional wisdom with modern science, ensures inclusive policy frameworks, and strengthens the adaptive capacity of its people.
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