APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (13/06/2025)
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 (13-06-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
✨ APSC CCE Online Coaching, 2026
🔥 Sivasagar ONGC Gas Well Blowout: Industrial Safety and Environmental Concerns
📘 GS Paper 3: Disaster Management | Energy Sector | Environment & Safety Regulations
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam – Industrial Accidents | Oil & Gas Economy | Environmental Hazards
🔹 Introduction
A blowout occurred at Well No. RDS 147 of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in Sivasagar district on 12 June 2025, spewing gas uncontrollably. While no injuries or fire were reported, the incident raised alarm due to Assam’s history of oil well accidents, especially the Baghjan blowout of 2020, which caused ecological and human loss. This incident highlights gaps in industrial safety, monitoring, and emergency preparedness in Assam’s energy sector.
🔑 Key Facts
| Aspect | Description |
| Location | Rudrasagar Oilfield, Sivasagar District, Assam |
| Well Details | Well No. RDS 147, Rig SKP 135 – managed by SK Petro Services on ONGC’s behalf |
| Nature of Incident | Uncontrolled gas discharge during perforation (zone transfer) operation |
| Current Status | No fire reported; site under control; emergency services deployed |
| Historical Context | Evokes memories of 2020 Baghjan blowout (Oil India Ltd) – 173-day crisis |
| Environmental Risk | Fear among locals, minor displacement, potential air and groundwater contamination |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Blowout: Uncontrolled release of crude oil/gas due to pressure imbalance in drilling
ONGC: Public sector Maharatna company under Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Baghjan Blowout (2020): One of the worst industrial disasters in NE India; Tinsukia, Assam
Perforation: Well servicing technique used to initiate flow from a new reservoir zone
Rudrasagar Oilfield: Part of ONGC’s key Assam assets along with Lakwa and Geleki
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Assam’s Oil & Gas Economy
| Domain | Relevance |
| Historical Legacy | Assam was India’s first oil-producing state (Digboi, 1889) |
| Strategic Location | ONGC and OIL operate major wells across Sivasagar, Tinsukia, and Dibrugarh |
| Economic Driver | Oil royalties crucial for state revenue; supports MSMEs and transport |
| Energy Security | Assam contributes significantly to ONGC’s overall domestic production |
B. Challenges Exposed by the Blowout
| Challenge | Description |
| Aging Infrastructure | Many wells are decades old, increasing technical risk |
| Private Outsourcing | Involvement of private operators without adequate oversight |
| Delayed Emergency Response | Fire services delayed by railway crossings; no automated shut-off |
| Poor Community Preparedness | Nearby locals not fully trained or warned; spontaneous displacement |
| Environmental Vulnerability | Threat to air quality, groundwater, wetlands (as seen in Baghjan) |
C. Regulatory Gaps
Weak monitoring by Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)
Delayed audits under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) norms
Absence of third-party inspection reports before servicing operations
Limited role of Assam Pollution Control Board in routine field inspections
D. Government and Industry Response
ONGC mobilised all senior officials to site
Emergency services deployed; well-killing operations initiated
Reference to multi-agency coordination as in Baghjan (Army, NDRF, IAF)
Need for State-level Industrial Safety Authority to monitor oilfields in real-time
📑 Suggested Way Forward
| Action Area | Recommendation |
| Regulatory Reform | Create an Assam Industrial Energy Safety Authority under state Disaster Management Department |
| Technology Upgrade | Use automated blowout preventers (BOPs) and real-time gas leak sensors |
| Community Safety | Conduct quarterly mock drills and mandatory hazard disclosure near oilfields |
| Transparency & Data | Publish incident reports, including well design flaws, operator errors |
| Lessons from Baghjan | Enforce strict third-party audits and environment restoration timelines |
📚 Relevant Policies & Precedents
Environment Protection Act, 1986
The Oil Mines Regulations, 2017
National Disaster Management Guidelines – Chemical & Industrial Disasters
Assam State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) – includes oil well disasters
Judicial Inquiry Report on Baghjan (2021)
🧩 Conclusion
The Sivasagar blowout serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between energy development and environmental safety. While Assam plays a critical role in India’s hydrocarbon map, it must enforce 21st-century safety standards to protect both its people and natural resources. A proactive, transparent, and technology-driven safety regime is the only way forward.
👨⚖️ Centre-States Face-Off over Governor’s Role: Federalism Under Strain
📘 GS Paper 2: Indian Polity – Federalism | Constitutional Bodies | Executive
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam – Centre-State Relations | Role of Governor | Political Ethics
🔹 Introduction
Amid renewed debates on the role of Governors in state politics, especially in Opposition-ruled states like Kerala, Punjab, and West Bengal, a broader constitutional conversation has resurfaced. In Assam and other Northeastern states, concerns also exist around delay in assent to bills, university appointments, and allegations of bias, sparking debates over the Governor’s discretionary powers.
🔑 Key Updates from the National Context (June 2025)
| State | Issue Highlighted |
| Kerala | Governor refused to sign University Law Amendment Bill |
| Punjab | Delay in clearing state legislature bills |
| Tamil Nadu | Governor publicly opposed State Assembly resolutions |
| Assam (Contextual) | Past issues regarding university appointments & bill clearance delays |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Article 153–162: Deals with Governors and State Executive
Article 200: Governor may give assent, withhold assent, or reserve a bill for President
Article 163: Governor to act on advice of Council of Ministers, except in discretionary matters
Sarkaria Commission (1983): Advocated limited discretion, harmonious Centre-State ties
Punchhi Commission (2010): Called for fixed tenure, clearer code of conduct for Governors
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Constitutional Role of the Governor
Nominal head of the state, appointed by President of India under Article 155
Functions as a link between Centre and State
Key functions:
Gives assent to bills
Summons or dissolves State Assembly
Appoints CM, Ministers, Advocate General, etc.
Chancellor of State Universities (in many states)
B. Emerging Issues in Federal Tension
| Issue | Description |
| Delay in Bill Clearance | Long-pending bills create legislative deadlocks |
| Misuse of Discretion | Discretionary powers sometimes used to stall opposition-ruled state decisions |
| Interference in Academia | Involvement in university VC appointments in contradiction with state laws |
| Partisan Behaviour | Perceived alignment with Centre’s political ideology |
| Lack of Accountability | No removal procedure except at President’s pleasure |
C. Assam’s Relevance
Past tensions in appointment of Vice-Chancellors in State Universities
Role of Governor as Chancellor often debated in appointments and syllabus approvals
Governor’s assent required in state laws related to land, education, and tribal governance
Assam being ruled by the same party as Centre currently sees smoother cooperation, but concerns remain if political equations change
D. Reform Suggestions
📜 Codify Governor’s powers through constitutional amendment or parliamentary statute
📆 Introduce time-bound assent clause for bills (e.g., within 60 days)
🧑⚖️ Make Governor’s removal subject to a quasi-judicial process or parliamentary scrutiny
🏛️ Define consultative roles for state institutions in Governor’s university decisions
📘 Follow Punchhi Commission recommendations to limit discretionary overreach
📑 Relevant Reports & Judicial Precedents
Sarkaria Commission Report (1988)
Punchhi Commission Report (2010)
Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker (2016) – limits on Governor’s discretion in Assembly proceedings
Rameshwar Prasad Case (2006) – misuse of Article 356
Constitution Review Commission (2002) – recommends depoliticization of Governor’s role
🧩 Conclusion
While the Governor’s office was envisioned as a constitutional bridge between the Centre and States, its increasing politicization threatens cooperative federalism. Assam and other states must collectively push for a clearer constitutional protocol, ensuring the role of the Governor remains neutral, accountable, and guided by constitutional morality.
📺 PM Launches 24×7 Doordarshan Northeast Channel: Cultural Integration & Media Development
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Policies | Media & Communication | Nation Building
📘 GS Paper 1: Indian Culture – Cultural Diversity & Regional Integration
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam – Identity, Media, NE Development | Information Empowerment
🔹 Introduction
On 12 June 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a dedicated 24×7 Doordarshan Northeast (DD NE) Satellite Channel, aimed at promoting cultural integration, news dissemination, and regional visibility for the eight Northeastern states. The channel will broadcast in Assamese, Manipuri, Bodo, Khasi, and other regional languages, giving voice to local art, news, and development stories.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Channel Name | Doordarshan Northeast (DD NE) |
| Languages Covered | Assamese, Manipuri, Khasi, Bodo, Mizo, Arunachali dialects |
| Headquarters | Guwahati Doordarshan Kendra |
| Purpose | Media integration, regional content visibility, news for tribal/remote communities |
| Content Focus | Culture, current affairs, NE-specific schemes, youth achievements, and folklore |
| Linked Scheme | Prasar Bharati Broadcasting Reforms, Digital India |
| Inaugural Segment | PM’s message + cultural performance from Assam, Arunachal, Nagaland |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Prasar Bharati: India’s public broadcaster, autonomous since 1997
Digital India Mission: Supports inclusive media outreach and digital connectivity
DD Arunprabha: Existing Doordarshan channel for Arunachal Pradesh launched in 2019
NE Doordarshan History: Earlier shared slots across DD News; now has full-time satellite band
Language Diversity: NE India has over 200 languages/dialects – cultural preservation is vital
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance for the Northeast
| Benefit Domain | Explanation |
| Cultural Representation | Platform to showcase tribal festivals, dances, food, and oral history |
| Media Inclusion | Remote districts will now receive NE-specific broadcast 24×7 |
| Educational Upliftment | Will support regional-language e-learning and govt. scheme awareness |
| National Integration | Builds pride, visibility, and reduces alienation in the region |
| Employment & Production | Boosts regional journalism, videography, cultural content creation |
B. Assam’s Role & Opportunity
Host State: Guwahati is central transmission hub for DD NE
Language Showcase: Promotes Assamese, Bodo, and other dialects
Local Talent Platform: Young artists, teachers, civil society leaders can reach broader audience
Assam Tourism Push: Visual storytelling of national parks, Majuli Sattras, tea culture
C. Challenges Ahead
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Hill areas still lack quality DTH signals or internet |
| Content Uniformity | Risk of sidelining smaller ethnic identities in favour of dominant narratives |
| Capacity Deficit | Lack of trained local producers, editors, translators |
| Political Bias Risk | Must ensure editorial neutrality and public interest programming |
| Low Viewership Competition | Private OTT and YouTube draw away younger audiences |
D. Way Forward
🧑🎓 Launch Media Skill Missions in NE journalism and film institutes
📡 Expand DD NE reach through mobile streaming apps and YouTube channels
🛖 Showcase ethnic languages and endangered dialects through documentaries
🤝 Encourage community-driven radio-TV linkages for participatory programming
📊 Monitor viewership analytics to guide content curation region-wise
📑 Relevant Policies & Frameworks
Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995
Prasar Bharati Act, 1990 – governs DD & AIR operations
Digital India Vision Document – includes inclusive media access
NEC Media Development Grant (Draft 2023)
UNESCO Convention on Cultural Diversity (2005) – promotes minority media access
🧩 Conclusion
The launch of Doordarshan Northeast 24×7 is a strategic cultural milestone, transforming the region from a periphery of national media to a proud participant. With inclusive planning, quality content, and grassroots training, the channel can become a mirror and megaphone of the Northeast’s soul, linking identities through stories.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
✅ Topic 1: ONGC Gas Well Blowout – Sivasagar
1. What is a blowout in the context of oil and gas drilling?
A. A planned release of pressurised steam
B. The collapse of a drilling rig due to an earthquake
C. An uncontrolled release of crude oil or gas from a well ✅
D. A high-temperature burst in thermal reactors
🧠 Explanation:
A blowout is an uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons (gas or oil) due to failure in managing subsurface pressure during drilling or servicing operations.
2. The Baghjan Blowout (2020) in Assam is associated with:
A. A major hydroelectric failure
B. Oil India Limited’s gas well explosion ✅
C. Earthquake-triggered dam breach
D. Industrial waste dumping in Brahmaputra
🧠 Explanation:
The Baghjan blowout occurred in Tinsukia district, where a gas well operated by OIL caught fire after uncontrolled gas leakage, causing ecological and livelihood damage.
3. Which of the following is the regulatory body for petroleum and natural gas safety in India?
A. Petroleum Safety and Environment Board
B. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
C. Oil & Gas Regulatory Council
D. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) ✅
🧠 Explanation:
The PNGRB oversees safety, infrastructure, and market regulation in India’s oil and gas sector.
✅ Topic 2: Governor’s Role and Federalism
4. Under which Article of the Indian Constitution can the Governor reserve a bill for the President’s consideration?
A. Article 154
B. Article 200 ✅
C. Article 123
D. Article 355
🧠 Explanation:
Article 200 empowers a Governor to give assent, withhold assent, or reserve a bill for the President, particularly in matters of constitutional or national interest.
5. The Punchhi Commission is associated with:
A. Electoral reforms
B. Panchayati Raj and decentralisation
C. Police modernisation
D. Centre-State relations and role of Governors ✅
🧠 Explanation:
The Punchhi Commission (2010) recommended reforms to improve Centre-State relations, including clarity on the Governor’s discretionary powers and fixed tenure.
✅ Topic 3: Doordarshan Northeast 24×7 Channel Launch
6. Which of the following languages are included in the Doordarshan Northeast 24×7 broadcast?
- Assamese
- Khasi
- Bodo
- Mizo
Select the correct code:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 3 and 4 only
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4 ✅
D. 1 and 3 only
🧠 Explanation:
The channel broadcasts in multiple regional languages of the NE including Assamese, Khasi, Bodo, Manipuri, Mizo, and Arunachali dialects.
7. Doordarshan and All India Radio operate under which of the following?
A. National Media Commission
B. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
C. Prasar Bharati ✅
D. Press Council of India
🧠 Explanation:
Prasar Bharati, established by the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990, is India’s autonomous public broadcaster, which manages DD and AIR.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Mains Question:
Q. India’s push for energy security must not come at the cost of environmental and human safety. In light of the recent Sivasagar ONGC gas well blowout, critically examine the need for better industrial safety in the hydrocarbon sector, especially in Assam.
📘 Model Answer
Introduction
India’s northeastern region, especially Assam, plays a pivotal role in the country’s hydrocarbon output. Yet, recurrent incidents like the 2025 ONGC blowout in Sivasagar and the infamous Baghjan disaster (2020) underscore systemic gaps in industrial safety, regulation, and environmental oversight. These raise serious concerns over the balance between energy security and ecological-social responsibility.
Energy Importance of Assam
- Assam is one of India’s oldest and most active oil-producing states (e.g., Digboi, Sivasagar, Duliajan).
- Contributes significantly to domestic crude production and natural gas reserves.
- Hosts key PSUs like ONGC and Oil India Limited, and refineries at Digboi, Numaligarh, and Bongaigaon.
Recent Blowout in Sivasagar (June 2025): Key Issues
| Concern | Observation |
| Safety Lapses | Uncontrolled gas discharge during a well servicing operation |
| Operator Oversight | Incident occurred under private contractor supervision |
| Emergency Preparedness | Delayed response and weak public communication |
| Environmental Risk | Threat to air, groundwater, and local ecosystems |
| Public Anxiety | Evacuation of nearby villagers due to risk perception |
Major Challenges in the Hydrocarbon Sector
1. Aging Infrastructure
- Many wells in Assam are 30–50 years old, with obsolete equipment.
2. Lack of Real-Time Monitoring
- Absence of early warning systems, blowout preventers, and gas leak detection.
3. Weak Regulatory Oversight
- State Pollution Control Boards often under-resourced; PNGRB’s inspection is periodic and limited.
4. Contractor Risks
- Increasing reliance on outsourced contractors dilutes accountability.
5. Inadequate Community Engagement
- Locals often unaware of risks and excluded from mock drills or safety audits.
Lessons from Baghjan (2020) and Sivasagar (2025)
- Need for multi-agency response, faster evacuation planning, and ecosystem restoration.
- Judicial inquiry post-Baghjan emphasized need for third-party safety audits and transparency.
Way Forward
| Domain | Action Plan |
| Regulatory Reform | Establish a State-level Industrial Safety Authority for Assam’s oilfields |
| Technology Upgrade | Mandatory automated BOPs, pressure control systems, and AI-based surveillance |
| Disaster Preparedness | Conduct quarterly drills, create buffer zones around wells |
| Transparent Governance | Publicly release incident reports, safety audit results, and compensation plans |
| Skill Development | Train local youth in energy safety operations under Skill India missions |
Conclusion
Assam’s oil economy is vital, but its sustainability hinges on prioritizing safety, ecology, and public confidence. A robust framework that blends technology, accountability, and grassroots involvement is essential to prevent energy from becoming a liability. Future growth must be cleaner, safer, and more people-centric.
✨ APSC CCE Courses, 2025-26 offered by SuchitraACS
🔔 Join Our WhatsApp Study Group!
For exclusive access to premium quality content, including study materials, current affairs, MCQs, and model answers for APSC CCE and other Assam competitive exams.
Click here to join: SuchitraACS Study WhatsApp Group
📚 Want to know more about SuchitraACS’s most affordable courses?
Click here to know more: SuchitraACS Courses for APSC CCE and Assam Competitive Examinations
