APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (18/07/2025)
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 (18-07-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🛰️ Assam Signs MoU with ISRO for Satellite-Based Flood Monitoring and Governance Support
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Governance | e-Governance | Disaster Management
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Science & Technology | Space Applications | Environment
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam-Specific Disasters | Tech-Driven Governance | Flood Management
📘 Prelims: ISRO | NRSC | Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) | Bhuvan Portal
🔹 Introduction
In a major step towards technology-led governance and disaster resilience, the Assam government signed an MoU with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to enhance satellite-based flood forecasting, early warning, and land monitoring. The initiative will integrate ISRO’s space capabilities with local administrative systems through agencies like ASDMA.
🔑 Key Highlights from the MoU
| Parameter | Details |
| Agencies Involved | Assam Government, ISRO (NRSC, NESAC) |
| Purpose | Real-time flood monitoring, land use mapping, governance dashboards |
| Technology Used | Remote sensing, GIS mapping, geospatial data |
| Application Areas | Flood forecasting, encroachment detection, forest cover, agriculture |
| Platforms | ISRO’s Bhuvan Portal, Vedas, Integrated Flood Warning System (IFLOWS) |
| Coordination | Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) as nodal agency |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
ISRO’s Bhuvan Portal: Indian web-GIS platform for geospatial applications
NRSC (National Remote Sensing Centre): ISRO unit responsible for satellite data processing
NESAC (North Eastern Space Applications Centre): Shillong-based center for NE-specific projects
IFLOWS: Flood forecasting system developed by ISRO for urban resilience
Geospatial Technology: Tools using satellites, GIS, and data analytics for governance
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Why Satellite-Based Flood Management Matters for Assam
| Domain | Relevance |
| Disaster Vulnerability | Over 36 lakh people affected annually by Brahmaputra floods |
| Real-Time Alerts | Enables district-level evacuation and dam gate operations |
| River Morphology Tracking | Tracks shifting of Brahmaputra and its tributaries |
| Encroachment & Wetland Loss | Identifies illegal constructions in floodplains and beels |
| Scientific Planning | Assists in climate-resilient infrastructure and drainage design |
B. Broader Governance Applications of Satellite Tech
| Sector | Application |
| Land Records | Real-time cadastral mapping and settlement updates |
| Forest & Environment | Deforestation alerts, JFMC monitoring, afforestation audits |
| Urban Planning | Master plan alignment, encroachment tracking |
| Agriculture | Crop health, acreage estimation, and insurance verification |
| Infrastructure | Monitoring road, dam, and embankment quality over time |
C. Challenges and Gaps
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Data–Policy Gap | Lack of trained officials to interpret satellite data |
| Connectivity | Remote districts lack digital infrastructure to act on alerts |
| Inter-Agency Coordination | Poor vertical integration between ISRO, State, and district units |
| Localisation | Need for integrating satellite data with community-level field inputs |
📊 Supporting Reports & Frameworks
NDMA Guidelines on Flood Management (2016)
Assam State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) – Recognizes geospatial tech for adaptation
ISRO’s “North East Flood Hazard Atlas” (2020) – Identifies chronically flood-prone areas
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–30) – Use of space tech for early warning systems
🧭 Way Forward
| Focus Area | Recommendation |
| Local Capacity Building | Train ASDMA and district officers in GIS/satellite analytics |
| Data–Citizen Link | Develop mobile apps and local alert systems from satellite inputs |
| Flood-Zone Zoning | Enforce land-use laws based on satellite-mapped floodplains |
| Multi-Agency Synergy | Coordinate ISRO–NESAC–IIT Guwahati–Assam PWD–Water Resources Dept |
| Policy Integration | Embed satellite insights into state planning and budget cycles |
🧩 Conclusion
Assam’s MoU with ISRO marks a shift from reactive to predictive and technology-driven flood governance. By embedding space-based insights into decision-making, Assam can not only reduce flood damages but also set a national benchmark in disaster preparedness and environmental governance.
👮 NSG Regional Hub in Assam: Strengthening Counter-Terror and Internal Security Framework in Northeast
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Internal Security | Role of Security Forces
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Centre-State Relations | Federalism | Governance
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Law & Order in Assam | NE Insurgency & Security Institutions
📘 Prelims: NSG | Counterterror Units | Hub-and-Spoke Security Model | Special Forces
🔹 Introduction
In a strategic move to strengthen India’s internal security grid, the Centre has approved the setting up of a Regional Hub of the National Security Guard (NSG) in Assam. This will be the first such permanent facility in the Northeast, aimed at faster response to terror threats, insurgency spillover, and high-profile hostage or hijack scenarios.
🔑 Key Highlights from the Announcement
| Parameter | Details |
| Location | Likely near Guwahati for logistical connectivity |
| Agency | National Security Guard (NSG), under Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Scope | Quick Reaction Team (QRT) for NE, training, coordination with state police |
| Justification | Rising threats from cross-border militancy, arms trafficking, and radicalisation |
| Strategic Value | Covers Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Arunachal in rapid response radius |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
NSG: Formed in 1984 under the NSG Act, 1986; under MHA
Units: Special Action Group (SAG) & Special Rangers Group (SRG)
Motto: “Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha”
Other Hubs: Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata (existing regional centres)
Black Cat Commandos: Elite NSG operatives trained for hostage rescue, anti-terror ops, and VIP security
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Strategic Importance of NSG Hub in Assam
| Domain | Importance |
| Counterterrorism | Faster response time for events like terror strikes, bombings, or hijacks |
| Insurgency Spillover | Coordination against ULFA(I), NDFB, and NE-extremist linkages with Myanmar |
| Critical Infrastructure Protection | Securing airports, refineries (e.g., Digboi, Bongaigaon), power grids |
| Border Management | Enhancing response capacity near porous Indo-Myanmar border |
| Training & Coordination | Builds interoperability with Assam Police, CRPF, and SF units |
B. Internal Security Challenges in Northeast
| Challenge | Description |
| Insurgent Revival | Sporadic violence by ULFA(I), NSCN factions, and new splinter outfits |
| Cross-Border Movement | Arms, drugs, and human trafficking across Myanmar and Bangladesh borders |
| Ethnic Conflicts | Localised violence and law & order disruption in Karbi Anglong, Manipur Valley |
| Terror Financing | Illicit trade routes used to fund extremism |
| Delayed Response | Prior lack of elite forces in proximity causing delay in operations |
C. Comparative Perspective
| City | Year of NSG Hub | Key Function |
| Mumbai | Post-26/11 | Coastal security, metro counterterror |
| Hyderabad | 2012 | South India deployment hub |
| Kolkata | 2011 | Eastern India terrorism response |
| Guwahati (Proposed) | 2025 | First NE hub for border-linked and hinterland response |
📊 Supporting Frameworks & Data
2nd ARC Report on Public Order – Need for decentralised elite forces
UNODC Reports – Northeast corridor as emerging transnational trafficking route
Home Ministry Reports (2023) – Drop in terror incidents but rise in cross-border infiltration
Vision 2047 (Internal Security) – Emphasis on predictive policing and elite decentralised deployment
🧭 Way Forward
| Area | Recommendation |
| Infra Setup | Fast-track land, barracks, airstrip access for NSG |
| Local Training | Conduct joint exercises with Assam Police and CAPFs |
| Intelligence Grid | Integrate with NATGRID and local IB-SB cells |
| Civil–Military Liaison | Ensure SOPs for civilian evacuation, hostage scenarios |
| Youth Awareness | Counter radicalisation and fake narrative through cyber cells |
🧩 Conclusion
The NSG regional hub in Assam will act as a force multiplier for internal security architecture in the Northeast. It not only ensures quick response capability but also symbolises the state’s strategic integration with the national security matrix. Empowering such institutions is key to securing peace and development in the region.
📱 Inclusion of Chatbots in Assam Government Services: Advancing Citizen-Centric e-Governance
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): e-Governance | Digital India | Citizen Charters
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Science & Technology | AI in Public Services
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam-Specific Governance Reforms | Innovation in Public Administration
📘 Prelims: Chatbots | AI in Governance | Digital India | RTPS Act
🔹 Introduction
In an effort to improve citizen service delivery, the Assam government has introduced AI-powered chatbots across various public-facing departments. These chatbots aim to streamline real-time grievance redressal, enable status tracking of public services, and enhance digital interaction under the RTPS (Right to Public Services) framework.
🔑 Key Highlights from the News
| Feature | Description |
| Departments | Revenue, Transport, Health, and Education among first adopters |
| Objective | Reduce human interface, automate responses, expand 24×7 access |
| Integrated With | RTPS Portal, Assam State Public Service Guarantee Act services |
| Functionality | Document status, grievance filing, departmental FAQs |
| Languages Supported | English and Assamese (regional language interface being developed) |
| Future Plan | Integration with voice AI and WhatsApp for rural access |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
RTPS Act (Assam): Ensures timely delivery of notified public services to citizens
Chatbot: AI-based program that simulates human conversation via text/voice
National e-Governance Plan (NeGP): Launched in 2006 for digital service delivery
Digital India Pillars: e-Kranti, Universal Digital Literacy, and Governance on Demand
AI for Good: Initiative by ITU and India to explore ethical AI for public services
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Chatbots in Governance
| Benefit | Impact |
| Round-the-Clock Access | Citizens can file complaints or check service status anytime |
| Reduces Workload | Frees up government staff from repetitive tasks |
| Improved Transparency | Real-time tracking boosts public trust |
| Inclusive Access | Particularly helpful in remote areas with poor physical access to govt. offices |
| Scalability | One bot can handle thousands of queries simultaneously |
B. Use Cases in Assam and Other States
| State | AI Governance Tool |
| Assam | Service chatbots (e.g., Land Records, Health Certificates) |
| Telangana | “T-Chabot” for student services |
| Karnataka | Seva Sindhu chatbot for citizen services |
| Rajasthan | AI-driven grievance analytics under e-Mitra |
C. Challenges to Implementation
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Digital Divide | Low smartphone access in tribal/remote areas |
| Language Barriers | Absence of voice bots in Assamese, Bodo, Karbi languages |
| Training | Citizens and officials need digital awareness to interact with bots |
| Data Security | Chatbot interactions must be protected under Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 |
| AI Bias | Bots trained on poor-quality data can give incorrect or biased responses |
📊 Relevant Reports and Policies
National Strategy for AI (NITI Aayog) – Emphasizes AI in health, education, and governance
IndiaAI Mission (2024) – Includes funding for AI R&D for governance
Digital North East Vision 2022 – Targeted digital solutions for NE
UN e-Government Survey (2022) – India ranked 105 in AI e-participation index
🧭 Way Forward
| Area | Recommendation |
| Localization | Integrate regional languages and dialects into chatbot design |
| Voice Integration | Deploy voice-based chatbots using tools like Bhashini and OpenAI Whisper |
| Citizen Feedback Loop | Improve chatbot accuracy with real-time public feedback |
| Skilling Campaigns | Conduct digital literacy drives at Gaon Panchayat levels |
| Ethical AI | Ensure data privacy, redressal, and non-discrimination in AI operations |
🧩 Conclusion
Assam’s integration of AI-driven chatbots in public service marks a transformative step towards responsive, transparent, and inclusive governance. As citizen expectations rise, such innovations will define the next phase of Digital India—where access meets accountability in real-time.
🏥 India’s First Dengue DNA Vaccine Trial Begins in Assam: A Milestone in Vector-Borne Disease Control
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Health | Government Policies | Issues Relating to Development
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Science & Technology | Biotechnology | Disease Surveillance
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam-Specific Diseases | Healthcare Initiatives | Public Health in NE
📘 Prelims: Dengue Virus | DNA Vaccine | ICMR | NEIGRIHMS | Clinical Trials Phases
🔹 Introduction
In a groundbreaking medical development, Assam becomes the first state to launch India’s maiden human trial for a Dengue DNA Vaccine. Conducted by ICMR-NE unit and NEIGRIHMS, this is a strategic leap in fighting dengue—a vector-borne disease that afflicts lakhs in India annually, especially in tropical and sub-tropical zones like Northeast India.
🔑 Key Features of the Vaccine Trial
| Feature | Description |
| Vaccine Type | DNA-based Dengue Vaccine (First-of-its-kind in India) |
| Trial Phase | Phase 1 Human Trial |
| Coordinating Agencies | ICMR (NE Unit), NEIGRIHMS, and DBT-THSTI |
| Trial Site | Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh |
| Objective | Test safety, immunogenicity in humans against dengue virus |
| Target Group | Adults aged 18–50 years |
| Global Context | Builds on successful Zika and COVID-19 DNA vaccine platforms |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Dengue Virus (DENV): Caused by 4 distinct serotypes; transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquito
Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, retro-orbital pain, internal bleeding (DHF)
DNA Vaccine: Uses genetically engineered DNA to induce immune response
ICMR: India’s apex medical research body under the Ministry of Health
NEIGRIHMS: Tertiary care and research institute for NE under MoHFW
WHO SEAR: Reports India among highest dengue-burden countries in SE Asia
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Why Dengue Control is Critical for Assam
| Factor | Explanation |
| Climatic Suitability | Assam’s humid climate, stagnant water, and urbanisation favor Aedes breeding |
| Urban Vulnerability | Cities like Dibrugarh, Guwahati report high annual dengue load |
| Co-infections | Dengue often overlaps with malaria, Japanese encephalitis, compounding challenges |
| Healthcare Load | Vector-borne outbreaks overwhelm rural PHCs and urban clinics |
| Underreporting | Many asymptomatic or mild dengue cases go undocumented |
B. Significance of DNA Vaccine Trial in Assam
| Benefit | Description |
| Disease-Specific | Targets all 4 dengue serotypes |
| Localized Research | Clinical data reflective of NE genetic & ecological profile |
| Technology Push | Advances India’s biotech R&D and vaccine sovereignty |
| Public Health Preparedness | Helps prevent future epidemics like 2019 dengue wave |
| Global Collaboration | May aid in WHO prequalification for global rollout |
C. Challenges Ahead
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Vaccine Acceptance | DNA vaccines are relatively new and public hesitancy may persist |
| Cold Chain Management | Storage and last-mile delivery in hilly terrains difficult |
| Strain Variability | Effectiveness across all dengue virus serotypes needs validation |
| Long Trial Duration | May take years before final licensing after Phases II & III |
📊 Supporting Data & Frameworks
ICMR Dengue Surveillance Reports (2023): Over 2.5 lakh dengue cases in India
National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP)
Dengue Vaccine Guidelines (WHO, 2021) – Promote balanced antibody response
ZyCoV-D: India’s first approved DNA vaccine (COVID-19), developed by Zydus Cadila
Assam Health Policy (2021–2030): Targets reduction in vector-borne diseases through tech
🧭 Way Forward
| Strategy | Action Points |
| Community Engagement | Awareness drives about dengue and upcoming vaccine safety |
| Integrated Disease Surveillance | Combine vaccine trials with mosquito mapping & outbreak alerts |
| Research-Policy Sync | Use trial data to inform NVBDCP and state immunisation planning |
| Multi-Institutional Collaboration | Coordinate ICMR, state health, private hospitals, and AIIMS-Guwahati |
| NE Hub for Vaccine R&D | Position Assam as a regional leader in public health innovation |
🧩 Conclusion
The launch of India’s first dengue DNA vaccine trial from Assam is a historic step in science-led public health. It not only reinforces the region’s strategic role in biotech innovation, but also strengthens the fight against climate-sensitive diseases impacting millions annually.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🔹 Topic 1: Assam Signs MoU with ISRO for Satellite-Based Flood Monitoring
Q1. Which of the following platforms are associated with ISRO’s satellite-based governance and disaster response systems?
- Bhuvan
- IFLOWS
- VEDAS
- CHANDRAYAAN Portal
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
✅ Answer: (a)
📘 Explanation:
- Bhuvan, IFLOWS, and VEDAS are all ISRO tools used for geospatial governance and flood monitoring.
- CHANDRAYAAN is a lunar mission, not a data platform for disaster management.
Q2. The Integrated Flood Warning System (IFLOWS), recently adopted by Assam, was first developed for which of the following Indian cities?
(a) Patna
(b) Hyderabad
(c) Mumbai
(d) Guwahati
✅ Answer: (c)
📘 Explanation: IFLOWS was first developed for Mumbai as a joint initiative between ISRO and MoES.
🔹 Topic 2: NSG Regional Hub in Assam
Q3. With reference to the National Security Guard (NSG), consider the following statements:
- It operates under the Ministry of Defence.
- It comprises the Special Action Group (SAG) and Special Rangers Group (SRG).
- It was established in response to Operation Blue Star.
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
✅ Answer: (b)
📘 Explanation:
- NSG is under the Ministry of Home Affairs, not Defence.
- It consists of SAG (Army) and SRG (Paramilitary) units.
- It was formed after Operation Blue Star, in response to Indira Gandhi’s assassination in 1984, not directly because of Blue Star.
Q4. The proposed NSG hub in Assam will be primarily responsible for:
(a) Maritime surveillance of Northeast rivers
(b) Anti-Maoist operations in central India
(c) Counter-terror, hostage rescue, and rapid response in NE states
(d) Cybersecurity coordination in border areas
✅ Answer: (c)
📘 Explanation: The hub will strengthen internal security, focusing on counter-terrorism and rapid deployment in the Northeast.
🔹 Topic 3: AI-Powered Chatbots in Assam’s e-Governance
Q5. Which of the following are potential benefits of integrating AI chatbots into public service delivery?
- Real-time grievance redressal
- Multilingual support for regional users
- Replacement of all human personnel in government offices
- Enhanced transparency and access
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 4 only
✅ Answer: (a)
📘 Explanation:
- Chatbots assist with grievance handling, multilingual service, and transparency.
- They do not replace all human personnel.
Q6. The Right to Public Services (RTPS) Act in Assam is primarily aimed at:
(a) Guaranteeing reservation in jobs for local communities
(b) Ensuring time-bound delivery of notified public services
(c) Promoting cooperative farming
(d) Protecting tribal forest rights
✅ Answer: (b)
📘 Explanation:
The RTPS Act mandates timely and accountable delivery of essential public services to citizens.
🔹 Topic 4: Dengue DNA Vaccine Trial in Assam
Q7. With reference to DNA vaccines, consider the following statements:
- They involve the direct injection of viral RNA to produce immune response.
- India’s first approved DNA vaccine was ZyCoV-D for COVID-19.
- DNA vaccines are typically less stable and harder to transport.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (b)
📘 Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect: DNA vaccines use DNA, not RNA (like mRNA vaccines).
- Statement 2 is correct: ZyCoV-D was India’s first approved DNA vaccine.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: DNA vaccines are more stable than mRNA vaccines and easier to store.
Q8. Dengue virus is primarily transmitted by:
(a) Anopheles stephensi
(b) Aedes aegypti
(c) Culex pipiens
(d) Phlebotomus argentipes
✅ Answer: (b)
📘 Explanation:
Dengue is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, active during daytime.
APSC Mains Practice Question
❓ Question:
Discuss the significance of India’s first human trial of a Dengue DNA vaccine in the context of public health innovation. What are the challenges associated with vaccine development for vector-borne diseases like dengue in India?
(Word Limit: 250)
✅ Model Answer:
🔸 Introduction
Vector-borne diseases like dengue, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, remain a persistent public health challenge in India. The recent launch of India’s first human trial of a Dengue DNA vaccine at Assam Medical College, coordinated by ICMR and NEIGRIHMS, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s fight against this climate-sensitive disease.
🔹 Significance of Dengue DNA Vaccine Trial
| Aspect | Relevance |
| Biotech Advancement | First use of DNA-based technology against dengue in India, following success in COVID-19 (ZyCoV-D) |
| Region-Specific Research | Conducted in Assam, a high-burden state, ensuring local epidemiological relevance |
| Public Health Preparedness | Builds long-term immunity, supports vector control gaps |
| Global Health Contribution | Aligns with WHO’s push for effective dengue vaccine development |
🔹 Challenges in Dengue Vaccine Development
| Challenge | Description |
| Serotype Complexity | Dengue has 4 distinct serotypes; vaccine must cover all without causing antibody-dependent enhancement |
| Vaccine Hesitancy | New platforms like DNA vaccines may face public mistrust |
| Cold Chain Logistics | Ensuring safe storage in remote and hilly areas like Northeast India |
| Long Trial Timelines | Phases II and III required for efficacy and safety, delaying rollout |
| Co-infection Risks | Dengue often overlaps with JE or malaria, complicating diagnosis and vaccine trials |
🔸 Conclusion
The DNA vaccine trial for dengue symbolizes India’s science-led health sovereignty, especially in underserved regions like the Northeast. However, its success hinges on a multi-pronged approach—scientific rigor, policy support, community engagement, and robust healthcare infrastructure.
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