APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (26/07/2025)
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 (26-07-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🚄 NFR’s Work on Railway Electrification Gains Pace in Assam
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Infrastructure – Energy | Transport | Sustainable Development
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Government Policies | Center–State Coordination
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Infrastructure Development in Assam | Energy Policy
📘 Prelims: Indian Railways Electrification | Green Transportation | NFR
🔹 Introduction
To reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has expedited railway electrification projects across Assam. This aligns with the national goal of Net-Zero emissions by 2070 and the Indian Railways’ target of becoming a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Agency | Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) |
| Target | Electrification of key rail routes in Assam |
| Ongoing Work | Lumding–Dibrugarh, Rangiya–Murkongselek, Guwahati–Goalpara lines |
| Benefits | Reduction in diesel use, faster trains, lower maintenance |
| Completion Target | Phase-wise by 2026 |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
NFR HQ: Maligaon, Guwahati
Mission Electrification: Launched in 2016 by Indian Railways
Railway Energy Management Company (REMC): Coordinates electrification projects
Fastest Electrified Route in Assam: New Bongaigaon–Guwahati
Assam’s Total Rail Track: Approx. 2,500 km, most under NFR
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Electrification in Assam
| Dimension | Benefit |
| Sustainability | Reduces CO₂ and particulate pollution |
| Cost Efficiency | Electricity is cheaper and cleaner than diesel |
| Speed & Capacity | Improves average train speed and reliability |
| Energy Security | Reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels |
| Regional Connectivity | Integrates Assam better with NE and mainland India |
B. Challenges in Implementation
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Difficult Terrain | Hills, rivers, and forests complicate infrastructure |
| Right-of-Way Acquisition | Land disputes delay work |
| Frequent Flooding | Tracks in Barak and Brahmaputra valleys vulnerable to damage |
| Manpower & Logistics | Skilled labor and equipment movement remain limited in remote zones |
| Power Infrastructure | Need to upgrade transmission and substations |
📊 Related Schemes and Policies
National Rail Plan (2030)
PM Gati Shakti Mission – Integrated logistics and infrastructure push
National Electric Mobility Mission (NEMMP)
State Action Plan on Climate Change (Assam) – Clean energy infrastructure
E-Mobility Push by MNRE
🧭 Way Forward
| Focus Area | Suggestion |
| PPP Participation | Rope in private contractors for last-mile electrification |
| Smart Grid Integration | Use AI and data analytics for energy management |
| Flood-Proof Engineering | Elevate vulnerable stretches |
| Regional Coordination | Involve state power boards for reliable electricity |
| Green Corridors | Combine rail electrification with solar energy panels |
🧩 Conclusion
Railway electrification in Assam is not just a technological shift but a climate-smart infrastructure intervention. By addressing terrain, coordination, and power supply gaps, NFR can help turn Assam into a model of green mobility in the Northeast.
🛃 CBIC Notifies North East as a Distinct Customs Zone
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Economy – Trade Facilitation | Border Management
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Governance | Centre-State Coordination
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): NE Economy | Look East Policy | Assam’s Trade Corridors
📘 Prelims: CBIC | Customs Zones | Act East Policy
🔹 Introduction
In a major administrative reform, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has officially designated the North East Region (NER) as a distinct Customs Zone, acknowledging its strategic role in India’s Act East Policy and border trade with Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Southeast Asia.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Feature | Description |
| Notification By | CBIC, Ministry of Finance |
| Objective | Decentralized trade administration & ease of doing business |
| HQ of New Zone | Likely in Guwahati |
| Coverage | 8 NE states including Assam, Arunachal, Manipur, Nagaland |
| Focus | Land Customs Stations (LCSs), Integrated Check Posts (ICPs), border trade hubs |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
CBIC: Apex body under Department of Revenue for customs and GST
Integrated Check Posts (ICPs): Facilities at land borders for customs, immigration, and trade
Major LCSs in Assam: Sutarkandi (Bangladesh), Darranga (Bhutan), Mankachar, Golakganj
Act East Policy: Enhances connectivity and trade with ASEAN & East Asia
Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Assam: Located near Silchar for border trade
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of a Separate Customs Zone
| Benefit | Explanation |
| Streamlined Trade | Faster customs clearance, reduced logistic delays |
| Regional Empowerment | State-specific focus in trade infrastructure |
| Boost to Border Economy | Helps landlocked NE states integrate with South Asian markets |
| Security & Surveillance | Better monitoring of porous borders for illegal trade |
| Institutional Coordination | Localized policy making and operational flexibility |
B. Challenges Ahead
| Challenge | Description |
| Infrastructure Bottlenecks | LCSs still lack full-fledged warehousing and IT systems |
| Smuggling & Illicit Trade | High risk of narcotics, arms, and counterfeit goods |
| Lack of Capacity | NE customs lacks trained manpower and digital capacity |
| Geopolitical Sensitivities | China’s influence in Myanmar, insurgency zones along borders |
| Poor Multimodal Linkages | Rail-road connectivity from customs posts is inadequate |
📊 Related Initiatives & Frameworks
PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan
Bharatmala Pariyojana (NE roads)
India-Bangladesh Border Haats
ASEAN–India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA)
North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS)
🧭 Way Forward
| Strategy | Action |
| Digital Customs | Upgrade LCSs with e-Customs, RFID tagging, and AI surveillance |
| Skilling Programs | Train local youth in trade facilitation and customs operations |
| Public–Private Partnerships | Engage private logistics and warehousing operators |
| Multimodal Corridors | Align with inland waterway and trans-Asian road networks |
| Security Integration | Coordinate with BSF, Assam Rifles for border intelligence |
🧩 Conclusion
The creation of a distinct North East Customs Zone is both a strategic and economic milestone. It offers the NE a dedicated institutional framework to catalyze its transnational trade potential, while balancing security, development, and connectivity goals.
🎖️ Honouring Kargil Heroes: Assam Observes Kargil Vijay Diwas
📘 GS Paper 1 (Mains): Modern Indian History – Post-independence Wars
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Government Initiatives for Veterans and National Integration
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Internal Security – Role of Armed Forces
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam’s Role in National Security | War Memorials in Assam
📘 Prelims: Kargil War 1999 | Kargil Vijay Diwas | Param Vir Chakra
🔹 Introduction
On 26th July 2025, Assam joined the nation in observing Kargil Vijay Diwas, commemorating India’s victory in the Kargil War (1999). Wreath-laying ceremonies, youth outreach, and veteran felicitations were held across the state, notably in Tezpur and Guwahati.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Event | Details |
| Occasion | 26th Anniversary of Kargil War victory (Operation Vijay) |
| Observed in | Tezpur, Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Sivasagar |
| Organized By | Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and local civil society groups |
| Activities | Flag marches, military band performances, ex-servicemen recognition |
| Significance | Remembering the fallen, instilling patriotism, educating youth |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Kargil War: Conflict between India and Pakistan in 1999 over high-altitude posts
Kargil Vijay Diwas: Observed annually on 26 July
Operation Vijay: Codename for India’s military operation to reclaim peaks
Param Vir Chakra awardees (Kargil): Capt. Vikram Batra, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav
Tezpur: HQ of 4 Corps, a major forward military base in Assam
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Observing Kargil Vijay Diwas in Assam
| Importance | Explanation |
| National Integration | Reinforces unity across diverse regions |
| Military Presence | Assam hosts multiple corps and commands (4 Corps, IAF Tezpur) |
| Youth Engagement | Inspires students and NCC cadets through interaction with veterans |
| Public Memory | Keeps sacrifices of armed forces alive in civilian consciousness |
| Veteran Welfare | Public recognition boosts morale of ex-servicemen |
B. Broader Significance of the Kargil War
Asserted India’s territorial sovereignty
Showcased mountain warfare capabilities of Indian armed forces
Led to modernization and procurement reforms post-1999
Boosted public trust in defense forces
Highlighted gaps in surveillance and need for intelligence coordination
📊 Related Developments & Schemes
Ex-Servicemen Welfare Schemes – Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund
Armed Forces Flag Day (7 Dec) – Recognizes war widows, disabled soldiers
Kargil Review Committee (2000) – Post-war defense preparedness report
Gallantry Awards Portal – Archives war heroes and their stories
Operation Sadbhavana – Civil outreach by Indian Army in NE
🧭 Way Forward
| Suggestion | Action |
| Incorporate in Curriculum | Include Kargil War stories in Assam’s school textbooks |
| State War Memorials | Develop regional memorials in honor of Assam’s martyrs |
| Annual Veteran Meets | Promote civic-military interactions across districts |
| Media Campaigns | Use AIR, DD North East to promote patriotic education |
🧩 Conclusion
Observing Kargil Vijay Diwas in Assam highlights the emotional and strategic link between the Northeast and national security. Honoring India’s heroes not only preserves historical memory but also inspires youth to serve the nation with courage and conviction.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🧩 Topic 1: Railway Electrification in Assam
Q1. With reference to Indian Railways’ electrification initiatives, consider the following statements:
- Indian Railways aims to become a net-zero carbon emitter by 2040.
- Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is headquartered in Guwahati.
- Railway electrification contributes to both speed enhancement and reduced emissions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect: Indian Railways aims for net-zero by 2030, not 2040.
- Statement 2 is correct: NFR is headquartered at Maligaon, Guwahati.
- Statement 3 is correct: Electrification improves speed and reduces diesel-based emissions.
Q2. Which of the following are benefits of railway electrification?
- Reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels
- Improved logistics speed and frequency
- Increase in track doubling requirements
- Reduction in particulate air pollution
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) All of the above
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Electrification reduces fuel imports, enhances logistics, and lowers air pollution.
- It does not directly lead to more track doubling (Statement 3 is incorrect).
🌐 Topic 2: North East as a Separate Customs Zone
Q3. The recent CBIC notification on creating a separate customs zone for the Northeast is primarily aimed at:
(a) Increasing direct tax collection from NE states
(b) Streamlining border trade and improving customs efficiency
(c) Integrating GST councils at the state level
(d) Shifting customs offices to urban centers
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- The creation of a separate NE customs zone aims to decentralize trade management and boost border trade through better facilitation and infrastructure.
Q4. Which of the following border trade points are located in Assam?
- Moreh
- Sutarkandi
- Darranga
- Nathu La
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Sutarkandi and Darranga are land customs stations in Assam.
- Moreh is in Manipur; Nathu La is in Sikkim.
Q5. Consider the following:
- Act East Policy
- Bharatmala Pariyojana
- PM Gati Shakti
- Look West Policy
Which of the above support the development of border infrastructure in Northeast India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) All of the above
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Act East Policy, Bharatmala, and PM Gati Shakti all emphasize NE border infrastructure.
- Look West Policy is not related to NE—it targets West Asia and Africa.
🎖️ Topic 3: Kargil Vijay Diwas Observed in Assam
Q6. Which of the following operations is associated with India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil conflict?
(a) Operation Blue Star
(b) Operation Meghdoot
(c) Operation Vijay
(d) Operation Shakti
✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation:
- Operation Vijay was India’s military operation to flush out infiltrators during the Kargil War.
Q7. With reference to Kargil Vijay Diwas, consider the following:
- It is observed on July 26 every year.
- It commemorates the Indian Army’s victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
- Tezpur in Assam hosts major observance ceremonies.
Which of the statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 3 is correct: Tezpur (HQ of 4 Corps) hosted observances in Assam.
Statement 1 is correct: Kargil Vijay Diwas is 26 July.
Statement 2 is incorrect: It commemorates the 1999 Kargil War, not the 1971 war.
APSC Mains Practice Question
❓ Question:
Discuss the significance of railway electrification in Assam in the context of sustainable development and regional connectivity. What challenges are involved, and how can they be addressed?
(Word Limit: 250)
✅ Model Answer:
🔸 Introduction:
Railway electrification is a critical component of India’s sustainable transport infrastructure. In Assam, where the railway network serves as a lifeline for economic integration, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is expediting electrification to reduce emissions, cut operating costs, and improve connectivity.
🔹 Significance of Railway Electrification in Assam:
| Domain | Importance |
| Environmental Sustainability | Reduces diesel use and cuts greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with India’s net-zero goals by 2070. |
| Cost Efficiency | Electric trains are more economical to operate, with lower energy and maintenance costs. |
| Speed & Reliability | Enhances average train speed, punctuality, and cargo efficiency. |
| Regional Integration | Strengthens Assam’s connectivity with the rest of India and neighboring states like Arunachal, Meghalaya, and Nagaland. |
| Boost to Logistics and Tourism | Electrified routes attract freight movement and eco-tourism development. |
🔹 Challenges Involved:
- Difficult Terrain: Flood-prone valleys and hilly landscapes make electrification costly and logistically complex.
- Power Infrastructure Gaps: Limited availability of substations and transmission lines in remote areas.
- Land Acquisition: Delays in acquiring land for poles, substations, and access roads.
- Monsoon Vulnerability: Frequent landslides and erosion damage tracks and electric poles.
🔹 Measures to Address Challenges:
- Geo-sensitive Engineering: Use elevated tracks and reinforced structures in vulnerable zones.
- Smart Grid Integration: Enable real-time energy monitoring through AI and IoT systems.
- Public–Private Partnerships: Leverage private expertise in logistics and green energy.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Involve state utilities, BRO, and disaster response units.
🔸 Conclusion:
Electrification of railways in Assam is not just a technological upgrade but a strategic green development imperative. With policy push and robust planning, Assam can emerge as a model of eco-smart, integrated transport in the Northeast.
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