APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (02/08/2025)
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 (02-08-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🧬 Boosting Health Infrastructure in Northeast: Union Minister’s Review in Guwahati
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Health | Governance | Centre-State Relations
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Infrastructure | Inclusive Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam’s Social Sector Development | Health Schemes
📘 Prelims: PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission | NEHSRC
🔹 Introduction
During a regional review in Guwahati, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare highlighted the need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across the Northeast, particularly in Assam. The emphasis was on digital health systems, emergency care services, tertiary hospitals, and medical colleges under centrally sponsored schemes.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Event | Regional Review Meeting of Northeastern States |
| Venue | Guwahati, Assam |
| Focus Areas | Ayushman Bharat, medical colleges, diagnostics, telemedicine |
| States Covered | Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, etc. |
| Key Initiative Discussed | PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
PM-ABHIM: ₹64,180 crore mission to strengthen health infra from primary to tertiary levels.
Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs): Provide preventive, promotive, and curative services at the community level.
National Health Mission (NHM): Umbrella scheme for rural & urban health delivery.
eSanjeevani: Government’s telemedicine platform enabling doctor consultations online.
NEHSRC: North Eastern Health Sector Resource Centre—technical support for NE states.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Strengthening Health Infrastructure in Assam & NE
| Aspect | Significance |
| Access to Remote Areas | Hilly and flood-prone terrain hampers physical access |
| High Disease Burden | NE has higher rates of cancer, TB, anemia, and malnutrition |
| Skilled Manpower Deficit | Shortage of doctors, nurses, and technicians in rural PHCs |
| Digital Health Potential | High mobile penetration supports telehealth delivery |
| Disaster Preparedness | NE is disaster-prone—requires trauma & emergency services |
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Many PHCs lack even basic lab or diagnostic facilities |
| Human Resource Crisis | Specialist vacancies exceed 70% in rural Assam |
| Digital Divide | Poor internet in remote hill areas limits telemedicine |
| Cultural Barriers | Tribal health systems and traditional beliefs affect modern care uptake |
| Funding Utilization | NE states struggle with timely implementation of central schemes |
📊 Government Initiatives
Establishment of 16 New Medical Colleges in Assam
PM-ABHIM Health Labs in all districts
Aspirational Districts Programme: Special focus on districts like Dima Hasao and Baksa
North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) for health & education
NEHSRC to support policy planning & capacity building in NE
🧭 Way Forward
| Recommendation | Action |
| Health Infra Mapping | GIS-based tools to identify facility gaps |
| Mobile Health Units | For last-mile care in tribal belts and char areas |
| Local Manpower Training | Community Health Officers from within the region |
| Public-Private Partnerships | For diagnostics, logistics, and hospital management |
| Cross-State Referral Systems | NE states can create integrated regional health corridors |
🧩 Conclusion
Strengthening health infrastructure in Assam and the Northeast is a strategic imperative for inclusive development and national security. Timely execution of centrally sponsored schemes, blended with localised approaches and digital tools, can bridge long-standing gaps and ensure health equity for all.
🔬 Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment: NEIGRIHMS Shillong Develops Radiation-Free Protocol
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Health – Research & Innovation | Public Health Institutions
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Science & Technology – Medical Science | Healthcare Innovation
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Northeast Healthcare Systems | Role of Institutions
📘 Prelims: NEIGRIHMS | Cancer Research | Indian Biomedical Innovations
🔹 Introduction
In a significant development for cancer treatment in the Northeast, NEIGRIHMS Shillong has announced the success of a radiation-free protocol for certain types of cancers, especially early-stage lymphoma and pediatric tumors. The new method replaces conventional radiotherapy with targeted immuno-chemotherapy, minimizing side effects and improving patient outcomes.
🔑 Key Details
| Feature | Description |
| Institution | North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) |
| Research Focus | Low-intensity, radiation-free cancer treatment protocol |
| Targeted Conditions | Pediatric cancers, early-stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma |
| Techniques Used | Immuno-chemotherapy + molecular diagnostics |
| Outcome | Comparable survival rates, reduced long-term radiation damage |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
NEIGRIHMS: Autonomous medical institute under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Immunotherapy: Treatment that boosts the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system
Radiation Side Effects: Include risk of secondary cancers, organ damage, infertility
Personalized Medicine: Therapy tailored to individual patient’s genetic profile
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the Breakthrough
| Area | Relevance |
| Health Equity | Reduces cost and infrastructure dependency in poor states |
| Paediatric Oncology | Safer treatment alternative for children |
| Decentralised Innovation | Encourages NE institutions as national research hubs |
| Global Relevance | May align with WHO goals of reducing radiation exposure in LMICs |
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Description |
| Validation | Need for multicentric trials across India |
| Awareness | Limited knowledge among general physicians and rural hospitals |
| Infrastructure | Lack of molecular diagnostic labs in smaller towns |
| Regulatory Approval | Must go through ethical and clinical trial clearances |
| Affordability | Immunotherapy drugs remain costly without subsidies |
📊 Government & Institutional Support
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) funding for regional research
ICMR Clinical Trial Registry for ethical approval
PM Ayushman Bharat: Could cover protocol once standardised
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and BIRAC support for translational research
🧭 Way Forward
| Strategy | Action Plan |
| Pilot Replication | Implement in other AIIMS and cancer centers |
| Subsidised Drug Access | Negotiate generic immunotherapy options |
| Rural Outreach | Include protocol in Ayushman Health Wellness Centres |
| NEIGRIHMS as Centre of Excellence | Dedicated funding & faculty retention |
| Digital Education Modules | Train regional doctors via online oncology courses |
🧩 Conclusion
NEIGRIHMS’ innovation is a game-changer for cancer care in underserved regions, offering an affordable, safer, and effective alternative to conventional radiotherapy. It underscores the potential of regional research institutions in solving national health challenges.
🇮🇳 INS Sumedha in Kenya: Strengthening India–Africa Maritime Diplomacy
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): International Relations – India-Africa Relations | Diplomacy
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Security – Maritime Security | Defence Cooperation
📘 Prelims: INS Sumedha | SAGAR Vision | Indian Navy Africa Outreach
🔹 Introduction
India’s naval ship INS Sumedha docked at Mombasa, Kenya, as part of its overseas deployment in the western Indian Ocean under the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative. This visit enhances India’s strategic presence in the African maritime domain and deepens defence and diplomatic ties with Kenya and East Africa.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Description |
| Ship Name | INS Sumedha (Offshore Patrol Vessel) |
| Visit Objective | Maritime diplomacy, naval training, defence cooperation |
| Region Covered | East Africa – Western Indian Ocean |
| Host Nation | Kenya (Port of Mombasa) |
| Strategic Framework | SAGAR Vision |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
INS Sumedha: Built by Goa Shipyard Ltd; used for EEZ surveillance, anti-piracy, and maritime patrol.
SAGAR Vision: India’s maritime strategy to promote regional cooperation in IOR (Indian Ocean Region).
India-Kenya Defence Relations: Includes naval training, coast guard collaboration, and hydrographic support.
Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): Multilateral naval cooperation initiative.
Mombasa Port: Key maritime hub in East Africa; China and India both engage there.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of India–Kenya Naval Cooperation
| Area | Importance |
| Geopolitics | Counters China’s growing footprint (e.g., Djibouti base) |
| Maritime Security | Anti-piracy, drug trafficking, and illegal fishing operations |
| Economic Diplomacy | Supports India’s Africa outreach via SAGAR & EXIM |
| Diaspora Linkages | Large Indian community in Kenya strengthens soft power |
| Capacity Building | Training and knowledge exchange in hydrography, maintenance |
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Chinese Influence | China’s naval expansion and BRI-linked investments in Kenya |
| Limited Naval Bases | India lacks permanent naval infrastructure in Africa |
| Resource Constraints | India’s naval budget limits sustained deployments |
| Lack of Tri-Service Synergy | Fragmented coordination between defence, MEA, and commerce wings |
| Soft Infrastructure Gaps | Poor follow-up post diplomatic visits |
📊 Government Initiatives
Defence Line of Credit (LoC) for African countries
Africa Focus 2025 strategy under Ministry of External Affairs
Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) naval training programmes
SAGAR backed by PM-level declarations since 2015
Mission Sagar-II: COVID-related naval deployment to East Africa
🧭 Way Forward
| Strategy | Recommendation |
| Maritime Infrastructure Aid | Support East African nations in port development & security |
| Permanent Naval Attachés | Deploy defence diplomats in key African capitals |
| IOR Maritime Strategy Document | Synchronize Navy’s deployments with diplomatic priorities |
| Quad-Africa Dialogue | Use Quad format to initiate trilateral cooperation with African nations |
| Joint Exercises | Institutionalise naval drills with Kenya, Seychelles, Mozambique |
🧩 Conclusion
The visit of INS Sumedha to Kenya represents India’s rising maritime outreach and strategic engagement with Africa. As the Indian Ocean becomes a theatre of global contestation, such initiatives strengthen India’s SAGAR vision and promote regional peace, development, and cooperation.
⚡ Implementation of India’s National Electricity Plan (NEP) 2023–27: Focus on Northeast
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Infrastructure – Energy | Power Sector Reforms
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Governance – Centre-State Coordination | Environmental Sustainability
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam’s Energy Needs | NE Power Grid Projects
📘 Prelims: National Electricity Plan | CEA | Renewable Energy Targets
🔹 Introduction
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has launched state-level consultations, including in Guwahati, to operationalize the National Electricity Plan (NEP) 2023–27. The plan aims to ensure energy security, increase renewable energy penetration, reduce emissions intensity, and improve power availability in underserved regions, especially in the Northeast.
🔑 Key Details
| Feature | Description |
| Authority | Central Electricity Authority (CEA) |
| Plan Period | 2023–27 (12th Plan) |
| Consultation Venue | Guwahati (North East Zone) |
| State Focus | Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura |
| Target | 50% installed capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030 |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
NEP (Electricity): A statutory document under the Electricity Act, 2003
CEA: Apex technical body advising MoP; prepares NEP every 5 years
India’s Target: Net Zero by 2070; 500 GW non-fossil by 2030
Eastern-Northeast Grid Integration: Includes Subansiri and Lower Kopili Hydro projects
UDAY Scheme: For improving DISCOM financial health
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of NEP Implementation in Northeast
| Dimension | Importance |
| Energy Equity | Improves power reliability in tribal, border, and hill districts |
| Economic Development | Enables industrialization and service sector growth |
| Climate Goals | Leverages abundant hydro and solar potential in NE |
| Disaster Resilience | Stronger grids protect against flood/cyclone-induced outages |
| Cross-Border Trade | NE can export clean energy to Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan |
B. Challenges in Northeast
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Geography | Difficult terrain and scattered load centres |
| Transmission Losses | Due to forested terrain and outdated substations |
| Financing Gaps | States like Assam and Manipur struggle with DISCOM debts |
| Hydro Project Delays | Local protests, forest clearance, seismic risks |
| Low Private Investment | Poor ease-of-doing-business in power sector in NE |
📊 Relevant Government Initiatives
Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) – Improving quality & reliability
North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP) – ₹6,700 crore project
Hydro Power Policy 2021 – To promote small and large hydro
Green Energy Corridor – For evacuating renewable power
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) – For rural electrification
🧭 Way Forward
| Strategy | Actions |
| State-Specific Energy Plans | Align NEP targets with local needs |
| Boost Hydro-Solar Mix | Rooftop and floating solar + small hydro in Assam, Arunachal |
| Smart Meter Rollout | Reduce AT&C losses and improve billing |
| PPP Model in Transmission | Invite private firms for last-mile connectivity |
| Research on Seismic-Resilient Infra | For sustainable hydropower expansion |
🧩 Conclusion
Effective implementation of NEP 2023–27 in the Northeast can bridge regional disparities, support green growth, and make the region a renewable power hub. A tailored, inclusive, and technology-driven approach is vital to unlock this energy transition.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🧾 Topic 1: National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 – 5 Years of Implementation
✅ Topic 1: Boosting Health Infrastructure in Northeast
1. Which of the following components are part of the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)?
- Establishment of Integrated Public Health Laboratories
- Setting up Critical Care Hospital Blocks in all districts
- National Telemedicine Service – eSanjeevani
- Development of Health & Wellness Centres in urban areas
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) All of the above
✅ Answer: (d) All of the above
🧠 Explanation: All are components under PM-ABHIM, aiming to build health infrastructure from primary to critical care.
✅ Topic 2: NEIGRIHMS Cancer Protocol
2. NEIGRIHMS, recently in the news for developing a radiation-free cancer protocol, is located in which of the following states?
(a) Assam
(b) Nagaland
(c) Meghalaya
(d) Manipur
✅ Answer: (c) Meghalaya
🧠 Explanation: NEIGRIHMS is situated in Shillong, Meghalaya.
3. Consider the following statements regarding immunotherapy in cancer treatment:
- It directly attacks cancer cells using radiation.
- It enhances the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
- It is effective in certain pediatric cancers and lymphomas.
Which of the above 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: Statement 1 is incorrect; immunotherapy does not use radiation.
✅ Topic 3: INS Sumedha in Kenya – Maritime Diplomacy
4. ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative of India primarily focuses on:
(a) Promoting Indian culture in East Asia
(b) Expanding trade routes in Eurasia
(c) Enhancing regional maritime cooperation and security
(d) Deepening cyber and digital cooperation in ASEAN
✅ Answer: (c) Enhancing regional maritime cooperation and security
🧠 Explanation: SAGAR is India’s strategic vision for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), involving naval outreach and security partnerships.
5. INS Sumedha is best described as:
(a) Aircraft carrier used for humanitarian aid
(b) Stealth destroyer used for long-range attacks
(c) Offshore patrol vessel used for EEZ surveillance and anti-piracy
(d) Submarine used for strategic nuclear deterrence
✅ Answer: (c) Offshore patrol vessel used for EEZ surveillance and anti-piracy
🧠 Explanation: INS Sumedha is designed for coastal patrolling and maritime law enforcement.
✅ Topic 4: National Electricity Plan – Northeast Focus
6. Consider the following statements about the National Electricity Plan (NEP):
- It is a statutory document prepared every 5 years by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
- The NEP 2023–27 targets at least 50% of total energy generation from non-fossil sources by 2030.
- It mandates closure of all coal-based plants by 2027.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
🧠 Explanation: Statement 3 is incorrect; NEP aims to reduce dependence on coal but doesn’t mandate full closure.
7. The ‘NERPSIP’ project, sometimes seen in the news, is related to:
(a) Promoting organic farming in Northeast India
(b) Enhancing power grid and transmission infrastructure in the Northeast
(c) Solar energy development in tribal districts
(d) Livelihood training for Northeast artisans
✅ Answer: (b) Enhancing power grid and transmission infrastructure in the Northeast
🧠 Explanation: The North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP) is aimed at improving the region’s electricity transmission.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Question (GS Paper 2 – Governance/Health):
“Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with strengthening health infrastructure in the Northeastern region of India under the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).”
🔹 Introduction
The Northeastern region of India has historically faced limitations in health infrastructure due to geographical, socio-economic, and administrative challenges. The launch of the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) in 2021 marks a significant step toward transforming India’s public health system, with a dedicated focus on strengthening health infrastructure in underserved regions, including the Northeast.
🔑 Opportunities under PM-ABHIM for Northeast
| Opportunity | Explanation |
| Equity in Access | Establishment of Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) in remote areas bridges the rural–urban divide. |
| Emergency Care Expansion | New Critical Care Hospital Blocks offer better trauma and emergency response, especially in flood-prone and border areas. |
| Digital Health Ecosystem | Tools like eSanjeevani empower teleconsultation, crucial in hilly and inaccessible regions. |
| Skilling of Human Resources | Dedicated support for public health labs and training infrastructure boosts regional capacity. |
| Disease Surveillance | Improved Integrated Public Health Labs (IPHLs) help track diseases in cross-border, tribal belts. |
⚠️ Challenges in Implementation
| Challenge | Details |
| Geographic and Climate Constraints | Difficult terrain and seasonal disruptions delay infrastructure work and delivery of health services. |
| Shortage of Medical Manpower | High vacancy rates of doctors and specialists in rural PHCs and CHCs. |
| Low Digital Connectivity | Hinders rollout of telemedicine and digital health records in tribal districts. |
| Coordination Issues | Weak Centre-State synergy delays fund utilization and project monitoring. |
| Cultural Sensitivities | Indigenous communities often rely on traditional healing, affecting modern health uptake. |
📊 Government Initiatives Complementing PM-ABHIM
- NER Vision 2035: Emphasizes inclusive development with health as a priority sector.
- NESIDS (North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme): Allocates funds for healthcare institutions.
- Mission Indradhanush & NHM: Focus on maternal-child health and immunization.
- Establishment of Medical Colleges: Assam is getting 16 new medical colleges by 2026.
🚀 Way Forward
- Customized State Health Action Plans aligned with NEP & PM-ABHIM.
- Training Community Health Officers (CHOs) from within tribal communities.
- Mobile Diagnostic Vans for far-flung areas.
- Public–Private Partnerships (PPP) in hospital and lab management.
- Use of drones and GIS tools for logistics and epidemic tracking.
- Retention Incentives for doctors and nurses posted in remote areas.
🔚 Conclusion
The PM-ABHIM presents a transformative opportunity to bridge the long-standing healthcare divide in Northeast India. However, context-sensitive implementation, combined with local participation and institutional innovation, is essential to ensure universal, resilient, and inclusive health systems in the region.
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