APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (20/12/2025)
For APSC CCE and other Assam competitive exam aspirants, staying consistently updated with reliable current affairs is essential for success. This blog provides a well-researched analysis of the most important topics from The Assam Tribune dated 20 December 2025. Each issue has been carefully selected and explained to support both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, ensuring alignment with the APSC CCE syllabus and the evolving trends of the examination.
✨ APSC CCE Prelims Crash Course, 2026
Inauguration of New LGBI Airport Terminal, Guwahati: Infrastructure-led Growth & Regional Integration
📘 GS Paper II (Mains): Governance | Centre–State Relations
📘 GS Paper III (Mains): Infrastructure | Transport | Economic Development | Tourism
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Economy | Connectivity | Regional Development
📘 GS Prelims: Airports | Infrastructure Projects | Assam-specific Current Affairs
(Topic chosen strictly from the newspaper headline and lead story:
“Inauguration of New Terminal at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport” – The Assam Tribune, 20 December 2025)
TG@Assam_Tribune (20-12-2025)
🔹 Introduction
The inauguration of the new integrated terminal building at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport, Guwahati, by the Prime Minister marks a major milestone in Assam’s infrastructure journey. As India’s first nature-themed airport terminal, the project symbolises a shift towards sustainable, high-capacity, and regionally balanced aviation infrastructure, reinforcing Guwahati’s role as the gateway to Northeast India.
🔑 Key Points from the Newspaper
| Dimension | Details |
| Terminal Area | ~1.4 lakh sq. metres |
| Annual Passenger Capacity | ~1.3 crore passengers |
| Design Theme | “Bamboo Orchid” – inspired by Assam’s biodiversity |
| Material Used | ~140 metric tonnes of NE-sourced bamboo |
| Green Features | ‘Sky Forest’ with ~1 lakh indigenous plants |
| Technology | DigiYatra, AI-driven operations, automated baggage |
| Security | Full-body scanners, non-intrusive screening |
| Economic Impact | Employment generation, tourism & logistics boost |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi
First Chief Minister of Assam; Bharat Ratna awardee
LGBI Airport
Principal aviation hub of Northeast India
DigiYatra
Facial-recognition based, contactless air travel system
UDAN Scheme
Enhances regional air connectivity
Bamboo as Material
Renewable, low-carbon, locally sourced resource
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. Regional Connectivity
Enhances air links between Northeast and rest of India
Reduces geographical isolation of Assam
2. Economic Growth
Boosts tourism, trade, logistics, and services sector
Attracts private investment and global connectivity
3. Sustainable Infrastructure
Nature-inspired design aligns with climate-sensitive development
Promotes use of indigenous, eco-friendly materials
4. Strategic Importance
Strengthens India’s Act East Policy by improving NE accessibility
Facilitates disaster response and security mobility
5. Cultural Integration
Showcases Assam’s identity through architecture and symbolism
B. Challenges / Concerns
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Urban Concentration | Over-dependence on Guwahati-centric growth |
| Environmental Stress | Managing carbon footprint of increased air traffic |
| Last-mile Connectivity | Need for seamless road–rail–airport integration |
| Capacity Utilisation | Ensuring traffic growth matches infrastructure |
| Skill Readiness | Requirement of trained aviation manpower |
C. Government Initiatives & Policy Linkages
National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP)
UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik)
Act East Policy
Green Infrastructure & Climate Commitments
Make in India (use of local materials)
D. Way Forward
Develop multi-modal transport integration (road–rail–air)
Promote balanced airport development in Upper Assam & Barak Valley
Adopt carbon-neutral airport operations
Strengthen aviation skill development programmes
Leverage airport as a tourism and logistics hub for the Northeast
🧭 Conclusion
The new LGBI airport terminal represents more than an infrastructure upgrade; it is a strategic enabler of Assam’s economic transformation and regional integration. If complemented by sustainable planning and inclusive connectivity, it can serve as a model for climate-conscious infrastructure development in India’s frontier regions.
Unveiling of 80-ft Statue of Gopinath Bordoloi: Cultural Federalism, Nation-Building & Assam’s Historical Identity
📘 GS Paper II (Mains): Polity | Federalism | Nation-Building
📘 GS Paper I (Mains): Modern Indian History | Post-Independence Consolidation
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): History, Culture & Political Evolution
📘 GS Prelims: Personalities | Assam History | Cultural Current Affairs
(Topic chosen strictly from the newspaper heading/lead reporting the unveiling of the 80-ft statue of Gopinath Bordoloi during the Prime Minister’s Assam visit on 20-12-2025.)
🔹 Introduction
The unveiling of an 80-ft statue of Gopinath Bordoloi in Assam marks a significant moment in recognising the contribution of regional leaders to India’s national integration. Bordoloi, Assam’s first Chief Minister and a Bharat Ratna awardee, played a decisive role in ensuring Assam’s territorial integrity during the Partition of India. The event highlights the growing emphasis on cultural federalism and inclusive historical narratives.
🔑 Key Points from the Newspaper
| Aspect | Details |
| Personality Honoured | Gopinath Bordoloi |
| Occasion | PM’s Assam visit (Dec 2025) |
| Monument | 80-ft statue |
| Historical Role | Led Assam during Independence & Partition |
| National Contribution | Prevented Assam’s merger with East Pakistan |
| Symbolism | Recognition of regional leadership in nation-building |
| Political Message | Integrating regional history into national memory |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Gopinath Bordoloi
First Chief Minister of Assam
Bharat Ratna awardee
Partition of India (1947)
Assam’s future contested due to Muslim League demands
Cabinet Mission Plan
Grouping provisions opposed by Bordoloi
Cultural Federalism
Respect for regional identities within Indian unity
Statues & Memorials
Tools of public memory and historical recognition
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. National Integration
Bordoloi’s leadership ensured Assam remained within India
Strengthened India’s eastern frontier
2. Cultural Federalism
Acknowledges regional leaders alongside national icons
Reinforces unity in diversity
3. Historical Justice
Corrects marginalisation of Northeast leaders in mainstream narratives
4. Identity & Pride
Enhances Assamese cultural confidence and collective memory
B. Broader Issues & Concerns
| Issue | Explanation |
| Symbolism vs Substance | Memorials must translate into policy attention |
| Selective Memory | Risk of politicisation of history |
| Regional Imbalance | NE history often underrepresented nationally |
| Civic Engagement | Statues alone cannot deepen historical understanding |
C. Policy & Governance Linkages
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – Inclusive freedom narrative
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat – Cultural integration
NE Development Vision – Historical recognition + development
Education Curriculum Reforms – Regional history inclusion
D. Way Forward
Integrate Bordoloi’s role in national history textbooks
Promote research and documentation on NE leaders
Link cultural recognition with developmental outcomes
Encourage youth engagement through museums and digital archives
Avoid politicisation; adopt scholarly, inclusive narratives
🧭 Conclusion
The unveiling of Gopinath Bordoloi’s statue is a powerful reminder that India’s unity was forged not only in Delhi, but also in its regions. By honouring leaders like Bordoloi, India strengthens its federal spirit and reaffirms the Northeast’s central role in the nation’s historical and political journey. True tribute, however, lies in sustaining both memory and meaningful development.
Brahmaputra River Cruise Tourism (MV Charaideo): Leveraging Inland Waterways for Sustainable Tourism
📘 GS Paper II (Mains): Governance | Centre–State Cooperation
📘 GS Paper III (Mains): Infrastructure | Tourism | Sustainable Development
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Economy | Culture | Riverine Systems
📘 GS Prelims: Inland Waterways | Tourism Initiatives | Assam-specific Current Affairs
(Topic chosen strictly from the newspaper heading/lead reporting the Prime Minister’s Brahmaputra river cruise aboard MV Charaideo during the Assam visit on 20-12-2025.)
🔹 Introduction
The showcasing of Brahmaputra river cruise tourism through the operation of MV Charaideo marks a strategic push to harness Assam’s riverine geography for sustainable tourism and regional economic diversification. Anchored in India’s inland waterways development, the initiative seeks to transform the Brahmaputra from a transport corridor into a high-value cultural and tourism asset.
🔑 Key Points from the Newspaper
| Aspect | Details |
| Vessel | MV Charaideo |
| Waterway | Brahmaputra – National Waterway-2 |
| Purpose | River cruise tourism & cultural showcase |
| Target Segments | Domestic & international tourists |
| Economic Linkages | Local livelihoods, crafts, hospitality |
| Governance | Centre–State coordination; IWAI support |
| Strategic Context | Act East Policy & NE tourism promotion |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
National Waterway-2 (NW-2): Brahmaputra (Dhubri–Sadiya stretch)
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI): Statutory body for waterways development
River Cruise Tourism: Low-carbon alternative to road-based tourism (if managed well)
Assam Tourism Assets: River islands, wildlife, heritage sites
Act East Policy: NE as a gateway to Southeast Asia
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. Tourism Diversification
Adds a premium tourism product beyond wildlife and hill tourism
Extends tourist stay and spending in Assam
2. Economic Multiplier Effects
Boosts employment in hospitality, transport, handicrafts
Benefits riverine communities and MSMEs
3. Infrastructure Optimisation
Utilises existing inland waterways assets
Complements road–rail connectivity
4. Cultural Diplomacy
Showcases Assam’s heritage, cuisine, music, and landscapes
5. Strategic Integration
Strengthens NE visibility within national tourism circuits
B. Challenges / Concerns
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Environmental Sensitivity | River ecology, dolphins, wetlands |
| Seasonal Variability | Navigability affected by floods/siltation |
| Safety & Standards | Navigation safety, emergency response |
| Local Inclusion | Risk of enclave tourism without community gains |
| Last-mile Access | Connectivity to onshore attractions |
C. Government Initiatives & Policy Linkages
Sagarmala (Inland Focus) & IWAI Projects
National Waterways Act, 2016
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (thematic tourism circuits)
Act East Policy
Sustainable Tourism Guidelines (MoT)
D. Way Forward
Eco-sensitive Operations
Speed limits, waste management, wildlife safeguards
Community-based Tourism
Local guides, homestays, craft linkages
Seasonal Planning
Adaptive routes and schedules
Safety & Training
Crew certification and emergency protocols
Integrated Marketing
Package cruises with Kaziranga, Majuli, heritage towns
🧭 Conclusion
River cruise tourism on the Brahmaputra, exemplified by MV Charaideo, offers Assam a pathway to sustainable, inclusive, and high-value tourism. With robust environmental safeguards and community integration, inland waterways can become a cornerstone of Assam’s economic and cultural renaissance.
Namrup-IV Fertiliser Plant: Industrial Expansion, Agricultural Security & Northeast Development
📘 GS Paper II (Mains): Government Policies | Centre–State Relations
📘 GS Paper III (Mains): Agriculture | Industry | Infrastructure | Inclusive Growth
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Economy | Industrial Development
📘 GS Prelims: Fertiliser Sector | PSUs | Assam-specific Current Affairs
(Topic chosen strictly from the newspaper heading/lead reporting the foundation laying/announcement of the Namrup-IV fertiliser project during the Prime Minister’s Assam visit on 20-12-2025.)
🔹 Introduction
The announcement and groundwork for the Namrup-IV fertiliser plant represent a major step in reviving Assam’s fertiliser hub at Namrup. As a brownfield expansion under Brahmaputra Valley Fertiliser Corporation Limited (BVFCL), the project aims to enhance urea production capacity, ensure regional fertiliser security, and catalyse industrial growth in the Northeast.
🔑 Key Points from the Newspaper
| Aspect | Details |
| Project | Namrup-IV Fertiliser Plant |
| Location | Namrup, Dibrugarh district, Assam |
| Nature | Brownfield expansion |
| Implementing PSU | BVFCL |
| Estimated Investment | ~₹12,000 crore |
| Output | Large-scale urea production (NE & Eastern India focus) |
| Strategic Aim | Reduce dependence on fertiliser imports/long-haul supply |
| Employment | Direct & indirect job creation |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
BVFCL: Central PSU under Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers
Urea: Highly subsidised nitrogenous fertiliser critical for food security
Brownfield Project: Expansion at an existing industrial site
Namrup Complex: Historic fertiliser centre of Northeast India
Natural Gas: Primary feedstock for modern urea plants
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. Agricultural Security
Timely urea availability for farmers in Assam & NE states
Reduces supply disruptions during peak sowing seasons
2. Industrial Revitalisation
Modernises ageing fertiliser infrastructure at Namrup
Anchors downstream chemical and logistics activities
3. Regional Equity
Corrects historical industrial neglect of the Northeast
Aligns with Act East and balanced regional development goals
4. Employment & Local Economy
Generates skilled/semi-skilled jobs
Boosts ancillary services, MSMEs, and transport
B. Challenges / Concerns
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Feedstock Security | Dependence on assured natural gas supply |
| Environmental Impact | Emissions, effluent treatment, waste management |
| Project Execution | Risks of cost/time overruns |
| Logistics | Distribution across difficult NE terrain |
| Market Distortions | High subsidy burden on fertilisers |
C. Government Initiatives & Policy Linkages
New Investment Policy (NIP) – Fertilisers
Atmanirbhar Bharat – Domestic fertiliser capacity
Gas Grid Expansion in NE India
Soil Health Card Scheme – Efficient fertiliser use
Make in India – Industrial capacity building
D. Way Forward
Ensure long-term gas linkage at stable prices
Adopt energy-efficient, low-emission technologies
Integrate with rail–road–river logistics for distribution
Skill development for local youth
Robust environmental monitoring and compliance
🧭 Conclusion
The Namrup-IV fertiliser plant is a strategic intervention linking agricultural productivity, industrial revival, and regional equity. If executed efficiently with environmental safeguards and assured feedstock, it can become a cornerstone of Assam’s industrial resurgence and strengthen India’s fertiliser self-reliance—especially in the Northeast.cus must remain on learning, not profiteering.affordable, and reliable air connectivity.r management in the North-East.
APSC Prelims MCQs
Topic 1: New Terminal at LGBI Airport, Guwahati
Q1. The new terminal at LGBI Airport is notable for being:
A. India’s largest cargo-only terminal
B. India’s first nature-themed airport terminal
C. A privately owned greenfield airport
D. Exclusively for international flights
Correct Answer: B
Q2. The DigiYatra facility at the new LGBI terminal primarily aims to:
A. Reduce airfares
B. Enable contactless, facial-recognition-based travel
C. Replace security personnel
D. Eliminate boarding passes permanently
Correct Answer: B
Q3. Strategically, the expansion of LGBI Airport strengthens Assam’s role mainly as:
A. An industrial manufacturing hub
B. A defence airbase
C. The gateway to Northeast India
D. A coastal trade centre
Correct Answer: C
Topic 2: Unveiling of Gopinath Bordoloi Statue
Q4. Gopinath Bordoloi is historically significant primarily because he:
A. Drafted the Indian Constitution
B. Led Assam’s first linguistic reorganisation
C. Played a key role in keeping Assam within India during Partition
D. Was India’s first Education Minister
Correct Answer: C
Q5. Honouring leaders like Gopinath Bordoloi reflects which broader idea in Indian polity?
A. Competitive federalism
B. Cultural federalism
C. Fiscal decentralisation
D. Judicial federalism
Correct Answer: B
Q6. Gopinath Bordoloi was awarded which of the following national honours?
A. Padma Vibhushan
B. Padma Bhushan
C. Bharat Ratna
D. Padma Shri
Correct Answer: C
Topic 3: Brahmaputra River Cruise Tourism (MV Charaideo)
Q7. The Brahmaputra river stretch used for cruise tourism is officially designated as:
A. National Waterway-1
B. National Waterway-2
C. National Waterway-5
D. National Waterway-16
Correct Answer: B
Q8. Inland waterways development in India is overseen by which statutory body?
A. National Maritime Board
B. Inland Waterways Authority of India
C. Central Water Commission
D. Sagarmala Development Authority
Correct Answer: B
Q9. River cruise tourism on the Brahmaputra contributes to Assam’s economy mainly by:
A. Replacing road transport
B. Promoting low-value mass tourism
C. Creating livelihood opportunities for riverine communities
D. Eliminating the need for air connectivity
Correct Answer: C
Topic 4: Namrup-IV Fertiliser Plant
Q10. The Namrup-IV fertiliser project is categorised as a:
A. Greenfield private investment
B. Brownfield expansion under a Central PSU
C. State-government-owned cooperative project
D. Joint venture with a foreign firm
Correct Answer: B
Q11. The primary fertiliser to be produced at Namrup-IV is:
A. DAP
B. Potash
C. Urea
D. Bio-fertiliser
Correct Answer: C
Q12. The strategic importance of the Namrup fertiliser complex lies in its role in:
A. Promoting export-oriented agriculture
B. Ensuring fertiliser security for Northeast and Eastern India
C. Eliminating fertiliser subsidies
D. Shifting agriculture entirely to organic inputs
Correct Answer: B
APSC Mains Practice Question
GS Mains Question
“Inland waterway-based tourism can be a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive development in the Northeast.”
Discuss with reference to Brahmaputra river cruise initiatives in Assam.
Model Answer
Introduction
The introduction of river cruise tourism on the Brahmaputra, exemplified by MV Charaideo, reflects India’s effort to leverage inland waterways for sustainable tourism and regional economic diversification. Given Assam’s riverine geography, such initiatives offer an alternative growth pathway beyond road-centric development.
Significance of River Cruise Tourism
- Economic Diversification
- Generates employment in hospitality, transport, handicrafts, and local services
- Regional Inclusion
- Benefits riverine and rural communities often bypassed by mainstream tourism
- Infrastructure Optimisation
- Productive use of National Waterway–2 under existing inland waterway assets
- Cultural Promotion
- Showcases Assam’s heritage, cuisine, music, and landscapes
- Strategic Value
- Enhances Northeast’s visibility within national and international tourism circuits
Challenges
- Ecological Sensitivity
- Risks to river dolphins, wetlands, and fragile floodplain ecosystems
- Seasonal Constraints
- Navigability affected by floods, siltation, and water-level variability
- Local Exclusion Risks
- Possibility of enclave tourism without community participation
- Safety & Regulation
- Need for strict navigation, waste, and emergency protocols
Way Forward
- Adopt eco-sensitive operational norms
- Promote community-based tourism models
- Integrate cruises with heritage, wildlife, and rural tourism circuits
- Ensure safety standards and trained manpower
- Strengthen Centre–State coordination through IWAI and tourism departments
Conclusion
Brahmaputra river cruise tourism can emerge as a high-value, low-impact development model for Assam if ecological safeguards and community inclusion are prioritised. Properly managed, inland waterways can transform the Northeast into a hub of sustainable, culturally rooted tourism, balancing growth with conservation.balanced approach can ensure that digitalisation remains a tool for inclusion rather than vulnerability.
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