APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (25/07/2026)
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 25 July 2026. 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 Foundation Course, 2026
1971 Cut-off Year for Illegal Migrants in Assam (Assam Accord & Citizenship)
- GS Paper II: Governance | Constitution | Citizenship | Centre–State Relations
- GS Paper V (Assam): Political & Administrative System | Social Issues | Assam Movement
🔴 Introduction
- 25 March 1971 (midnight) is the central cut-off date to identify illegal migrants in Assam who entered from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
- Established under Clause 5 of the Assam Accord (1985); persons entering on or after this date face detection and legal action.
- Given legal backing via Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
🔴 Historical Background
- Partition of India (1947): Communal violence triggered large-scale refugee migration from East Pakistan into Assam.
- Post-1947 Immigration: Driven by religious persecution, economic opportunities, porous borders, and agricultural settlement. This fueled concerns over demographic shifts, skewed electoral rolls, land ownership, and loss of Assamese identity.
- Bangladesh Liberation War (1971): Following Pakistan’s Operation Searchlight (25 March 1971), millions of refugees fled into India, culminating in the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
- Assam Movement (1979–1985): Spearheaded by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP). Demanded the detection, deletion (from voter rolls), and deportation of illegal migrants. Ended with the signing of the Assam Accord (15 August 1985).
🔴 Assam Accord: Cut-off Date Explained (Clause 5)
- Before 1 January 1966: Recognised as Indian citizens.
- 1 January 1966 to 24 March 1971: Detected and registered; granted citizenship after a prescribed period, but subjected to temporary electoral restrictions.
- On or after 25 March 1971: Detected and dealt with as illegal migrants under the law.
- Why 25 March 1971? It marks the onset of the Bangladesh Liberation War and the resultant massive refugee influx.
🔴 Constitutional & Legal Framework
- Articles 5–11: Empowers Parliament to regulate citizenship.
- Citizenship Act, 1955: Provides citizenship via Birth, Descent, Registration, Naturalisation, and Incorporation of territory.
- Section 6A (Special Provision for Assam): Inserted post-Assam Accord. Applies exclusively to Assam to implement the 25 March 1971 cut-off framework.
🔴 National Register of Citizens (NRC)
- Purpose: To identify genuine Indian citizens residing in Assam.
- Legacy Data Used: Relies on the NRC 1951 and Electoral Rolls up to 24 March 1971.
- The NRC exercise is fundamentally linked to the legal framework established under Section 6A.
🔴 Recent Development (July 2026)
- A recent Assam Legislative Assembly resolution debated policies on evacuee properties and land titles.
- The Parliamentary Affairs Minister termed the 1971 cut-off a “historic error,” noting the rest of India uses different reference points. The State Government plans to examine the issue.
- Exam Note: Political rhetoric does not alter existing laws. The Assam Accord and Section 6A remain fully operative until amended by Parliament or the courts.
🔴 Importance
- For Assam: Protects indigenous identity, regulates citizenship, influences electoral rolls, and is deeply linked to land rights and political representation.
- For India: Crucial for national security, border management, unified citizenship policy, Centre-State relations, and honoring humanitarian obligations.
🔴 Challenges
- Legal & Administrative: Multiple statutes, judicial interpretations, and widespread lack of historical documentation among residents.
- Humanitarian Concerns: Risks of statelessness for long-settled populations and related human rights issues.
- Border Management: Patrolling a long international boundary complicated by difficult riverine terrain.
- Political Sensitivity: Highly polarizing issues surrounding demography, identity, and voting rights.
🔴 Government Initiatives
- Implementation of the Assam Accord and Section 6A.
- Updating the NRC in Assam.
- Border infrastructure upgrades: Smart fencing, surveillance, and Integrated Check Posts (ICPs).
- Strengthening Border Security Force (BSF) deployment.
- Establishment of Foreigners Tribunals for legal adjudication.
🔴 Prelims Pointers
- Assam Accord Date: 15 August 1985.
- Assam Movement: 1979–1985.
- Legal Cut-off Date: 25 March 1971 (midnight).
- Section 6A: A special citizenship provision applicable only to Assam.
- Constitutional Basis: Articles 5–11 (Citizenship).
- NRC Legacy Data: Linked explicitly to the 24 March 1971 cut-off framework.
🔴 Mains Pointers
- Significance: Secures Assamese identity; requires balancing national security, humanitarian duties, and Centre-State federal coordination.
- Challenges: Severe documentation gaps, cross-border migration loopholes, lengthy tribunal processes, and political polarization.
- Measures: NRC process, Section 6A, Foreigners Tribunals, and technology-enabled border infrastructure.
- Solutions: Strengthen border tech, boost administrative efficiency, and uphold transparent legal procedures.
🔴 Way Forward
- Administrative & Legal: Ensure faster, legally sound, and transparent citizenship determinations with timely tribunal adjudication and improved digital archiving.
- Border Management: Complete feasible fencing, expand tech-based surveillance, and improve Centre-State agency coordination.
- Humanitarian: Balance national security imperatives with constitutional values, ensuring all decisions are evidence-based and legally sustainable.
🔴 Conclusion
The 25 March 1971 cut-off (via Assam Accord & Section 6A) remains the binding legal framework for identifying illegal migration in Assam. While political debates may challenge its validity, any alteration requires formal constitutional amendments. Aspirants must strictly separate contemporary political rhetoric from the operative legal reality.
BHAVYA–Rasayan Scheme: Boosting India’s Chemical Manufacturing Ecosystem
- GS Paper III: Indian Economy | Industrial Development | Infrastructure | Environment
- Prelims: Government Schemes | Chemical Industry | Industrial Corridors | Sustainable Manufacturing
🔴 Introduction
- BHAVYA–Rasayan Scheme (Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana – Rasayan) is a Central Sector Scheme approved by the Union Cabinet (July 2026).
- Aims to establish three world-class Chemical Parks across India with a financial outlay of ₹3,030 crore.
- Announced in the Union Budget 2026–27, it provides integrated ecosystems with common infrastructure, environmental facilities, and plug-and-play services.
- Goal is to improve global competitiveness and promote environmentally sustainable industrial development.
🔴 Key Points
- Scheme Name: BHAVYA–Rasayan (Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana – Rasayan)
- Ministry: Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers
- Duration: 5 Years (FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31)
- Target: Establish 3 Chemical Parks
- Central Assistance: Up to ₹1,000 crore per park
- State Contribution: Minimum ₹500 crore
- Minimum Area: 8 sq. km. (2,000 acres) of contiguous, encumbrance-free land
- Selection Method: Challenge Route among States
🔴 What is a Chemical Park?
- An integrated industrial zone where multiple chemical industries share common infrastructure.
- Shared Facilities: Roads, logistics, power/water, Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs), hazardous waste disposal, storage, fire/emergency systems, and testing labs.
- Benefits: Reduces production costs, improves environmental compliance, and enhances industrial efficiency.
🔴 Objectives of the Scheme
- Promote Manufacturing: Expand domestic capacity and strengthen India’s position globally.
- World-Class Infrastructure: Create plug-and-play ecosystems to reduce project implementation time.
- Enhance Competitiveness: Lower logistics and infrastructure costs; improve ease of doing business.
- Sustainable Growth: Establish centralized environmental infrastructure for pollution norm compliance.
- Reduce Imports: Boost domestic production of specialty/bulk chemicals (Atmanirbhar Bharat).
🔴 Major Components
- Plug-and-Play Infrastructure: Internal roads, water, power, warehousing, and utility corridors.
- Environmental Infrastructure: CETPs, Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs), wastewater recycling, and air monitoring.
- Shared Utilities: Steam generation, industrial gases, common labs, and fire/emergency systems.
- Integrated Value Chain Development: Promotes upstream (basic chemicals), downstream (specialty, pharma, agrochemicals), and ancillary (packaging, logistics, engineering) industries.
🔴 Why is the Chemical Industry Important?
- Contributes ~7% of India’s GDP (direct and indirect).
- One of the largest manufacturing sectors, supplying raw materials to pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, textiles, paints, plastics, electronics, automobiles, and agriculture.
- India is the 6th largest chemical producer globally and 3rd largest in Asia.
🔴 Environmental Significance
- Promotes sustainable industrialisation via centralized pollution control and safe hazardous waste management.
- Ensures efficient resource utilisation and prevents duplication of environmental facilities.
- Aligns with the Polluter Pays Principle, Sustainable Development, and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) framework.
🔴 Economic Significance
- Employment Generation: Direct jobs in manufacturing; indirect in logistics, construction, and services.
- Export Promotion: Integrates India into Global Value Chains (GVCs) and boosts specialty exports.
- Import Substitution: Reduces reliance on imported chemicals, building resilience.
- Regional Development: Attracts investments and encourages balanced industrial growth.
🔴 Potential Relevance for Northeast India
- Indirect benefits via expansion of petrochemical value chains (e.g., Numaligarh Refinery).
- Improved logistics through the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
- Opportunities for downstream chemical-based Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and skill development.
🔴 Challenges
- Environmental Pollution: Hazardous waste requires strict, ongoing monitoring.
- Land Acquisition: Securing large 2,000-acre contiguous land parcels is difficult.
- High Capital Requirement: Massive investment needed for initial infrastructure.
- Skilled Workforce: Shortage of trained chemical engineers and technicians.
- Regulatory Compliance: Multiple clearances delay project timelines.
- Global Competition: Tough competition from established hubs like China and Southeast Asia.
🔴 Government Initiatives Linked to the Scheme
- Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan
- Make in India
- PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan
- National Logistics Policy (2022)
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
- Ease of Doing Business Reforms
- National Chemical Policy (proposed)
🔴 Prelims Pointers
- BHAVYA: Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana.
- Financial Outlay: ₹3,030 crore for 3 Chemical Parks.
- Funding Split: Up to ₹1,000 crore (Central) + Minimum ₹500 crore (State).
- Land & Timeline: Minimum 8 sq. km. (2,000 acres); FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31.
- Selection: Challenge Route.
- Key Facilities: CETPs, hazardous waste treatment, plug-and-play setup.
🔴 Mains Pointers
- Importance: Strengthens manufacturing, supports export/import substitution, and ensures sustainable industrialisation.
- Challenges: Land acquisition, funding hurdles, skills deficit, and environmental/regulatory complexities.
- Initiatives: BHAVYA–Rasayan, PM Gati Shakti, Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, National Logistics Policy.
- Solutions: Green parks, strong R&D, multimodal logistics integration, and public-private partnerships.
🔴 Way Forward
- Green Chemical Parks: Encourage renewable energy, circular economy, and zero liquid discharge.
- Strengthen Research & Development (R&D): Promote innovation in specialty chemicals and industry-academia collaboration.
- Improve Logistics: Integrate parks with ports, railways, highways, and industrial corridors.
- Environmental Governance: Ensure real-time monitoring and strict compliance with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) norms.
- Skill Development: Industry-specific training under Skill India for process safety.
🔴 Conclusion
The BHAVYA–Rasayan Scheme is a transformative step to establish India as a globally competitive, environmentally responsible chemical manufacturing hub. By leveraging integrated infrastructure, green technologies, and centralized logistics, the scheme secures domestic resilience, boosts exports, and aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Assam Floods 2026 & Flood Management in the Brahmaputra Basin (NDMA Perspective)
- GS Paper III: Disaster Management | Environment | Climate Change | Geography
- GS Paper V (Assam): Flood Management | Brahmaputra Basin | Disaster Preparedness | Environmental Issues
- Prelims: NDMA | ASDMA | Brahmaputra Basin | Flood Management | River Systems | Disaster Management
🔴 Introduction
- Floods are the most frequent natural disaster in Assam. In July 2026, severe floods heavily impacted Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat, and Nazira, causing displacement and property loss.
- The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) concluded that completely eliminating floods in Assam is not feasible due to unique geographical and hydrological traits.
- The policy focus must shift toward scientific flood management, technological interventions, and resilience building.
🔴 Key Points
- Disaster: Assam Floods 2026.
- NDMA Statement: Complete elimination of floods is impossible; requires a technology-driven mitigation approach.
- Occasion: 3rd Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) Disaster Risk Reduction Group Technical-cum-Ministerial Meeting.
- Key Official: Dr. Krishna S. Vatsa (Member, NDMA).
🔴 Why is Assam Highly Flood-Prone?
- Himalayan Origin of Rivers: The Brahmaputra originates in Tibet (Yarlung Tsangpo) and enters via Arunachal Pradesh (Siang). It brings huge water discharge, heavy sediment load, and frequent channel changes.
- Extremely High Rainfall: The basin receives Southwest Monsoon, orographic rainfall (Himalayas), and heavy regional rains causing flash and urban floods.
- Heavy Sedimentation: Young fold mountains and landslides cause riverbed aggradation, reducing carrying capacity and forcing the river to spill over its banks.
- Braided River System: Characterized by multiple channels, sandbars (Chars), frequent course changes, and severe riverbank erosion.
- Low-Lying Floodplains: Assam mostly consists of alluvial plains, wetlands (Beels), and river islands (e.g., Majuli) that naturally inundate.
🔴 Why Did NDMA Say Floods Cannot Be Eliminated?
- Natural Causes: Himalayan topography, immense monsoon rainfall, a massive transboundary river basin, drainage constraints, and high sediment deposition.
- Human-Induced Factors: Encroachment of floodplains, deforestation, wetland degradation, unplanned urbanisation, and climate change-induced extreme rainfall.
- Conclusion: Risk reduction is a more realistic goal than complete eradication.
🔴 Climate Change and Assam Floods
- Climate change intensifies extreme rainfall, cloudbursts, Himalayan glacier melt, and river discharge variability.
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) AR6 Report warns that South Asia will experience more frequent and intense extreme precipitation.
🔴 Flood Management in the Brahmaputra Basin
- Structural Measures:
- Embankments: Reduce immediate spread, but vulnerable to breaches during extreme floods.
- Selective Dredging: Improves local navigation but is not a permanent basin-wide solution due to enormous sediment loads.
- Riverbank Protection: Uses geo-bags, boulder pitching, revetments, and spurs to curb erosion.
- Multipurpose Reservoirs: Provide flood moderation, irrigation, and hydropower, but require strict environmental assessment.
- Non-Structural Measures:
- Flood Forecasting: Handled by the Central Water Commission (CWC) and India Meteorological Department (IMD).
- Early Warning Systems: SMS alerts, sirens, and satellite monitoring.
- Floodplain Zoning: Restricting construction in high-risk zones.
- Wetland Conservation: Stores excess water, recharges groundwater, and reduces flood peaks.
- Community-Based Management: Local volunteers, disaster committees, and mock drills.
🔴 Institutional Framework
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Established in 2005 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Chaired by the Prime Minister of India. Manages national policy, guidelines, and capacity building.
- Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA): Nodal agency for state-level forecasting, relief operations, evacuation, and rehabilitation.
- Central Water Commission (CWC): Responsible for flood forecasting, river monitoring, and hydrological data.
🔴 Government Initiatives
- National Level: Disaster Management Act (2005), NDMA Guidelines, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), CWC/IMD forecasting, National Hydrology Project, Dam Safety Act (2021), and National Flood Commission.
- Assam: ASDMA programmes, embankment strengthening, erosion control projects, community flood shelters, and raised livestock platforms.
🔴 BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Group
- NDMA’s stance was shared at the 3rd BRICS Technical-cum-Ministerial Meeting.
- Objectives: Enhance disaster resilience, technology sharing, capacity building, and early warning systems.
🔴 Prelims Pointers
- NDMA was established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005; chaired by the Prime Minister.
- ASDMA is Assam’s nodal disaster management authority.
- The Brahmaputra is a transboundary river flowing through China (Tibet), India, and Bangladesh, known for its braided channel, high sediment load, and severe erosion.
- The CWC issues flood forecasts; the IMD provides weather forecasts.
- Floodplain zoning is a key non-structural mitigation measure.
🔴 Mains Pointers
- Importance: Vital for protecting lives, safeguarding agriculture, and ensuring sustainable, climate-resilient development in Assam.
- Challenges: Dynamic river morphology, severe erosion, climate change, floodplain encroachment, and weak urban drainage.
- Initiatives: Disaster Management Act, NDMA Guidelines, ASDMA programs, and integrated erosion management.
- Way Forward: Shift to integrated basin management, nature-based solutions, advanced forecasting, and Centre-State coordination.
🔴 Conclusion
The NDMA’s acknowledgment that floods in Assam cannot be entirely eliminated reflects the geographical and hydrological realities of the Brahmaputra basin. Consequently, policy must pivot from traditional flood control to comprehensive flood risk management—integrating structural defenses, ecosystem restoration, advanced forecasting, and community preparedness to build lasting resilience against climate uncertainty.
Tea Imports into India: Need for a Balanced Policy
- GS Paper III: Indian Economy | Agriculture | Plantation Crops | International Trade | Food Processing
- GS Paper V (Assam): Tea Industry | Assam Economy | Plantation Agriculture | Livelihoods
- Prelims: Tea Board of India | Plantation Crops | GI Tags | Tea-Producing States | Tea Export & Import Policy
🔴 Introduction
- India is the second-largest tea producer (annual production: ~1.3 billion kg) and among the largest consumers globally.
- Annual exports stand at 200–250 million kg.
- The 200-year-old tea industry is a cornerstone of India’s plantation economy, sustaining millions in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
- Major Issue: The influx of low-priced imported tea threatens domestic producers, compounded by rising costs, stagnant auction prices, and climate impacts.
- Goal: A balanced import policy prioritizing strict quality regulation to protect domestic producers while maintaining trade commitments.
🔴 Importance of the Tea Industry
- Economic Impact: Major contributor to agricultural GDP, a key foreign exchange earner, and a substantial tax revenue generator.
- Employment: Directly employs over one million workers (plantation/factory workers, small growers, auctioneers, exporters) with millions more dependent indirectly.
🔴 Importance of Tea for Assam
- Assam is India’s largest tea-producing state, contributing over 50% of total national production.
- Acts as the backbone of Assam’s plantation economy and rural employment.
- Supports thousands of small tea growers and promotes Assam’s global identity via the “Assam Tea” brand.
🔴 Challenges Facing the Indian Tea Industry
- Rising Cost of Production: Driven by higher wages, costly fertilisers, energy expenses, and strict sustainability compliance, without a proportionate increase in auction prices.
- Climate Change: Irregular rainfall, heat stress, floods, droughts, and new pest outbreaks severely impact yield and quality.
- Low-Priced Tea Imports: Imported tea (meant for blending/re-export) increasingly enters the domestic market, depressing prices for local growers.
- Pressure on Small Tea Growers: Suffer from price volatility, low bargaining power, rising input costs, and limited access to finance/technology.
- Sustainability Requirements: Increasing global buyer demands for traceability, labour welfare compliance, and environmental certification inflate production costs.
🔴 Why Does India Import Tea?
- Blending: To fulfill specific flavour and quality requirements.
- Re-export: Imported tea is processed, packaged, and exported to maintain international competitiveness.
- International Trade Commitments: Compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) obligations and various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
🔴 Why is a Balanced Policy Needed?
- An outright ban is unviable, but unrestricted imports cause market distortion.
- A balanced approach is required to protect domestic producers, ensure fair competition, safeguard consumer quality, maintain export competitiveness, and uphold WTO/FTA commitments.
🔴 Suggested Policy Measures
- Strict Quality Checks: Rigorous food safety and quality inspections for all imported consignments before domestic entry.
- Complete Traceability: Digital tracking of imported tea from origin to final destination.
- Prevent Diversion: Strictly block tea imported for re-export from entering the domestic market.
- Mandatory Labelling: Enforce Country-of-Origin labeling for consumer awareness.
- Periodic Import Review: Regularly assess import volumes against domestic production, demand, and market conditions.
🔴 Institutional Framework
- Tea Board of India: Established under the Tea Act, 1953.
- Operates under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- Functions: Cultivation promotion, Research and Development (R&D), export promotion, quality certification, and grower welfare.
🔴 India’s Tea Trade
- Major Export Destinations: Russia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iran, United Kingdom (UK), United States (US), and Germany.
- Major Competitors: Kenya, Sri Lanka, China, and Vietnam.
🔴 Government Initiatives
- Tea Development & Promotion Scheme: Funds quality improvement, productivity, and export promotion.
- Tea Board Digital Initiatives: E-auctions, traceability mapping, and quality monitoring.
- PM Gati Shakti: Improves logistics networks for exports.
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Backs post-harvest infrastructure.
- Skill India: Provides training for plantation and processing workers..
🔴 Relevant Reports & Policies
- Tea Act, 1953
- Foreign Trade Policy 2023
- WTO Agreement on Agriculture
- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
🔴 Prelims Pointers
- Tea Board of India: Statutory body under the Tea Act, 1953 (Ministry of Commerce & Industry).
- Assam: Largest tea-producing state (>50% of national output).
- India’s Rank: Second-largest globally.
- Major States: Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh.
- Import Legality: Importing tea for re-export is permitted but mandates strict customs and quality compliance.
🔴 Mains Pointers
- Significance: Crucial for employment, export earnings, rural livelihoods (especially Assam), and global branding.
- Challenges: Cost escalations, cheap imports, climate threats, and small grower distress.
- State Measures: Tea Board, AIF, PM Gati Shakti, and digital traceability.
- Solutions: Rigorous import review, value addition, FPO support, and strict Country-of-Origin labeling.
🔴 Way Forward
- Promote Value Addition: Focus on orthodox, specialty, organic, and premium branded teas.
- Strengthen Traceability: Mandate digital tracking from plantation to consumer.
- Support Small Tea Growers: Ensure affordable credit, market access, and promote Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
- Climate-Resilient Cultivation: Adopt drought-tolerant varieties and water-efficient irrigation.
- Balanced Trade Policy: Harmonize WTO compliance with robust safeguards against unfair domestic market competition
🔴 Conclusion
As the Indian tea industry nears its 200th anniversary, balancing global trade commitments (blending/re-export) with robust domestic protection is imperative. A policy combining strict quality controls, digital traceability, and support for sustainability will safeguard millions of livelihoods—especially in Assam—while preserving India’s global leadership in the tea sector.
APSC Prelims MCQs
Q1. With reference to the Assam Accord (1985), consider the following statements:
- It fixed 25 March 1971 as the cut-off date for detection of illegal migrants in Assam.
- Persons who entered Assam before 1 January 1966 were to be treated as Indian citizens.
- The provisions of the Accord relating to citizenship were incorporated through Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation: Clause 5 of the Assam Accord provides different treatment for migrants before 1 January 1966, between 1 January 1966 and 24 March 1971, and after 25 March 1971. These provisions were incorporated through Section 6A of the Citizenship Act.
Q2. Consider the following pairs:
| Scheme/Institution | Ministry |
| 1. Tea Board of India | Ministry of Commerce & Industry |
| 2. NDMA | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| 3. BHAVYA–Rasayan Scheme | Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Answer: C
Explanation: Tea Board functions under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. NDMA functions under the Disaster Management Act with administrative support from the Ministry of Home Affairs. BHAVYA–Rasayan is implemented by the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
Q3. Which of the following best explains why the Brahmaputra frequently causes floods in Assam?
- High sediment load.
- Braided river channel.
- Gentle gradient in the Assam valley.
- Intense monsoon rainfall over the basin.
Select the correct answer using the code below.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 3 and 4 only
C. 1, 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
Explanation: Flooding results from the combined effect of high sedimentation, braided morphology, low gradient and heavy monsoon rainfall.
Q4. With reference to the BHAVYA–Rasayan Scheme, consider the following statements:
- It aims to establish dedicated Chemical Parks.
- It provides plug-and-play infrastructure.
- It promotes centralized environmental management facilities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation: The scheme seeks to establish three chemical parks with shared infrastructure and centralized environmental facilities.
Q5. Which one of the following is NOT a non-structural flood management measure?
A. Floodplain zoning
B. Early warning system
C. Community awareness programmes
D. Construction of embankments
Answer: D
Explanation: Embankments are structural measures, whereas zoning, forecasting and awareness are non-structural measures.
Q6. Consider the following statements regarding the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):
- It was established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- The Prime Minister is its Chairperson.
- It is responsible for issuing national disaster management guidelines.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation: NDMA was created under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, with the Prime Minister as Chairperson and is responsible for national disaster management policy and guidelines.
Q7. Which of the following characteristics is/are associated with a braided river?
- Multiple interwoven channels.
- High sediment deposition.
- Frequent shifting of river course.
Select the correct answer using the code below.
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation: Braided rivers have multiple channels, heavy sediment loads and shifting courses.
Q8. With reference to India’s tea sector, consider the following statements:
- Assam is the largest tea-producing state in India.
- Tea Board of India was established under the Tea Act, 1953.
- Tea Board functions under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation: The Tea Board functions under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, not the Ministry of Agriculture.
Q9. Which one of the following is the most appropriate objective of importing tea into India?
A. To replace domestic tea production
B. To reduce tea cultivation area
C. Primarily for blending and re-export
D. To discourage domestic tea exports
Answer: C
Explanation: Tea imports are primarily permitted for blending and re-export, subject to applicable regulations.
Q10. Consider the following:
- Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs)
- Hazardous Waste Treatment Facilities
- Plug-and-play industrial infrastructure
The above are most likely associated with which one of the following?
A. PM Gati Shakti
B. National Logistics Policy
C. BHAVYA–Rasayan Scheme
D. Smart Cities Mission
Answer: C
Explanation: These are core features of the BHAVYA–Rasayan Scheme for Chemical Parks.
Q11. Which of the following rivers is NOT a major tributary of the Brahmaputra in Assam?
A. Subansiri
B. Manas
C. Lohit
D. Betwa
Answer: D
Explanation: Betwa is a tributary of the Yamuna. The others are tributaries of the Brahmaputra system.
Q12. Consider the following statements:
- Floodplain zoning reduces disaster risk by regulating land use.
- Wetlands help moderate floods by storing excess water.
- Riverbank erosion is a major environmental issue in Assam.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation: All three are well-established principles of flood risk management in Assam.
Q13. With reference to the Citizenship Act, 1955, consider the following statements:
- Section 6A contains special provisions relating to Assam.
- Section 6A was inserted following the Assam Accord.
- Section 6A applies uniformly across all States of India.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation: Section 6A is a special provision applicable only to Assam and was inserted to implement the Assam Accord.
Q14. Which of the following are expected outcomes of the BHAVYA–Rasayan Scheme?
- Lower logistics costs.
- Better integration with global value chains.
- Improved environmental compliance.
Select the correct answer using the code below.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation: The scheme aims to improve industrial competitiveness, sustainability and integration into global value chains.
Q15. Which one of the following statements best reflects the NDMA’s approach to flood management in Assam?
A. Floods can be completely eliminated through embankments alone.
B. Flood control should rely exclusively on large dams.
C. Flood risk should be minimized through scientific planning, technology and preparedness.
D. Flood management should focus only on post-disaster relief.
Answer: C
Explanation: NDMA emphasizes disaster risk reduction through technology, preparedness, resilience and scientific management rather than attempting complete elimination of floods.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📘 GS Mains Model Question (APSC CCE)
📝 Question
Q. “Floods are an inevitable natural phenomenon in Assam due to its unique geographical and hydrological characteristics. In this context, examine the limitations of flood-control approaches and suggest a sustainable strategy for flood risk management in the Brahmaputra Basin.” (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Model Answer
Introduction (2–3 lines)
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has observed that completely eliminating floods in Assam is not scientifically feasible because of the State’s unique geographical and hydrological characteristics. Therefore, the focus should shift from flood control to flood risk management, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) and India’s Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Why are Floods Inevitable in Assam?
1. Unique Geographical Characteristics
- Located in the Brahmaputra and Barak floodplains.
- Surrounded by the Eastern Himalayas, Patkai, Naga and Khasi Hills.
- Extensive low-lying alluvial plains prone to inundation.
2. Hydrological Factors
- Brahmaputra carries one of the world’s highest sediment loads.
- Braided river morphology leads to channel migration.
- Gentle river gradient reduces flow velocity.
- More than 50 tributaries contribute to rapid water accumulation.
3. Climatic Factors
- Heavy Southwest Monsoon rainfall.
- Orographic precipitation in the upper catchments.
- Increasing extreme rainfall events due to climate change.
Limitations of Conventional Flood-Control Measures
Structural Limitations
- Embankment breaches during extreme floods.
- Sediment deposition reduces river carrying capacity.
- High maintenance costs.
- Shifting river channels diminish long-term effectiveness.
Ecological Limitations
- Encroachment on wetlands and floodplains.
- Loss of natural water-retention capacity.
- Riverbank erosion despite engineering interventions.
Administrative Limitations
- Fragmented institutional coordination.
- Inadequate floodplain zoning.
- Weak urban drainage systems.
- Delayed maintenance of flood-control infrastructure.
Sustainable Flood Risk Management Strategy
Adopt Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM)
- Manage the Brahmaputra Basin holistically across catchments.
- Strengthen inter-state and transboundary hydrological cooperation.
Promote Nature-Based Solutions
- Restore wetlands and beels.
- Afforestation in upper catchments.
- Protect floodplains from encroachment.
Strengthen Technology
- AI-based flood forecasting.
- GIS and remote sensing.
- Doppler Weather Radars.
- Drone-assisted damage assessment.
Improve Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
- Elevated roads and bridges.
- Flood-resilient housing.
- Scientific urban drainage systems.
Enhance Community Preparedness
- Strengthen ASDMA-led community disaster plans.
- Conduct regular mock drills and awareness campaigns.
- Improve early warning dissemination through digital platforms.
Institutional Reforms
- Strengthen coordination among NDMA, ASDMA, CWC, IMD and local bodies.
- Integrate flood management with land-use planning and climate adaptation policies.
Conclusion
Recognising floods as a natural characteristic of the Brahmaputra Basin, rather than an anomaly, is essential for effective policymaking. A shift from reactive flood control to proactive flood risk management, supported by scientific planning, ecosystem restoration, resilient infrastructure, advanced forecasting, and community participation, will enhance Assam’s resilience to recurring floods while advancing the goals of sustainable development and climate adaptation.
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