APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes (04/07/2025)

APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (04/07/2025)

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 (04-07-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.

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🌲 Illegal Diversion of Forest Land in Assam: A Legal and Environmental Crisis

📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Environment | Conservation | Governance
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial Bodies
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Biodiversity, Environment and Governance in Assam
📘 Prelims: Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 | MoEF&CC | NGT


🔹 Introduction

Environmental governance is often tested when development priorities conflict with ecological preservation. The recent illegal construction in Assam’s reserve forests highlights serious lapses in forest law enforcement.


🔑 Key Points from the News

FeatureDescription
Location of ViolationGeleky Reserve Forest (Sivasagar) & Innerline RF (Hailakandi)
Land Area44 hectares (Hailakandi), 11.5 hectares built-up area (Geleky)
Purpose ClaimedTent facilities for Commando Battalion
Actual ActivityLarge-scale construction using ~500 workers without Central approval
Inspecting AuthorityMinistry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Regional Office
Law ViolatedForest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (Van Adhiniyam)
AccusedThen PCCF and HoFF, M. K. Yadava
Action InitiatedShow cause notice, legal action ordered by MoEF&CC
Follow-up RequiredAction Taken Reports (ATRs) by DFOs every 45 days

🧠 Prelims Pointers

Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: Central law requiring Union Government clearance before using forest land for non-forest purposes.

MoEF&CC: Nodal ministry for forest diversion approvals.

NGT (National Green Tribunal): Quasi-judicial body for environmental disputes.

PCCF/HoFF: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests / Head of Forest Force – state’s top forest official.

Innerline Reserve Forest (ILRF): Protected forest area under Assam Forest Department.

Section 2 of the FCA: Prohibits state governments from diverting forest land for non-forest use without Central Government approval.


📝 Mains Pointers

A. Significance / Importance

AspectExplanation
Environmental ProtectionPreserving forest cover in biodiversity-rich Assam
Legal ComplianceUpholding constitutional and statutory frameworks
Ecological BalanceAvoiding habitat fragmentation and species displacement
Climate CommitmentsForests as carbon sinks under India’s INDC targets

B. Challenges Highlighted

ChallengeDetails
Institutional MisuseUnauthorized clearance granted by state officials
Weak MonitoringLarge-scale illegal construction went undetected initially
Lack of TransparencyInformation surfaced only after RTI by conservationist
Forest-Development TensionsPolice infrastructure vs forest protection conflict

C. Government Initiatives

InitiativeDetails
Inspection by MoEF&CCDetected violations, ordered corrective action
Show-cause NoticeIssued to state-level forest authority
Periodic ReportingState directed to send ATRs every month
Legal ActionMandated against violators under Forest Act provisions

D. Way Ahead

SuggestionImplementation
Digital Land Use MonitoringUse satellite and GIS for real-time alerts
Strengthen AccountabilityStrict penalties for senior bureaucratic violations
Public InvolvementEncourage whistleblowing and RTI activism
Training for Forest OfficersRegular workshops on legal compliance

📊 Relevant Policies and Institutions

Forest Conservation Rules, 2022

Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAMPA)

State Forest Policy of Assam

Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006


🧩 Conclusion

The illegal diversion of forest land in Assam exposes not just environmental degradation but a systemic failure in regulatory oversight. Upholding the rule of law and ensuring ecological integrity must guide any development strategy, especially in ecologically sensitive zones like Assam.

🦟 Japanese Encephalitis in Assam: A Public Health Concern Spreading Beyond Traditional Zones

📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Health | Government Interventions
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Disaster Management (Epidemics)
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Health Sector in Assam | Epidemic Control
📘 Prelims: JE Virus | Vector-Borne Diseases | National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP)


🔹 Introduction

Japanese Encephalitis (JE), a recurring seasonal health hazard in Assam, has now begun spreading beyond its traditional geographic limits. This evolving trend poses new challenges for disease surveillance and rural health infrastructure.


🔑 Key Points from the News

FeatureDescription
Outbreak Status10 deaths and 134 cases reported till early July 2025
Shift in GeographyJE now spreading to non-traditional districts like Nalbari, Barpeta, Darrang, and Jorhat
Transmission VectorCulex mosquito (JE virus spreads from pigs/cattle to humans)
Traditional ZonesPreviously common in Upper Assam districts
SeasonalityOutbreak begins in May, peaks in July, ends by August
Government ResponseFogging operations, household visits, mosquito net campaigns
Vaccination ProtocolBegins in September (pre-emptive) based on vulnerability zones
JE TreatmentFree testing and treatment at Govt hospitals in Assam

🧠 Prelims Pointers

Culex Mosquito: Primary vector for Japanese Encephalitis.

JE Virus (JEV): Flavivirus family; causes inflammation of the brain.

Zoonotic Cycle: JE virus transmitted from pigs/cattle to humans via mosquito bites.

National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP): Nodal scheme under Ministry of Health.

JE Vaccine: Live-attenuated SA 14-14-2 used in India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).

Endemic Districts: Assam is one of the JE-endemic states in India.


📝 Mains Pointers

A. Importance of the Topic

AspectRelevance
Public Health SecurityJE remains a leading cause of viral encephalitis in Assam
Rural VulnerabilityAffects areas with livestock-human proximity and weak health infra
Health InfrastructureTests primary care response systems in non-traditional districts
Inter-sectoral ApproachInvolves coordination across Health, Veterinary, Panchayati Raj departments

B. Challenges

ChallengeExplanation
New GeographyOutbreak in non-traditional districts makes planning harder
Delay in VaccinationVaccines administered in September, not during peak outbreak months
Vector ResistanceFogging efficacy reduced due to monsoon wash-offs
Awareness GapsResidents unaware of JE symptoms or prevention protocols
Animal-Human InterfaceLivestock kept near homes increases transmission risk

C. Government Initiatives

ProgrammeDetails
Fogging OperationsConducted pre-season in high-risk areas
Health Worker OutreachDistribution of mosquito nets, awareness generation
JE Vaccination DriveFocused on vulnerable zones (not whole population)
Free JE TreatmentAvailable at Govt. health facilities
Disease SurveillanceDistrict-wise reporting and lab testing

D. Way Ahead

SolutionStrategy
Early Warning SystemsMap vector density and outbreak signals with real-time tech
Reschedule VaccinationBegin drives in March-April to immunize before peak
Strengthen Rural HealthcareSet up mobile health camps in emerging hot-spots
One Health ApproachIntegrate animal husbandry, health and environment sectors
Community EngagementInvolve local leaders and schools in vector awareness campaigns

📊 Relevant Policies and Frameworks

National Health Mission (NHM) – Assam’s implementation includes JE control.

Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) – JE vaccine is part of it.

WHO JE Strategy – Focus on pig surveillance, vaccination, and integrated response.

State Action Plan for Vector Control – Assam’s district-specific fogging and IEC efforts.


🧩 Conclusion

Japanese Encephalitis in Assam is no longer confined to its traditional strongholds. Tackling this shifting epidemiological pattern requires decentralized planning, pre-emptive vaccination, and a robust public health ecosystem responsive to evolving disease burdens.

🌾 Eviction Drive in Lakhimpur: Land Rights, Encroachment and Governance

📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Governance | Welfare Policies | Vulnerable Sections
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Land Reforms | Internal Security
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Governance in Assam | Land Management & Conflict
📘 Prelims: Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) | Land Revenue Laws | Eviction Policy in Assam


🔹 Introduction

Eviction drives in Assam, especially in sensitive districts like Lakhimpur, reflect a complex intersection of land governance, legal enforcement, and socio-political tensions involving indigenous rights and encroachment.


🔑 Key Points from the News

FeatureDescription
LocationLakhimpur district – 4 sites, including three Village Grazing Reserves (VGRs)
Land Cleared235 bighas (~78 acres)
Number of Families Evicted220 families
Ethnic Composition25 indigenous families, rest Bengali-speaking Muslims
Notice PeriodEviction notice issued on June 29, 2025
Eviction Execution DateJuly 3, 2025
Security Deployment400 personnel deployed for enforcement
Government StandClaimed due process was followed; alternative land offered to indigenous families
Local TensionsSensitive ethnic dynamics, though no violence reported during the drive

🧠 Prelims Pointers

Village Grazing Reserve (VGR): Notified land in Assam set aside for cattle grazing; protected under land laws.

Encroachment: Unauthorized occupation of public or forest/government land.

Eviction Protocol: Legal notices must be served; opportunity for hearing/document verification given.

Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act, 2013: Mandates fair compensation for legal landholders (not applicable to encroachments).

Assam Land Revenue Regulation Act, 1886: Governs land tenure and occupancy rights in Assam.


📝 Mains Pointers

A. Importance of the Topic

AspectRelevance
Land GovernanceAddresses illegal occupation of public grazing lands
Rule of LawDemonstrates enforcement of legal eviction under state authority
Indigenous ProtectionState claims to rehabilitate indigenous families
Political SensitivityEthno-religious implications of eviction often politicized in Assam

B. Challenges

ChallengeExplanation
Humanitarian ConcernsLarge-scale eviction without resettlement leads to displacement
Legal Gray AreasMany families lack formal documentation due to historical neglect
Ethnic PolarizationDemographic profiling of evictees may fuel communal tensions
Lack of Rehabilitation PolicyAssam lacks a uniform, humane rehabilitation framework post-eviction
Livelihood ImpactMost families rely on agriculture or manual labour on encroached lands

C. Government Initiatives

InitiativeDetails
Eviction Notice ProtocolServed on June 29, opportunity to submit land documents given
Alternative LandPromised to 25 indigenous families
Law Enforcement DeploymentEnsured peaceful eviction (400 personnel used)
Public CommunicationAdmin cited legal occupation and public interest for the eviction drive

D. Way Ahead

SolutionRecommendation
Rehabilitation FrameworkDevelop state policy for humane eviction and rehabilitation
Land DigitizationAccelerate digitization of land records and ownership claims
Community DialogueEngage civil society in sensitive eviction zones to prevent escalation
Legal Aid & VerificationProvide legal counsel and document verification help to informal settlers
Define Public PurposeEnsure evictions are linked to legally tenable and developmental objectives

📊 Relevant Policies and Acts

Assam Land Policy 2019

Assam VGR/PGR (Protection) Rules

Right to Livelihood under Article 21 – Judicially interpreted

UN Basic Principles on Evictions and Displacement (used in NHRC advisories)


🧩 Conclusion

The Lakhimpur eviction drive is emblematic of Assam’s ongoing struggle to balance legal land management with the socio-economic rights of vulnerable populations. A policy that integrates fairness, rehabilitation, and legality is essential for sustainable land governance.

🐘 Human-Elephant Conflict in Rani Region: Conservation, Coexistence, and Community Action

📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Environment | Biodiversity & Wildlife Conservation
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Governance | Role of NGOs & Community-Based Interventions
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam-Specific Ecology | Wildlife Management | Community Initiatives
📘 Prelims: Elephant Corridors | Project Elephant | Mitigation Strategies | Conflict Zones in Assam


🔹 Introduction

Human-elephant conflict (HEC) has emerged as a persistent conservation and livelihood challenge in Assam, particularly in the Rani area near the Assam-Meghalaya border. Innovative local actions, such as the installation of warning signboards, represent a proactive step toward mitigating the threat to both human and elephant lives.


🔑 Key Points from the News

FeatureDescription
LocationRani Moirapur-Nalapara and Surpani-Garopara, West Guwahati (Assam-Meghalaya border)
Type of InitiativeInstallation of cautionary signboards in elephant movement zones
OrganisersWe Foundation India & Lasha Share and Care Foundation, in collaboration with Forest Department
Forest Official InvolvedAshok Kumar Dev Choudhury, DFO, East Kamrup Division
Community ParticipationLocal farmers, students, and residents actively involved
ObjectiveReduce fatal encounters by alerting commuters and raising awareness
BackgroundRani region has long experienced distress due to frequent wild elephant incursions

🧠 Prelims Pointers

Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC): Result of shrinking habitats, crop raiding, property damage, and human/elephant deaths.

Elephant Corridors in Assam: Over 20 identified, including Rani Reserve Forest.

Project Elephant (1992): Central govt initiative for elephant conservation and conflict mitigation.

Asian Elephant Status: Endangered (IUCN Red List); Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Mitigation Tools: Early warning systems, watch towers, signboards, solar fencing, bee boxes.

Assam State Biodiversity Strategy: Includes community-based conservation plans for conflict zones.


📝 Mains Pointers

A. Importance of the Issue

AreaSignificance
EcologicalElephants are keystone species that maintain forest ecosystems
Human SafetyLives and property are at constant risk due to frequent incursions
ConservationAssam has ~20% of India’s wild elephant population
Community EmpowermentLocal participation is critical to sustainable solutions

B. Challenges in Mitigation

ChallengeExplanation
Habitat FragmentationDue to agriculture, linear infrastructure, quarrying
Lack of Early WarningPeople unaware of elephant movements during migration hours
Crop RaidingCauses massive economic losses to small farmers
Retaliatory KillingsFear and frustration lead to elephant deaths
Policy GapsDelayed compensation and lack of integrated forest planning

C. Government and NGO Initiatives

InterventionDescription
Signboard CampaignNGOs + Forest Dept. effort to prevent accidents and educate the public
Elephant Deterrence CommitteesLocal bodies like Rani Moirapur Regional Elephant Deterrence Committee formed
Community InvolvementFarmers like Jon Rabha and Shiv Thakuria actively participate
Elephant Corridors MappingDone by Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Forest Dept.
Compensation SchemeAssam government offers monetary compensation for human/elephant casualties and crop damage

D. Way Ahead

StrategyImplementation Suggestion
Tech-Based MonitoringUse of GPS collars, drones, and mobile alerts for elephant tracking
Community-Based Eco-TourismIncentivize protection through tourism revenue in forest-fringe villages
Corridor RestorationAcquire and demarcate critical migration routes to avoid settlements
Fast-Track CompensationDigitize verification for quicker crop and damage claim settlements
School-Based AwarenessEducate youth in conflict-prone villages on safe behavior and elephant ecology

📊 Relevant Reports and Frameworks

Elephant Task Force Report, 2010 – “Gajah” Report

India’s National Biodiversity Action Plan

State Action Plan on Climate Change (Assam) – Focuses on human-wildlife interaction zones

Elephant Corridors of India (WTI Report)

Assam Forest Department’s Elephant Mitigation Guidelines


🧩 Conclusion

The human-elephant conflict in Assam’s Rani region calls for an empathetic and multi-stakeholder approach. Initiatives like warning signboards showcase how community action, backed by government and NGOs, can transform confrontation into coexistence.

APSC Prelims Practice Questions

🔹 TOPIC 1: Illegal Diversion of Forest Land in Assam

Q1. Which of the following actions require prior approval of the Central Government under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980?

  1. Construction of roads through reserved forests
  2. Mining operations in forest land
  3. Establishment of a police battalion camp on forest land
  4. Collection of minor forest produce by tribals

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 2 and 4 only

Answer: (b)

📘 Explanation:
Under Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, prior approval from the Central Government is required for non-forest use of forest land including construction (1), mining (2), and permanent infrastructure like police battalions (3). However, collection of minor forest produce (4) is allowed for tribals under the Forest Rights Act.


Q2. The “Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980” refers to which of the following in English?

(a) The Indian Forest Act
(b) The Environment Protection Act
(c) The Forest (Conservation) Act
(d) The Wildlife Protection Act

Answer: (c)

📘 Explanation:
“Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980” is the Hindi title of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, which regulates diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.


🔹 TOPIC 2: Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in Assam

Q3. Consider the following pairs:

DiseasePrimary Vector
1. Japanese EncephalitisAedes aegypti
2. MalariaAnopheles mosquito
3. Kala-azarSandfly

Which of the pairs are correctly matched?

(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

📘 Explanation:

  • Japanese Encephalitis is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, not Aedes.
  • Malaria is caused by Plasmodium and spread by Anopheles (✔).
  • Kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) is spread by sandflies (✔).

Q4. With reference to Japanese Encephalitis (JE), consider the following statements:

  1. JE is caused by a bacterium that spreads through contaminated water.
  2. JE outbreaks are limited only to the traditional districts of Upper Assam.
  3. JE vaccination is provided under India’s Universal Immunization Programme.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 2 only

Answer: (b)

📘 Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is wrong: JE is caused by JE virus (JEV), not a bacterium.
  • Statement 2 is wrong: The recent outbreak in non-traditional districts shows its geographical spread.
  • Statement 3 is correct: JE vaccine is part of UIP in endemic zones.

🔹 TOPIC 3: Eviction Drive in Lakhimpur

Q5. Assertion (A): The Assam government is conducting eviction drives in Village Grazing Reserves (VGRs).

Reason (R): Village Grazing Reserves are notified lands that cannot be used for any purpose other than grazing.

Choose the correct answer:

(a) A is correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) A is correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is incorrect but R is correct.
(d) Both A and R are incorrect.

Answer: (a)

📘 Explanation:
Village Grazing Reserves (VGRs) are legally protected community resources designated for cattle grazing. The eviction drive aims to remove encroachments to restore their intended use, hence R correctly explains A.


Q6. Which of the following are correct implications of eviction drives in India?

  1. Restoration of common property resources
  2. Forced displacement of marginalized groups
  3. Strengthening rule of law and public trust
  4. Immediate rehabilitation of all evictees

Select the correct answer:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer: (b)

📘 Explanation:
While eviction can help restore public lands (1) and uphold legality (3), it often leads to displacement (2). However, rehabilitation is not always immediate or guaranteed (4 is incorrect).


🔹 TOPIC 4: Human-Elephant Conflict in Rani Region

Q7. Consider the following strategies used in India to mitigate human-elephant conflict:

  1. Use of bee-box fencing
  2. Installation of elephant detection sensors
  3. Creation of biological corridors
  4. Construction of electric fences along highways

Which of the above are scientific mitigation approaches currently in use?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) All of the above

Answer: (a)

📘 Explanation:

  • Bee boxes (1): Used as elephants avoid bees.
  • Sensors (2): Help track elephant movement.
  • Corridors (3): Essential for safe migration.
  • Electric fences on highways (4) can endanger animals and are not a preferred method.

Q8. Match the following Elephant-related initiatives with their purposes:

InitiativeObjective
A. Project Elephant1. Legal protection and habitat improvement
B. Gajah Report (2010)2. Comprehensive strategy for coexistence
C. Wildlife Trust of India (WTI)3. Mapping and securing elephant corridors

Choose the correct code:

(a) A-2, B-1, C-3
(b) A-1, B-2, C-3
(c) A-3, B-1, C-2
(d) A-1, B-3, C-2

Answer: (b)

📘 Explanation:

WTI: Known for corridor mapping = 3

Project Elephant (1992): Legal + habitat protection = 1

Gajah Report (2010): Strategic roadmap on conservation & conflict = 2

APSC Mains Practice Question

Question:

Despite sustained public health efforts, Japanese Encephalitis (JE) remains a recurring threat in Assam. Analyze the causes behind its persistence and geographical expansion. Suggest a multi-pronged strategy to mitigate its impact.
(Word Limit: 250)


Model Answer:

🔸 Introduction
Japanese Encephalitis (JE), a mosquito-borne viral disease, continues to afflict Assam annually, with recent outbreaks reported from even non-traditional districts. This reflects a worrying trend of epidemiological expansion and persistent public health challenges in the state.


🔹 Causes of Persistence and Expansion

  1. Climatic & Environmental Factors
    • Assam’s warm, humid monsoon climate provides ideal breeding grounds for Culex mosquitoes.
    • Stagnant water bodies and paddy fields aid mosquito proliferation.
  2. Zoonotic Interface
    • JE virus cycles between pigs and birds, with pigs acting as amplifying hosts.
    • Close proximity of livestock to human dwellings increases human exposure.
  3. Inequitable Vaccination Coverage
    • Vaccination is targeted at endemic areas; non-traditional zones lack immunity, allowing spread.
    • Vaccine drives are seasonal and often begin after the outbreak has peaked.
  4. Weak Rural Health Infrastructure
    • Limited access to early diagnosis and intensive care in remote areas.
  5. Vector Control Limitations
    • Fogging is hampered during rainy seasons; chemical washout reduces effectiveness.
    • Community awareness about preventive measures is uneven.

🔹 Multi-Pronged Mitigation Strategy

  1. Integrated Vector Control
    • Regular fogging, larvicidal treatment, and use of biological controls like guppy fish.
    • Promote eco-friendly mosquito repellents and drain management in paddy belts.
  2. Zoonotic Risk Management
    • Relocate pigsties away from human habitation.
    • Monitor and vaccinate pig populations in high-risk zones.
  3. Revamp Vaccination Strategy
    • Advance immunization schedule to pre-monsoon months (March–April).
    • Expand coverage to include emerging vulnerable districts.
  4. Strengthen Primary Health Services
    • Set up rapid diagnostic camps and mobile ICU units in rural areas.
    • Free and prompt treatment as per NHM protocols.
  5. Public Awareness Campaigns
    • Door-to-door health education, school-based awareness drives, use of vernacular IEC material.
  6. One Health Approach
    • Integrate efforts of Health, Veterinary, Rural Development and Forest departments for joint action.

🔸 Conclusion
To prevent JE from becoming a chronic endemic crisis, Assam must adopt a proactive, decentralized, and integrated health governance approach, tailored to its ecological and socio-economic realities.

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