APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (22/08/2025)
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 (22-08-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🌾 Assam Launches Mega Irrigation Projects to Curb Agrarian Distress
📘 GS Paper 3: Agriculture | Irrigation & Water Resources
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Agriculture, Rural Economy, State Schemes
🔹 Introduction
The Assam Government has launched multiple mega irrigation projects in 2025 aimed at ensuring year-round irrigation for paddy fields and diversifying cropping patterns. This initiative comes in response to recurring floods, erratic monsoons, and drought-like conditions in Upper Assam, which have worsened agrarian distress and farmer indebtedness.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Project Focus | Irrigation canals, lift irrigation, and micro-irrigation. |
| Funding Source | State Govt + NABARD + World Bank-supported projects. |
| Coverage | Over 3 lakh hectares of farmland targeted in first phase. |
| Objective | Reduce dependence on monsoons; ensure double cropping. |
| Farmer Benefit | 5 lakh+ farming households to benefit. |
| Technological Aspects | Solar-powered pumps, drip & sprinkler systems. |
| Policy Linkage | Supports PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Launched in 2015, slogan “Har Khet Ko Pani”.
NABARD: Provides funding via Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).
Major Crops in Assam: Rice (winter ‘Sali’, summer ‘Ahu’, autumn ‘Boro’), tea, jute, pulses.
Water Use in India: ~85% of freshwater used in agriculture.
Assam’s Irrigation Coverage: Currently only ~27% of cultivated land, below national average (49%).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Project
Food Security – Helps sustain Assam’s rice bowl status.
Economic Stability – Reduces farmer migration and indebtedness.
Climate Resilience – Drought–flood dual challenge mitigated.
Employment – Boosts rural employment through irrigation infrastructure.
Doubling Farmers’ Income – Enables crop diversification (horticulture, pulses, oilseeds).
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Flood–Drought Cycle | Simultaneous flood-prone and drought-prone districts. |
| Maintenance of Canals | Siltation and poor upkeep common in Assam. |
| Land Fragmentation | Small holdings make irrigation distribution difficult. |
| Energy Supply | Electricity shortages hinder pump-based irrigation. |
| Social Conflict | Water-sharing disputes among farmers. |
C. Govt Initiatives
PMKSY – Focus on micro-irrigation and watershed development.
Assam Agribusiness & Rural Transformation Project (APART) – World Bank-funded.
State Irrigation Master Plan 2025–2035 – Long-term planning for irrigation expansion.
Use of Solar Pumps – Subsidy under KUSUM scheme.
D. Way Forward
Integrated Irrigation Planning – Combine major canals with micro-irrigation.
Community Participation – Empower Water Users’ Associations (WUAs).
Technology Adoption – GIS mapping, smart sensors for water distribution.
Flood–Drought Management – Converge with flood control projects.
PPP Models – Attract private investment in irrigation and water infrastructure.
🧩 Conclusion
The launch of mega irrigation projects in Assam represents a paradigm shift in agrarian policy, from flood relief-centric measures to climate-resilient agriculture. If implemented effectively, it can transform rural livelihoods, stabilise food security, and build resilience against climate change in one of India’s most vulnerable states.
🛣️ Centre Clears North East Frontier Expressway Project
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Transport | Regional Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Connectivity, Development in Northeast
🔹 Introduction
The Union Cabinet has cleared the North East Frontier Expressway Project, which will create a high-speed corridor running parallel to the India–Bangladesh border, linking Assam with Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. The project is expected to strengthen connectivity, border trade, and security infrastructure while bringing the Northeast closer to the national highway grid.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Length | ~1,400 km (multi-state expressway). |
| Route | Dhubri (Assam) → Meghalaya → Tripura → Mizoram. |
| Implementing Agency | National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). |
| Estimated Cost | ₹65,000 crore. |
| Funding Model | Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) + Multilateral funding. |
| Strategic Importance | Close to Bangladesh border → boosts security & trade. |
| Completion Target | 2032 under Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-II. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Bharatmala Pariyojana: National highway development programme launched in 2017.
Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM): Govt + private sector share cost; reduces private risk.
India–Bangladesh Border States: Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, West Bengal.
Act East Policy: Strengthens trade and connectivity with Southeast Asia.
Border Haats: Local trade markets at India–Bangladesh border (e.g., Meghalaya).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Project
Connectivity – Provides an alternative corridor to link NE states with mainland India.
Economic Growth – Facilitates faster movement of goods, reduces transport costs.
Security – Enhances troop movement along sensitive border areas.
Regional Trade – Supports cross-border trade with Bangladesh under BBIN framework.
Tourism Boost – Improves access to Meghalaya and Mizoram’s ecotourism zones.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Difficult Terrain | Hills, forests, seismic zones complicate construction. |
| Land Acquisition | Disputes in tribal and border areas. |
| Funding Gaps | High capital requirement with uncertain private interest. |
| Environmental Concerns | Risk to biodiversity hotspots in Meghalaya, Mizoram. |
| Cross-Border Issues | Security concerns over smuggling and insurgency. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-II – Expressway development across India.
North East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS).
PM Gati Shakti – Multi-modal integration with rail and waterways.
India–Bangladesh Agreements – Protocol routes for road, rail, and inland waterways.
D. Way Forward
Eco-sensitive Design – Use elevated corridors and tunnels in forest areas.
Inclusive Land Acquisition – Consult tribal councils and local communities.
Public–Private Partnerships – Incentivise private players with viability gap funding.
Integrated Border Trade Strategy – Align expressway with SEZs and border haats.
Regional Diplomacy – Synchronise with Bangladesh’s transport grid under BBIN and BIMSTEC.
🧩 Conclusion
The North East Frontier Expressway is not just a road project but a strategic infrastructure investment that integrates connectivity, security, and trade. If executed efficiently, it could unlock the Northeast’s economic potential while positioning Assam and neighbouring states as gateways to Southeast Asia.
🧪 Assam Govt Sets Up Centre for Climate & Disaster Resilience at IIT Guwahati
📘 GS Paper 3: Disaster Management | Climate Change
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Floods, Erosion, Climate Vulnerability of Northeast
🔹 Introduction
In August 2025, the Assam Government, in collaboration with IIT Guwahati, launched the Centre for Climate & Disaster Resilience (CCDR). This initiative seeks to build scientific models, policy frameworks, and technological tools to mitigate Assam’s recurring challenges of floods, riverbank erosion, and climate-induced disasters.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Institution | IIT Guwahati + Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). |
| Objective | Research & solutions for climate resilience, flood management, early warning. |
| Focus Areas | Flood modelling, embankment tech, erosion control, landslide risk mapping. |
| Technology | AI-based flood forecasting, satellite-based disaster mapping. |
| Capacity Building | Training disaster response forces and local panchayats. |
| Policy Linkage | National Disaster Management Policy, Assam Climate Action Plan. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
ASDMA: Assam State Disaster Management Authority, set up under Disaster Management Act, 2005.
India’s Climate Vulnerability: Assam among the most vulnerable states per CAG & UNDP studies.
Flood Forecasting in India: Managed by Central Water Commission (CWC).
Sendai Framework (2015–30): UN framework for disaster risk reduction.
NDMA: Apex body for disaster management in India, chaired by PM.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Initiative
Scientific Approach – Moves away from ad hoc relief to predictive resilience.
Localized Solutions – Focus on Assam-specific challenges (Brahmaputra floods, landslides).
Skill Development – Trains engineers, administrators, and first responders.
Policy Support – Provides evidence-based recommendations for government.
Climate Adaptation – Helps Assam align with Paris Agreement & India’s NDC goals.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Data Gaps | Incomplete hydrological and rainfall data. |
| Implementation Delays | Translating research into field measures often slow. |
| Coordination | Multiple agencies (Irrigation, WRD, ASDMA, NDMA) working in silos. |
| Financial Limitations | Dependence on state + central schemes, limited private funding. |
| Community Trust Deficit | Villagers reluctant to rely solely on scientific forecasts. |
C. Govt Initiatives
National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) – Climate adaptation research.
National Monsoon Mission – Improved weather prediction models.
Assam Integrated River Basin Management Project (World Bank-funded).
State Climate Action Plan (2020–2030) – Climate-resilient agriculture & water use.
D. Way Forward
Open Data Systems – Share climate & flood data across agencies.
Tech Innovation – Use drones, IoT sensors for real-time disaster monitoring.
Community Engagement – Train local disaster volunteers for last-mile preparedness.
Regional Cooperation – Coordinate with Bhutan, China, and Bangladesh on river flow data.
Mainstream Climate Policy – Integrate disaster resilience into state development planning.
🧩 Conclusion
The Centre for Climate & Disaster Resilience at IIT Guwahati represents a transformative step towards shifting Assam’s disaster management approach from reactive relief to proactive resilience. With strong policy backing and community participation, it can serve as a model for climate-vulnerable regions across India.
🚢 India–Bangladesh Sign Pact to Boost Inland Waterways Trade via Assam
📘 GS Paper 2: International Relations | India’s Neighbourhood Policy
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Inland Water Transport | Economy
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Connectivity, Cross-Border Trade
🔹 Introduction
On 22 August 2025, India and Bangladesh signed a landmark agreement to enhance inland waterways trade, focusing on routes through Assam and the Northeast. This pact strengthens the use of the Brahmaputra (NW-2) and Barak River (NW-16) as economic corridors, linking them with Bangladesh’s river ports for cargo movement, thereby cutting transport costs and boosting regional trade.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Parties Involved | India (Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways) and Bangladesh. |
| Main Routes | Dhubri–Chittagong, Karimganj–Ashuganj, Silchar–Khulna. |
| Focus Commodities | Tea, coal, cement, agricultural produce. |
| Connectivity Boost | Links Northeast states to Bay of Bengal via Bangladesh. |
| Economic Impact | Trade costs reduced by 30–40%. |
| Strategic Importance | Complements Act East Policy and BBIN (Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal) framework. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
National Waterways in Assam:
NW-2: Brahmaputra (Dhubri–Sadiya).
NW-16: Barak (Lakhipur–Bhanga).
Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT): 1972 agreement renewed periodically.
Major Ports in Bangladesh: Chittagong, Mongla, Payra.
Sagarmala Programme: Indian govt initiative to modernise ports & waterways.
Kaladan Multimodal Project: India–Myanmar project connecting Mizoram with Bay of Bengal.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Pact
Trade Efficiency – Cuts travel time compared to Siliguri Corridor (~1,600 km vs 600 km via waterways).
Northeast Integration – Provides Assam and Tripura direct sea access.
Energy Security – Easier coal and petroleum imports through Bangladesh ports.
Regional Diplomacy – Strengthens India–Bangladesh ties, balances China’s influence.
Environmental Benefit – Inland waterways more eco-friendly compared to road/rail.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Siltation of Rivers | Brahmaputra and Barak highly sedimented. |
| Seasonal Navigation Issues | Monsoon floods and dry-season low flows. |
| Infrastructural Gaps | Need for modern terminals, dredging, night navigation. |
| Security Concerns | Smuggling, illegal migration, insurgency along borders. |
| Diplomatic Sensitivity | Requires constant goodwill between India & Bangladesh. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Sagarmala & Jal Marg Vikas Project – To modernise inland waterways.
Act East Policy – Enhancing trade & connectivity via neighbours.
BBIN Agreement – Sub-regional transport framework.
Assam Inland Water Transport Project – World Bank supported, modernising ferry system.
D. Way Forward
Sustainable Dredging – Maintain navigability with eco-friendly methods.
Modern Terminals – Build cargo hubs in Dhubri, Karimganj, Silchar.
Digital Tracking – GPS & e-customs clearance for smoother cargo movement.
Regional Integration – Expand waterways link to Nepal & Bhutan via Bangladesh.
Security Mechanisms – Joint patrolling, intelligence sharing for safe trade routes.
🧩 Conclusion
The India–Bangladesh inland waterways pact transforms Assam into a gateway of trade between Northeast India and the Bay of Bengal. If supported with infrastructure and cooperative diplomacy, it can serve as a game-changer for economic integration and regional stability in South Asia.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
Topic 1: Assam Mega Irrigation Projects
Q1. With reference to irrigation in Assam, consider the following statements:
- Assam’s net irrigated area is higher than the national average.
- The state primarily depends on canal irrigation.
- PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana promotes micro-irrigation in Assam.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 3 only
Explanation: Assam’s irrigated coverage (~27%) is below national average (~49%). Tube wells, lift irrigation, and pumps are more common than canal irrigation. PMKSY promotes drip and sprinkler irrigation in Assam.
Q2. Which of the following crops in Assam are most irrigation-intensive?
- (a) Sali rice and Boro rice
- (b) Jute and Tea
- (c) Mustard and Pulses
- (d) Arecanut and Bamboo
Answer: (a) Sali rice and Boro rice
Explanation: Boro paddy (winter crop) is entirely dependent on assured irrigation, unlike tea and jute.
Topic 2: North East Frontier Expressway Project
Q3. The proposed North East Frontier Expressway will pass through which of the following states?
- Assam
- Meghalaya
- Tripura
- Mizoram
- Manipur
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
- (c) 1, 3 and 5 only
- (d) 2, 4 and 5 only
Answer: (b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
Explanation: The expressway runs parallel to the India–Bangladesh border through Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, but not Manipur.
Q4. With reference to the Bharatmala Pariyojana, consider the following statements:
- It is a centrally sponsored scheme for developing border and coastal highways.
- It includes expressways, economic corridors, and feeder routes.
- It is implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Bharatmala covers border, coastal, and international connectivity highways, economic corridors, and expressways. NHAI is the implementing agency.
Topic 3: Assam Centre for Climate & Disaster Resilience (IIT Guwahati)
Q5. Which of the following global frameworks are directly related to disaster risk reduction and resilience?
- Sendai Framework
- Paris Agreement
- Hyogo Framework for Action
- Basel Convention
Select the correct answer using the code below:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (c) 2 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Sendai (2015–30) and Hyogo (2005–15) deal with disaster resilience. Paris Agreement indirectly linked through climate adaptation. Basel Convention is about hazardous wastes.
Q6. In India, which of the following agencies are directly involved in flood forecasting?
- Central Water Commission (CWC)
- India Meteorological Department (IMD)
- Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA)
- Geological Survey of India (GSI)
Select the correct answer:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: CWC issues flood forecasts, IMD issues rainfall alerts, ASDMA disseminates warnings locally. GSI deals with geology, not flood forecasts.
Topic 4: India–Bangladesh Inland Waterways Pact
Q7. Which of the following National Waterways pass through Assam?
- NW-1 (Ganga)
- NW-2 (Brahmaputra)
- NW-16 (Barak)
- NW-97 (Sundarbans Delta)
Select the correct answer:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: NW-2 is the Brahmaputra (Dhubri–Sadiya) and NW-16 is the Barak (Lakhipur–Bhanga). NW-1 is the Ganga, NW-97 in Sundarbans.
Q8. Consider the following statements regarding India–Bangladesh Inland Waterways:
- The Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) was first signed in 1972.
- The Dhubri–Chittagong route provides direct sea access to Assam.
- Inland waterways are less energy-efficient than railways for cargo transport.
Which of the above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: PIWTT was signed in 1972. Dhubri–Chittagong route indeed links Assam to Bay of Bengal. Inland waterways are more energy-efficient than rail/road.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Q. Examine the significance of the India–Bangladesh Inland Waterways Pact for regional connectivity and economic growth, with special reference to Assam.
(GS Paper 2: International Relations | GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | GS Paper 5: Assam & NE)
🔹 Introduction
India and Bangladesh signed a landmark agreement in 2025 to expand inland waterways connectivity, integrating the Brahmaputra (NW-2) and Barak (NW-16) with Bangladesh’s river ports like Chittagong and Mongla. For Assam and the Northeast, this pact is a potential game-changer, reducing logistical bottlenecks, boosting trade, and deepening regional cooperation under the Act East Policy.
🔹 Significance
- For Assam and Northeast India
- Direct access to Bay of Bengal via Dhubri–Chittagong and Karimganj–Ashuganj routes.
- Boosts export of tea, coal, horticulture, and bamboo.
- Reduces dependence on the narrow Siliguri Corridor.
- For India–Bangladesh Relations
- Enhances trust under Neighbourhood First Policy.
- Balances China’s infrastructural influence in Bangladesh.
- Promotes sub-regional cooperation under BBIN and BIMSTEC.
- For Economic Growth
- Cuts transport cost by ~30–40%.
- Encourages investment in cargo terminals and logistics hubs.
- Promotes eco-friendly transport (waterways emit less carbon than road/rail).
🔹 Challenges
- Siltation & Navigability – Brahmaputra and Barak require continuous dredging.
- Seasonal Constraints – Monsoon floods vs. lean-season shallow waters.
- Infrastructural Deficit – Need for modern terminals, night navigation facilities.
- Security Issues – Risk of smuggling, insurgency, illegal migration.
- Diplomatic Sensitivity – Requires sustained goodwill and political stability in Bangladesh.
🔹 Government Initiatives
- Sagarmala Programme – Developing ports and inland waterways.
- Assam Inland Water Transport Project (World Bank-funded).
- PIWTT (1972, renewed periodically) – Legal framework for India–Bangladesh waterways trade.
- BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement – Complements road–water connectivity.
🔹 Way Forward
- Modernisation of Terminals – Cargo hubs in Dhubri, Karimganj, Silchar.
- Sustainable Dredging & Tech Use – Riverbed management using eco-friendly dredgers.
- Integrated Transport Policy – Link waterways with road, rail, and air logistics under PM Gati Shakti.
- Joint Security Mechanisms – India–Bangladesh river patrols and intelligence-sharing.
- Expand Regional Linkages – Extend waterways to Nepal and Bhutan via Bangladesh.
🔹 Conclusion
The India–Bangladesh Inland Waterways Pact reflects a shift from geographical isolation to strategic integration for Assam and the Northeast. By combining economic, diplomatic, and ecological gains, it can transform Assam into a gateway of regional trade and connectivity, provided infrastructural and diplomatic challenges are addressed with urgency.ods from a recurring tragedy into an opportunity for sustainable water resource management.
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