APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (29/08/2025)
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 (29-08-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🌾 India’s Record Foodgrain Output in 2024–25
📘 GS Paper 3: Agriculture | Food Security
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Policies | Welfare Schemes
🔹 Introduction
The Ministry of Agriculture has reported that India achieved a record foodgrain output of over 340 million tonnes in 2024–25, driven by bumper harvests of rice, wheat, pulses, and oilseeds. This growth comes despite challenges of erratic monsoons, highlighting the role of technology, MSP support, irrigation expansion, and resilient crop varieties.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Foodgrain Production 2024–25 | ~340 million tonnes (record) |
| Major Contributors | Rice, wheat, pulses, oilseeds |
| Drivers | HYV seeds, MSP hikes, irrigation, digital agri-tools |
| Concerns | Climate variability, regional disparities, post-harvest losses |
| Policy Link | National Food Security Act (NFSA), PM-AASHA, PM-Kisan, MSP reforms |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
NFSA 2013: Provides subsidized grains to ~80 crore beneficiaries.
Green Revolution 2.0: Focus on Eastern India & pulses.
Major Crop Producers (2024–25):
Rice – West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab
Wheat – UP, MP, Punjab
Pulses – MP, Maharashtra, Rajasthan
Schemes:
PM-AASHA: MSP procurement support
PMFBY: Crop insurance
Soil Health Card, e-NAM
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance
Ensures food security for 1.4 billion people.
Supports public distribution system (PDS).
Enhances farmers’ income through MSP procurement.
Reduces import dependency (pulses, edible oils).
B. Challenges
| Issue | Explanation |
| Climate Stress | Erratic monsoon, floods, droughts. |
| Regional Imbalance | Punjab-Haryana dominate procurement, NE & East underrepresented. |
| Post-Harvest Losses | Storage and cold-chain gaps. |
| Nutritional Security | Focus still on rice-wheat, neglecting millets/pulses. |
C. Govt Initiatives
National Food Security Mission (NFSM) – Boosts productivity.
PM-Kisan – Direct income support.
Year of Millets 2023 legacy – Encourages diversification.
Digital Agriculture Mission – AI, drones, blockchain for farming.
D. Way Forward
Diversify crops towards nutri-cereals and pulses.
Expand irrigation and micro-irrigation coverage.
Improve post-harvest management and warehousing.
Promote climate-resilient agriculture.
Strengthen farmer-producer organizations (FPOs).
🧩 Conclusion
India’s record foodgrain output demonstrates the resilience of its agriculture, but sustaining this growth requires a shift from mere production to nutrition, sustainability, and equity. A balanced approach will ensure both food and income security for future generations.
🏛️ India–ASEAN Trade Pact Review
📘 GS Paper 2: International Relations | Regional Groupings
📘 GS Paper 3: Economy | External Trade | Regional Integration
🔹 Introduction
India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are reviewing their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Goods, which came into effect in 2010. The review aims to address concerns of trade imbalance, non-tariff barriers, and underutilization of the pact by Indian exporters, while enhancing economic integration with the dynamic Southeast Asian region.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Agreement | ASEAN–India FTA (AIFTA), 2010 |
| Review Year | 2025 (ongoing) |
| ASEAN Members | 10 countries – Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Brunei |
| India’s Concern | Trade deficit of ~$43 billion with ASEAN (2024–25) |
| ASEAN’s Concern | India’s restrictive rules of origin, SPS standards |
| Focus of Review | Simplification of rules, addressing NTBs, greater market access for agri, pharma, services |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
ASEAN HQ – Jakarta, Indonesia.
ASEAN–India Trade in 2024–25 – ~$131 billion.
Look East Policy (1992) → Act East Policy (2014).
Key Sectors of Cooperation – IT, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, connectivity.
India-ASEAN Connectivity Projects – Trilateral Highway (India–Myanmar–Thailand).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Review
Economic Integration: Boosts trade with Southeast Asia, one of the fastest-growing regions.
Strategic Balance: Counters China’s dominance in ASEAN economies.
Market Access: Expands opportunities for Indian MSMEs, pharma, agri-products.
North-East Development: Enhances connectivity and trade opportunities for Assam & NE India.
B. Challenges
| Issue | Explanation |
| Trade Deficit | Rising imports of electronics, palm oil, chemicals from ASEAN. |
| NTBs | Quality standards, certification, customs delays. |
| Weak Utilization | Indian exporters underutilize preferences due to complex rules. |
| China Factor | ASEAN’s deeper economic links with China (RCEP, Belt & Road). |
C. Government Initiatives
FTA Review Mechanism – Ongoing negotiations to balance trade.
PLI Schemes – To boost domestic manufacturing and exports.
Act East Policy – Connectivity and economic diplomacy.
India-ASEAN Delhi Dialogue – Annual platform for strategic & economic talks.
D. Way Forward
Simplify Rules of Origin for easier use by exporters.
Promote agri, pharma, IT, digital trade with ASEAN.
Invest in logistics & connectivity corridors through NE India.
Strengthen services trade negotiations (India’s strength).
Build regional value chains to compete with China.
🧩 Conclusion
The India–ASEAN trade pact review is a critical opportunity to rebalance trade, deepen regional cooperation, and empower India’s Act East Policy. If reforms are implemented, it could transform India into a key economic partner for ASEAN, with Assam and the Northeast emerging as the gateway.
🏥 Assam’s Mission Niramay – Universal Healthcare Push
📘 GS Paper 2: Health | Welfare Schemes | Governance
📘 GS Paper 3: Inclusive Growth | Social Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Health Infrastructure in Assam
🔹 Introduction
The Government of Assam has launched Mission Niramay, a flagship programme aimed at providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare across the state. Building upon Ayushman Bharat and state health missions, it focuses on strengthening primary healthcare, digital health records, preventive care, and health insurance coverage for all households.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Launch | Assam Govt, August 2025 |
| Coverage | All households, with special focus on rural and tea-garden communities |
| Key Components | Free diagnostics, telemedicine, health insurance, wellness centres |
| Integration | Linked with Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY |
| Monitoring | State Health Mission + Digital Health ID system |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Ayushman Bharat (2018): Provides ₹5 lakh insurance cover per family.
Health Indicators (NFHS-5 Assam):
Infant Mortality Rate – 36 per 1000 (higher than national avg. 28)
Institutional deliveries – 76% (improved but below national 89%)
National Health Policy 2017: Universal health coverage as a goal.
e-Sanjeevani: Telemedicine platform used nationwide.
Tea-Garden Health Issues: High prevalence of anaemia, malnutrition, poor maternal health.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Mission Niramay
Ensures equity in healthcare access across rural and urban areas.
Addresses health disparities in tea gardens, tribal, and flood-prone regions.
Strengthens primary healthcare system in Assam.
Promotes preventive healthcare through awareness and screenings.
Integrates digital health records, improving efficiency.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Doctor Shortage | Rural areas face lack of specialists. |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Sub-centres and PHCs under-equipped. |
| Awareness Deficit | Many rural households unaware of entitlements. |
| Funding Constraints | Universal healthcare requires sustained financing. |
| Disease Burden | High maternal mortality, malnutrition, lifestyle diseases. |
C. Govt Initiatives Supporting Healthcare
Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY and Health & Wellness Centres.
Assam Health Infrastructure Development Project (with JICA).
Tea Garden Health Camps and Mobile Medical Units.
Digital Health Mission – Unique Health IDs for all citizens.
D. Way Forward
Expand telemedicine and mobile clinics in remote areas.
Incentivize doctors and nurses to serve in rural Assam.
Build public-private partnerships (PPP) for diagnostics and hospitals.
Promote community health workers and ASHAs for awareness.
Ensure sustainable financing through state + central support.
🧩 Conclusion
Mission Niramay reflects Assam’s commitment to universal health coverage and inclusive development. With effective implementation and strong public participation, it can serve as a model for health governance in the Northeast, bridging gaps in equity and access.
🛡️ India–Japan Defence Cooperation Deepens
📘 GS Paper 2: International Relations | Bilateral Relations
📘 GS Paper 3: Security | Defence Technology | Maritime Security
🔹 Introduction
India and Japan have decided to expand their strategic defence cooperation, focusing on joint military exercises, defence technology transfer, and Indo-Pacific maritime security. The partnership reflects their shared vision of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, countering regional security threats and China’s growing assertiveness.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Recent Development | New agreements on joint military training, defence R&D, and supply chain resilience (Aug 2025) |
| Existing Mechanisms | 2+2 Defence & Foreign Ministers Dialogue, QUAD framework |
| Areas of Cooperation | Maritime domain awareness, cyber & space security, defence technology collaboration |
| Joint Exercises | Dharma Guardian (Army), JIMEX (Navy), Malabar (with US, Australia), Veer Guardian (Air Force) |
| Strategic Context | Shared concerns over Indo-Pacific security and Chinese activities in East & South China Seas |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Dharma Guardian – Bilateral Army exercise (India–Japan).
JIMEX – Bilateral Naval exercise.
Veer Guardian (2023) – First India–Japan Air Force exercise.
QUAD Members – India, Japan, US, Australia.
Act East Policy & Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) – Key Indian frameworks aligning with Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Defence Cooperation
Strategic Balance: Counters China’s maritime expansion.
Technology & Innovation: Japan’s advanced defence tech complements India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.
Indo-Pacific Security: Strengthens freedom of navigation, secure sea lanes.
Regional Diplomacy: Enhances QUAD credibility and deterrence.
Supply Chain Resilience: Defence industrial cooperation boosts security in production.
B. Challenges
| Issue | Explanation |
| China’s Reaction | Could escalate tensions in Indo-Pacific. |
| Defence Technology Barriers | Japan’s strict export control laws. |
| Logistical Gaps | Need for greater interoperability in joint exercises. |
| Resource Constraints | India’s defence budget prioritization. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Defence Acquisition & Technology Transfer agreements signed with Japan.
QUAD Security Dialogue – Cooperation in cyber, critical technologies.
Sagarmala & Maritime Missions – Synergies with Japan’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
Japan’s investment in Indian defence corridors (Tamil Nadu, UP).
D. Way Forward
Expand joint defence R&D and co-production under Make in India.
Enhance cybersecurity & space collaboration.
Strengthen logistics support agreements for naval cooperation.
Deepen people-to-people defence exchanges (military training, academies).
Use cooperation as a pillar of Indo-Pacific regional security architecture.
🧩 Conclusion
India–Japan defence cooperation is evolving into a comprehensive strategic partnership that goes beyond military drills to technology and industrial collaboration. By aligning their security interests in the Indo-Pacific, the two nations are not only enhancing bilateral ties but also shaping a stable and multipolar regional order.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
1. India’s Record Foodgrain Output 2024–25
Q1. (MCQ – Direct Fact)
With reference to India’s agriculture in 2024–25, consider the following statements:
- India recorded a foodgrain output of over 340 million tonnes.
- Wheat and rice continue to dominate total production.
- Pulses production has made India completely self-sufficient, with no imports required.
Which of the above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: India achieved a record foodgrain output (340 MT). However, India still imports pulses (especially tur and masoor), so statement 3 is incorrect.
Q2. (Statement Matching)
Match the following crop with its leading state of production (2024–25):
| Crop | Leading State |
| A. Rice | 1. Madhya Pradesh |
| B. Wheat | 2. West Bengal |
| C. Pulses | 3. Rajasthan |
Options:
a) A–2, B–1, C–3
b) A–1, B–3, C–2
c) A–2, B–3, C–1
d) A–3, B–2, C–1
Answer: a) A–2, B–1, C–3
2. India–ASEAN Trade Pact Review
Q3. (MCQ – IR + Economy)
Consider the following statements about ASEAN:
- The headquarters of ASEAN is in Jakarta.
- All ASEAN countries are members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
- India is a founding member of ASEAN.
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: ASEAN HQ is in Jakarta. All ASEAN members joined RCEP (2020). India is not a member of ASEAN, hence statement 3 is wrong.
Q4. (Assertion-Reason)
Assertion (A): India has been pressing for a review of the ASEAN–India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA).
Reason (R): India faces a growing trade deficit with ASEAN countries.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, R is false.
d) A is false, R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
3. Assam’s Mission Niramay
Q5. (MCQ – Schemes)
With reference to Assam’s Mission Niramay, consider the following statements:
- It aims to provide universal health coverage to all households of Assam.
- It is fully funded by the World Bank.
- It integrates with Ayushman Bharat and Digital Health Mission.
Which of the statements are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Mission Niramay is state-funded, not fully funded by World Bank. It is integrated with PM-JAY and digital health.
Q6. (Match the Following – Health Indicators)
| Indicator (NFHS-5 Assam) | Approximate Value |
| A. Infant Mortality Rate | 1. 36 per 1000 live births |
| B. Institutional Deliveries | 2. 76% |
| C. Anaemia in Women (15–49) | 3. 66% |
Choose the correct match:
a) A–1, B–2, C–3
b) A–2, B–3, C–1
c) A–3, B–1, C–2
d) A–1, B–3, C–2
Answer: a) A–1, B–2, C–3
4. India–Japan Defence Cooperation
Q7. (MCQ – Defence Exercises)
Match the following India–Japan bilateral exercises:
| Exercise | Forces Involved |
| A. Dharma Guardian | 1. Navy |
| B. JIMEX | 2. Army |
| C. Veer Guardian | 3. Air Force |
Options:
a) A–2, B–1, C–3
b) A–1, B–2, C–3
c) A–3, B–2, C–1
d) A–2, B–3, C–1
Answer: a) A–2, B–1, C–3
Q8. (MCQ – Conceptual)
Which of the following best explains the strategic significance of India–Japan defence cooperation?
a) It primarily focuses on resolving land border disputes between the two nations.
b) It enhances Indo-Pacific maritime security and balances regional power dynamics.
c) It seeks to form a military alliance similar to NATO in Asia.
d) It is aimed exclusively at boosting India’s defence manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Answer: b) It enhances Indo-Pacific maritime security and balances regional power dynamics.ol education outcomes.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Q. “Equitable healthcare is central to inclusive growth. Critically examine Assam’s Mission Niramay in the context of India’s goal of Universal Health Coverage.”
🔹 Introduction
Health is a fundamental pillar of human development, and India’s National Health Policy 2017 envisions Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Assam, despite progress, continues to face high maternal and infant mortality, poor nutrition, and weak health infrastructure. Against this backdrop, the Government of Assam launched Mission Niramay (2025), aimed at providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare for every household, especially in rural and vulnerable regions.
🔹 Body
1. Significance of Mission Niramay
- Equitable Access: Extends healthcare to tea-garden workers, tribal communities, and flood-prone rural belts.
- Integration: Links with Ayushman Bharat and National Digital Health Mission.
- Preventive Care: Focus on screenings, diagnostics, and wellness centres.
- Digital Health: Promotes electronic health records and telemedicine.
- Insurance Coverage: Expands protection against catastrophic health expenditure.
2. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Infrastructure Deficit | Many PHCs and sub-centres lack equipment and staff. |
| Human Resources | Shortage of doctors and nurses in rural areas. |
| Financial Sustainability | Universal coverage requires long-term funding. |
| Awareness Gap | Beneficiaries often unaware of entitlements. |
| High Disease Burden | Assam’s high MMR (195 per lakh live births) and IMR (36/1000) reflect deep challenges. |
3. Government Initiatives Supporting Niramay
- Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY: ₹5 lakh cover per family.
- Health Infrastructure Development Project (with JICA).
- Mobile Medical Units in tea-garden areas.
- National Digital Health Mission for unique health IDs.
- ASHA and ANM workers supporting grassroot healthcare.
4. Way Forward
- Strengthen Primary Health Centres with modern equipment and adequate staff.
- Incentivize doctors and nurses for rural postings through financial and career benefits.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for diagnostics and tertiary care.
- Community Participation: Empower Panchayats and ASHAs for awareness drives.
- Financial Resilience: Dedicated state health fund to ensure sustainability.
🔹 Conclusion
Mission Niramay has the potential to be a game-changer for Assam’s health landscape, bridging inequalities and reducing disease burden. However, its success depends on robust infrastructure, skilled manpower, sustainable financing, and community engagement. If implemented effectively, it can not only transform Assam’s healthcare delivery but also serve as a model for Universal Health Coverage in India’s Northeastern region.nt. With holistic implementation, Assam can leverage digital learning to build an equitable, skilled, and future-ready workforce.ng in India’s northeast. resource management.
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