APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (01/09/2025)
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 (01-09-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🇮🇳🤝🇨🇳 Modi–Xi Meeting at SCO Summit: Reset in India–China Relations?
📘 GS Paper 2: International Relations | India & Neighbourhood | SCO
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Border Management
🔹 Introduction
At the SCO Summit 2025 in Tianjin (China), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping held a significant meeting where both sides agreed to seek a “fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable” boundary solution. The dialogue also focused on expanding trade and investment, while India emphasised the need to maintain strategic autonomy and not view bilateral ties through a “third country” prism.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Occasion | SCO Summit, Tianjin (China) |
| Leaders | PM Modi & President Xi |
| Border Talks | Agreement to intensify efforts for boundary solution |
| Trade | Expansion of investment; reducing India’s trade deficit |
| Strategic Autonomy | India stressed ties must be bilateral, not influenced by other powers |
| Chinese Position | Media projected hope for stable, pragmatic relations |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation): Eurasian political, economic, and security grouping; India became full member in 2017.
India–China Border: ~3,488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC); disputes in Aksai Chin (Ladakh) & Arunachal Pradesh.
Trade Facts (2024-25): China remains India’s largest trading partner; India’s deficit with China ≈ USD 85 bn.
Past Agreements: 1993 & 1996 Border Peace and Tranquillity Agreements; 2013 Border Defence Cooperation Agreement.
Strategic Autonomy: India’s long-standing foreign policy stance, avoiding formal military alliances.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Meeting
Border Stability: A thaw may reduce tensions post-2020 Galwan clash.
Economic Cooperation: Expanding trade critical for India’s manufacturing and pharma sectors.
Geopolitical Significance: At a time of US–China rivalry, India projects autonomy.
Regional Cooperation: Stability enhances effectiveness of SCO, BRICS, and RIC (Russia–India–China).
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Trust Deficit | Repeated border transgressions undermine confidence. |
| Asymmetry in Trade | Persistent deficit due to cheap Chinese imports. |
| Strategic Rivalry | Competing in Indian Ocean & Indo-Pacific strategies. |
| Alliance Politics | India’s Quad engagement vs China’s Pakistan alliance. |
| Domestic Concerns | Anti-China sentiment in India post-2020 clashes. |
C. Govt Initiatives/Approaches
Dialogue Platforms: WMCC (Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination), Corps Commander-level talks.
Diversification of Trade: Atmanirbhar Bharat, PLI schemes to reduce import dependency.
Strategic Autonomy Doctrine: Non-alignment 2.0; balanced ties with US, Russia, and China.
Strengthening NE Security: Infrastructure upgrade in Arunachal & Ladakh.
D. Way Forward
Institutionalised Border Talks → revive Special Representatives’ dialogue.
Economic Balancing → promote Indian exports in IT, pharma, agriculture.
People-to-People Ties → education & tourism exchanges to soften hostility.
Regional Stability → cooperate in climate change, counter-terrorism via SCO.
Trust Building → military hotlines, joint disaster management drills.
🧩 Conclusion
The Modi–Xi meeting at the SCO Summit reflects cautious optimism in an otherwise tense relationship. While strategic divergences remain, border management and trade cooperation can serve as confidence-building measures. For India, maintaining strategic autonomy while safeguarding sovereignty will be key to shaping a stable and pragmatic engagement with China.
🚁 Indian Army’s New Drone Platoons in Arunachal Pradesh Exercise
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Policies | Defence Preparedness
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Technology in Warfare
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Border Security | Eastern Sector
🔹 Introduction
In a major push towards modern warfare capability, the Indian Army deployed its newly raised drone platoons (“Ashni” units) during the Yudh Kaushal 3.0 exercise in Arunachal Pradesh’s Kameng sector. This marks a decisive shift from conventional to tech-enabled counter-threat operations, with plans to equip every infantry battalion with dedicated drone platoons.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Exercise | Yudh Kaushal 3.0, Kameng sector, Arunachal Pradesh |
| Units Deployed | Newly raised “Ashni” drone platoons |
| Purpose | Surveillance, target acquisition, precision strikes |
| Future Goal | Every infantry battalion to have drone platoon |
| Terrain | High-altitude, sensitive Indo-China border region |
| Next Step | Standardisation after successful trials |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Ashni Platoons: Newly created Indian Army drone units.
Eastern Command HQ: Kolkata, responsible for Arunachal border.
LAC (Line of Actual Control): ~1,346 km in Eastern Sector.
Loitering Munitions (“Suicide Drones”): Drones carrying explosives for precision strikes.
Defence Indigenisation Schemes: iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence), DRDO UAV projects, Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP 2020).
Yudh Kaushal Exercise: Annual Army field exercise in Eastern sector, tests high-altitude combat preparedness.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Drone Platoons
Force Multiplier: Provides real-time battlefield intelligence.
Deterrence against China: Counters PLA’s advanced UAV use in Tibet.
Low-Cost Precision Warfare: Cost-effective compared to conventional artillery.
Adaptation to Hybrid Threats: Effective in counter-insurgency, border surveillance, and conventional war.
Integration with Theatre Commands: Enhances jointness in defence.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Technology Gap | China already fields advanced UAV swarms. |
| Electronic Warfare Threats | Vulnerability to jamming & hacking. |
| Maintenance & Logistics | Harsh weather in Arunachal affects drone reliability. |
| Indigenisation Lag | India still imports critical drone components. |
| Doctrinal Adaptation | Need for training and integrating drones into tactical doctrines. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Make in India Defence Push: Indigenous UAV development (Rustom-II, TAPAS).
DRDO & HAL Projects: Combat UAVs and surveillance drones.
Private Sector Role: IdeaForge, NewSpace, and Tata Advanced Systems.
Quad Cooperation: Joint R&D with US, Japan, Australia on critical technologies.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: 411 defence items banned for import (many UAV-related).
D. Way Forward
Invest in Swarm Drone Technology – to match PLA’s edge.
Enhance Cybersecurity & EW Resilience – protect against jamming/hacking.
Public–Private Collaboration – support Indian start-ups in UAV production.
Training & Doctrine Evolution – simulation-based learning for soldiers.
Regional Adaptation – design drones for high-altitude, fog, and heavy rainfall in Arunachal.
🧩 Conclusion
The deployment of drone platoons in Arunachal Pradesh signals the Indian Army’s intent to digitally transform combat readiness along the sensitive LAC. With robust indigenisation, innovation, and doctrinal adaptation, drone warfare could become a decisive force multiplier in safeguarding India’s sovereignty in the eastern Himalayas.
🌧️ IMD Forecast: Wetter-Than-Normal September and Its Implications
📘 GS Paper 1: Geography – Monsoon System
📘 GS Paper 3: Disaster Management | Environment | Agriculture
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Floods & Landslides
🔹 Introduction
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that September 2025 rainfall will be above normal (>109% of Long Period Average), raising concerns about floods, landslides, and crop damage in several regions. This comes after a monsoon season (June–August) that has already recorded 6% above-normal rainfall, with Northwest India witnessing its wettest August since 2001.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| IMD Forecast | September rainfall expected at >109% of LPA (167.9 mm) |
| Seasonal Rainfall (Jun–Aug) | 743.1 mm (~6% above LPA of 701.7 mm) |
| NW India | Aug rainfall highest since 2001 |
| South Peninsular India | ~31% above normal |
| Disaster Risks | Flash floods & landslides in hilly terrain (Himachal, Uttarakhand, NE India) |
| Govt Response | Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) deployed in HP, Uttarakhand, Punjab, J&K to assess damage |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Long Period Average (LPA): 87 cm, based on 1971–2020 data.
Southwest Monsoon Withdrawal: Normally begins from Rajasthan in September, but delayed in recent years.
Western Disturbances: Cause extreme rainfall in NW India during monsoon-end.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): Key agency for flood relief.
Flash Flood-Prone States: HP, Uttarakhand, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal.
IMCT (Inter-Ministerial Central Teams): Assess monsoon damages for SDRF/NDRF aid allocation.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the Forecast
Agriculture: Critical for Kharif crops (rice, pulses, oilseeds).
Hydrology: Helps in reservoir management & hydroelectric planning.
Disaster Preparedness: Early warning enables pre-emptive relief.
Climate Research: Highlights changing monsoon patterns.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Flooding | Excess rain in river basins causes urban & rural flooding. |
| Landslides | Himalayan & NE regions vulnerable due to steep slopes. |
| Agricultural Losses | Waterlogging, crop damage, delayed harvest. |
| Urban Drainage Failures | Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati see waterlogging. |
| Climate Change Factor | Intensification of extreme rainfall events. |
C. Govt Initiatives
National Monsoon Mission (NMM): Improved monsoon forecasting models.
Flash Flood Guidance Services (FFGS): Real-time flood warnings.
NDMA Guidelines: Urban flood preparedness, landslide mapping.
Digital Tools: IMD’s ‘Mausam’ app & Agromet Advisory Services.
River Basin Management: Namami Gange, Brahmaputra flood control projects.
D. Way Forward
Strengthen Forecast Accuracy → More Doppler radars in NE & Himalayas.
Community Preparedness → Localised flood early-warning systems.
Resilient Infrastructure → Stormwater drains, slope stabilisation.
Agri-Resilience → Promote flood-tolerant rice varieties.
Integrated River Basin Management → Cooperation among states for flood control.
🧩 Conclusion
The IMD’s prediction of a wetter-than-normal September is both an opportunity (for agriculture & hydropower) and a challenge (floods, landslides, urban waterlogging). A proactive approach combining scientific forecasting, community awareness, and resilient infrastructure is essential to reduce risks and harness benefits.
🗣️ Endangered Tribal Languages of Arunachal Pradesh: Preserving Cultural Heritage
📘 GS Paper 1: Indian Society | Diversity of India | Culture
📘 GS Paper 2: Education & Policy | Minority Rights
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Tribal Languages & Cultural Preservation
🔹 Introduction
Arunachal Pradesh, one of India’s most linguistically diverse states, is witnessing a sharp decline in tribal languages. UNESCO has classified 34 languages from the state as endangered, ranging from “vulnerable” to “critically endangered.” Despite state initiatives and community efforts, challenges remain in ensuring the survival of these languages amid rapid modernisation and migration.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| No. of Endangered Languages | 34 tribal languages in Arunachal Pradesh listed by UNESCO |
| Threats | Intergenerational break in language transmission, urban migration, dominance of Hindi/English |
| Examples | Aka (Hrusso), Tangsa, Mishmi, Bugun, Meyor, Idu, etc. |
| State Measures | Proposal for a State Council for Vernacular Language Research & Training; inclusion of tribal languages as third-language option in schools; funding for documentation |
| Community Initiatives | ‘Language Days’, oral tradition documentation, recording folk songs, youth engagement |
| Cultural Risk | Loss of oral traditions, folklore, identity, rituals tied to languages |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
UNESCO’s Language Endangerment Categories: Vulnerable, Definitely Endangered, Severely Endangered, Critically Endangered.
8th Schedule of Constitution: Recognises 22 languages; no tribal language of Arunachal included yet.
NEP 2020: Promotes mother tongue/regional language as medium of instruction at primary level.
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH): Includes languages as carriers of culture.
Bhasha Sangam Initiative: MoE scheme to promote multilingual learning in schools.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Tribal Languages
Cultural Identity: Preserves customs, rituals, oral traditions.
Knowledge Systems: Indigenous ecological and medicinal knowledge embedded in language.
Diversity & Pluralism: Strengthens India’s multicultural democracy.
Social Cohesion: Promotes community pride, belongingness.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Language Shift | Younger generations shifting to Hindi/English. |
| Lack of Script | Many languages are oral with no standardised script. |
| Insufficient Teachers | Shortage of trained language instructors. |
| Economic Migration | Urbanisation disrupts intergenerational transmission. |
| Policy Gaps | Most languages outside 8th Schedule; no constitutional protection. |
C. Govt Initiatives
NCERT Tribal Language Books for NE states.
Digital Documentation Projects with IGNCA and CIIL, Mysore.
Scheme for Protection & Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL): Run by CIIL.
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Use of mother tongue in early grades.
NEP 2020 Implementation: Mother-tongue education up to Class 5.
D. Way Forward
Bilingual Education Models → combine mother tongue with regional/English.
Digital Preservation → apps, audio archives, AI-based transcription.
Community Engagement → language clubs, cultural fests, storytelling.
Policy Inclusion → recognition of select tribal languages in 8th Schedule.
Scholarships & Research → incentivise youth to learn, document, and teach.
🧩 Conclusion
The decline of Arunachal Pradesh’s tribal languages represents not just the erosion of communication tools but of entire cultural worlds. Revitalising them requires a joint effort by government, academia, and local communities. Protecting these languages is integral to safeguarding India’s pluralistic identity and its intangible cultural heritage.
🎓 Ramon Magsaysay Award 2025 to Indian NGO Educate Girls
📘 GS Paper 2: Education | Welfare Schemes | NGOs & Civil Society
📘 GS Paper 4: Ethics & Social Responsibility
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Relevance of NGO models in tackling local education gaps
🔹 Introduction
The Ramon Magsaysay Award 2025, often called the “Asian Nobel Prize,” was conferred on Indian NGO Educate Girls for its pioneering work in girls’ education and empowerment in rural India. Founded in 2007 by Safeena Husain, the NGO has transformed education access in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, enrolling over 2 million out-of-school girls and improving learning outcomes through community-driven models.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Award | Ramon Magsaysay Award 2025 |
| Recipient | Educate Girls (founded by Safeena Husain, 2007) |
| Work Area | Girls’ enrolment, retention, and learning outcomes in rural India |
| Impact | Enrolled 2 million+ girls, improved learning for 1.5 million+ students |
| Model | Door-to-door surveys, community volunteers (Team Balika), partnerships with govt schools |
| Recognition | Earlier awarded the 2019 UN Global Award for Innovation in Education |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Ramon Magsaysay Award: Instituted in 1957, named after former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay; categories include Government Service, Community Leadership, Public Service, Journalism, Literature, and Creative Arts.
Educate Girls: Registered Indian NGO headquartered in Mumbai; works with ASER reports to identify education gaps.
SDG 4 (Quality Education): Universal primary & secondary education by 2030.
Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009: Ensures free and compulsory education for 6–14 years.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Flagship govt scheme for girl child education & welfare.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Award
Global Recognition: Highlights India’s civil society efforts in social transformation.
Boost to Girls’ Education: Encourages policy focus on bridging gender gaps in education.
Community Model: Demonstrates scalable, low-cost approach for universal education.
Ethical Governance: Reinforces role of NGOs in strengthening democracy and rights.
B. Challenges in Girls’ Education
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Dropout Rates | Early marriages, household responsibilities, poor infrastructure. |
| Gender Bias | Deep-rooted social attitudes undervalue girls’ education. |
| Access Gaps | Remote rural & tribal areas lack functional schools. |
| Quality Concerns | Poor teacher-student ratios, low learning outcomes. |
| Economic Barriers | Families prioritise boys’ education due to limited resources. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan – Integrated scheme for school education (pre-school to XII).
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 – Gender Inclusion Fund for reducing learning gaps.
Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) – Residential schools for girls from disadvantaged groups.
Digital Initiatives: DIKSHA, e-Pathshala, SWAYAM to bridge learning gaps.
Scholarships: CBSE Udaan, Pragati Scholarship (AICTE) for girls in higher education.
D. Way Forward
Scaling NGO–Govt Partnerships → replicate Educate Girls’ model across states.
Incentivising Families → conditional cash transfers for girls’ education.
Safe Infrastructure → toilets, transport, residential schools in remote areas.
Leveraging Technology → digital classrooms, AI-based learning apps.
Community Empowerment → strengthen local volunteers & parents’ committees.
🧩 Conclusion
The recognition of Educate Girls with the Ramon Magsaysay Award 2025 underscores the transformative power of community-driven models in addressing gender gaps in education. For India to achieve SDG 4 and SDG 5 (gender equality), scaling such initiatives alongside government policies is essential. Education of girls is not just a social imperative but also a force multiplier for national development.equitable development.lso shaping a stable and multipolar regional order.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
Topic 1: India’s FDI Inflows in July 2025
Q1. Consider the following statements about Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India (UPSC 2021 pattern):
- FDI is a non-debt-creating capital flow.
- India allows 100% FDI under the automatic route in the defence sector.
- FDI inflows are regulated by both RBI and DPIIT.
Which of the statements given above is/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:
- FDI is a non-debt-creating capital flow → correct.
- Defence sector allows 74% FDI automatic, 100% through govt approval route → statement 2 wrong.
- Both RBI (capital flow regulation) and DPIIT (policy formulation) regulate → correct.
Topic 2: Indian Army’s New Drone Platoons in Arunachal Pradesh
Q2. Assertion-Reason (UPSC 2019 style):
Assertion (A): Indian Army has created dedicated “Ashni” drone platoons in infantry battalions.
Reason (R): These platoons are intended to enhance surveillance, target acquisition, and precision strike capability in high-altitude border regions.
Choose the correct option:
- (a) A is true, R is true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- (b) A is true, R is 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)
Explanation: Both assertion and reason are true; drones give a strategic edge in high-altitude warfare against China.
Topic 3: IMD Forecast – Wetter-Than-Normal September 2025
Q3. Which of the following is/are correct about India’s Long Period Average (LPA) of monsoon rainfall? (UPSC 2018 pattern)
- LPA is calculated on the basis of 1951–1980 data.
- The all-India LPA of southwest monsoon rainfall is about 87 cm.
- IMD classifies rainfall as “above normal” when it is 110% or more of LPA.
Options:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 2 only
- (d) 2 only
Answer: (d) 2 only
Explanation:
- LPA currently based on 1971–2020 data (earlier 1961–2010).
- All-India LPA ≈ 87 cm → correct.
- IMD: Above normal = 104–110% of LPA, Excess = >110% → statement 3 wrong.
Topic 4: Endangered Tribal Languages of Arunachal Pradesh
Q4. Match the following (UPSC 2020 pattern):
| Language | Tribe/Region |
| 1. Aka (Hrusso) | A. Eastern Arunachal Pradesh |
| 2. Idu Mishmi | B. West Kameng |
| 3. Bugun | C. Dibang Valley |
| 4. Tangsa | D. West Kameng/Tawang |
Options:
- (a) 1-D, 2-C, 3-B, 4-A
- (b) 1-B, 2-C, 3-D, 4-A
- (c) 1-A, 2-D, 3-C, 4-B
- (d) 1-C, 2-B, 3-A, 4-D
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Aka (Hrusso) → West Kameng.
- Idu Mishmi → Dibang Valley.
- Bugun → West Kameng/Tawang.
- Tangsa → Eastern Arunachal.
Topic 5: Ramon Magsaysay Award 2025 to Educate Girls NGO
Q5. With reference to Educate Girls NGO, consider the following statements (UPSC 2017 style):
- It works primarily to improve girls’ education in tribal belts of Northeast India.
- It uses a community volunteer network called Team Balika.
- It has received both UN recognition and the Ramon Magsaysay Award.
Which of the above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 2 only
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Awarded UN Global Innovation Award (2019) + Ramon Magsaysay Award (2025) → correct.
Educate Girls works mainly in Rajasthan, MP, UP (not NE) → statement 1 wrong.
Team Balika = volunteer network → correct.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Q. The decline of tribal languages in Northeast India, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, poses serious threats to cultural diversity and identity. Discuss the causes and suggest measures for their preservation.
Introduction
India is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world, with Arunachal Pradesh alone home to over 90 distinct languages and dialects. According to UNESCO, 34 languages from the state are endangered, ranging from “vulnerable” to “critically endangered.” The decline of these languages is not just a matter of communication but a potential erosion of cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge systems.
Body
1. Causes of Decline
- Intergenerational gap: Younger generations shift to Hindi/English for mobility.
- Lack of written script: Many tribal languages remain oral, making documentation difficult.
- Migration & urbanisation: Movement to towns disrupts traditional linguistic transmission.
- Policy gaps: Absence in the 8th Schedule denies constitutional protection.
- Economic & social pressure: Families prioritise “mainstream” languages for employment.
2. Significance of Tribal Languages
- Cultural identity & diversity – reflect history, folklore, oral traditions.
- Indigenous knowledge – ecology, herbal medicine, resource management encoded in language.
- Social cohesion – unites tribal communities through rituals and festivals.
3. Measures for Preservation
- Policy inclusion: Select tribal languages can be added to the 8th Schedule.
- Education reforms: Implement bilingual education with NEP 2020’s mother tongue focus.
- Digital archiving: Audio-visual documentation, AI transcription apps.
- Community participation: Encourage language clubs, storytelling events, and cultural fests.
- Research & funding: Expand the Scheme for Protection & Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL) through CIIL.
Conclusion
The erosion of tribal languages in Arunachal Pradesh is not just a linguistic crisis but a loss of identity and knowledge systems. Preserving them requires synergy between government policy, academia, and community efforts. Revitalisation of tribal languages will ensure that India’s pluralistic ethos and intangible cultural heritage remain vibrant for future generations.rage digital learning to build an equitable, skilled, and future-ready workforce.ng in India’s northeast. resource management.
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