APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (02/07/2025)
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 (02-07-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🌾 All-Time High Paddy Procurement in Assam
📘 GS Paper 3: Agriculture | Food Security | E-Governance
📘 APSC GS Paper 5: Assam Economy | Agricultural Reforms
🔹 Introduction
The Assam government has achieved a record-breaking procurement of 6.97 lakh metric tonnes of paddy for Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024–25, the highest in the state’s history, reflecting a significant policy push toward farmer welfare and food security.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| 🔼 Procurement Volume | 6.97 lakh MT (KMS 2024–25) – highest ever in Assam |
| 📉 Last Year (2023–24) | 3.14 lakh MT procured |
| 🏆 Achievement | More than 2x jump over previous season |
| 🎯 Target for 2024–25 | 5.85 lakh MT (surpassed) |
| 🌾 Beneficiaries | Paddy farmers from Majuli, other rural districts |
| 🌍 Export Success | 267 MT Red Rice exported to EU & Middle East markets |
| 📢 Announced By | Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (via X post) |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Minimum Support Price (MSP): A safety net mechanism to ensure fair prices to farmers.
Kharif Season: Sowing in June-July; harvesting in Oct-Nov.
FCI (Food Corporation of India): Central agency responsible for procurement under MSP.
Red Rice: A GI-tagged, iron-rich variety from Assam; gaining global demand.
Agriculture Export Policy (2018): Aims to double farmer income via global market access.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance for Assam
Boosts farmer income and rural economy.
Increases foodgrain security through efficient procurement.
Enhances brand Assam in international food markets.
Reduces dependence on middlemen through direct procurement.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| 🏗️ Storage & Logistics | Inadequate warehousing in rural belts leads to grain loss. |
| 📑 Procurement Access | Farmers face issues in registration and digital documentation. |
| ⚖️ MSP Awareness | Many small/marginal farmers unaware of MSP processes. |
| 🌧️ Climate Vulnerability | Erratic monsoons impact productivity and procurement stability. |
🏛️ Government Initiatives
PM-AASHA: Assures MSP operations across states.
eNAM Platform: Facilitates digital agricultural marketing.
Assam Agricultural Export Promotion Policy (AAEPP), 2023
Agri Infrastructure Fund: To build post-harvest and storage capacity.
“Brand Assam” Promotion: Supporting organic and GI-tagged produce for exports.
🧭 Way Forward
🌐 Digitization of Procurement: Universal farmer registration & MSP transfer through DBT.
🧱 Upgrade Storage Infrastructure: Cold storage, rural silos, mobile procurement units.
🎓 Farmer Training: On quality control, export standards, and government schemes.
🚢 Export Linkages: Strengthen Agri-export clusters and air cargo facilities for perishables.
🧩 Conclusion
Assam’s record paddy procurement is a promising stride toward inclusive agricultural growth. With the right policy support, infrastructure, and farmer engagement, the state can emerge as a grain and rice export hub of Eastern India.
🌲 Crackdown on Illegal Timber Trade: Saw Mill Seized in Dhubri
📘 GS Paper 3: Environment | Forest Governance | Conservation Efforts
📘 APSC GS Paper 5: Assam Environment | Illegal Trade | Local Governance
🔹 Introduction
In a significant move, Assam’s Forest Department seized an illegal saw mill operating in Bhelakoba (Dhubri), marking the third such operation in one month. The state’s intensified anti-timber smuggling drive reflects growing concern over deforestation and biodiversity loss.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| 📍 Location | Bhelakoba Part III, Dhubri district |
| 🏢 Action Taken | Unauthorized saw mill seized |
| 🔁 Pattern | 3rd seizure in 1 month in the region |
| 👮♂️ Led By | Sapatgram Forest Department under DFO Golap Kumar Bania |
| 🎯 Goal | Curbing illegal timber operations and protecting forest wealth |
| 🗓️ Date of Action | July 1, 2025 |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Indian Forest Act, 1927: Governs legal provisions around forest use, conservation, and offences.
CamScanner Case: Assam previously used mobile tech for on-the-spot tracking of forest offences.
Red Sanders, Sal, Teak: Timber species most targeted for illegal trade in India.
Jhum Cultivation vs Timber Theft: While Jhum is traditional and regulated, timber theft is illegal and unscientific.
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): National agency combating forest and wildlife trade.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Action
Reinforces environmental law enforcement in border regions
Helps prevent forest degradation and loss of biodiversity
Sends a deterrent message to timber mafias
Supports goals under the National Forest Policy (1988)
B. Challenges in Combating Timber Trade
| Issue | Explanation |
| 🌐 Cross-Border Linkages | Dhubri, close to international borders, sees timber smuggling routes to Bangladesh |
| ⚖️ Legal Loopholes | Lack of speedy trial in forest crime cases under Forest Act |
| 👥 Local Complicity | Some locals enable illegal mills for livelihood under poverty stress |
| 📉 Staff Shortage | Forest guards and surveillance tech remain limited in range and training |
🏛️ Government Initiatives
Digital India Mission: Smart surveillance tools for forest patrols
Van Dhan Yojana: Alternative income generation for forest dwellers
Assam Forest Protection Force (AFPF): Specialized unit for forest crime
Assam State Action Plan for Climate Change (SAPCC): Forest protection is key component
Use of GIS and Drones: Adopted in Kaziranga & Dibrugarh for forest mapping
🧭 Way Forward
| Area | Suggestions |
| 🎯 Tech Surveillance | Use drones, camera traps & mobile reporting apps |
| 🧑🏫 Community Vigilance | Empower local communities and ex-poachers as forest allies |
| 🧾 Fast-Track Justice | Establish environmental fast-track courts for illegal trade |
| 📚 Environmental Education | Train local youth in forest laws, biodiversity value |
🧩 Conclusion
The crackdown in Dhubri is a timely example of proactive forest governance. But for long-term impact, it must be supported by community involvement, legal reforms, and technology-driven vigilance to protect Assam’s green heritage.
📶 India’s Digital Infrastructure Growth
📘 GS Paper 2: E-Governance | Digital India Mission
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Science & Technology
📘 APSC GS Paper 5: Assam & National IT Policy | Digital Divide
🔹 Introduction
India’s digital transformation is witnessing exponential progress. With internet connections surging from 25 crore in 2014 to 97 crore in 2025, the nation now aims to become a global leader in digital infrastructure and governance.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Description |
| 📡 Internet Growth | From 25 crore (2014) to over 97 crore (2025) users |
| 🌐 OFC Network | 42 lakh km of Optical Fibre Cable laid – 11x Earth-Moon distance |
| 📶 5G Rollout | 4.81 lakh base stations in just 2 years |
| 🎯 Vision | India as global leader in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) |
| 📊 National Digital Economy | Contributes ~9% to GDP (as of 2024) |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Digital India Mission (2015): A flagship initiative to transform India into a knowledge economy and digitally empowered society.
BharatNet Project: Extending high-speed broadband to rural areas via OFC.
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Aadhar + UPI + DigiLocker + CoWIN are globally recognized DPI models.
5G Technology: Provides ultra-low latency and supports Industry 4.0 applications.
MeitY: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is the nodal body for India’s digital programs.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Digital Infrastructure
🔗 Bridges Rural-Urban Divide: Extends governance and services to remote areas
💼 Job Creation: BPOs, e-commerce, fintech, digital marketing expanding across Tier-2 cities
💳 Financial Inclusion: UPI, PM Jan Dhan, e-RUPI make payments transparent and traceable
🧠 Empowers Youth: Digital education, e-Skill platforms enhance employability
📈 Boost to Ease of Doing Business: Reduces transaction costs, improves access to global markets
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Description |
| ⚠️ Digital Divide | NE India, tribal areas lack stable internet access |
| 🔐 Cybersecurity | Rising data breaches and ransomware attacks |
| 📉 Digital Literacy | Many rural users lack functional digital skills |
| 🏢 Regulatory Lag | Data Protection and AI Governance laws are still evolving |
🏛️ Govt. Initiatives
National Broadband Mission (NBM)
PM-WANI: Wi-Fi Access through Public Data Offices
DigiLocker, UMANG App, MyGov, Sandes
AI for All Policy (Draft 2023)
National Data Governance Framework Policy (2023)
🧭 Way Forward
| Focus Area | Suggestions |
| 🔋 Power Backup for Digital Infra | Use of solar-powered OFC boosters in remote areas |
| 📚 Digital Literacy Drives | Integrate digital curriculum in school education |
| 🧑⚖️ Legal Framework | Fast-track passage of the Digital India Act and DPDP Act |
| 🌍 Global DPI Leadership | Export UPI-DigiLocker stack to global South via DPI Diplomacy |
🧩 Conclusion
India’s digital journey is not just about tech—it is a transformative social movement that can empower the last citizen. Strengthening digital infrastructure with inclusive and ethical frameworks will shape India’s leadership in the 21st century.
🌧️ Assam Records 34% Rainfall Deficit in June
📘 GS Paper 1: Geography – Indian Monsoon | Climatic Trends
📘 GS Paper 3: Disaster Management | Climate Change
📘 APSC GS Paper 5: Assam Geography | Flood & Drought Preparedness
🔹 Introduction
Despite the early arrival of the monsoon, Assam recorded a 34% rainfall deficit in June 2025. This deviation from the norm raises alarms over the increasing unpredictability of monsoonal patterns, and its consequences on agriculture and disaster preparedness.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| 📉 Rainfall Deficit | 34% below normal in June 2025 |
| 🗓️ Forecast | July also expected to have below-normal rains |
| 🌐 Monsoon Onset | Early, but less widespread and weaker than average |
| ⚠️ Risk | Heightened chance of drought in agriculture zones, but flood risks persist due to uneven rains |
| 🧪 Source | IMD and Assam State Meteorological reports |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Southwest Monsoon: Accounts for ~70% of India’s annual rainfall.
Rainfall Normals: June to September is considered the core monsoon period.
El Niño & La Niña: Oceanic phenomena significantly affecting Indian monsoons.
IMD’s Forecasting Tools: Includes MME (Multi-Model Ensemble) and GIS-based weather alerts.
Assam Climate Zones: Brahmaputra Valley (high rainfall), Barak Valley, Hill Zones.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Impact of Monsoon Deficit
| Sector | Impact |
| 🌾 Agriculture | Delayed sowing, stress on paddy, tea & pulses |
| 🚰 Water Security | Declining groundwater recharge, urban water scarcity |
| 💡 Power Generation | Affects hydroelectric output in rivers like Subansiri, Kopili |
| 🏥 Health | Waterborne diseases rise due to erratic rain-induced stagnation |
B. Challenges
Inadequate irrigation infrastructure in rain-fed zones
Poor dissemination of agro-meteorological advisories
Urban flooding due to short, intense rain spells
Weak crop insurance penetration
🏛️ Govt. Initiatives & Policies
National Monsoon Mission – IMD initiative to improve weather predictions
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – for irrigation expansion
FASAL Scheme – Forecasting Agricultural output using Space, Agrometeorology, and Land-based observations
Assam State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) – Monsoon variability as key concern
Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) – Brahmaputra Board with IIT Guwahati
🧭 Way Forward
| Focus | Recommendation |
| 📡 Weather Resilience | Strengthen Doppler Radar coverage and micro-climatic forecasting |
| 🚜 Agriculture | Promote short-duration and drought-resistant paddy varieties |
| 🌧️ Water Storage | Revive traditional water harvesting systems like ponds and ‘dongs’ in Assam |
| 🧑🏫 Capacity Building | Train Panchayats and farmers on climate-resilient practices |
🧩 Conclusion
The deficit in June rainfall is not just a meteorological anomaly—it signals deeper vulnerabilities in Assam’s climate resilience framework. Preparing for a monsoon of extremes is no longer optional, but essential for sustainable development.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
✅ Topic 1: All-Time High Paddy Procurement in Assam
1. Which of the following statements regarding paddy procurement in India is/are correct?
- Paddy is procured under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism.
- Food Corporation of India (FCI) plays a major role in procurement and distribution.
- Red rice is a GI-tagged variety from Assam exported globally.
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3 ✅
D. 1 and 3 only
🧠 Explanation:
All statements are correct. MSP procurement is done through FCI, and red rice from Assam has GI status and is exported.
2. The Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) in India refers to:
A. April–July
B. October–March ✅
C. January–March
D. July–September
🧠 Explanation:
Kharif crops are sown during monsoon (June–July) and harvested in Oct–Nov. KMS starts from October.
✅ Topic 2: Crackdown on Illegal Timber Trade in Assam
3. The Indian Forest Act, 1927 is primarily aimed at:
A. Setting up wildlife sanctuaries
B. Promoting bamboo cultivation
C. Regulating forest produce and offences ✅
D. Mapping forest lands using satellites
🧠 Explanation:
This colonial-era act regulates forest use, protects forest resources, and penalizes offences like illegal logging.
4. Which of the following is a major challenge in controlling timber smuggling in Assam?
A. Excess rainfall
B. Cross-border illegal trade ✅
C. Lack of bamboo plantations
D. Soil salinity
🧠 Explanation:
Timber mafias exploit Assam’s proximity to international borders, especially with Bangladesh and Bhutan.
✅ Topic 3: India’s Digital Infrastructure Growth
5. Which of the following is/are components of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?
- Aadhaar
- UPI
- DigiLocker
- BharatNet
Select the correct code:
A. 1, 2 and 3 ✅
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1 and 4 only
D. All of the above
🧠 Explanation:
DPI includes foundational digital services like Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, etc. BharatNet is infrastructure, not public-facing DPI.
6. The BharatNet Project aims to:
A. Provide optical fibre connectivity to urban slums
B. Offer free mobile phones to BPL families
C. Extend high-speed internet to rural Gram Panchayats ✅
D. Replace 3G networks with 5G nationwide
🧠 Explanation:
BharatNet is India’s rural broadband initiative aimed at connecting 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats with OFC.
✅ Topic 4: Rainfall Deficit in Assam
7. Which of the following climatic factors influence the Indian Monsoon?
- El Niño
- La Niña
- Indian Ocean Dipole
- Western Disturbances
Select the correct answer:
A. 1, 2 and 3 only ✅
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1 and 4 only
D. All of the above
🧠 Explanation:
Western Disturbances impact winter rainfall in North India, not the monsoon. The other three directly affect monsoon intensity.
8. The FASAL Scheme in India is related to:
A. Improving fertilizer distribution
B. Crop insurance for small farmers
C. Forecasting agriculture using satellite and weather data ✅
D. Providing cold storage to mandis
🧠 Explanation:
FASAL (Forecasting Agricultural output using Space, Agro-meteorology and Land-based observations) helps predict crop yields.
✅ Topic 5: Assam Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) Eviction
9. Village Grazing Reserves (VGRs) in Assam are:
A. Private plots used by dairy cooperatives
B. Notified lands for community grazing ✅
C. Areas under national parks
D. Urban parks managed by municipal bodies
🧠 Explanation:
VGRs are notified under Assam Land Revenue Regulations for exclusive cattle grazing purposes.
10. Which of the following rights are invoked in eviction and rehabilitation cases in India?
A. Article 19 – Freedom of movement
B. Article 21 – Right to Life ✅
C. Article 23 – Prohibition of forced labour
D. Article 25 – Freedom of religion
🧠 Explanation:
The Right to Life under Article 21, as interpreted in Olga Tellis case, includes right to shelter and livelihood.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Question:
“The rising paddy procurement in Assam marks a shift in the state’s agricultural strategy. Critically analyse the implications of record paddy procurement on food security, farmer welfare, and agricultural sustainability in the region.”
📘 Model Answer
Introduction
Assam recently recorded its highest-ever paddy procurement of 6.97 lakh MT under the Kharif Marketing Season (2024–25), more than doubling the previous year’s figures. This signals a growing policy focus on farmer welfare and market support, but it also raises questions about long-term sustainability and structural readiness.
Significance of Record Procurement
| Dimension | Impact |
| 🌾 Farmer Welfare | Boosts rural income and provides assured market through MSP |
| 📦 Food Security | Strengthens public distribution and buffer stock levels |
| 🚢 Export Potential | Successful export of red rice to EU & Middle East opens global market channels |
| 📈 State Economy | Agricultural output becomes a key economic driver |
Challenges Associated
| Challenge | Explanation |
| 🛠️ Storage Constraints | Warehousing in Assam is underdeveloped, leading to post-harvest losses |
| 🧾 Procurement Accessibility | Digital and documentation hurdles for small and marginal farmers |
| ⚠️ Environmental Stress | Heavy paddy cultivation can deplete water and degrade soil if not managed |
| 💹 Price Volatility | Delayed MSP payments and market fluctuations affect farmer trust |
Sustainability Concerns
- Monoculture Risk: Over-dependence on paddy reduces crop diversity
- Water Usage: Paddy is water-intensive; in flood- and drought-prone areas like Assam, it’s unsustainable without irrigation reforms
- Climate Vulnerability: Erratic rainfall (e.g., 34% deficit in June 2025) disrupts procurement planning
Steps Taken by Government
- MSP Expansion to remote districts like Majuli
- Agri Export Policy (2023 Assam version) targeting GI-tagged rice
- PM-AASHA and e-NAM integration for direct farmer benefit
- Agri Infrastructure Fund to promote storage and processing
- Red Rice Branding under “One District One Product” for international trade
Way Forward
| Reform Area | Action Plan |
| 🧱 Infrastructure | Cold storage, rural procurement centres, solar dryers |
| 🌾 Crop Diversification | Promote short-duration paddy + pulses/oilseeds in rabi |
| 📲 Digital Inclusion | Simplify MSP registration through local language apps |
| 🌍 Export Focus | GI tagging, organic certification, export-specific packaging |
Conclusion
Assam’s paddy procurement success reflects a positive shift in state-led market intervention. However, to convert this achievement into long-term agricultural prosperity, Assam must now focus on sustainability, resilience, and diversification—the true pillars of farmer empowerment.
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