APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (03/12/2024)
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 (03-12-2024). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
1. Project INROAD: Rubber Plantation Expansion
Relevant for: GS Paper 3 – Economy, Agriculture
Introduction:
Under Project INROAD (Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development), the Northeast region has seen significant rubber plantation growth, making it a vital contributor to India’s rubber industry.
Key Facts:
Coverage: 1.25 lakh hectares across Northeast and parts of West Bengal.
Target: Development of 2 lakh hectares of rubber plantations in 8-10 years.
Investments: ₹1,100 crore by tyre companies, including Apollo, Ceat, JK, and MRF.
Economic Impact: Plans to double the Northeast’s share of India’s rubber production to 32%.
Prelims Pointers:
Rubber Board of India: Governing body for rubber development and research.
INROAD Partners: Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA).
Northeast’s Current Share: 16% of India’s rubber production.
Mains Pointers:
Importance:
Economic Development: Boosts income for farmers and increases employment opportunities.
National Growth: Contributes to reducing India’s dependency on rubber imports.
Sustainability: Promotes eco-friendly plantation techniques.
Skill Development: Modern smokehouses and grower capacity-building programs.
Challenges:
Climate Factors: Unpredictable weather in the region.
Logistical Issues: Transporting rubber products from remote plantations.
Farmer Training: Need for advanced farming practices.
Government Initiatives:
Financial support through subsidies and skill development programs.
Collaboration between the Rubber Board and private investors.
Way Ahead:
Expand Infrastructure: Build more processing units in rural areas.
Local Engagement: Train farmers in sustainable practices.
Market Access: Improve supply chain networks.
Conclusion:
Project INROAD exemplifies a collaborative approach between government and industry, fostering economic growth while addressing the challenges of the rubber sector.
2. India’s Diplomatic Action on Bangladeshi Minority Atrocities
Relevant for: GS Paper 2 – International Relations
Introduction:
India has raised concerns over increasing atrocities on the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. The issue has been discussed at both bilateral and international forums to ensure the safety and security of minorities.
Key Facts:
Demographic Shift: Hindu population in Bangladesh declined from 30% during partition to 7.95% today.
Recent Issues: Attacks on Hindus following the caretaker government’s takeover.
India’s Action: Prime Minister Modi spoke with Bangladesh’s interim government and the U.S. President.
Prelims Pointers:
Caretaker Government in Bangladesh: Led by Nobel laureate Md Yunus.
Bangladesh’s Hindu Population: Witnessing a rapid decline due to migration and persecution.
Awami League: Known for ensuring minority protection compared to other regimes.
Mains Pointers:
Importance:
Regional Stability: Prevents mass migration to India.
Human Rights: Addresses the plight of minority communities.
Diplomatic Relations: Strengthens ties between India and Bangladesh.
Geopolitical Influence: Reinforces India’s role as a defender of democratic values.
Challenges:
Lack of Assurance: Limited action by the interim Bangladeshi government.
Extremist Influence: Rising fundamentalism in Bangladesh.
Global Awareness: Limited international focus on minority issues in Bangladesh.
Government Initiatives:
Advocacy through international forums like the United Nations.
Dialogue with Bangladesh’s leadership for minority protection.
Way Ahead:
Strengthen Diplomacy: Maintain continuous engagement with Bangladesh.
Enhance Border Security: Prevent infiltration and illegal migration.
Promote Awareness: Advocate for international intervention to uphold minority rights.
Conclusion:
Addressing atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh is crucial for regional stability and human rights. India’s diplomatic efforts should persist to ensure the safety and dignity of vulnerable communities.
3. Mukti Rath Initiative: Free Mortuary Van Service in Guwahati
Relevant for: GS Paper 2: Governance; GS Paper 4: Ethics in Public Service
Introduction:
The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has launched the Mukti Rath initiative, providing free mortuary van services to the people of Guwahati. This initiative reflects efforts to uphold dignity in public service and address societal needs during critical times.
Key Features:
Service Details: Citizens can access the service by calling a dedicated helpline: +91 8811007000.
Partnerships: Initiative under the aegis of Federal Bank and GMC.
Launch Event: Flagged off by Mayor Mrigen Sarania at Nehru Stadium, attended by Deputy Mayor Smita Roy and Commissioner Megh Nidhi Dahal.
Prelims Pointers:
Mukti Rath: A free-of-cost mortuary van service.
Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC): The governing body of Guwahati city.
Mains Pointers:
Significance:
Enhances the city’s commitment to public service and social dignity.
Addresses a critical gap in mortuary services for economically weaker sections.
Promotes ethical governance by ensuring services during sensitive times.
Challenges:
Sustainability: Ensuring long-term funding and maintenance.
Outreach: Creating awareness among citizens about the service.
Way Forward:
Strengthen partnerships with private entities for sustained funding.
Launch city-wide awareness campaigns to promote the initiative.
Conclusion:
Mukti Rath symbolizes care and compassion, setting an example for urban governance aligned with societal needs.
4. Educators’ Conclave 2024 by WWF-India
Relevant for: GS Paper 3: Environment and Sustainable Development; GS Paper 4: Ethics in Education
Introduction:
WWF-India hosted the Educators’ Conclave 2024 in Guwahati, focusing on making schools hubs of sustainability and biodiversity learning. The event emphasized the role of educators in shaping a sustainable future.
Key Features:
Theme: ‘Raising Generation 30’.
Participants: 76 educators from 38 schools.
Highlights:
Panel discussions featuring education leaders on integrating biodiversity and climate education.
Workshop on teaching strategies for climate change and sustainability.
Special Session: Discussion on turning school campuses into biodiversity hubs led by Dr. Oinam Sunanda Devi.
Prelims Pointers:
WWF-India: A leading conservation organization in India.
Raising Generation 30: An initiative to inspire action among youth for sustainability.
Mains Pointers:
Significance:
Builds capacity among educators to address biodiversity loss and climate challenges.
Promotes experiential learning through biodiversity hubs in schools.
Inspires youth to take active roles in conservation efforts.
Challenges:
Limited access to resources for implementing sustainability programs in schools.
Balancing curriculum requirements with sustainability education.
Lack of training for educators in biodiversity and climate science.
Way Forward:
Introduce teacher training modules on climate education and biodiversity conservation.
Develop partnerships with NGOs for resource and knowledge sharing.
Conclusion:
The Educators’ Conclave underscores the transformative potential of education in fostering a sustainable and environmentally conscious society.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
1. Project INROAD: Rubber Plantation Expansion
Question:
Which of the following statements about Project INROAD is/are correct?
- It is an initiative to increase rubber plantation coverage in the Northeast and West Bengal.
- The project aims to make the Northeast region responsible for 50% of India’s rubber production by 2035.
- The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) is a key partner in the project.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Answer: C
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. Project INROAD focuses on expanding rubber plantations in the Northeast and parts of West Bengal.
- Statement 2: Incorrect. The target is to double the region’s share of India’s rubber production to 32%, not 50%, within 8–10 years.
- Statement 3: Correct. ATMA, representing tyre companies, is a significant partner in this initiative.
2. India’s Diplomatic Action on Bangladeshi Minority Atrocities
Question:
Which of the following is/are correct regarding the demographic shift in Bangladesh’s Hindu population?
- The Hindu population in Bangladesh has declined significantly since partition.
- The decline is attributed solely to migration for economic opportunities.
- India has raised concerns about minority atrocities at international forums.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. The Hindu population in Bangladesh has decreased from 30% during partition to 7.95% today.
- Statement 2: Incorrect. The decline is not solely due to migration but also due to persecution and other socio-political factors.
- Statement 3: Correct. India has raised the issue of atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh at bilateral and international forums.
3. Mukti Rath Initiative: Free Mortuary Van Service
Question:
Which of the following statements about the Mukti Rath initiative is correct?
A. It provides free ambulance services for medical emergencies in rural Assam.
B. It offers free mortuary van services in Guwahati to promote social equity.
C. It is an initiative to transport low-income workers to their hometowns free of cost.
D. It is a welfare scheme by the Assam government providing free cremation services.
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Mukti Rath is a free mortuary van service launched by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation to ensure dignified transportation of deceased persons, especially benefiting the economically weaker sections.
4. Educators’ Conclave 2024 by WWF-India
Question:
Which of the following was a focus area of the Educators’ Conclave 2024 organized by WWF-India?
- Integrating biodiversity and climate education into school curriculums.
- Establishing biodiversity hubs in urban residential complexes.
- Promoting teacher capacity-building programs for sustainability education.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Answer: B
Explanation:
Statement 3: Correct. Capacity-building workshops were held for educators to enhance their teaching strategies for sustainability.
Statement 1: Correct. The conclave emphasized integrating biodiversity and climate education into schools.
Statement 2: Incorrect. The initiative focused on schools as hubs of biodiversity, not urban residential complexes.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Topic: Project INROAD: Rubber Plantation Expansion
GS Paper 3: Economy, Agriculture
The Northeast region’s inclusion in Project INROAD aims to enhance India’s rubber production while fostering economic growth and sustainability. Discuss the economic and environmental implications of this initiative. Highlight the challenges and suggest measures for its effective implementation.
Model Answer
Introduction:
Project INROAD (Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development) is a transformative initiative targeting the Northeast and West Bengal for rubber plantation expansion. With a goal to cover 2 lakh hectares over 8–10 years, the project seeks to increase the region’s share in India’s rubber production from 16% to 32%.
Economic and Environmental Implications:
- Economic Implications:
- Boost to Farmers’ Income: Provides a steady source of income for small and marginal farmers.
- Employment Generation: Creates direct and indirect jobs, particularly in rural and tribal areas.
- Reduced Import Dependency: Strengthens India’s position in rubber production, reducing reliance on imports.
- Industry Growth: Supports tyre manufacturing companies, ensuring a consistent supply chain.
- Environmental Implications:
- Sustainable Practices: Encourages eco-friendly plantation techniques, reducing environmental degradation.
- Carbon Sequestration: Rubber plantations contribute to mitigating climate change by acting as carbon sinks.
- Biodiversity Concerns: Risk of monoculture plantations impacting local ecosystems.
Challenges:
- Climatic Vulnerabilities: Unpredictable weather patterns in the Northeast can affect yield.
- Logistical Constraints: Poor infrastructure hampers transportation of raw rubber to processing units.
- Farmer Training: Lack of awareness and expertise in modern rubber cultivation techniques.
- Ecological Risks: Potential loss of biodiversity and soil degradation due to large-scale monoculture.
Measures for Effective Implementation:
- Infrastructure Development:
- Improve road and rail connectivity for seamless transportation of raw materials.
- Capacity Building:
- Conduct farmer training programs on sustainable practices and efficient plantation methods.
- Market Access:
- Develop local processing units and promote direct market linkages to increase profitability for farmers.
- Environmental Safeguards:
- Encourage intercropping and diversified plantation models to preserve biodiversity.
- Government-Industry Collaboration:
- Strengthen partnerships between the Rubber Board, tyre manufacturers, and local governments for funding and technical support.
Conclusion:
Project INROAD has the potential to transform the Northeast into a hub for rubber production, contributing to economic development and national self-reliance. Balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and addressing logistical and training gaps are essential to realizing the project’s full potential.
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