APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (04/04/2025)
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 (04-04-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
Ethnic Conflict and Security in Manipur
GS Paper 3: Internal Security | GS Paper 2: Governance, Polity | GS Paper 1: Society
Introduction
Manipur’s ethnic conflict is a complex socio-political crisis involving deep-rooted grievances, identity politics, and security vulnerabilities, threatening peace and federal stability in India’s Northeast.
Key Points
1. Background of the Conflict
Manipur is home to Meiteis (valley), Kukis, Nagas (hills), and other tribes.
Conflict escalated in May 2023 after protests against the Meiteis’ demand for ST status.
Issues of land rights, reservation, and political dominance have deepened mistrust.
2. Security Challenges
Moreh and Churachandpur districts witness recurring armed violence.
Proliferation of illegal arms, alleged cross-border insurgency from Myanmar.
Weak state response led to vacuum in law enforcement and erosion of trust.
3. Impact on Civilians
Over 70,000 people displaced (Home Ministry, 2023).
Large-scale loss of property, destruction of homes, and educational disruption.
Women and children particularly vulnerable; rise in gender-based violence.
4. Government Response
Deployment of Army, Assam Rifles, and Rapid Action Force.
Formation of Unified Command under the Governor.
Peace talks initiated with various tribal and civil society groups.
Prelims Pointers
Moreh: A border town in Tengnoupal district, strategic for trade and security.
ST Status Demand: The Meiteis seek Scheduled Tribe recognition for access to land and jobs in hills.
Kuki-Zomi Tribes: Ethnically distinct, mostly Christian, residing in hill areas.
Suspension of Operations (SoO): Peace arrangement between insurgent groups and government.
Mains Pointers
🔹 Significance of the Issue
National Security
Proximity to the Myanmar border (1,643 km).
Spillover effects from insurgent groups like PLA, NSCN(IM).
Social Cohesion
Strain on inter-ethnic harmony and pluralism in Northeast.
Federal Relations
Centre-State friction evident; demand for President’s Rule raised.
🔹 Challenges
Ethnic Fragmentation
No consensus among communities; trust deficit in dialogue processes.
Cross-border Insurgency
Infiltration of arms and fighters via porous Indo-Myanmar border.
Digital Misinformation
Spread of fake news on social media fuelling unrest.
Weak Law Enforcement
Allegations of bias and inaction by local police.
🔹 Government Initiatives
Deployment of Central Forces: Over 40,000 personnel deployed (MHA).
Rehabilitation Efforts: Relief camps, compensation, trauma counselling.
Security Grid Strengthening: Surveillance via drones, intelligence sharing.
Peace Committees: Multi-community representation to mediate.
🔹 Way Forward
Political Dialogue: Neutral third-party facilitation and inclusive talks.
Border Management: Fencing and better vigil at Indo-Myanmar border.
Community Policing: Recruitment from all ethnic groups to ensure fairness.
Long-Term Reconciliation: Education, cultural integration, youth outreach.
Conclusion
Manipur’s conflict highlights the fragility of peace in multi-ethnic regions. A sensitive, inclusive, and development-centric approach is key to long-term stability.
Electoral Politics in Assam
GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance | GS Paper 1: Society (Regionalism, Communalism)
APSC Context: Assam-specific political trends, ethnic representation, role of regional parties
Introduction
Electoral politics in Assam is a reflection of its complex socio-cultural fabric, ethnic diversities, and historical grievances. The interplay between regional identity, national politics, and migration issues makes Assam’s political landscape distinct and dynamic.
Key Points
1. Historical Evolution
Post-Independence: Congress dominated politics until the rise of regional movements.
1980s: Rise of Assam Movement (1979–85) against illegal immigration.
Formation of AGP: Emerged post-Assam Accord (1985), highlighting regional aspirations.
Recent Trends: BJP has gained strong foothold since 2016, aided by regional allies.
2. Key Influencing Factors
Ethnicity and Identity: Electoral preferences shaped by ethnic groups (Ahoms, Bodos, Tea Tribes, Muslims, Bengalis).
Migration Issues: Citizenship, NRC, CAA remain election flashpoints.
Development Promises: Infrastructure, employment, education central to campaign narratives.
Religion and Polarization: Communal appeals influence voter base in lower Assam.
Youth and Women Participation: Gradual rise in engagement and candidature.
3. Role of Regional Parties
Asom Gana Parishad (AGP): Once dominant, now a BJP ally.
AIUDF: Represents minority interests; influential in Muslim-dominated areas.
Bodoland Parties: Like UPPL and BPF play crucial roles in BTR (Bodoland Territorial Region).
Prelims Pointers
Assam Accord (1985): Agreement to detect and deport illegal immigrants.
NRC (National Register of Citizens): First state to implement it for identifying genuine citizens.
Delimitation in Assam: Conducted recently to redraw constituencies (2023) – impacts future polls.
Sixth Schedule: Governs Autonomous District Councils in tribal regions of Assam.
Mains Pointers
🔹 Significance of Electoral Politics in Assam
Democratic Deepening
High voter turnout reflects strong democratic participation.
Example: 2021 Assembly Elections saw ~82% turnout.
Federalism
Regional parties voice local aspirations within the Union framework.
Example: AGP’s role in highlighting linguistic and cultural concerns.
Peace Process
Elections offer democratic resolution of ethnic demands (e.g., Bodo Peace Accord).
🔹 Challenges
Communal and Ethnic Polarization
Vote-bank politics around religious and ethnic identity deepen social divides.
Violence and Security Concerns
Pre-election violence in some areas, especially bordering districts.
Fake News and Misinformation
Growing use of digital propaganda during campaigns.
Money and Muscle Power
Allegations of vote-buying, especially in rural and tribal areas.
🔹 Government Initiatives and Reforms
Delimitation Commission: Realigned constituencies for better representation (ECI, 2023).
Electoral Reforms: VVPAT, EVM usage for transparency.
Inclusion Drives: Efforts to boost voter enrolment among women, youth, tea tribe communities.
🔹 Way Forward
Strengthening Voter Awareness
Promote ethical voting through voter literacy drives.
Curbing Polarization
Enforcement of Model Code of Conduct and countering hate speech.
Encouraging Regional Participation
Support local leadership for inclusive governance.
Digital Regulation
Monitor social media misuse and ensure free and fair campaigning.
Conclusion
Assam’s electoral politics mirrors its diversity and democratic vibrancy. Balancing regional aspirations with national unity is vital for sustainable peace and development in the state.
India’s Energy Diplomacy and Global Oil Prices
GS Paper 2: International Relations | GS Paper 3: Energy, Economy
APSC Context: External energy engagements, strategic oil reserves, pricing impacts on economy
Introduction
India, the world’s third-largest oil consumer, heavily relies on energy diplomacy to secure stable oil supplies and mitigate the impact of global price volatility. Its strategic engagements and diversification efforts are crucial for energy security and economic stability.
Key Points
1. India’s Oil Dependency
Imports ~85% of its crude oil requirement (MoPNG, 2023).
Major suppliers: Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Russia, UAE, and the US.
Volatile global prices impact inflation, CAD, and fuel subsidies.
2. Energy Diplomacy: Key Strategies
Diversification of Sources: Sourcing from newer regions like Latin America, Africa.
Strategic Oil Reserves: 5.33 MMT capacity in Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru & Padur.
RuPay/Rupee Trade with Russia: Purchase of discounted crude post-Ukraine war.
Engagement in IEA & ISA: India influences global energy governance.
Bilateral Energy Talks: With OPEC+, US, Russia, and ASEAN for long-term contracts.
3. Recent Global Oil Price Trends
Prices crossed $90/barrel in 2022-23 due to Ukraine conflict, OPEC+ cuts.
Ongoing tension in West Asia and Red Sea disruptions affect freight and insurance costs.
Recent decline due to weak global demand forecasts (IEA, March 2024 Report).
Prelims Pointers
Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR): India’s national emergency crude oil storage program.
OPEC+: A coalition of OPEC and non-OPEC oil-producing countries like Russia.
IEA: India is an associate member; headquartered in Paris.
ISA: India-initiated global alliance for solar cooperation.
Mains Pointers
🔹 Significance of Energy Diplomacy
Energy Security
Ensures uninterrupted supply of oil & gas.
Example: India’s tie-up with UAE for strategic reserves storage.
Economic Stability
Helps cushion inflation and fiscal burden during price spikes.
Rupee-Ruble mechanism helped buy discounted Russian oil.
Geopolitical Leverage
Strengthens India’s global strategic posture.
Example: Balanced relations with both US and Russia during energy crisis.
Green Transition Partnerships
Collaboration on renewables with EU, US, and IEA.
Example: Green Hydrogen Alliance with Germany and Australia.
🔹 Challenges
Volatile Global Prices
Direct impact on domestic inflation and transport costs.
Limited Domestic Output
Domestic production meets only ~15% of demand.
Geopolitical Instability
Middle East tensions, Russia-Ukraine war increase uncertainty.
Climate Commitments
Balancing fossil fuel imports with clean energy goals.
🔹 Government Measures
National Bio-Energy Mission: Promotes ethanol blending, biofuels.
Global Biofuel Alliance (2023 G20): India-led platform for global biofuel trade.
Ethics in Oil Pricing: Advocated transparent pricing at OPEC forums.
Investments in Renewable Imports: Like green ammonia, green hydrogen corridors.
🔹 Way Forward
Strengthen Strategic Reserves
Expand SPR capacity to 15–20 days of import coverage.
Long-Term Supply Contracts
Reduce spot market volatility impact.
Push for Energy Mix Diversification
Enhance LNG, solar, and wind investments.
Regional Cooperation
Develop SAARC Energy Grid, ASEAN oil cooperation.
Conclusion
Energy diplomacy is pivotal for India’s economic resilience and strategic autonomy. By enhancing international cooperation and domestic capacity, India can turn global oil uncertainty into an opportunity for long-term energy transformation.
Environmental Governance in the Northeast
GS Paper 2: Governance | GS Paper 3: Environment, Biodiversity
APSC Relevance: Conservation policies, ecological security, regional challenges
Introduction
The ecologically fragile and culturally rich Northeast India is home to some of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Ensuring robust environmental governance here is critical to balancing development with sustainability.
Key Points
1. Ecological Significance of Northeast India
Houses two global biodiversity hotspots: Eastern Himalayas and Indo-Burma.
Over 65% forest cover, highest among all Indian regions (ISFR 2021).
Rich in endemic flora and fauna (e.g., Hoolock gibbon, Namdapha flying squirrel).
2. Key Environmental Concerns
Deforestation due to shifting cultivation (jhum), illegal logging, infrastructure.
Floods and Erosion in Assam and Arunachal due to unplanned development.
Loss of Traditional Ecological Knowledge among tribal communities.
Mining & Hydropower Projects: Disruption of fragile ecosystems (e.g., Dibang Valley).
Climate Change Impacts: Altered rainfall patterns, glacial retreat, biodiversity loss.
3. Important Protected Areas
Kaziranga National Park (UNESCO site) – Assam
Namdapha National Park – Arunachal Pradesh
Keibul Lamjao National Park – Manipur (only floating national park)
Prelims Pointers
Eastern Himalayas & Indo-Burma: Two biodiversity hotspots in NE.
Living Root Bridges (Meghalaya): Now on UNESCO tentative heritage list.
Ziro Valley (Arunachal): Example of sustainable paddy-cum-fish farming.
Hornbill Festival (Nagaland): Promotes environmental-cultural synergy.
Mains Pointers
🔹 Importance of Environmental Governance in NE
Ecological Security
Preserves carbon sinks, regulates monsoon, maintains river systems.
Cultural Sustainability
Traditional ecological practices (like jhum, bamboo use) reflect deep environmental ethics.
Disaster Resilience
Forests help mitigate floods, landslides, and climate-induced disasters.
Sustainable Livelihoods
Eco-tourism, organic farming, forest-based crafts as economic alternatives.
🔹 Challenges in Environmental Governance
| Issue | Example |
| Unregulated development | Highway construction through forest corridors in Arunachal |
| Institutional Weakness | Delay in Forest Clearance (FC) under FRA, 2006 |
| Data Deficiency | Inadequate biodiversity mapping and climate data |
| Policy Conflicts | Clash between Act East policy & environmental norms |
🔹 Government Initiatives
North East Green Summit: Annual event to frame regional green strategies.
Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI): Focused on hill ecosystem conservation.
Act East Policy – Green Corridors: Mitigating ecological costs of infrastructure.
Community Forest Management: Implemented in Nagaland and Meghalaya.
🔹 Role of Traditional Institutions
Tribal Councils: Manage sacred groves, watershed areas (e.g., Dima Hasao district).
Customary Laws: Used for forest protection in Nagaland and Mizoram.
🔹 Way Forward
People-Centric Governance
Involve tribal communities in decision-making (PESA, FRA provisions).
Eco-sensitive Infrastructure
EIA for all major projects with local biodiversity input.
Climate Resilience Planning
Regional climate action plans aligned with National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
Institutional Strengthening
Empower State Pollution Control Boards and biodiversity boards.
Conclusion
Environmental governance in the Northeast is not just about regulation but about respecting nature-culture symbiosis. Empowering communities and adapting policies to local ecological realities can make the region a model for sustainable development.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
✅ 1. Ethnic Conflict and Security in Manipur
Question 1:
With reference to ethnic conflicts in Northeast India, consider the following statements:
- The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides autonomous district councils to all Northeastern states.
- Ethnic conflicts in Manipur are often linked to land rights and identity assertions.
- The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is not applicable in any part of Manipur.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 2 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (a) 2 only
🔍 Explanation:
- Statement 1: Incorrect. The Sixth Schedule applies to Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, but not all NE states like Manipur or Arunachal.
- Statement 2: Correct. Ethnic clashes in Manipur arise due to historical tensions over land ownership, migration, and identity.
- Statement 3: Incorrect. AFSPA was partially withdrawn from some areas but is still applicable in parts of Manipur.
✅ 2. Electoral Politics in Assam
Question 2:
Which of the following institutions plays a role in ensuring free and fair elections in Assam?
- Election Commission of India
- State Election Commission
- Chief Electoral Officer
- Delimitation Commission
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 3 only
✅ Answer: (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
🔍 Explanation:
- ECI conducts parliamentary and assembly elections, while State EC conducts local body elections only.
- CEO is the state representative of the ECI.
- Delimitation Commission sets electoral boundaries — critical in Assam due to demographic changes.
- So, State EC is not involved in Assembly/Parliamentary elections.
✅ 3. India’s Energy Diplomacy and Global Oil Prices
Question 3:
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding India’s energy diplomacy?
- India is a net exporter of crude oil.
- India engages with the International Energy Agency (IEA) despite not being a full-time member.
- India’s strategic oil reserves are managed by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).
Choose the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 3 only
✅ Answer: (a) 2 only
🔍 Explanation:
- Statement 1: Incorrect. India is a net importer, relying on ~85% of its crude oil from abroad.
- Statement 2: Correct. India is an associate member of IEA and collaborates for energy security.
- Statement 3: Incorrect. Strategic reserves are managed by Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL), not IOC.
✅ 4. Environmental Governance in the Northeast
Question 4:
Consider the following statements regarding biodiversity governance in Northeast India:
- Northeast India contains two of the world’s recognized biodiversity hotspots.
- Community-led conservation practices are prevalent in the region.
- The Forest Rights Act, 2006, is not applicable to the Northeast due to special constitutional provisions.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
🔍 Explanation:
Statement 3: Incorrect. FRA 2006 is applicable in many parts of NE, though implementation may vary.
Statement 1: Correct. Eastern Himalayas and Indo-Burma are the two hotspots.
Statement 2: Correct. Sacred groves, village forests, etc., are maintained by tribal communities.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Mains Question & Model Answer
Q. “The ethnic conflict in Manipur has exposed the limitations of India’s internal security framework and highlighted the urgent need for a more inclusive governance model in the Northeast.” Discuss.
(15 marks, 250 words)
Introduction (2 lines)
The recurring ethnic clashes in Manipur serve as a stark reminder that peace in India’s Northeast remains fragile. These conflicts are not isolated but rooted in history, identity, and a complex web of political and security challenges.
Body
✅ 1. Understanding the Ethnic Conflict in Manipur
- Historical Rivalries: Between Meiteis (valley) and hill tribes like Kukis and Nagas over land, identity, and autonomy.
- Demographic Pressures: Allegations of illegal immigration (esp. Kukis from Myanmar) exacerbating tensions.
- Land Rights Issues: Reserved Forest demarcations, eviction drives, and claims of encroachment intensified divisions.
✅ 2. Limitations of the Internal Security Framework
- Delayed Response: Central and state forces failed to prevent escalation in May 2023 (Manipur Violence Report, NHRC).
- Overreliance on AFSPA: Military approach undermined local trust and aggravated alienation.
- Weak Intelligence Coordination: Poor coordination between civil and military intelligence agencies in volatile zones.
- Judicial Oversight: Supreme Court rebuked delayed justice and lack of FIRs in ethnic violence cases.
✅ 3. Governance Gaps and Political Complicity
- Majoritarian Policies: Accusations of state bias favoring Meiteis led to erosion of neutrality.
- Breakdown of Trust in Institutions: Civil society and tribal bodies withdrew from state mechanisms.
- Lack of Decentralization: Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) remain underpowered and underfunded (Ministry of Tribal Affairs, 2022).
✅ 4. Way Forward: Toward Inclusive and Sustainable Governance
- Empowered ADCs: Implementation of Sixth Schedule-like autonomy for hills in Manipur.
- Ethnic Peace Accords: A multi-stakeholder platform with involvement of Naga, Kuki, and Meitei representatives.
- Reviving Civil Society Dialogue: Example – “Peace Committee for Manipur” by civil society leaders (2023).
- Balanced Security Approach: Combining AFSPA reforms with community policing and local engagement.
Conclusion (2 lines)
Manipur’s ethnic conflict is a test case for India’s democratic resilience and pluralism. Only an inclusive, rights-based and locally-rooted governance model can ensure enduring peace in the Northeast.
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