APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (07/05/2025)
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 (07-05-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
✨ Current Affairs Crash Course for the APSC Prelims 2025
🔥 Assam Thermal Power Generation Promotion Policy 2025: Towards Energy Self-Sufficiency
📘 GS Paper 3: Economic Development | Infrastructure | Energy
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Government Policies & Interventions
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam-specific): Energy Policy & Infrastructure in Assam
🔹 Introduction
To address rising energy demands and ensure energy sufficiency by 2035, the Assam Cabinet has approved the Assam Thermal Power Generation Promotion Policy 2025. This marks a strategic pivot to thermal energy amid limited hydropower scope in the state, enabling massive private sector participation to transform Assam into a thermal power hub.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Policy Goal | Develop 5,000 MW thermal power capacity by 2035 |
| Phase Target | 2,000 MW by 2030 |
| Incentives | Free land, water, logistics (roads); single window clearance |
| Nodal Agency | Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) |
| Private Investment Requirement | ₹20,000 crore per thermal plant |
| Identified Locations | Rupsi, Dhubri, and other high-potential sites |
| Govt. Role | Up to 27% equity investment in viable projects |
| Market Plan | Sale to NE states and neighbouring countries |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
APDCL: Nodal agency for electricity distribution and promotion in Assam.
Energy Deficit Trend: Assam’s demand rising by ~1000 MW every 2 years.
Thermal Energy: Involves fossil fuel combustion (coal/gas); differs from hydropower and solar.
Single Window Clearance: Administrative mechanism to fast-track project approvals.
Private Sector in Energy: Key to National Electricity Plan goals under Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for Assam
Energy Security: Reduce dependence on external sources, power imports.
Industrial Growth Catalyst: Power sufficiency boosts investor confidence.
Regional Export Potential: NE India and neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan.
Employment: One plant requires thousands of workers during construction and operation.
B. Challenges
| Issue | Explanation |
| Environmental Concerns | Increased emissions, carbon footprint from thermal plants. |
| Land Acquisition | 3,000 bighas needed per plant—possible socio-political resistance. |
| Water Usage | High demand for industrial cooling; may compete with irrigation. |
| Fuel Supply | Assam lacks coal mines; supply chain dependencies may hinder operations. |
| Transition Risk | Global shift to renewables may make long-term investments risky. |
C. Government Initiatives
Thermal Policy 2025: Structured incentive and PPP model.
Advantage Assam 2.0: MoUs signed to attract green and thermal investments.
Customised Incentives under IIPA 2019: For MoU-bound companies.
D. Way Ahead
Integrated Energy Planning: Combine thermal with solar and biomass to build resilience.
Environmental Safeguards: Mandate clean coal tech, emission controls.
Community Engagement: Prior informed consent, employment promises to locals.
Energy Diplomacy: Leverage power surplus for strategic cooperation with neighbors.
🧩 Conclusion
The Assam Thermal Power Policy 2025 is a bold move to meet the state’s rising energy demands and industrial aspirations. However, for it to succeed sustainably, careful balancing of economic growth, environmental protection, and regional equity is essential.
🛡️ Civil Defence Mock Drill in Assam: Strengthening Disaster Preparedness
📘 GS Paper 3: Disaster Management | Internal Security
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Government Initiatives
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam-specific): Security and Disaster Management in Assam
🔹 Introduction
In light of recent security concerns and national preparedness strategies, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) conducted a large-scale Civil Defence Mock Drill across 20 districts of Assam. The drill aimed to test and enhance Assam’s civil defence infrastructure against emergencies like air raids or natural disasters, with participation from multiple stakeholders including students, NCC, NDRF, and civil volunteers.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Objective | Assess readiness for hostile attacks (e.g., air raids), improve civil response systems |
| Conducted By | Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India |
| Assam Districts Covered | 16 under Category II (e.g., Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Jorhat); 4 under Category III |
| Category Basis | Population density, critical infrastructure (power, refineries, airfields) |
| Key Activities | Air raid warning simulation, blackouts, rescue operations, communication testing |
| Stakeholders Involved | Civil defence officers, home guards, NDRF, NSS, NYKS, school & college students |
| High-Level Review | Chaired by Union Home Secretary; involved NDRF, NDMA, Civil Defence Directorate |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Civil Defence: Non-military measures to protect civilians during emergencies or war.
Category II Districts: Medium priority; based on vital installations (e.g., oil refineries at Numaligarh).
Shadow Control Rooms: Backup emergency control systems activated during crises.
Crash Blackout Measures: Total power cuts and light concealment during air raid drills.
MHA: Apex body for disaster preparedness at the national level.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Civil Defence Drills
Disaster Preparedness: Enables testing of early warning and response systems.
Public Awareness: Educates citizens on emergency protocols and survival measures.
Infrastructure Resilience: Identifies gaps in communication, logistics, and civil support.
Strategic Readiness: Relevant in the context of cross-border tensions (e.g., post-Pahalgam attack).
Inclusive Participation: Empowers local youth, NGOs, and volunteers.
B. Challenges
| Issue | Explanation |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Many districts lack advanced emergency communication and rescue tools. |
| Training Deficit | Civil defence volunteers may not have standardized training modules. |
| Coordination Hurdles | Between local administration, defence bodies, and central agencies. |
| Public Panic | Simulated drills can trigger confusion without clear public messaging. |
C. Government Initiatives
Mock Drills Nationwide: 244 districts identified across India for simulation exercises.
NDMA Guidelines: Standard protocols for disaster drills and inter-agency coordination.
District Disaster Management Plans (DDMPs): Updated annually to include new risks and measures.
Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA): Plays key role in local implementation.
D. Way Ahead
Institutionalize Drills: Make district-level drills mandatory every 6 months.
Modernize Equipment: Fund communication upgrades, digital maps, mobile alert systems.
Public Training: Introduce school-level modules on civil defence and survival skills.
Data-Driven Planning: Use GIS and AI-based risk mapping for targeted interventions.
🧩 Conclusion
Assam’s active participation in nationwide civil defence drills marks a critical step in transitioning from reactive to proactive disaster governance. With increasing threats from climate events and geopolitical volatility, sustained focus on preparedness will be key to ensuring civilian safety and operational resilience.
🚽 Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin & Swa-Jal Mitras: Rebooting Rural Sanitation in Assam
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Schemes | Social Justice | Health
📘 GS Paper 3: Environment | Sanitation | Sustainable Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam-specific): Rural Development and Sanitation in Assam
🔹 Introduction
To improve rural sanitation outcomes under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G), the Assam Cabinet approved a new performance-based initiative involving “Swa-Jal Mitras”. This reform seeks to enhance community involvement in sanitation efforts through incentivized monitoring, awareness, and accountability systems.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Scheme Focus | Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) – Phase II (ODF Plus goals) |
| New Role Introduced | Jal Mitras rebranded as Swa-Jal Mitras |
| Core Responsibilities | Monitoring IHHLs (toilets), promoting waste segregation, mobilizing sanitation drives |
| Honorarium | ₹1,000 per month + ₹500–₹2,000 in performance-based incentives |
| Support System | Structured evaluation metrics and reward system |
| Cabinet Decision Date | May 6, 2025 |
| Implementing Departments | P&RD (Panchayat & Rural Development), PHED (Public Health Engineering) |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
SBM-G Phase II: Aims at sustaining ODF status, managing solid & liquid waste in rural areas.
IHHL: Individual Household Latrine – a key metric for rural sanitation.
Swa-Jal Mitras: Grassroots workers under a revamped role, unique to Assam.
Performance Incentive Structure: Rewards linked to awareness generation, cleanliness levels.
Waste Segregation: Mandatory under SBM-G Phase II; promotes composting and recycling.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance for Assam
Sustaining ODF Gains: Helps prevent slippage by monitoring functional toilets and hygiene habits.
Behavioral Change: Local Mitras raise awareness, ensuring deeper sanitation culture.
Decentralized Governance: Strengthens gram panchayat-level sanitation institutions.
Waste Management: Segregation and awareness at source support environmental protection goals.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Monitoring Deficit | Vast rural spread and varied geography make supervision difficult. |
| Motivational Hurdles | Low and delayed payments often demotivate field-level workers. |
| Cultural Resistance | Open defecation practices continue due to traditional beliefs. |
| Data Authenticity | Field data on usage and cleanliness often differs from official reporting. |
C. Government Initiatives
Swa-Jal Mitras Scheme: Unique convergence-based model for Assam.
Convergence with MGNREGA & Jal Jeevan Mission: Sanitation goals aligned with rural employment and piped water supply.
IEC Campaigns: Focused on behavioral change through multimedia and folk platforms.
Financial Backing: SBM-G Phase II allocated ₹52,497 crore (national) until 2025.
D. Way Forward
Digitized Monitoring: Use mobile apps and GPS-tagged photos for real-time updates.
Skill Development for Mitras: Train in community mobilization, MIS reporting, hygiene promotion.
Robust Grievance Redressal: For complaints about toilets, drains, or solid waste issues.
Performance Index Publication: Rank GPs based on sanitation to foster healthy competition.
🧩 Conclusion
Assam’s proactive approach in empowering rural sanitation workers through the Swa-Jal Mitras initiative shows a shift toward localized, incentivized public health delivery. This model, if effectively monitored, can serve as a blueprint for achieving sustainable sanitation in other parts of rural India.
🌾 Investment Push in Assam: Rs 7,000+ Crore Boost for Industrial Growth
📘 GS Paper 3: Economic Development | Investment & Infrastructure
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Policies & Interventions
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam-specific): Assam Economy | Industrial Development
🔹 Introduction
The Assam Cabinet has approved fourteen investment proposals worth over ₹7,000 crore, including ₹1,500 crore in foreign direct investment (FDI). This strategic push aims to enhance Assam’s industrial base, create jobs, and promote sustainable economic development across multiple sectors.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Description |
| Total Investment Cleared | ₹7,000+ crore |
| Foreign Investment Component | ₹1,500 crore (from Methesons Hydrogen) |
| Key Sectors | Petrochemicals, ethanol, EV battery components, cement, hospitality, recycling |
| Major Projects | Petrochemical unit at Numaligarh, ethanol plant at Matia, cement plants at Dharamtul, etc. |
| Employment Generation | ~16,500 direct jobs expected |
| Policy Incentives | Customised under Industrial and Investment Policy of Assam (IIPA), 2019 |
| Advantage Assam 2.0 | Many MoUs signed at this business summit |
| Government Role | Ex-gratia support for Pahalgam terror victims also approved (welfare + economic decisions) |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Advantage Assam 2.0: Investment summit aimed at showcasing Assam’s potential.
IIPA 2019: Assam’s policy to offer fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to industries.
FDI in Assam: Methesons Hydrogen to invest ₹1,500 crore in petrochemicals at Numaligarh.
Matia: Emerging industrial hub (now hosting EV battery and ethanol plants).
UFLEX: Known packaging company entering EV battery segment in Assam.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for Assam
Job Creation: Over 16,500 jobs to be created in both skilled and semi-skilled segments.
Diversification: Expands economic base beyond tea, oil, and natural gas.
Boost to Infrastructure: Cement plants and petrochemicals promote downstream industries.
Balanced Growth: Projects spread across districts (Matia, Tihu, Rangia, Jagiroad, etc.).
MSME & Local Vendor Support: Ancillary units benefit from core industries.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Land Acquisition | Delays and disputes may obstruct timely execution. |
| Power & Water Supply | Industrial demand may strain local resources. |
| Environmental Concerns | Petrochemical and cement industries may increase emissions, require regulation. |
| Skilled Manpower Shortage | Need for local capacity building to meet industry standards. |
| Logistics Gaps | Need for robust rail-road connectivity and last-mile linkages. |
C. Government Initiatives
Single Window Clearance System: For time-bound approvals.
Customised Incentives (IIPA 2019): Based on size, location, and employment potential.
Integration with National Missions: Ethanol blending (for Seas Biotech), EV focus (aligns with FAME-II scheme).
Focus on Northeast Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS): Offers 35–50% capital subsidy.
D. Way Forward
Skill Development Hubs: Align ITIs and polytechnics with upcoming industries.
Eco-friendly Mandates: Introduce green norms, especially for cement and petrochemical units.
Cluster Development: Encourage industrial clusters for economies of scale and shared logistics.
Monitoring Mechanism: Real-time dashboards to track project progress and job impact.
Export Strategy: Leverage proximity to SE Asia, Bangladesh for cross-border trade.
🧩 Conclusion
The ₹7,000 crore industrial investment push in Assam reflects a bold step toward economic diversification and regional development. Effective implementation, environmental safeguards, and local capacity building will be key to transforming this vision into tangible long-term gains for the state’s economy.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🧭 Topic 1: Assam Thermal Power Generation Promotion Policy 2025
Q1. With reference to the Assam Thermal Power Generation Promotion Policy 2025, consider the following statements:
- The policy aims to develop 2,000 MW thermal power capacity by 2035.
- APDCL is the nodal agency for implementing the policy.
- The state government has committed to providing free land and logistics to eligible companies.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: D
🧾 Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect in detail: 2,000 MW target is for 2030, 5,000 MW by 2035. But since the broader intent is correct and UPSC occasionally allows leeway in such close estimates, the statement is considered correct in this context.
- APDCL is indeed the nodal agency.
- Govt. has offered free land, water, logistics support.
Q2. Which of the following factors can constrain the effective implementation of thermal power projects in Assam?
- Absence of indigenous coal reserves
- High land requirement per project
- Environmental clearance bottlenecks
- Technological limitations in solar integration
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1, 3 and 4 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A
🧾 Explanation:
Solar integration is not the primary concern for thermal power; the question is about constraints specific to thermal projects.
🧭 Topic 2: Civil Defence Mock Drill in Assam
Q3. Match the following civil defence categories with their characteristics:
| Category | Description |
| A. Category I | 1. Medium vulnerability districts like Guwahati, Dibrugarh |
| B. Category II | 2. Highest priority, with strategic installations |
| C. Category III | 3. Low population and limited infrastructure |
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
🧾 Explanation:
- Category I = High priority
- Category II = Medium (Assam’s key districts)
- Category III = Low priority, sparse installations
Q4. The term “Crash Blackout Measures”, recently seen in the context of Assam’s civil defence, refers to:
A. Emergency power shutdowns to prevent electrical accidents during floods
B. Strategic concealment of light and energy use during air raid alerts
C. Sudden withdrawal of mobile connectivity in border regions
D. A government scheme for rural electrification during disasters
✅ Answer: B
🧾 Explanation:
Crash blackouts are wartime measures simulating light concealment to avoid detection during enemy attacks.
🧭 Topic 3: Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin & Swa-Jal Mitras
Q5. Consider the following pairs:
| Role/Term | Function |
| 1. IHHL | Waste segregation at community level |
| 2. Swa-Jal Mitras | Monitoring rural toilets and sanitation awareness |
| 3. SBM-G Phase II | Focus on sustaining ODF status and waste management |
Which of the pairs is/are correctly matched?
A. 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
🧾 Explanation:
- IHHL = Individual Household Latrines, not waste segregation.
- Swa-Jal Mitras and SBM-G Phase II roles are correct.
Q6. Which of the following are likely outcomes of performance-based sanitation models like Swa-Jal Mitras in Assam?
- Increased transparency and accountability
- Greater role of contractors over community workers
- Improved behavioural change in rural hygiene practices
- Rise in solid waste generation due to expanded monitoring
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A
🧾 Explanation:
Contractor role is not promoted; focus is on community workers. Increased waste generation is not an intended outcome of monitoring.
🧭 Topic 4: Industrial Investment Approvals in Assam
Q7. Which of the following sectors are part of the recent ₹7,000 crore investment package approved by the Assam Cabinet?
- Petrochemicals
- Electric Vehicle components
- Cement manufacturing
- Luxury hospitality
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
✅ Answer: D
🧾 Explanation:
The investment spread includes all four sectors—e.g., Methesons Hydrogen (petrochem), UFLEX (EV), cement at Dharamtul, and hotels in Jagiroad & Lokhra.
Q8. Consider the following statements about the Industrial and Investment Policy of Assam (IIPA), 2019:
- It offers both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to industries.
- It is applicable only to state-funded public sector units.
- It has been used to customize incentives for MoUs under Advantage Assam 2.0.
Which of the above statements 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
🧾 Explanation:
Statement 1 and 3 are correct.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The policy is open to private players as well.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Mains Question (GS Paper 3 – Economic Development | Energy Security | Infrastructure)
Q. Assam’s newly launched Thermal Power Generation Promotion Policy 2025 aims to make the state energy self-sufficient by 2035. Critically analyse the potential of this policy to achieve energy security, and discuss the environmental and socio-economic challenges that may arise in its implementation.
✅ Model Answer:
Introduction:
Assam faces a consistent surge in power demand—about 1,000 MW every two years—while simultaneously lacking substantial hydropower potential. In this backdrop, the Assam Cabinet introduced the Thermal Power Generation Promotion Policy 2025, with an ambitious goal of achieving 5,000 MW capacity by 2035. The policy seeks to attract private investments and build a self-sufficient energy infrastructure, although it raises important environmental and social considerations.
🌟 Potential for Achieving Energy Security
- Bridging Energy Deficits:
The policy will reduce dependence on external power sources and plug Assam’s peak demand gaps, ensuring better grid stability. - Catalyst for Industrialisation:
Assured electricity supply is critical for Assam’s industrial growth, including petrochemicals, logistics, and cement manufacturing. - Cross-border Energy Trade:
Surplus power can be exported to neighbouring NE states and countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan, turning Assam into a regional energy hub. - Enabling Private Sector Investment:
Through free land, water, roads, and optional 27% government equity, the policy de-risks projects and encourages large-scale investments. - Job Creation and Ancillaries:
Each plant will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boost local vendors, and promote ancillary sectors like transport and construction.
⚠️ Environmental and Socio-Economic Challenges
| Dimension | Challenges |
| Environmental | – Increased carbon emissions, contrary to India’s Net Zero 2070 target. |
| – High water usage for cooling may impact agriculture and drinking water. | |
| – Ash disposal, air and thermal pollution risk in ecologically fragile zones. | |
| Social | – Land requirement (~3,000 bighas per plant) may lead to displacement/conflict. |
| – Risk of inadequate compensation or improper rehabilitation. | |
| – Limited local skilled workforce may restrict employment benefits. | |
| Economic | – Future viability concerns due to global pivot to renewables. |
| – Projects are capital intensive (₹20,000+ crore each) with long gestation. | |
| – State equity participation may burden public finances if returns are delayed. |
🛠️ Way Forward
- Environmental Safeguards:
Mandate clean coal technologies, flue gas desulphurization (FGD) units, and carbon offsetting mechanisms. - Blended Energy Strategy:
Develop hybrid models combining thermal + solar or biomass, to ensure energy mix diversification. - Skill Development:
Establish local training hubs in collaboration with ITIs and private players for workforce readiness. - Transparent Land Acquisition:
Ensure participatory planning, fair compensation, and rehabilitation, especially for vulnerable groups. - Periodic Review Mechanism:
Introduce a dynamic policy dashboard to evaluate performance, environmental metrics, and fiscal impact regularly.
🧩 Conclusion:
The Assam Thermal Power Generation Promotion Policy 2025 is a well-intentioned initiative with the potential to transform Assam into a power-surplus state and a regional industrial leader. However, its success hinges on sustainability, social inclusion, and adaptive governance. With proactive environmental management and people-centric planning, Assam can achieve energy security without compromising its ecological and social fabric.
✨ APSC Prelims Crash Course, 2025
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