APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (09/04/2025)
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 (09-04-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
🇨🇳 China’s Proposed Medog Dam on Yarlung Tsangpo – Strategic & Environmental Implications
GS Paper 2 & 3 – International Relations | Disaster Management | Environment
🔹 Introduction
China’s plan to build the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra in India) in Medog County, near Arunachal Pradesh, has sparked serious environmental and geopolitical concerns for India and other lower riparian states.
🔑 Key Issues
1. About the Medog Dam Project
Planned capacity: ~60,000 MW
Location: Medog County, Tibet Autonomous Region, close to India’s Arunachal border
Will surpass Three Gorges Dam in scale
Threatens flow of Brahmaputra, critical to NE India
2. Strategic Implications for India
Lack of bilateral water-sharing treaty with China
Concerns over diversion of river flow to Yellow River via tunnels
Could be used as a “water bomb” during conflicts – past example: Siang flash floods (2000)
Threat to defense installations and population centers downstream
3. Environmental Concerns
Altered hydrology of the Brahmaputra
Destruction of riverine biodiversity
Increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs)
Impact on floodplain agriculture, wetlands, and livelihoods
4. Expert Views & Recommendations
Urged science-backed diplomacy and active international engagement
Stressed hydrological data sharing and multi-pronged response strategy
Need to enhance India’s water infrastructure, storage, and flood control capacity
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Yarlung Tsangpo: Originates in Tibet, becomes Siang in Arunachal, and Brahmaputra in Assam
Medog County: Earthquake-prone area, rich in biodiversity
India-China Water Data Agreement (2002): Covers only flood season flow data
River Diversion Projects in Tibet: No official transparency or treaty with lower riparian nations
📝 Mains Pointers
a. Geopolitical Significance
Could give China strategic control over water as a diplomatic tool
Raises riparian sovereignty issues; India needs international coalition building
b. Impact on India’s Northeast
Assam and Arunachal heavily dependent on Brahmaputra for agriculture, ecology
Downstream risks: floods, water scarcity, sedimentation changes
c. India’s Diplomatic & Domestic Strategy
Must internationalize the issue through UN conventions and multilateral platforms
Fast-track its own hydropower and storage dams in Arunachal
Promote data transparency and basin-level cooperation with Bhutan and Bangladesh
📊 Relevant Reports & Facts
| Indicator | Value/Source |
| Power capacity of Medog Dam | 60,000 MW (China) |
| Brahmaputra Basin coverage | 5.9 lakh sq km (MoWR) |
| India-China River Treaty | None |
| 2000 Siang Flood | Caused by Chinese dam burst (local reports) |
🔭 Way Forward
Strategic Water Diplomacy
India must lead efforts at Indo-Bangladesh-China trilateral dialogue
Environmental Safeguards
Leverage transboundary environmental impact assessment mechanisms
Strengthening Early Warning Systems
Expand sensor networks and real-time monitoring in Arunachal and Assam
Public Awareness & Riverine Mapping
Engage local communities, NGOs, and scientific institutions
🧩 Conclusion
China’s unilateral mega-dam push on the Yarlung Tsangpo is not just an environmental threat but a geopolitical challenge. India must counter it with science, strategy, and solidarity — domestically and globally.
🏗️ Mizoram’s Landmark Infrastructure Achievement – Tlawng River Arch Bridge Inaugurated
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Regional Development | Engineering & Innovation
🔹 Introduction
The inauguration of the Tlawng River Arch Bridge in Mizoram marks a significant step toward enhancing connectivity and engineering excellence in the Northeast, bridging not just a river—but gaps in regional accessibility and economic integration.
🔑 Key Features of the Bridge
| Aspect | Details |
| Type | Arch Bridge – first of its kind in Mizoram |
| River Crossed | Tlawng River, one of the longest rivers in Mizoram |
| Location | Near Aizawl, connects critical intra-state routes |
| Length & Span | Over 210 meters, built using steel-reinforced composite materials |
| Strategic Use | Boosts transport access to remote districts, health & trade centers |
🧩 Significance for Regional Development
Connectivity Boost
Enhances intra-state movement across rugged terrain.
Reduces travel time to northern Mizoram by over 40 minutes.
Disaster Resilience
Designed to withstand monsoon flooding and high seismic activity—critical for Mizoram’s geography.
Economic Upliftment
Facilitates trade of agricultural produce, bamboo, and forest products.
Encourages investment and tourism in hilly and border areas.
Employment and Local Industry Support
Generated skilled and semi-skilled jobs during construction.
Boosted use of locally sourced materials and engineers.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Tlawng River: Longest river in Mizoram; flows into Barak system.
Arch Bridge: Curved structure using compression for load-bearing; known for strength and durability.
Northeast Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS): Central funding mechanism for such projects.
Seismic Zone V: Mizoram falls under highest seismic vulnerability in India—relevant for structural design.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Infrastructure in NE India
Reduces isolation of hilly areas
Strengthens logistics under Act East Policy
Enables better disaster management and service delivery
B. Challenges in Infrastructure Projects in NE
| Challenge | Impact |
| Hilly terrain | Delays and cost overruns |
| Monsoonal conditions | Affects pace and longevity of projects |
| Land acquisition | Sensitive due to tribal and forest zones |
| Skilled workforce | Shortage of technical professionals |
🧭 Way Forward
Adopt Climate-Resilient Engineering
Use of geo-synthetic materials, modular construction
Capacity Building of Local Engineers
Skill training in hill engineering, seismic design
Expand Connectivity under PM Gati Shakti
Integrate roads, bridges, rail and telecom in NE districts
Cross-border Economic Integration
Link such infrastructure to Bangladesh–Mizoram trade corridors
🧩 Conclusion
The Tlawng River Arch Bridge is more than a structure—it is a symbol of Mizoram’s aspirations and India’s commitment to inclusive regional development. Such projects reinforce the belief that the “Northeast is not periphery, but a pivot” of national growth.
🏞️ Arunachal Pradesh Seeks ₹6.69 Lakh Crore Package from 16th Finance Commission
📘 GS Paper 2: Federalism | Centre-State Financial Relations
📘 GS Paper 3: Inclusive Growth | Development Planning | North-East Development
🔹 Introduction
The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has submitted a proposal to the 16th Finance Commission seeking a special assistance package of ₹6.69 lakh crore for infrastructure development, security, and livelihood generation. This marks one of the largest requests ever by a northeastern state, citing difficult terrain and strategic importance.
🔑 Key Features of the Proposal
| Component | Amount Requested (₹) | Purpose |
| Road & Border Infrastructure | ₹2.2 lakh crore | National highways, border roads near China-India LAC |
| Health & Education | ₹1.1 lakh crore | Upgrade PHCs, mobile medical units, tribal education centres |
| Power & Energy | ₹70,000 crore | Hydropower projects, solar off-grid systems |
| Security & Communication | ₹85,000 crore | Surveillance, police modernization, satellite & telecom expansion |
| Sustainable Livelihoods | ₹1.2 lakh crore | Agri-horti missions, bamboo value chains, tribal cooperatives |
| Digital Infrastructure | ₹55,000 crore | E-governance, internet access in border villages |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
16th Finance Commission (2025–2030): Chaired by Arvind Panagariya, tasked with devolution formula, grants-in-aid, and fiscal consolidation roadmap.
Special Category Status: Arunachal, along with other NE states, receives 90:10 fund-sharing and tax benefits.
LAC (Line of Actual Control): Arunachal shares a 1,129 km border with China, making it geopolitically sensitive.
NEC: North Eastern Council coordinates regional development under DoNER Ministry.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Why Arunachal Needs Special Fiscal Attention
Geographic & Strategic Challenges
Hilly terrain, remoteness, and lack of year-round roads.
Border villages need infrastructure to counter Chinese encroachment.
Low Development Indicators
Literacy rate: ~66.9% (Census 2011) vs national avg. of 74%.
High dropout rates, poor healthcare access in tribal belts.
Sustainable Livelihood Crisis
Shifting agriculture (jhum), unemployment, and low industrial presence.
Underutilized Potential
Huge untapped hydropower capacity (~50 GW), tourism, bamboo-based economy.
B. Finance Commission’s Role in Addressing Regional Imbalance
| Function of Finance Commission | Relevance to NE States |
| Vertical and Horizontal devolution | Helps smaller states get fair revenue share |
| Grants-in-aid to states | Can fund sectoral projects like health, education |
| Performance-based incentives | Encourages governance reforms, environmental protection |
📊 Key Reports & Indices
15th Finance Commission: Recommended ₹7.1 lakh crore total grants to states (2021–26).
NE Vision Document 2035 (NITI Aayog): Emphasized border village connectivity and decentralized planning.
Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG): Flagged gaps in fund utilization in remote NE districts (2023).
✅ Way Forward
Outcome-Based Fund Allocation
Grants tied to KPIs (e.g., school enrollment, health coverage).
Border Infrastructure Development
Integrate with Vibrant Villages Programme and BRO-led projects.
Transparent Fund Utilization
Use of e-Gram Swaraj, geotagging, and social audits in tribal areas.
Regional Planning Institutions
State-specific planning boards with participation from tribal councils and local bodies.
🧩 Conclusion
Arunachal Pradesh’s demand underscores the need for equitable federalism and contextualized development. The Finance Commission’s response must balance fiscal prudence with the strategic, ecological, and humanitarian imperatives of India’s northeastern frontier.
🌳 Legal History and Evolution of Wildlife Protection in India
📘 GS Paper 2: Polity – Laws, Rights and Governance
📘 GS Paper 3: Environment – Conservation, Biodiversity, Environmental Legislation
🔹 Introduction
India’s rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems have long necessitated a robust legal framework for wildlife conservation. The evolution of wildlife laws reflects the country’s growing awareness of ecological balance, species protection, and sustainable development.
🧭 Key Milestones in Legal Evolution
| Period | Milestone | Description |
| Pre-Independence | Indian Forest Act, 1927 | Focused on timber and forest revenue; limited wildlife protection. |
| 1972 | Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WLPA) | Comprehensive law to protect wild animals, birds, and plants. Established schedules of species and penalties. |
| 1982 | Amendment – Creation of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under Project Tiger. | |
| 2002 | Major amendments to include community reserves and conservation reserves; better penalty structure. | |
| 2006 | Formation of National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) under Section 5A of WLPA. | |
| 2022 | Latest amendment increased the number of protected species and aligned Indian law with CITES. Introduced penal provisions for illegal captive wildlife trade. |
🔑 Key Features of Wildlife Protection Act (1972)
Schedules I to VI:
Schedule I & II: Highest protection (e.g., tiger, elephant).
Schedule VI: Prohibits cultivation and planting of specified plants.
Protected Areas:
National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Community and Conservation Reserves.
Offences and Penalties:
Stringent punishment for poaching, trade, habitat destruction.
Authorities Established:
Chief Wildlife Warden, NBWL, State Boards, and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species): India is a party since 1976.
Project Tiger (1973): First major species-specific conservation initiative.
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): Formed in 2007 to combat wildlife-related crimes.
Schedule I Animals: Tiger, Elephant, Snow Leopard, Indian Rhino, Ganges River Dolphin.
NBWL Chairperson: Prime Minister of India (ex-officio).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Legal Protection for Wildlife
Conservation of Biodiversity
India is a megadiverse country, home to 8% of global species.
Ecological Services
Wildlife ensures pollination, seed dispersal, food chain balance.
Climate Resilience
Forest and wildlife conservation play a role in carbon sequestration.
B. Challenges in Wildlife Protection
| Challenge | Details |
| Poaching and Illegal Trade | Tiger skins, pangolin scales, rhino horn are in high demand internationally. |
| Habitat Fragmentation | High human pressure, infrastructure development (e.g., roads through sanctuaries). |
| Man-Animal Conflict | Rising due to encroachment into forest areas. |
| Limited Forest Staff & Budget | Shortage of trained personnel and funds for surveillance and rescue. |
📊 Reports & Data
India State of Forest Report 2023 (FSI):
Forest cover: 21.71%
Decrease in dense forests in NE states noted.
WWF Living Planet Report 2022:
Global wildlife populations declined by 69% (1970–2018).
UNEP-WCMC Report: Identified India as one of the top nations for illegal wildlife trade interceptions.
✅ Way Forward
Strengthening Community-Based Conservation
Engage tribal communities through eco-development and joint forest management.
Technological Integration
Use of drones, camera traps, GIS for real-time tracking and monitoring.
Amendments Based on EIA & CITES Recommendations
Regular update of schedules; include climate-affected species.
Environmental Education and Awareness
Involve youth and citizens in wildlife protection drives.
🧩 Conclusion India’s legal journey from forest regulation to modern wildlife protection reflects the maturing vision of “development with ecological justice.” Moving forward, laws must become more adaptive, community-inclusive, and enforcement-ready to protect India’s irreplaceable natural heritage.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
✅ 1. China’s Proposed Medog Dam on Yarlung Tsangpo
Q1. With reference to the Yarlung Tsangpo River, consider the following statements:
- It originates in Tibet and is called the Brahmaputra once it enters India.
- China and India have a legally binding water-sharing treaty over this river.
- Medog County is located close to the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh.
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. 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 ✅: Yarlung Tsangpo originates in Tibet and is known as the Siang in Arunachal and Brahmaputra in Assam.
- Statement 2 ❌: There is no binding water-sharing treaty between India and China.
- Statement 3 ✅: Medog is in the Tibet Autonomous Region, near Arunachal’s eastern border.
✅ 2. Mizoram’s Tlawng River Arch Bridge Inauguration
Q2. Consider the following statements about the Tlawng River Arch Bridge in Mizoram:
- It is the first arch bridge constructed in the Northeast region of India.
- The bridge is designed to withstand high seismic activity.
- It connects Mizoram with Tripura via a national highway.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 ✅: It is indeed Mizoram’s first arch bridge, symbolizing modern infrastructure innovation.
- Statement 2 ✅: Designed with seismic resilience, as Mizoram falls under Seismic Zone V.
- Statement 3 ❌: The bridge enhances intra-state connectivity near Aizawl, not with Tripura.
✅ 3. Arunachal Pradesh’s Proposal to 16th Finance Commission
Q3. With reference to the Finance Commissions in India, consider the following statements:
- Finance Commissions recommend both vertical and horizontal tax devolution to states.
- Arunachal Pradesh, being a Special Category State, gets 100% central funding for all centrally sponsored schemes.
- The 16th Finance Commission is headed by Arvind Panagariya.
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. 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 ✅: Finance Commissions decide vertical devolution (centre-to-states) and horizontal distribution (among states).
- Statement 2 ❌: Special Category States (like Arunachal) get 90:10 funding for CSS, not 100%.
- Statement 3 ✅: Arvind Panagariya is the current Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission.
✅ 4. Legal History and Evolution of Wildlife Protection in India
Q4. Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?
| Wildlife Legislation/Body | Year of Establishment / Legal Basis |
| Wildlife Protection Act | 1972 |
| National Board for Wildlife | 2002 Amendment to Wildlife Protection Act |
| Central Zoo Authority | Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 |
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Pair 3 ❌: Central Zoo Authority was established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, not the Wildlife Act.
Pair 1 ✅: The Wildlife Protection Act was enacted in 1972.
Pair 2 ✅: NBWL was created via a 2002 amendment.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Mains Question (15 Marks)
Q. China’s planned construction of a mega-dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo near the Indian border presents serious environmental and geopolitical challenges. Critically examine its implications for India and suggest a suitable strategic and diplomatic response.
✅ Model Answer
Introduction:
China’s proposal to build the world’s largest hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo, near India’s Arunachal Pradesh, has sparked concerns regarding water security, ecological stability, and geopolitical leverage in the region.
🔍 1. Strategic and Geopolitical Concerns for India
a) Unilateral Control Over Transboundary River
- China is the upper riparian; India lacks a binding water-sharing treaty with China.
- Could manipulate flow volume and timing, affecting downstream agriculture and ecology.
b) Border Tensions and Weaponization of Water
- Located close to Line of Actual Control (LAC) in a disputed area.
- Dam could be used as a strategic pressure point in border standoffs.
c) Impact on Act East Policy and NE Development
- Threatens India’s infrastructure and economic efforts in the Brahmaputra basin.
- Risk to riverine livelihoods in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
🌱 2. Environmental Risks
| Risk | Impact |
| Ecological Disruption | Alters the flow of Brahmaputra → loss of biodiversity |
| Increased Siltation & Erosion | Disrupts floodplain agriculture downstream |
| Earthquake-prone Zone | High seismic risk in Medog → dam safety concerns |
| Flash Flood & GLOFs | Potential for glacial lake outburst floods |
⚖️ 3. Legal and Diplomatic Gaps
- No formal water-sharing treaty exists (unlike Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan).
- 2002 MoU between India-China only allows seasonal hydrological data sharing (limited scope).
- China is not bound by transboundary environmental impact assessments (no equivalent to UNECE Espoo Convention).
🧭 4. India’s Strategic & Diplomatic Response
a) Build Strategic Storage and Infrastructure
- Fast-track India’s own dams like Upper Siang, Dibang, and Subansiri in Arunachal.
- Invest in flood management and river interlinking in Brahmaputra basin.
b) Enhance Bilateral & Multilateral Diplomacy
- Propose Brahmaputra Basin Agreement with China, Bangladesh, Bhutan.
- Raise the issue at forums like UN Water Conference, SCO, and BRICS.
c) Strengthen Remote Sensing & Early Warning Systems
- Expand use of ISRO satellites for real-time flow tracking.
- Set up river monitoring stations in upper Arunachal.
d) Promote Track-II and Scientific Dialogue
- Encourage expert exchanges on Himalayan hydrology and climate risk.
- Involve civil society and academic institutions.
🧩 Conclusion:
China’s dam project underscores the urgent need for India to treat water security as national security. A robust combination of infrastructure readiness, regional diplomacy, and ecological monitoring is key to protecting India’s downstream interests and ensuring regional stability.
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