APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (09/05/2025)
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 (09-05-2025). 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
⚖️ Establishment of the Directorate of Prosecution in Assam
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Judiciary | Criminal Justice System
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam-specific): Law & Order | State Governance Reforms
🔹 Introduction
In a major judicial reform, the Assam Government has set up the Directorate of Prosecution to enhance the quality of criminal trials and reduce delays in the judicial process. This institutional mechanism will empower prosecutors to independently examine police reports before charges are filed, marking a shift toward accountability, professionalism, and efficient justice delivery in the state.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Description |
| Established by | Assam Government (Home Dept.) |
| Purpose | Improve quality of criminal prosecution; reduce case backlog |
| Structure | Headed by a Director of Prosecution under the Home Department |
| Appointed Head | Makhan Phukan (ex-public prosecutor, Gauhati HC) |
| Other Key Appointments | 3 Deputy Directors: Dhanesh Das, Santanu Bhattacharyya, Manash Haloi |
| Jurisdiction | Public Prosecutors, Additional & Special Public Prosecutors to report to Director |
| Functions | Scrutinize police reports, monitor trials, assist judiciary in filtering frivolous cases |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
CrPC Section 24: Deals with the appointment of Public Prosecutors.
Public Prosecutors: Represent the state in criminal cases.
Directorate of Prosecution: A separate legal wing introduced for quality control in prosecution.
Makhan Phukan: Assam’s first Director of Prosecution.
Role: Improve conviction rate, reduce case pendency, ensure legal scrutiny of police investigations.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the Directorate
Improved Conviction Rates: Scrutiny of police evidence before trial prevents weak cases from being filed.
Reduces Judicial Burden: Filters out frivolous FIRs and ensures only charge-worthy cases proceed to court.
Enhanced Professionalism: Assigns experienced lawyers with domain knowledge to assist in complex prosecutions.
Police-Lawyer Synergy: Strengthens communication between investigation and prosecution.
Justice for Victims: Ensures fair, efficient, and timely justice through better trial preparation.
B. Challenges in Implementation
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Staffing and Capacity | Shortage of trained prosecutors at district and sub-divisional levels. |
| Coordination Gaps | Police resistance to external review of chargesheet. |
| Delayed Case Scrutiny | Risk of delays in legal opinion during time-bound investigations. |
| Infrastructure | Lack of dedicated office space and digital systems for prosecutors. |
C. Government Initiatives & Legal Backing
Criminal Law Reform (2023): Encourages pre-trial scrutiny and evidence-based prosecution.
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023: Provides for structured timelines in investigation and trial.
Judiciary Support: Courts have advocated for separating investigation from prosecution for better justice.
Legal Training: Plan to train prosecutors in digital forensics, witness protection, and gender-sensitive trials.
D. Way Forward
Digital Case Management: Integrated case tracking software between police and prosecution offices.
Capacity Building: Regular training for prosecutors in IPC, PMLA, NDPS, cybercrime, and human rights law.
Performance-Based Promotion: Incentivise successful conviction and case disposal rates.
Public Awareness: Clarify roles of prosecutors to reduce misuse or confusion with police functions.
Legal Research Units: Establish legal aid + research wings to support prosecutors with precedents and strategy.
🧩 Conclusion
The creation of Assam’s Directorate of Prosecution marks a watershed in the modernization of the state’s criminal justice system. With effective implementation, it can ensure accountable policing, fair trial, and timely justice, especially benefiting the vulnerable and underrepresented in the legal process.
👩💼 SAMARTH Centre at Assam Secretariat: Empowering Working Women
📘 GS Paper 2: Welfare Schemes | Women & Child Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam-specific): Social Welfare Initiatives | Governance in Assam
🔹 Introduction
In a progressive move to create a gender-sensitive workplace, the Assam Government has inaugurated the SAMARTH Centre—a dedicated day-care and support facility for working women—at the state secretariat. This initiative aims to ensure work-life balance, particularly for women employees with infants or young children, while promoting inclusive governance.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Initiative by | Government of Assam |
| Facility Name | SAMARTH Centre |
| Location | Assam Secretariat, Dispur |
| Services Provided | Childcare (day-care), lactation room, rest area for women employees |
| Inaugurated by | Minister Ajanta Neog (Finance & Social Welfare) |
| Target Beneficiaries | Women employees of the Assam Secretariat |
| Administrative Control | Directorate of Social Welfare, Assam |
| Symbolic Message | Promotes workplace dignity, care economy, and gender inclusion |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
SAMARTH Centre: A welfare model for working mothers in government service.
POSH Act, 2013: Mandates a safe, dignified work environment for women; relevant in governance context.
Assam Social Welfare Dept: Nodal agency for child, women, and elderly welfare schemes.
Crèche Facility: Part of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 – applies to all establishments with ≥50 employees.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the SAMARTH Initiative
Workplace Inclusivity: Recognises the dual role of women as employees and caregivers.
Improved Productivity: Stress-free environment increases focus and efficiency among working mothers.
Precedent for Other Departments: Sets an institutional example for district-level and private sector offices.
Human Resource Retention: Reduces dropouts among female staff due to lack of childcare support.
Social Equity: Encourages participation of women in governance and public service delivery.
B. Challenges and Considerations
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Scalability | Needs to be replicated in district HQs and other govt. establishments. |
| Resource Allocation | Staffing, space, and safety equipment require consistent funding. |
| Monitoring & Standards | No uniform framework yet to evaluate day-care facilities in public offices. |
| Perception Barrier | Some male-dominated spaces may resist shifting toward family-friendly policies. |
C. Associated Government Schemes & Legal Backing
Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017: Mandates crèche facilities for establishments with >50 employees.
National Creche Scheme: Previously under MWCD, aimed at supporting working women in both urban and rural settings.
POSHAN Abhiyaan: Focuses on child nutrition, aligned with workplace childcare.
Assam State Women’s Policy (Draft): Advocates infrastructural and safety provisions for working women.
D. Way Forward
Create SOPs for Govt Crèches: Define space, hygiene, and staffing norms uniformly.
District-Level Replication: Each DC office and govt hospital to host similar SAMARTH units.
Integration with Digital HRMS: Let working mothers register and book crèche slots digitally.
Incentivise Private Sector Adoption: Offer tax breaks for companies setting up in-house childcare.
Impact Monitoring: Annual workplace gender audits to assess inclusion, retention, and satisfaction.
🧩 Conclusion
The SAMARTH Centre is more than a welfare facility—it’s a symbol of inclusive governance and a commitment to gender equity in public institutions. If scaled effectively, it can bridge a crucial gap in India’s care economy and empower more women to participate fully in the workforce.
🧠 Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Assam Hosts National Symposium
📘 GS Paper 1: Indian Heritage & Culture
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Role of Traditional Institutions
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam-specific): Indigenous Practices | Local Governance & Culture
🔹 Introduction
A national symposium on Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) was recently hosted in Assam, focusing on preserving and mainstreaming traditional wisdom in education, conservation, healthcare, and governance. The event brought together scholars, policymakers, and community elders to showcase Assam’s rich intangible cultural heritage and its role in sustainable development.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Description |
| Event | National Symposium on Indigenous Knowledge Systems |
| Venue | Assam (organised by state universities and indigenous affairs institutes) |
| Key Themes | Traditional medicine, agricultural practices, conflict resolution, forest conservation |
| Participants | Tribal elders, researchers, NE state govt reps, Ministry of Education officials |
| Focus Areas | Integration of IKS in NEP 2020, climate adaptation, livelihood, and governance |
| Outcomes | Call for creation of digital indigenous knowledge repositories and curriculum integration |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
IKS (Indigenous Knowledge Systems): Localised, traditional knowledge passed through generations (non-formal, oral, experiential).
NEP 2020: Recommends promotion of Indian knowledge systems in school and university curricula.
Traditional Dispute Resolution: Practised by Bodos, Karbis, and Dimasas—based on consensus and oral codes.
Sustainable Agriculture: Jhum, bamboo drip irrigation, and organic herbal pest control featured in discussions.
UNESCO’s Recognition: Several IKS practices globally (e.g., Ayurveda, Yoga) recognised as intangible heritage.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Indigenous Knowledge for Assam
Ecological Sustainability: Practices like community forest management, sacred groves, and herbal medicine support biodiversity.
Cultural Identity & Pride: Maintains linguistic, spiritual, and historical continuity in tribal and rural communities.
Resilient Livelihoods: Traditional farming, weaving, and fishing offer income without ecological damage.
Climate Adaptation: IKS offers time-tested strategies for flood resilience, water harvesting, and pest control.
Alternative Governance: Tribal dispute mechanisms reduce litigation load and promote harmony.
B. Challenges to Preservation
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Erosion of Knowledge | Youth migration, loss of oral traditions, and declining interest. |
| Lack of Documentation | Most IKS is not written or digitally archived. |
| Mainstream Bias | Formal institutions often dismiss local wisdom as unscientific. |
| Commercial Exploitation | Patents and biopiracy by outsiders threaten community rights. |
C. Government and Institutional Efforts
NEP 2020: Emphasises integration of local heritage into school curricula.
TRIFED & Van Dhan Yojana: Encourage value-addition to tribal products using traditional techniques.
TKDL (Traditional Knowledge Digital Library): Co-managed by CSIR and AYUSH Ministry to prevent misappropriation.
Assam State Cultural Policy: Aims to document folk traditions and promote them in festivals, fairs, and textbooks.
D. Way Forward
Digital Repositories: Community-controlled archives using video/audio documentation of local practices.
Curriculum Inclusion: Region-specific folk wisdom to be taught in schools and colleges under NEP.
Legal Protection: Strengthen Geographical Indications (GI) and community IP rights.
Community Research Hubs: Universities should collaborate with village elders to validate and promote IKS.
Youth Engagement: Incentivise storytelling, fieldwork, and innovation using traditional knowledge.
🧩 Conclusion
Assam’s hosting of the national symposium on IKS highlights a growing recognition that indigenous wisdom is not primitive—but deeply ecological, ethical, and effective. Integrating IKS into mainstream education, law, and science can help India craft development models that are rooted, inclusive, and resilient.
🕊️ NSCN-IM Militant Surrender in Assam: A Step Toward Lasting Peace in the Northeast
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Insurgency in the Northeast
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Conflict Resolution
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam-specific): Ethnic Movements | Peacebuilding in Assam and Northeast
🔹 Introduction
In a major development for peace and security in the Northeast, seven cadres of the NSCN-IM (Isak-Muivah faction) surrendered to the Assam Police and security agencies in Tinsukia district. This surrender is seen as a continuation of India’s soft strategy of reconciliation alongside security enforcement in the region and reflects a shift in the local insurgency landscape.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Group Involved | NSCN-IM (National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak-Muivah faction) |
| Location of Surrender | Tinsukia district, Upper Assam |
| Number of Cadres | Seven (including one woman) |
| Arms Deposited | Sophisticated weapons and communication equipment |
| Reason for Surrender | Disillusionment with leadership and desire to join mainstream society |
| Assam Police Role | Provided safe passage, initial rehabilitation, and debriefing |
| Strategic Importance | Tinsukia is a sensitive district bordering Arunachal and Nagaland |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
NSCN-IM: A Naga insurgent group seeking Greater Nagalim; signed Framework Agreement with GoI in 2015.
Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy: Offers financial incentives, training, and reintegration for former militants.
Tinsukia: One of Assam’s easternmost districts, strategically sensitive due to its proximity to insurgent corridors.
Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG): Supervises ceasefire agreements between GoI and Naga factions.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the Surrender
Peace Dividend: Signals growing acceptance of democratic dialogue over armed struggle.
Weakened Insurgency: NSCN-IM, once dominant, now faces leadership and cadre disillusionment.
Confidence in State Institutions: Indicates trust in Assam Police and rehabilitation support.
Women in Conflict: Inclusion of a woman insurgent highlights gender dimensions in peace processes.
Strategic Rebalancing: Helps counteract spillover effects of insurgency in Upper Assam and bordering states.
B. Challenges in Managing Insurgency Surrenders
| Challenge | Description |
| Reintegration Complexity | Cadres often lack civilian skills or social acceptance. |
| Shadow Networks | Sleeper cells or local support systems may remain intact. |
| Leadership Crisis in Groups | Can lead to splinter factions or rogue violence. |
| Slow Rehabilitation | Delays in funding or training under surrender policies undermine trust. |
C. Government Initiatives
Framework Agreement (2015): Between GoI and NSCN-IM; yet to reach final peace accord.
Northeast Vision 2030: Emphasises peace-building and mainstreaming of ex-militants.
State Surrender Policy: Assam’s model includes one-time financial grant, skill training, and housing aid.
Counter-Insurgency Operations: Coordinated with Army, CRPF, and Intelligence Bureau.
D. Way Forward
Finalize Naga Peace Accord: Resolve ambiguities in the NSCN-IM-GoI framework to prevent militant resurgence.
Skill-Based Reintegration: Link surrendered youth with MSMEs, startups, and SHGs.
Monitor Ex-Cadres: Use community policing and digital tracking to prevent recidivism.
Inter-State Security Cooperation: Share intel and coordinate action across NE states to dismantle hideouts.
Youth Engagement in Border Districts: Expand sports, education, and employment to preempt radicalisation.
🧩 Conclusion
The surrender of NSCN-IM cadres in Assam reflects a soft but firm counter-insurgency strategy, combining security with reconciliation. It signals that the path to peace in the Northeast lies not only through policing but through purposeful reintegration, governance outreach, and regional trust-building.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
⚖️ Topic 1: Directorate of Prosecution in Assam
Q1. With reference to the Directorate of Prosecution recently established in Assam, consider the following statements:
- It functions under the direct control of the Gauhati High Court.
- It is responsible for scrutinising police chargesheets before court submission.
- Its head is appointed by the Governor of Assam.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 2 and 3 only
✅ Answer: B
🧾 Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect: The Directorate functions under the Home Department, not the judiciary.
- Statement 2 is correct: One of its key functions is legal vetting of police reports to improve prosecution quality.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: Appointments are made by the state government, not the Governor directly.
Q2. Which provision of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) governs the appointment of Public Prosecutors in India?
A. Section 197
B. Section 161
C. Section 24
D. Section 482
✅ Answer: C
🧾 Explanation:
- Section 24 of CrPC deals with the appointment of Public Prosecutors at district and state levels.
👩💼 Topic 2: SAMARTH Centre – Daycare Facility for Women Employees
Q3. The SAMARTH Centre set up in Assam Secretariat is primarily aimed at:
A. Providing shelter for women victims of violence.
B. Training women officers in disaster response.
C. Supporting work-life balance for women employees with young children.
D. Offering legal aid services to women employees.
✅ Answer: C
🧾 Explanation:
- SAMARTH Centre is a daycare and lactation facility for working mothers, meant to promote workplace gender inclusion.
Q4. Under which Act is it mandatory for establishments with 50 or more employees to provide a crèche facility?
A. Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013
B. Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017
C. Equal Remuneration Act, 1976
D. Factories Act, 1948
✅ Answer: B
🧾 Explanation:
- The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 introduced the provision for crèche facilities in workplaces.
🧠 Topic 3: Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Symposium
Q5. Which of the following are examples of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) relevant to Assam?
- Bamboo drip irrigation
- Traditional weaving by Mising and Karbi women
- Community-based forest management
- Use of genetically modified crops
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1 and 4 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A
🧾 Explanation:
- Statement 4 is incorrect: Genetically modified crops are part of modern biotech, not traditional knowledge.
- The rest are classic examples of Assam’s IKS.
Q6. The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), jointly developed by CSIR and Ministry of AYUSH, primarily aims to:
A. Train tribal youth in coding and AI.
B. Digitally archive all land titles of tribal areas.
C. Prevent bio-piracy and misuse of India’s indigenous knowledge.
D. Promote Sanskrit manuscripts through online platforms.
✅ Answer: C
🧾 Explanation:
- The TKDL is a pioneering initiative to digitally document India’s traditional knowledge (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, etc.) and prevent patent exploitation by foreign entities.
🕊️ Topic 4: NSCN-IM Surrender in Assam
Q7. Consider the following statements about NSCN-IM and its relevance in Northeast India:
- It was formed with the aim of creating a sovereign Naga state.
- It signed a Framework Agreement with the Government of India in 2015.
- The group primarily operates in Meghalaya and Tripura.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A
🧾 Explanation:
- Statement 3 is incorrect: NSCN-IM operates primarily in Nagaland, Manipur, parts of Assam, and Arunachal, not in Meghalaya or Tripura.
Q8. What is the role of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) in the Northeast?
A. Supervising forest clearance approvals in insurgency-affected zones.
B. Monitoring surrender benefits given to ex-insurgents.
C. Ensuring adherence to ceasefire terms between insurgent groups and the Government of India.
D. Investigating corruption in tribal councils.
✅ Answer: C
🧾 Explanation:
The CFMG is responsible for overseeing the implementation of ceasefire terms between the Centre and Naga insurgent factions like NSCN-IM, ensuring that protocols are not violated.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 GS Paper 2 – Governance | Judiciary | Criminal Justice System
Q. The establishment of a Directorate of Prosecution in Assam reflects an important reform in the state’s criminal justice system. Discuss the significance of this institution and the challenges it may face in improving the quality of prosecution and justice delivery.
✅ Model Answer:
Introduction:
India’s criminal justice system has long suffered from delays, low conviction rates, and poor coordination between investigation and prosecution. In this context, Assam’s decision to establish a Directorate of Prosecution marks a crucial reform, aligning the state with national-level judicial recommendations for ensuring independent, accountable, and effective prosecution services.
🔍 Significance of the Directorate of Prosecution:
- Improved Conviction Rates:
Early scrutiny of police reports ensures that only well-prepared cases with sufficient evidence are brought to trial, reducing acquittals due to weak evidence. - Prevention of Frivolous Prosecution:
Public Prosecutors under the Directorate are empowered to vet chargesheets before filing, thus filtering out baseless or politically motivated cases. - Institutional Separation of Roles:
This reform moves towards separating investigation (police) from prosecution, as recommended by Law Commissions and the Malimath Committee. - Professional Oversight and Coordination:
The Directorate standardizes prosecution procedures and enables centralized monitoring, promoting consistency in legal argumentation across districts. - Judicial Efficiency:
By improving the quality of prosecutions, courts can decide cases faster, reducing backlog and increasing public trust in the justice system.
⚠️ Challenges in Implementation:
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Capacity Gaps | Many districts face a shortage of trained prosecutors and support staff. |
| Police-Prosecution Friction | Police may resist independent scrutiny of their investigation work. |
| Resource Constraints | Lack of digital tools, office infrastructure, and legal databases affects performance. |
| Delayed Legal Opinions | Time-sensitive investigations may suffer if prosecutors delay their reviews. |
| Limited Autonomy | Excessive bureaucratic control can reduce the functional independence of prosecutors. |
🛠️ Government Measures & Suggestions:
- Digitisation of Legal Records: Integrate prosecution offices with police FIR systems for real-time access to case files.
- Continuous Legal Training: Provide upskilling in areas like cybercrime, financial frauds, and forensic law.
- Clear SOPs: Develop standard protocols for police-prosecution coordination and deadlines for scrutiny.
- Public Awareness: Clarify the prosecutor’s role in upholding justice—not merely securing convictions.
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Use performance metrics (e.g., conviction ratio, case disposal time) for promotions and incentives.
🧩 Conclusion:
The establishment of the Directorate of Prosecution in Assam is a step toward a more just, efficient, and independent criminal justice system. If supported with proper training, digital integration, and institutional autonomy, this initiative can serve as a model for other states—helping to build a system where rule of law and public confidence in justice are both strengthened.
✨ APSC Prelims Crash Course, 2025
🔔 Join Our WhatsApp Study Group!
For exclusive access to premium quality content, including study materials, current affairs, MCQs, and model answers for APSC CCE and other Assam competitive exams.
Click here to join: SuchitraACS Study WhatsApp Group
📚 Want to know more about SuchitraACS’s most affordable courses?
Click here to know more: SuchitraACS Courses for APSC CCE and Assam Competitive Examinations
