APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (09/08/2025)
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 (09-08-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🌏 India and Bhutan to Enhance Cross-Border Connectivity & Hydropower Cooperation
📘 GS Paper 2: India’s Neighbourhood Relations | International Agreements
📘 GS Paper 3: Energy | Infrastructure | Environment
📘 GS Paper 1: Geography – Himalayan Region
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): North-East Connectivity | Regional Cooperation
🔹 Introduction
India and Bhutan have agreed to deepen cross-border connectivity and hydropower collaboration, reaffirming their strategic partnership in the eastern Himalayas. This includes expanding bilateral trade infrastructure, facilitating seamless transport links, and accelerating ongoing and proposed hydropower projects.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Recent Development | Bilateral talks during high-level visit; joint commitment to boost transport, energy, and border trade. |
| Connectivity Focus | Road, rail, and digital linkages, especially via Assam and West Bengal. |
| Hydropower Projects | Collaboration in projects like Punatsangchhu and Kholongchhu; potential new sites under discussion. |
| Trade Facilitation | Modernising border haats, enhancing customs infrastructure, easing documentation for cross-border movement. |
| Strategic Relevance | Enhances India’s Act East Policy and BIMSTEC cooperation. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
India–Bhutan Friendship Treaty (2007): Provides for cooperation in multiple sectors and mutual respect for sovereignty.
Punatsangchhu Hydroelectric Project: Bilateral project, delayed due to geological issues.
Kholongchhu Project: First joint venture under the 2006 Agreement on Cooperation in Hydropower.
Border Haats in NE: Promote local trade; similar models exist with Bangladesh.
BIMSTEC: Both countries are members; focuses on connectivity and economic integration.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Initiative
Energy Security: Bhutan’s hydropower surplus is a clean energy source for India.
Regional Development: Boosts trade in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and West Bengal border regions.
Strategic Ties: Counters external influences in the Himalayas.
Sustainable Development: Hydropower as a renewable source aligns with India’s climate goals.
Act East Linkage: Improves transit routes for India’s connectivity to Southeast Asia.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Project Delays | Geological and environmental challenges in hydropower construction. |
| Ecological Sensitivity | Himalayan ecosystem vulnerable to large infrastructure projects. |
| Trade Logistics Issues | Inadequate warehousing, customs delays at borders. |
| Security Concerns | Risk of cross-border crimes if border movement liberalises without proper checks. |
| Climate Impact | Changing glacier melt patterns affecting hydropower potential. |
C. Government Initiatives
Act East Policy: Enhances NE connectivity with neighbours.
Bharatmala & Sagarmala Projects: Improved road and port connectivity aiding regional trade.
Cross-Border Power Trade Guidelines (2022): Facilitates renewable energy exchange with neighbours.
Border Haats Modernisation Scheme: Upgrades facilities to boost local economy.
D. Way Ahead
Fast-Track Projects: Address geological and clearance delays in hydropower construction.
Eco-Sensitive Planning: Adopt run-of-the-river projects to minimise environmental impact.
Integrated Check Posts (ICPs): Enhance efficiency of cross-border movement.
Digital Trade Platforms: For real-time customs and logistics coordination.
Regional Energy Grid: Integrate Bhutan’s hydropower into a larger SAARC/BIMSTEC grid.
🧩 Conclusion
India–Bhutan cooperation on connectivity and hydropower is a strategic, economic, and environmental win-win, particularly for the North-East. With timely execution and eco-conscious planning, it can strengthen regional stability and power India’s clean energy future.
🚢 Inland Waterways Authority to Develop River Tourism in the North-East
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Environment | Tourism
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Policies & Interventions | Regional Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Inland Water Transport | Brahmaputra Basin Development
🔹 Introduction
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has announced plans to develop river tourism circuits in the North-East, especially along the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, to boost connectivity, create jobs, and tap into the region’s rich cultural and ecological diversity.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Implementing Body | IWAI under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. |
| Focus Rivers | Brahmaputra (NW-2) and Barak (NW-16). |
| Proposed Activities | Cruise services, eco-tourism hubs, river festivals, cultural tourism packages. |
| Infrastructure Plans | Passenger terminals, jetties, modern navigation aids, dredging for channel depth. |
| Expected Benefits | Job creation, promotion of local crafts, integration with heritage tourism. |
| Environmental Component | Emphasis on eco-friendly vessels and waste management systems. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
National Waterway-2 (NW-2): Brahmaputra river from Dhubri to Sadiya (891 km).
National Waterway-16 (NW-16): Barak river from Lakhipur to Bhanga (121 km).
IWAI: Statutory body established in 1986 for development and regulation of inland waterways.
Sagarmala Programme: Port-led development initiative also covering inland waterways.
Kochi Water Metro: Example of integrating waterways with public transport.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for North-East
Economic Growth: Low-cost transport for goods and passengers; boosts tourism-related income.
Cultural Integration: Promotes riverine heritage and festivals like Majuli’s Raas Leela.
Environmental Benefits: Reduced carbon footprint compared to road transport.
Strategic Connectivity: Links NE states to mainland India and Bangladesh via Protocol Routes.
Disaster Preparedness: Alternative routes during floods/landslides affecting roads.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Siltation & River Morphology | Frequent depth variations hinder year-round navigation. |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Lack of modern terminals, repair facilities, and river ports. |
| Seasonal Variability | Monsoon floods and dry-season low flows affect schedules. |
| Environmental Risks | Pollution from increased traffic; ecological disturbance to river species. |
| Coordination Issues | Multiple agencies involved (IWAI, state govts, tourism boards). |
C. Govt Initiatives
Jal Marg Vikas Project: For capacity enhancement of inland waterways.
Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT): With Bangladesh for transboundary navigation.
Assam Inland Water Transport Project: World Bank-funded modernisation of ferries and terminals.
State Tourism Policies: Assam and Meghalaya integrating river cruises in tourism promotion.
D. Way Ahead
Integrated Tourism Circuits: Combine river cruises with wildlife sanctuaries, tea gardens, cultural hubs.
Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: Use of solar-powered ferries and biodegradable materials at terminals.
Skill Development: Training for boat operators, guides, and hospitality workers.
Public–Private Partnerships: Attract private investment in cruise operations and infrastructure.
Cross-Border Packages: Joint tourism initiatives with Bangladesh.
🧩 Conclusion
River tourism in the North-East has the potential to become a sustainable economic driver while showcasing the region’s unique cultural and ecological wealth. Strategic planning, environmental safeguards, and community participation will be key to its long-term success.
🌾 Assam Launches Climate-Resilient Agriculture Mission
📘 GS Paper 3: Agriculture | Environment | Climate Change Adaptation
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Policies & Interventions | Rural Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): State-Specific Agricultural Strategies
🔹 Introduction
The Government of Assam has launched a Climate-Resilient Agriculture Mission (CRAM) to safeguard the farming sector against the adverse effects of climate change, including erratic rainfall, frequent floods, and drought spells. The initiative integrates sustainable practices, technology adoption, and farmer capacity-building.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Mission Objective | Enhance adaptive capacity of farmers to climate variability. |
| Key Components | Climate-resilient crop varieties, micro-irrigation, agroforestry, integrated pest management. |
| Technology Use | Satellite-based weather advisories, soil health mapping, mobile advisory apps. |
| Institutional Support | Collaboration with Assam Agricultural University, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and NABARD. |
| Funding | State budget support with potential convergence from central schemes like PM-KUSUM and PMKSY. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
PM-KUSUM Scheme: Promotes solar pumps and renewable energy in agriculture.
System of Rice Intensification (SRI): A water-saving, climate-resilient paddy cultivation method.
Agroforestry: Integrating trees with crops and/or livestock for resilience and soil health.
Assam’s Agro-Climatic Zones: Include Upper Brahmaputra Valley, Lower Brahmaputra Valley, Barak Valley, Hill Zone.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for Assam
Flood-Prone Agriculture: 31% of Assam’s total cropped area is flood-affected annually.
Livelihood Security: Agriculture employs ~50% of Assam’s workforce.
Climate Adaptation: Introduces short-duration crop varieties and crop diversification to minimise risks.
Food Security: Stabilises yields to ensure consistent supply.
Sustainability: Promotes soil health, biodiversity, and water-use efficiency.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Resource Constraints | Limited funds for large-scale technology adoption. |
| Farmer Awareness | Low knowledge about climate-resilient practices in rural areas. |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Poor irrigation and storage facilities. |
| Market Linkages | Lack of assured markets for diversified crops. |
| Data Gaps | Need for granular climate modelling for local decision-making. |
C. Govt Initiatives
State Flood-Resilient Paddy Varieties: e.g., Swarna Sub-1, Ranjit Sub-1.
Convergence with PMKSY: Expansion of micro-irrigation coverage.
Digital Agriculture Mission: Use of AI and IoT for crop monitoring.
KVK-led Demonstration Farms: Showcase climate-smart techniques.
D. Way Ahead
Climate-Specific Crop Insurance: Expand PMFBY with weather-index-based payouts.
Strengthen Agri-Extension: Localised farmer training on adaptive techniques.
Infrastructure Development: Flood-resilient storage, cold chains, rural roads.
Community-Based Resource Management: Promote Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Research & Innovation: Develop location-specific resilient varieties and farming systems.
🧩 Conclusion
The Climate-Resilient Agriculture Mission is a timely response to Assam’s vulnerability to climate shocks. With adequate funding, technology adoption, and farmer-centric policies, it can transform the state’s agriculture into a model of resilience for other climate-sensitive regions in India.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
1. India–Bhutan Connectivity & Hydropower Cooperation
Q1. With reference to India–Bhutan hydropower cooperation, consider the following statements:
- All existing India–Bhutan hydropower projects are of the run-of-the-river type.
- The Punatsangchhu Hydroelectric Project has faced delays due to geological issues.
- The Kholongchhu Hydroelectric Project is the first joint venture under the 2006 bilateral hydropower agreement.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Most India–Bhutan hydropower projects are run-of-the-river, but not all; some have storage elements. Punatsangchhu has been delayed due to geological instability. Kholongchhu is indeed the first JV under the 2006 agreement.
Q2. Which of the following agreements governs the broad framework of India–Bhutan bilateral relations today?
A. Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1949
B. India–Bhutan Friendship Treaty, 2007
C. South Asia Growth and Connectivity Pact, 2011
D. Himalayan Neighbourhood Agreement, 2015
✅ Answer: B. India–Bhutan Friendship Treaty, 2007
Explanation: The 2007 treaty revised the 1949 treaty, allowing greater Bhutanese sovereignty and expanding cooperation.
2. River Tourism in the North-East
Q3. With reference to inland waterways in the North-East, consider the following pairs:
| National Waterway | River | Correct? |
| 1. NW-2 | Brahmaputra | ✓ |
| 2. NW-16 | Barak | ✓ |
| 3. NW-37 | Subansiri | ✗ |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
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: NW-37 does not exist; Subansiri is not designated as a National Waterway.
Q4. The Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT), often in news for North-East connectivity, is between:
A. India and Bhutan
B. India and Bangladesh
C. India and Nepal
D. India and Myanmar
✅ Answer: B. India and Bangladesh
Explanation: PIWTT facilitates river transit between the two countries, benefiting NE India.
3. Assam’s Climate-Resilient Agriculture Mission
Q5. Which of the following are examples of climate-resilient agricultural practices?
- System of Rice Intensification (SRI)
- Agroforestry
- Zero Tillage
- Open Burning of Crop Residues
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 2, 3 and 4 only
C. 1 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
✅ Answer: A. 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Open burning is harmful and not climate-resilient.
Q6. In the context of Assam’s agriculture, the varieties Swarna Sub-1 and Ranjit Sub-1 are developed primarily to:
A. Increase oil content in oilseeds
B. Resist submergence due to flooding
C. Tolerate high salinity in coastal soils
D. Improve micronutrient content in cereals
✅ Answer: B. Resist submergence due to flooding
Explanation: These are flood-tolerant paddy varieties developed for flood-prone areas like Assam.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Q. “River tourism in the North-East can be a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, but it requires careful planning and environmental safeguards.” Discuss.
📘 GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure | Environment | Sustainable Tourism
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam) – Inland Water Transport | Brahmaputra Basin Development
🔹 Introduction
The North-East of India, with its vast river networks — especially the Brahmaputra (NW-2) and Barak (NW-16) — offers immense potential for river-based tourism. The recent initiative by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to develop river tourism circuits is part of a broader push for sustainable connectivity, economic growth, and cultural integration under the Sagarmala and Act East Policy frameworks.
🔹 Importance of River Tourism for the NE Region
- Economic Diversification – Reduces overdependence on agriculture by creating jobs in hospitality, transport, and handicrafts.
- Cultural Promotion – Showcases riverine heritage, including Majuli’s Raas Leela, tea garden experiences, and indigenous crafts.
- Eco-Friendly Mobility – Inland waterways produce less carbon emissions compared to road transport.
- Regional Connectivity – Links remote river islands and border areas to urban and cross-border trade hubs.
- Integration with Act East Policy – Potential for joint tourism with Bangladesh under the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT).
🔹 Challenges in Realising the Potential
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Siltation & Depth Variability | Brahmaputra’s shifting channels and heavy sediment load hinder navigation. |
| Seasonal Disruptions | Flooding during monsoons and low water levels in winter affect schedules. |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Limited passenger terminals, safety measures, and repair facilities. |
| Environmental Risks | Pollution from vessels, disturbance to aquatic biodiversity like river dolphins. |
| Multi-Agency Coordination | IWAI, state governments, tourism boards, and local communities often lack a unified action plan. |
🔹 Government Efforts
- Sagarmala Programme – Includes inland waterways for port-led development.
- Assam Inland Water Transport Project – World Bank-funded modernisation of ferries and terminals.
- Brahmaputra Cruise Tourism Policy – Promotes luxury cruises and eco-tourism packages.
- PIWTT with Bangladesh – Enables transboundary river tourism and trade routes.
🔹 Way Forward
1. Integrated Tourism Circuits – Link river cruises with wildlife sanctuaries (Kaziranga, Dibru-Saikhowa), tea estates, and cultural festivals.
2. Eco-Sensitive Planning – Use solar/electric ferries; enforce waste management on vessels.
3. Infrastructure Development – Build modern jetties, terminals, and real-time navigation systems.
4. Skill Development – Train boat operators, guides, and hospitality staff in sustainable tourism.
5. Cross-Border Collaboration – Joint tourism packages with Bangladesh and Myanmar.
6. Community Participation – Involve local artisans, performers, and entrepreneurs for inclusive growth.
🔹 Conclusion
River tourism in the North-East represents a convergence of sustainable mobility, cultural preservation, and economic opportunity. With strategic investment, environmental safeguards, and people-centric policies, it can become a model for balancing development with ecological sensitivity — turning the Brahmaputra and Barak into true lifelines for prosperity.
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