APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (09/09/2025)
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 (09-09-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🚆 India–Bangladesh Connectivity Boost: Rail & River Transport Links
📘 GS Paper 2: India & Neighbourhood Relations | International Cooperation
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Economy | Trade & Transport
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Cross-Border Connectivity & Regional Development
🔹 Introduction
The Assam Tribune (09 Sept 2025) reported the inauguration of new rail and river transport links between India and Bangladesh, aimed at strengthening bilateral connectivity. For Assam and the Northeast, these projects are part of the broader “Act East Policy” and “Neighbourhood First” strategy, improving cross-border trade, people-to-people ties, and regional integration. filecite
🔑 Key Points (as per report)
New Rail Link: Extension of the Agartala–Akhaura rail line for faster passenger and freight movement.
River Transport: Revival of river routes via the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT), especially along the Brahmaputra–Padma network.
Economic Impact: Expected reduction in transport cost/time for goods from NE India to Chattogram and Mongla ports.
Strategic Dimension: Enhances India’s access to the Bay of Bengal, countering dependence on the Siliguri Corridor.
Cultural Significance: Facilitates easier travel for families divided during Partition.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Agartala–Akhaura Rail Link: Funded jointly by India and Bangladesh; reduces travel time between NE India and Kolkata by 10–12 hrs.
PIWTT (1972): Allows India–Bangladesh to use designated river routes for transit & trade (renewed periodically).
Major River Routes: NW-2 (Brahmaputra), NW-16 (Barak); linked with Bangladesh’s Meghna-Padma system.
India–Bangladesh Trade: Bangladesh is India’s largest trading partner in South Asia.
Act East Policy: Launched 2014, focuses on connectivity of NE India with Southeast Asia.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for Assam & NE
Trade Facilitation: Cheaper export routes for tea, coal, horticulture.
Reduced Isolation: Connectivity with Chattogram & Mongla ports bypasses Siliguri bottleneck.
Regional Integration: NE positioned as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia.
People-to-People Ties: Easier cross-border movement for cultural and social exchange.
Strategic Leverage: Counters China’s presence in Bangladesh infrastructure.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Border Security | Cross-border smuggling, illegal migration concerns. |
| Infrastructure Deficits | Poor last-mile connectivity in Assam & Tripura. |
| Environmental Issues | Dredging of rivers may affect ecology. |
| Political Sensitivities | Opposition from local groups over demographic changes. |
| Trade Imbalance | India enjoys surplus, may trigger concerns in Dhaka. |
C. Government Initiatives
BBIN (Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal) Motor Vehicles Agreement (2015).
India–Bangladesh Protocol Routes: Currently 10 designated river routes.
Sagarmala & Bharatmala Projects: Integrating ports & highways with NE.
NEC & DoNER Ministry: Funding regional connectivity infrastructure.
Joint Working Groups (JWGs): For managing river navigation and customs facilitation.
D. Way Forward
Integrated Infrastructure: Multi-modal hubs combining road, rail, and waterways.
Digital Customs: Faster clearances using electronic data interchange.
Eco-sensitive Navigation: Green shipping norms, river dredging with safeguards.
Border Area Development: Involving local communities to minimise resistance.
Diversified Cooperation: Expand beyond trade to energy, tourism, education.
📊 Sources for Enrichment
Assam Tribune (09 Sept 2025) – India–Bangladesh connectivity report. filecite
PIWTT (1972, renewed 2020).
Act East Policy (MEA, 2014).
NITI Aayog – Northeast Connectivity Reports (2022).
🧩 Conclusion
The new India–Bangladesh rail and river links mark a milestone in regional connectivity and diplomacy. For Assam and the Northeast, they promise reduced economic isolation and greater integration into global supply chains. To sustain these gains, India must combine infrastructure push with sensitive diplomacy, ecological safeguards, and inclusive development.
🌊 Flood Management Challenges in Assam – Brahmaputra Embankment Breaches
📘 GS Paper 1: Geography of India & Assam – Floods & River Systems
📘 GS Paper 3: Disaster Management | Environment | Infrastructure
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Floods, Erosion & Regional Development
🔹 Introduction
The Assam Tribune (09 Sept 2025) highlighted recurring flood management failures in Assam, with fresh breaches of embankments along the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. Despite decades of investments in flood-control structures, Assam continues to suffer massive human displacement, agricultural loss, and erosion, making it one of India’s most flood-vulnerable regions. filecite
🔑 Key Points (as per Assam Tribune report)
Recent Breaches: Embankments collapsed in multiple districts (Barpeta, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh).
Displacement: Thousands rendered homeless; relief camps opened.
Agricultural Losses: Paddy fields submerged; fisheries and livestock severely impacted.
Erosion Threat: Riverbank erosion displacing villages permanently.
Govt Response: State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) and Water Resources Dept engaged in rescue & repair works.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Brahmaputra in Assam: Declared National Waterway-2, runs from Sadiya to Dhubri.
Flood Vulnerability: ~40% of Assam’s land area is flood-prone (highest in India).
Major Tributaries: Subansiri, Jia Bharali, Manas, Kopili, Dhansiri.
Flood Control Policy: Embankments first built in 1950s post-1954 mega flood.
Institutions: Brahmaputra Board (1980), ASDMA (2005).
Schemes: National Disaster Management Plan, Flood Management & Border Areas Programme (FMBAP).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Flood Management in Assam
Agriculture & Livelihoods: Safeguards paddy cultivation and livestock.
Human Security: Prevents large-scale displacement and health crises.
Infrastructure Protection: Roads, railways, and urban centres affected annually.
Ecological Balance: Wetland and wildlife (Kaziranga, Pobitora) depend on controlled flooding.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Aging Embankments | 60–70% structures built in 1950s–70s, poorly maintained. |
| Siltation & River Dynamics | Brahmaputra’s high sediment load weakens embankments. |
| Unplanned Urbanisation | Wetland encroachments worsen urban floods (e.g., Guwahati). |
| Institutional Weakness | Brahmaputra Board underfunded, coordination gaps with state. |
| Climate Change | More intense rainfall, glacial melt, unpredictable floods. |
C. Government & Institutional Measures
FMBAP: Central scheme for flood & erosion control.
Brahmaputra Board: Works on embankments, anti-erosion, multipurpose projects.
ASDMA: Preparedness, relief & early warning systems.
Early Warning: IMD & CWC flood forecasting stations.
Recent Initiative: “Chief Minister’s Flood Free Assam Mission” (2024).
D. Way Forward
Structural + Non-Structural Mix: Beyond embankments, focus on watershed mgmt.
Nature-Based Solutions: Restore wetlands (Deepor Beel) as flood buffers.
Technology Use: Satellite mapping, drones for real-time monitoring.
River Basin Management: Joint planning with Arunachal, Meghalaya, Bhutan.
Long-Term Planning: Multipurpose dams, climate-resilient infrastructure.
Community Participation: Training local committees in embankment monitoring.
📊 Sources for Enrichment
Assam Tribune (09 Sept 2025) – flood management failures. filecite
RBI Report (2022): Assam loses ~₹200 crore annually to floods.
CWC Data: Assam accounts for 9% of India’s flood-affected area.
NITI Aayog: Recommended integrated Brahmaputra basin management.
🧩 Conclusion
Floods in Assam are no longer just a seasonal hazard but a structural governance and climate challenge. Embankment breaches reflect the limits of outdated approaches. A comprehensive flood management strategy—combining resilient infrastructure, basin-level planning, ecological restoration, and community participation—offers the only sustainable path towards a flood-secure Assam.
🏛️ North Eastern Council (NEC) Meet in Shillong – Regional Planning & Development
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance – Planning & Inter-State Coordination
📘 GS Paper 3: Economy | Infrastructure | Regional Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Northeast India’s Development Issues
🔹 Introduction
The Assam Tribune (09 Sept 2025) reported on the North Eastern Council (NEC) meeting in Shillong, chaired by the Union Minister of DoNER. The session reviewed ongoing infrastructure, connectivity, and skill development projects and discussed strategies for integrated regional planning in the Northeast. NEC, as the statutory planning body for the region, plays a vital role in bridging developmental gaps in India’s frontier states. filecite
🔑 Key Points (as per report)
Agenda: Roads, digital connectivity, healthcare, and tourism infrastructure.
Funding: NEC funded over ₹600 crore in 2024–25 for Assam and neighbouring states.
Skill Development: Emphasis on training youth for IT, hospitality, and logistics.
Regional Projects: Cross-border trade facilities with Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Coordination Issues: State governments flagged delays in fund release and project clearances.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
NEC Formation: Established in 1971 by Act of Parliament; became a statutory advisory body in 2002.
Composition: Governor and CM of each NE state + 3 MPs + DoNER Minister (Chairman).
Functions: Planning, monitoring, and funding development projects in NE states.
Ministry of DoNER (2001): Nodal ministry for NEC & NE development.
Recent Schemes:
NESIDS (North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme).
North East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS).
PM-DevINE (Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of NEC for Regional Development
Balanced Growth: Ensures equitable resource allocation among NE states.
Strategic Role: Enhances connectivity for Act East Policy and border trade.
Integration: Provides a common platform for state–Centre dialogue.
Skill & Employment: Training NE youth for national and global opportunities.
Infrastructure Backbone: Roads, railways, air connectivity, digital links.
B. Challenges in NEC Functioning
| Challenge | Impact |
| Slow Fund Utilisation | Projects delayed, funds lapse. |
| Overlapping Mandates | NEC, DoNER, state govts not fully synchronised. |
| Geographical Constraints | Difficult terrain → higher cost & time overruns. |
| Capacity Deficit | States lack technical staff for project execution. |
| Political Differences | Coordination hampered by inter-state disputes. |
C. Government & Institutional Measures
DoNER–NEC synergy: Better alignment of project funding.
Digital Monitoring: PRAGATI portal, geo-tagging of NEC projects.
Regional Cooperation: Joint projects with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar.
PM-DevINE (2022): Major central funding initiative for NE states.
Skill Development Missions: Partnerships with IIT Guwahati, NIFT Shillong, IT centres.
D. Way Forward
Strengthen NEC Powers: From advisory to stronger statutory authority.
Integrated Planning: Basin-level (Brahmaputra–Barak) and corridor-based (rail–road–river).
PPP & Private Sector Role: Encourage investments in tourism, IT, agro-processing.
Disaster-Resilient Projects: Build flood- and landslide-resistant infrastructure.
Youth-Centric Strategy: Harness NE’s demographic dividend via entrepreneurship & startups.
📊 Sources for Enrichment
Assam Tribune (09 Sept 2025) – NEC meet in Shillong. filecite
NEC Act, 1971 (amended 2002).
Ministry of DoNER reports (2023–24).
NITI Aayog – North East Vision Document 2035.
🧩 Conclusion
The NEC continues to be the keystone institution for Northeast development, enabling regional planning, connectivity, and integration with India’s Act East Policy. To maximise its impact, NEC must evolve into a more empowered and technologically driven body, ensuring timely execution of projects and harnessing the Northeast’s potential as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia.
👩🎓 Youth Skill Development Drive in Upper Assam Districts
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance – Human Resource Development | Education & Employment
📘 GS Paper 3: Economy – Inclusive Growth | Skill Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Employment & Human Resource Development
🔹 Introduction
The Assam Tribune (09 Sept 2025) reported the launch of a youth skill development drive in Upper Assam districts, aimed at training young people in modern employability skills, entrepreneurship, and industry-specific trades. This initiative aligns with India’s Skill India Mission and Assam’s objective to harness its demographic dividend by reducing youth unemployment and underemployment. filecite
🔑 Key Points (as per report)
Coverage Areas: Training centres launched in Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Sivasagar, and Tinsukia.
Focus Sectors: IT services, healthcare, hospitality, agro-processing, and green energy.
Implementation: Assam Skill Development Mission (ASDM) with support from local industries and NGOs.
Targets: Thousands of youths to be trained annually; special focus on women and tea garden communities.
Entrepreneurship Support: Training linked with credit under PMEGP (Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme) and state’s SVAYEM (Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme).
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Skill India Mission (2015): Umbrella programme for training and entrepreneurship.
PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana): Flagship skill development scheme.
ASDM (Assam Skill Development Mission): State-level nodal body for training.
World Skill Center, Guwahati: Training hub supported by ADB funding.
Schemes Converged: PMEGP, DAY-NRLM, SVAYEM.
Demographic Data: Assam’s youth (15–29 years) constitute ~27% of its population (Census projection).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Youth Skill Development in Assam
Employment Generation: Addresses high unemployment and informal sector dependence.
Industrial Growth: Supplies skilled workforce for healthcare, IT, oil & gas, tea industry.
Inclusive Development: Focus on marginalised groups (tea tribes, women).
Migration Reduction: Retains talent within Assam, reducing distress migration.
Entrepreneurship Promotion: Supports start-ups in agriculture and services.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Skill Mismatch | Gap between training and industry demand. |
| Infrastructure Deficit | Limited modern training centres in rural areas. |
| Quality Issues | Short-duration, certificate-heavy courses lacking depth. |
| Placement Gap | Weak linkages with industries for post-training jobs. |
| Awareness Deficit | Rural youth often unaware of training opportunities. |
C. Government & Institutional Initiatives
ASDM Centres: Across Upper Assam districts.
SVAYEM Scheme: Assam govt scheme for youth entrepreneurship (re-launched 2020).
PMKVY & Skill India: National framework for skilling.
Digital Platforms: e-Skill India, Skill India Digital portal.
Industry Tie-ups: Oil India Ltd, ONGC, and tea industry in Upper Assam.
D. Way Forward
Demand-Based Training: Regular industry consultations to align curriculum.
Digital & Green Skills: Training in AI, robotics, EV maintenance, renewable energy.
Public-Private Partnerships: Stronger collaboration with companies for placements.
Monitoring & Evaluation: Independent audits to track employment outcomes.
Inclusive Outreach: Mobile skill vans in tea gardens and char (river island) areas.
📊 Sources for Enrichment
Assam Tribune (09 Sept 2025) – youth skill drive report. filecite
National Policy on Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (2015).
NITI Aayog – North East Skill Development Report (2022).
World Bank “Skilling India” Study (2023).
🧩 Conclusion
The youth skill development drive in Upper Assam reflects a strategic intervention to convert demographic potential into economic strength. By integrating state initiatives with Skill India Mission, Assam can not only tackle unemployment but also position itself as a hub for skilled manpower in Northeast India. The key lies in ensuring industry alignment, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability of training programmes.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🧩 Topic 1: India–Bangladesh Connectivity
Q1. (Statement type)
Consider the following about India–Bangladesh connectivity projects:
- The Agartala–Akhaura rail link connects Tripura with Chattogram port in Bangladesh.
- The Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) between India and Bangladesh was first signed in 1972.
- The Siliguri Corridor is the only land route connecting the Northeast to the Indian mainland.
Which of the 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:
- Agartala–Akhaura rail → improves connectivity to Chattogram (✔).
- PIWTT signed in 1972, renewed periodically (✔).
- Siliguri Corridor (“Chicken’s Neck”) is the only land link between NE and the rest of India (✔).
Q2. (Match the pairs)
Match the river routes with their classification:
| River | National Waterway |
| A. Brahmaputra | NW-2 |
| B. Barak | NW-16 |
| C. Ganga–Bhagirathi–Hooghly | NW-1 |
Select the correct code:
(a) A–1, B–2, C–3
(b) A–2, B–16, C–1
(c) A–16, B–2, C–1
(d) A–2, B–1, C–16
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Brahmaputra = NW-2, Barak = NW-16, Ganga = NW-1.
🧩 Topic 2: Flood Management in Assam
Q3. (Assertion–Reason)
Assertion (A): Assam has the highest percentage of flood-prone area in India.
Reason (R): High siltation load of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries reduces the carrying capacity of rivers.
(a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation.
(b) A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- About 40% of Assam’s land area is flood-prone, highest in India.
- Main cause = heavy siltation & dynamic river morphology → reduces carrying capacity.
Q4. (Fact-based)
Which of the following institutions was specifically set up for flood management and multipurpose development of the Brahmaputra?
(a) Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA)
(b) Brahmaputra Board
(c) Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
(d) National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Brahmaputra Board, set up in 1980, mandated with multipurpose projects, erosion control, flood management.
🧩 Topic 3: NEC Meeting in Shillong
Q5. (Statement type)
Consider the following statements about the North Eastern Council (NEC):
- It was established in 1971 by an Act of Parliament.
- The Governor of each NE state is the ex-officio chairman of NEC.
- NEC became a statutory advisory body after the 2002 amendment.
Which of the above 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:
- NEC established in 1971 ✔.
- Chairman = Union Minister of DoNER, not Governors ✘.
- Became statutory advisory body after 2002 ✔.
Q6. (Match the pairs)
Match the schemes with their focus in NE development:
| Scheme | Focus |
| A. NESIDS | Infrastructure (roads, power, water) |
| B. NERSDS | Road development |
| C. PM-DevINE | Central funding for priority projects in NE |
Correct code:
(a) A–1, B–2, C–3
(b) A–2, B–1, C–3
(c) A–3, B–1, C–2
(d) A–1, B–3, C–2
✅ Answer: (a)
🧩 Topic 4: Youth Skill Development in Upper Assam
Q7. (Scheme-based)
The Assam Skill Development Mission (ASDM) is primarily aimed at:
(a) Providing direct cash transfers to unemployed youth
(b) Offering vocational training and placement-linked skilling programmes
(c) Setting up higher education institutions in rural Assam
(d) Subsidising recruitment for government jobs
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
ASDM is Assam’s nodal body for vocational training, entrepreneurship, and placement support.
Q8. (Data-based)
As per Census projections and NFHS data, which of the following are correct about Assam’s demographic and workforce profile?
- Youth (15–29 years) constitute about 27% of Assam’s population.
- Assam’s female labour force participation rate is lower than the national average.
- Tea garden communities are among the largest beneficiaries of skill training programmes.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Tea garden workers targeted in state’s skill programmes ✔.awareness.
Youth share ~27% ✔.
Female LFPR in Assam is below national average ✔.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Question
“Despite decades of investment in embankments and flood-control measures, Assam continues to face devastating floods every year. Examine the structural and governance challenges in flood management, and suggest long-term sustainable solutions.”
(10/15 marks | 150–250 words)
✍️ Model Answer
🔹 Introduction
Assam is among the most flood-prone states of India, with nearly 40% of its geographical area vulnerable to floods (CWC). Every year, the Brahmaputra and its tributaries breach embankments, submerge cropland, and displace lakhs. Despite the existence of the Brahmaputra Board (1980) and repeated investments in embankments since the 1954 floods, management remains ineffective.
🔹 Body
1. Structural & Governance Challenges
- Aging Embankments: Most constructed in the 1950s–70s, poorly maintained, frequently breached.
- Siltation & River Dynamics: Brahmaputra carries one of the highest sediment loads in the world, reducing carrying capacity.
- Fragmented Institutions: Weak coordination between Brahmaputra Board, ASDMA, and state water resources department.
- Short-term Relief Approach: Emphasis on repair and relief camps, not long-term basin management.
- Urbanisation & Encroachment: Wetlands (e.g., Deepor Beel) encroached, worsening urban flooding in Guwahati.
- Climate Change: Intensified monsoon variability and glacial melt increase flood frequency and severity.
2. Sustainable Solutions & Way Forward
- Integrated River Basin Management: Joint planning with Arunachal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh; revive Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna cooperation.
- Nature-Based Solutions: Wetland restoration, afforestation in catchments, “room for river” approach.
- Technological Upgradation: Use of satellites, drones, and real-time flood forecasting; community SMS alerts.
- Resilient Infrastructure: Climate-resilient embankments, raised roads, multipurpose reservoirs.
- Community Participation: Flood preparedness committees at village level.
- Policy Reforms: Convert Brahmaputra Board into an empowered Brahmaputra River Basin Authority.
🔹 Conclusion
Floods in Assam are no longer just a seasonal calamity but a chronic developmental challenge. Embankments alone cannot solve the crisis. What Assam needs is a paradigm shift towards integrated basin management, eco-restoration, and technology-driven resilience. With strong political will and regional cooperation, Assam can transform floods from an annual disaster into a managed ecological process.d healthcare due to medicine costs.
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