APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (10/04/2025)
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 (10-04-2025). 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
🚤 Water Metro Project in Assam: A Step Towards Sustainable Urban Transport
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Policies & Interventions | Urban Governance
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Environment & Mobility
🔹 Introduction
With the approval of a technical feasibility study for water metros in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Tezpur, Assam joins India’s movement toward innovative, eco-friendly urban mobility. Inspired by Kochi’s success, this initiative could revolutionize transportation in the Northeast.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Description |
| Approved By | Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways |
| Cities Selected | Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Tezpur |
| Model Reference | Kochi Water Metro – India’s first integrated water-based public transport |
| Project Phase | Technical Feasibility Study approved |
| Announced By | Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal |
⚙️ Potential Benefits for Assam
Reduces Road Congestion
Utilizes the Brahmaputra and tributaries to ease pressure on city roads.
Eco-Friendly Transport
Electric ferries reduce carbon emissions and fuel dependency.
Boosts Last-Mile Connectivity
Links underserved riverine communities and islands to urban hubs.
Heritage and Tourism Promotion
Enhances waterway aesthetics and opens up scenic transport routes.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Kochi Water Metro: India’s first water metro, funded by KfW Germany, launched in 2023.
Sagarmala Programme: Ministry-led initiative to modernize ports and inland waterways.
National Waterways in Assam: NW-2 (Brahmaputra from Dhubri to Sadiya).
Electric Ferries: Run on lithium-ion batteries, reducing noise and air pollution.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance for Assam
Bridges urban-rural mobility gaps
Improves access to education, healthcare in riverine belts
Integrates with multimodal transport (rail-road-river)
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Siltation of Rivers | Brahmaputra’s dynamic flow patterns can impact ferry navigation |
| Land Acquisition | Terminal and jetty development may face bottlenecks |
| Weather Dependency | Seasonal floods may disrupt services |
| Operational Expertise | Need for skilled manpower and management of e-transport systems |
📊 Relevant Reports & Policies
National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP)
State Action Plan on Climate Change (Assam) – includes green mobility goals
World Bank Inland Waterways Project (NE Region)
Smart Cities Mission – Guwahati is one of the cities under the initiative
🧭 Way Forward
Pilot Implementation in Guwahati
Launch limited routes on Brahmaputra before full expansion.
Public-Private Partnerships
Engage global water transport firms for technology and training.
Silt and Flow Management
Coordinate with IWAI and state water resources department.
Sustainable Energy Integration
Use solar-powered stations and electric charging docks.
🧩 Conclusion
The water metro project offers a unique convergence of Assam’s cultural legacy and futuristic mobility vision. With proper planning and execution, it could serve as a model of green transit for India’s riverine regions.
🌾 Decline of Traditional Agriculture in Assam: Emerging Challenges and the Way Forward
📘 GS Paper 3: Agriculture | Rural Economy | Inclusive Growth
🔹 Introduction
Traditional agriculture in Assam—once a hallmark of its rural economy—is now witnessing a gradual decline. A combination of climate change, labour migration, and low returns has made traditional farming increasingly unsustainable for marginal and small farmers.
🔑 Key Issues Highlighted
Decreasing Paddy Cultivation
Reports indicate a sharp drop in Sali and Boro rice cultivation in districts like Nagaon, Darrang, and Lakhimpur.
Farmers are shifting to commercial crops or quitting farming altogether.
Impact of Climate Variability
Erratic rainfall and flood-drought cycles severely damage crops.
Example: Pre-monsoon showers caused waterlogging in low-lying areas of Barpeta and Morigaon.
Rural Labour Shortage
Youth migration to cities for non-farm jobs, especially in Guwahati, Bangalore, and Delhi.
Lack of skilled agricultural workers leads to abandonment of farmland.
Market and Input Constraints
Rising cost of fertilizers, seeds, diesel, and irrigation.
Middlemen and poor MSP enforcement result in low price realization.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Sali Paddy: Main winter paddy grown during monsoon (June–November).
Boro Paddy: Summer paddy grown with irrigation during dry months (December–April).
PM-KISAN Scheme: Provides ₹6,000 annual support to small and marginal farmers.
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): Act as rural outreach institutions for agri-extension.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Why Traditional Agriculture is Declining in Assam
| Factor | Impact |
| Flood-Prone Geography | Loss of crops every year discourages investment in agriculture |
| Youth Aspiration Shift | Farming seen as low-income, unskilled profession |
| Weak Institutional Credit | Farmers rely on informal loans; often trapped in debt |
| Fragmented Landholding | Small plots reduce economies of scale and mechanization |
B. Socio-Economic Implications
Increased dependency on food imports from outside Assam.
Weakens cultural practices tied to agriculture (e.g., Bihu festivals).
Pushes rural population toward informal urban jobs, often with poor social security.
📊 Reports & Data
| Source | Key Finding |
| Assam Agriculture Census (2021) | 86% of holdings are small and marginal |
| NITI Aayog NE Vision 2035 | Identified agri-modernization as key to reducing rural poverty |
| NABARD Annual Report (2023) | Less than 50% of Assam’s farmers have formal bank access |
✅ Way Forward
Climate-Resilient Farming
Promotion of flood-tolerant rice varieties (e.g., Swarna Sub1).
Watershed and embankment management to control soil erosion.
Crop Diversification
Encourage high-value crops like spices, pulses, and oilseeds.
Integrate fish-rice-duck systems and agroforestry in wetlands.
Agri-Infrastructure Development
Cold storage, rural roads, and rural market connectivity (via eNAM).
Expand FPOs and cooperatives for direct market access.
Digital Agri-Advisory Services
Leverage Kisan Sarathi, Soil Health Cards, and satellite-based yield forecasts.
Land Reforms and Leasing
Formalize land leasing to allow tenant farmers access to credit and subsidies.
🧩 Conclusion
The decline of traditional agriculture in Assam is not just an economic issue—it is a cultural and ecological concern. A comprehensive revival strategy rooted in climate resilience, youth engagement, and infrastructure support is key to safeguarding Assam’s agrarian backbone.
🏥 Low Life Expectancy in Assam: A Public Health Alarm
📘 GS Paper 2: Issues Related to Health | Government Policies and Interventions
📘 GS Paper 3: Environmental Pollution | Human Development | Public Health
🔹 Introduction
Assam records the lowest life expectancy among Northeastern states at just 66 years, compared to the national average of 69. This troubling trend reflects deep-rooted challenges in public health, driven by air pollution, malnutrition, poor sanitation, and inadequate health education, especially among children and adolescents.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Life Expectancy in Assam | 66 years (lowest in NE) |
| Major Risk Factors | Air pollution, anemia, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle |
| Health Survey Data | 68% children (6 months–5 years) and 66% women anemic (NFHS-5) |
| Major Diseases | Heart disease, diabetes, anemia, low birth weight |
| Key Health Expert | Dr. Rahul Mehra, UNESCO Chair Rep. for Global Health & Education |
| Suggested Focus | School-based health education, preventive care |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
NFHS-5 (National Family Health Survey): Key source of public health data.
Air Pollution: Listed as the biggest risk factor for premature deaths in Assam.
Tarang Health Alliance: A health NGO promoting youth-centric interventions.
Comparative Data: Nagaland (75+ years life expectancy) vs. Assam (66).
UNESCO’s Role: Promotes global health education initiatives.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance
Health is a State subject: Effective local governance is vital.
Life expectancy reflects development – impacts HDI ranking.
A healthy population is critical to productivity and economic growth.
B. Challenges
| Issue | Details |
| Environmental Hazards | High exposure to particulate matter; rising urban air pollution. |
| Anemia & Malnutrition | Rampant among women and children; poor dietary habits. |
| Inadequate Sanitation | Unsafe water and poor hygiene worsen disease burden. |
| Lack of Preventive Care | Late diagnosis and low awareness in rural belts. |
C. Government Initiatives
National Health Mission (NHM): Operational in Assam with ASHA workers and village-level outreach.
Anemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: Targeting iron and folic acid supplementation.
Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Aimed at improving nutrition in schools.
POSHAN Abhiyaan: Monitoring and reducing stunting, wasting, and anemia.
Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural & Urban): Enhancing sanitation infrastructure.
D. Way Ahead
Health Education in Curriculum: Make health & hygiene awareness mandatory in schools.
Strengthen Primary Healthcare: Improve reach and quality of sub-centres.
Air Quality Monitoring: Expand AQI stations; enforce pollution control norms.
Behavioral Change Communication (BCC): Promote lifestyle improvements via community radio/social media.
Urban Planning: Integrate green zones and dust control in infrastructure projects.
🧩 Conclusion
Assam’s low life expectancy is a multi-dimensional challenge requiring a blend of policy focus, grassroots health education, and environmental action. Bridging this health gap is essential for sustainable development and social justice in the state.
🚨 AFSPA in Assam: Reduced But Not Repealed
📘 GS Paper 2: Internal Security | Governance | Federalism
📘 GS Paper 3: Security Challenges | Border Management
🔹 Introduction
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958 has been gradually lifted from most parts of Assam, but three districts—Tinsukia, Sivasagar, and Charaideo—remain under its purview. This partial withdrawal marks an evolving phase in Assam’s security landscape, especially concerning ULFA(I) insurgency and interstate border vulnerabilities.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Districts Under AFSPA | Tinsukia, Sivasagar, Charaideo |
| AFSPA Imposed Since | 1990 (across Assam initially) |
| Why Retained | Proximity to Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh; ULFA(I) activity |
| Security Situation | Improved in most areas; manageable by police & CAPFs |
| Ongoing Threat | Militants operate from Myanmar; target businesses for extortion |
| Notable Leaders | Paresh Baruah (ULFA(I) chief), Arunodoi Dohotia, Michael Deka Phukan |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
AFSPA, 1958: Empowers armed forces in “disturbed areas” with immunity for operations.
ULFA(I): United Liberation Front of Asom – Independent faction; active in eastern Assam.
Disturbed Area Notification: Issued under Section 3 of AFSPA.
States Bordering Assam: Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh – insurgency spillover zones.
Myanmar Link: Camps of ULFA(I) operate from Sagaing region in Myanmar.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance
Reflects improved law & order in Assam.
Helps normalize civil administration and reduces militarization.
Sets precedent for AFSPA review in other Northeast regions.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Details |
| Cross-border Militancy | Myanmar-based ULFA(I) camps remain active. |
| Interstate Border Sensitivity | Proximity to Nagaland and Arunachal allows easy militant infiltration. |
| Extortion Threat | Targeting economic assets like tea gardens, coal traders, and construction sites. |
| Intelligence Gaps | Militants often use intermediaries like local boys to evade detection. |
C. Government Initiatives
AFSPA Revocation (Phased manner): Ministry of Home Affairs and Assam Government collaboration.
Counter-Insurgency Ops: Conducted by Assam Police, CRPF, and Intelligence Bureau.
Peace Talks & Surrender Schemes: For reintegration of insurgents.
Improved Policing: Better tech, training, and community outreach in sensitive zones.
D. Way Ahead
Strengthen Border Management: Tech-based surveillance on NE frontiers.
Revamp Surrender & Rehabilitation Schemes: With skill training and employment assistance.
Cross-Border Dialogue: Diplomatic pressure on Myanmar to dismantle rebel camps.
Community Policing Models: Enhance public trust and early warning against insurgent movement.
Balanced Security Approach: Gradual AFSPA removal aligned with ground realities.
🧩 Conclusion
The selective application of AFSPA in only three districts signifies a positive shift in Assam’s security narrative. However, residual insurgency and cross-border dynamics call for sustained vigilance, cooperative federalism, and socio-political integration to ensure lasting peace.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🚤 Topic 1: Water Metro Project in Assam
Question 1: Statement-Based (Polity + Infrastructure)
With reference to water-based urban transport systems in India, consider the following statements:
- The Water Metro system is implemented under the National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP).
- Kochi was the first Indian city to operationalize a Water Metro funded by a foreign development bank.
- National Waterways are managed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
🧠 Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: NUTP encourages multimodal urban mobility including water transport.
- Statement 2 is correct: Kochi Water Metro was funded by KfW (Germany).
- Statement 3 is incorrect: National Waterways are under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, not Jal Shakti.
Question 2: Match the Following (Transport + Environment)
Match the following waterway initiatives with their corresponding features:
| Initiative | Feature |
| A. Sagarmala | 1. Urban water transit project |
| B. Kochi Water Metro | 2. Modernization of ports |
| C. NW-2 (Assam) | 3. Inland water connectivity |
Codes:
A – B – C
A. 1 – 2 – 3
B. 2 – 1 – 3
C. 3 – 2 – 1
D. 2 – 3 – 1
✅ Answer: B
🧠 Explanation:
- Sagarmala – 2 (Port-led development).
- Kochi Water Metro – 1 (Urban passenger mobility).
- NW-2 – 3 (Brahmaputra inland water transport).
Question 3: Current Affairs + Technology
Which of the following are advantages of using electric ferries in inland water transport?
- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
- Lower operational cost compared to diesel boats
- Suitability for deep-sea navigation
- Lower noise pollution
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 1, 3 and 4 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
✅ Answer: A
🧠 Explanation:
Electric ferries reduce carbon and noise emissions and are economical, but they are not suitable for deep-sea navigation, which demands more robust vessels.
Question 4: Analytical MCQ (Geography + Infrastructure)
The success of the Kochi Water Metro has encouraged other cities to explore similar models. Which of the following conditions are most conducive for water metro implementation?
- Presence of a perennial river or canal network
- High urban population density along the banks
- Availability of renewable energy sources
- Presence of extensive port infrastructure
Select the most relevant conditions:
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
✅ Answer: A
🧠 Explanation:
Water metros are urban solutions, not cargo/port-driven like seaports. So, port infrastructure is not essential, but river systems and density along banks are crucial.
Question 5: Terminology + Conceptual (Environment)
“Last-Mile Connectivity” in the context of the Water Metro Project refers to:
A. Providing financial subsidies to ferry operators.
B. Integrating water transport with existing air transport.
C. Ensuring seamless passenger access from ferry terminals to other transport systems.
D. Final dredging and technical studies before implementation.
✅ Answer: C
🧠 Explanation:
“Last-mile connectivity” in urban planning implies connecting major transit points (like ferry terminals) to local destinations via roads, e-rickshaws, etc.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Mains Question (GS Paper 3 – Agriculture | Economy | Climate Resilience)
Q.
“The decline of traditional agriculture in Assam reflects not only an agrarian crisis but also a socio-cultural transition in the rural landscape.”
Critically analyze the causes of this decline and suggest a multipronged strategy to address the issue.
✅ Model Answer:
🔹 Introduction:
Traditional agriculture in Assam—dominated by paddy cultivation—has historically shaped the state’s economy, ecology, and culture. However, recent trends reveal a steady shift away from this traditional agrarian framework due to multiple intersecting challenges, from environmental vulnerabilities to changing socio-economic aspirations.
🔹 Causes of the Decline:
| Factor | Explanation |
| 🌧️ Climate Variability | Erratic rainfall, floods, and droughts damage crops; pre-monsoon showers in Barpeta and Morigaon caused waterlogging. |
| 🧑🌾 Labour Migration | Rural youth are shifting to urban informal jobs, leading to shortage of skilled agri-labour. |
| 💰 Low Returns & Price Volatility | Poor enforcement of MSP and dependence on middlemen make farming economically unviable. |
| 📉 Fragmented Land Holdings | Over 86% of holdings are small or marginal (Agriculture Census 2021), limiting mechanization. |
| 🧪 Input Constraints | Rising costs of fertilizers, seeds, irrigation, and diesel lead to falling net incomes. |
| 📉 Loss of Institutional Support | Weak agri-credit penetration, with less than 50% having access to formal finance (NABARD, 2023). |
🔹 Socio-Cultural Implications:
- Cultural Detachment: Decline of agricultural rituals and festivals like Bohag Bihu that are tied to the sowing-harvest cycle.
- Rise in Food Dependency: Assam now imports food grains, impacting state-level food sovereignty.
- Urban Overcrowding: Push migration to cities without adequate urban job guarantees or social security nets.
🔹 Way Forward: A Multipronged Strategy
1. Climate-Resilient Agriculture
- Promote flood-tolerant varieties like Swarna Sub1.
- Expand watershed projects and embankment infrastructure.
2. Crop Diversification & Innovation
- Shift to high-value crops (spices, pulses, horticulture) and mixed farming systems (fish-duck-rice).
- Support agroforestry in char and wetland areas.
3. Institutional & Market Reforms
- Strengthen FPOs and cooperatives for better bargaining power.
- Improve rural roads, storage, and e-NAM market linkages.
4. Youth Engagement in Agriculture
- Encourage agri-startups via schemes like Agri-Incubation Centres.
- Integrate agri-tech, drones, and AI-based advisory via Kisan Sarathi, mKisan.
5. Land and Credit Reforms
- Legalize land leasing to help tenant farmers access subsidies.
- Deepen credit access via SHGs, MFIs, and digital KCCs.
🔹 Conclusion:
Assam’s agrarian transition is a complex issue that transcends economics—it challenges the cultural and ecological balance of the region. Revitalizing traditional agriculture requires an integrated approach combining climate adaptation, institutional strengthening, and youth-oriented innovation to ensure rural sustainability and cultural preservation.
✨ APSC Prelims Crash Course, 2025
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