APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (11/09/2025)
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 (11-09-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🏭 Assam’s New Industrial Policy 2025–2030
📘 GS Paper III – Economic Development | Infrastructure | Investment
📘 GS Paper V – Assam Economy & Governance
🔹 Introduction
In September 2025, the Assam Cabinet approved the New Industrial and Investment Policy (2025–2030), replacing the 2019 policy. The policy aims to position Assam as the industrial hub of the North-East, with a focus on sustainable manufacturing, employment generation, MSME growth, and green industries. It emphasizes ease of doing business, investment promotion, and balanced regional development across Assam.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Tenure | 2025–2030 (5 years) |
| Focus Areas | MSMEs, agro-based industries, green energy, logistics, IT & electronics, handicrafts, bamboo & cane products |
| Incentives | Capital subsidy, power tariff concessions, tax reimbursements, interest subvention, employment-linked incentives |
| Investment Zones | Border trade hubs, industrial corridors (e.g., Guwahati–Tezpur, Dibrugarh–Tinsukia) |
| Sustainability Clause | Priority for non-polluting, renewable energy-based units |
| Target Outcome | Doubling of industrial output, creation of 3–4 lakh jobs, enhanced export capacity |
| Linkages | Alignment with Act East Policy, PM Gati Shakti, and Assam’s Vision 2030 |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS), 2017 – provides central incentives for industries in NE states.
PM Gati Shakti Masterplan (2021) – multi-modal connectivity infrastructure to cut logistics cost.
Assam Industrial Policy, 2019 – earlier focus was on IT, plastics, food processing.
Key Industrial Corridors in Assam – Guwahati–Nagaon–Tezpur; Dibrugarh–Tinsukia; Bongaigaon–Goalpara.
Assam Bamboo Mission – part of agro-forest-based industrial growth.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance
Economic Diversification – Reduces overdependence on tea, oil & gas sectors.
Regional Growth – Promotes industries in backward districts to reduce inequality.
Employment Creation – Aims to generate 3–4 lakh direct & indirect jobs.
Connectivity Leverage – Harnesses India’s Act East Policy for cross-border trade via Bangladesh & Southeast Asia.
Green Industry Push – Encourages solar, bamboo, and low-carbon industries.
B. Challenges
Infrastructure Deficit – Power, transport, and logistics bottlenecks persist in many districts.
Flood & Erosion Risks – Natural disasters undermine industrial investments.
Land Acquisition Issues – Resistance from communities, unclear land titles.
Skill Gaps – Workforce in Assam often lacks training in modern manufacturing & IT.
Investor Confidence – Past issues of bureaucratic red-tape, insurgency perception, and policy instability.
C. Government Initiatives & Context
NEIDS 2017 – Central scheme for NE industries (capital subsidy, transport incentive, GST reimbursement).
Act East Policy – Gateway to ASEAN markets via Assam–Bangladesh–Myanmar corridors.
Industrial Growth Centre Scheme (GoI) – Special zones in Assam.
PM Gati Shakti Masterplan – aims to reduce logistics costs from 14% to global average of 8%.
Assam Startup Policy (2022) – fostering entrepreneurship in tech & services.
D. Way Forward
Infrastructure Upgrade – Accelerate completion of industrial corridors, river ports, and integrated logistics parks.
Public–Private Partnerships (PPP) – Attract global firms in renewable energy, IT, and food processing.
Skill Development – Align skill training (ASDM, Skill India) with policy priority sectors.
Ease of Doing Business – Ensure single-window clearances and digital governance.
Sustainable Development – Integrate disaster resilience into industrial planning (e.g., flood-proof parks).
Cross-border Trade – Strengthen border haats and SEZs to connect with ASEAN markets.
🧩 Conclusion
The Assam Industrial Policy 2025–2030 marks a transformative step in repositioning the state as a manufacturing and trade hub of Northeast India. While the incentives and green focus are timely, success will depend on infrastructure readiness, skill empowerment, and cross-border connectivity. A balanced approach blending economic growth with ecological sustainability can make Assam a model of inclusive industrialization in the region.
🌐 India–Bangladesh Border Infrastructure Upgradation in Assam & Meghalaya
📘 GS Paper II – International Relations (India & Neighbours)
📘 GS Paper III – Security & Border Management
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific Polity & Security
🔹 Introduction
In September 2025, India initiated a major push to modernize border infrastructure along the India–Bangladesh frontier, particularly in Assam and Meghalaya, which share over 880 km of border with Bangladesh. The focus includes road connectivity, smart fencing, integrated check posts (ICPs), and border haats, with the dual aim of strengthening national security and promoting cross-border trade under the Act East Policy.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Length of Border | India–Bangladesh border: 4,096 km (longest international border India shares with any country); Assam – 263 km; Meghalaya – 443 km |
| Recent Measures | Smart fencing under CIBMS (Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System), new Border Haats, Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) at Dawki (Meghalaya), Sutarkandi (Assam), and Karimganj river port |
| Connectivity Links | Agartala–Akhaura rail link (Tripura), Guwahati–Dhaka direct bus service revival, expansion of National Waterway-2 (Brahmaputra) and NW-16 (Barak) |
| Economic Focus | Boosting exports of Assam’s tea, bamboo, and agro-products to Bangladesh and ASEAN |
| Security Issues | Illegal migration, cross-border smuggling (cattle, drugs, arms), insurgent hideouts in border belts |
| Recent Cabinet Note | Approves border village development projects for infrastructure in remote villages along Assam–Meghalaya–Bangladesh boundary |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
India–Bangladesh Border: States sharing border – West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram.
Border Haats: First set up in Meghalaya (2011) – revived traditional local markets.
CIBMS: Tech-driven border management system using sensors, CCTV, and drones.
Sutarkandi ICP (Assam): Facilitates trade with Sylhet (Bangladesh).
Karimganj: Riverine trade hub linked to Bangladesh under the Protocol on Inland Water Transit & Trade (PIWTT).
2022 MoU: India and Bangladesh agreed on river dredging of Kushiyara and Barak for navigation.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance
Security – Helps check illegal migration, drug & arms smuggling, and human trafficking.
Economic Growth – Facilitates legal trade; boosts Assam’s agro-industrial exports.
Regional Connectivity – Enhances India’s Act East Policy by linking Northeast to ASEAN via Bangladesh.
People-to-People Ties – Strengthens cultural and commercial relations across borders.
Strategic Value – Counters insurgency and external influences in the Northeast.
B. Challenges
Porous Terrain – Rivers, forests, and hills make fencing and monitoring difficult.
Local Livelihoods – Border fencing sometimes disrupts access to farmland and grazing land.
Migration Issue – Identifying and deporting illegal migrants remains politically sensitive.
Smuggling Networks – Strong cartels operate across cattle, drugs, and gold routes.
Insurgency Spillover – Militant groups exploit cross-border sanctuaries.
Diplomatic Sensitivity – Balancing border security with cooperative ties with Bangladesh.
C. Government Initiatives
Smart Fencing Project (CIBMS) – Pilot already active in Assam; more sectors to be covered.
Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) – Dawki, Sutarkandi, Karimganj modernized.
Border Area Development Programme (BADP) – Roads, schools, health infra in remote border villages.
Inland Water Transit & Trade Protocol – Enables riverine trade between Assam (Karimganj, Dhubri) and Bangladesh.
BIMSTEC & BBIN frameworks – Regional cooperation for trade & connectivity.
D. Way Forward
Complete border fencing with flood-resilient and terrain-adaptive designs.
Tech Integration – Expand use of drones, AI-based monitoring, night-vision sensors.
Community Engagement – Ensure border residents are partners in security, not alienated.
Formalize trade – Expand border haats and ICPs to reduce smuggling incentives.
Diplomatic Balancing – Maintain cooperative stance with Bangladesh while securing Indian interests.
Disaster-Resilient Infra – Design border roads and fencing to withstand Assam’s frequent floods and erosion.
🧩 Conclusion
The India–Bangladesh border upgradation in Assam and Meghalaya embodies a dual-purpose strategy—ensuring national security while catalyzing economic integration. While challenges of porous terrain, migration, and smuggling remain, a synergy of technology, diplomacy, and local community participation can transform the border into a bridge of prosperity rather than a barrier of conflict.
🦏 Kaziranga National Park – Rhino Census & Habitat Expansion Plan
📘 GS Paper III – Biodiversity, Environment, Conservation
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific: Environment, Conservation, Governance
🔹 Introduction
Kaziranga National Park (KNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam, is globally renowned for its population of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis). In September 2025, authorities announced a fresh rhino census and a habitat expansion plan to address threats of overpopulation, habitat shrinkage, poaching, and climate-induced flooding. The initiative is aimed at ensuring long-term ecological balance and sustainable coexistence of species.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Kaziranga Rhino Status | Holds ~70% of the world’s one-horned rhino population; last census (2022) recorded 2,613 rhinos. |
| New Census (2025) | To include advanced methods – drones, thermal cameras, GIS mapping for accuracy. |
| Habitat Expansion | Plan to add ~30–40 sq. km by integrating adjacent forest areas, riverine corridors, and highlands. |
| Why Needed | Rhino density in KNP is very high → habitat pressure, inbreeding risks, and food scarcity. |
| Other Species | Park also supports wild water buffalo, swamp deer, elephants, tigers – part of a larger ecological balance. |
| Challenges | Poaching (though reduced in recent years), annual floods submerging >70% of KNP area, encroachment around park. |
| Stakeholders | Assam Forest Department, WWF-India, IUCN, and local community-based eco-guards. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
IUCN Status: Greater One-Horned Rhino – Vulnerable.
Protected Areas in Assam: Kaziranga (World Heritage Site, Tiger Reserve), Manas, Nameri, Orang, Dibru-Saikhowa.
National Rhino Conservation Strategy (2019): Launched by MoEFCC to protect rhino habitats across Assam, West Bengal, UP.
Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV2020): Target was 3,000 wild rhinos by 2020 in seven protected areas of Assam.
UNESCO WHS in Assam: Kaziranga & Manas (Natural sites); Ahom Monuments (Cultural).
Flood Mitigation in Kaziranga: Construction of artificial highlands and corridors.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance
Global Conservation Role – Kaziranga is a success story: rhino numbers grew from ~75 (1905) to 2,600+.
Ecological Balance – Rhinos are mega-herbivores, influencing vegetation patterns and wetland ecology.
Tourism & Economy – Generates livelihood for locals; ecotourism contributes significantly to Assam’s GDP.
Cultural Identity – Rhinos are part of Assamese identity and state symbol.
International Reputation – Strengthens India’s image in biodiversity conservation.
B. Challenges
Overcrowding – High rhino density increases competition for resources and disease vulnerability.
Poaching – Despite strong anti-poaching laws, international horn trade persists.
Annual Floods – 70–80% of KNP submerged each year; wildlife mortality increases.
Encroachment & Development Pressures – Human settlements and highways restrict animal corridors.
Climate Change – Erratic rainfall, siltation of wetlands, invasive species (mimosa, water hyacinth) degrade habitats.
C. Government Initiatives
Assam Anti-Poaching Act, 2021 – Strict measures against poachers.
IRV2020 – Translocation of rhinos to Manas, Orang, Pobitora for population dispersal.
Eco-sensitive Zone Notification – Around KNP to regulate construction and industrial activity.
Artificial Highlands – Constructed within the park to provide refuge during floods.
Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong Corridor Plan – Long-term goal to link habitats across river and hills.
D. Way Forward
Scientific Habitat Expansion – Include adjoining reserve forests and secure migratory corridors.
Technology Integration – Use drones, satellite tracking for census & anti-poaching patrols.
Community Involvement – Eco-tourism projects to involve locals as protectors, not encroachers.
Regional Cooperation – Link rhino conservation efforts across India–Nepal–Bhutan (shared range species).
Disaster Preparedness – Build more highlands, improve rescue during floods.
Balancing Tourism & Ecology – Regulate tourist inflow to avoid ecological stress.
🧩 Conclusion
The upcoming Rhino Census 2025 and habitat expansion plan in Kaziranga symbolize Assam’s commitment to biodiversity conservation. While the park has emerged as a global success story, challenges of overcrowding, poaching, and climate change call for a sustainable, science-driven approach. By integrating community participation, technology, and eco-sensitive governance, Kaziranga can continue to be the pride of Assam and a global conservation model.
💻 Digital Learning Push in Assam Schools with AI-Based Tools
📘 GS Paper II – Governance | Education | Social Justice
📘 GS Paper III – Technology in Development
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific Education Initiatives
🔹 Introduction
In September 2025, the Assam government launched a new initiative to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based digital learning tools in government schools across the state. The project is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to bridge the digital divide, improve personalized learning, and enhance access to quality education in rural and semi-urban areas of Assam.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Implementing Agency | Assam Education Department in collaboration with tech firms & EdTech startups |
| Target Schools | 5,000+ government high and higher secondary schools in phased manner |
| Features | AI-driven adaptive learning platforms, smart classrooms, digital attendance & progress tracking |
| Focus Areas | STEM education, language skills, career readiness modules |
| Teacher Support | Capacity building & digital training for teachers under Assam State Education Mission |
| Equity Emphasis | Priority to underserved rural and tea garden schools |
| Funding | Mix of state budget, CSR contributions, and central schemes like PM eVIDYA & Digital India |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
PM eVIDYA Scheme (2020) – Single digital platform for school education (DIKSHA, SWAYAM, TV channels).
NEP 2020 – Recommends tech-based, inclusive, and experiential learning.
AI for Education – NITI Aayog “National AI Strategy” emphasizes AI integration in education & health.
Mission Buniyaad Assam (2023) – earlier state initiative for foundational literacy & numeracy.
Digital India – Launched in 2015, includes BharatNet for rural digital connectivity.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance
Personalized Learning – AI-based tools adapt to a child’s pace and learning style.
Equity in Education – Digital classrooms bring parity between urban and rural schools.
Skill Development – AI-integrated STEM and coding modules prepare students for future jobs.
Transparency & Accountability – Digital attendance and performance dashboards improve monitoring.
Alignment with NEP 2020 – Strengthens focus on experiential learning, multilingualism, and 21st-century skills.
B. Challenges
Digital Divide – Poor internet and electricity access in remote villages.
Teacher Preparedness – Many teachers lack digital training and confidence.
Sustainability – Risk of tools becoming obsolete without constant upgrades.
Equity Concerns – Students from marginalized backgrounds may face tech-access barriers at home.
Data Privacy – AI tools involve student data, raising security and misuse concerns.
C. Government Initiatives in Context
PM eVIDYA & SWAYAM – Multi-mode access (TV, radio, internet).
Atal Tinkering Labs (NITI Aayog) – STEM and innovation hubs in schools.
Assam’s Gunotsav & Vidya Samiksha Kendra – School evaluation & digital monitoring programs.
Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) – E-content and teacher training.
D. Way Forward
Infrastructure Upgrade – Expand BharatNet connectivity, solar-powered smart classrooms.
Teacher Training – Continuous professional development to integrate digital pedagogy.
Inclusive Access – Provide tablets or shared digital devices in marginalized schools.
Local Language Content – AI platforms should support Assamese and tribal languages.
Public–Private Partnerships (PPP) – Leverage CSR funds and EdTech collaborations for sustainability.
Robust Data Policy – Safeguard student data with strong privacy regulations.
🧩 Conclusion
The AI-driven digital learning initiative in Assam schools is a forward-looking step toward educational equity, skill development, and digital empowerment. While challenges of infrastructure, training, and inclusivity persist, a carefully designed human-tech partnership can ensure that technology becomes an enabler of quality education rather than a divider. This aligns Assam with the broader goals of NEP 2020 and India’s vision of a knowledge-driven society.
🌊 Flood Relief & SDRF Disbursal in Upper Assam Districts
📘 GS Paper II – Governance | Disaster Relief Mechanisms
📘 GS Paper III – Disaster Management | Ecology
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific Governance & Disaster Challenges
🔹 Introduction
In September 2025, the Assam government released State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) assistance to flood-affected districts of Upper Assam, including Dibrugarh, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, and Majuli. The Brahmaputra and its tributaries—like Subansiri, Dikhow, and Jiadhal—had caused extensive flooding, displacing thousands and damaging croplands. The relief effort highlights both institutional response capacity and the persistent vulnerability of Assam to annual floods and erosion.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Affected Districts | Dibrugarh, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Majuli (most flood-prone in Upper Assam) |
| Relief Measures | Immediate SDRF allocation for food, shelter, medicine, and infrastructure repair |
| Scale of Impact | Thousands displaced, farmland destroyed, roads submerged |
| Institutional Mechanism | SDRF managed by state govt. (funded 75:25 by Centre:State for Assam, a special category state) |
| Priority Works | Repair of breached embankments, distribution of GR (gratuitous relief), ex-gratia for loss of life, livestock compensation |
| Recurring Issue | Despite annual relief, long-term flood management remains weak |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
SDRF: Primary fund for immediate disaster response, constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
NDRF (National Disaster Response Fund): For severe disasters, managed by Centre.
Brahmaputra Floods: Assam loses ~8,000 ha of land annually to erosion.
Majuli: World’s largest river island; highly vulnerable to floods and erosion.
Rashtriya Barh Aayog (1980): First commission to assess flood management; identified Brahmaputra as highly flood-prone.
Long-term Plan: North East Water Management Authority (NEWMA) proposed in 2019.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Relief Disbursal
Immediate Humanitarian Support – Provides food, shelter, and medicines to displaced populations.
Economic Stabilization – Compensation helps flood-affected farmers and daily-wage earners.
Restoration of Connectivity – SDRF funds repair critical infrastructure like embankments, bridges, and roads.
Governance Visibility – Relief measures reinforce state’s commitment to disaster-affected citizens.
B. Challenges in Flood Management
Recurring Nature – Assam faces ~40% of India’s total flood-affected area.
Weak Infrastructure – Embankments often poorly built and breach-prone.
River Dynamics – Brahmaputra’s high sediment load, frequent channel shifts.
Climate Change – Intensified rainfall and glacial melt raise flood risks.
Relief vs Resilience – Focus remains on short-term relief, not long-term adaptation.
Administrative Delays – Disbursement bottlenecks and misuse of relief funds.
C. Government Initiatives & Context
Flood Management Programme (FMP) – MoWR scheme for critical flood works.
Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) – Coordinates relief & preparedness.
SDRF & NDRF allocations – Key financial instruments for flood-hit districts.
Highland Construction in Kaziranga – Example of wildlife-focused disaster adaptation.
World Bank & ADB projects – Support flood/erosion management in Assam.
D. Way Forward
Shift from Relief to Mitigation – Invest in dredging, floodplain zoning, watershed management.
Strengthen Embankments – Replace earthen embankments with concrete + bio-engineering.
Integrated Basin Management – NEWMA should coordinate upstream-downstream water flow.
Community Preparedness – Train local volunteers for rescue & relief.
Early Warning Systems – Expand Doppler radar and AI-based flood forecasting.
Climate-Resilient Agriculture – Promote flood-tolerant paddy varieties, crop insurance.
🧩 Conclusion
The SDRF disbursal for Upper Assam floods in 2025 reflects the state’s responsiveness to recurring disasters. However, reliance on post-flood relief alone is unsustainable. A paradigm shift toward long-term flood management, resilient infrastructure, and community-based adaptation is essential if Assam is to move from a cycle of relief to resilience.g mobility, independence, and wellness more accessible and equitable for all, especially the elderly.game-changer, integrating the region more closely with ASEAN through tourism-driven prosperity.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
1. Assam Industrial Policy 2025–30
Q1. With reference to Assam’s Industrial Policy 2025–30, consider the following:
- It prioritises MSMEs, bamboo-based industries, and green energy units.
- It is fully funded by the central government under the North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS).
- It seeks to align with Act East Policy and PM Gati Shakti for logistics development.
Which of the above are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
👉 Answer: (b)
Explanation: Assam Industrial Policy is a state policy (not fully central-funded). It focuses on MSMEs, bamboo, green industries, and connects with Act East & PM Gati Shakti.
Q2. NEIDS (2017), often in news for Assam, provides which of the following incentives?
- Capital investment subsidy
- GST reimbursement
- Employment-linked incentives
- Subsidy for pollution-intensive industries
a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 1 and 4 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
👉 Answer: (a)
Explanation: NEIDS supports capital subsidy, GST reimbursement, and employment incentives. Pollution-intensive units are not incentivised.
2. India–Bangladesh Border Infrastructure
Q1. Match the following Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) with their locations:
| ICP | State |
| 1. Dawki | Assam |
| 2. Sutarkandi | Assam |
| 3. Petrapole | West Bengal |
| 4. Karimganj | Meghalaya |
Correct pair(s):
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 3 only
d) 2, 3 and 4 only
👉 Answer: (c)
Explanation: Dawki – Meghalaya ✅, Sutarkandi – Assam ✅, Petrapole – West Bengal ✅, Karimganj – Assam (not Meghalaya).
Q2. Which of the following states share a border with Bangladesh?
- Assam
- Meghalaya
- Mizoram
- Manipur
- Tripura
a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
b) 1, 2 and 5 only
c) 2, 4 and 5 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
👉 Answer: (a)
Explanation: States sharing border with Bangladesh: West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura. Not Manipur.
Q3. “Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS)” sometimes in news relates to:
a) Satellite-based crop insurance
b) Technology-driven border fencing & surveillance
c) Smart water management of trans-boundary rivers
d) Coastal community disaster early warning
👉 Answer: (b)
3. Kaziranga Rhino Census & Habitat Expansion
Q1. With reference to Kaziranga National Park, consider the following statements:
- It is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Tiger Reserve.
- It hosts more than two-thirds of the world’s Greater One-Horned Rhino population.
- The Greater One-Horned Rhino is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List.
Which are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
👉 Answer: (a)
Explanation: Greater One-Horned Rhino is classified as Vulnerable, not Endangered.
Q2. Arrange the following Assam Protected Areas from west to east:
- Manas National Park
- Kaziranga National Park
- Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
- Nameri National Park
Correct order:
a) 1 – 2 – 4 – 3
b) 2 – 1 – 4 – 3
c) 1 – 4 – 2 – 3
d) 1 – 2 – 3 – 4
👉 Answer: (a)
Explanation: West → East order: Manas (western Assam), Kaziranga (central), Nameri (east of Kaziranga), Dibru-Saikhowa (easternmost near Tinsukia).
Q3. “Indian Rhino Vision 2020” was aimed at:
a) Achieving 100% rhino horn trade ban in India
b) Increasing rhino population to 3,000 across seven protected areas in Assam
c) Translocating rhinos from Nepal to Assam
d) Expanding rhino tourism in Kaziranga
👉 Answer: (b)
4. Digital Learning with AI in Assam Schools
Q1. Consider the following national initiatives:
- DIKSHA
- SWAYAM
- PM eVIDYA
- Atal Tinkering Labs
Which of the above are directly related to school education?
a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
👉 Answer: (d)
Explanation: All four relate to school education—DIKSHA & PM eVIDYA for digital platforms, SWAYAM for online courses, Atal Labs for STEM innovation.
Q2. With reference to NEP 2020, which of the following is correct?
a) It recommends introduction of vocational education only at higher secondary level.
b) It mandates use of technology in school education, especially AI-enabled tools.
c) It makes Hindi compulsory as the third language across India.
d) It restricts skill development programs to urban schools only.
👉 Answer: (b)
Q3. Adaptive AI-driven learning platforms in education primarily help in:
a) Standardising the same learning pace for all students
b) Personalising lessons according to student progress
c) Replacing the need for teachers entirely
d) Limiting classroom learning to STEM only
👉 Answer: (b)
5. Flood Relief & SDRF Disbursal in Upper Assam
Q1. SDRF is constituted under:
a) Indian Evidence Act, 1872
b) Disaster Management Act, 2005
c) Environment Protection Act, 1986
d) State Finance Commission recommendations
👉 Answer: (b)
Q2. With reference to disaster funding in India, consider the following statements:
- SDRF is shared between Centre and State in a 90:10 ratio for Assam.
- NDRF can be used only after the approval of the Parliament.
- Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) is the nodal agency for disaster response in the state.
Which 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: For special category states like Assam, SDRF = 75:25 (Centre:State), not 90:10. NDRF use needs approval of Central Govt, not Parliament. ASDMA is indeed nodal.
Q3. The proposed North East Water Management Authority (NEWMA) primarily aims at:
a) Regulating hydrocarbon exploration in NE
b) Integrated river basin management for flood and erosion control
c) Controlling illegal sand mining in Brahmaputra basin
d) Coordinating irrigation projects between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh
👉 Answer: (b)rcise), osteoporosis, COPD. Cataract requires surgical intervention, so physiotherapy has limited/no direct role.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Model Answer
Q. “Assam’s recurring flood disasters expose the limitations of relief-oriented responses. Critically examine the role of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) in Assam’s flood management. Suggest long-term strategies for moving from relief to resilience.”
(GS Paper III: Disaster Management | GS V: Assam)
🔹 Introduction
Assam, traversed by the mighty Brahmaputra and Barak river systems, is one of the most flood-prone regions of India, with nearly 40% of the state’s land vulnerable. Each year, floods cause displacement, erosion, and economic loss. The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, provides immediate relief. However, Assam’s recurring floods highlight that reliance on short-term relief measures is inadequate in tackling systemic vulnerabilities.
🔹 Role of SDRF in Assam
- Immediate Humanitarian Aid: Funds for food, shelter, medical care, and ex-gratia for loss of life/livestock.
- Infrastructure Repair: Quick restoration of roads, embankments, and bridges damaged by floods.
- Livelihood Support: Provides compensation for crop loss and damaged houses.
- Governance Mechanism: SDRF, in coordination with ASDMA, ensures state-level preparedness and relief delivery.
🔹 Limitations of SDRF-Centric Approach
- Reactive, not Preventive – Focus on post-flood compensation rather than mitigation.
- Funding Gaps – SDRF allocations are often inadequate against massive flood losses.
- Weak Implementation – Delays in disbursal, corruption, and lack of transparency.
- Poor Infrastructure Maintenance – Embankments frequently breach despite repeated repairs.
- Community Exclusion – Local knowledge rarely integrated into planning.
🔹 Long-Term Strategies – From Relief to Resilience
1. Structural Measures
- Strengthen embankments using modern bio-engineering and flood-resilient designs.
- Implement dredging & river training to reduce siltation in Brahmaputra and tributaries.
- Complete multipurpose dams and storage reservoirs in upstream Arunachal Pradesh.
2. Non-Structural Measures
- Floodplain Zoning: Restrict settlement and cultivation in high-risk areas.
- Early Warning Systems: AI-driven flood forecasting, Doppler radars, mobile alerts.
- Insurance Mechanisms: Promote crop and property insurance for flood-prone communities.
3. Institutional Strengthening
- Operationalize North East Water Management Authority (NEWMA) for basin-wide management.
- Strengthen ASDMA with dedicated funds, trained personnel, and coordination powers.
4. Community-Centric Adaptation
- Train local disaster volunteers in rescue & relief.
- Promote climate-resilient crops (e.g., flood-tolerant paddy varieties like Swarna Sub-1).
- Develop raised platforms and highlands for both humans and livestock.
🔹 Conclusion
The SDRF remains crucial for immediate relief, but Assam’s recurring floods demand a paradigm shift from relief distribution to resilience-building. Integrated basin management, resilient infrastructure, and community participation can transform floods from being a recurring calamity into a manageable ecological phenomenon. This will align with both the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and Assam’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development.
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