APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (12/05/2025)
For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, staying updated with current affairs is vital. This blog covers most important topics from the Assam Tribune today (12-05-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
✨ Current Affairs Crash Course for the APSC Prelims 2025
⚔️ Operation Sindoor: India’s Precision Response to Cross-Border Terror
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Terrorism & Counter-Terror Operations
📘 GS Paper 2: India and Its Neighbourhood | International Relations
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam-specific): National Security and Its Implications on the Northeast
🔹 Introduction
India launched Operation Sindoor between 7–10 May 2025 in response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attacks, particularly the Pahalgam massacre. The operation involved coordinated precision strikes by the Indian Army and Air Force across Pakistan-occupied territories, targeting terror infrastructure while avoiding civilian and non-military assets. It marks a new chapter in India’s proactive and punitive counter-terror doctrine.
🔑 Key Points
| Element | Details |
| Operation Period | May 7–10, 2025 |
| Trigger | Terror attack in Pahalgam (J&K), killing 26 civilians |
| Objective | Destroy terror camps and infrastructure, not civilian/military targets |
| Name of Operation | Sindoor – symbolizing a protective shield (also metaphorical retaliation) |
| Agencies Involved | Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Intelligence Bureau |
| Key Pakistani Targets | Chaklala, Rafiqui, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha, Bhulari, Jacobabad (airbases and camps) |
| Indian Losses | Minimal; 3 drones caused minor damage before being neutralized |
| Pakistan Casualties (as per India) | 35–40 soldiers, multiple terror camps destroyed |
| International Reaction | |
| • US mediated post-conflict diplomacy | |
| • China urged restraint | |
| • Ceasefire declared by both sides on May 10 |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Operation Sindoor: Indian counter-offensive targeting cross-border terror infrastructure in May 2025
Pahalgam Attack: Major civilian-targeted terror attack in J&K that triggered the operation
BrahMos-A: Air-launched variant of India’s cruise missile used in deep strikes
Line of Control (LoC): Ceasefire line between India and Pakistan in J&K
Precision Strike Doctrine: Military strategy using high-tech guided munitions to avoid collateral damage
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Operation Sindoor
Doctrine Shift: Reinforces India’s shift from defensive to pre-emptive deterrence.
Precision Warfare: Demonstrates India’s capability to inflict targeted damage without collateral fallout.
Civil-Military Integration: Quick intelligence–military coordination enabled rapid retaliation.
Global Signaling: Sent a message to sponsors of terrorism that proxy warfare will invite direct retaliation.
Media & Morale: Unified public, strong media messaging helped build domestic confidence.
B. Challenges and Risks
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Escalation Risk | Possibility of full-scale war if diplomatic channels fail. |
| Collateral Damage | Risk of civilian harm despite precision, especially if terror camps are urban-proximate. |
| Cyber Retaliation | Potential increase in non-conventional retaliatory strikes (cyber, hybrid). |
| International Perception | Western nations may urge restraint despite provocation. |
| Long-Term Sustainability | Repeated pre-emptive actions may require high defense budget allocation. |
C. Government & Military Actions
DGMO Coordination: Indian and Pakistani DGMOs engaged post-strike for ceasefire clarity.
Full Authority Granted: Indian Army commanders given full autonomy for local kinetic response.
Missile Deployment: Strategic deployment of S-400, Akash, Barak-8, and BrahMos systems.
Media Strategy: Unified narrative to prevent misinformation and counter adversarial propaganda.
Diplomatic Mobilization: Engagement with US, China, and multilateral forums (UNSC) to explain India’s stand.
D. Way Forward
Institutionalize Response Doctrine: Create codified rules of engagement for future counter-terror ops.
Cyber & Drone Warfare Readiness: Invest in jamming, anti-drone, and AI-based threat detection.
Border Infrastructure Upgrade: Better roads, bunkers, and evacuation plans along western front.
Track Terror Financing: Coordinate with FATF and Interpol to trace cross-border terror funding.
Strategic Communication: Build global narrative around India’s “Right to Defend” in international law.
🧩 Conclusion
Operation Sindoor marks a turning point in India’s counter-terror strategy—measured, effective, and unambiguous. As India deals with a volatile neighbourhood, such operations serve as a warning to non-state actors and their state sponsors, while reaffirming India’s commitment to national sovereignty and civilian protection.
🌩️ Assam Thunderstorm Tragedy: Infrastructure Collapse and Disaster Preparedness
📘 GS Paper 3: Disaster Management | Infrastructure Resilience
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | State Disaster Response
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam-specific): Extreme Weather Events | Urban-Rural Vulnerability in Assam
🔹 Introduction
On 11 May 2025, a severe thunderstorm accompanied by strong winds swept through various districts of Assam, causing multiple fatalities and infrastructure collapse. The incident highlighted the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, poor resilience of rural and semi-urban structures, and the need for robust early warning systems and resilient infrastructure in disaster-prone states like Assam.
🔑 Key Points
| Element | Details |
| Date of Incident | 11 May 2025 |
| Nature of Disaster | Thunderstorm with wind gusts exceeding 80 km/h |
| Districts Affected | Nalbari, Baksa, Dhubri, Barpeta, parts of Kamrup (Rural) |
| Casualties | At least 8 confirmed dead, dozens injured |
| Infrastructure Damage | |
| • School buildings collapsed | |
| • Electric poles uprooted | |
| • Kutcha houses destroyed | |
| • Trees and telecommunication lines downed | |
| Govt Response | |
| • ASDMA initiated rescue and assessment | |
| • SDRF teams deployed | |
| • Ex-gratia for families of deceased announced |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Thunderstorm vs Cyclone: Thunderstorms are localized and short-lived but can cause severe localized damage due to wind and lightning.
ASDMA: Assam State Disaster Management Authority – nodal agency for preparedness and response.
SDRF: State Disaster Response Force – trained units for on-ground emergency management.
Lightning Prone Zones in Assam: Lower Assam, particularly Barpeta and Dhubri, report high fatalities annually.
India Meteorological Department (IMD): Provides colour-coded warnings (Yellow, Orange, Red).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Why Assam Is Vulnerable to Thunderstorm Disasters
Climatic Conditions: High humidity, temperature gradients, and pre-monsoon winds trigger frequent thunderstorms.
Infrastructure Fragility: Rural Assam has many kutcha houses with tin roofs susceptible to strong winds.
Lack of Storm Shelters: Most rural schools and health centres lack reinforced buildings or safe zones.
Inadequate Early Warning: Communication breakdown in remote areas delays evacuation or preparedness.
Urban-Rural Connectivity: Fallen trees and wires paralyse rescue and access routes.
B. Challenges in Disaster Preparedness
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Forecasting Gaps | IMD’s micro-level storm predictions are often imprecise. |
| Delayed Response in Rural Areas | Poor road access slows SDRF deployment. |
| Limited Public Awareness | Many residents unaware of what to do when lightning or storm warnings are issued. |
| Weak Building Codes | Most schools and Anganwadi centres lack wind-resistant construction. |
| Post-Disaster Rehabilitation | Delays in compensation and rebuilding demoralize affected communities. |
C. Government and Institutional Measures
Thunderstorm Early Warning System: SMS-based alerts by ASDMA and IMD.
Disaster-Resilient Housing Scheme: Pilot launched in Barpeta and Dhubri for concrete structures.
School Safety Programme: Retrofitting school buildings in storm-prone zones.
National Lightning Resilience Programme (NLRP): Assam included in target states for lightning-proof shelters.
Electric Line Audit: Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL) conducting infrastructure audit post-storm.
D. Way Forward
Localized Weather Radar Systems: Install Doppler radars in Lower Assam and Barak Valley for real-time tracking.
Storm-Resistant Architecture: Enforce wind-load resistance codes in school and healthcare buildings.
Community Storm Warning Systems: Use ASHA, Anganwadi, and SHG networks for ground-level alerts.
Rapid Relief Disbursement Portals: Aadhaar-linked direct benefit transfer (DBT) for affected families.
Climate-Integrated Rural Planning: Include thunderstorm and lightning vulnerability in all district disaster plans.
🧩 Conclusion
The 11 May 2025 thunderstorm tragedy is a wake-up call to institutionalize thunderstorm risk management in Assam. As extreme weather events become more common due to climate change, resilient infrastructure, real-time warning systems, and community preparedness must form the backbone of disaster governance in the state.
🛰️ National Technology Day 2025: India’s Scientific Aspirations and Defence Edge
📘 GS Paper 3: Science & Technology | Defence Technology | Innovation Policy
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Policies | Institutional Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam-specific): Role of Technology in State Development and Security
🔹 Introduction
National Technology Day is observed annually on May 11 to commemorate India’s nuclear tests at Pokhran in 1998. The 2025 celebrations were marked by the launch of indigenous drone systems, AI-based surveillance tools, and defence tech breakthroughs, reinforcing India’s aspiration to become a self-reliant tech power. This year’s theme was focused on “Digital Defence and Inclusive Innovation.”
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Date Observed | 11 May annually |
| Commemorates | Pokhran-II nuclear tests (1998) under Operation Shakti |
| Declared By | Government of India in 1999 |
| Key Announcements (2025) | |
| • DRDO unveils new AI-powered drone swarm coordination system | |
| • ISRO showcases quantum communication satellite prototype | |
| • Ministry of Defence announces ₹8,000 crore defence R&D fund for startups | |
| Theme for 2025 | “Digital Defence and Inclusive Innovation” |
| Relevance to Assam | Use of AI for flood prediction, drone monitoring along international borders, and promotion of biotech in tea/agriculture sectors |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Operation Shakti (1998): Series of five nuclear tests at Pokhran, Rajasthan under PM Vajpayee’s govt.
National Technology Day: Recognized by Technology Development Board (TDB), Dept. of Science & Technology.
Pokhran Tests Codenames: Shakti-I to Shakti-V; included thermonuclear and sub-kiloton devices.
Quantum Communication: ISRO project aiming to secure data using quantum key distribution.
Drone Shakti Initiative: Government programme to promote domestic UAV manufacturing ecosystem.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of National Technology Day
Scientific Achievement: Marks India’s emergence as a nuclear-capable and tech-savvy nation.
Innovation Showcase: Platform to announce new breakthroughs in defence, health, space, and AI.
Self-Reliance Drive: Encourages indigenous development over import-dependence in critical tech.
Youth Engagement: Inspires future scientists through innovation awards and hackathons.
Diplomatic Messaging: Signals India’s rising stature in global science and security forums.
B. Technology’s Role in National and State Development
| Sector | Impact |
| Defence | AI, drones, and surveillance critical in border security and insurgency zones like NE. |
| Agriculture | Smart irrigation, pest monitoring, and remote sensing used in Assam tea and paddy fields. |
| Health | Telemedicine and biotech innovation have improved rural diagnostics. |
| Disaster Management | Real-time flood mapping and early warning using ISRO satellites. |
| Education | Digital classrooms and local language EdTech content expansion in Assam. |
C. Challenges in India’s Technology Ecosystem
R&D Funding Deficit: India spends less than 1% of GDP on R&D.
Brain Drain: Many top engineers and scientists migrate abroad due to lack of domestic opportunity.
Innovation-Industry Disconnect: Startups and researchers often lack commercial scaling support.
Cybersecurity Risks: Rapid digitization has exposed critical infrastructure to new vulnerabilities.
Import Dependence: Semiconductor and high-tech sensor ecosystems still heavily dependent on foreign sources.
D. Way Forward
Boost Public-Private R&D: Incentivize university–industry collaborations in Assam and nationally.
Decentralize Innovation: Set up district-level tech incubators, especially in Tier 2 & 3 towns.
Defence-Tech Commercialization: Convert DRDO tech for civilian use via tech transfer platforms.
Global Partnerships: Collaborate in quantum computing, AI, and space with Quad & BRICS partners.
STEM Education Reform: Promote vernacular science communication and coding from high school level.
🧩 Conclusion
National Technology Day 2025 not only celebrates India’s past scientific achievements but sets a vision for a tech-powered, self-reliant future. Assam, with its unique needs and natural challenges, stands to benefit immensely from indigenous innovation, AI-based monitoring, and the strategic use of technology in governance, agriculture, and disaster resilience.
👩💻 Empowering Youth: Snehalaya’s ‘Project Dosti’ for Underprivileged Children
📘 GS Paper 2: Social Justice | Welfare of Vulnerable Sections | Education
📘 GS Paper 1: Society | Role of NGOs and Civil Society
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam-specific): Social Empowerment Initiatives in Assam
🔹 Introduction
In an inspiring initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide, Snehalaya Centre for Child Rights, in collaboration with FICCI Flo Northeast, launched ‘Project Dosti’ to provide computer training to underprivileged adolescents in Guwahati. The project aims to equip children from marginalized backgrounds with digital literacy and employable tech skills in an era where access to computers is essential for social mobility and inclusion.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Description |
| Organizing Body | Snehalaya Centre for Child Rights, Paltan Bazar |
| Collaborating Partner | FICCI Flo (Women’s Wing of FICCI), NE Chapter |
| Project Name | Project Dosti |
| Target Group | 40 underprivileged children (age 15–18) |
| Skill Focus | Basic computer skills, digital tools, internet literacy |
| Location | Guwahati |
| Social Objective | Promote digital inclusion, employment readiness, and empowerment through education |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
FICCI Flo: Women’s wing of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI); promotes women’s economic participation and CSR.
Snehalaya: Assam-based NGO focusing on child rights, street children, and vulnerable adolescents.
Digital India Programme: Launched in 2015 to promote universal access to digital literacy.
PMGDISHA: Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan – to make rural households digitally literate.
Right to Education (Article 21A): Emphasizes inclusive access to quality education.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Project Dosti for Assam and India
Digital Empowerment: Helps bridge the urban–rural and socio-economic tech divide.
Skill-Based Education: Equips marginalized youth for entry-level IT and service sector roles.
Women & Youth Inclusion: Focus on adolescent girls and first-time learners from low-income families.
Public–Private Partnership (PPP): Demonstrates effective NGO-corporate collaboration.
Preventing Exploitation: Skills reduce vulnerability to child labour and unsafe migration.
B. Challenges in Reaching Underprivileged Children
| Challenge | Description |
| Dropout Risk | Many students leave school early due to poverty or family obligations. |
| Digital Access Gap | Lack of internet-enabled devices and steady connectivity. |
| Language Barrier | Most training material is English-centric, excluding many local learners. |
| Psycho-Social Issues | Many children come from trauma or abusive environments, needing emotional support. |
| Sustainability | Once the program ends, long-term engagement and upgrades are difficult without continued funding. |
C. Government and Civil Society Interventions
Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: Promotes inclusive education with digital components.
State Youth Policy (Assam): Encourages community-based training centres and skill hubs.
CSR in Skill Development: Companies can fund education projects under Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.
Digital Saksharta Kendras (DSK): Grassroots digital learning centres in partnership with NGOs.
D. Way Forward
Replicate Model Statewide: Scale ‘Project Dosti’ to districts with poor digital penetration.
Curriculum Customization: Create Assamese and tribal-language versions of digital literacy modules.
Mentorship & Career Linkages: Connect graduates with job opportunities or further technical courses.
Incentives for Attendance: Provide meals, stationery, and certification to retain students.
Monitoring Impact: Develop performance indicators to measure digital skill uptake and employment outcomes.
🧩 Conclusion
‘Project Dosti’ is more than just a training programme—it is a gateway to empowerment for underprivileged youth in Assam. Initiatives like these are vital for achieving inclusive digital growth, reducing inequality, and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4 & 8) on education and employment. With replication and institutional support, such models can transform grassroots India.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🛡️ Topic 1: Operation Sindoor
Q1. With reference to Operation Sindoor, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It involved coordinated airstrikes on military targets across Pakistan.
- The operation was launched in retaliation to a civilian-targeted terror attack in Kashmir.
- It marks the first use of BrahMos-A by India in combat.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: B
🧾 Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect – military assets were not targeted; focus was on terror infrastructure only.
- Statement 2 is correct – launched in response to Pahalgam terror attack.
- Statement 3 is correct – first combat use of BrahMos-A (air-launched cruise missile).
🌩️ Topic 2: Thunderstorm Disaster in Assam
Q2. Consider the following with reference to disaster management in Assam:
- The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Thunderstorms are categorised as hydrometeorological disasters.
- Doppler weather radar is used to forecast localised storm activity.
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. All of the above
✅ Answer: B
🧾 Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect – ASDMA is a state-level body, under the Assam Revenue and Disaster Management Department.
- Statement 2 is correct – thunderstorms fall under hydrometeorological disasters.
- Statement 3 is correct – Doppler radars are used to track short-term, high-intensity weather.
🛰️ Topic 3: National Technology Day
Q3. National Technology Day commemorates:
A. The founding of DRDO
B. The launch of India’s first satellite Aryabhata
C. The nuclear tests conducted at Pokhran in 1998
D. The first successful PSLV launch
✅ Answer: C
🧾 Explanation:
- National Technology Day is observed on May 11 every year to mark the Pokhran-II nuclear tests of 1998 under Operation Shakti.
Q4. Which of the following technologies were highlighted in the National Technology Day 2025 celebrations?
- Quantum communication satellite prototype
- AI-powered drone coordination system
- Indigenous vaccine for dengue
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A
🧾 Explanation:
- 1 and 2 were showcased by ISRO and DRDO respectively.
- No dengue vaccine was announced as part of the event.
👩💻 Topic 4: Project Dosti by Snehalaya
Q5. Project Dosti, recently launched in Assam, aims to:
A. Promote girl child enrolment in tribal schools
B. Offer nutritional support to orphaned children
C. Provide computer training to underprivileged adolescents
D. Fund higher education for NE toppers
✅ Answer: C
🧾 Explanation:
- Project Dosti, launched by Snehalaya and FICCI Flo, provides digital literacy and computer training to underprivileged children aged 15–18.
Q6. Which of the following government programmes aim to promote digital literacy among rural or underprivileged groups?
- Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA)
- National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR)
- Digital India Programme
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: D
🧾 Explanation:
Digital India is the umbrella programme launched in 2015 for universal digital access.
PMGDISHA targets rural households for digital training.
NDEAR aims to build a unified digital education infrastructure.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 GS Paper 3 – Internal Security | Counter-Terrorism Strategy | Defence Readiness
Q.
Operation Sindoor represents a calibrated shift in India’s counter-terror strategy. Discuss its significance in India’s evolving security doctrine. What challenges does India face in maintaining such a posture while preventing escalation?
✅ Model Answer:
Introduction:
India’s Operation Sindoor (May 2025) marks a strategic, surgical military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians were killed. Unlike past operations, this mission used precision-guided munitions, avoided military targets, and was publicly declared, signalling a new era of targeted counter-terror deterrence underpinned by proportionality and technological superiority.
🔍 Significance of Operation Sindoor in India’s Security Doctrine:
- Shift to Precision Response Doctrine:
Moves beyond traditional defensive postures (Cold Start or ‘strategic restraint’) to pre-emptive and proportionate retaliation against terror infrastructure. - Avoiding Civilian and Military Collateral Damage:
The deliberate exclusion of Pakistani military and civilian sites preserved India’s moral high ground and adhered to international humanitarian law. - First Combat Use of BrahMos-A:
India showcased the air-launched variant of the BrahMos missile, marking technological maturity in stand-off precision strikes. - Strategic Messaging:
Public naming (“Sindoor”) and calibrated diplomacy reflected strategic signalling—balancing assertiveness with restraint to reassure allies and deter adversaries. - Unified Civil-Military Response:
Coordinated action between intelligence agencies, the armed forces, and the political leadership ensured speed, secrecy, and effectiveness.
⚠️ Challenges in Sustaining Such a Posture:
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Risk of Escalation | Even targeted strikes can trigger full-scale conflict if misinterpreted. |
| International Perception Management | India must ensure that global forums support its doctrine of active self-defence. |
| Technological Dependence | Long-term sustainability requires indigenous R&D in precision weaponry and surveillance. |
| Asymmetric Retaliation | Pakistan or non-state actors may resort to cyberattacks or low-intensity insurgency in response. |
| Humanitarian Optics | Managing fallout if civilian areas near terror hubs are affected by misfires or faulty intelligence. |
🛠️ Recommendations:
- Doctrine Codification:
Clearly articulate a “Doctrine of Controlled Retaliation”—informed by proportionality, legality, and national interest. - Global Narrative Building:
Frame India’s actions within the UN Charter’s Article 51 (Right to Self-Defence); engage in proactive diplomacy with G20, UN, and neighbours. - Technological Investment:
Scale up indigenous capacity in drones, cyber-intelligence, AI-guided targeting, and electronic warfare. - Civil-Military Fusion:
Establish a permanent integrated command for real-time decision-making during crises. - Deterrence Through Preparedness:
Create visible deterrence through forward deployment, surveillance, and public drills without provoking escalation.
🧩 Conclusion:
Operation Sindoor represents a measured but firm departure from India’s earlier strategic restraint. By combining technological strength, legal precision, and calibrated aggression, it sets a precedent for future anti-terror operations. However, sustaining such a strategy requires mature diplomacy, resilient infrastructure, and institutional clarity to deter aggression while preventing uncontrolled conflict.
✨ APSC Prelims Crash Course, 2025
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