APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (12/06/2025)
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 (12-06-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
✨ APSC CCE Online Coaching, 2026
⚡ Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project Awaits Final Nod Amid Structural Concerns
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Energy Security | Environment
📘 GS Paper 1: Geography – River Systems & Resource Distribution
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam-Specific Projects | Inter-State Coordination | Disaster Preparedness
🔹 Introduction
The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP), India’s second-largest hydropower project (2000 MW), is awaiting final commissioning clearance from the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA). This comes amid minor structural concerns related to one of the spillways. As Assam and Arunachal Pradesh prepare for the project’s launch, it raises key issues around infrastructure safety, interstate coordination, energy generation, and environmental risk.
🔑 Key Features and Recent Developments
| Feature | Details |
| Project Name | Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP) |
| Capacity | 2,000 MW (8 units x 250 MW each) |
| Location | Border of Arunachal Pradesh & Assam (on Subansiri River) |
| Developer | NHPC Limited (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) |
| Status | Final stages; awaiting NDSA clearance |
| Structural Concern | Minor scouring near Spillway No. 6; termed “non-critical” |
| Safety Measure | Grouting and foundation consolidation on the left bank nearing completion |
| Expected Commissioning | 3 units (750 MW) by mid-2025; full capacity by March 2026 |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Subansiri River: Largest tributary of the Brahmaputra; originates in Tibet, enters India via Arunachal
NDSA: Set up under Dam Safety Act, 2021 to oversee large dam safety and compliance
Grouting in Dams: Process of filling cracks or voids in the dam foundation using cement
NHPC: India’s premier hydroelectric project developer under the Ministry of Power
Dam Safety Act, 2021: Provides uniform dam safety regulations across India
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Project
| Domain | Benefit |
| Energy Security | Will add 2,000 MW to Northeast’s power grid, reducing reliance on thermal imports |
| Infrastructure Boost | Improves interstate connectivity and grid stability |
| Economic Growth | Potential to attract investment in power-intensive industries |
| Regional Integration | Joint initiative of Assam-Arunachal – a model of federal cooperation |
| Strategic Value | Reduces carbon footprint and supports India’s renewable energy goals |
B. Challenges and Concerns
| Issue | Explanation |
| Seismic Zone Risk | Northeast is a high seismicity zone – dam safety is critical |
| Environmental Impact | Fears of downstream flooding, erosion, fish migration disruption |
| Structural Integrity | Recent scouring incident highlights long-term maintenance concerns |
| Inter-State Tensions | Past resistance from Assam due to ecological safety worries |
| Delay in Commissioning | Project delayed over a decade – cost escalations and public protests |
C. Assam Context & Civil Society Concerns
Assam’s Lower Subansiri basin is prone to floods; any structural compromise can cause flash floods
Local groups and activists (e.g., AASU) had earlier demanded better environmental clearance norms
Need for transparent dam-break analysis, public emergency evacuation drills, and state coordination
Livelihood concerns in Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts – fear of displacement, waterlogging
D. Way Forward
✅ Complete geotechnical verification and independent safety audit by NDSA before commissioning
📡 Set up real-time monitoring systems for pressure, flow, seepage, and early warning systems downstream
🤝 Regular coordination meets between Arunachal and Assam for shared disaster readiness
🌱 Environmental Offset Plans including afforestation, aquatic life preservation, and silt control
🗣️ Public outreach and transparency to build local trust in the project’s safety
📑 Relevant Policies & Reports
Dam Safety Act, 2021
Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 2006
Report of the Expert Appraisal Committee (MoEFCC) – recommended safeguards for Subansiri
Assam Disaster Management Plan – includes dam breach risk zones
National Hydropower Development Policy
🧩 Conclusion
The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project is a landmark in India’s renewable energy infrastructure, particularly for the Northeast. However, its long-term success lies in not just power generation, but in ensuring structural integrity, ecological balance, and public confidence. A cautious, consultative, and safety-first approach will ensure the dam becomes an asset, not a liability.
🤝 Bhutanese Delegation Visits Assam to Explore Trade & Transport Links
📘 GS Paper 2: International Relations – India & Neighbourhood
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Border Trade | Regional Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam – Foreign Cooperation | North-East Connectivity | Cross-Border Trade
🔹 Introduction
A high-level delegation from the Royal Government of Bhutan visited Assam on 11 June 2025 to explore trade, logistics, and transport linkages. The visit focused on enhancing connectivity between eastern Bhutan and Lower Assam, particularly through the Samdrup Jongkhar–Darrang–Guwahati corridor. It reflects Bhutan’s push for economic integration and India’s “Act East through Northeast” strategy.
🔑 Key Developments
| Element | Description |
| Delegation Led By | Bhutan’s Economic Affairs Secretary |
| Assam Officials Involved | Industries Minister, Transport Department, AIDC representatives |
| Focus Areas | Cross-border trucking, warehousing, customs facilitation, cultural exchange |
| Strategic Corridor | Samdrup Jongkhar (Bhutan) ↔ Darrang ↔ Guwahati |
| Related Project | Gelephu Mindfulness City-SEZ (complementary connectivity) |
| Outcome | Proposal to create a Border Trade Facilitation Centre (BTFC) at Darrang |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
India-Bhutan Border: ~699 km; Assam shares the longest segment
Samdrup Jongkhar: Eastern Bhutanese town with historic trade ties to Assam
BBIN MVA (2015): Motor Vehicle Agreement between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal
Bhutan’s GNH (Gross National Happiness): Unique developmental philosophy
Border Haats: Traditional markets revived on India-Bhutan and India-Bangladesh borders
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Assam-Bhutan Cross-Border Collaboration
| Benefit | Explanation |
| Trade Diversification | Assam’s MSMEs, agriculture and handicraft products gain new market |
| Logistics Efficiency | Reduced dependency on Siliguri Corridor; boosts freight movement |
| Tourism Boost | Assam–Bhutan Buddhist and eco-tourism circuits can flourish |
| Strategic Diplomacy | Counters China’s influence via soft trade and people-to-people contact |
| Employment Generation | Border trade centres can create jobs in warehousing, transport, services |
B. Key Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Customs & Infrastructure Gaps | Lack of integrated checkposts, bonded warehouses in Darrang region |
| Security & Smuggling | Need for tight monitoring of goods, trafficking, illegal migration |
| Regulatory Misalignment | Bhutanese policies on carbon neutrality limit heavy transit trade |
| Terrain & Weather | Monsoon damage to border roads, risk of landslides |
| Language & Logistic Interface | Limited use of multilingual trade documents and driver training |
C. Ongoing Measures
Assam Transport Dept initiating a feasibility study for BTFC in Darrang
Bhutan exploring opening of new entry-exit points for tourism
AIDC discussing setup of multi-modal logistics hub near Mangaldoi
Capacity-building programs for border trade entrepreneurs and drivers
D. Way Forward
🧾 Establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for cross-border freight
🚛 Improve last-mile road connectivity through NH upgrades and rural roads
📦 Launch Assam–Bhutan Logistics Partnership Program under NEC/MEA
🎭 Promote cultural exchanges, festivals, and tourism via DoNER and ICCR
🧑💼 Appoint dedicated Cross-Border Trade Commissioners for Bhutan corridors
📑 Relevant Reports & Policies
India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty (2007) – foundation of cooperation
BBIN MVA – India signed but Bhutan opted out in 2017 citing environmental reasons
Act East Policy – Phase II (2023 update) – emphasises NE infrastructure as trade gateway
North Eastern Region Vision Document 2035 – trade, tourism, and logistics as drivers
NEC Border Trade Development Framework (Draft)
🧩 Conclusion
Bhutan’s renewed outreach to Assam reflects a mutual regional vision—of peace, prosperity, and proximity. For Assam, this is an opportunity to become a hub of trans-Himalayan trade, leveraging its geography, diplomacy, and cultural ties. Converting dialogues into deliverables will define the future of Indo-Bhutanese cooperation through the Northeast.
🏞️ Brahmaputra Riverbank Erosion in Upper Assam: A Silent Disaster
📘 GS Paper 1: Geography – Physical Features | River Systems
📘 GS Paper 3: Disaster Management | Environment | Climate Impact
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam – Floods & Erosion | Rural Displacement | River Management
🔹 Introduction
Even though not a bold headline, inside-page reporting and consistent coverage (including this edition) reveal ongoing riverbank erosion in Upper Assam’s Majuli, Dhemaji, and Dibrugarh districts, displacing hundreds of families. This represents one of Assam’s chronic and under-prioritized disasters, posing challenges to rural livelihoods, infrastructure, and environmental resilience.
🔑 Key Features (Derived Contextually)
| Area Affected | Majuli, Dhakuakhana (Lakhimpur), Dibrugarh, Dhemaji
| River Involved | Brahmaputra and its tributaries (Subansiri, Jiadhol, Dibang)
| Type of Damage | Embankment collapse, land loss, crop destruction, school and road displacement
| Impacted Population | Scheduled Tribes, marginal farmers, and riverine island dwellers (char-chaporis)
| Seasonal Trigger | Early monsoon flow surges combined with glacial melt
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Brahmaputra: One of the world’s highest sediment-load rivers; originates in Tibet
Bankline Migration: Brahmaputra changes course by up to 1.5 km annually in certain stretches
Majuli Island: Once world’s largest river island; losing area due to erosion
Anti-Erosion Schemes: Implemented by Water Resources Dept & Brahmaputra Board
Matmora Geo-Tube Embankment: Assam’s first geo-tube-based anti-erosion structure
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Why Erosion is a Bigger Threat Than Floods in Assam
Erosion is permanent – displaces families without visible water accumulation
Leads to “invisible” migration – rural poor move to urban slums
Triggers landlessness, child dropout, and inter-village conflict
Affects fertile farmland, undermining local food security
B. Government Measures
Brahmaputra Board’s erosion control works (geo-bags, dykes, spurs)
Use of satellite mapping and drone surveys by ISRO and NESAC
Funds under FMP (Flood Management Programme) and RIDF (NABARD)
Char Area Development schemes under Assam’s Minorities & Rural Welfare departments
C. What Needs to Be Done
🧱 Build climate-resilient embankments with long-term materials
🗺️ Develop a Brahmaputra Erosion Atlas for policy prioritisation
🧑🌾 Create a land-for-land rehabilitation scheme for erosion-hit families
📊 Include erosion in Disaster Risk Index used for fund allocation
🤝 Set up Village Erosion Committees under panchayats to document losses
📑 Relevant Reports & Frameworks
Assam State Disaster Management Plan – Erosion still lacks primary disaster status
Second Brahmaputra Board Review (2023) – recommended decentralised dyke management
UNDRR Framework – Treats erosion as part of long-term climatic displacement
Draft North East Water Policy – calls for integrated river management with local input
🧩 Conclusion
Assam’s riverbank erosion is a slow-moving humanitarian disaster that deserves as much attention as floods. Replacing short-term fixes with science-driven, community-based erosion mitigation is essential to protect Assam’s land, people, and future.
🛣️ North East Frontier Road Projects Progressing: Strategic Connectivity through Arunachal-Assam Axis
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Internal Security | Border Development
📘 GS Paper 2: Centre-State Coordination | Governance in Border Areas
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam – Border Infrastructure | Strategic Mobility | India-China Frontier Policy
🔹 Introduction
The Ministry of Defence and BRO (Border Roads Organisation) announced accelerated progress on frontier roads in Arunachal Pradesh with vital connectivity links through Assam’s Tinsukia, Lakhimpur, and Dhemaji districts. These include strategic military corridors, feeder roads, and tunnels under the Vibrant Village Programme. Assam’s position as a logistics and transit hub for these roads is crucial from a security and development standpoint.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Project Element | Description |
| Implementing Agency | Border Roads Organisation (BRO), MoD |
| Target Areas | Arunachal border towns: Taksing, Mechuka, Anini – accessed via Assam |
| Assam Districts Involved | Tinsukia, Dhemaji, North Lakhimpur – serve as base nodes |
| Key Roads Underway | Likabali–Along, Bame–Mechuka, Dibrugarh–Roing corridor |
| Strategic Objective | Faster troop movement, post-China LAC tensions; support for VVP villages |
| Civilian Benefit | Enhanced road access for border tribes, disaster evacuation, and tourism |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
BRO: Under MoD, maintains 60,000+ km of roads in border zones
India-China Border: ~3,488 km disputed; Arunachal accounts for 1,100+ km
Vibrant Village Programme (2022): Development push for 2,963 villages on India-China border
Arunachal Frontier Highway (AFH): 2,000+ km road project paralleling LAC
Sela Tunnel: First bi-lane tunnel above 13,000 ft in Arunachal – linked via Assam
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Strategic Relevance for Assam
Assam serves as gateway and logistics base for frontier infrastructure
Border districts benefit from military-road dual use: better roads, tourism, trade
Strengthens Assam’s role in national security infrastructure
Boosts integration of tribal belts, previously isolated
B. Developmental Impact
| Impact Area | Benefit |
| Healthcare Access | Ambulances, mobile hospitals reach faster |
| School Connectivity | Tribal schoolchildren can commute without 2-day treks |
| Disaster Relief | Quicker evacuation during floods, landslides |
| Tourism Corridors | Assam–Arunachal spiritual circuits (Parashuram Kund, Mechuka) |
C. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Environmental Fragility | Himalayas prone to landslides and erosion; road work must be climate-sensitive |
| Tribal Consent | Roads may pass through indigenous land – requires FPIC compliance |
| Inter-State Coordination | Assam–Arunachal joint planning still ad-hoc |
| Security vs Ecology | High-speed roads may impact wildlife zones and sanctuaries |
D. Way Forward
📜 Draft Assam–Arunachal Border Road Agreement for joint monitoring
🌱 Adopt Green Highway Codes (bioengineering, slope stabilisation)
🏕️ Use roads for rural eco-tourism circuits – homestays, tribal crafts
🚁 Explore helicopter connectivity and drone corridors for strategic logistics
🛃 Train local youth in road maintenance, logistics, and emergency services
📑 Relevant Frameworks
Vibrant Village Programme (2022)
PM Gati Shakti Plan – logistics integration for border and defense
India’s Border Management Strategy (Home Ministry)
BRO Vision Document 2047
Assam SDG Framework – promotes rural infrastructure under Goal 9
🧩 Conclusion
Replacing academic autonomy with strategic border connectivity repositions Assam not just as a cultural state but as a geopolitical anchor for India’s Northeast. The success of frontier roads will depend on sensitive development, inclusive planning, and civil-military synergy rooted in Assam’s frontier districts.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
✅ Topic 1: Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project
1. Consider the following statements about the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP):
- It is being constructed on a tributary of the Ganga.
- It is India’s second-largest hydroelectric project.
- The project lies on the Assam–Arunachal border.
Which of the above statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only ✅
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
🧠 Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect: It lies on the Subansiri, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, not Ganga.
- Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
2. The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) functions under:
A. Ministry of Jal Shakti
B. Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
C. Ministry of Power
D. Ministry of Home Affairs
Correct Answer: A. Ministry of Jal Shakti ✅
🧠 Explanation:
The Dam Safety Act, 2021 brought the NDSA under the Ministry of Jal Shakti to ensure dam safety and oversight.
✅ Topic 2: Bhutanese Delegation Visit to Assam
3. The Samdrup Jongkhar–Darrang corridor discussed during Bhutan’s 2025 visit is associated with:
A. Oil pipeline development
B. Cross-border hydropower
C. Trade and logistics connectivity ✅
D. Wildlife migration control
🧠 Explanation:
This corridor is being developed to enhance trade and logistics between Bhutan’s eastern region and Assam.
4. Which of the following statements about the BBIN initiative is/are correct?
- It is a free trade agreement among four South Asian countries.
- Bhutan has fully ratified the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement.
- It aims to facilitate the movement of goods and vehicles across borders.
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 3 only ✅
D. 1, 2 and 3
🧠 Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect: It is a transport agreement, not a trade agreement.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: Bhutan has not ratified the MVA.
- Statement 3 is correct.
✅ Topic 3: Brahmaputra Riverbank Erosion
5. Brahmaputra River is characterized by which of the following?
- High sediment load
- Frequent channel migration
- Origin in the Karakoram Range
Select the correct code:
A. 1 and 2 only ✅
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
🧠 Explanation:
- Statement 1: True – Brahmaputra carries one of the highest sediment loads globally.
- Statement 2: True – It causes erosion and course shifts.
- Statement 3: False – It originates in the Tibet region, not Karakoram.
6. The Matmora embankment in Assam is known for:
A. Hosting the annual Brahmaputra regatta
B. Assam’s first geo-tube based flood protection project ✅
C. A major hydropower dam
D. Oldest colonial irrigation canal
🧠 Explanation:
Matmora in Dhakuakhana (Lakhimpur district) is famous for India’s first geo-tube embankment.
✅ Topic 4: Frontier Road Projects via Assam
7. The Vibrant Village Programme aims to:
A. Electrify all villages within 20 km of India’s coastlines
B. Promote tribal sports in remote villages
C. Develop border villages along the northern frontiers ✅
D. Digitally map every panchayat in India
🧠 Explanation:
The VVP, launched in 2022, focuses on border village development along India-China frontiers.
8. Which Indian organization is primarily responsible for constructing roads in border areas?
A. CPWD
B. NHAI
C. BRO ✅
D. NHIDCL
🧠 Explanation:
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) builds and maintains strategic roads in border zones.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Mains Question (GS Paper 3 – Disaster Management | Geography | Assam-Specific):
Q. “Riverbank erosion in Assam is a more silent but devastating disaster than floods.” Discuss the causes, impacts, and suggest a long-term mitigation strategy.
📘 Model Answer
Introduction
While floods in Assam make headlines every monsoon, riverbank erosion—especially along the Brahmaputra and its tributaries—remains a chronic and under-reported disaster. Unlike floods that are seasonal and visible, erosion displaces land, homes, and livelihoods permanently, often without formal recognition or compensation. It affects over 8 lakh people annually and causes loss of 8,000 hectares of land.
Causes of Riverbank Erosion in Assam
| Cause | Explanation |
| High Sediment Load | Brahmaputra carries one of the world’s highest sediment volumes, leading to siltation and shifting banks |
| Channel Migration | The river frequently changes course due to its braided structure |
| Deforestation & Mining | Upland degradation and sand mining weaken riverbanks |
| Seismic Instability | Assam is in a seismically active zone, destabilizing riverbeds |
| Unregulated Embankments | Poorly designed flood-control structures worsen erosion downstream |
Impacts of Erosion: More Permanent Than Floods
A. Social Displacement
- Creates landless communities, especially among marginal farmers
- Riverine (char-chapori) populations face repeated relocation
- School dropouts, early marriage, and health insecurity follow loss of homes
B. Economic Devastation
- Destroys agricultural land, livestock assets, and incomes
- Pushes affected populations into urban slums and informal jobs
C. Environmental Stress
- Loss of riparian biodiversity
- Alters aquifer recharge zones and natural floodplains
D. Governance Challenges
- Erosion not recognised as a disaster under Disaster Management Act, 2005
- Lack of clear data on displaced persons = poor compensation & rehab
Government Interventions
| Initiative | Details |
| Brahmaputra Board Projects | Dyke construction, spurs, embankments, channel training works |
| Matmora Geo-tube Embankment | Assam’s first scientific erosion-control structure using geo-bags |
| ISRO Mapping | Satellite-based erosion hotspot identification with NESAC |
| Char Area Development Scheme | Supports socio-economic upliftment of erosion-prone river islands |
| Assam SDRF Support | Provides temporary relief in erosion-hit areas (not long-term rehabilitation) |
Way Forward: Long-Term Mitigation Strategy
✅ Policy-Level
- Declare riverbank erosion as a notified disaster under NDMA
- Include erosion-affected in disaster relief and compensation norms
✅ Engineering Solutions
- Promote bioengineering (vetiver, bamboo reinforcement)
- Upgrade embankments using geo-textile and modern hydrology
✅ Livelihood & Rehabilitation
- Create land banks and land-for-land rehabilitation programs
- Offer livelihood support, insurance, and skilling in alternative trades
✅ Governance Reform
- Setup a State Erosion Commission with legal powers
- Digitize and update village erosion risk maps for early planning
- Ensure community-led monitoring of erosion-prone zones
Conclusion
Erosion in Assam is not a seasonal crisis—it is a slow-moving humanitarian emergency. Ignoring it erodes not just land, but the lives and dignity of the most vulnerable. A scientific, humane, and decentralized strategy rooted in resilience and justice is essential to tackle one of Assam’s most urgent and invisible disasters.
✨ APSC CCE Courses, 2025-26 offered by SuchitraACS
🔔 Join Our WhatsApp Study Group!
For exclusive access to premium quality content, including study materials, current affairs, MCQs, and model answers for APSC CCE and other Assam competitive exams.
Click here to join: SuchitraACS Study WhatsApp Group
📚 Want to know more about SuchitraACS’s most affordable courses?
Click here to know more: SuchitraACS Courses for APSC CCE and Assam Competitive Examinations
