APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (14/05/2025)
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 (14-05-2025). 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
🟢 Topic: Artificial Floods in Guwahati: A Persistent Urban Challenge
📘 GS Paper 1 (APSC Mains): Urbanization and Related Issues
📘 GS Paper 3 (APSC Mains): Disaster Management | Infrastructure
📘 Prelims: Guwahati city planning, Mission Flood Free Guwahati, Bahini River, Drainage Infrastructure
🔹 Introduction
Guwahati, the capital of Assam, is facing recurring artificial floods due to unplanned urban growth, poor drainage infrastructure, and climate variability. Despite state-led initiatives such as Mission Flood Free Guwahati, flash floods continue to paralyze the city after short spells of rain. On 13 May 2025, several city areas were inundated again, underscoring the failure of existing flood mitigation measures.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Affected Areas | Chandmari, Juripar, Panjabari, Sixmile, Hatigaon, Rukminigaon, Jorabat |
| Govt. Initiative | Mission Flood Free Guwahati |
| Agencies Involved | GMC, PWD (Roads), Water Resources Dept. |
| Drainage Problem | Poor gradient, encroached/narrow drains, lack of desiltation |
| Silsako Beel Dredging | Planned to enhance water absorption and reduce flooding |
| Citizens’ Grievances | Coordination failures, cosmetic desiltation, no sustainable solutions |
⚙️ Prelims Pointers
Bahini River: Urban stream often blamed for city flooding due to encroachment and siltation.
Mission Flood Free Guwahati: Multi-agency initiative to revamp drainage and prevent flash floods.
Silsako Beel: A notified wetland in Guwahati facing encroachments; planned to be dredged.
Artificial Floods: Urban waterlogging caused by manmade obstructions, not river overflow.
Drainage Zones: Guwahati divided into major zones (e.g., Bharalu, Bahini-Burhi Bhangra basins).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Addressing Urban Flooding
Urban flooding leads to:
Economic losses due to traffic disruptions and property damage.
Health issues due to waterborne diseases.
Infrastructure damage and erosion of public trust in governance.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Description |
| Encroachment | Wetlands and drainage channels are illegally occupied |
| Drainage Design Flaws | Inadequate gradient, capacity mismatch |
| Poor Coordination | Between GMC, PWD, and Water Resources Department |
| Insufficient Desiltation | Cosmetic removal of garbage, not actual silt |
| Lack of Urban Planning | Construction in flood-prone areas without flood-resilient norms |
| Climate Change Impact | Increased intensity and unpredictability of rainfall |
C. Government Measures
GMC and PWD Collaboration: Desiltation drives, reworking drainage layout.
Real-Time Monitoring: 21 flood monitoring committees set up under the Mission.
Silsako Dredging Project: Central funds allocated; expected to reduce flood retention time.
Protective Measures: Distribution of safety gear to sanitation workers.
D. Way Forward
Scientific Mapping: GIS-based flood mapping to identify hotspots.
Strict Anti-Encroachment Action: Reclaiming drainage and wetlands like Silsako, Deepor Beel.
Public Awareness & Community Participation: Engage residents in cleanliness drives and alert systems.
Green Infrastructure: Use of permeable surfaces, rain gardens, and bio-swales.
Urban Flood Resilience Cell: A dedicated team to plan and respond using data analytics.
📚 Relevant Policies & Reports
Urban Flood Management Guidelines by NDMA
AMRUT Mission – Funding for urban drainage and infrastructure
Assam State Disaster Management Plan
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 – Wetland conservation and pollution prevention
🧩 Conclusion
The recurring artificial floods in Guwahati symbolize a deeper failure in urban governance and environmental stewardship. While short-term desiltation offers some relief, a long-term, data-driven, and community-inclusive strategy is critical to making Guwahati resilient to urban flooding.
🟢 Topic: AFSPA Withdrawn from More Areas of Assam: A Milestone in Peace Building
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Security Acts | Federalism
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Insurgency in the Northeast
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam-specific): Peace Process in Assam | Counter-insurgency Policy
🔹 Introduction
The Government of India has announced the withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) from additional areas of Assam following sustained improvement in law and order. This decision reflects both a political commitment to peace and a recognition of changing ground realities, especially in regions previously affected by insurgency and ethnic unrest.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Description |
| AFSPA Act | Grants special powers to armed forces in ‘disturbed areas’ |
| Latest Withdrawal | Areas in Upper Assam and parts of Bodo-dominated districts |
| Reason for Withdrawal | Improved law & order, reduced insurgent activity, successful peace talks |
| Past Reductions | Earlier revoked from major parts of 6 districts in 2022 |
| Insurgency Decline | ULFA(I), NDFB (R), and other groups in ceasefire or peace process |
| State Response | Assam government welcomes move; says it boosts civil governance and investment |
⚙️ Prelims Pointers
AFSPA, 1958: Originally enacted for NE India; empowers armed forces to arrest without warrant, shoot in certain situations.
Disturbed Area Notification: Issued by Centre or Governor under Section 3 of the Act.
Peace Accords in Assam: Bodo Accord (2020), Karbi Anglong Accord (2021), Suspension of Operations with ULFA factions.
Security Metrics: Decline in violent incidents, surrender of arms, and formation of village defence committees.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of AFSPA Withdrawal
Restoration of Civilian Authority: Signals return to normal governance and public trust.
Human Rights Milestone: AFSPA has often been criticized for misuse and lack of accountability.
Improved Federal Relations: Shows Centre’s trust in Assam Police and state administration.
Economic Rejuvenation: Encourages tourism, private investment, and development in formerly militarized zones.
Peace Consolidation: Recognizes the success of dialogue-based conflict resolution.
B. Challenges That Remain
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Security Vacuum Risk | Sudden withdrawal could embolden residual militant elements |
| Border Management | Proximity to Nagaland, Arunachal, Myanmar requires continued vigilance |
| Political Exploitation | Some groups may resist citing exclusion or demand separate negotiations |
| Rehabilitation | Need for sustained livelihood programs for surrendered insurgents |
| Trust Deficit | In some tribal areas, fear of revival of violence still exists |
C. Government Measures & Policy Shifts
Counter-insurgency to Counter-radicalization: Soft policing, youth rehabilitation, and intelligence-led operations
Economic Integration Schemes: PM-DevINE, Act East, industrial corridor funding for NE
Community Policing: Strengthening local police presence and early conflict warning systems
Special Development Council (SDC): For tribal autonomy and socio-economic planning
D. Way Forward
Phased Transition Plan: Replace military presence with strong, trained civilian police units.
Rebuild Institutions: Re-establish local bodies, schools, health centres in previously AFSPA-covered areas.
Truth and Reconciliation: Offer forums for victims of violence to engage with authorities and claim redress.
Cross-Border Vigilance: Collaborate with Myanmar and NE states to prevent militant regrouping.
Continued Political Dialogue: Ensure groups like ULFA(I) are drawn fully into constitutional frameworks.
📚 Relevant Acts & Reports
AFSPA, 1958
Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee Report on AFSPA (2005)
Second ARC Report on Public Order (2007)
NHRC Guidelines on AFSPA (2012)
🧩 Conclusion
The phased withdrawal of AFSPA from Assam is a watershed moment in India’s counter-insurgency policy. While it signifies peace and progress, long-term success lies in ensuring inclusive development, justice delivery, and institutional rebuilding, so that the conditions which once justified AFSPA do not re-emerge.
🟢 Topic: India’s Retail Inflation Falls to 4.83% in April 2025
📘 GS Paper 3: Indian Economy | Inflation | Monetary Policy
📘 APSC GS Paper 3: Economic Development | Price Stability | RBI Policies
🔹 Introduction
India’s retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), eased to 4.83% in April 2025, marking a significant decline compared to the previous months. This fall is attributed to a drop in vegetable and fuel prices, improved supply chains, and monetary policy tightening by the RBI over the past year. It brings the inflation rate closer to the RBI’s medium-term target of 4% ±2%.
🔑 Key Points
| Indicator | Value / Detail |
| Retail Inflation (CPI) | 4.83% in April 2025 |
| Food Inflation | Declined to 7.87% from 8.52% in March |
| Core Inflation | Below 4% (non-food, non-fuel) |
| Main Contributors | Price drop in vegetables, LPG, diesel |
| RBI Inflation Target | 4% ± 2% (under Monetary Policy Framework) |
| Impact on Monetary Policy | May lead to pause or easing in repo rate |
⚙️ Prelims Pointers
CPI (Consumer Price Index): Measures retail inflation; reflects price changes in a basket of goods and services.
Core Inflation: CPI excluding food and fuel (which are volatile).
RBI Inflation Targeting Mandate: Established by amendment to RBI Act in 2016.
Monetary Policy Committee (MPC): Decides repo rate based on inflation trajectory.
Headline Inflation vs Core Inflation: Headline includes all components; core is a better gauge of long-term inflation.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Controlled Inflation
Maintains purchasing power of consumers
Encourages investment and credit flow
Supports fiscal discipline and helps maintain macroeconomic stability
Aligns with RBI’s inflation-targeting framework, ensuring monetary credibility
Important for welfare schemes, like food subsidy and pension indexing
B. Causes Behind Inflation Decline
| Factor | Impact |
| Improved Vegetable Supply | Seasonal moderation and better logistics |
| Fuel Price Drop | LPG and diesel prices softened globally and domestically |
| Tight Monetary Policy | Cumulative repo rate hikes in 2023–24 dampened inflation |
| Global Commodity Cool-Off | Decline in edible oil and crude prices globally |
| Rupee Stabilization | Helped contain import-led inflation pressures |
C. Challenges Ahead
Sticky Food Inflation: Cereals and milk prices remain elevated
Climate Sensitivity: Heatwaves and erratic monsoons can reverse food price trends
Geopolitical Tensions: Supply chains could be disrupted due to Middle East instability
Imported Inflation Risk: Especially from global oil price shocks
Urban-Rural Divergence: Rural areas still face higher food inflation than urban centers
D. Way Forward
Strengthen Supply Chains: Focus on cold storage and logistics infrastructure for perishables.
Rationalize Food Imports: Use buffer stocks and smart imports to stabilize prices.
Balanced Monetary Policy: Avoid overtightening; support growth while anchoring inflation.
Diversify Crop Base: Promote pulses, millets, and oilseeds to reduce food inflation.
Targeted Subsidies: Ensure food security without distorting market prices.
📚 Relevant Policies & Terms
Monetary Policy Framework Agreement (2015)
Consumer Price Index (CPI) vs Wholesale Price Index (WPI)
Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act
Repo Rate & MPC Composition
PM Gati Shakti Scheme – to reduce logistical inflation
🧩 Conclusion
India’s declining retail inflation is a welcome sign of macroeconomic stability, but the challenge is to make this disinflation durable while supporting inclusive growth. Policymakers must walk a fine line between inflation control and economic stimulus.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
✅ TOPIC 1: Artificial Floods in Guwahati
Q1. Which of the following are likely causes of artificial floods in urban areas like Guwahati?
- Encroachment on wetlands and water bodies
- Improper desiltation of drains
- Increase in groundwater recharge
- Inadequate urban drainage planning
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
✅ Answer: A. 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation:
- Encroachment, lack of planning, and poor desiltation cause waterlogging.
- Groundwater recharge actually reduces surface runoff; it doesn’t cause flooding.
Q2. Which of the following natural features of Guwahati are associated with flood mitigation?
- Silsako Beel
- Deepor Beel
- Brahmaputra River’s floodplain
- Chandubi Lake
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation:
All listed water bodies act as natural water sinks and help absorb excess rainfall and floodwater, but are under threat from urban expansion.
✅ TOPIC 2: AFSPA Withdrawal in Assam
Q3. With reference to the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, consider the following statements:
- AFSPA can be imposed by both the Central and State Governments.
- It allows the armed forces to arrest without a warrant in disturbed areas.
- The law was originally passed to tackle insurgency in Jammu & Kashmir.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
- Statement 3 is incorrect – AFSPA was originally enacted for the Northeast in 1958, not J&K (J&K had its own AFSPA in 1990).
- Statement 1 is correct – Both Governor and Central Government can declare an area as ‘disturbed’.
Q4. Which of the following peace agreements is/are associated with reducing insurgency in Assam?
- Bodo Accord (2020)
- Karbi Anglong Accord (2021)
- Mizo Accord (1986)
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: B. 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
- Mizo Accord is relevant to Mizoram, not Assam.
- Bodo and Karbi accords are specific to Assam and linked to the AFSPA withdrawal rationale.
✅ TOPIC 3: Retail Inflation Falls to 4.83%
Q5. Which of the following statements about inflation measurement in India is/are correct?
- Consumer Price Index (CPI) reflects retail inflation.
- Wholesale Price Index (WPI) is compiled by the National Statistical Office.
- Core inflation excludes food and fuel prices.
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A. 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
- CPI is used by RBI for inflation targeting and reflects retail prices.
- WPI is compiled by the Office of Economic Adviser, not NSO.
- Core inflation excludes food and fuel.
Q6. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of India is:
- A statutory body under the RBI Act, 1934
- Headed by the Finance Minister of India
- Tasked with maintaining inflation within 4% ± 2%
Which statements are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A. 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
It was made statutory via 2016 amendment to the RBI Act.
MPC is headed by the RBI Governor, not the Finance Minister.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the implications of the phased withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Assam. What measures are needed to ensure that peace and stability are sustained in post-AFSPA regions?
*(GS Paper 3 – Internal Security | GS Paper 2 – Governance | APSC GS Paper 5 – Assam Specific)
Word Limit: 250
✅ Model Answer:
🔹 Introduction
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) was enacted to empower armed forces in disturbed areas. Its phased withdrawal from large parts of Assam, including Upper Assam and Bodo-dominated areas, reflects improved security, successful peace accords, and a shift from militarisation to civil governance. However, ensuring sustainable peace in a post-AFSPA context demands strategic planning.
🔑 Implications of AFSPA Withdrawal
✅ Positive Outcomes:
- Restoration of Civil Governance
- Enhances police primacy and rule of law under civilian institutions.
- Human Rights Advancement
- Addresses long-standing concerns about arbitrary arrests and alleged misuse.
- Economic Growth & Investment
- Removal of ‘disturbed area’ tags boosts tourism, infrastructure, and investor confidence.
- Peace Dividend Realisation
- Reaffirms success of Bodo and Karbi peace accords and ULFA ceasefire.
⚠️ Challenges in Post-AFSPA Assam:
| Challenge | Description |
| Security Vacuum Risk | Residual insurgent elements may regroup or exploit gaps. |
| Cross-border Threats | Porous Myanmar border still poses arms and drug trafficking risks. |
| Political Fragmentation | Demands for exclusion or autonomy could re-emerge. |
| Lack of Local Policing Capacity | Police forces may be under-equipped for sudden responsibility. |
🛠️ Measures to Sustain Peace
- Strengthening Assam Police
- Capacity-building in intelligence, equipment, and community engagement.
- Border Surveillance Upgrade
- Use drones, integrated check posts (ICPs), and fencing along Myanmar–Assam–Nagaland border.
- Socioeconomic Reintegration of Ex-insurgents
- Vocational training, education, and entrepreneurship support.
- People-Centric Governance
- Revive local bodies, increase tribal representation, and ensure grievance redress.
- Institutionalise Peace Councils
- Engage former insurgents, civil society, and youth in preventive conflict resolution.
📚 Relevant Frameworks & Precedents
- Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee (2005): Recommended repeal of AFSPA
- Second ARC Report (2007): Emphasised development and human security
- Bodo Peace Accord (2020) and Karbi Anglong Accord (2021) – cited as success models
🧩 Conclusion
The withdrawal of AFSPA from Assam marks a turning point in Northeast India’s peace trajectory. It must be matched with a calibrated focus on inclusive development, community policing, and diplomatic vigilance, ensuring that this historic shift doesn’t become a temporary reprieve but a permanent pathway to peace.
✨ APSC Prelims Crash Course, 2025
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