APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (14/08/2025)
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 (14-08-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🚄 Assam’s First Vande Bharat Express to Enhance Connectivity and Economic Growth
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Transport | Economic Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Transport & Connectivity in Assam
🔹 Introduction
The launch of Assam’s first Vande Bharat Express marks a major milestone in modernising the region’s rail infrastructure. Designed for speed, comfort, and energy efficiency, the train connects key economic and cultural centres of Assam, improving regional mobility and aligning with the Government’s goal of enhancing North-East connectivity.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Route | Between Guwahati and Dibrugarh (via Jorhat and Sivasagar). |
| Speed | Designed for speeds up to 160 km/h. |
| Facilities | Fully air-conditioned coaches, Wi-Fi, CCTV surveillance, GPS-based passenger information system. |
| Economic Impact | Faster movement of passengers and potentially perishable goods, tourism boost. |
| Make in India | Manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai. |
| Energy Efficiency | Regenerative braking system to save energy. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Vande Bharat Express: India’s semi-high-speed train introduced in 2019.
Integral Coach Factory (ICF): Leading rail coach manufacturer in India.
Regenerative Braking: Technology that recovers energy during braking.
North-East Connectivity Initiatives: Includes Jiribam–Imphal rail line, Bogibeel Bridge, and electrification projects.
PM Gati Shakti Plan: Integrates rail, road, and water transport for efficient logistics.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for Assam
Regional Mobility – Reduces travel time between major cities and towns.
Tourism Promotion – Easier access to Kaziranga, Majuli, and cultural hubs.
Economic Growth – Faster passenger and freight transport stimulates trade.
Integration with National Rail Network – Links Assam with rest of India via semi-high-speed corridor.
Sustainable Transport – Energy-efficient travel option.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Track Upgradation | Many sections require strengthening for sustained high-speed operations. |
| Operational Costs | Maintenance and energy costs higher than conventional trains. |
| Weather Vulnerability | Flooding and landslides may disrupt services in monsoon. |
| Accessibility | Ticket pricing may be high for rural passengers. |
C. Govt Initiatives
North East Region Vision 2035 – Focuses on connectivity as a growth driver.
Indian Railways Electrification Mission – Enhances efficiency and reduces carbon footprint.
Bharatmala & Sagarmala Integration – Seamless movement between modes of transport.
Special Tourist Circuits – Plans to link heritage sites with faster trains.
D. Way Ahead
Track Modernisation – Prioritise double-tracking and strengthening for speed consistency.
Affordable Fare Structures – Tiered pricing to encourage broader usage.
Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure – Elevation and flood-proofing of tracks in vulnerable zones.
Integration with Last-Mile Connectivity – Bus and ferry linkages at stations.
🧩 Conclusion
The arrival of Assam’s first Vande Bharat Express is more than a transport upgrade — it’s a symbol of regional integration, economic ambition, and sustainable mobility. With strategic planning, it can become a catalyst for inclusive growth in the North-East.
🌾 Assam to Roll Out New Organic Farming Policy 2025
📘 GS Paper 3: Agriculture | Sustainable Development | Food Security
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Agriculture & Allied Sectors in Assam
🔹 Introduction
The Assam Government has announced the Organic Farming Policy 2025, aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving soil health, and creating premium markets for organic produce. The policy aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), while also catering to growing domestic and export demand for chemical-free food.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Policy Aim | Transition at least 15% of cultivable land in Assam to certified organic farming by 2030. |
| Focus Areas | Soil fertility management, organic seed banks, bio-fertilisers, and integrated pest management. |
| Financial Support | Subsidies for certification, infrastructure, and market linkages. |
| Marketing Strategy | Branding “Organic Assam” with GI tagging for select crops like Joha rice, ginger, turmeric. |
| Training & Capacity Building | Farmer Field Schools for organic techniques. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
PKVY: Centrally sponsored scheme promoting organic farming through cluster-based approaches.
PGS-India: Participatory Guarantee System for local organic certification.
APEDA: Nodal agency for organic product export promotion.
GI Tags in Assam: Joha rice, Boka Chaul, Kaji Nemu.
Organic Farming Benefits: Enhances biodiversity, reduces input costs, improves soil carbon content.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for Assam
Agro-Climatic Advantage – Diverse climate supports organic cultivation of spices, fruits, and tea.
Market Demand – Rising health-conscious consumer base in India and abroad.
Environmental Protection – Reduces chemical runoff into Brahmaputra and wetlands.
Income Diversification – Premium pricing for certified organic produce.
Cultural Continuity – Builds on Assam’s traditional eco-friendly farming practices.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Certification Bottlenecks | Time-consuming and costly for small farmers. |
| Yield Gap | Initial yield decline during transition from chemical to organic. |
| Market Access | Inadequate cold storage and transport infrastructure. |
| Pest & Disease Management | Need for reliable bio-control agents. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) – Value addition and market creation for organic products.
National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) – Certification and standards.
State Organic Cell – Nodal body for implementation in Assam.
D. Way Ahead
Cluster Approach Expansion – Focus on organic villages for scale economies.
Processing & Branding Units – Local value addition before export.
Digital Marketing Platforms – Direct farmer-to-consumer sales.
Research & Extension – Collaboration with AAU and ICAR for crop-specific organic solutions.
🧩 Conclusion
The Organic Farming Policy 2025 can transform Assam into a leading organic hub of the North-East, benefiting farmers, consumers, and the environment. Success will depend on institutional support, market integration, and farmer empowerment.
🛣️ Bogibeel–Gohpur Four-Lane Highway Project Approved
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Transport | Regional Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Connectivity & Economic Development in Assam
🔹 Introduction
The Union Government has approved the Bogibeel–Gohpur Four-Lane Highway Project under the Bharatmala Pariyojana to improve connectivity between the north and south banks of the Brahmaputra in Assam. The project will boost economic integration, reduce travel time, and strengthen access to the strategically important Arunachal Pradesh border areas.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Length | ~40 km (connecting Bogibeel Bridge to NH-15 near Gohpur). |
| Objective | Enhance cross-bank connectivity, ease freight movement, improve road safety. |
| Strategic Value | Facilitates rapid movement of defence and essential goods to Arunachal Pradesh. |
| Economic Impact | Boosts tea, agriculture, and tourism sectors in the adjoining districts. |
| Funding | Central funding under Bharatmala Phase II. |
| Environmental Measures | Elevated stretches and proper drainage to counter Brahmaputra flood impact. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Bogibeel Bridge: India’s longest rail-cum-road bridge, inaugurated in 2018, connecting Dhemaji and Dibrugarh districts.
Bharatmala Pariyojana: Centrally sponsored scheme for optimising freight movement through highway corridors.
NH-15: Passes through Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, crucial for regional connectivity.
North Bank vs South Bank: North bank generally less developed in road density compared to south bank of Brahmaputra.
Strategic Roads in Assam: Include Dhola–Sadiya Bridge and National Highway projects under BRO.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for Assam
Balanced Development – Brings economic opportunities to north bank districts.
Trade Facilitation – Reduces logistics cost for goods to/from Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan border.
Tourism Growth – Easier access to Kaziranga (from north bank) and Majuli.
Disaster Resilience – Elevated roads ensure year-round connectivity despite monsoon floods.
Strategic Mobility – Supports defence preparedness in border regions.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Land Acquisition | May face delays due to fragmented landholdings. |
| Flood Vulnerability | Brahmaputra’s shifting channels pose engineering challenges. |
| Environmental Concerns | Impact on riverine and wetland ecosystems. |
| Maintenance | Need for long-term upkeep to prevent erosion damage. |
C. Govt Initiatives
North-East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS) – Funds road projects in the NE region.
PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan – Integrates road, rail, and waterway projects.
Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for NE (SARDP-NE) – Improves road infrastructure in NE states.
D. Way Ahead
Climate-Resilient Engineering – Use flood-proof design and high embankments.
Stakeholder Consultation – Address landowner concerns through fair compensation.
Eco-Sensitive Design – Avoid disruption to wetland hydrology.
Integration with River Transport – Combine with Brahmaputra ferry services for multimodal connectivity.
🧩 Conclusion
The Bogibeel–Gohpur Four-Lane Highway Project is a transformative infrastructure initiative for Assam, promising faster travel, better economic integration, and enhanced strategic mobility. If executed with environmental and social safeguards, it can bridge long-standing connectivity gaps between the two banks of the Brahmaputra.
🏞️ Dibru–Saikhowa to Get Eco-Tourism Boost under New Wetland Development Plan
📘 GS Paper 3: Environment | Biodiversity Conservation | Sustainable Tourism
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Protected Areas & Tourism in Assam
🔹 Introduction
The Assam Government has unveiled a Wetland Development Plan to promote eco-tourism in Dibru–Saikhowa National Park, a biodiversity hotspot in upper Assam. The initiative aims to balance conservation with livelihood opportunities for local communities, leveraging the park’s unique riverine and wetland ecosystem to attract both domestic and international tourists.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts, Assam. |
| Unique Ecosystem | Riverine island and wetland ecosystem at the confluence of Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers. |
| Flora & Fauna | Feral horses, Gangetic dolphins, migratory birds, swamp deer. |
| Tourism Components | Boat safaris, bird-watching towers, community-run homestays, eco-camps. |
| Conservation Measures | Habitat restoration, anti-poaching patrols, regulated visitor flow. |
| Funding Source | State Wetland Development Mission with possible CSR partnerships. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Dibru–Saikhowa: UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve.
Ramsar Wetlands in Assam: Deepar Beel is the only Ramsar site; Dibru–Saikhowa is not yet designated but is ecologically significant.
Feral Horses: Descendants of abandoned army horses from World War II era.
Important Bird Area (IBA): Notified by BirdLife International.
Eco-Tourism Principles: Low-impact travel to natural areas, conserving environment, and benefiting local people.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for Assam
Biodiversity Conservation – Supports endangered species and migratory bird habitats.
Sustainable Livelihoods – Empowers local communities through tourism-linked jobs.
Cultural Linkages – Promotes local crafts, cuisine, and heritage alongside nature tourism.
Climate Adaptation – Wetland conservation enhances flood mitigation and carbon sequestration.
Regional Branding – Positions Assam as a hub for responsible tourism.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Flood Impact | Annual Brahmaputra floods reshape park’s terrain. |
| Pollution Threats | Upstream industrial and oil exploration activities. |
| Over-Tourism Risk | Unregulated inflow can damage fragile habitats. |
| Human–Wildlife Conflict | Crop raiding by wild herbivores in nearby villages. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Assam Wetland Rules, 2019 – State-level regulatory framework.
Eco-Sensitive Zone Notifications – Regulates development around protected areas.
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) – Strengthens anti-poaching measures.
Homestay Development Schemes – Under Assam Tourism Policy.
D. Way Ahead
Community-Based Tourism Committees – Empower locals in decision-making.
Carrying Capacity Assessment – Limit visitor numbers to sustainable levels.
Eco-Certification – For all lodges and tour operators in the area.
Research Collaboration – With universities for biodiversity monitoring.
🧩 Conclusion
The eco-tourism plan for Dibru–Saikhowa presents a win–win for conservation and development. If implemented with ecological sensitivity and strong community participation, it can become a model for wetland-based sustainable tourism in the North-East.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
Topic 1 – Assam’s First Vande Bharat Express
Q1. With reference to the Vande Bharat Express, consider the following statements:
- It is India’s first indigenously developed semi-high-speed train.
- It operates entirely on diesel-electric locomotives.
- The regenerative braking system used in these trains helps in saving energy.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct – Developed under Make in India at ICF, Chennai.
- Statement 2 is incorrect – Operates on electric traction, not diesel.
- Statement 3 is correct – Regenerative braking converts kinetic energy back to electrical energy, improving efficiency.
Q2. Which of the following initiatives is most directly linked to the integration of Vande Bharat Express services with national transport planning?
(a) PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan
(b) Bharatmala Pariyojana
(c) National Electric Mobility Mission
(d) Sagarmala Programme
Answer: (a)
Topic 2 – Assam Organic Farming Policy 2025
Q3. Consider the following pairs:
| Crop/Product | GI Tag in Assam |
| 1. Joha rice | Yes |
| 2. Kaji Nemu | Yes |
| 3. Assam Orthodox Tea | Yes |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
All three have GI tags — Joha rice, Kaji Nemu (lemon), and Assam Orthodox Tea are registered under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
Q4. The Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India) often seen in the news is:
(a) An insurance scheme for farmers against crop failure.
(b) A decentralised organic certification system.
(c) A soil fertility enhancement programme.
(d) A minimum price assurance mechanism for organic produce.
Answer: (b)
Topic 3 – Bogibeel–Gohpur Four-Lane Highway Project
Q5. The Bogibeel Bridge, recently in news, connects which of the following?
(a) Dibrugarh in Assam with Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Dhemaji and Dibrugarh districts in Assam
(c) Jorhat in Assam with Majuli Island
(d) Dhola in Assam with Sadiya in Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: (b)
Q6. With reference to the Bharatmala Pariyojana, consider the following statements:
- It is implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
- It focuses exclusively on building expressways between metropolitan cities.
- One of its objectives is to optimise freight movement through economic corridors.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Statement 2 is incorrect – Bharatmala covers feeder routes, border roads, coastal roads, and corridors, not just metro expressways.
Topic 4 – Dibru–Saikhowa Wetland Eco-Tourism Plan
Q7. Dibru–Saikhowa National Park is known for which of the following unique features?
- It is the only Ramsar wetland site in Assam.
- It is home to feral horses.
- It is part of a biosphere reserve.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect – Deepar Beel is Assam’s only Ramsar site.
- Statement 2 is correct – Park hosts feral horses from WWII era.
- Statement 3 is correct – Dibru–Saikhowa is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Q8. Which of the following best defines “eco-tourism” as per internationally accepted principles?
(a) Tourism that prioritises luxury accommodation in natural areas.
(b) Tourism aimed at maximising visitor numbers to protected sites.
(c) Low-impact, responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and benefits local communities.
(d) Any tourism activity conducted in rural areas.
Answer: (c)
APSC Mains Practice Question
Question:
“Discuss the significance of Assam’s Organic Farming Policy 2025 in promoting sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods. What challenges could hinder its implementation, and suggest measures to overcome them.”
Introduction
Organic farming refers to agricultural practices that avoid synthetic chemical inputs, relying instead on natural processes for soil fertility and pest control.
In August 2025, the Assam Government launched the Organic Farming Policy 2025 with the aim to bring at least 15% of cultivable land under certified organic farming by 2030. The policy aligns with Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), aiming to transform Assam into a hub for premium-quality organic produce.
Significance of the Policy
1. Environmental Sustainability
- Reduces chemical runoff into the Brahmaputra and its tributaries, preserving aquatic biodiversity.
- Improves soil organic carbon, enhancing climate resilience.
2. Economic Opportunities
- Premium pricing for certified organic crops like Joha rice, ginger, and Kaji Nemu.
- Expands export potential under APEDA’s organic promotion initiatives.
3. Health Benefits
- Supplies chemical-free food to an increasingly health-conscious market.
4. Cultural Integration
- Builds on Assam’s traditional eco-friendly farming methods, linking heritage with modern certification.
5. Regional Development
- Integrates with MOVCDNER for value addition and branding of “Organic Assam” in national and global markets.
Challenges in Implementation
| Challenge | Impact |
| Certification Bottlenecks | High cost and time delays discourage small farmers. |
| Yield Gap | Initial drop in productivity during transition period. |
| Market Linkages | Lack of efficient cold storage, processing units, and transport facilities. |
| Pest & Disease Management | Organic bio-control methods may be less effective initially. |
| Awareness & Skills | Many farmers are unaware of certification norms and export procedures. |
Measures to Overcome Challenges
1. Institutional Support
- Strengthen the State Organic Cell to provide one-stop solutions for certification, training, and market access.
2. Financial Incentives
- Expand subsidies for organic inputs and certification costs under PKVY and MOVCDNER.
3. Infrastructure Development
- Establish local cold storages, primary processing centres, and organic markets in each district.
4. Cluster-Based Approach
- Promote organic villages to achieve economies of scale in production and marketing.
5. Digital Integration
- Develop an online “Organic Assam” portal for farmer registration, certification tracking, and e-commerce linkages.
Conclusion
Assam’s Organic Farming Policy 2025 has the potential to deliver a triple dividend — environmental protection, rural income enhancement, and consumer health. However, its success will depend on addressing structural challenges through institutional capacity building, infrastructure investment, and strong market integration. With sustained political and community support, Assam could emerge as a leading organic production hub in the North-East and a recognised player in the global organic value chain.
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