APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (15/05/2025)
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 (15-05-2025). 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: India-China Tensions over Arunachal Pradesh: Geopolitical Implications of Renaming Places
📘 GS Paper 2: International Relations | India and its Neighbours
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Border Management
📘 Assam GS Paper 5: India’s Foreign Policy in Northeast | Arunachal Security Concerns
🔹 Introduction
In a provocative move, China announced Chinese names for 27 locations in Arunachal Pradesh, escalating its assertion over the Indian state, which it calls “Zangnan.” India strongly rejected the move, reaffirming that Arunachal Pradesh “was, is, and will always remain” an integral part of India. This is the fifth time China has renamed places in the state, adding to the long-standing border tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Detail |
| Chinese Claim | Refers to Arunachal as “Zangnan,” part of “Southern Tibet” |
| India’s Response | Called renaming “vain and preposterous”; rejected the claim outright |
| Past Incidents | 2017, 2021, 2023 – Similar renaming episodes by China |
| Affected Features | 15 mountains, 4 passes, 2 rivers, 5 villages, and 1 lake |
| LAC Standoff | Tensions remain unresolved since 2020 Galwan clashes |
| Diplomatic Engagement | India-China agreed to resume Kailash Mansarovar Yatra |
⚙️ Prelims Pointers
Zangnan: Chinese name for Arunachal Pradesh
Line of Actual Control (LAC): 3,488 km de facto border between India and China
Tawang Region: Historically and strategically significant region in Arunachal
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Recently resumed after COVID and border standoff
McMahon Line: Boundary drawn during Simla Accord (1914), rejected by China
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Arunachal Pradesh
Strategic Location: Shares borders with Bhutan, China, Myanmar
Tawang’s Geopolitical Role: Key in India’s Tibet policy; China claims it as part of Tibet
Cultural Significance: Home to Monpa tribes and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries
Security Installations: Indian Army and ITBP deployments crucial in border villages
B. Challenges Posed by China’s Naming Strategy
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Cartographic Aggression | Attempts to assert territorial claims through maps and naming |
| Psychological Warfare | Undermines Indian sovereignty and influences global perception |
| Border Villages in Focus | Chinese dual-use village construction near LAC |
| Delayed Demarcation | No mutually agreed delineation of the LAC |
C. India’s Diplomatic and Strategic Response
Firm Rebuttals: MEA routinely issues strong diplomatic protests
Border Infrastructure Boost: Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), BRO road building
Surveillance Upgrades: Satellite imaging, drones, and radar systems for LAC
Quad & Global Alliances: Coordinated messaging on Indo-Pacific stability
D. Way Forward
Strengthen Local Governance in Border Areas
Engage International Support on China’s Aggressive Tactics
Push for Early Border Resolution Mechanism via Special Representatives’ Dialogue
Promote Cultural Diplomacy: Highlight Tawang’s Buddhist heritage globally
Sustain Military Deterrence: Focus on air mobility, logistics, and troop readiness
📚 Relevant Frameworks & Agreements
1954 Panchsheel Agreement (Peaceful coexistence) – now largely defunct
2005 Agreement on Political Parameters for Border Resolution
2013 Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA)
2020 Galwan Valley Agreement (temporary de-escalation)
🧩 Conclusion
China’s renaming of places in Arunachal is a deliberate geopolitical tactic to assert illegitimate claims. India’s firm rejection, along with its focus on infrastructure, diplomacy, and defense, highlights a multi-pronged approach to safeguard territorial integrity and national pride.
🟢 Topic: Assam Govt to Provide Rs 10,000 Aid to Pregnant Tea Garden Workers
📘 GS Paper 2: Welfare Schemes | Vulnerable Sections | Health
📘 GS Paper 1 (APSC): Society | Issues Related to Tea Garden Communities
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam-specific Development Initiatives
🔹 Introduction
In a move to improve maternal health outcomes among one of Assam’s most marginalized communities, the state government announced a direct benefit transfer of ₹10,000 to pregnant women workers in tea gardens. This is part of a broader attempt to reduce maternal and infant mortality and address long-standing health inequities faced by tea tribe communities in Assam.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Scheme Target Group | Pregnant women workers in Assam’s tea gardens |
| Financial Support | ₹10,000 (one-time assistance) |
| Disbursal Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-linked accounts |
| Objectives | Improve maternal nutrition, reduce mortality, ensure prenatal care |
| Broader Policy Linkage | Aligns with SDG-3 (Good Health & Well-being), National Nutrition Mission |
| Implemented By | Assam Tea Tribes Welfare Board + State Health Department |
⚙️ Prelims Pointers
Assam’s Tea Community: About 20% of Assam’s population, historically underprivileged.
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Central scheme providing financial aid for institutional deliveries.
POSHAN Abhiyaan: India’s flagship program for improved nutrition among women and children.
DBT Mode: Ensures leakage-free, targeted transfer of funds.
MMR in Assam: One of the highest in India (195 per lakh live births, as per NFHS-5).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Why Special Focus on Tea Garden Women is Needed
Poor Health Indicators: High anaemia, maternal mortality, malnourishment.
Accessibility Barriers: Remote gardens, few health sub-centres, mobility issues.
Socioeconomic Vulnerability: Low literacy, wage dependence, poor sanitation.
Traditional Delivery Practices: Preference for home births without skilled attendance.
Inter-generational Poverty: Lack of maternal care affects future child health and education.
B. Potential Benefits of the Scheme
| Impact Area | Expected Outcome |
| Maternal Health | Encourages regular checkups and use of iron/calcium supplements |
| Institutional Delivery | May increase deliveries at PHCs and hospitals |
| Nutrition | Can support better diet during pregnancy |
| Empowerment | Direct money gives women agency in household decisions |
| DBT Efficiency | Ensures reduced corruption and direct support to beneficiaries |
C. Challenges in Implementation
Banking Access: Limited bank branches in remote tea estates.
Documentation Gap: Aadhaar seeding issues and lack of pregnancy registration.
Awareness Deficit: Many workers unaware of benefits or how to claim them.
Last-Mile Delivery: Health infrastructure may not keep pace with increased demand.
Monitoring and Follow-up: Risk of one-time cash transfer not leading to behavior change.
D. Way Forward
Health Outreach Camps: Regular visits by ANMs, ASHAs, and mobile health units in gardens.
Awareness Drives: Use of vernacular media and women’s SHGs to spread information.
Digitized Monitoring: Integration with maternal health tracking apps and telemedicine.
Postnatal Support: Extend scheme to cover postnatal nutrition and infant care for 6 months.
Tea Board + CSR Synergy: Engage tea companies under CSR for supplementary health kits.
📚 Relevant Policies & Programs
National Health Mission (NHM)
Assam Maternity Benefit Scheme for Tea Tribes
POSHAN Tracker App
Social Welfare Policy for Tea Garden Workers (Assam)
🧩 Conclusion
The ₹10,000 maternity aid is more than just a welfare payout—it is a strategic investment in Assam’s future generations. With proper implementation, it can significantly reduce health disparities and promote inclusive development in a historically neglected section of Assam’s workforce.
🟢 Topic: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to Resume via Nathu La Amid India-China Talks
📘 GS Paper 2: International Relations | India-China Relations | Cultural Diplomacy
📘 GS Paper 1 (APSC): Culture & Pilgrimage Routes | Northeast Connectivity
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Regional Significance of Border Infrastructure
🔹 Introduction
In a sign of cautious thawing in diplomatic ties, India and China have agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Nathu La route in Sikkim, after a four-year suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic and military standoffs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This decision emerged alongside backchannel negotiations over Arunachal Pradesh tensions.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Detail |
| Route Resumption | Nathu La (Sikkim) to Kailash Mansarovar, Tibet (China) |
| Yatra Suspended Since | 2020 (COVID-19 + Galwan standoff) |
| Organised By | Ministry of External Affairs (India) in coordination with China |
| Strategic Implication | Indicates diplomatic opening amid border disputes |
| Alternative Route | Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand (also disrupted during tensions) |
| Yatra Significance | Religious (Shiva devotees), cultural (India-Tibet heritage), strategic (border diplomacy) |
⚙️ Prelims Pointers
Kailash Mansarovar: Holy site in Tibet revered in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Bon
Nathu La Pass: Mountain pass in Sikkim reopened for Yatra in 2015; also part of India-China trade route
Lipulekh Pass: Alternative route via Uttarakhand (India–Nepal–China tri-junction)
Organising Agencies: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), ITBP, and Chinese authorities
Eligibility for Yatra: Citizens aged 18–70, with fitness certification and passport
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Yatra Resumption
Symbol of Soft Diplomacy: Promotes cultural connection amidst geopolitical friction
Confidence-Building Measure: Creates positive atmosphere for future border talks
Strategic Connectivity Boost: Validates the Nathu La route’s operational safety
Religious and Cultural Value: Reaffirms India’s deep-rooted ties with Tibetan Buddhist and Hindu traditions
Northeast Integration: Puts Sikkim and Northeast India on global pilgrimage map
B. Challenges in Implementation
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Security Sensitivity | Nathu La is a militarised zone; high troop deployment nearby |
| Weather and Terrain | High altitude, snow, and landslides can disrupt the journey |
| Geopolitical Volatility | Sudden Chinese policy shifts can halt the Yatra again |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Need for improved roadways, telecom, and medical emergency support |
| Health Risks | High altitude sickness and lack of acclimatization facilities |
C. Government Preparedness and Measures
Digital Application System: Online registration and tracking
Medical Screening & Acclimatization: 3-stage health certification process
Improved Logistics: Upgradation of rest camps and ITBP medical stations
Increased Coordination: India-China coordination cell to oversee Yatra safety
Disaster Contingency: NDRF and local emergency teams on standby
D. Way Forward
Diversify Cultural Routes: Link pilgrimage to tourism circuits in Northeast India
Leverage Diplomacy: Use Yatra cooperation as leverage in LAC talks
Build Indo-Tibet Heritage Awareness: Cultural festivals and exchanges to enhance people-to-people ties
Strengthen Multimodal Access: Integrate Sikkim’s road, air, and rail connectivity to support pilgrims
Institutionalize Pilgrimage Diplomacy: Create a framework for sacred route coordination between India, China, Nepal
📚 Relevant Policies & Agreements
India-China Border Protocol (2005)
Memorandum of Understanding (2015): Yatra via Nathu La
Buddhist Circuit Development Programme – Integrated cultural tourism in India
Neighbourhood First & Act East Policies
🧩 Conclusion
The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nathu La is more than a religious exercise—it reflects a strategic and cultural engagement tool between two major Asian powers. By balancing security with soft diplomacy, India can enhance regional confidence while strengthening its presence in the Himalayas.
🟢 Topic: World Bank to Fund Brahmaputra Riverfront Development in Guwahati
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Initiatives | Urban Development
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Environment | Sustainable Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam-specific): River Management | Urban Planning in Assam
🔹 Introduction
The World Bank has agreed to fund a major riverfront beautification and development project along the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, aimed at transforming the city’s interface with the river into a modern, sustainable, and eco-friendly urban space. The move aligns with Assam’s vision of flood-resilient smart infrastructure and is expected to enhance tourism, disaster management, and ecological restoration.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Description |
| Project Name | Brahmaputra Riverfront Development Project |
| Implementing Agency | Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) |
| Funding Partner | World Bank |
| Estimated Cost | ₹2,000+ crore (expected investment tranche) |
| Key Features | Promenades, embankment strengthening, flood barriers, cultural zones |
| Goals | Eco-restoration, flood mitigation, tourism enhancement |
| Timeline | Multi-phase plan; first stage expected by 2026 |
⚙️ Prelims Pointers
Guwahati Smart City Project: Includes urban mobility, flood resilience, and tourism corridors.
National River Conservation Plan (NRCP): Umbrella programme for river rejuvenation.
Brahmaputra River: One of India’s mightiest rivers; prone to annual flooding and erosion in Assam.
World Bank in India: Supports climate resilience, water management, and infrastructure development.
Blue-Green Infrastructure: Combines ecological (green) and water (blue) systems to manage urban environments sustainably.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the Project
Urban Aesthetics and Livability: Creates public open spaces, walkways, and cultural plazas
Flood Control Infrastructure: Integration of embankments and smart drainage with beautification
Tourism Boost: Potential to make Guwahati a hub for heritage river cruises and waterfront cafes
Environmental Restoration: Wetland protection and native plantation to improve river health
Economic Revitalization: Generates employment and commercial activity in river-facing areas
B. Challenges and Concerns
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Siltation and Erosion | Brahmaputra’s dynamic flow can damage constructed zones |
| Displacement Issues | Encroachments along the banks could lead to rehabilitation disputes |
| Ecological Sensitivity | Interference with aquatic and wetland ecosystems |
| Maintenance & Sustainability | Need for long-term operation and cleanliness |
| Flood Risk | Project must account for monsoon surges and riverbank breaches |
C. Govt. and Institutional Efforts
Assam Urban Infrastructure Investment Programme (AUIIP): Supports flood-resilient infrastructure
Involvement of IIT Guwahati: Technical consultation for hydraulic modeling and ecological engineering
State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA): To integrate disaster resilience into riverfront planning
Heritage and Tourism Dept.: Developing cultural narratives around riverfront zones
D. Way Forward
Sustainable Design Principles: Focus on green walkways, permeable surfaces, and native flora
Stakeholder Inclusion: Involve local communities, NGOs, and environmentalists in planning
Geo-Spatial Monitoring: Use of drones, GIS to assess erosion and real-time changes
Phased Development: Prioritize high-risk flood zones before aesthetic projects
Ecotourism and Branding: Market the Brahmaputra waterfront as a global eco-tourism destination
📚 Relevant Schemes and References
National Mission for Clean Ganga (Extended to Brahmaputra basin)
AMRUT 2.0 – Urban rejuvenation and water-focused infrastructure
Brahmaputra Board – Nodal body for flood and river management in NE
India’s National Urban Policy Framework (2018) – Promotes resilient waterfronts
🧩 Conclusion
The World Bank-backed Brahmaputra riverfront development is a landmark initiative to redefine urban space, strengthen flood defences, and celebrate Assam’s cultural and ecological heritage. If implemented wisely, it can become a model of integrated river-centric urban planning in India.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
✅ Topic 1: China Renames Places in Arunachal Pradesh
Q1. With reference to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), consider the following statements:
- It serves as the official international boundary between India and China.
- It runs through the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh.
- The McMahon Line is accepted by both India and China as the demarcation in the eastern sector.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: B. 2 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect: The LAC is not the international boundary; it is a de facto line pending resolution.
- Statement 2 is correct: It passes through Ladakh, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: China rejects the McMahon Line, though India accepts it.
Q2. “Zangnan,” often seen in news, refers to:
A. The Chinese name for a part of the South China Sea.
B. The name China uses for eastern Ladakh.
C. The Chinese name for Arunachal Pradesh.
D. A disputed island in the East China Sea.
✅ Answer: C.
Explanation:
- Zangnan is the Chinese name for Arunachal Pradesh, which it claims as part of “South Tibet”.
✅ Topic 2: Assam’s ₹10,000 Aid to Pregnant Tea Garden Workers
Q3. Consider the following schemes:
- POSHAN Abhiyaan
- Janani Suraksha Yojana
- Ayushman Bharat
- Matru Vandana Yojana
Which of the above centrally sponsored schemes focus on maternal health?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: B.
Explanation:
- Ayushman Bharat primarily focuses on hospitalization insurance, not specifically maternal health.
- The other three are maternal and nutrition-related schemes.
Q4. Which of the following statements best describes the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system?
A. It is a platform for providing subsidies through private contractors.
B. It is a means to route welfare payments directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
C. It is an Aadhaar-linked payment gateway for income tax rebates.
D. It is a cryptocurrency system used for government payments.
✅ Answer: B.
Explanation:
- DBT ensures leakage-free transfer of subsidies/welfare funds directly into Aadhaar-linked accounts of beneficiaries.
✅ Topic 3: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nathu La
Q5. Nathu La, an important Indo-China pass, is located in:
A. Uttarakhand
B. Arunachal Pradesh
C. Sikkim
D. Himachal Pradesh
✅ Answer: C.
Explanation:
- Nathu La is a strategically important mountain pass in Sikkim, used for trade and pilgrimage (Kailash Mansarovar Yatra).
Q6. Which of the following religions consider Mount Kailash as a sacred pilgrimage site?
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Jainism
- Bon (pre-Buddhist Tibetan faith)
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
D. 2, 3 and 4 only
✅ Answer: C.
Explanation:
- Mount Kailash is sacred to all four religions listed: Hindus (abode of Shiva), Buddhists (Demchog), Jains (Ashtapada), and Bon followers.
✅ Topic 4: World Bank to Fund Brahmaputra Riverfront Project
Q7. The term “Blue-Green Infrastructure,” often mentioned in urban development, refers to:
A. Solar panels and wind turbines for green energy in cities.
B. Use of artificial intelligence in city management.
C. Integration of natural water bodies and vegetation in urban planning.
D. Development of marine infrastructure for economic zones.
✅ Answer: C.
Explanation:
- Blue-Green Infrastructure blends water (blue) and vegetation (green) to create sustainable and flood-resilient cities.
Q8. Which of the following Indian rivers are covered under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)?
- Brahmaputra
- Yamuna
- Ganga
- Cauvery
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2, 3 and 4 only
C. 1, 2 and 3 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: D.
Explanation:
NRCP has been extended to include major rivers including the Brahmaputra, Ganga, Yamuna, Cauvery, etc., for pollution control and eco-restoration.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Q. Discuss the significance of the Assam government’s financial support to pregnant tea garden workers. How can such interventions address health and social inequalities among marginalized communities in the state?
(GS Paper 2 – Welfare Schemes | Vulnerable Sections | Health; APSC GS Paper 5 – Assam-specific Development)
Word Limit: 250
✅ Model Answer:
🔹 Introduction
The Assam government’s announcement of a ₹10,000 direct cash benefit for pregnant women in tea gardens is a targeted social welfare intervention aimed at addressing long-standing maternal health disparities among the tea tribe community. This measure aligns with the state’s broader health equity goals and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 – Good Health and Well-being.
🔍 Significance of the Scheme
- Maternal Health Empowerment: Encourages antenatal checkups, nutritional support, and institutional deliveries in a vulnerable group.
- Bridging Healthcare Gaps: Tea gardens often lack PHCs, trained birth attendants, and transport for pregnant women.
- Financial Cushion: Supplements wages during pregnancy, reducing dependency and exploitation.
- Focus on Equity: Recognizes the distinct socio-economic exclusion of tea tribes, who have historically been underrepresented in development schemes.
- Data-Driven Governance: Use of DBT and Aadhaar ensures transparency and traceability.
⚠️ Challenges to Implementation
| Issue | Explanation |
| Banking Infrastructure | Many tea gardens lack nearby banks or ATMs, limiting DBT access. |
| Awareness Gap | Low literacy among women may hinder benefit enrollment. |
| Aadhaar-Related Issues | Documentation lapses and biometric mismatches can delay transfers. |
| Monitoring | Ensuring that funds are used for maternal care, not diverted. |
🛠️ Way Forward
- Mobile Health Clinics: Regular maternal care at doorstep in tea estates.
- SHG and ASHA Engagement: Local women can serve as peer educators and enrollment facilitators.
- Nutritional Support Integration: Combine cash with rations, health kits, and supplements.
- Digitized Pregnancy Tracking: Link with POSHAN and NHM data systems for real-time monitoring.
- CSR Partnerships: Tea estates to co-fund postnatal care under Corporate Social Responsibility.
🧩 Conclusion
This initiative is not just financial aid—it is a tool for structural empowerment. To be effective, it must be integrated with health outreach, nutrition, and community participation, ensuring that Assam’s tea tribes—who sustain its economy—are not left behind in its development story.
✨ APSC Prelims Crash Course, 2025
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