APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (15/07/2025)
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 (15-07-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
✨ APSC CCE Online Coaching, 2026
🚜 Drought-like Conditions in Assam: Implications for Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods
📘 GS Paper 1 (Mains): Geography – Monsoon Pattern | Climate Change
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Agriculture | Disaster Management | Environment
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Agriculture in Assam | Climate Vulnerability | Water Resources
📘 Prelims: IMD Rainfall Classification | Sali Paddy | Photo-sensitive Varieties | AAU | Monsoon Deficit
🔹 Introduction
Nearly half of Assam is facing drought-like conditions due to severe monsoon deficit, especially in western districts. With high rainfall dependency, particularly for sali rice cultivation, the situation poses a major risk to agriculture, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods. Despite an early monsoon onset, rainfall remains deficient or largely deficient in most regions, exposing Assam’s climate vulnerability.
🔑 Key Highlights from the Report
| Parameter | Description |
| Affected Districts | 18 districts; >70% rain deficit in Bajali (–83%), South Salmara, Darrang, Barpeta, Nalbari, Baksa |
| Classification (IMD) | “Largely Deficient” (–60 to –99%) |
| Agricultural Risk | Sali paddy transplantation delayed; short-day flowering may be affected |
| Impacted Sectors | Forestry, Fisheries, Livestock, Rural Water Availability |
| Institutional Input | Advisory being prepared by Agriculture Dept. and AAU |
| Hope Ahead | Rainfall improvement expected by late July (IMD prediction) |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
IMD Rainfall Categories:
Normal: –19% to +19% from long-term average
Deficient: –20% to –59%
Largely Deficient: –60% to –99%
Sali Paddy:
Main monsoon-season rice crop of Assam
Highly photo-sensitive (requires timely transplanting)
Delay affects flowering & yield
Assam Agriculture University (AAU):
Located in Jorhat; critical role in agrometeorology research and advisories
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Sali Paddy & Monsoon for Assam
| Aspect | Explanation |
| Food Security | Sali rice is staple crop for >60% of population |
| Rural Economy | Engages lakhs of farmers in seasonal livelihood |
| Agro-Biodiversity | Supports native seeds and community varieties |
| Fish & Livestock | Monsoon-fed wetlands are crucial for allied sectors |
B. Impact of Drought-like Conditions
| Sector | Impact |
| Agriculture | Delayed transplantation, stunted growth, reduced yields |
| Forests & Biodiversity | Heat stress on ecosystems, drying up of wet patches |
| Livestock | Fodder shortage, water scarcity, heat stress in cattle |
| Fisheries | Decrease in pond recharge, fish deaths due to oxygen depletion |
| Labour | Reduced rural wages, seasonal migration |
C. Government & Institutional Response
| Body | Initiative |
| Agriculture Dept. | District-level rainfall report collection |
| AAU (Agromet) | Issuing scientific advisories for drought-resilient practices |
| IMD | Providing extended forecast – expected rainfall from late July |
| State Govt. | Contingency planning for crop loss & irrigation backup |
📊 Reports & Policies to Cite
National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) 2016 – classifies agricultural drought as a hazard
State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC – Assam) – calls for crop diversification and water conservation
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – promotes water use efficiency
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) – offers crop insurance and adaptive strategies
🧭 Way Forward
| Strategy | Action Points |
| Short-Term Relief | Fast-track advisories, promote early-maturing varieties, distribute seed kits |
| Irrigation Push | Expand micro-irrigation schemes and rainwater harvesting |
| Crop Diversification | Shift from high water-consuming crops to pulses/oilseeds |
| Climate-Smart Farming | Promote resilient seed banks, agromet apps, weather insurance |
| Institutional Strengthening | Real-time data sharing between IMD–AAU–Revenue–Farmers |
🧩 Conclusion
The drought-like crisis in Assam highlights the fragility of monsoon-dependent agriculture amidst a changing climate. A proactive, science-driven, and people-centric strategy is needed to protect both crops and communities. Building climate resilience in agriculture is not an option but an imperative for Assam’s future.
🛣️ India-Myanmar Border Road Upgrade: Strategic & Economic Significance for Northeast India
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): International Relations | India and Neighbours | Bilateral Cooperation
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Infrastructure | Border Management | Internal Security
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam & NE Connectivity | Act East Policy | Cross-Border Trade
📘 Prelims: India-Myanmar Border | Kaladan Project | Tamu–Moreh | IMT Trilateral Highway | BRO
🔹 Introduction
India has stepped up efforts to upgrade border road infrastructure along the India–Myanmar frontier, with key sections like the Tamu–Moreh and Kalewa–Yagyi routes under active restoration. These projects are crucial to connect India’s Northeast to ASEAN markets, improve border security, and enhance local livelihoods in Manipur, Mizoram, and Assam.
🔑 Key Updates from the Report
| Parameter | Details |
| Key Corridors | Tamu–Moreh (Manipur), Kalewa–Yagyi (Myanmar), Zokhawthar (Mizoram) |
| Project Implementer | Border Roads Organisation (BRO), NHAI, MEA |
| Strategic Value | Strengthens India’s land access to Southeast Asia via NE |
| Trade Purpose | Part of India–Myanmar–Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway |
| Security Context | Needed amid refugee flow, cross-border insurgency, and smuggling |
| Act East Integration | Connects NE states to Myanmar ports and beyond |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Tamu–Moreh Border: Manipur–Myanmar land link, part of IMT Highway
IMT Trilateral Highway: 1,360 km long, connects India (Moreh) to Thailand (Mae Sot) via Myanmar
Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP): Links Kolkata–Sittwe–Mizoram
Zokhawthar (Mizoram): Second major India–Myanmar land port
BRO: Works under the Ministry of Defence; implements strategic border roads
Free Movement Regime (FMR): 16 km free movement along India–Myanmar border for local tribes
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Strategic Importance for India
| Domain | Benefit |
| Regional Connectivity | Links NE India to ASEAN via land and sea |
| Economic Development | Opens trade for bamboo, tea, ginger, textiles, handicrafts |
| Security Management | Enhances troop mobility and counters insurgent infiltration |
| Humanitarian Support | Helps manage refugee inflow from Myanmar conflicts |
| Act East Policy | Operationalises India’s shift from Look East to Act East |
B. Challenges in Border Road Implementation
| Issue | Explanation |
| Difficult Terrain | Hills, monsoon floods, and unstable soil affect roadworks |
| Insurgency & Refugee Pressure | Ethnic conflict in Myanmar spills over into Indian border areas |
| Institutional Delays | Multiple ministries involved – MEA, MoRTH, Defence, Home |
| Local Displacement | Land acquisition issues in tribal and forest areas |
| Infrastructure Gap | Poor logistics, internet, and customs facilities at border posts |
C. Assam’s Stake and Opportunity
Acts as a transit state between Bengal plains and border states
Guwahati and Silchar emerging as trade logistics hubs
Potential for multi-modal transport linkages (road + river + rail)
Export of agro-products, cement, and engineering goods via land ports
Scope for youth employment in border logistics, customs, and tourism
📊 Supporting Reports & Frameworks
India–Myanmar Border Area Development Programme
Act East Policy 2.0 (2023) – Focus on infrastructure-led diplomacy
ADB Support for IMT Highway
India–ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan
Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs (2024–25)
🧭 Way Forward
| Focus | Recommendation |
| Multilateral Funding | Tap ADB, JICA, and BIMSTEC for faster project execution |
| Digital Border Management | Smart customs, EDI clearance, integrated check posts |
| Skill Development | Train locals in trade, warehousing, and road maintenance |
| Integrated Development | Couple roads with power, telecom, and tourism facilities |
| Strategic Coordination | Unified command between BRO, Army, MHA, and MoRTH |
🧩 Conclusion
The India–Myanmar border road upgrade is more than a transport project—it is a gateway to regional integration, national security, and Northeast empowerment. Assam must seize this moment to position itself as the logistics heartland of India’s eastern economic corridor.
🧠 NEP 2020 and Foundational Literacy: Assam’s Push to Improve Early Education Outcomes
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Education | Government Policies | Human Resource Development
📘 GS Paper 4 (Mains): Ethics in Governance – Public Service Delivery, Equity
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam-specific Schemes | Education in Rural Areas | School Governance
📘 Prelims: NIPUN Bharat | NEP 2020 | Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) | Vidya Samiksha Kendra | DIKSHA Platform
🔹 Introduction
The Government of Assam has prioritized Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with fresh focus on NIPUN Bharat and teacher accountability measures. The renewed efforts are driven by recent ASER reports indicating learning gaps in early-grade students, particularly in rural and tribal regions.
🔑 Key Highlights from the Report
| Parameter | Detail |
| State Initiative | Monitoring classroom learning outcomes using Vidya Samiksha Kendra (Guwahati) |
| Target Group | Students in Classes 1 to 3 across govt and aided schools |
| Learning Gap Focus | Reading comprehension, basic math, oral expression |
| Key Program | NIPUN Bharat – National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy |
| Challenges Identified | Low school attendance, multi-grade classrooms, untrained teachers |
| Integration | Use of DIKSHA App, Anganwadi–school transition, parent participation |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
NEP 2020 Goal for FLN: Achieve universal FLN in primary schools by Grade 3 by 2026–27
NIPUN Bharat Mission: Launched by Ministry of Education in 2021
Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK): Real-time learning dashboard to track classroom metrics
DIKSHA Platform: National digital infrastructure for teachers and students
ASER Report: Annual independent survey tracking school learning outcomes
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN)
| Domain | Impact |
| Cognitive Development | Improves thinking, expression, and problem-solving |
| Future Learning | Strong FLN boosts learning in science, history, and languages |
| Equity | Enables inclusion of first-generation learners and tribal students |
| Public Health | Literacy tied to better hygiene, maternal care, and nutrition |
| Economic Productivity | Literate children become more employable, socially aware citizens |
B. Assam’s Education Challenges in Early Grades
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Teacher Shortage | High vacancy in rural and char-chapori schools |
| Language Barrier | Early learners struggle with English/Assamese medium |
| Attendance Issues | Floods, migration, and family duties affect continuity |
| Multi-Grade Teaching | One teacher managing multiple classes limits quality |
| Low Learning Outcomes | ASER 2024: 58% of Class 3 cannot read a Class 2-level text |
C. Key Measures Underway in Assam
| Measure | Description |
| VSK Integration | Tracks student progress using classroom-level data |
| Teacher Training | Modules via DIKSHA and SCERT for FLN pedagogy |
| Anganwadi–School Transition | Ensures smooth movement from ECCE to Class 1 |
| School Governance | Head teachers made accountable for basic literacy by Grade 3 |
| Community Involvement | Parental awareness sessions for home support |
📊 Supporting Data & Frameworks
ASER Report 2024 – Assam: 61% of Class 2 students unable to subtract single digits
NIPUN Bharat Indicators: Oral reading fluency, number recognition, place value understanding
NEP 2020: Shift from rote to competency-based education
Right to Education Act (RTE): Mandates free & compulsory elementary education
PMeVidya Program: Tele-education and e-content for remote learners
🧭 Way Forward
| Area | Recommendation |
| Curriculum Redesign | Emphasize play-based, mother tongue-based FLN |
| Assessment Reform | Use adaptive and continuous evaluation tools |
| Tech-Enabled Monitoring | Expand VSKs to district level for granular tracking |
| Local Innovation | Encourage low-cost, community-designed TLMs (Teaching–Learning Materials) |
| Inter-Sectoral Convergence | Integrate education, nutrition (Mid-Day Meal), and health schemes |
🧩 Conclusion
Assam’s renewed emphasis on foundational learning reflects the true spirit of NEP 2020 — education as an enabler of equity and opportunity. A robust, accountable, and inclusive FLN strategy can ensure that no child is left behind in their learning journey, especially in the state’s most underserved regions.
🔬 Assam to Set Up Regional Science Centre in Dibrugarh: Boost to STEM Outreach in Upper Assam
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Governance | Education | Science Policy
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Science & Technology | Innovation | Scientific Temper
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam-Specific Education and Awareness Initiatives | North-East Development
📘 Prelims: National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) | STEM Promotion | NE Science Centres
🔹 Introduction
In a significant push to enhance science education and public engagement, the Assam government has approved a plan to establish a Regional Science Centre (RSC) in Dibrugarh, modeled on the success of the Guwahati centre. This initiative is expected to provide a platform for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) promotion, especially in the upper Assam and eastern Arunachal Pradesh corridor.
🔑 Key Highlights from the News
| Parameter | Details |
| Location | Dibrugarh town, with land allocation in Naharkatia-Duliajan belt |
| Status | Approved in State Budget 2025–26; MoU with NCSM signed |
| Objective | Promote science literacy, innovation, and scientific temper |
| Coverage Area | Upper Assam, Nagaland border belt, parts of Arunachal Pradesh |
| Partners | Assam Science Technology & Environment Council (ASTEC), NCSM (under MoC) |
| Features | 3D science theatre, innovation hub, planetarium, mobile science van, labs |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Regional Science Centre (RSC): Interactive science museums under the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM)
NCSM: Autonomous body under Ministry of Culture
ASTEC: Assam Science Technology & Environment Council; nodal science promotion body of the state
Scientific Temper: Enshrined in Article 51A(h) – Fundamental Duties
Existing NE Science Centres: Guwahati, Imphal, Shillong, Gangtok
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Why a Regional Science Centre Matters for Assam
| Domain | Benefit |
| Education | Hands-on learning to complement textbook science in schools |
| STEM Promotion | Encourages innovation among school and college students |
| Public Engagement | Helps demystify science for the general public, farmers, artisans |
| Regional Inclusion | Reduces science access gap in Upper Assam and tribal belts |
| Career Pipeline | Inspires rural students toward research, ITIs, engineering, and tech roles |
B. Existing Gaps in Science Awareness in Assam
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Regional Disparity | Most science infrastructure concentrated in Guwahati or metros |
| Teacher Training | Lack of trained STEM educators in rural/tribal schools |
| Rote Learning | NEP 2020 calls for activity-based learning, but slow implementation |
| Language Barrier | Lack of Assamese/Bodo/tribal language science content |
| Gender Gap | Low science participation among girls in rural areas |
C. Complementary Government Initiatives
| Scheme | Description |
| Vigyan Jyoti | Encourages girls in rural areas to pursue STEM |
| INSPIRE Awards (DST) | School-level innovation grant support |
| Mobile Science Lab (MSL) | Brings STEM models to remote schools |
| NECAP (NE Action Plan) | Science-based livelihood model for NE states |
| National Science Day (Feb 28) | Celebration and awareness via local science centres |
📊 Supporting Facts & Reports
Only 1 science centre in Assam currently (at Khanapara, Guwahati)
Dibrugarh and Duliajan belt houses ONGC, Oil India – offers industry–academia potential
State Science Literacy Index (Est. 2022): Upper Assam lags behind Central Assam in science awareness
Article 51A(h): “It shall be the duty of every citizen to develop scientific temper…”
🧭 Way Forward
| Focus Area | Recommendation |
| Local Curriculum | Align exhibits with SCERT/NCERT content in Assamese and tribal languages |
| Skill Linkage | Use RSC for pre-ITI training and green skill development |
| Mobile Labs | Expand vans with interactive experiments for tea garden schools |
| Industry Partnership | Collaborate with ONGC, OIL, IOCL for STEM internships and sponsorship |
| Gender Inclusion | Reserve science camps and competitions for girls from rural high schools |
🧩 Conclusion
The proposed Regional Science Centre at Dibrugarh is not just an infrastructure addition—it is a symbol of Assam’s commitment to knowledge-driven growth. By democratizing science and fostering curiosity among youth, especially in remote areas, the RSC can catalyze a scientifically informed and innovative Assam.
🏥 Assam’s Bid for a National Institute of Mental Health: Strengthening Psychiatric Care in Northeast India
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Health | Government Initiatives | Social Sector Schemes
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Infrastructure – Health | Human Resource Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam-Specific Health Challenges | Mental Health Infrastructure
📘 Prelims: National Mental Health Programme | NMHP | District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) | NIMHANS Model
🔹 Introduction
In a landmark proposal, the Government of Assam has requested the Centre to establish a National Institute of Mental Health in the state, citing the growing mental health crisis in the Northeast and lack of regionally accessible advanced psychiatric infrastructure. The model will draw from NIMHANS, India’s premier mental health institution based in Bengaluru.
🔑 Key Highlights from the Report
| Feature | Description |
| Proposal By | Assam Health Department to Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare |
| Proposed Location | Likely in Guwahati or central Assam for regional accessibility |
| Justification | High incidence of depression, substance abuse, PTSD in NE; lack of super-specialty care |
| Institutional Model | Similar to NIMHANS – combining clinical care, teaching, research |
| Existing Gap | Only a few state-run mental health hospitals; poor patient–psychiatrist ratio |
| Regional Relevance | Will serve Arunachal, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
NIMHANS: National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru (autonomous institute under MoHFW)
National Mental Health Programme (NMHP): Launched in 1982 to integrate mental health into primary care
District Mental Health Programme (DMHP): Part of NMHP – provides psychological services at district level
Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: Rights-based legal framework ensuring dignity and treatment of mentally ill persons
Manodarpan Initiative: School/college counselling support under MoE
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Need for a National Mental Health Institute in Assam
| Reason | Explanation |
| Mental Health Burden | Rise in depression, anxiety, addiction, and post-COVID trauma in NE states |
| Suicide Rate | Assam among top 5 Indian states in suicide rate (NCRB data) |
| Substance Abuse | High prevalence of alcohol and drug addiction in border districts |
| Youth Distress | Academic pressure, unemployment, digital addiction affecting youth |
| Regional Isolation | Remoteness, conflict history, and social stigma worsen access to care |
B. Challenges in Assam’s Current Mental Health Ecosystem
| Challenge | Impact |
| Limited Infrastructure | Few psychiatric hospitals, most located in Guwahati |
| Manpower Deficit | <1 psychiatrist per 1 lakh population; few trained psychologists |
| Stigma | Cultural silence and taboo around mental illness |
| Rural–Urban Divide | Tribal areas severely underserved in psychiatric services |
| Weak School Counselling | Poor availability of mental health support in educational institutions |
C. Benefits of a National Institute
| Benefit | Description |
| Tertiary Care Access | Super-specialty services for complex disorders like schizophrenia, bipolarity |
| Regional Research | Culturally sensitive psychiatry tailored for NE mental health landscape |
| Training Hub | PG medical courses, nursing, psychology, and community health workers |
| Outreach Clinics | Satellite centres in remote districts and hilly regions |
| Technology-Enabled Care | Tele-psychiatry and AI-based diagnostics to reach underserved areas |
📊 Supporting Data & Frameworks
WHO Report 2023: 1 in 8 people globally affected by mental illness; worsened post-pandemic
NCRB 2023: Assam’s suicide rate ~31.2 per lakh vs national average ~12.4
Mental Health Budget (2024–25): <2% of Health Ministry allocation; underfunded despite growing burden
India’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy (2022): Calls for more regional centres and workforce
Global Mental Health Observatory (WHO): India has <0.3 psychiatrists per 100,000 population
🧭 Way Forward
| Area | Recommendation |
| Central Approval | Fast-track clearance from MoHFW for the Assam Institute |
| Public Awareness | State-level destigmatisation campaigns via media and schools |
| Mental Health in Schools | Mandatory counsellors, helplines, and teacher training |
| Digital Health | Leverage e-Sanjeevani for remote psychiatry |
| Community-Based Care | Mobilise ASHA/ANM workers with basic training in mental health red flags |
🧩 Conclusion
Establishing a National Institute of Mental Health in Assam is both a strategic and moral imperative. It will provide not just treatment but also hope, dignity, and inclusion for millions affected by invisible illness across the Northeast. Mental health must now be seen not as a luxury—but as a basic human right.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🔹 Topic 1: Drought-like Conditions in Assam
Q1. Which of the following districts were reported to have over 70% rainfall deficiency in Assam as per July 2025 data?
- Bajali
- South Salmara
- Baksa
- Dibrugarh
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
✅ Answer: (a)
📘 Explanation: Bajali, South Salmara, and Baksa faced >70% deficiency, while Dibrugarh is not among the severely affected districts.
Q2. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall is classified as “Largely Deficient” when:
(a) Rainfall is 0% below average
(b) Rainfall is 60–99% below average
(c) Rainfall is 20–59% below average
(d) Rainfall is 1–10% above average
✅ Answer: (b)
📘 Explanation:
- Largely Deficient: –60% to –99%
- Deficient: –20% to –59%
- Normal: –19% to +19%
🔹 Topic 2: India–Myanmar Border Road Upgrade
Q3. The India–Myanmar–Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway connects which of the following cities?
(a) Moreh – Kalewa – Naypyidaw – Bangkok
(b) Moreh – Kalewa – Yagyi – Mae Sot
(c) Imphal – Yangon – Phnom Penh
(d) Guwahati – Mandalay – Vientiane
✅ Answer: (b)
📘 Explanation: The IMT Highway runs through Moreh (India), Kalewa and Yagyi (Myanmar), and ends at Mae Sot (Thailand).
Q4. Consider the following border crossing points:
- Tamu–Moreh
- Zokhawthar–Rih
- Sutarkandi–Sylhet
- Dawki–Tamabil
Which of the above are India–Myanmar border points?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only
✅ Answer: (a)
📘 Explanation:
- Sutarkandi and Dawki are India–Bangladesh border crossings.
- Tamu–Moreh and Zokhawthar–Rih are India–Myanmar.
🔹 Topic 3: Foundational Literacy and NEP 2020
Q5. NIPUN Bharat, recently emphasized in Assam, aims to achieve universal foundational literacy and numeracy by:
(a) 2023–24
(b) 2024–25
(c) 2026–27
(d) 2030–31
✅ Answer: (c)
📘 Explanation: NIPUN Bharat targets all children achieving foundational skills by Grade 3 by 2026–27.
Q6. The Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK), set up in Assam under the FLN mission, is primarily used for:
(a) Mid-day meal distribution tracking
(b) School infrastructure monitoring
(c) Real-time learning outcome analytics
(d) Exam paper printing and distribution
✅ Answer: (c)
📘 Explanation: VSKs are data dashboards that monitor student performance, attendance, and teacher engagement in real time.
🔹 Topic 4: Regional Science Centre in Dibrugarh
Q7. The Regional Science Centres in India function under which institution?
(a) Ministry of Education
(b) Indian Council of Social Science Research
(c) Ministry of Science and Technology
(d) National Council of Science Museums
✅ Answer: (d)
📘 Explanation: RSCs come under the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture.
Q8. Which of the following best reflects the constitutional basis for promoting scientific temper in India?
(a) Directive Principles of State Policy
(b) Article 51A(h) – Fundamental Duty
(c) Article 32 – Fundamental Right
(d) Article 21A – Right to Education
✅ Answer: (b)
📘 Explanation: Article 51A(h) directs citizens “to develop scientific temper, humanism and spirit of inquiry”.
🔹 Topic 5: Proposed Mental Health Institute in Assam
Q9. The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 includes which of the following features?
- Right to access affordable mental healthcare
- Prohibits electroconvulsive therapy without anaesthesia
- Decriminalizes suicide attempts
- Mandates insurance coverage for mental illness
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
✅ Answer: (c)
📘 Explanation: The Act ensures dignity, rights, and care, decriminalizes suicide, regulates treatment, and mandates insurance parity.
Q10. NIMHANS, often cited as the model for Assam’s proposed institute, is known for:
(a) Agricultural extension services
(b) Tribal welfare schemes
(c) Neuroscience and mental health research
(d) Skill development in tourism
✅ Answer: (c)
📘 Explanation: NIMHANS (Bengaluru) is India’s apex institution for mental health and neurosciences under MoHFW.
APSC Mains Practice Question
❓Question:
Assam’s agriculture remains heavily dependent on the monsoon, making it vulnerable to climatic shocks.
Discuss the impact of drought-like conditions on Assam’s agriculture and suggest measures to build resilience in the farming sector.
(Word Limit: 250)
✅ Model Answer:
🔸 Introduction
Assam’s agrarian economy is intricately tied to the Southwest Monsoon, with over 70% of cultivation rain-fed, especially for sali paddy, the state’s primary crop. In 2025, many districts faced “largely deficient” rainfall, leading to drought-like conditions that threaten food security and rural livelihoods.
🔹 Impact of Drought on Agriculture and Livelihoods
| Area | Impact |
| Crop Productivity | Delayed transplantation of sali paddy, stunted growth due to water stress |
| Livestock | Scarcity of fodder and drinking water leads to reduced milk yield |
| Fisheries | Reduced water levels in ponds affect breeding cycles |
| Labour | Wage loss due to reduced agricultural activity, leading to distress migration |
| Soil Health | Exposure of topsoil to sunlight reduces moisture retention |
🔹 Measures for Climate-Resilient Agriculture
| Domain | Recommendation |
| Agromet Services | Real-time district-level weather advisories via AAU & IMD coordination |
| Drought-Tolerant Crops | Promote short-duration and photo-insensitive rice varieties |
| Irrigation Support | Scale up micro-irrigation, community ponds, and check dams under PMKSY |
| Insurance and Compensation | Expand coverage under PMFBY and ensure timely payouts |
| Diversification | Encourage pulses, oilseeds, and horticulture with lesser water demands |
| Institutional Preparedness | Integrate disaster early warning, seed banks, and contingency planning |
🔸 Conclusion
Recurrent climate shocks in Assam reveal the urgent need to shift from reactive to resilient agriculture, supported by science, policy, and grassroots participation. Building adaptive capacities now will ensure that the next drought does not become the next disaster.
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