APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (17/09/2025)
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 (17-09-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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💻 Assam IT & Electronics Policy 2025–2030
📘 GS Paper II – Governance, Policy & Interventions
📘 GS Paper III – Economy, Science & Tech, Employment
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific: Industrial & Digital Development
🔹 Introduction
On 17 Sept 2025, the Assam Cabinet approved the IT & Electronics Policy 2025–2030, aimed at transforming Assam into a digital economy hub of Northeast India. The policy aligns with Digital India, Start-up India, and Make in India missions, while addressing local challenges of employment, digital divide, and industrial growth.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Description |
| Duration | 2025–2030 (5 years) |
| Focus Areas | IT services, electronics manufacturing, start-ups, AI/IoT adoption, BPOs |
| Infrastructure | New IT Parks in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar; Electronic Manufacturing Clusters (EMCs) |
| Employment Target | 1–1.5 lakh direct & indirect jobs |
| Start-up Ecosystem | Incubators, funding support for local entrepreneurs |
| Incentives | Tax subsidies, land allotment, internet infrastructure, training support |
| Foreign Collaboration | Partnerships with Japanese, German, and US firms for digital skilling & hardware manufacturing |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Digital India (2015): Flagship programme for e-governance, digital infrastructure, digital literacy.
North East BPO Promotion Scheme (NEBPS): To create BPO jobs in NE India.
Assam Start-up Policy (2017): Provided incubator “The Nest” in Guwahati.
Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC Scheme): Central scheme to support ESDM sector.
India’s IT Exports: ~$200 billion in 2024–25, mostly concentrated in southern states.
Assam’s Current Position: IT sector share in GSDP <1%, compared to >20% in Karnataka.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for Assam
Employment Generation – Opportunities for youth in BPO, IT services, electronics.
Balanced Industrial Growth – Diversifies Assam’s economy beyond tea, oil, and agriculture.
Digital Inclusion – Expands broadband and IT-enabled services to semi-urban/rural areas.
Regional Hub – Positions Assam as IT gateway to Northeast and neighbouring countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar).
Skill Development – Integration with Northeast Skill University, ITIs, and engineering colleges.
B. Challenges
Digital Divide – Connectivity gaps in rural Assam.
Power & Infrastructure Deficit – Reliable electricity and logistics still weak in many districts.
Skilled Workforce Shortage – Gap in AI, data science, chip design compared to southern states.
Competition – Strong dominance of Karnataka, Telangana, TN in IT sector.
Brain Drain – Many skilled Assamese migrate to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune.
Security & Policy Risks – Cybersecurity and data privacy issues.
C. Government Initiatives in Context
National Policy on Software Products (2019) – To develop India as software hub.
National Electronics Policy (2019) – Target $400 billion ESDM sector by 2025.
India Semiconductor Mission (2021) – For chip design & fabs.
Digital North East Vision 2022 – Enhance NE digital connectivity.
Assam Industrial Policy 2023 – Prioritises IT, electronics, petrochemicals, bamboo industries.
D. Way Forward
Strengthen Infrastructure – Ensure reliable power, 5G networks, cloud infrastructure.
Skill Alignment – Tie-ups with IIT Guwahati, NEHU, foreign universities for advanced IT training.
Startup Ecosystem – Venture capital funds, angel networks for Assamese innovators.
Public–Private Partnerships (PPP) – For IT parks & electronics clusters.
Cybersecurity & Data Protection – Build strong regulatory framework.
Cross-Border IT Trade – Explore outsourcing opportunities with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar.
🧩 Conclusion
The Assam IT & Electronics Policy 2025–2030 is a forward-looking step to digitally transform Assam and generate sustainable employment. If backed by infrastructure, skills, and global partnerships, the policy can make Assam a new IT–electronics hub of Eastern India, bridging the regional digital divide and fuelling long-term growth.
🚢 India–Bangladesh Riverine Transport Pact Extension (Dhubri–Karimganj routes)
📘 GS Paper II – India & Neighbourhood Relations
📘 GS Paper III – Infrastructure, Inland Waterways, Economy
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific: Connectivity, Trade, Act East Policy
🔹 Introduction
On 17 Sept 2025, India and Bangladesh extended their Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT), adding new riverine routes via Dhubri (Western Assam) and Karimganj (Barak Valley). This development strengthens regional connectivity, trade efficiency, and Act East Policy objectives, while reducing dependence on the congested Siliguri Corridor.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Agreement | Protocol on Inland Water Transit & Trade (PIWTT), first signed in 1972, renewed in 2015 & 2020 |
| New Routes (2025) | Dhubri (on Brahmaputra, Western Assam) & Karimganj (on Barak, Southern Assam) |
| Connectivity | Links Assam & Northeast to Kolkata–Haldia port via Bangladesh’s rivers (Padma, Meghna) |
| Economic Value | Boosts trade in tea, coal, cement, foodgrains, and agricultural produce |
| Strategic Value | Shorter, cheaper alternative to the Siliguri “Chicken’s Neck” |
| Environmental Value | River transport = lower carbon footprint compared to road transport |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
National Waterways in Assam:
NW–2: Brahmaputra (Dhubri–Sadiya).
NW–16: Barak River (Lakhipur–Bhanga).
Protocol Routes: Currently 10 operational routes; include Pandu (Guwahati)–Kolkata via Bangladesh.
Kaladan Multimodal Project: India–Myanmar project connecting Mizoram via Sittwe Port.
BBIN Initiative: Bangladesh–Bhutan–India–Nepal sub-regional connectivity plan.
IWAI (Inland Waterways Authority of India): Regulates India’s inland navigation.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for Assam & Northeast
Trade Boost – Direct river transport for Assam’s tea, coal, bamboo, and cement industries.
Barak Valley Integration – Karimganj becomes a new riverine trade hub.
Employment – Port, logistics, and allied industries benefit.
Tourism – River cruise potential on Brahmaputra–Padma–Sundarbans routes.
Strategic Leverage – Strengthens India’s ties with Bangladesh; counters China’s Belt & Road projects.
B. Challenges
Siltation – Heavy sedimentation in Brahmaputra & Barak hampers navigability.
Infrastructure Gaps – Lack of modern terminals, warehousing, dredging facilities.
Seasonal Fluctuations – Monsoon floods vs. dry-season shallow water.
Security Concerns – Smuggling, illegal migration, insurgency risks along river borders.
Environmental Issues – Dredging may impact riverine biodiversity (Gangetic dolphins, wetlands).
Coordination – India & Bangladesh need regular joint river management.
C. Government Initiatives in Context
Sagarmala Programme – Enhances port-led development & inland waterways.
Jal Marg Vikas Project – Develops NW–1 (Ganga) as a model for river transport.
Assam Inland Water Transport Project – With World Bank aid, modernising ferry services on Brahmaputra.
India–Bangladesh Agreements (2020) – Added Sonamura–Daudkandi, Jogighopa routes.
Act East Policy – Strengthens cross-border trade & links Northeast with Bay of Bengal.
D. Way Forward
Modern Infrastructure – Build river ports at Dhubri, Karimganj with container facilities.
Regular Dredging – Eco-sensitive dredging to ensure navigability.
Cross-border Security – Smart surveillance, joint patrols with Bangladesh.
Integration with Multimodal Transport – Link waterways with highways, rail, and air cargo.
Private Sector Role – Encourage private shipping companies & logistic parks.
Ecological Safeguards – Ensure biodiversity conservation along river stretches.
🧩 Conclusion
The extension of India–Bangladesh riverine transport pact to Dhubri and Karimganj is a major step towards regional integration, greener logistics, and economic upliftment of Assam. If backed by modern infrastructure, eco-sensitive navigation, and sustained bilateral cooperation, it can make Assam a river trade hub of Eastern South Asia, fulfilling both Act East and Neighbourhood First policies.
🐘 Kaziranga–Manas Elephant Corridor Notification – Wildlife Protection in Assam
📘 GS Paper III – Environment, Biodiversity, Conservation
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific: Ecology, Wildlife, Protected Areas
🔹 Introduction
On 17 Sept 2025, the Assam Government formally notified the Kaziranga–Manas Elephant Corridor under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This corridor links Kaziranga National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with Manas Tiger Reserve, enabling safe movement of elephants and other species. The step is crucial to mitigate human–elephant conflict, habitat fragmentation, and biodiversity loss in the Brahmaputra valley.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Corridor | Connects Kaziranga NP and Manas NP across Assam’s floodplains and foothills. |
| Length & Area | Stretch covering forested patches of Nagaon, Sonitpur, and Baksa districts. |
| Species Benefited | Asian Elephants, Tigers, Swamp Deer, Greater Adjutant, migratory birds. |
| Legal Status | Declared under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972; eco-sensitive management zone. |
| Objective | Reduce habitat fragmentation; protect migratory routes of elephants; reduce conflict with humans. |
| Significance | Links two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Kaziranga & Manas). |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus): Schedule I species under WPA, Endangered (IUCN).
Elephant Reserves in Assam: Sonitpur, Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong, Chirang–Ripu.
Project Elephant (1992): Centrally sponsored scheme for elephant conservation.
Elephant Corridors in India: 101 identified by MoEFCC; ~14 in Assam.
Kaziranga NP: UNESCO WHS (1985), famous for One-horned Rhinoceros.
Manas NP: UNESCO WHS, also a Tiger Reserve & Biosphere Reserve.
Human–Elephant Conflict: Over 800 human deaths & 250 elephant deaths in Assam (2010–2020).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Corridor
Biodiversity Conservation – Ensures genetic exchange and survival of elephants.
Human–Wildlife Conflict Mitigation – Prevents elephants straying into croplands.
Ecosystem Balance – Elephants are “ecosystem engineers” (seed dispersal, forest regeneration).
Tourism Boost – Eco-tourism opportunities linking Kaziranga & Manas.
Climate Adaptation – Corridors help species adapt to shifting habitats due to climate change.
Cultural Significance – Elephants revered in Assamese and Indian traditions.
B. Challenges
Encroachment – Agricultural expansion and settlements in corridor zones.
Deforestation & Infrastructure – Roads, railways, and hydropower projects disrupt migration.
Floods & Siltation – Seasonal floods in Kaziranga force elephants into human areas.
Human–Elephant Conflict – Crop raids, property damage, and casualties.
Poaching & Illegal Trade – Ivory and bushmeat threats.
Coordination Gaps – Multiple agencies (forest dept., revenue dept., local councils).
C. Government Initiatives in Context
Project Elephant (1992) – For elephant conservation and corridor development.
National Green Tribunal (NGT) Orders – On elephant corridor protection in Assam & Tamil Nadu.
Assam Elephant Conservation Project – Local initiative to track and mitigate conflict.
Compensation Schemes – Govt. schemes for crop and human loss due to elephants.
Elephant Task Force Report (2010) – Emphasised securing corridors legally.
Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) Notifications – Around Kaziranga & Manas to limit harmful activities.
D. Way Forward
Habitat Restoration – Reforestation of degraded patches in corridors.
Wildlife-friendly Infrastructure – Underpasses/overpasses on highways & railways.
Community Participation – Involve local communities in conflict mitigation & eco-tourism.
Early Warning Systems – Tech-based alerts for elephant movements.
Cross-border Coordination – Since elephants also migrate into Bhutan’s Royal Manas NP.
Legal Safeguards – Strict action against encroachment and poaching.
🧩 Conclusion
The Kaziranga–Manas Elephant Corridor notification is a milestone in Assam’s wildlife conservation strategy, balancing ecological integrity and human development needs. Its success depends on strong enforcement, community cooperation, and habitat restoration, making it a model for wildlife corridors across India.
🎓 Northeast Skill University (NSU) in Assam – German Collaboration
📘 GS Paper II – Education, Governance, International Cooperation
📘 GS Paper III – Economy, Skill Development, Employment
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific: Youth & Development
🔹 Introduction
On 17 Sept 2025, the Assam Government launched the Northeast Skill University (NSU) in partnership with German institutions and industry bodies. The university aims to bridge the skill gap by offering industry-integrated, technology-driven courses in line with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Skill India Mission, making Assam a skill hub for the Northeast.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | Assam (specific district not disclosed in newspaper but within central Assam) |
| Collaboration | German institutions for curriculum design, dual training model, apprenticeships |
| Focus Sectors | AI & IT services, renewable energy, healthcare, logistics, tourism, advanced manufacturing |
| Model | Dual training (academic + on-site industry exposure), German-style apprenticeships |
| Capacity | 20,000 students in first phase (UG, PG, vocational) |
| Employment Target | 1 lakh skilled youth in 5 years |
| International Collaboration | German companies to invest in labs, internships, placements |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Skill India Mission (2015): Aim – skilling 40 crore youth by 2025.
NEP 2020: Vocational exposure from school level, multidisciplinary universities.
NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation): Public–private body for skilling ecosystem.
Germany’s Dual Vocational Training Model: Combines classroom learning with apprenticeships in industries.
Demographic Dividend: India’s median age ~29 years (2025); Assam’s youth share ~35%.
Assam Skill Development Mission (ASDM): State-level initiative for youth employability.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for Assam & Northeast
Employment Generation – Direct skilling of youth for BPO, IT, renewable energy, and healthcare.
Reduce Migration – Provides opportunities locally; curbs brain drain to metros.
Global Skill Standards – German collaboration introduces international certification.
Industry-Academia Linkages – Ensures employability through hands-on training.
Regional Development – Equips Northeast as a human resource hub under Act East Policy.
Social Inclusion – Access for rural and tribal youth, women, and disadvantaged groups.
B. Challenges
Infrastructure Gaps – Need for world-class labs, training centres.
Faculty Shortage – Skilled trainers in emerging technologies are scarce.
Industry Absorption – Limited local industries may constrain placement opportunities.
Brain Drain Risk – Skilled youth may still migrate abroad for better pay.
Digital Divide – Rural areas lack connectivity for hybrid learning.
Sustainability – Financial viability beyond initial government & donor support.
C. Government Initiatives in Context
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Flagship short-term skilling programme.
Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: Focus on vocationalisation at secondary school level.
World Skills India: Promotes international competitions and benchmarking.
ASDM (Assam Skill Development Mission): Over 1 lakh youth trained since 2017.
North East Skill Centres (Guwahati, Shillong): Early attempts at regional skilling hubs.
India–Germany Cooperation: MoUs in vocational education since 2011; German expertise in engineering, manufacturing.
D. Way Forward
Industry Partnerships – Involve IT, healthcare, logistics firms in curriculum & placements.
International Exchange – Student/faculty exchange with German universities.
Regional Outreach – Satellite campuses in Barak Valley, Hill districts, Upper Assam.
Women & Tribal Participation – Scholarships, hostel facilities, inclusive access.
Green Skills – Focus on renewable energy, climate-resilient agriculture, circular economy.
Digital Infrastructure – Broadband access, digital labs, blended learning platforms.
🧩 Conclusion
The Northeast Skill University in Assam, with German collaboration, is a transformative initiative to bridge the skill gap, reduce unemployment, and prepare youth for global opportunities. By combining international standards, local inclusivity, and industry relevance, it can make Assam a human resource hub of the Northeast and a driver of India’s demographic dividend.
🦟 Japanese Encephalitis Outbreak in Upper Assam (2025)
📘 GS Paper II – Health, Government Schemes, Welfare
📘 GS Paper III – Disaster Management, Environment, Science & Tech
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific: Public Health Issues
🔹 Introduction
On 17 Sept 2025, fresh cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) were reported in Upper Assam districts (Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sivasagar, Lakhimpur). Assam is a JE-endemic state, with recurring outbreaks during monsoon due to mosquito breeding in paddy fields and wetlands. JE poses a serious public health challenge, especially in rural areas, despite mass vaccination and government interventions.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Disease | Japanese Encephalitis (viral brain infection caused by JE virus, Flavivirus family). |
| Vector | Culex mosquitoes (esp. Culex tritaeniorhynchus). |
| Reservoirs | Pigs, water birds act as amplifying hosts. |
| Symptoms | Fever, headache, seizures, brain inflammation; high fatality rate (~20–30%). |
| Affected Areas | Mainly Upper Assam districts; vulnerable due to paddy cultivation + wetlands. |
| Seasonality | Peaks during monsoon & post-monsoon (June–Sept). |
| Mortality | Historically causes 100–200 deaths annually in Assam. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
JE Virus: Flavivirus, same family as dengue, Zika, yellow fever.
National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP): Umbrella scheme for JE, malaria, dengue, kala-azar.
Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP): JE vaccination included since 2006 in endemic districts.
JE Vaccine: SA-14-14-2 (live attenuated, from China); used in mass campaigns in Assam.
Assam JE-Free Mission (2014): State-specific mass vaccination & awareness programme.
Other Endemic States: UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Issue
Public Health Burden – JE is a leading cause of viral encephalitis in India.
Vulnerable Groups – Mostly children below 15 years.
Economic Cost – Families bear high healthcare costs; survivors may have long-term neurological disabilities.
Agriculture Link – Paddy cultivation and pig rearing create high-risk environments.
Disaster Dimension – Recurrent outbreaks = health emergencies requiring disaster response.
B. Challenges
Incomplete Vaccination – Gaps in coverage, especially in remote tea-garden & tribal areas.
Weak Rural Health Infrastructure – Delays in diagnosis & treatment at PHCs.
Ecological Factors – Floods, waterlogging, paddy fields as mosquito breeding grounds.
Community Resistance – Vaccine hesitancy, lack of awareness.
Surveillance Gaps – Late reporting & underestimation of cases.
Climate Change – Warmer, wetter climate extending mosquito breeding cycles.
C. Government Initiatives in Context
National Programme on Prevention & Control of Japanese Encephalitis/Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (NPPCJAES, 2014) – Covers vaccination, case management, vector control, rehab.
JE Vaccination Campaigns – Mass immunisation in endemic districts of Assam since 2014.
Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) – Distribution in high-risk areas.
Fogging & Vector Control – Mosquito control drives during monsoon.
ASHA & Community Health Workers – Mobilised for awareness and case detection.
D. Way Forward
Strengthen Vaccination Coverage – Universal coverage of children & booster doses.
Integrated Vector Management – Regular fogging, biolarvicides in wetlands/paddy fields.
One Health Approach – Control measures in pigs, poultry, and livestock.
Health Infrastructure – Upgrade PHCs with diagnostic kits & ventilators.
Awareness Campaigns – Community participation for mosquito-proof practices.
Research & Innovation – India-specific vaccines, climate-based disease modelling.
🧩 Conclusion
The JE outbreak in Upper Assam is a stark reminder of Assam’s recurring vector-borne disease burden. Sustainable control requires a multi-pronged approach—vaccination, vector management, health infrastructure strengthening, and community participation—so that Assam can move towards a JE-free status, ensuring both health security and socio-economic resilience.h livelihood and ecological concerns will be key to making the border a zone of peace and prosperity.th ecological sustainability will be the true test of success.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
1. Assam IT & Electronics Policy 2025–2030
Q1. Which of the following correctly explains the focus of the Assam IT & Electronics Policy 2025–30?
- Promoting AI, IoT, and start-ups.
- Establishing Electronic Manufacturing Clusters (EMCs).
- Setting up SEZs exclusively for petroleum industries.
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
👉 Answer: (a)
Explanation: The policy focuses on IT services, electronics manufacturing, start-ups, and digital skilling. Petroleum SEZs are part of Assam’s industrial policy, not IT policy.
Q2. “The Nest,” mentioned in context of Assam’s start-up ecosystem, is:
a) Assam’s IT Park at Dibrugarh
b) A bamboo processing cluster in Barak Valley
c) Assam’s start-up incubation hub in Guwahati
d) A cyber-security programme under the State IT Policy
👉 Answer: (c)
2. India–Bangladesh Riverine Transport Pact
Q3. Which of the following rivers are part of the India–Bangladesh Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) routes?
- Ganga
- Padma
- Brahmaputra
- Barak
- Meghna
a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
b) 1, 2 and 4 only
c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
👉 Answer: (d)
Explanation: PIWTT uses Ganga, Padma, Meghna, Brahmaputra, and Barak river systems for navigation.
Q4. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Dhubri and Karimganj are included in the 2025 extension of India–Bangladesh inland waterways pact.
- The Kaladan Multimodal Project links Assam directly with Sittwe Port in Myanmar.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
👉 Answer: (a)
Explanation: Kaladan connects Mizoram, not Assam, to Sittwe Port.
3. Kaziranga–Manas Elephant Corridor
Q5. Which of the following statements about elephant conservation in India is correct?
a) Asian Elephant is listed as Vulnerable under IUCN Red List.
b) Project Elephant was launched in 2003 under MoEFCC.
c) Assam has the highest number of identified elephant corridors in India.
d) The Elephant Task Force (2010) recommended delisting elephants from Schedule I of WPA.
👉 Answer: (c)
Explanation:
- Asian Elephant = Endangered (IUCN), not Vulnerable.
- Project Elephant launched in 1992, not 2003.
- Assam has 14 of India’s 101 identified elephant corridors.
- Elephant Task Force recommended strengthening protection, not downgrading.
Q6. Manas National Park, often in news with Kaziranga, is:
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- A Tiger Reserve
- A Biosphere Reserve
Which of the above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
👉 Answer: (d)
4. Northeast Skill University (German collaboration)
Q7. Germany’s dual vocational training model, now adopted in Assam’s Northeast Skill University, is characterised by:
a) Full-time classroom learning with online certification.
b) Blending academic learning with structured apprenticeships in industries.
c) Exclusive focus on STEM higher education.
d) Short-term training with no formal degree.
👉 Answer: (b)
Q8. Which of the following correctly matches the Indian initiatives with their objectives?
- PMKVY – Short-term skill training and certification.
- NEP 2020 – Vocational exposure from school level.
- ASDM – Assam’s programme for youth employability.
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
👉 Answer: (d)
5. Japanese Encephalitis Outbreak in Upper Assam
Q9. Which of the following are reservoirs/amplifying hosts of Japanese Encephalitis virus?
- Pigs
- Cattle
- Water birds
- Dogs
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 3 and 4 only
👉 Answer: (c)
Explanation: Pigs and wading birds act as amplifying hosts. Cattle and dogs are not reservoirs.
Q10. With reference to Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in India, consider the following:
- It is caused by a Flavivirus, like dengue and Zika.
- The SA-14-14-2 vaccine is widely used under India’s Universal Immunisation Programme.
- JE is prevalent in arid states like Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Which are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
👉 Answer: (a)
Explanation: JE is endemic in eastern & northeastern India (Assam, Bihar, UP, Odisha, WB), not arid states.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Model Answer
Q. “Urban transport projects such as the proposed Guwahati Metro Rail, developed with Japan’s cooperation, can transform Assam’s urban landscape. Critically analyse its significance and challenges in the context of sustainable development and international partnership.”
(GS Paper III – Infrastructure, Economy | GS Paper II – India–Japan Relations | GS Paper V – Assam-specific Issues)
🔹 Introduction
Guwahati, the fastest-growing city in Northeast India, faces severe traffic congestion, pollution, and unplanned urban sprawl. To address this, the Assam Government signed an MoU with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Sept 2025 to develop the Guwahati Metro Rail Project, making it the first metro project in the Northeast. Beyond mobility, the project symbolises a strategic convergence of sustainable urban development and India–Japan cooperation.
🔹 Significance
1. Urban Transformation
- Provides mass rapid transit, reducing traffic bottlenecks.
- Improves air quality by reducing vehicular emissions.
- Encourages transit-oriented development in Guwahati.
2. Economic Impact
- Boosts real estate, commercial hubs, and job creation.
- Strengthens Assam’s position as the gateway of Act East Policy.
- Enhances connectivity to universities, hospitals, and transport hubs.
3. Strategic Partnership
- Deepens India–Japan cooperation (JICA funding as in Delhi Metro, Bullet Train).
- Supports India’s Northeast connectivity plan under Act East.
- Enhances Japan’s role as a trusted development partner in sensitive border regions.
4. Social Benefits
- Safe, affordable transport for students, women, and working-class commuters.
- Encourages public transport usage, reducing dependence on private vehicles.
🔹 Challenges
- Seismic Risks – Guwahati lies in Seismic Zone V, demanding earthquake-resilient designs.
- Flooding & Drainage – Brahmaputra floods and waterlogging may affect construction/operations.
- High Capital Costs – Metro projects cost ₹250–300 crore/km; long financial repayment needed.
- Ridership Viability – Risk of underutilisation if fares are high or feeder systems are weak.
- Land Acquisition – Displacement risks in urban/peri-urban areas.
- Institutional Coordination – Requires Centre–State–JICA alignment on funding and execution.
🔹 Government Measures & Policies
- Metro Rail Policy (2017) – Promotes PPPs and phased corridor development.
- National Urban Transport Policy (2006) – Sustainable, people-centric urban transport.
- Smart Cities Mission – Guwahati is part of 100 Smart Cities.
- Act East Policy – Metro strengthens Guwahati’s role as a trade & mobility hub of the Northeast.
- Japan’s ODA in NE – Funding for roads, bridges, water supply, now extending to metro rail.
🔹 Way Forward
- Phased Implementation – Begin with busiest corridor (Jalukbari–Narengi).
- Multimodal Integration – Link metro with ASTC buses, ferries, railway stations.
- Affordable Fares – Cross-subsidise to ensure inclusion of low-income commuters.
- Green Construction – Solar-powered stations, energy-efficient systems.
- Community Engagement – Consult locals for resettlement, heritage-sensitive design.
- Regional Model – Use Guwahati metro as a pilot for Shillong, Imphal, and Agartala.
🔹 Conclusion The Guwahati Metro Rail Project, backed by Japan, has the potential to redefine urban mobility in Assam by integrating sustainability, inclusivity, and international cooperation. While challenges of cost, seismic safety, and ridership viability remain, effective planning and execution can turn it into a flagship model for Northeast India’s urban transformation and India–Japan partnership.n can turn it into a flagship model for Northeast India’s urban transformation and India–Japan partnership.mework for Disaster Risk Reduction and Assam’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development.
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