APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (17/10/2025)
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 (17-10-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
✨ APSC CCE Online Coaching, 2026
🌿 Assam Approves ‘Green Energy Corridor Project’ – Integrating Solar and Hydro Power for Sustainable Growth
📘 GS Paper III – Infrastructure | Energy | Environment
📘 GS Paper II – Government Policies & Interventions
📘 GS Paper V – Assam: Development & Sustainable Initiatives
🔹 Introduction
The Assam Cabinet in October 2025 approved the “Assam Green Energy Corridor Project (AGECP)”, a ₹1,600-crore infrastructure initiative aimed at modernizing the state’s power transmission and renewable energy integration system.
The project aligns with India’s National Green Energy Corridor Phase-II, focusing on synchronizing solar, hydro, and biomass power sources with the state grid to achieve Assam’s net-zero target by 2070.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Implementing Agency | Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) with support from REC & PFC |
| Funding Pattern | 40% Central Grant (MNRE), 30% State share, 30% loan from REC |
| Objective | To strengthen renewable power evacuation infrastructure and grid stability |
| Coverage Districts | Sonitpur, Nagaon, Barpeta, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, and Kokrajhar |
| Capacity Target (by 2030) | 2,000 MW renewable integration (1,200 MW solar + 800 MW hydro) |
| Phase-I Timeline | 2025–2028 |
| Special Feature | Smart substations, AI-based load management, and solar power pooling stations |
| Policy Linkage | Assam State Energy Policy 2023; National Green Hydrogen Mission |
⚙️ Background Context
Assam currently generates only 12% of its total energy from renewable sources.
The Green Energy Corridor aims to reduce dependence on thermal power imported from the national grid.
India’s Green Energy Corridor (GEC) was first launched in 2015 by MNRE to link renewable-rich states to the grid.
With Assam joining the GEC Phase-II, the Northeast will see the establishment of its first renewable energy evacuation hub.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
National Green Energy Corridor: Launched in 2015 to evacuate renewable energy to national grid.
Major Components:
Transmission lines (765/400 kV)
Smart substations
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Key Assam Renewable Projects:
Amguri Solar Park (70 MW)
Lower Kopili Hydro Project (120 MW)
Namrup Floating Solar Project (planned)
State Target: 50% renewable power in energy mix by 2035.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for Assam
| Dimension | Significance |
| Energy Security | Reduces power deficit and dependency on central grid imports. |
| Sustainability | Promotes clean energy integration, aiding climate resilience. |
| Economic Growth | Stimulates investment and green job creation. |
| Infrastructure Upgrade | Modern grid and smart metering systems enhance transmission efficiency. |
| Regional Integration | Connects Assam’s hydro resources with neighboring NE states and Bangladesh grid prospects. |
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Description |
| Topographical Constraints | Hilly terrain complicates line construction. |
| Funding & Delays | Cost overruns due to remote site access and monsoon disruptions. |
| Land Acquisition | Local resistance in agricultural zones. |
| Grid Instability Risks | Sudden fluctuations in solar generation without adequate storage. |
| Institutional Capacity | Need for trained personnel and technology transfer. |
C. Government & Institutional Initiatives
Assam Renewable Energy Mission (AREM): Overarching policy integrating solar, hydro, biomass, and green hydrogen.
Central Support: MNRE’s Viability Gap Funding (VGF) mechanism for transmission projects.
International Partnerships: JICA and ADB have shown interest in financing technical components.
Skill Programmes: Tie-up with IIT Guwahati and NERIST for renewable engineering training.
D. Way Forward
Accelerate Land & Environmental Clearances through single-window mechanisms.
Integrate Energy Storage Solutions (BESS) to stabilize renewable supply.
Public–Private Partnerships (PPP): Leverage private sector innovation for substation automation.
Cross-border Power Trade: Explore export to Bangladesh and Bhutan via regional grids.
Community Participation: Promote solar micro-grids and decentralized generation in rural areas.
🧩 Conclusion
The Assam Green Energy Corridor Project symbolizes a major leap toward green industrialization and sustainable development in the Northeast.
By merging innovation, investment, and inclusion, Assam can emerge as a renewable energy leader and a key contributor to India’s Net-Zero Mission.
🦏 Kaziranga Rhino Census 2025 & Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Management Update
📘 GS Paper III – Environment | Conservation | Biodiversity
📘 GS Paper II – Governance (Environmental Regulation & Policy Implementation)
📘 GS Paper V – Assam & NE Dimension: Wildlife and Sustainable Development
🔹 Introduction
The 2025 Rhino Census conducted jointly by the Assam Forest Department and WWF-India in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) revealed a rise in the population of the one-horned rhinoceros from 2,613 (2022) to 2,730 in 2025.
Concurrently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued revised guidelines for the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga, aimed at balancing conservation priorities with livelihood rights of fringe communities.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Conducted By | Assam Forest Department, WWF-India, and Aaranyak (NGO partner) |
| Rhino Count 2025 | 2,730 (increase of 117 from 2022 census) |
| Survey Method | Drone-based aerial survey + line transect sampling |
| Area Covered | 1,305 sq. km (including buffer zones and sandbars) |
| Rhino Density | 2.1 per sq. km – highest globally |
| Revised ESZ Norms (2025) | 10 km regulated zone from park boundary with community-based eco-tourism allowed |
| Purpose of ESZ Revision | To ensure compatibility between biodiversity protection and livelihood needs |
| Key Threats Identified | Encroachment, sand mining, flood erosion, poaching attempts (reduced by 80% since 2018) |
⚙️ Background Context
Kaziranga National Park (KNPTR):
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
Hosts 70% of the world’s Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) population.
Also a Tiger Reserve (since 2007) and an important wetland under the Ramsar Convention (2022).
Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ):
Designated under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate human activity around protected areas.
MoEFCC revised Kaziranga’s ESZ after consultations with local panchayats, civil society, and tourism operators.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Kaziranga National Park Location: Nagaon, Golaghat, Biswanath, and Sonitpur districts.
Rhinoceros unicornis:
IUCN Status – Vulnerable
CITES Appendix I
Schedule I (Wildlife Protection Act, 1972)
Major Rivers Flowing Through: Brahmaputra, Diphlu, Mora Diphlu.
Conservation Programmes:
Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV-2020) – aimed to reach 3,000 rhinos by 2020 (extended in practice).
Project Rhino (2021–) – Assam government’s integrated anti-poaching and translocation initiative.
Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ):
Buffer around Protected Areas for ecological integrity.
Activities categorized as Prohibited, Regulated, and Permissible by MoEFCC.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the Rhino Census and ESZ Update
| Dimension | Explanation |
| Biodiversity Monitoring | Enables accurate population trend assessment and genetic diversity mapping. |
| Anti-Poaching Success | Marks a historic reduction in poaching incidents — only one case in 2024. |
| Eco-Tourism Boost | Revised ESZ enables community-led tourism, enhancing conservation-linked livelihoods. |
| Ecological Balance | Protects wetland ecosystems vital for migratory birds and aquatic fauna. |
| Policy Integration | Aligns with India’s National Biodiversity Action Plan and Global 30×30 biodiversity goal. |
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Description |
| Flood Erosion | Annual Brahmaputra floods cause habitat fragmentation and wildlife displacement. |
| Encroachment & Settlement Pressure | Human expansion near park fringes affects ESZ regulation. |
| Infrastructure Impact | Roads and bridges (like NH-37) increase vehicle–wildlife conflict. |
| Illegal Sand Mining | Alters hydrological balance and damages grassland ecology. |
| Climate Change | Alters vegetation pattern and water regimes essential for rhino habitat. |
C. Government & Institutional Initiatives
Kaziranga Landscape Management Plan (2025–2035): 10-year roadmap integrating floodplain management, habitat connectivity, and eco-tourism.
Smart Anti-Poaching System (SAPS): Drone-based surveillance and AI-enabled night cameras.
Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong Corridor Project: Wildlife overpasses, relocation of encroachers, and restoration of migration paths.
Community Incentive Schemes: Training and revenue-sharing for eco-tourism and handicrafts within ESZ villages.
Kaziranga Eco-Task Force: A specialized unit for anti-encroachment and flood recovery operations.
D. Way Forward
Integrated Floodplain Management: Build raised platforms, artificial highlands, and early warning systems for wildlife.
Community Co-management: Involve fringe communities in habitat protection through joint forest management (JFM).
Eco-Tourism Regulation: Cap visitor inflow and enforce “zero plastic zone” guidelines.
Technology Use: GIS mapping for land-use change and rhino migration routes.
Regional Cooperation: Coordinate with Orang and Pobitora sanctuaries for genetic exchange and corridor conservation.
🧩 Conclusion
The Kaziranga Rhino Census 2025 reflects a conservation success rooted in science, vigilance, and community participation.
The new ESZ management framework represents a balanced model where wildlife protection coexists with local development, positioning Assam as a global leader in inclusive biodiversity governance.
🏗️ Assam Skill City (Phase-II) Expansion at Mangaldoi: Building a Skilled Workforce for the Future
📘 GS Paper III – Economy | Infrastructure | Employment | Skill Development
📘 GS Paper II – Governance & Institutional Reforms
📘 GS Paper V – Assam & NE Dimension: Human Capital and Youth Empowerment
🔹 Introduction
In October 2025, the Assam Government approved Phase-II of the Assam Skill City Project at Mangaldoi (Darrang district) with an investment of ₹1,850 crore, aiming to make Assam a skill and innovation hub for Eastern India.
Following the success of Phase-I at Mirza (Kamrup), which trained over 60,000 youth, the expansion aims to decentralize technical education and promote industry-linked skill clusters across North and Central Assam.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Location (Phase-II) | Mangaldoi, Darrang District |
| Project Cost | ₹1,850 crore (2025–2030) |
| Implementing Agency | Assam Skill Development Mission (ASDM) under Dept. of Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship |
| Funding Pattern | 60% State Budget, 30% Asian Development Bank (ADB) loan, 10% industry CSR & PPP |
| Objective | To create an integrated “Skill-Edu-Employment” ecosystem for youth and MSMEs |
| Key Components | <ul><li>Advanced Technical & Green Skills Academy</li><li>Centre for AI, Robotics & Drone Technology</li><li>MSME Incubation Zone</li><li>Skill-linked Industrial Park (200 acres)</li></ul> |
| Target | Train 1 lakh youth per year; 30% reserved for women and marginalized groups |
| Policy Linkage | Assam Skill Development Policy 2024 & National Skill Development Mission (NSDM) |
⚙️ Background Context
Phase-I (Mirza, Kamrup):
Inaugurated in 2023 in collaboration with Singapore-based ITE Education Services (ITEES) — the first international skill campus in India’s Northeast.
Vision: “One District – One Skill Cluster.”
National Context: Aligns with India’s target of skilling 400 million youth by 2030 under the Skill India Mission.
Regional Significance: Aims to curb outmigration and supply skilled manpower for NE industrial corridors (Guwahati–Tezpur–Dibrugarh).
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Assam Skill Development Mission (ASDM):
Established in 2017 under the Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship Dept.
Coordinates state and centrally sponsored skill schemes (PMKVY, DDU-GKY).
Asian Development Bank (ADB): Funding partner for skill infrastructure and employability programmes.
National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF): Aligns courses with international job standards.
Key National Missions Linked:
PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)
Atmanirbhar Skilled India Initiative (2024)
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Assam Skill City (Phase-II)
| Dimension | Explanation |
| Employment Generation | Addresses rising youth unemployment (Assam’s rate: 12.5% as per PLFS 2023–24). |
| Regional Industrialization | Supports industries under NEIDS 2.0 and industrial corridors (Bongaigaon–Tezpur). |
| Social Inclusion | 30% training seats reserved for women and SC/ST students. |
| Technological Adaptation | Prepares workforce for Industry 4.0—AI, drones, robotics, and green jobs. |
| Education–Industry Linkage | MoUs signed with TATA Advanced Systems, Infosys, and NRL for training & placement. |
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Description |
| Skill–Job Mismatch | Trained youth often lack employability in formal sectors. |
| Infrastructure Bottlenecks | Inadequate hostel, transport, and broadband facilities in rural areas. |
| Private Sector Engagement | Limited participation from MSMEs due to funding and compliance issues. |
| Sustainability | Dependence on state funding may affect long-term operation. |
| Migration Trends | Skilled youth continue to move out due to limited local job absorption. |
C. Government & Institutional Initiatives
Skill Voucher Scheme (2025): Launched to provide financial assistance to unemployed youth for enrolling in certified courses.
MoU with NSDC International: For overseas placement in Japan, UAE, and Singapore.
Assam Skill Employment Portal (ASEP): Digital platform linking trainees to employers.
Green Skills Mission Cell: Focus on renewable energy, waste management, and bamboo engineering.
District Skill Committees (DSCs): Coordinate local training demand and industry mapping.
D. Way Forward
Industry-Academia Synergy: Strengthen linkages with ITIs, polytechnics, and universities.
Entrepreneurship Focus: Integrate startup incubation within skill clusters (link with Assam Startup Mission).
Digital Learning: Introduce AI-enabled adaptive learning and remote certification.
Public–Private Models: Encourage industries to adopt “Train-and-Hire” modules.
Monitoring & Evaluation: Independent audits of training outcomes and placement records.
🧩 Conclusion
The Assam Skill City (Phase-II) at Mangaldoi reflects a progressive step toward transforming Assam’s youth capital into an employable and entrepreneurial force.
If implemented efficiently, it can serve as the Northeast’s gateway to future-ready human capital, linking education, employment, and economic growth under a single integrated vision.
🌉 India–Bhutan Border Infrastructure & Trade Facilitation Projects in Assam and Arunachal
📘 GS Paper II – International Relations | India’s Neighbourhood Policy
📘 GS Paper III – Infrastructure | Economy | Border Area Development
📘 GS Paper V – Assam & NE Dimension: Connectivity and Cross-border Trade
🔹 Introduction
In October 2025, the Governments of India and Bhutan jointly inaugurated multiple border infrastructure and trade facilitation projects along the Assam–Bhutan frontier under the Act East Policy and Bharat–Bhutan Friendship Corridor initiative.
These projects aim to improve connectivity, trade, and livelihood for the border communities while ensuring strategic and environmental security in the Himalayan foothill region.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Inaugurated By | India’s External Affairs Minister and Bhutan’s Foreign Minister in Kokrajhar district |
| Key Infrastructure Components | <ul><li>Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Gelephu–Dhubri corridor</li><li>Upgradation of Indo–Bhutan Border Roads (Rangia–Gelephu & Samdrup Jongkhar–Udalguri)</li><li>Construction of Land Customs Station (LCS) at Dadgiri (Chirang)</li></ul> |
| Funding Pattern | India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and DoNER under Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Neighbourhood First Policy |
| Associated Programmes | <ul><li>“Bharat–Bhutan Border Connectivity & Prosperity Initiative (BBPI)”</li><li>Development of Border Haat at Samdrup Jongkhar and Darrang</li></ul> |
| Trade Objective | To double bilateral border trade volume to ₹5,000 crore by 2030 |
| Security Objective | Enhanced surveillance infrastructure and flood protection embankments along border rivers (Sankosh, Manas) |
⚙️ Background Context
India–Bhutan Ties:
Governed by the India–Bhutan Friendship Treaty (2007) emphasizing sovereignty and mutual cooperation.
India remains Bhutan’s largest trading partner and development partner.
Economic Context:
Border trade accounts for ~25% of Bhutan’s exports (notably boulders, dolomite, and cardamom).
Assam and West Bengal host the majority of Bhutan’s land trade routes.
Strategic Significance:
Border infrastructure helps deter illegal migration, smuggling, and security infiltration.
Aligns with India’s Act East Policy and Neighbourhood First principles.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Major India–Bhutan Border Points in Assam:
Gelephu (Bhutan) – Bongaigaon/Dhubri (India)
Samdrup Jongkhar – Udalguri
Samtse – Sikkim corridor
Key Border Rivers: Manas, Sankosh, and Aie.
Integrated Check Post (ICP): Managed by Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Border Haat Concept: Bilateral local trade markets — first established in Meghalaya (Balat & Kalaichar).
BADP: Centrally sponsored scheme (since 1993–94) for socio-economic development in border areas.
Recent Trade Figures (2024–25): Bilateral trade crossed ₹2,800 crore, up 22% YoY.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the Projects
| Dimension | Explanation |
| Economic Integration | Enhances bilateral trade, tourism, and logistics connectivity across the Northeast. |
| Regional Development | Boosts economic prospects of underdeveloped border districts like Chirang, Udalguri, and Baksa. |
| Security and Surveillance | Modern border infrastructure improves vigilance against illegal trade and infiltration. |
| Environmental Protection | Incorporates eco-friendly flood control and riverbank stabilization projects. |
| Cultural Ties | Strengthens people-to-people linkages between Bodo, Assamese, and Bhutanese communities. |
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Description |
| Fragile Terrain | Frequent landslides, floods, and erosion delay infrastructure works. |
| Cross-border Coordination | Need for harmonization of customs procedures and trade documentation. |
| Environmental Sensitivity | Projects near Manas Biosphere Reserve risk ecological disruption. |
| Local Resistance | Concerns about displacement and loss of grazing land. |
| Limited Industrial Base | Absence of export-ready industries on the Indian side affects trade potential. |
C. Institutional & Policy Measures
Border Area Development Programme (BADP): Funds rural roads, schools, and health centers in border belts.
Indo–Bhutan Joint Border Management Committee (JBMC): Ensures coordination between local authorities and security forces.
India–Bhutan Free Trade Agreement (2020 Amendment): Simplifies procedures and enhances digital customs clearance.
North East Economic Corridor (NEEC): Proposed to link Assam–Bhutan–Bangladesh trade zones.
Digital Border Trade Facilitation Platform (2025): Allows real-time e-customs clearance for small traders.
D. Way Forward
Eco-Sensitive Planning: Prioritize green infrastructure and bioengineering techniques for flood-prone zones.
Integrated Border Logistics Parks (IBLPs): Develop warehousing and cold storage near ICPs.
Skill Training: Introduce border entrepreneurship and logistics courses under Assam Skill City.
Community Diplomacy: Organize annual Indo–Bhutan Border Festivals to promote cultural tourism.
Tri-lateral Cooperation: Coordinate with Bangladesh for multimodal corridor extension (Dhubri–Chilmari–Gelephu route).
🧩 Conclusion
The India–Bhutan border infrastructure projects mark a pivotal advancement in connectivity-led diplomacy and sustainable regional growth.
By merging economic opportunity, ecological sensitivity, and people-centric planning, these initiatives reinforce the Northeast’s emergence as India’s gateway to South and Southeast Asia.eline river into a channel of green growth and cultural pride.
If implemented with sustainability and community ownership, it can redefine Assam’s position as the “River Tourism Capital of Northeast India.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🟩 Topic 1 – Assam Green Energy Corridor Project (AGECP)
Q1. With reference to the Assam Green Energy Corridor Project (AGECP), consider the following statements:
- It aims to integrate renewable energy sources like solar, hydro, and wind into the state grid.
- The project is being implemented by the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL).
- It is fully funded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: AGECP integrates solar and hydro energy but is co-funded — 40% central grant (MNRE), 30% state share, 30% REC loan, not fully funded by MNRE.
Q2. The “Green Energy Corridor” initiative is primarily aimed at:
(a) Electrification of rural and tribal villages in Northeast India.
(b) Modernization of coal-based thermal plants for emission control.
(c) Evacuation and grid integration of renewable energy power.
(d) Reducing dependence on imported crude oil through biofuels.
✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Green Energy Corridor facilitates transmission and evacuation of renewable power (solar, wind, hydro) through dedicated transmission lines.
Q3. In the context of India’s renewable energy transition, which of the following statements is correct?
(a) Assam’s renewable energy potential is highest in wind-based sources.
(b) Assam’s solar and hydro resources together account for more than 90% of its renewable potential.
(c) Assam has already achieved 50% renewable capacity integration in 2025.
(d) The National Green Hydrogen Mission is independent of renewable energy linkage.
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: Assam’s solar (~3,000 MW) and hydro (~2,800 MW) dominate its renewable capacity mix, together forming over 90% of potential.
🦏 Topic 2 – Kaziranga Rhino Census & Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Update
Q4. With reference to the 2025 Kaziranga Rhino Census, consider the following statements:
- The census used drone-based aerial surveys and line transect sampling.
- The total rhino population in Kaziranga has crossed 2,700.
- Kaziranga’s Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) radius has been reduced from 10 km to 5 km to accommodate eco-tourism.
Which of the statements given above is/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: Statements 1 and 2 are correct; ESZ has been extended (not reduced) — now up to 10 km radius for sustainable eco-tourism.
Q5. Which of the following is not correctly matched?
| Conservation Area | Key Feature |
| (a) Kaziranga | World Heritage Site and Ramsar Wetland |
| (b) Orang National Park | Known as “Mini Kaziranga” |
| (c) Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary | Highest tiger density in India |
| (d) Manas National Park | UNESCO Biosphere Reserve |
✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation: Pobitora has the highest rhino density, not tiger density. Manas is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, while Orang mirrors Kaziranga’s ecology.
Q6. The “Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)” is declared under which of the following legal frameworks?
(a) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
(b) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
(c) Forest Conservation Act, 1980
(d) National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: ESZs are notified under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 by the MoEFCC to regulate activities around protected areas.
🏗️ Topic 3 – Assam Skill City Phase-II (Mangaldoi)
Q7. Which of the following correctly describe features of the Assam Skill City (Phase-II) Project?
- Located in Darrang district.
- Co-funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB).
- Focused exclusively on agricultural skills and rural crafts.
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: Located at Mangaldoi (Darrang) and ADB is a co-funding partner; the project covers multiple domains (AI, robotics, MSME), not just agriculture.
Q8. Consider the following pairs:
| Scheme / Policy | Implementing Ministry / Body |
| 1. PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) | Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship |
| 2. Assam Skill Development Mission (ASDM) | State Dept. of Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship |
| 3. NEIDS 2.0 | Ministry of MSME |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: NEIDS 2.0 is implemented by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (DPIIT), not MSME.
Q9. “One District – One Skill Cluster” initiative in Assam primarily aims to:
(a) Promote export-oriented clusters in industrial towns.
(b) Align skill training with local resource and employment potential.
(c) Replace ITIs with centralized training institutes.
(d) Provide direct subsidy to unemployed youth for skill courses.
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: The initiative seeks to map district-wise resource potential (like bamboo, tea, tourism) and train youth accordingly — ensuring demand-based skilling.
🌉 Topic 4 – India–Bhutan Border Infrastructure & Trade Facilitation
Q10. Which of the following border infrastructure facilities were inaugurated along the Assam–Bhutan frontier in 2025?
- Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Gelephu–Dhubri corridor
- Land Customs Station (LCS) at Dadgiri, Chirang
- Indo–Bhutan Friendship Bridge at Samdrup Jongkhar
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: ICP and LCS were commissioned; no official “Friendship Bridge” at Samdrup Jongkhar was inaugurated in this phase.
Q11. The Border Area Development Programme (BADP) aims to:
(a) Establish industrial corridors in border districts.
(b) Promote socio-economic development and security in border areas.
(c) Enhance transnational trade regulation across South Asia.
(d) Develop defence infrastructure exclusively under the Indian Army.
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: BADP focuses on development of rural infrastructure, education, and health in border areas to enhance both security and prosperity.
Q12. Consider the following pairs:
| Corridor / Project | Connecting Countries / Regions |
| 1. Gelephu–Dhubri Corridor | India–Bhutan |
| 2. Kaladan Multimodal Project | India–Myanmar |
| 3. BBIN Initiative | Bangladesh–Bhutan–India–Nepal |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only
✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation: All three are correct — key connectivity and trade corridors under India’s Act East Policy framework.
Explanation: The route extends from Guwahati to Sadiya, passing through Tezpur and Majuli, forming Assam’s first integrated river cruise network.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Model Answer
Q. “Recurring floods in Assam continue to devastate agriculture, as seen in Barpeta and Nalbari in 2025. Discuss the causes, impacts, and measures required to build a climate-resilient farming system in the state.”
(GS Paper III – Agriculture & Disaster Management | GS Paper V – Assam-specific)
🔹 Introduction
Floods are a perennial hazard in Assam, affecting nearly 40% of its land area annually. In 2025, Barpeta and Nalbari districts witnessed massive crop losses, particularly in paddy and jute fields. The repeated cycles of inundation highlight the fragility of Assam’s agrarian economy and the urgent need for climate-resilient agricultural systems.
🔹 Body
1️⃣ Causes of Flood-induced Agricultural Loss in Assam
- Natural Factors: Intense monsoon rains, Brahmaputra’s silt-laden flow, flash floods from Himalayan catchments.
- Embankment Breaches: Poorly maintained structures worsen local flooding.
- Deforestation & Land-use Change: Soil erosion in Arunachal hills increases sediment load.
- Climate Change: Erratic rainfall, glacial melt events, rising frequency of extreme weather.
- Cropping Pattern: Dominance of flood-sensitive Sali paddy during peak monsoon.
2️⃣ Impacts on Agriculture & Society
- Crop Destruction: Loss of paddy seedlings, vegetables, cash crops → food insecurity.
- Soil Degradation: Sand-casting and siltation reduce fertility.
- Debt Cycle: Small & marginal farmers fall into poverty traps due to repeated losses.
- Livelihood Diversion: Migration from agriculture to informal urban jobs.
- Market Instability: Fluctuations in rice availability push up prices.
3️⃣ Govt Efforts & Current Gaps
- PM Fasal Bima Yojana: Crop insurance, though tenant farmers often excluded.
- SDRF/NDRF: Relief compensation but delayed and inadequate.
- Resilient Seed Varieties: ICAR-developed Sub1 rice distributed, but adoption uneven.
- APART (Assam Agribusiness & Rural Transformation Project): Promotes diversification and climate-smart farming.
- Gaps: Weak data systems, poor extension, lack of storage/processing facilities.
4️⃣ Way Forward – Building Climate-Resilient Farming
- Agro-Technological Measures:
- Wider adoption of flood-tolerant rice (Swarna Sub1, Ranjit Sub1).
- Short-duration pulses & oilseeds after flood recession.
- Raised seed banks & floating gardens (Bangladesh model).
- Institutional & Policy Reforms:
- Universal insurance coverage incl. tenant farmers.
- Real-time crop loss assessment using drones & satellites.
- Decentralised grain storage & procurement.
- Structural Measures:
- Flood zoning, embankment strengthening, and river dredging.
- Community-managed flood shelters for crops & livestock.
- Livelihood Diversification:
- Promote horticulture, fisheries, and dairy in elevated areas.
- Skill development for off-farm employment.
🔹 Conclusion
The Barpeta–Nalbari floods of 2025 are not an isolated disaster but part of a recurrent agrarian crisis in Assam. Unless farming systems are reoriented towards resilience, diversification, and climate adaptation, floods will continue to erode both crops and rural livelihoods. A farmer-centric, technology-enabled, and policy-supported framework is essential to make Assam’s agriculture future-ready.
APSC CCE Daily Answer Writing 2025 (17/09/2025)
Question (15 Marks)
“The revised Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) policy around Kaziranga National Park aims to strike a balance between biodiversity conservation and livelihood needs of fringe communities. Discuss the challenges and suggest measures to ensure sustainable coexistence.”
Introduction (50 words)
Kaziranga National Park—home to over 2,700 one-horned rhinoceroses and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is India’s flagship conservation landscape. In 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) revised the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the park to ensure ecological integrity with community participation, marking a shift from exclusionary conservation to coexistence-based environmental governance.
Body
1. Importance of ESZ Around Kaziranga
| Aspect | Explanation |
| Biodiversity Protection | Provides a regulated buffer zone (up to 10 km) for safeguarding rhino, tiger, and wetland ecosystems from unplanned development. |
| Disaster Resilience | Prevents deforestation and sand mining, which worsen flood and erosion vulnerability along the Brahmaputra. |
| Community Livelihoods | Allows regulated eco-tourism, handicrafts, and agroforestry, benefiting local Mishing and Karbi villagers. |
| Policy Synergy | Aligns with Project Rhino, National Biodiversity Mission, and India’s 30×30 Global Biodiversity Target. |
2. Challenges in Implementation
| Challenge | Description |
| Encroachment & Land Use Conflict | Illegal settlements and agricultural expansion near park fringes strain conservation efforts. |
| Human–Wildlife Conflict | Crop raiding and livestock depredation by elephants and rhinos increase local resentment. |
| Infrastructure Pressure | NH-37 traffic and tourism resorts threaten migratory corridors. |
| Administrative Overlap | Poor coordination between Forest Dept., Revenue Dept., and local panchayats. |
| Socio-economic Inequity | Restrictions on land use often affect poor households dependent on forest resources. |
3. Measures & Policy Initiatives
- Revised ESZ Notification (2025): Expands regulated activities zone up to 10 km, allowing eco-friendly livelihood options.
- Kaziranga Landscape Management Plan (2025–35): Focuses on flood resilience, wildlife corridor restoration, and local participation.
- Smart Anti-Poaching System (SAPS): Drone surveillance and AI-enabled night cameras reduced poaching by 90%.
- Community-Based Eco-Tourism: Village-level tourism cooperatives share 30% of revenue from park gates.
- Green Infrastructure Guidelines: Ban on plastic and sand mining; buffer plantations for soil conservation.
4. Way Forward
- Community Stewardship: Establish Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) for shared management and benefit-sharing.
- Integrated River–Landscape Approach: Manage Brahmaputra floods and erosion as part of the conservation plan.
- Alternative Livelihoods: Promote bamboo crafts, honey production, and homestay models in fringe villages.
- Technological Tools: GIS-based zoning, real-time wildlife tracking, and participatory mapping for land-use monitoring.
- Policy Coherence: Align ESZ governance with State Climate Resilience Fund (SCRF) and Assam Forest Policy 2024.
Conclusion (40 words)
The revised ESZ policy of Kaziranga exemplifies a paradigm shift from fortress conservation to participatory stewardship.
Ensuring science-led zoning, equitable compensation, and eco-friendly livelihoods can transform Kaziranga into a global model of sustainable coexistence between nature and people.
If ecological safeguards and community participation remain central, the project can redefine sustainable tourism in India’s Northeast.
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