APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (19/12/2024)
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 (19-12-2024). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
1. Assam’s Push for Biofuel Production Using Agricultural Residues
GS Paper 3: Environment, Energy, and Sustainable Development
Introduction
Assam has announced initiatives to promote biofuel production using agricultural residues such as paddy straw and sugarcane bagasse. This aligns with India’s National Bio-Energy Mission, which seeks to achieve a 20% ethanol blending target by 2030, reduce stubble burning, and boost rural incomes through waste-to-energy initiatives.
Key Points
- Agricultural Residue Utilization:
- Assam produces 4 million tonnes of paddy straw annually, of which a significant portion is burned, contributing to air pollution.
- Sugarcane bagasse and jute residues are also being identified for ethanol and biodiesel production.
- Biofuel Production Facilities:
- Plans to set up second-generation (2G) ethanol plants in Sivasagar and Dibrugarh.
- Collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation to process paddy straw into bio-ethanol.
- Economic Benefits:
- Provides an alternative income source for farmers by selling residues.
- Reduces dependency on fossil fuels, saving foreign exchange on crude oil imports.
- Environmental Benefits:
- Addresses the issue of stubble burning, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Promotes circular economy through agricultural waste utilization.
Prelims Pointers
- Second-Generation Biofuels: Derived from agricultural residues like straw and bagasse, unlike first-generation biofuels from food crops.
- National Bio-Energy Mission: Promotes renewable energy using bio-waste to achieve sustainable energy targets.
- Ethanol Blending Program (EBP): Targets 20% ethanol blending with petrol by 2030.
Mains Pointers
Significance of Biofuel Production for Assam
- Environmental Gains:
- Reduces air pollution from stubble burning.
- Lowers carbon emissions, aligning with India’s Net Zero by 2070 goal.
- Economic Empowerment:
- Creates rural jobs in collection, processing, and biofuel production.
- Enhances energy security by reducing dependence on imported crude oil.
- Waste Management:
- Offers a sustainable solution to dispose of agricultural residues.
Challenges in Promoting Biofuel Production
- High Initial Costs:
- Setting up biofuel plants and supply chains requires significant investment.
- Supply Chain Logistics:
- Collecting and transporting residues from farms to processing units is challenging.
- Technological Barriers:
- Second-generation biofuel technology is still developing in India.
- Farmer Awareness:
- Limited knowledge among farmers about the economic benefits of selling residues.
Government and Institutional Initiatives
- Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana:
- Provides financial support for setting up 2G ethanol plants.
- Indian Oil Corporation Initiatives:
- Establishing bio-refineries in Northeast India for biofuel production.
- National Policy on Biofuels, 2018:
- Focuses on promoting advanced biofuels and offers incentives for research and production.
Way Forward
- Incentivizing Farmers:
- Offer subsidies for residue collection and transportation to biofuel plants.
- Scaling Up Technology:
- Invest in R&D for cost-effective second-generation biofuel technologies.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):
- Collaborate with private companies to build robust biofuel supply chains.
- Awareness Campaigns:
- Educate farmers about the environmental and economic benefits of biofuel initiatives.
Conclusion
Promoting biofuel production using agricultural residues offers Assam a pathway to achieve environmental sustainability and economic empowerment. By addressing logistical and technological challenges, Assam can position itself as a leader in India’s green energy transition, contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
2. Good Governance Week in Baksa
GS Paper 2: Governance and Public Administration
Introduction
The district of Baksa is observing the 4th Sushasan Saptah (Good Governance Week) under the national campaign ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore’. This initiative focuses on improving public service delivery and fostering inclusive governance by bringing administration closer to grassroots communities.
Key Points
- Purpose:
- Enhance accessibility and accountability in public services.
- Address grievances through CPGRAMS and state portals.
- Activities:
- Special grievance redressal camps at Circle Officer (CO) and Block Development Officer (BDO) levels.
- Awareness campaigns on government schemes and success stories in governance.
- Impact on Community:
- Promotes transparency and trust in administration.
- Engages citizens in participatory governance.
Prelims Pointers
- Sushasan Saptah (Good Governance Week): A campaign led by DARPG to enhance service delivery.
- CPGRAMS: Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System.
- Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore: A national campaign focused on rural governance.
Mains Pointers
Significance of Good Governance Week
- Improved Public Service Delivery:
- Resolves grievances at the grassroots, ensuring timely services.
- Citizen Engagement:
- Encourages community participation in governance processes.
- Capacity Building:
- Empowers local administrative bodies to handle grievances effectively.
Challenges in Implementing Good Governance at Grassroots
- Digital Divide:
- Limited access to technology in remote areas affects the use of grievance portals.
- Human Resource Constraints:
- Insufficient training and manpower in local administrative units.
- Awareness Gap:
- Lack of knowledge among citizens about available schemes and redress mechanisms.
Government Initiatives for Strengthening Grassroots Governance
- Digital India Campaign:
- Promotes e-governance through digital platforms like CPGRAMS.
- e-Sampark:
- Enhances communication between citizens and government authorities.
- Jan Sunwai Camps:
- Organized to address grievances in a transparent manner.
Way Forward
- Capacity Enhancement:
- Provide training to officials in technology and grievance redressal.
- Inclusive Digital Platforms:
- Develop mobile-friendly portals for easy access.
- Community Awareness:
- Conduct campaigns to inform citizens about available services and grievance mechanisms.
Conclusion
Observing Good Governance Week in Baksa reflects India’s commitment to empowering its grassroots administration. Through effective grievance redressal mechanisms and inclusive participation, the initiative aligns with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), fostering transparency and trust in governance.
3. Tiger Carcass Found in Biswanath Wildlife Division
GS Paper 3: Environment, Biodiversity, and Conservation
Introduction
The discovery of a tiger carcass in Chichu Chapori, Biswanath Wildlife Division, raises concerns about wildlife conservation and interspecies conflict. While preliminary reports suggest natural causes, the incident underscores the need for robust wildlife monitoring systems in Assam.
Key Points
- Incident Details:
- Carcass detected during routine patrolling by forest staff.
- Cause of death suspected to be interspecies conflict with other wildlife.
- Post-Mortem Protocol:
- Conducted under the supervision of veterinary and forest officials per NTCA Standard Operating Procedures.
- The carcass was incinerated to prevent potential health hazards.
- Biodiversity Significance:
- The Biswanath Wildlife Division forms part of the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape, home to diverse species, including tigers, rhinos, and elephants.
Prelims Pointers
- NTCA: National Tiger Conservation Authority ensures tiger protection and habitat management.
- Assam Tiger Census: Conducted periodically as part of the All-India Tiger Estimation project.
- Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape: Recognized as a critical tiger habitat under the Project Tiger.
Mains Pointers
Challenges in Tiger Conservation
- Habitat Fragmentation:
- Agricultural encroachments reduce viable forest areas.
- Human-Wildlife Conflicts:
- Expansion of human settlements near wildlife zones leads to increased confrontations.
- Interspecies Rivalry:
- Limited resources intensify competition among apex predators.
- Poaching and Illegal Trade:
- Tigers are targeted for their pelts and body parts in illegal wildlife markets.
Government Initiatives for Wildlife Protection
- Project Tiger:
- Initiated in 1973, focuses on habitat restoration and population monitoring.
- Compensation Schemes:
- Address human-wildlife conflict by compensating farmers for livestock losses.
- Use of Technology:
- Employing drones and camera traps for real-time wildlife tracking.
- Community Involvement:
- Empowering local communities through eco-tourism and conservation programs.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Wildlife Corridors:
- Ensure connectivity between fragmented tiger reserves.
- Enhance Surveillance:
- Increase the use of technology for patrolling and monitoring wildlife.
- Awareness Campaigns:
- Educate local communities about the importance of tiger conservation.
- International Collaboration:
- Partner with global organizations to combat illegal wildlife trade.
Conclusion
The loss of a tiger is a somber reminder of the fragility of Assam’s biodiversity. Ensuring the survival of this keystone species demands a collaborative approach involving modern technology, government initiatives, and active community participation. Only by addressing the root causes of these conflicts can we safeguard Assam’s ecological heritage for future generations.
4. Preparations for Gunotsav Underway in Morigaon
GS Paper 2: Governance and Education
Introduction
The Gunotsav initiative in Assam, aimed at enhancing the quality of school education, is set to take place in Morigaon from February 4 to 7, 2025. This annual exercise evaluates learning outcomes, school infrastructure, and community participation in education. Over 15 lakh students from 1,394 schools will be assessed, making it one of the most comprehensive educational evaluations in the region.
Key Points
- Scale of Assessment:
- Participation of 15,19,992 students and 690 external evaluators.
- Focus on core competencies in reading, writing, and numeracy.
- Objective:
- To identify gaps in the education system and implement targeted interventions.
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Community involvement encouraged to ensure sustainable improvements.
- Liaison officers trained to oversee the program’s execution.
- Outcome:
- Data from Gunotsav aids in identifying underperforming schools and students needing additional support.
Prelims Pointers
- Gunotsav: Annual educational evaluation program launched by the Assam Government.
- Learning Outcomes: Parameters include reading comprehension, arithmetic skills, and scientific aptitude.
- Role of Liaison Officers: Ensure smooth coordination during assessment.
Mains Pointers
Significance of Gunotsav
- Improving Learning Outcomes:
- Provides actionable insights to bridge learning gaps in foundational skills.
- Strengthening School Infrastructure:
- Identifies infrastructural deficits and mobilizes resources to address them.
- Community Participation:
- Empowers communities to take ownership of their local schools.
- Holistic Evaluation:
- Assesses co-curricular activities and social engagement, ensuring a well-rounded education.
Challenges in Implementation
- Resource Constraints:
- Inadequate availability of trained evaluators for a large-scale exercise.
- Infrastructure Gaps:
- Rural schools often lack basic amenities like libraries and functional toilets.
- Resistance to Change:
- Schools may hesitate to accept feedback or implement suggested reforms.
Government Initiatives Supporting Gunotsav
- Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan:
- Holistic education program integrating pre-primary to higher secondary education.
- Digital Platforms:
- Use of data analytics to monitor Gunotsav results and track progress.
- School Adoption Programs:
- Involvement of NGOs and private entities to improve school facilities.
Way Forward
- Capacity Building:
- Train more evaluators and liaison officers to ensure effective assessments.
- Community Engagement:
- Conduct awareness campaigns about the importance of education quality.
- Leveraging Technology:
- Use mobile apps for real-time data collection and analysis during Gunotsav.
Conclusion
Gunotsav has proven to be a pivotal initiative in transforming Assam’s education landscape. By fostering a culture of accountability and community involvement, it ensures that quality education becomes accessible to all. As the Morigaon preparations gain momentum, the program reaffirms the state’s commitment to nurturing its young minds for a brighter future.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
1. Assam’s Push for Biofuel Production Using Agricultural Residues
Q1. Which of the following materials can be used to produce second-generation biofuels?
a) Rice bran oil
b) Paddy straw
c) Maize
d) Sugar
Answer: b) Paddy straw
Explanation: Second-generation biofuels are derived from agricultural residues like paddy straw and bagasse, unlike first-generation biofuels, which are produced from food crops like maize and sugar.
Q2. What is the target for ethanol blending with petrol in India under the Ethanol Blending Program (EBP) by 2030?
a) 10%
b) 15%
c) 20%
d) 25%
Answer: c) 20%
Explanation: The Ethanol Blending Program (EBP) aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending with petrol by 2030 to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Q3. Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana primarily supports the establishment of:
a) Solar power plants
b) 2G ethanol plants
c) Wind energy projects
d) Hydropower stations
Answer: b) 2G ethanol plants
Explanation: The scheme provides financial support for second-generation (2G) ethanol plants, which use agricultural residues for biofuel production.
2. Good Governance Week in Baksa
Q4. The ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore’ campaign focuses on:
a) Enhancing rural governance
b) Promoting digital literacy
c) Improving urban infrastructure
d) Empowering self-help groups
Answer: a) Enhancing rural governance
Explanation: ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore’ is a national campaign aimed at improving governance at the grassroots level through initiatives like grievance redressal and community engagement.
Q5. CPGRAMS is a platform for:
a) Monitoring government employees
b) Registering and resolving public grievances
c) Auditing public expenditure
d) Digitizing land records
Answer: b) Registering and resolving public grievances
Explanation: CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System) is an e-governance initiative to address citizens’ grievances efficiently.
Q6. Sushasan Saptah is an initiative by which government department?
a) Ministry of Home Affairs
b) Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)
c) Ministry of Rural Development
d) Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Answer: b) Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)
Explanation: DARPG organizes Sushasan Saptah (Good Governance Week) to enhance transparency and service delivery.
3. Tiger Carcass Found in Biswanath Wildlife Division
Q7. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was established under which Act?
a) Environment Protection Act, 1986
b) Forest Rights Act, 2006
c) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
d) Biodiversity Act, 2002
Answer: c) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Explanation: NTCA was established under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to ensure the conservation of tigers and their habitats.
Q8. The Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape is significant because:
a) It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
b) It serves as a critical tiger habitat.
c) It has India’s highest density of rhinos.
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: The Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a critical tiger habitat, and home to India’s highest density of rhinos.
Q9. Which technology is widely used for real-time tiger monitoring?
a) Camera traps
b) Satellite imaging
c) Drones
d) Both a and c
Answer: d) Both a and c
Explanation: Camera traps and drones are used extensively for real-time monitoring of tiger populations and their habitats.
4. Preparations for Gunotsav Underway in Morigaon
Q10. Gunotsav primarily focuses on:
a) Teacher recruitment
b) Evaluating school education quality
c) Infrastructure development in higher education
d) Promoting digital education
Answer: b) Evaluating school education quality
Explanation: Gunotsav evaluates learning outcomes, school infrastructure, and community participation in primary and secondary education.
Q11. Which scheme integrates pre-primary to higher secondary education in India?
a) Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan
b) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
c) Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
d) Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan
Answer: a) Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan
Explanation: Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan is a comprehensive scheme integrating education from pre-primary to higher secondary levels.
Q12. Liaison officers in Gunotsav are responsible for:
a) Training students for competitive exams
b) Overseeing assessment processes in schools
c) Distributing digital learning kits
d) Conducting teacher evaluations
Answer: b) Overseeing assessment processes in schools
Explanation: Liaison officers ensure the smooth coordination and implementation of assessments during Gunotsav.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Q. Discuss the potential of biofuel production from agricultural residues in Assam as a tool for achieving environmental sustainability and rural economic empowerment. Highlight the challenges and suggest a way forward.”
Model Answer:
Introduction: Biofuel production from agricultural residues like paddy straw and sugarcane bagasse presents an innovative solution for achieving sustainability and empowering rural economies. Assam, leveraging its 4 million tonnes of paddy straw annually, aims to integrate its agricultural sector into India’s National Bio-Energy Mission, contributing to the 20% ethanol blending target by 2030.
Body:
Significance of Biofuel Production in Assam:
- Environmental Benefits:
- Mitigates air pollution by reducing stubble burning.
- Lowers greenhouse gas emissions, supporting India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070.
- Promotes a circular economy through effective waste management.
- Economic Empowerment:
- Provides farmers with alternative income sources through the sale of residues.
- Creates employment in biofuel production facilities and supply chains.
- Reduces dependency on crude oil imports, enhancing national energy security.
- Technological Advancement:
- Encourages the development of second-generation (2G) biofuel plants, such as those planned in Sivasagar and Dibrugarh.
- Contribution to National Goals:
- Supports the Ethanol Blending Program (EBP) and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Challenges in Biofuel Production:
- Infrastructure Deficit:
- High initial investment required for setting up bio-refineries and supply chains.
- Limited transportation networks hinder efficient residue collection.
- Technological Barriers:
- Lack of cost-effective and scalable 2G biofuel technologies in India.
- Farmer Awareness:
- Insufficient knowledge among farmers about the economic and environmental benefits of selling agricultural residues.
- Policy and Implementation Gaps:
- Delays in financial and logistical support for biofuel projects under initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana.
Way Forward:
- Incentivizing Farmers:
- Provide subsidies for residue collection and ensure fair pricing mechanisms for agricultural waste.
- Strengthening Infrastructure:
- Develop rural processing units and improve transportation facilities.
- Enhancing Technology:
- Invest in R&D for scalable and cost-efficient biofuel production methods.
- Building Partnerships:
- Foster public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract investments and enhance operational efficiency.
- Community Engagement:
- Conduct awareness campaigns to educate farmers and stakeholders on the benefits of biofuel initiatives.
Conclusion: Biofuel production from agricultural residues offers Assam a sustainable pathway to address environmental challenges while empowering rural economies. By addressing logistical, technological, and policy-related hurdles, Assam can emerge as a leader in India’s renewable energy sector, driving the country toward a greener and more self-reliant future.
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