APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (19/04/2025)
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 (19-04-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
✨ Current Affairs Crash Course for the APSC Prelims 2025
🏔️ Melting of Himalayan Glaciers: A Looming Threat to Northeast India
📘 GS Paper 1: Geography – Climatology | Environmental Geography
📘 GS Paper 3: Disaster Management | Environment | Infrastructure
🔹 Introduction
The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region, often called the “Third Pole”, is witnessing accelerated glacier melting, faster than even the Arctic and Antarctic. According to river expert Prof. Nayan Sharma (former IIT Roorkee), this rapid melt will have alarming implications for the Brahmaputra Basin, posing threats to Assam’s infrastructure, water resources, and flood dynamics.
🔑 Key Insights from the Report
| Aspect | Details |
| Region at Risk | Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH), especially NE India & Bangladesh |
| Termed As | “Third Pole” – largest ice mass outside poles |
| Key Risk | Glacier melt due to rising global temperatures |
| Impact Forecast | Glacial area in HKH could shrink from 500,000 sq km to 100,000 sq km by 2035 (IPCC AR4) |
| Consequences | Increased summer river discharge → floods, erosion, infrastructure stress |
| Affected Systems | Brahmaputra floodplain, irrigation networks, age-old dams, bridges |
| Critical Zone | Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, North Bengal – highly vulnerable |
| Urgency | Review and retrofit of infrastructure design needed |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
HKH Region: Covers Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Bangladesh, Myanmar.
IPCC AR4 Report: Predicted faster Himalayan glacier retreat than any other part of the world.
Albedo Effect: Decreased snow cover reduces Earth’s ability to reflect sunlight, further increasing heat absorption.
Temperature Gradient: Rising SST in Bay of Bengal and declining snow cover in Himalayas jointly affect monsoons and flood cycles in Assam.
Glacial Lakes: Threat of GLOFs (Glacial Lake Outburst Floods) in Assam and Arunachal valleys.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Why It Matters for Assam
Hydrological Changes: More erratic flow in Brahmaputra and Barak rivers — increase in flash floods and erosion.
Damage to Infrastructure: Aging bridges, dams, and embankments not designed for these new stress levels.
Threat to Agriculture: Over-irrigation in summer, drought in winter, reduced snowmelt-based irrigation in hilly NE states.
Urban Vulnerability: Cities like Guwahati could face climate-induced migration, traffic, and drainage issues.
Biodiversity Loss: Himalayan species, alpine flora, and high-altitude ecosystems threatened.
B. Challenges Ahead
| Challenge | Details |
| Data Deficit | Lack of granular, real-time glacial monitoring systems in NE India |
| Obsolete Infrastructure | Bridges, canals, irrigation channels designed decades ago |
| Poor Coordination | Between central agencies (IMD, IWAI, CWC) and NE states |
| Urban Planning Gaps | No incorporation of glacier melt data in urban flood planning |
| Disaster Unpreparedness | Limited capacity to tackle sudden GLOF or flash floods |
C. Government & International Initiatives
National Mission on Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) – under NAPCC
ICIMOD – Regional centre for HKH climate and glacier studies
NEC Flood Early Warning Systems – being scaled up
UNEP + India Glacier Mapping – to predict melt risks
NIDM + SDRFs – Capacity building for state disaster response forces
D. Way Forward
Glacier Monitoring Grid: Set up high-resolution monitoring stations across NE Himalayas.
Retrofitting Infrastructure: Immediate audit of dams, bridges and embankments in Brahmaputra basin.
Community-Based Early Warning Systems: Localized alerts for river level rise and flash flood zones.
Urban Adaptation Plan: Integrate melt and flood projections into Guwahati Master Plan 2040.
Climate Diplomacy: Collaborate regionally with Bhutan, Nepal, China for transboundary water management.
🧩 Conclusion
The rapid melting of glaciers in the HKH region signals not just a climate emergency but an infrastructural, hydrological, and ecological crisis for Assam. Proactive planning, scientific monitoring, and resilient infrastructure are the keys to safeguarding Assam’s future in the face of this unfolding climate challenge.
🐸 Discovery of New Frog Species in Garbhanga Forest: Northeast’s Biodiversity in Focus
📘 GS Paper 3: Environment & Ecology | Biodiversity | Conservation
📘 GS Paper 1: Geography – Flora & Fauna | Indian Heritage (Natural Heritage)
🔹 Introduction
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Gauhati University have discovered a new frog species in Garbhanga Reserve Forest, located on the outskirts of Guwahati. The finding adds to Assam’s growing status as a biodiversity hotspot and underlines the need for preserving micro-ecosystems threatened by urbanisation and habitat fragmentation.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Species Name | Minervarya garbhangaensis (proposed) – yet to be validated by ICZN |
| Habitat | Subtropical moist broadleaf forest – Garbhanga RF (Kamrup Metro) |
| Size & Behavior | Small-sized, nocturnal, calls during monsoon, lives near freshwater pools |
| Threats | Urban expansion, road construction, plastic waste, habitat loss |
| Research Collaboration | Zoological Survey of India + Department of Zoology, Gauhati University |
| Conservation Significance | Endemic to Assam; likely limited distribution |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Garbhanga RF: Recently proposed to be upgraded to a Wildlife Sanctuary; part of the Eastern Himalayan foothills.
ZSI: Established in 1916; apex body for animal taxonomy in India.
ICZN: International Code of Zoological Nomenclature — governs species naming.
Endemic Species: Species found only in a specific region and nowhere else.
Amphibians as Bioindicators: Frogs are sensitive to pollution, water pH, and habitat quality.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the Discovery
Biological Treasure: Highlights micro-endemism in Northeast forests.
Ecological Indicator: Frogs reflect wetland health, rainfall patterns, and pollution levels.
Urban-Wildlife Interface: Discovery so close to Guwahati shows wildlife’s adaptability and fragility.
Boost to Research: Reinforces the need for field studies and biodiversity inventories in unexplored areas.
Global Relevance: Could contribute to climate resilience studies and pharmaceutical research.
B. Challenges to Amphibian Conservation in Assam
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Habitat Fragmentation | Forest lands near Guwahati rapidly shrinking due to construction. |
| Invasive Species | Exotic plants and predators disturbing the native ecological balance. |
| Lack of Public Awareness | Amphibians are rarely prioritised in conservation narratives. |
| Pollution | Plastic, pesticides, and sewage contaminating breeding grounds. |
| Climate Variability | Changes in monsoon pattern affect reproductive cycles. |
C. Government & NGO Measures
Forest Status Upgrade: Assam Forest Dept. has moved to declare Garbhanga as a Wildlife Sanctuary.
State Biodiversity Board: Cataloguing species and drafting conservation action plans.
Wetland Rules (2017): Offer indirect protection to amphibian habitats.
Eco-Club Outreach (MoEFCC): School-based sensitisation on small fauna.
NGO Involvement: Aaranyak and WWF-India work in NE amphibian and herpetofauna studies.
D. Way Forward
Declare Garbhanga a Wildlife Sanctuary: Speed up legal protection process.
Long-Term Species Monitoring: Use acoustic sensors and camera traps to track nocturnal amphibians.
Community Conservation Incentives: Reward forest-dwelling communities for protecting lesser-known species.
Biodiversity Curriculum: Teach students about NE India’s unique frogs, reptiles, insects.
Urban Planning Buffer Zones: Restrict construction near key ecological zones.
🧩 Conclusion
The discovery of a new frog species in Garbhanga is more than a scientific milestone—it’s a reminder of nature’s hidden richness within reach of our cities. Protecting such microhabitats is vital not only for ecological integrity but also for Assam’s identity as a global biodiversity asset.
📜 Bhagavad Gita & Natyashastra Enter UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register
📘 GS Paper 1: Indian Culture | Literature | Performing Arts
📘 GS Paper 2: International Organizations | Cultural Diplomacy
🔹 Introduction
The Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra have been inscribed into UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, recognizing them as globally significant documentary heritages. These texts represent India’s ancient wisdom traditions in philosophy, ethics, performing arts, and aesthetics, marking a triumph in cultural preservation and soft power diplomacy.
🔑 Key Details
| Aspect | Bhagavad Gita | Natyashastra |
| Authorship | Attributed to Vyasa, embedded in the Mahabharata | Attributed to Bharata Muni |
| Theme | Dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna on Dharma, Karma, and Bhakti | Classical treatise on performing arts, covering drama, dance, music |
| Historical Period | Circa 2nd Century BCE to 2nd Century CE | Likely compiled between 200 BCE to 200 CE |
| UNESCO Recognition | For philosophical and spiritual influence across civilizations | For being the world’s oldest comprehensive text on aesthetics |
| Custodian Texts | Ancient manuscripts preserved in Sanskrit and regional scripts in Indian repositories | |
| Global Relevance | Gita translated into 75+ languages; Natyashastra influences even modern theatre, cinema |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Memory of the World Programme (UNESCO): Launched in 1992 to preserve rare manuscripts, archives, and oral traditions.
Bhagavad Gita: 700-verse text forming a part of the Mahabharata (Book of Bhishma).
Natyashastra: Source of Rasa Theory, classifies dance (Nritta, Nritya, Natya), and defines Navarasas.
India’s Other MoW Entries: Rigveda manuscripts (Bhandarkar Institute), Archives of Dutch East India Company (Kerala), etc.
UNESCO Headquarters: Paris, France.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Cultural Significance of the Recognition
Preservation of Heritage: Helps protect ancient manuscripts from neglect or destruction.
Cultural Soft Power: Projects India’s intellectual legacy globally, countering orientalist distortions.
Academic Boost: International scholars get better access to study materials and translations.
Nation Branding: Enhances India’s image as a civilizational state rich in philosophy and aesthetics.
Tourism & Economy: Drives heritage tourism around manuscripts, archives, and performing art traditions.
B. Relevance of Gita & Natyashastra Today
| Text | Modern Implication |
| Bhagavad Gita | Studied in ethical leadership, crisis management, psychology, and public service motivation |
| Natyashastra | Forms basis for Indian classical arts (Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Sattriya), cinematography, and theatre aesthetics |
C. Challenges in Preserving Such Heritage
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Manuscript Fragility | Palm leaf or birch bark texts are highly perishable |
| Digitization Gaps | Many valuable works remain un-digitized or untranslated |
| Neglect in Education | Gita and Natyashastra not systematically taught in schools/universities |
| Lack of Trained Archivists | Few institutions specialize in ancient script deciphering |
| Cultural Appropriation | Misrepresentation or commercial exploitation without context |
D. Way Forward
Digitize and Archive: Expand National Manuscripts Mission with multi-language, open-source platforms
Curriculum Integration: Introduce modules on Gita ethics and Natyashastra in civil services, literature, and art schools
Scholar Exchange Programs: Encourage global Indology scholars to research at Indian universities
Regional Language Translations: Ensure wide accessibility beyond English and Sanskrit
Public Outreach: Host festivals, performances, and lectures centered around classical texts
🧩 Conclusion
The UNESCO recognition of the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra is not just a celebration of India’s past — it is a call to action for preserving, studying, and reinvigorating our living heritage. Through education, technology, and inclusive cultural policies, India can ensure that its ancient wisdom remains timelessly relevant.
🗳️ Rise in Uncontested Panchayat Seats in Assam: A Democratic Red Flag?
📘 GS Paper 2: Polity & Governance | Local Self-Government | Electoral Processes
📘 GS Paper 1: Indian Society – Grassroots Democracy
🔹 Introduction
Ahead of the upcoming Panchayat elections in Assam, reports indicate a growing number of uncontested seats, raising concerns about grassroots democratic health, political coercion, and voter disillusionment. While some attribute this to political consensus or unopposed popularity, others warn of an erosion in democratic competition and lack of electoral inclusivity.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
| Level Affected | Gram Panchayat (GP) and Anchalik Panchayat (AP) levels |
| Concern Raised By | Civil society activists, regional parties, media watchdogs |
| Causes Suspected |
Pre-poll intimidation or deals
Lack of opposition candidates
Voter apathy or fear
Money and muscle power
| Related Trends | Similar issues seen in prior elections in West Bengal, Odisha, Nagaland
| Significance | Panchayats are foundational tier of democratic participation
🧠 Prelims Pointers
73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992): Mandated creation of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in rural India.
Three-Tier Structure: Gram Panchayat (village) → Anchalik Panchayat (block) → Zila Parishad (district).
Article 243K: State Election Commissions (SEC) to conduct PRI elections.
Assam Panchayat Act, 1994: Governs structure, powers, and elections of PRIs in Assam.
Devolution of Powers: Under Article 243G, state legislatures decide functional subjects to be devolved.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Why It’s a Concern
Erosion of Competition: Unopposed elections remove checks and accountability.
Coercion and Suppression: May involve fear, threats, or manipulation, especially of marginalized communities.
Low Political Participation: Declining trust in institutions leads to lower civic engagement.
Dynastic Capture: Power often rotates among dominant families if elections are not competitive.
Voter Disempowerment: People feel their voices don’t matter, weakening democracy from the ground up.
B. Structural Challenges in Assam’s Panchayat System
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Weak SEC Capacity | Limited autonomy, funding, and manpower for fair election monitoring. |
| Inadequate Devolution | Panchayats lack control over funds, functions, and functionaries (3Fs). |
| Urban-Rural Disparity | PRI governance often neglected in favour of urban-centric planning. |
| Caste & Class Barriers | Social domination prevents free candidature and voting in some areas. |
| Migration of Youth | Educated youth move to cities, leaving governance to status-quo forces. |
C. Government Responses & Legal Tools
Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for Panchayat Elections
Reservation for Women, SC, ST – Ensures inclusion, but often symbolic if not backed by empowerment
Capacity Building via RGSA: Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan for training PRI members
e-Gram Swaraj Portal: Enhances transparency in planning and fund utilization
Civil Society Monitoring: Encouraged in some states for fair campaign practices
D. Way Forward
Electoral Vigilance Cells: Create local ombudsman teams to receive pre-poll complaints.
Empower State Election Commissions: Financial and functional autonomy to enforce free elections.
Civic Literacy Campaigns: Educate villagers about the power and rights of voting.
Revise Panchayat Funding Structures: Ensure independent revenue sources for GPs.
Youth and Women Candidature Drives: Political parties must prioritize fresh, diverse candidates.
🧩 Conclusion
The rise of uncontested seats in Panchayat elections is a quiet but dangerous signal for grassroots democracy. For a state like Assam, where rural governance plays a crucial role in development, ensuring free, fair, and competitive local elections is essential to uphold the constitutional spirit of participatory democracy.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🏔️ Topic 1: Himalayan Glacier Melt & Impact on Northeast
Q1. With reference to the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region, consider the following statements:
- It is often referred to as the “Third Pole” due to its extensive ice cover.
- Glacial melt in the HKH region impacts the hydrology of the Brahmaputra River.
- The region spans only India and Nepal.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
🧠 Explanation:
- ✅ Statement 1: HKH is the third-largest ice reserve after the poles.
- ✅ Statement 2: Glacial melt feeds rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus.
- ❌ Statement 3: Incorrect. HKH spans 8 countries including India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Q2. Which of the following are possible consequences of Himalayan glacier retreat for Assam?
- More intense flash floods
- Water scarcity in winter
- Collapse of embankments and dams
- Enhanced coastal erosion
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 4 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: B
🧠 Explanation:
- Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct.
- Statement 4 is incorrect — Assam is not a coastal state, so coastal erosion is irrelevant.
🐸 Topic 2: New Frog Species in Garbhanga Forest
Q3. Which of the following statements regarding amphibians and biodiversity is/are correct?
- Amphibians are important indicators of ecological health.
- Garbhanga Reserve Forest is part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.
- Amphibians are rarely affected by pollution due to their impermeable skin.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A
🧠 Explanation:
- ✅ Statement 1: Frogs are bioindicators — sensitive to water quality and toxins.
- ✅ Statement 2: Garbhanga lies in the Eastern Himalayan foothills, a global hotspot.
- ❌ Statement 3: Incorrect — Amphibians have permeable skin, making them highly vulnerable to pollutants.
Q4. Consider the following pairs:
| Term | Description |
| 1. ICZN | Nomenclature rules for animals |
| 2. ZSI | Nodal agency for animal biodiversity in India |
| 3. Endemic species | Found only in one specific geographic region |
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: D
🧠 Explanation:
All three are correctly matched.
- ICZN = International Code of Zoological Nomenclature
- ZSI = Zoological Survey of India
- Endemic species = Species native to and restricted to a specific region.
📜 Topic 3: Bhagavad Gita & Natyashastra in UNESCO Register
Q5. The “Memory of the World” programme, recently in the news, is an initiative of:
A. International Council of Museums (ICOM)
B. World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
C. UNESCO
D. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
✅ Answer: C
🧠 Explanation:
The Memory of the World (MoW) Programme is a UNESCO initiative launched in 1992 to preserve documentary heritage, including manuscripts, archives, and oral traditions.
Q6. Consider the following concepts:
- Natyashastra contains the Rasa Theory of aesthetics.
- Bhagavad Gita is part of the Ramayana.
- Both texts have been translated into multiple foreign languages.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A
🧠 Explanation:
- ✅ Statement 1: Natyashastra introduced Navarasa theory (9 emotions in art).
- ❌ Statement 2: Gita is part of Mahabharata, not Ramayana.
- ✅ Statement 3: Both have global translations and influence.
🗳️ Topic 4: Panchayat Elections – Rise in Uncontested Seats
Q7. Which Constitutional provision gives the State Election Commissions the power to conduct Panchayat elections?
A. Article 243A
B. Article 243G
C. Article 243K
D. Article 324
✅ Answer: C
🧠 Explanation:
Article 243K empowers the State Election Commission (SEC) to conduct elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Q8. Consider the following causes for rising uncontested seats in local body elections:
- Political coercion and intimidation
- Absence of viable opposition candidates
- High cost of contesting elections
- Mandatory educational qualification to contest
Which of the above is/are valid causes in the Indian context?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A
🧠 Explanation:
Statement 4 is not universally applicable — educational qualifications for Panchayat elections exist only in select states (e.g., Haryana, Rajasthan), not in Assam.
1, 2, and 3 are valid in many parts of India including Assam.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Mains Question (GS Paper 2 – Polity | Governance | Local Self-Government)
Q.
“The rise of uncontested Panchayat seats reflects a silent crisis in grassroots democracy.”
Critically examine the reasons behind the growing trend of unopposed elections in rural India and suggest measures to strengthen electoral competition at the local level.
✅ Model Answer
🔹 Introduction
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment institutionalized Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as the third tier of governance, aiming to decentralize power and deepen democracy. However, the recent surge in uncontested seats in Panchayat elections across Assam and other states reveals a disturbing trend that threatens the vibrancy, competitiveness, and inclusiveness of local self-governance.
🔹 Extent of the Issue
- In Assam, hundreds of Panchayat seats are going uncontested in pre-election phases.
- Similar trends have been recorded in West Bengal (2018) and Odisha (2022).
- In some districts, 25–30% of GP seats are filled without a single vote cast.
🔹 Reasons for Uncontested Panchayat Seats
| Cause | Explanation |
| Pre-poll Intimidation | Threats and pressure tactics dissuade potential candidates, especially from weaker sections. |
| Political Monopoly | Dominance by ruling party discourages opposition participation. |
| Social Power Hierarchies | Caste, clan, or gender biases marginalize alternate candidates. |
| Electoral Fatigue & Apathy | Voters and candidates disengaged due to perceived ineffectiveness of Panchayats. |
| Resource Constraints | Rising cost of campaigns deters marginalized or independent candidates. |
| Token Reservations | SC/ST/Women seats often co-opted by dominant groups through proxy candidates. |
🔹 Why It Undermines Democracy
- Erodes Electoral Legitimacy: No-choice situations question democratic mandates.
- Weakens Accountability: Elected representatives face no performance pressure.
- Blocks Political Socialization: Local youth, women, and civil society excluded from leadership roles.
- Encourages Political Capture: Power retained by elites or family-based dynasties.
- Reduces Voter Engagement: Perception of futility leads to long-term disillusionment.
🔹 Government Efforts So Far
- State Election Commissions (SECs) mandated under Article 243K.
- Reservation Policy for SCs, STs, and women (Article 243D).
- Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA): PRI capacity-building mission.
- e-Gram Swaraj & AuditOnline: Digital tools for transparency in governance and funds.
- Awareness Drives: Some states have piloted voter education modules during Panchayat elections.
🔹 Way Forward: Reviving Democratic Spirit at the Grassroots
1. Electoral Safeguards
- Strengthen SEC autonomy and provide them investigative powers against coercion.
- Enforce Model Code of Conduct with teeth at the Panchayat level.
2. Candidate Empowerment
- Fund public debates, door-to-door awareness, and training sessions for rural candidates.
- Offer campaign subsidies or grants for first-time, youth, and women contestants.
3. Community Oversight
- Create village-level election monitoring groups with retired teachers, SHGs, and NGOs.
- Use digital grievance redressal for voter/candidate intimidation.
4. Reservation Rotation Transparency
- Publish advance ward reservation lists so candidates can prepare well.
- Avoid last-minute reshuffling that discourages participation.
5. Political Inclusion Campaigns
- Run PRI leadership workshops in tribal, tea-garden, and minority-dominated areas.
- Encourage political parties to promote internal democracy at the village level.
🔹 Conclusion
Democracy begins not at Delhi, but in the Gram Sabha. The silent spread of uncontested Panchayat seats is a red flag that demands urgent institutional, social, and political intervention. Strengthening grassroots democracy requires not only elections, but the will, awareness, and environment to make them meaningful.
✨ APSC Prelims Crash Course, 2025
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