APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (19/07/2025)
For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, staying updated with current affairs is vital. This blog covers most important topics from the Assam Tribune today (19-07-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🛃 Operation Sarhad: Assam Rifles Intensifies Anti-Narcotics & Border Surveillance at Indo-Myanmar Border
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Internal Security | Border Management | Organized Crime
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Governance | Center-State Relations | Role of Security Agencies
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam & NE Border Issues | Drug Trafficking in NE | Role of CAPFs
📘 Prelims: Assam Rifles | Operation Sarhad | Golden Triangle | Indo-Myanmar Border
🔹 Introduction
In response to rising concerns over cross-border drug trafficking and insurgency movements, Assam Rifles launched Operation Sarhad along the porous Indo-Myanmar border. The operation is a multi-layered counter-narcotics and border security effort, specifically targeting the Golden Triangle narcotics network and illegal infiltration routes in the Northeast.
🔑 Key Features of Operation Sarhad
| Feature | Description |
| Objective | Counter drug smuggling and arms trafficking across Indo-Myanmar border |
| Lead Force | Assam Rifles (under Ministry of Home Affairs) |
| Duration | Intensive crackdown over multiple phases |
| Focus States | Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram (bordering Myanmar) |
| Seizures | Drugs (meth, heroin), arms, explosives |
| Technology Used | Drones, night-vision surveillance, geo-fencing |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Assam Rifles: India’s oldest paramilitary force; operates under administrative control of MHA, operational control of Indian Army
Golden Triangle: Region bordering Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand – one of the world’s largest heroin-producing zones
Free Movement Regime (FMR): Allows tribes along the India–Myanmar border to travel up to 16 km across either side
Zokhawthar–Rikhawdar Border Post: Important point in Mizoram for cross-border traffic
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985: Governs drug seizures and punishments in India
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Operation Sarhad
| Area | Importance |
| Drug Interdiction | Intercepts narcotics before they enter mainland India |
| Security Grid Strengthening | Counters arms smuggling and insurgent regrouping post-Manipur violence |
| Community Protection | Safeguards tribal populations from addiction and criminal influence |
| Geopolitical Stability | Reinforces India’s proactive presence along sensitive border with Myanmar |
| Inter-Agency Coordination | Involves Assam Rifles, local police, IB, NCB, and Customs |
B. Challenges in Border Security
| Challenge | Description |
| Porous Terrain | Dense forests and hills allow undetected movement |
| Cross-Border Ethnic Ties | Smugglers use FMR to bypass checks |
| Lack of Fencing | Most of the 1,643 km Indo-Myanmar border is unfenced |
| Institutional Gaps | Fragmented jurisdiction among police, customs, paramilitary |
| Conflict Spillover | Myanmar’s internal unrest has pushed arms and refugees into Indian territory |
📊 Relevant Reports & Data
Home Ministry Data (2023): 60% of drugs seized in India were routed via Northeast
UNODC Reports: Golden Triangle supplies over 90% of Asia’s heroin
Assam Police Annual Report (2024): Record seizures of meth and synthetic drugs in border districts
Vision Document NE (MoHA): Calls for multi-layered surveillance systems along international borders
🧭 Way Forward
| Domain | Recommendation |
| Border Infra | Accelerate fencing, smart surveillance (e.g., CCTV, motion sensors) |
| FMR Reform | Review and update the Free Movement Regime to prevent misuse |
| Community Policing | Engage border villages in intelligence gathering and awareness |
| Integrated Operations | Strengthen joint command centers across Assam, Mizoram, and Nagaland |
| Bilateral Diplomacy | Work with Myanmar to target cartel origins and coordinate enforcement |
🧩 Conclusion
Operation Sarhad reflects India’s firm intent to tackle the twin threats of narcotics and insurgency along the vulnerable Indo-Myanmar frontier. Strengthening the region’s security infrastructure, local cooperation, and institutional coordination is key to ensuring long-term peace and development in the Northeast.
📖 India Rankings 2025: Assam’s Decline in NIRF Higher Education Rankings Raises Concerns
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Education | Governance | Social Justice
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Inclusive Growth | Human Resource Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Education in Assam | State Reforms | Youth Development
📘 Prelims: NIRF | Ministry of Education | HEFA | NEP 2020 | Assam’s Higher Ed Institutions
🔹 Introduction
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025, released by the Ministry of Education, has shown a marked decline in Assam’s performance. Key state universities and institutes have slipped in national rankings or failed to secure a place altogether, raising critical questions on quality, funding, and reform in Assam’s higher education sector.
🔑 Highlights from the NIRF 2025 Report
| Metric | Assam’s Performance |
| Top 100 (Overall) | IIT Guwahati only Assam institute in top 50 |
| Universities | Gauhati University, Dibrugarh University ranked below 150 |
| Colleges | Cotton University dropped off the Top 100 list |
| Law/Management/Medical | No Assam-based institute featured in top 100 of these domains |
| Key Factors | Poor research output, lack of faculty, infrastructure gaps |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
NIRF: Launched in 2015 by Ministry of Education, ranks Indian institutions based on parameters like Teaching, Research, Outreach
Key Parameters:
Teaching, Learning, and Resources (30%)
Research and Professional Practice (30%)
Graduation Outcomes (20%)
Outreach & Inclusivity (10%)
Perception (10%)
IIT Guwahati: Ranked consistently in top 10 Engineering institutes
HEFA: Higher Education Financing Agency – Funds capital infrastructure for public institutions
NEP 2020 Goals: GER to 50% by 2035, multidisciplinary education, NIRF-linked funding
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Higher Education Rankings
| Reason | Relevance |
| Funding Linkage | NIRF-linked performance drives UGC grants, HEFA assistance |
| Talent Migration | Poor state ranking pushes students toward out-migration |
| Academic Reputation | Rankings impact national and international perception |
| Policy Making | Helps identify areas for intervention in curriculum, staffing, and infrastructure |
B. Causes of Assam’s Decline in Rankings
| Cause | Impact |
| Faculty Shortage | Poor student-teacher ratio and mentorship quality |
| Research Deficit | Low publication output, poor patent record |
| Infrastructure Lag | Labs, ICT, libraries remain outdated |
| Governance Gaps | Autonomy, fund utilization, and accountability issues |
| Limited Industry Linkages | Weak placement and innovation ecosystem |
📊 Reports & Data
AISHE (2022–23): Assam’s GER (Gross Enrollment Ratio) below national average
NIRF Trends: Institutions from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka dominate top 100 lists
NEP 2020: Emphasizes Institutional Development Plans and Outcome-Based Funding
Education Department, Assam (2024): Budgetary allocation for higher education declined by 8% YoY
🧭 Way Forward
| Focus Area | Recommendation |
| Faculty Recruitment | Special drive to fill vacant teaching posts in universities and colleges |
| Research Ecosystem | Promote PhD fellowships, research grants, and MoUs with national labs |
| Digital Infrastructure | Upgrade e-libraries, virtual classrooms, and online learning platforms |
| NEP Implementation | Create multidisciplinary clusters and increase institutional autonomy |
| Ranking Roadmaps | Each university to draft a 5-year NIRF improvement plan |
🧩 Conclusion
The NIRF 2025 rankings have highlighted structural gaps in Assam’s higher education system. With education being the cornerstone of human capital, systemic reforms, increased investments, and accountable governance are crucial to reversing this decline and unlocking Assam’s academic potential.
🧠 Assam Govt to Launch Mental Health Helpline and Telepsychiatry Network
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Health | Social Justice | Government Schemes
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Science & Technology – ICT in Health
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam Health Policy | Regional Mental Health Challenges
📘 Prelims: Telepsychiatry | NMHP | District Mental Health Programme | Suicide Prevention
🔹 Introduction
Responding to a rise in mental health cases, the Government of Assam is set to launch a state-wide mental health helpline and introduce telepsychiatry services in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS). The initiative aligns with the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 and aims to bridge treatment gaps in rural and underserved areas.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Feature | Description |
| Helpline Name | To be operated under Assam Health and Family Welfare Dept. |
| Coverage | Statewide, including remote hill and flood-prone districts |
| Technology | Mobile-based consultations, AI triaging, follow-ups via telemedicine platforms |
| Partners | NIMHANS, local medical colleges, private psychiatrists |
| Target Group | Students, women, elderly, disaster-affected, frontline workers |
| Roll-out Date | Expected by end of Q3, 2025 |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Telepsychiatry: Remote mental health consultation using video/audio/digital tools
NIMHANS: Apex mental health institution under MoHFW, based in Bengaluru
National Mental Health Programme (NMHP): Launched in 1982 to provide community-based mental healthcare
Manodarpan: Govt. initiative for student psychological support
Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: Ensures rights-based approach to treatment and decriminalizes suicide
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Need for Mental Health Reform in Assam
| Concern | Explanation |
| Shortage of Psychiatrists | Less than 1 per 1 lakh population in Assam |
| Post-Disaster Trauma | Floods, violence, and migration impact mental wellbeing |
| Youth Vulnerability | Rising cases of anxiety, depression, exam stress among students |
| Rural-Urban Divide | Limited access to psychiatric support in rural belts |
| Social Stigma | Cultural silence around mental health worsens delay in seeking care |
B. Significance of the Telepsychiatry Initiative
| Benefit | Description |
| Accessibility | Breaks geographical barriers in hilly or remote regions |
| Continuity of Care | Follow-up via phone/video helps maintain treatment cycles |
| Cost-Effective | Reduces transport and consultation costs for poor families |
| Data for Planning | Centralized digital tracking enables policy-level decisions |
| Emergency Response | Suicide helplines integrated with police and ambulance services |
📊 Supporting Reports and Data
India State-Level Disease Burden Report (ICMR, 2023): Mental disorders among top 10 causes of disability
WHO Mental Health Atlas 2020: India spends <1% of health budget on mental health
National Health Profile (2022): Assam has one of the lowest psychiatrist-to-population ratios
NHM Assam (2024): Less than 15 districts have functional District Mental Health Units
🧭 Way Forward
| Focus | Recommendation |
| Mental Health Workforce | Train ASHA workers and GPs in basic psychological first aid |
| School-Based Programs | Mandatory counsellors in secondary schools and colleges |
| Community Outreach | Use mobile vans, local panchayats for awareness sessions |
| Local Language Interfaces | Ensure helpline and chatbot services available in Assamese, Bodo, Karbi, etc. |
| Public-Private Partnerships | Engage NGOs and CSR funds for long-term sustainability |
🧩 Conclusion
Assam’s telepsychiatry and helpline initiative is a timely and inclusive policy shift, recognizing mental health as a core component of public health. Bridging the treatment gap, combating stigma, and using technology wisely can help build a mentally resilient Assam.
🚉 Tezpur Railway Link Gets Green Light: A Boost to Regional Connectivity in Assam
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Infrastructure | Inclusive Growth | Transport Sector
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Governance | Centre-State Relations | Development Initiatives
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam-Specific Infrastructure | Regional Development | Connectivity in NE
📘 Prelims: Tezpur Railway Project | Indian Railways | UDAN | Act East Policy
🔹 Introduction
The long-pending demand for a railway link to Tezpur in central Assam has finally received administrative clearance from the Ministry of Railways. This move is expected to reconnect Tezpur, a historic town and military hub, to the broad-gauge network, enhancing economic growth, tourism, and mobility in Assam’s central and northern districts.
🔑 Project Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Project | Tezpur–Balipara–Rangapara North Railway Line (revival and expansion) |
| Estimated Cost | ₹1,400 crore (provisional) |
| Execution Agencies | Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) with state govt coordination |
| Length | ~25 km (Phase I), with plans to extend to Arunachal border |
| Project Phase | Survey and feasibility approved; land acquisition next |
| Timeline | Expected commissioning by FY 2028 |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Tezpur: Located on the north bank of Brahmaputra; key cultural, defense and education hub
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR): Zonal unit responsible for railway operations in NE
PM Gati Shakti Mission: Focus on multi-modal infrastructure including rail connectivity
Act East Policy: Encourages infrastructure expansion in NE for trade and strategic ties with Southeast Asia
Connectivity Index: Assam ranks lower than national average in rail density and last-mile access
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Strategic Importance of Tezpur Railway Project
| Benefit | Explanation |
| Defense Utility | Tezpur houses Air Force base and army cantonment; improved logistics |
| Economic Integration | Enhances market access for Sonitpur and Darrang district farmers |
| Tourism Potential | Facilitates access to Kaziranga, Nameri and historical sites |
| Urban-Rural Linkage | Brings Tezpur closer to larger urban transport corridors |
| Climate Resilience | Rail transport has lower carbon footprint vs road transport |
B. Challenges in Implementation
| Challenge | Description |
| Land Acquisition | Encroachment and ownership disputes in rural belts |
| Topographical Constraints | Hilly terrain and Brahmaputra’s floodplains complicate construction |
| Funding Delays | Central funding may be staggered; requires state coordination |
| Environmental Impact | Proximity to eco-sensitive zones (e.g., Nameri NP) |
| Operational Readiness | Station upgrades, signalling, and maintenance capacity needed |
📊 Supporting Data & Policies
Railway Budget (2024–25): ₹12,000 crore allocated for NE rail infra
Assam Infrastructure Vision 2030: Focus on reviving lost rail links and connecting district HQs
India Transport Report (NITI Aayog): NE accounts for <4% of national rail length
UN ESCAP Report (2023): Rail infrastructure critical for Indo-ASEAN connectivity
🧭 Way Forward
| Strategy | Action Area |
| Public Participation | Engage locals in land acquisition and resettlement dialogues |
| Integrated Transport | Link rail with city bus, waterway (Tezpur port), and regional airstrip under UDAN |
| Environmental Safeguards | Pre-emptive EIA and eco-sensitive construction norms |
| Digital Monitoring | Real-time tracking via PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan |
| North Bank Development Model | Use Tezpur as a transit and logistics hub for Upper Assam and Arunachal |
🧩 Conclusion
The Tezpur railway link, once completed, can transform central Assam into a mobility hub, addressing economic, strategic, and ecological objectives. Timely execution, backed by community and environmental considerations, will be key to realizing its full potential.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🧭 Topic 1: Operation Sarhad – Assam Rifles’ Counter-Narcotics Drive
Q1. Consider the following statements about Assam Rifles:
- It is India’s oldest paramilitary force.
- It operates under the Ministry of Defence for both administrative and operational control.
- It plays a dual role of conventional warfare and internal security in Northeast India.
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 only
✅ Answer: (a)
📘 Explanation:
- Assam Rifles is the oldest paramilitary force in India.
- It is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and operationally controlled by the Indian Army, not MoD for both.
Q2. The “Golden Triangle” region, often mentioned in the context of narcotics, includes:
(a) India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan
(b) Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand
(c) Iran, Afghanistan, and Iraq
(d) Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam
✅ Answer: (b)
📘 Explanation: The Golden Triangle refers to the notorious drug-producing region at the junction of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand.
🎓 Topic 2: Assam’s Performance in NIRF 2025 Rankings
Q3. Which of the following parameters is NOT part of the NIRF ranking methodology?
(a) Teaching, Learning and Resources
(b) Research and Professional Practice
(c) Social Inclusion and Caste Representation
(d) Graduation Outcomes
✅ Answer: (c)
📘 Explanation:
- NIRF does not have a specific parameter on caste representation. It includes teaching, research, graduation outcomes, outreach/inclusivity, and perception.
Q4. With reference to India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, consider the following:
- It proposes a single-stream disciplinary approach for higher education.
- It recommends the formation of Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs).
- NIRF rankings may influence funding and autonomy of institutions.
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (b)
📘 Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect: NEP promotes multidisciplinary education, not single-stream.
- Statements 2 & 3 are correct: MERUs and performance-linked funding are key reforms.
🧠 Topic 3: Assam’s Mental Health Helpline and Telepsychiatry Plan
Q5. The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 provides for which of the following?
- Right to access mental healthcare and treatment
- Decriminalization of attempted suicide
- Establishment of Mental Health Review Boards
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 2 only
✅ Answer: (c)
📘 Explanation:
All three are features of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 which ensures rights-based mental care, decriminalizes suicide, and sets up institutional safeguards.
Q6. Which of the following national initiatives are associated with mental health?
- Manodarpan
- National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)
- Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (d)
📘 Explanation:
- Manodarpan: Student mental health support
- NMHP: Long-standing mental health program
- Ayushman Bharat HWCs: Include mental health counselling as part of comprehensive care
🚉 Topic 4: Tezpur Railway Link Project
Q7. Consider the following towns of Assam and match them with their notable relevance:
| Town | Importance |
| A. Tezpur | 1. India’s easternmost air base |
| B. Rangapara | 2. Key rail junction in North Assam |
| C. Silchar | 3. Headquarters of Barak Valley |
Select the correct match:
(a) A-3, B-1, C-2
(b) A-1, B-2, C-3
(c) A-2, B-3, C-1
(d) A-1, B-3, C-2
✅ Answer: (b)
📘 Explanation:
- Tezpur houses an Air Force base and is a defense hub
- Rangapara North is a rail junction
- Silchar is HQ of the Barak Valley
Q8. The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan aims to:
(a) Digitize the National Food Security Database
(b) Promote AI in higher education institutions
(c) Provide integrated multi-modal infrastructure planning
(d) Enable universal banking access in rural areas
✅ Answer: (c)
📘 Explanation:
PM Gati Shakti focuses on coordinated infrastructure development across roads, railways, ports, airways, and logistics via digital platforms.
APSC Mains Practice Question
❓ Question:
Despite increased awareness, mental healthcare in Assam remains deeply inadequate.
Examine the challenges associated with mental health service delivery in Assam and suggest a roadmap for strengthening mental health infrastructure in the state.
(Word Limit: 250)
✅ Model Answer:
🔸 Introduction
Mental health is a critical but often neglected pillar of public health, particularly in Northeast India. Assam, despite policy intent, suffers from a high treatment gap, low specialist availability, and widespread stigma. The state’s recent initiative to launch a mental health helpline and telepsychiatry network marks a proactive shift, but structural challenges persist.
🔹 Challenges in Mental Health Infrastructure – Assam Context
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Shortage of Professionals | <1 psychiatrist per 1 lakh population; lack of psychologists and social workers |
| Urban-Rural Divide | Mental health services concentrated in cities; rural areas remain neglected |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Few functional District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) units; limited inpatient psychiatric wards |
| Cultural Stigma | Mental illness often equated with ‘madness’; leads to social exclusion |
| Low Budgetary Allocation | Mental health receives <1% of state health budget |
| Disaster Trauma | Recurrent floods, ethnic conflict, and migration compound mental stress |
🔹 Way Forward: Strengthening the Ecosystem
| Strategy | Actionable Steps |
| Telepsychiatry & Helplines | Use AI-powered triage tools and multilingual hotlines for early response |
| Workforce Development | Train primary care physicians and ASHAs in psychological first aid |
| School-Based Mental Health | Deploy counselors and integrate mental wellness in curriculum |
| Community Awareness Campaigns | Leverage local NGOs and cultural influencers to de-stigmatize mental illness |
| Budget & Policy | Separate mental health fund under NHM; integrate with Ayushman Bharat HWCs |
| Data & Monitoring | Create a mental health dashboard to monitor trends and resource needs |
🔸 Conclusion
The mental health burden in Assam demands a rights-based, technology-enabled, and community-centric approach. Initiatives like the upcoming telepsychiatry network offer a scalable model. However, lasting impact will depend on robust funding, grassroots engagement, and sustained political commitment.
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