APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (19/08/2025)
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 (19-08-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🚢 India–Myanmar Border Trade via Moreh–Tamu Resumes After 3 Years
📘 GS Paper 2: India & Neighbourhood Relations | International Trade
📘 GS Paper 3: Economy | Infrastructure | Security
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Border Trade | Connectivity | Act East Policy
🔹 Introduction
After being suspended for nearly three years due to political instability in Myanmar and COVID-related disruptions, formal border trade at the Moreh (India)–Tamu (Myanmar) crossing has resumed. This resumption is significant for the Northeast’s economy, especially Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Assam, as it revitalises regional trade under the framework of the Act East Policy.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Border Crossing | Moreh (Manipur, India) – Tamu (Sagaing, Myanmar). |
| Status | Suspended since 2021 due to Myanmar coup & COVID. |
| Resumption Date | August 2025. |
| Traded Goods | Betel nut, pulses, textiles, electronic goods, medicines. |
| Connectivity Link | Part of India–Myanmar–Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway & Kaladan Multimodal Project. |
| Strategic Importance | Enhances India’s access to ASEAN markets via Northeast. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Moreh–Tamu Border Trade: India’s only designated land customs station with full international trade facilities on the Myanmar border.
Act East Policy: India’s strategy to enhance trade, connectivity, and cultural ties with Southeast Asia.
Kaladan Project: Connects Kolkata–Sittwe Port–Mizoram via multimodal transport.
IMT Highway: 1,360 km road corridor connecting India (Moreh)–Myanmar (Tamu, Mandalay)–Thailand (Mae Sot).
Tribal Trade Routes: Traditional barter trade existed much before formal arrangements.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for Northeast
Economic Boost – Enhances livelihood opportunities for border communities.
Connectivity – Strengthens Assam’s role as gateway to Southeast Asia.
Strategic Value – Counters Chinese influence in Myanmar.
Cultural Links – Shared ethnic ties across Indo–Myanmar border tribes.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Political Instability | Myanmar’s junta rule and conflict affect trade certainty. |
| Insurgent Movements | Cross-border insurgency and arms trafficking remain a threat. |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Poor road, warehousing, and customs facilities. |
| Informal Trade | Smuggling of betel nut, drugs, and gold undermines formal trade. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Border Haats – Promoting local trade in Manipur and Mizoram.
Special Economic Zone (Moreh) – Proposed SEZ to boost formal trade.
North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) – Incentives for industries.
Enhanced Security – Deployment of Assam Rifles and integrated check-posts.
D. Way Ahead
Strengthen Infrastructure – Fast-track completion of IMT Highway and Kaladan project.
Boost Formal Trade – Reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Stability Diplomacy – India to engage Myanmar for peace and border stability.
Local Involvement – Empower border communities through cooperatives and trade councils.
Regional Integration – Use BIMSTEC as a platform to widen border trade opportunities.
🧩 Conclusion
The resumption of Moreh–Tamu border trade is a milestone for Northeast India’s economic integration with Southeast Asia. For Assam and the region, it represents both an opportunity for growth and a challenge requiring stability, infrastructure, and policy coherence under the Act East framework.
🏭 Centre Approves New Industrial Corridor in Northeast
📘 GS Paper 3: Economy | Infrastructure | Investment
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Policies & Interventions | Federalism
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Industrial Development in Assam | Regional Planning
🔹 Introduction
The Union Government has approved the setting up of a new Industrial Corridor in the Northeast, linking Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura, as part of the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme. This is expected to transform the region into a manufacturing and logistics hub, boosting trade with both the rest of India and Southeast Asia under the Act East Policy.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Corridor Route | Assam (Guwahati, Silchar) – Meghalaya (Byrnihat) – Tripura (Agartala, Sabroom). |
| Key Industries Targeted | Agro-processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, electronics, bamboo-based industries. |
| Logistics Advantage | Connectivity to Bangladesh ports (Chittagong, Mongla) and India–Bangladesh rail links. |
| Investment Model | Public–Private Partnership (PPP) under NICDIT (National Industrial Corridor Development & Implementation Trust). |
| Expected Outcomes | Employment generation, regional supply chains, MSME clusters. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
National Industrial Corridor Programme (NICDP) – 11 planned corridors across India; part of PM Gati Shakti.
Act East Policy – India’s strategy to connect NE with ASEAN markets.
Sabroom, Tripura – Connected to Chittagong Port via Feni Bridge (Maitri Setu).
Byrnihat, Meghalaya – Emerging industrial cluster (cement, plywood, food processing).
NEIDS 2017 (North East Industrial Development Scheme) – Provides tax and transport incentives to industries in NE.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for Northeast
Economic Transformation – Shifts region from consumption-driven to manufacturing hub.
Employment – Large-scale opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled youth.
Agriculture–Industry Linkages – Agro-processing adds value to Assam’s tea, ginger, bamboo, and horticulture.
Strategic Connectivity – Positions NE as a gateway to ASEAN through Bangladesh and Myanmar.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Infrastructure Deficit | Roads, power, and logistics still lag behind. |
| Security Concerns | Insurgency pockets, smuggling routes, and border instability. |
| Environmental Fragility | Industrialisation may affect biodiversity and forests. |
| Investment Hesitancy | Perceptions of poor ease of doing business in NE. |
C. Govt Initiatives
PM Gati Shakti – Integrated infrastructure planning to support corridors.
Special Economic Zones (SEZs) – Proposed at Silchar and Sabroom.
Digital North East 2022 Policy – Strengthening IT-based industries.
Make in Northeast Mission (Proposed) – Region-specific manufacturing incentives.
D. Way Ahead
Inclusive Industrialisation – Focus on MSMEs and local entrepreneurship.
Green Industry – Encourage bamboo, renewable energy, and eco-friendly textiles.
Skill Development – Tailored training for NE youth in industrial trades.
Regional Cooperation – Integrate with Bangladesh SEZs for cross-border supply chains.
Monitoring Mechanisms – Transparent land acquisition, community participation.
🧩 Conclusion
The approval of a Northeast Industrial Corridor is a turning point for Assam and the region, potentially reshaping its economic geography. Success will depend on balancing growth with sustainability, ensuring that industrialisation empowers local communities while deepening India’s integration with Southeast Asia.
🌾 Assam Govt Launches ‘Jal Suraksha Abhiyan’ to Combat Groundwater Depletion
📘 GS Paper 3: Environment | Natural Resources | Water Management
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Policies & Interventions
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Agriculture | Environment | State Schemes
🔹 Introduction
The Government of Assam has launched the ‘Jal Suraksha Abhiyan’, a state-wide campaign aimed at water conservation and sustainable groundwater management. With rising instances of drought (recently in 12 districts) and erratic monsoons, Assam—traditionally considered water-abundant—is facing seasonal water scarcity. This scheme aligns with India’s broader efforts under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan and SDG-6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Programme Focus | Water conservation, rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation. |
| Target Areas | Drought-prone districts of Upper and Lower Assam. |
| Implementing Agencies | Assam Water Resources Dept., Panchayati Raj institutions, community organisations. |
| Key Features | Recharge structures, check dams, rooftop harvesting, drip irrigation incentives. |
| Community Participation | Involvement of schools, SHGs, and local bodies for awareness. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Jal Shakti Abhiyan (2019): A nationwide campaign focusing on rainwater harvesting, reuse, watershed development.
Central Ground Water Board (CGWB): Monitors and classifies groundwater blocks.
Wetlands in Assam: Deepor Beel (Ramsar site), vital for water recharge.
Traditional Practices: Assam’s bamboo drip irrigation (Meghalaya & NE states).
SDG-6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for Assam
Agriculture Security – 70% of Assam’s agriculture is monsoon-dependent.
Climate Resilience – Helps mitigate effects of erratic rainfall, floods, and droughts.
Urban Water Supply – Ensures long-term groundwater recharge for Guwahati and other cities.
Community Empowerment – Involves rural and tribal populations in water governance.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Over-extraction of GW | Tube wells in peri-urban areas depleting aquifers. |
| Pollution of Water Sources | Fluoride, arsenic contamination in parts of Assam. |
| Flood–Drought Paradox | Excess rainfall in monsoon vs. scarcity in lean months. |
| Awareness Gaps | Lack of adoption of modern irrigation among farmers. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Atal Bhujal Yojana – National programme for groundwater sustainability.
North East Water Resources Development Plan – Ongoing river basin management studies.
MGNREGA – Used for construction of check dams and ponds.
Assam’s Wetland Mission – Revival of beels and haors as water conservation structures.
D. Way Ahead
Integrated River Basin Management – Brahmaputra and Barak basin management linking flood & drought control.
Community-Led Models – Strengthen role of SHGs and PRIs in Jal Suraksha.
Technology Use – IoT-based groundwater monitoring, micro-irrigation systems.
Convergence of Schemes – Link with Jal Jeevan Mission, PMKSY (irrigation), and Smart Cities.
Awareness Campaigns – Water literacy in schools and local institutions.
🧩 Conclusion
The ‘Jal Suraksha Abhiyan’ marks a crucial step in redefining Assam’s water security strategy. While the state has traditionally been flood-prone, its increasing drought vulnerability necessitates sustainable, community-driven water management. Effective implementation could make Assam a model for balancing the flood–drought paradox faced by many riverine states in India.
🛡️ Centre Clears Modernisation Plan for Assam Rifles
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Defence | Border Management
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Centre–State Relations
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Insurgency | Border Security | NE Development
🔹 Introduction
The Union Cabinet has approved a comprehensive modernisation plan for the Assam Rifles, India’s oldest paramilitary force, known as the “Sentinels of the Northeast.” The plan includes upgraded infrastructure, advanced weapons, surveillance systems, and mobility solutions, aimed at strengthening the force’s capacity to tackle insurgency, border infiltration, and cross-border crime along the Indo–Myanmar border.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Founded | 1835 (Cachar Levy), oldest paramilitary force in India. |
| Current Strength | ~65,000 personnel. |
| Dual Control | Operational control – Indian Army; Administrative control – MHA. |
| Role | Counter-insurgency, border guarding (Indo–Myanmar), disaster relief. |
| Modernisation Plan | Advanced weapons, night-vision, UAVs, smart surveillance, fortified border outposts. |
| Infrastructure Upgradation | New integrated HQs, better housing, road connectivity in border areas. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Indo–Myanmar Border: 1,643 km, porous, free movement regime up to 16 km.
Assam Rifles HQ: Shillong (Assam Rifles Directorate General).
Key Operations: Operation Dudhi (1991), counter-insurgency in Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
Paramilitary vs CAPF: Assam Rifles = Central Armed Police Force but with dual command (Army + MHA).
Naga Peace Accord (2015) & Karbi, Bodo accords – Assam Rifles involved in facilitating peace.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Modernisation
Border Security – Tackles illegal migration, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling.
Counter-Insurgency – Enhances operational capability in Northeast insurgency zones.
Strategic Role – Supports India’s Act East Policy by stabilising the Indo–Myanmar frontier.
Force Morale – Better living conditions and equipment enhance efficiency.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Dual Control Debate | Administrative–operational overlap causes coordination issues. |
| Difficult Terrain | Dense forests and hilly terrain limit mobility. |
| Insurgent Networks | Cross-border sanctuaries in Myanmar complicate security. |
| Drug & Arms Trade | Golden Triangle proximity fuels narco-terrorism. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) – At Moreh, Zokhawthar for better monitoring.
Smart Border Management – Use of drones, AI-based surveillance.
Infrastructure Push – Border road projects via BRO and NEC.
Welfare Measures – Housing, schools, and healthcare for Assam Rifles families.
D. Way Ahead
Unified Command – Resolve dual control issue by bringing Assam Rifles fully under one ministry.
Technology Integration – UAVs, satellite imagery, AI-enabled surveillance.
Community Outreach – Civic action programmes to win local trust.
Cross-Border Cooperation – Strengthen ties with Myanmar forces to dismantle insurgent bases.
Balanced Approach – Combine hard security with development in border areas.
🧩 Conclusion
The modernisation of Assam Rifles is a strategic necessity for India’s Northeast. As the key security force in the region, its upgraded capabilities will not only strengthen border management and counter-insurgency but also support the economic and diplomatic objectives of India’s Act East Policy.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
Topic 1: Northeast’s First Bullet Train Feasibility Study
Topic 1: India–Myanmar Border Trade Resumes (Moreh–Tamu)
Q1. Consider the following with respect to India–Myanmar border trade:
- The Moreh–Tamu border is part of the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway.
- The Kaladan Multimodal Project provides sea–river–road connectivity from Kolkata to Mizoram through Myanmar.
- The Free Movement Regime (FMR) allows border residents to travel up to 40 km across either side without a visa.
Which of the above statements 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:
- Moreh–Tamu is indeed on the IMT highway (1,360 km).
- Kaladan links Kolkata → Sittwe Port → Kaladan River → Mizoram.
- FMR permits 16 km, not 40 km.
Q2. Assertion–Reason Type
Assertion (A): Resumption of formal trade at Moreh–Tamu is important for India’s Act East Policy.
Reason (R): It provides India with direct overland access to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) Both A and R are false.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: It improves connectivity, but direct overland access to Cambodia/Vietnam requires further regional integration beyond the IMT Highway.
Topic 2: New Industrial Corridor in Northeast
Q3. With reference to India’s Industrial Corridor Programme, consider the following pairs:
| Corridor Name | Linked Cities/Regions |
| 1. Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor | Mumbai – Chennai |
| 2. Amritsar–Kolkata Industrial Corridor | Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor |
| 3. Bengaluru–Mumbai Industrial Corridor | Part of Western Dedicated Freight Corridor |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- DMIC → Delhi–Mumbai, not Mumbai–Chennai.
- AKIC → aligned with Eastern DFC.
- Bengaluru–Mumbai is separate, not part of WDFC.
Q4. Which one of the following statements best describes the National Industrial Corridor Development & Implementation Trust (NICDIT)?
(a) It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Finance.
(b) It is an apex monitoring body for all industrial corridors under DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
(c) It is a public sector undertaking created under the Companies Act.
(d) It is an inter-state trade council coordinating between state governments.
Answer: (b)
Topic 3: Assam’s Jal Suraksha Abhiyan
Q5. Which of the following are considered artificial recharge structures for groundwater?
- Percolation tanks
- Recharge shafts
- Rooftop rainwater harvesting
- Contour bunding
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d)
Q6. Assertion–Reason Type
Assertion (A): Despite high rainfall, parts of Assam face drought-like conditions.
Reason (R): Groundwater recharge is poor due to the state’s alluvial soil and flood-driven waterlogging.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: (a)
Topic 4: Modernisation of Assam Rifles
Q7. With reference to Assam Rifles, consider the following statements:
- It is the oldest paramilitary force in India, originally raised as the Cachar Levy.
- Its administrative control lies with the Ministry of Home Affairs, while operational control is with the Indian Army.
- It guards the entire Indo–China border along Arunachal Pradesh.
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: Assam Rifles guards Indo–Myanmar border, not the Indo–China border (that is ITBP’s role).
Q8. Match the following operations with the forces involved:
| Operation | Force |
| 1. Operation Dudhi (1991) | A. Assam Rifles |
| 2. Operation Meghdoot (1984) | B. Indian Army |
| 3. Operation Cactus (1988) | C. Indian Air Force + Indian Navy |
Select the correct code:
(a) 1–A, 2–B, 3–C
(b) 1–B, 2–A, 3–C
(c) 1–A, 2–C, 3–B
(d) 1–C, 2–B, 3–A
Answer: (a)
APSC Mains Practice Question
Question:
“Water-rich states like Assam are increasingly facing the paradox of both floods and droughts. Discuss the significance of Assam’s ‘Jal Suraksha Abhiyan’ in addressing this challenge, highlighting its importance, limitations, and the way forward.”
Introduction
Traditionally considered one of India’s most water-abundant regions due to the Brahmaputra and Barak river systems, Assam now faces seasonal water scarcity and groundwater depletion alongside recurring floods. The ‘Jal Suraksha Abhiyan’, launched by the Assam government in 2025, aims to conserve water, recharge aquifers, and promote efficient irrigation, aligning with national priorities under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan and SDG-6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
Significance of the Scheme
1. Agricultural Security – Ensures water availability for rabi and pre-kharif crops in drought-prone districts.
2. Climate Resilience – Balances flood-drought extremes worsened by erratic monsoons.
3. Urban Water Supply – Recharge structures benefit cities like Guwahati facing groundwater stress.
4. Community Participation – Involves Panchayats, schools, and SHGs, making water governance bottom-up.
5. Environmental Sustainability – Revives wetlands and promotes rainwater harvesting to sustain ecosystems.
Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Flood–Drought Paradox | Excess water in monsoon vs. scarcity in lean season. |
| Groundwater Contamination | Fluoride, arsenic pockets in Assam limit safe extraction. |
| Awareness & Adoption Gaps | Farmers hesitant to adopt drip/sprinkler irrigation. |
| Urban Over-extraction | Tube wells in Guwahati and peri-urban areas lowering water tables. |
| Institutional Coordination | Multiple departments (Water Resources, Panchayat, Urban) create overlaps. |
Government Efforts & Linkages
- Atal Bhujal Yojana – Focus on sustainable groundwater management.
- MGNREGA – Funding for check dams, ponds, and watershed works.
- Jal Jeevan Mission – Household tap water supply, complementary to recharge.
- Assam’s Wetland Mission – Conservation of beels (Deepor Beel, Son Beel) to aid recharge.
Way Forward
- Integrated River Basin Management – Manage Brahmaputra and Barak basins holistically for flood control and drought mitigation.
- Technology Integration – IoT sensors, satellite mapping for groundwater monitoring.
- Promotion of Traditional Wisdom – Revive bamboo drip irrigation and indigenous rainwater practices.
- Policy Convergence – Merge state efforts with central schemes like PMKSY (irrigation) and Smart Cities.
- Community Water Literacy – Embed water conservation in school curriculum and local campaigns.
Conclusion
The ‘Jal Suraksha Abhiyan’ is more than a water conservation programme—it represents a shift in Assam’s development paradigm, recognising that even a river-rich state must prepare for climate-induced water stress. Its success will depend on community participation, scientific planning, and synergy with national water policies, making Assam resilient against the twin challenges of floods and droughts.urity.
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