APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (20/12/2024)
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 (20-12-2024). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
1. State Cabinet Approves Revival of Namrup Fertilizer Plant
GS Paper 3: Economy and Infrastructure Development
Introduction
The Assam Cabinet has taken a significant step to revive the Namrup Fertilizer Plant by approving a 40% ownership share in its fourth unit. This initiative aims to address the fertilizer demands of the region, promote agricultural productivity, and generate employment, showcasing the government’s commitment to reviving critical infrastructure.
Key Points
- Cabinet Approval:
- 40% ownership of the Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL) Unit IV by the Assam Government.
- Investment of approximately ₹4,000 crores.
- Economic Significance:
- Ensures an uninterrupted supply of urea and other fertilizers to meet Assam’s agricultural needs.
- Boosts the local economy through employment opportunities and enhanced agricultural productivity.
- Modernization of Facilities:
- Adoption of energy-efficient technology for better productivity.
- Plans to align production with environmental and safety standards.
Prelims Pointers
- BVFCL: A public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
- Namrup Fertilizer Plant: Established in 1969, producing urea and ammonia.
- Green Ammonia: A sustainable approach using renewable energy in fertilizer production.
Mains Pointers
Importance of Reviving Namrup Fertilizer Plant
- Economic Development:
- Enhances regional agricultural output by ensuring an affordable and reliable fertilizer supply.
- Reduces dependency on imports, saving foreign exchange.
- Employment Generation:
- Provides direct and indirect jobs, boosting the local economy.
- Encourages ancillary industries, including logistics and packaging.
- Environmental Benefits:
- Modern facilities reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
Challenges in the Fertilizer Sector
- High Capital Costs:
- Reviving old plants requires substantial investment.
- Raw Material Supply:
- Ensuring a consistent supply of natural gas for production.
- Infrastructure Gaps:
- Need for improved logistics and distribution channels.
Government Initiatives
- New Urea Policy 2015: Promotes energy-efficient production and balanced fertilizer use.
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): Provides financial aid to farmers to offset input costs.
Way Forward
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPP):
- Encourage collaboration with private firms for technological advancements.
- Skill Development:
- Train local youth for technical roles in the plant.
- Green Initiatives:
- Adopt renewable energy sources to produce “green ammonia.”
Conclusion
The revival of the Namrup Fertilizer Plant is a critical step toward ensuring Assam’s agricultural sustainability and economic growth. By addressing technological, logistical, and environmental challenges, the initiative has the potential to transform Assam into a self-reliant state in fertilizer production, aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
2. Ethics of Digital Childhood in Assam
GS Paper 2: Governance and Ethical Issues in Technology
Introduction:
The increasing integration of technology in children’s lives poses challenges to ethics and governance. With Assam witnessing a rapid digital transformation, safeguarding children from cyber risks while fostering digital literacy is critical.
Key Points:
- Digital Usage Trends:
- Increased use of smartphones and internet among children, especially post-COVID-19.
- E-learning platforms gaining popularity in urban and semi-urban areas.
- Cybersecurity Concerns:
- Rising cases of cyberbullying, online frauds targeting minors.
- Exposure to inappropriate content on social media platforms.
- Policy Gaps:
- Lack of robust guidelines for regulating children’s digital usage.
- Inadequate parental controls and digital safety measures.
Prelims Pointers:
- Cyberbullying: The use of electronic communication to bully or harass individuals.
- Digital Literacy: The ability to effectively and critically navigate, evaluate, and create information using digital platforms.
- POCSO Act: Protects children from online sexual exploitation.
Mains Pointers:
Importance of Ethical Digital Practices for Children:
- Mental Well-Being: Prevents stress from cyber threats.
- Educational Empowerment: Encourages safe e-learning environments.
- Cultural Preservation: Reduces alienation due to overexposure to global content.
Challenges:
- Digital Divide: Limited access in rural areas.
- Parental Awareness: Lack of digital education among parents.
- Policy Implementation: Weak enforcement of existing cyber laws.
Government Initiatives:
- Digital India Campaign: Promotes responsible internet use.
- Cyber Swachhta Kendra: Focuses on internet hygiene.
- State-Level Workshops: Organized in schools for cybersecurity awareness.
Way Forward:
- Comprehensive Policy Framework:
- Introduce child-specific cybersecurity regulations.
- Mandate digital literacy in school curricula.
- Public-Private Partnerships:
- Collaborate with tech companies to create safer digital ecosystems.
- Community Awareness:
- Conduct workshops for parents and guardians.
Conclusion:
Ethical digital practices for children are essential to Assam’s socio-economic progress. By fostering digital literacy, addressing cybersecurity threats, and ensuring ethical governance, the state can build a resilient digital environment for its youngest citizens.
3. Assam’s Eco-Cultural Landscape Under Threat
GS Paper 3: Environment and Conservation
Introduction:
Assam’s eco-cultural landscape is integral to its identity, intertwining natural assets with cultural heritage. However, unplanned urbanization and development projects increasingly threaten this landscape, leading to environmental degradation and cultural disconnection.
Key Points:
- Significance of Natural Heritage:
- Assets like the Brahmaputra River, hillocks, and ancient water bodies are not just ecological but also cultural symbols.
- They support biodiversity and foster community well-being, deeply embedding themselves in local traditions and seasonal festivals.
- Current Challenges:
- Encroachment: Rapid urbanization leads to the loss of critical natural spaces.
- Pollution: Poor solid waste management has heavily polluted water bodies like Dighalipukhuri and Dhuba Pukhuri.
- Biodiversity Loss: Kaziranga National Park faces habitat shrinkage due to unchecked tourism infrastructure.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: Fragmented habitats intensify conflicts, especially with elephants.
- Global Examples:
- Singapore’s “City in a Garden” showcases the integration of natural spaces within urban planning.
- The UK’s National Trust preserves both cultural and natural heritage for ecological and social benefits.
Prelims Pointers:
- Dighalipukhuri: Historical water body in Guwahati affected by urban projects.
- Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape: Recognized as a critical biodiversity zone.
- City in a Garden: A Singaporean model for urban ecological integration.
Mains Pointers:
Importance of Preserving Assam’s Eco-Cultural Heritage:
- Environmental Stability: Maintains ecological balance by preserving habitats and reducing urban heat islands.
- Cultural Identity: Safeguards Assam’s traditions, folklore, and seasonal festivals.
- Tourism and Economy: Sustainable tourism linked to preserved natural sites boosts local economies.
Challenges in Preservation:
- Lack of Awareness: Limited recognition of natural heritage’s cultural significance.
- Policy Gaps: Insufficient legal frameworks for protecting natural assets.
- Urban Pressures: Population growth and infrastructure demands lead to indiscriminate encroachments.
Government and Institutional Efforts:
- Kaziranga National Park Conservation: Initiatives to expand habitats and improve anti-poaching measures.
- Mission Amrit Sarovar: Focuses on rejuvenating water bodies across India, including Assam.
- Community Engagement: Promoting awareness campaigns to involve locals in preservation efforts.
Way Forward:
- Urban Planning Integration: Adopt policies ensuring the coexistence of natural heritage and development.
- Reviving Water Bodies: Implement projects like rainwater harvesting and sediment cleaning for water bodies.
- Eco-Tourism Models: Develop sustainable tourism practices emphasizing cultural and environmental education.
- Community-Driven Conservation: Empower local communities through education and incentives.
Conclusion:
Preserving Assam’s eco-cultural heritage is essential not just for ecological balance but also for sustaining the state’s unique identity. Balancing development with conservation will ensure that future generations inherit a rich legacy that harmonizes modernity with tradition. This commitment aligns with global efforts under the Paris Agreement and resonates with India’s ethos of living in harmony with nature.
4. Assam Tourism’s Focus on Swadesh Darshan 2.0
GS Paper 3: Economy, Tourism Development
Introduction
Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) has announced the development of Kokrajhar Wetland Experience under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. This initiative aims to enhance sustainable tourism and promote the cultural and ecological richness of Assam, contributing to both economic growth and regional pride.
Key Points
- Swadesh Darshan 2.0:
- Focuses on sustainable tourism models emphasizing ecology, culture, and community participation.
- Funded under a budget of ₹25.38 crores for the Kokrajhar Wetland Project.
- Kokrajhar Wetland Experience:
- Features eco-tourism infrastructure like bird-watching zones, nature trails, and boating facilities.
- Plans to integrate local community crafts and cultural showcases.
- Economic Impact:
- Creation of local employment opportunities in tourism and related sectors.
- Boosts Assam’s image as a sustainable tourism destination.
- Ecological and Cultural Preservation:
- Ensures wetland conservation while highlighting indigenous knowledge and traditions.
- Offers educational avenues for visitors on biodiversity conservation.
Prelims Pointers
- Swadesh Darshan Scheme: A Ministry of Tourism initiative for integrated theme-based tourism development.
- Kokrajhar Wetlands: Significant for biodiversity, especially for migratory birds and aquatic species.
- Eco-Tourism: Tourism activities that minimize environmental impact and benefit local communities.
Mains Pointers
Importance of the Kokrajhar Wetland Project
- Environmental Significance:
- Conservation of Assam’s wetland biodiversity.
- Prevents urban encroachment and promotes sustainable usage.
- Economic and Social Development:
- Generates revenue through eco-tourism.
- Empowers local communities through skill development and employment.
- Cultural Revival:
- Promotes indigenous crafts and cuisine, preserving traditional knowledge systems.
Challenges in Implementation
- Infrastructure Development:
- Balancing development with wetland conservation.
- Ensuring local accessibility without ecological disruption.
- Community Engagement:
- Involving local stakeholders effectively.
- Overcoming resistance from communities regarding land and resource usage.
- Maintenance and Sustainability:
- Continuous funding for operation and maintenance.
- Addressing waste management and resource depletion concerns.
Government Initiatives Supporting Eco-Tourism
- National Green Tourism Policy:
- Framework to align tourism development with environmental goals.
- Wetland Conservation Rules, 2017:
- Protection and sustainable management of wetlands.
- Incentives under Swadesh Darshan 2.0:
- Funding eco-tourism projects to boost local economies.
Way Forward
- Integrated Management Plan:
- Include local governance, NGOs, and private stakeholders in planning and implementation.
- Awareness Campaigns:
- Educate tourists and communities on eco-tourism principles.
- Periodic Monitoring:
- Use technology for environmental impact assessments.
- Capacity Building:
- Train locals in hospitality and sustainable tourism practices.
Conclusion The Kokrajhar Wetland Experience exemplifies Assam’s potential to lead India’s eco-tourism initiatives. Balancing ecological preservation with economic upliftment, this project can serve as a model for other states. By fostering local involvement and emphasizing sustainability, Assam’s tourism sector can achieve long-term growth while safeguarding its unique natural and cultural heritage.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
1. State Cabinet Approves Revival of Namrup Fertilizer Plant
- What is the primary product of the Namrup Fertilizer Plant?
- (a) Phosphate
- (b) Urea
- (c) Potash
- (d) Ammonia
Answer: (b) Urea
- Which policy aims to promote energy-efficient production in the fertilizer industry?
- (a) Green India Mission
- (b) New Urea Policy, 2015
- (c) PM-KUSUM
- (d) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
Answer: (b) New Urea Policy, 2015
- What is ‘Green Ammonia’?
- (a) Ammonia produced using renewable energy sources.
- (b) Ammonia derived from fossil fuels.
- (c) A by-product of coal gasification.
- (d) A fertilizer produced using genetically modified organisms.
Answer: (a) Ammonia produced using renewable energy sources.
2. Ethics of Digital Childhood in Assam
- Which of the following is a tool to maintain internet hygiene and protect against cyber threats?
- (a) Cyber Swachhta Kendra
- (b) PM-WANI
- (c) Digital India Mission
- (d) CERT-In
Answer: (a) Cyber Swachhta Kendra
- The POCSO Act in India is primarily aimed at:
- (a) Regulating social media platforms.
- (b) Preventing child labor.
- (c) Protecting children from sexual offenses.
- (d) Monitoring cyberbullying incidents.
Answer: (c) Protecting children from sexual offenses.
- What does digital literacy imply?
- (a) Awareness of internet scams.
- (b) Ability to critically navigate and use digital tools.
- (c) Proficiency in coding and app development.
- (d) Exclusive use of digital financial transactions.
Answer: (b) Ability to critically navigate and use digital tools.
3. Assam’s Eco-Cultural Landscape Under Threat
- Which historical water body in Assam has been affected by urban projects?
- (a) Dighalipukhuri
- (b) Haflong Lake
- (c) Chandubi Lake
- (d) Dipor Bil
Answer: (a) Dighalipukhuri
- Which Indian initiative focuses on rejuvenating water bodies?
- (a) Amrit Sarovar Mission
- (b) Jal Shakti Abhiyan
- (c) Namami Gange
- (d) Swachh Bharat Mission
Answer: (a) Amrit Sarovar Mission
- The Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape is primarily recognized for which species?
- (a) Bengal Tigers
- (b) Indian Elephants
- (c) One-Horned Rhinos
- (d) Gangetic Dolphins
Answer: (c) One-Horned Rhinos
4. Assam Tourism’s Focus on Swadesh Darshan 2.0
- What is the primary focus of Swadesh Darshan 2.0?
- (a) Urban tourism development
- (b) Integrated theme-based sustainable tourism
- (c) Developing luxury tourism infrastructure
- (d) Promotion of international travel
Answer: (b) Integrated theme-based sustainable tourism
- Which wetland project is part of Assam’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 initiative?
- (a) Deepor Beel Wetland Project
- (b) Kokrajhar Wetland Experience
- (c) Kaziranga Eco-Tourism Circuit
- (d) Manas River Eco-Development
Answer: (b) Kokrajhar Wetland Experience
- Which of the following describes eco-tourism?
- (a) Tourism that prioritizes luxury and leisure over conservation.
- (b) Travel to ecological sites that minimizes environmental damage and benefits locals.
- (c) Urban tourism with an emphasis on green infrastructure.
(d) Tourism promoting biodiversity without local community involvement.
Answer: (b) Travel to ecological sites that minimizes environmental damage and benefits locals.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Q. Discuss the significance of the revival of the Namrup Fertilizer Plant for Assam’s agricultural and economic landscape. Highlight the challenges in the fertilizer sector and suggest measures to make such initiatives sustainable in the long term. (15M)
Model Answer
Introduction
The Namrup Fertilizer Plant, a critical infrastructure for Assam’s agriculture since 1969, is being revived with a ₹4,000 crore investment by the Assam Government, securing 40% ownership in its fourth unit. This initiative aims to enhance fertilizer availability, boost agricultural productivity, and reduce dependency on imports while addressing environmental sustainability.
Significance of the Namrup Fertilizer Plant Revival
- Agricultural Impact:
- Ensures uninterrupted supply of urea to meet the demands of Assam and neighboring states.
- Promotes the adoption of balanced fertilization practices, boosting crop yields.
- Economic Growth:
- Reduces dependency on imported fertilizers, saving foreign exchange.
- Generates employment opportunities in production, logistics, and ancillary industries.
- Environmental Sustainability:
- Adoption of green ammonia technology reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- Modernized energy-efficient facilities align with global sustainability standards.
Challenges in the Fertilizer Sector
- High Capital Costs:
- Substantial investments required for modernization and expansion of aging plants.
- Raw Material Supply Issues:
- Dependency on natural gas, a critical input, poses supply chain risks.
- Logistical Bottlenecks:
- Limited infrastructure for seamless distribution to rural areas.
- Environmental Concerns:
- Legacy plants often have outdated technologies leading to pollution risks.
Measures to Ensure Sustainability
- Technological Advancements:
- Transition to green ammonia production using renewable energy sources.
- Invest in advanced technologies to optimize energy and resource efficiency.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPP):
- Leverage private sector expertise for funding, technology, and management efficiency.
- Infrastructure Development:
- Strengthen logistics and distribution channels for efficient fertilizer delivery.
- Develop integrated storage and warehousing facilities in rural areas.
- Policy and Financial Incentives:
- Extend subsidies for natural gas supply and energy-efficient equipment.
- Simplify land acquisition and regulatory approvals for setting up new units.
- Farmer Awareness Programs:
- Educate farmers on optimal fertilizer use to enhance soil health and reduce waste.
Conclusion The revival of the Namrup Fertilizer Plant is pivotal for Assam’s agricultural growth and self-reliance in fertilizer production. By addressing sectoral challenges through technological innovation, robust infrastructure, and supportive policies, Assam can transform the Namrup initiative into a model for sustainable industrial revival, contributing to India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and agricultural prosperity.
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