APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (21/08/2025)
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 (21-08-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🌊 Assam Floods 2025: Persistent Challenge of Disaster Management
📘 GS Paper 3: Disaster Management | Environment | Infrastructure
📘 GS Paper 1: Geography (Climatology, River Systems)
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Floods & River Management in Assam
🔹 Introduction
Every year, Assam faces devastating floods caused by the Brahmaputra and its tributaries, affecting millions of people, crops, and infrastructure. In August 2025, fresh waves of floods displaced thousands, highlighting persistent issues of climate change, siltation, embankment breaches, and inadequate disaster preparedness.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Affected Districts (2025) | Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Morigaon, Barpeta, Darrang, Goalpara, Nagaon, Dhubri. |
| Population Affected | Over 15 lakh people (as per ASDMA). |
| Infrastructure Damage | Embankment breaches, damaged roads, washed-away bridges. |
| Crops & Livelihoods | Paddy, jute, and fisheries worst affected. |
| Relief Measures | NDRF/SDRF rescue, temporary camps, food & medical aid. |
| Recurring Nature | Annual phenomenon, worsened by deforestation, encroachment on wetlands, and climate variability. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Brahmaputra River: Originates in Tibet (Yarlung Tsangpo), enters India at Arunachal Pradesh, flows through Assam, and into Bangladesh.
Majuli Island: World’s largest river island, shrinking due to erosion and floods.
ASDMA: Assam State Disaster Management Authority.
Important Flood Control Projects: National Hydrology Project, Brahmaputra Board (1980).
Kaziranga National Park: ~70–80% submerged annually, forcing animal migration.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Issue
Humanitarian Concern – Large-scale displacement, loss of lives.
Economic Losses – Agriculture, fisheries, and rural livelihoods disrupted.
Infrastructure Damage – Roads, bridges, embankments destroyed annually.
Biodiversity Impact – Kaziranga’s wildlife at risk, soil fertility decline.
National Security Angle – Border areas like Dhubri and Karimganj vulnerable.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Siltation | Brahmaputra deposits ~735 MT sediment annually, raising riverbeds. |
| Weak Embankments | Poorly maintained structures collapse during peak floods. |
| Unplanned Urbanisation | Wetland encroachment reduces natural flood buffers. |
| Climate Change | Increased intensity of monsoon, glacial melt from Himalayas. |
| Institutional Weakness | Brahmaputra Board criticized for inefficiency. |
C. Govt Initiatives
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) – Framework for disaster resilience.
ASDMA Flood Early Warning Systems – Satellite & IMD integration.
North East Water Management Authority (NEWMA, 2020) – Proposed holistic Brahmaputra basin management.
World Bank-Assisted Assam Integrated River Basin Management Project.
Relief Funds – SDRF/NDRF allocations, Prime Minister’s Relief Package.
D. Way Forward
River Basin Approach – Shift from embankment-centric to integrated basin management.
Early Warning Tech – AI, satellite mapping, community-level alerts.
Wetland Restoration – Protect beels and floodplains as natural buffers.
Stronger Institutions – Revamp Brahmaputra Board, operationalise NEWMA.
Regional Cooperation – Engage China, Bhutan, Bangladesh on Brahmaputra water sharing & silt management.
🧩 Conclusion
Floods in Assam are not just natural disasters but a man-made governance challenge compounded by climate change. A shift towards scientific river management, resilient infrastructure, and community preparedness is essential to transform Assam’s flood problem into a sustainable water-resource opportunity.
⚖️ SC Directive on NRC in Assam: Fresh Deadline Issued
📘 GS Paper 2: Polity | Judiciary | Citizenship
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): NRC, Migration, Identity Politics
🔹 Introduction
The Supreme Court of India has issued a fresh directive to the Assam Government and the Registrar General of India (RGI) to complete the process of issuing National Register of Citizens (NRC) rejection slips and appeals by a fixed deadline. This move comes after repeated delays since the final NRC list (2019), which left 19 lakh people excluded. The SC’s intervention highlights the intersection of citizenship, human rights, and governance challenges in Assam.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Final NRC (2019) | 3.11 crore applicants; 19.06 lakh excluded. |
| Current Issue (2025) | Rejection slips not fully issued; appeals pending. |
| SC Directive (Aug 2025) | New deadline given to complete appeal process before Foreigners Tribunals. |
| Govt’s Position | State Govt had sought time citing logistical challenges. |
| Implication | Impacts voter lists, welfare access, and citizenship rights of excluded people. |
| Humanitarian Aspect | Statelessness concerns; vulnerable communities worst hit (Bengali Hindus, Muslims, tea tribes). |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
NRC Origin: First prepared in 1951.
Legal Basis: Updated under Section 14A of Citizenship Act, 1955 (introduced in 2003).
Cut-off Date: 24 March 1971 (Assam Accord, 1985).
Foreigners Tribunals: Quasi-judicial bodies to decide citizenship cases.
CAG Report (2022): Criticised NRC update process for irregularities & lack of IT safeguards.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of NRC Issue
Identity & Security – Linked to illegal migration from Bangladesh.
Citizenship Rights – Decides access to voting, land, and welfare benefits.
Federal Dimension – Assam Accord is a product of Centre–State negotiation.
Judicial Oversight – SC plays a monitoring role, unusual for administrative tasks.
International Angle – Statelessness and human rights concerns raised by UNHCR.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Exclusion Errors | Genuine citizens left out due to documentation gaps. |
| Delays in Appeals | 19 lakh cases yet to be heard fully. |
| Humanitarian Concerns | Risk of creating a stateless population. |
| Political Polarisation | NRC linked with CAA (2019) debates. |
| Administrative Capacity | Foreigners Tribunals understaffed. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Assam Accord Implementation – Ongoing since 1985.
CAA 2019 – Provides citizenship pathway for non-Muslim migrants (till 2014 cut-off).
Digitisation of NRC Data – Steps to secure and link with Aadhaar/UID.
Judicial Oversight – Continuous SC monitoring since 2013.
D. Way Forward
Time-Bound Appeals – Strengthen Foreigners Tribunals with more manpower.
Humanitarian Lens – Avoid arbitrary detention; follow UN conventions.
Synchronise with CAA Rules – Ensure clarity on overlapping NRC–CAA cases.
Digital Transparency – Aadhaar–NRC–Voter ID linkage with safeguards.
Dialogue & Trust-Building – Involve civil society, student unions (AASU), minority groups.
🧩 Conclusion
The NRC issue in Assam remains a complex blend of law, identity, and humanitarian concerns. The SC’s fresh deadline (Aug 2025) may expedite the process, but unless handled with sensitivity, transparency, and fairness, it risks deepening social fault lines. A long-term solution requires balancing national security, constitutional rights, and human dignity.
🚆 Doubling of Guwahati–Lumding Railway Line: Boost to Northeast Connectivity
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Transport | Inclusive Growth
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Regional Development | Connectivity
🔹 Introduction
The Indian Railways has sanctioned the doubling of the Guwahati–Lumding railway line, a vital corridor linking the Brahmaputra Valley with southern Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. This strategic move is expected to reduce congestion, improve freight capacity, and enhance passenger mobility, while strengthening the Northeast’s integration with the national economy.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Line Section | Guwahati–Lumding (~180 km). |
| Current Issue | Single line causes delays, bottlenecks in passenger and freight movement. |
| Importance | Gateway to Barak Valley and hill states (Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura). |
| Economic Role | Carries tea, coal, petroleum, and essential goods. |
| Strategic Role | Military logistics towards Indo–Myanmar border. |
| Project Benefits | Faster trains, higher frequency, better connectivity for NE region. |
| Completion Timeline | Target by 2030 under PM Gati Shakti framework. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Lumding: Major railway junction in Assam; connects to Silchar and Tripura.
Bogibeel Bridge: Longest rail-cum-road bridge in India over Brahmaputra, enhances NE connectivity.
PM Gati Shakti (2021): National Master Plan for multi-modal infrastructure.
North East Frontier Railway (NFR): Zonal railway covering all 8 NE states (except Sikkim, partially).
Act East Policy: Railway expansion supports India–Myanmar–Bangladesh trade routes.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Project
Economic Growth – Reduces transport cost, improves tea and agri exports.
Regional Integration – Strengthens links between Brahmaputra Valley and Barak Valley.
Strategic Connectivity – Enhances defence logistics to Indo–Myanmar border.
Tourism Boost – Better access to Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram.
Act East Linkages – Facilitates future rail corridors to Bangladesh and Myanmar.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Difficult Terrain | Hills, forests, and seismic zones complicate construction. |
| Land Acquisition Issues | Resistance in tribal and forest areas. |
| Funding Constraints | High capital investment needed. |
| Environmental Impact | Threat to hill ecology, wildlife corridors. |
| Operational Bottlenecks | Coordination with freight/passenger needs. |
C. Govt Initiatives
PM Gati Shakti & Bharatmala–Sagarmala Integration – Ensures rail–road–port synergy.
North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS).
International Rail Projects – Agartala–Akhaura (India–Bangladesh), Jiribam–Imphal (Manipur).
Digital Rail Modernisation – Automatic signalling, electronic interlocking systems.
D. Way Forward
Green Infrastructure – Use tunnels, elevated tracks to reduce ecological damage.
PPP Models – Attract private investment in freight corridors.
Skill Development – Train local youth in railway construction jobs.
Regional Diplomacy – Link railways with Bangladesh, Myanmar under BIMSTEC.
Integrated Planning – Align with Assam’s industrial and tourism policies.
🧩 Conclusion
The doubling of the Guwahati–Lumding railway line is more than an infrastructure upgrade; it is a strategic investment in Northeast India’s future. By enhancing connectivity, trade, and security, the project aligns with both national development priorities and the Act East Policy, provided environmental and social concerns are addressed.
🛡️ India–Myanmar Border Security Talks: Focus on Insurgency and Cross-Border Crimes
📘 GS Paper 2: International Relations | India’s Neighbourhood Policy
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Border Management
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Insurgency, Border Issues in Northeast
🔹 Introduction
In August 2025, India and Myanmar held high-level border security talks to address insurgency, drug trafficking, and cross-border movement of armed groups. With a 1,643 km-long border (of which 1,643 km includes ~1,600 km with Northeast India), the porous terrain has made the region vulnerable to insurgent sanctuaries, arms smuggling, and narcotics trade, particularly affecting Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| India–Myanmar Border Length | 1,643 km (Arunachal, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram). |
| Cross-Border Issues | Insurgency (NSCN, PLA, ULFA factions), drug trafficking (Golden Triangle), arms smuggling. |
| Free Movement Regime (FMR) | Allows local tribes to travel 16 km across border without visa. |
| 2025 Talks Focus | Strengthening border fencing, joint patrolling, curbing narcotics, info-sharing. |
| Strategic Importance | Northeast security, Act East Policy, Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project. |
| Stakeholders | Assam Rifles (India), Myanmar Army (Tatmadaw). |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Golden Triangle: Region overlapping Myanmar, Laos, Thailand — major opium production hub.
Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project: Links Kolkata port to Mizoram via Myanmar.
Moreh–Tamu Border Post: Key Indo–Myanmar trade and transit point.
Operation Sunrise (2019): India–Myanmar joint operation against insurgent camps.
India–ASEAN Relations: Act East Policy emphasises NE connectivity via Myanmar.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Issue
Security – Curb insurgency, ULFA(I) and Naga groups using Myanmar sanctuaries.
Counter-Narcotics – Myanmar is a major source of heroin and synthetic drugs into NE India.
Border Development – Improves trade, tourism, and connectivity.
Geopolitics – Counters Chinese influence in Myanmar’s border regions.
Ethnic Linkages – Zo, Naga, Kuki tribes straddle both sides of the border.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Porous & Difficult Terrain | Forested hills make fencing difficult. |
| Insurgent Safe Havens | Myanmar’s political instability allows militant camps. |
| Drug Trafficking | Golden Triangle route pushes narcotics into NE. |
| Ethnic Sensitivities | Border fencing opposed by local tribes fearing division. |
| China Factor | Myanmar’s reliance on China limits India’s influence. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Border Fencing Projects – Partial fencing in Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland.
Free Movement Regime Review (2023–25) – Proposals to tighten or suspend.
Operation Sunrise I & II – Joint strikes on insurgent camps.
Narcotics Control Measures – NCB & Assam Rifles operations along border.
Infrastructure Push – Kaladan project, India–Myanmar–Thailand Highway.
D. Way Forward
Balanced Approach – Secure border without alienating border tribes.
Joint Counter-Insurgency – Institutionalise Operation Sunrise model.
Drug Trade Disruption – Enhance cooperation in intelligence and rehabilitation.
Accelerate Connectivity Projects – Ensure timely completion of Kaladan & Trilateral Highway.
Diplomatic Engagement – Use ASEAN, BIMSTEC platforms for regional stability.
🧩 Conclusion
India–Myanmar border security is a critical intersection of internal security and foreign policy. The 2025 talks reflect India’s attempt to safeguard its Northeast while deepening Act East connectivity. Success depends on a multi-pronged approach — blending hard security with diplomacy, development, and people-to-people trust-building.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
1) Assam Floods 2025
Q1. With reference to floods in Assam, consider the following statements:
- The Brahmaputra River is one of the highest sediment-carrying rivers in the world.
- The Kaziranga National Park gets submerged almost every year during floods.
- The Brahmaputra Board was established under the River Boards Act, 1956.
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: The Brahmaputra is indeed one of the world’s highest sediment-carrying rivers (~735 MT annually), and Kaziranga faces annual submergence. The Brahmaputra Board was set up in 1980 under the Brahmaputra Board Act, not the River Boards Act.
Q2. Which of the following wetlands of Assam act as natural flood buffers for the Brahmaputra?
- Deepor Beel
- Chandubi Beel
- Son Beel
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: All three wetlands — Deepor, Chandubi, and Son Beel — are natural flood buffers in Assam.
2) Supreme Court Directive on NRC
Q3. In the context of NRC in Assam, consider the following pairs:
| Provision/Institution | Related Law/Accord |
| NRC update basis | Assam Accord (1985) |
| Legal provision | Citizenship Act, 1955 |
| Cut-off year | 24 March 1971 |
| Appellate authority | Election Commission of India |
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (c)
Explanation: First three are correct; appellate authority is Foreigners Tribunals, not ECI.
Q4. Which of the following were recommended by the Supreme Court or committees regarding NRC in Assam?
- NRC process must be fair and transparent, avoiding arbitrary exclusions.
- Detention centres should be the primary mechanism for excluded individuals.
- Digitisation and Aadhaar linkage of NRC data with safeguards.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Courts and committees stressed fairness and digitisation, but detention centres are considered last resort, not primary mechanism.
3) Doubling of Guwahati–Lumding Railway Line
Q5. With reference to railway connectivity in Northeast India, consider the following statements:
- Lumding is a major junction connecting Assam with Tripura and Mizoram.
- The Jiribam–Imphal railway line aims to link Manipur with the rest of India.
- The Bogibeel Bridge is India’s longest rail-cum-road bridge across the Ganga.
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: Lumding connects Barak Valley and further to Tripura & Mizoram, and Jiribam–Imphal line is in Manipur. Bogibeel Bridge is over the Brahmaputra, not Ganga.
Q6. Match the following projects with their associated initiatives:
| Project/Infrastructure | Initiative/Policy |
| Guwahati–Lumding line doubling | PM Gati Shakti |
| Agartala–Akhaura rail link | India–Bangladesh Connectivity |
| Kaladan Multi-Modal Project | India–Myanmar Connectivity |
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: All three projects are linked to respective connectivity and infrastructure initiatives.
4) India–Myanmar Border Security Talks
Q7. Consider the following statements regarding the India–Myanmar border:
- It runs through four Indian states — Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
- The Free Movement Regime (FMR) allows residents within 16 km of the border to travel across without visa.
- The border length of India with Myanmar is longer than with Bangladesh.
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: Border length with Myanmar (~1,643 km) is shorter than with Bangladesh (~4,096 km).
Q8. Which of the following operations are related to India–Myanmar border security?
- Operation Meghdoot
- Operation Sunrise
- Operation All Clear
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Operation Meghdoot (1984) relates to Siachen, not Myanmar border.
Operation Sunrise (2019): India–Myanmar joint strike on insurgent camps.
Operation All Clear (2003): Bhutan’s drive against NE insurgents with Indian support.
APSC Mains Practice Question
❓ Q. Despite decades of embankments and flood-control measures, Assam continues to face devastating annual floods. Discuss the causes and consequences of recurring floods in Assam. Suggest sustainable solutions for long-term flood management.
(GS Paper 3: Disaster Management | Environment; GS Paper 5: Assam & NE Issues)
🔹 Introduction
Floods in Assam are a recurrent annual disaster, largely driven by the dynamic Brahmaputra and Barak river systems. In 2025 alone, over 15 lakh people were displaced, and agriculture and infrastructure faced massive losses. Despite heavy spending on embankments and relief, floods continue to devastate Assam, highlighting a policy and governance gap in disaster management.
🔑 Causes of Recurring Floods in Assam
- Hydrological Factors
- Brahmaputra carries one of the highest sediment loads in the world (~735 million tonnes annually).
- Raised riverbeds cause overflow and erosion.
- Climatic Factors
- Intense monsoon rains, coupled with climate change-induced variability.
- Himalayan glacier melt contributes to river discharge.
- Geomorphological Factors
- Assam’s low-lying floodplains act as natural flood-prone zones.
- Riverine islands like Majuli eroding rapidly.
- Anthropogenic Factors
- Encroachment on wetlands and floodplains.
- Poorly maintained embankments — many built in the 1950s–70s.
- Deforestation in catchment areas (Arunachal, Nagaland).
🔑 Consequences
- Humanitarian Impact – Loss of life, displacement, health crises in relief camps.
- Economic Impact – Destruction of paddy, jute, fisheries; Assam loses ~₹2000 crore annually.
- Infrastructure Damage – Roads, bridges, embankments collapse.
- Ecological Impact – Kaziranga National Park submerged (~70% annually); wildlife deaths due to highway crossings.
- Security Dimension – Border districts (Dhubri, Karimganj) become vulnerable to migration and instability.
📝 Govt Efforts & Limitations
- Brahmaputra Board (1980) – Criticised for inefficiency.
- ASDMA – Strengthening early warning and rescue, but limited reach.
- Flood Management Programmes – Embankment repairs remain short-term.
- World Bank-Assisted Assam Integrated River Basin Management Project – Yet to show results.
🔑 Way Forward: Sustainable Flood Management
- Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM)
- Operationalise North East Water Management Authority (NEWMA) for Brahmaputra basin-wide planning.
- Embankment Modernisation
- Replace weak mud embankments with geo-synthetic & eco-engineering solutions.
- Wetland & Floodplain Protection
- Restore beels like Deepor Beel, Chandubi as natural sponges.
- Technology & Forecasting
- Use satellite imagery, AI-based flood prediction, community-level alerts.
- Regional Cooperation
- Engage with Bhutan (upstream dams), China (water data sharing), and Bangladesh (downstream flows).
- Community-Centric Preparedness
- Train local disaster response units; promote raised stilt housing.
🧩 Conclusion
Floods in Assam are not merely natural but also governance-driven disasters. The 2025 floods once again expose the failure of embankment-centric approaches. A shift towards basin-wide scientific management, ecosystem restoration, and regional cooperation can transform floods from a recurring tragedy into an opportunity for sustainable water resource management.
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