APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (21/12/2024)

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 (21-12-2024). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.

1. Gaganyaan Mission: Advancing India’s Space Ambitions

GS Paper 3: Science and Technology

Introduction
The Gaganyaan Mission, led by ISRO, is India’s first manned spaceflight program. Designed to demonstrate India’s capability in human spaceflight, it encompasses three stages, with the uncrewed Gaganyaan-G1 test mission set to validate critical technologies.

Key Points

1. Mission Overview:
   • Gaganyaan aims to place a three-member crew in a low Earth orbit (~400 km).
   • It includes three flights: two uncrewed and one manned mission.
2. Technological Highlights:
   • Human-Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3): Modified for enhanced safety and reliability.
   • Crew Escape System: Ensures astronaut safety during emergencies.
   • Orbital Module: Combines crew and service modules, critical for life support and mission functions.
3. Current Progress:
   • HLVM3 assembly began on December 18, 2024.
   • Integration of crew and service modules is underway.
4. Global Significance:
   • Establishes India as the fourth country to send humans to space after the US, Russia, and China.

Prelims Pointers

• Gaganyaan-G1 Mission: First uncrewed mission simulating a manned flight.
• Vyommitra: A humanoid robot to test life-support systems and provide feedback during G1.
• Human-Rated LVM3: Enhanced version of the LVM3 with safety redundancies.

Mains Pointers
Importance of the Gaganyaan Mission:

1. Technological Advancement:
   • Pushes the boundaries of indigenous space technology.
   • Boosts advancements in aerospace engineering and materials science.
2. Economic Growth:
   • Expands India’s space economy by opening avenues for manned missions and interplanetary exploration.
   • Enhances partnerships with global space agencies.
3. Strategic Advantage:
   • Strengthens India’s position in global space exploration and security.
   • Demonstrates capability for long-duration human presence in space.

Challenges:

1. Technological Complexity:
   • High precision required for crew safety systems and re-entry technologies.
2. Financial Constraints:
   • Balancing mission costs with other developmental priorities.
3. Human Factor:
   • Astronaut training and psychological readiness for space conditions.

Government Initiatives:

1. Space Policy Framework: Encourages private sector participation in space technology.
2. ISRO Partnerships: Collaborations with NASA, Roscosmos, and ESA for knowledge sharing.
3. Infrastructure Development: Facilities like the Human Space Flight Centre in Bengaluru.

Way Forward:

1. International Cooperation:
   • Strengthen ties with global space programs for shared knowledge and reduced costs.
2. Private Sector Involvement:
   • Encourage startups to innovate in space systems and payloads.
3. Public Awareness:
   • Promote interest in STEM fields through educational initiatives linked to Gaganyaan.
4. Sustainability in Space:
   • Develop protocols to minimize space debris and enhance mission reusability.

Conclusion
The Gaganyaan Mission reflects India’s ambition to become a leader in space exploration. By fostering innovation, strategic collaborations, and global partnerships, it can position India at the forefront of the new space age, inspiring generations to pursue scientific excellence.

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2.  One Nation, One Election (ONOE) Bill

GS Paper 2: Governance, Constitution, and Polity

Introduction

The One Nation, One Election (ONOE) Bill aims to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and other levels of government. Proponents argue it will enhance governance efficiency and reduce election-related costs, while critics express concerns about federalism and democratic representation.

Key Points

1. Overview of the Bill:
   • Seeks constitutional amendments for simultaneous elections.
   • Aligns terms of legislatures to facilitate uniform electoral timelines.
2. Potential Benefits:
   • Cost Efficiency: Reduces recurring expenditure on election management.
   • Governance Continuity: Prevents policy paralysis during frequent elections.
   • Increased Voter Turnout: Encourages broader participation through fewer, well-planned elections.
3. Challenges:
   • Federal Concerns: Aligning different states’ election cycles may disrupt federal autonomy.
   • Operational Complexity: Requires robust infrastructure and coordination across levels.
   • Democratic Issues: Risks marginalizing regional issues in a single national narrative.

Prelims Pointers

• Article 83 and Article 172: Relate to terms of Parliament and State Legislatures.
• 129th Constitutional Amendment Bill: Introduced to address ONOE implementation.
• Election Commission of India (ECI): Responsible for election oversight.

Mains Pointers

Importance

1. Economic Efficiency:
   • Reduces expenditure on logistics, manpower, and resources during elections.
   • Frees financial resources for developmental projects.
2. Improved Governance:
   • Ensures stability, reducing the influence of populist measures during elections.
   • Facilitates long-term policy planning.
3. Voter Convenience:
   • Simplifies voting for citizens, potentially increasing turnout.

Challenges

1. Legal and Constitutional Amendments:
   • Requires widespread amendments to Articles concerning the terms of legislatures.
   • Potential conflicts with the judiciary regarding disruptions to federal principles.
2. Impact on Regional Parties:
   • May reduce visibility of local issues.
   • Regional parties might struggle to compete with national-level narratives.
3. Implementation Feasibility:
   • Requires comprehensive reforms to synchronize election cycles.

Government Initiatives

• Law Commission consultations (2017) with stakeholders.
• Joint Parliamentary Committee to evaluate technical and legal requirements.

Way Ahead

1. Conduct pilot projects to assess feasibility in specific regions.
2. Build consensus among political parties and states.
3. Invest in election technology to manage the logistical demands of simultaneous voting.

Conclusion

The ONOE Bill offers significant benefits in terms of cost savings and governance efficiency. However, its implementation requires careful navigation of constitutional, operational, and federal challenges. A balanced approach, emphasizing inclusivity and regional representation, can make it a transformative reform for Indian democracy.

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3.  Police-Political Dynamics in Assam

GS Paper 2: Governance, Polity, Law and Order

Introduction

Assam has witnessed heightened political and law enforcement tensions, as evidenced by recent protests led by the Congress and their confrontation with the police. This raises concerns about the balance between maintaining law and order and safeguarding democratic freedoms.

Key Points

1. Recent Incident:
   • Congress organized a march in Guwahati to protest the death of advocate and party leader Mridul Islam.
   • Police allegedly used tear gas during a ‘Raj Bhavan Chalo’ program, reportedly causing the advocate’s death.
2. Allegations of Police Misconduct:
   • Senior Congress leader Ashwini Kumar Mahanta alleged physical assault, including being bitten by an Assam Police officer.
   • Other Congress leaders, including State President Bhupen Kumar Borah, were detained.
3. Political Reactions:
   • The Congress has demanded justice and accountability for the incident.
   • The absence of police statements on these allegations fuels public and political criticism.

Prelims Pointers

• Assam Police Service (APS): State-level law enforcement cadre.
• Protest Dynamics: Legal provisions under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for handling public protests.
• Human Rights in Policing: Role of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Mains Pointers

Importance of Law and Order in Governance

1. Public Confidence:
   • Efficient law enforcement is crucial for public safety and trust in governance.
   • Mishandling protests can lead to political instability and public discontent.
2. Democratic Values:
   • Ensuring the right to peaceful protest is fundamental in a democracy.

Challenges

1. Police Accountability:
   • Allegations of excessive force tarnish the image of law enforcement agencies.
   • Lack of clarity in police responses undermines transparency.
2. Politicization of Police:
   • Risks of law enforcement being perceived as partisan actors.

Government Initiatives

• Modernization of Police Forces Scheme (MPF).
• Assam’s special grievance redressal forums for police accountability.

Way Ahead

1. Strengthening Oversight:
   • Independent bodies like NHRC should actively monitor such cases.
2. Training and Sensitization:
   • Equip police with tools for managing protests humanely and effectively.
3. Dialogue and Mediation:
   • Encourage state authorities to engage with dissenting groups to de-escalate tensions.

Conclusion

The incidents in Assam highlight the delicate balance required between maintaining law and order and respecting democratic rights. Transparent investigations and systemic reforms can restore faith in governance while ensuring justice for all stakeholders.

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4.  Assam’s Role in Tackling Left-Wing Extremism

GS Paper 3: Internal Security, Extremism, and Governance

Introduction

Assam, a northeastern state with strategic importance, plays a critical role in India’s fight against extremism. While the state has largely tackled insurgent groups like ULFA, emerging concerns about the revival of left-wing extremism through Maoist networks pose new challenges.

Key Points

1. Maoist Presence in Assam:
   • Efforts to revive CPI (Maoist) activities have been noted in parts of Assam.
   • Suspects linked to Maoist propagation and recruitment have been under investigation.
2. NIA Operations:
   • Raids in multiple states, including Assam, target attempts at Maoist revival.
   • Seizures of incriminating documents and devices point to organized efforts.
3. Assam’s Vulnerability:
   • Geographical proximity to Maoist-dominated areas.
   • Socio-economic grievances in some regions remain potential recruitment grounds.

Prelims Pointers

• CPI (Maoist): A banned organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
• NIA: Central agency tasked with counter-terrorism and organized crime investigations.
• Counter-Insurgency Operations: Techniques adopted in Assam for ULFA and NDFB can inform anti-Maoist strategies.

Mains Pointers

Importance of Assam in Countering Extremism

1. Strategic Significance:
   • Gateway to the Northeast; ensuring peace here secures the region.
   • Protects key infrastructure like oil pipelines and refineries.
2. Successful Counter-Insurgency Models:
   • Lessons from reducing ULFA and Bodo militancy can be applied to Maoist challenges.
3. Community Engagement:
   • Encouraging local participation in governance reduces susceptibility to extremism.

Challenges

1. Geographical Spread:
   • Dense forest areas provide cover for extremist groups.
2. Economic Factors:
   • Poverty and unemployment make some regions vulnerable to Maoist ideologies.
3. Coordination Between Agencies:
   • Effective intelligence-sharing between central and state agencies is essential.

Government Initiatives

• Operation Sadbhavana: Development-focused approach to reduce extremism.
• Bodo Peace Accord: Framework for resolving ethnic and insurgent conflicts.
• Modernization of Police Forces (MPF): Focus on training and equipment to counter insurgency.

Way Ahead

1. Enhance Development Initiatives:
   • Address socio-economic grievances through employment and education.
2. Strengthen Intelligence:
   • Develop localized intelligence networks to preempt Maoist activities.
3. Integrated Approach:
   • Collaborate with other northeastern states to ensure a unified counter-extremism strategy.

Conclusion

While Assam has successfully tackled its unique insurgency challenges, the threat of left-wing extremism requires sustained focus. A combination of development, intelligence, and community participation will help the state remain secure and prosperous.

APSC Prelims Practice Questions

1. Gaganyaan Mission: Advancing India’s Space Ambitions

Question 1: Which of the following is correct regarding the Gaganyaan Mission?

1. Gaganyaan is India’s first interplanetary manned mission.
2. It includes the use of a Human-Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3).
3. Vyommitra is a humanoid robot designed for uncrewed test flights under the mission.

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above

Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Gaganyaan is not an interplanetary mission but aims to send a human crew to low-Earth orbit (~400 km).
• Statement 2 is correct: The mission uses a Human-Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3), which is an upgraded version of the GSLV Mk-III.
• Statement 3 is correct: Vyommitra, a humanoid robot, is part of the Gaganyaan test program to assess life-support systems and provide feedback during uncrewed missions.

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Question 2: Which of the following technologies are associated with the Gaganyaan Mission?

1. Orbital Module
2. Crew Escape System
3. Atmospheric Re-Entry Technology

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. 1, 2, and 3

Explanation:

• The Orbital Module is a combination of the crew module and service module, supporting life and mission operations.
• The Crew Escape System ensures astronaut safety in case of emergencies during launch.
• Atmospheric Re-Entry Technology is critical for the safe return of the crew from orbit. All these are essential components of the Gaganyaan Mission.

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2. One Nation, One Election (ONOE) Bill

Question 1: Consider the following articles of the Indian Constitution:

1. Article 83
2. Article 172
3. Article 368

Which of these need to be amended to implement the One Nation, One Election (ONOE) Bill?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: D. 1, 2, and 3

Explanation:

• Article 83 deals with the duration of the Parliament’s Houses, requiring synchronization of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elections.
• Article 172 concerns the duration of State Legislative Assemblies, which must align for simultaneous elections.
• Article 368 outlines the procedure for constitutional amendments, which is essential to enact ONOE.

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Question 2: Which of the following is an argument in favor of the ONOE Bill?

1. It reduces the frequency of the Model Code of Conduct, thereby minimizing disruptions to governance.
2. It strengthens the federal structure by aligning state and national elections.
3. It improves voter turnout by conducting elections at regular intervals.

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. All of the above

Answer: B. 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct disrupts policymaking, which ONOE aims to mitigate.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Critics argue that ONOE may weaken federalism by prioritizing central narratives over regional issues.
• Statement 3 is correct: By reducing election frequency, ONOE aims to streamline the electoral process, potentially enhancing voter participation.

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3. Police-Political Dynamics in Assam

Question 1: Which of the following institutions oversees police accountability in cases of alleged misconduct in India?

1. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
2. Police Complaints Authorities (PCAs)
3. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A. 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

• NHRC monitors human rights violations, including those by police forces.
• Police Complaints Authorities are state-level bodies addressing complaints against police officers.
• The CBI does not directly handle police accountability unless directed by the judiciary or government.

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Question 2: What is the primary function of the Model Police Act, 2006?
A. To enhance the efficiency of counter-terrorism operations.
B. To ensure police accountability and democratic oversight.
C. To regulate inter-state police jurisdiction disputes.
D. To improve infrastructure in state police departments.

Answer: B. To ensure police accountability and democratic oversight.

Explanation:
The Model Police Act, 2006, aims to modernize policing by improving transparency, ensuring accountability, and promoting public trust in law enforcement.

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4. Assam’s Role in Tackling Left-Wing Extremism

Question 1: Which of the following measures has been used to address extremism in Assam?

1. Operation Sadbhavana
2. Bodo Peace Accord
3. Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)

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. 1, 2, and 3

Explanation:

• Operation Sadbhavana focuses on development-led counter-insurgency measures.
• The Bodo Peace Accord addresses ethnic and insurgent conflicts.
• AFSPA has been invoked in Assam to manage internal security challenges.

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Question 2: Which central agency plays a key role in countering left-wing extremism in India?
A. Border Security Force (BSF)
B. National Investigation Agency (NIA)
C. Intelligence Bureau (IB)
D. National Security Guard (NSG)

Answer: B. National Investigation Agency (NIA)

Explanation:
The NIA investigates terrorism and organized crime, including left-wing extremism. Its mandate includes disrupting financial and operational networks of extremist groups.

APSC Mains Practice Question

Topic: Gaganyaan Mission: Advancing India’s Space Ambitions

Question:
The Gaganyaan Mission is a critical milestone for India’s space program. Discuss the technological, economic, and strategic implications of the mission. Highlight the associated challenges and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)

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Model Answer

Introduction
The Gaganyaan Mission, spearheaded by ISRO, aims to demonstrate India’s capability in human spaceflight, making it the fourth nation to achieve this feat. It symbolizes a transformative step in India’s space program, showcasing technological innovation and global ambition.

Technological Implications

• Development of Human-Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3) for enhanced safety.
• Pioneering technologies like the Crew Escape System and Orbital Module for life-support and mission functions.
• Lays the groundwork for future interplanetary and space station missions.

Economic Implications

• Expansion of the space economy through opportunities in aerospace manufacturing, private sector participation, and job creation.
• Boosts research in materials science and advanced engineering.
• Strengthens partnerships with global space agencies, opening avenues for collaborative projects.

Strategic Implications

• Positions India as a leader in global space exploration, enhancing soft power diplomacy.
• Provides critical capabilities for dual-use technologies in defense and security.
• Strengthens technological self-reliance in aerospace.

Challenges

1. Technological Complexity:
   • Precision required in crew safety and re-entry technologies.
2. Financial Constraints:
   • Balancing the program’s high costs with socio-economic priorities.
3. Human Factors:
   • Training astronauts for prolonged missions in space.

Way Forward

1. Global Collaborations: Leverage partnerships with NASA, Roscosmos, and ESA for shared expertise.
2. Private Sector Engagement: Encourage innovation and investment in space technologies.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns: Inspire interest in STEM fields and space research.

Conclusion
The Gaganyaan Mission is a monumental stride in India’s space journey. By addressing its challenges through collaboration, innovation, and strategic investments, the mission can significantly enhance India’s global standing and scientific prowess.

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