APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (22/05/2025)
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 (22-05-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
✨ Current Affairs Crash Course for the APSC Prelims 2025
🟢 Topic: Assam Approves Concert Tourism and Solar Power Policies
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Energy | Tourism
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Policy Intervention
📘 APSC GS Paper 5: Assam-Specific Policies | Economy | Environment
🔹 Introduction
In a major policy shift aimed at boosting Assam’s tourism and renewable energy potential, the State Cabinet approved two significant policies — the Concert Tourism Policy and the Assam Solar Power Generation Promotion Policy 2025. This dual-focus decision aligns with Assam’s vision of becoming a sustainable and culturally vibrant economy.
🔑 Key Features of the Policies
| Policy | Key Features |
| Concert Tourism Policy | – Promote Assam as a music and entertainment hub – Develop Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Jorhat as concert cities – First concert planned for December 2025 – Counter loss to neighboring states like Meghalaya |
| Assam Solar Power Generation Promotion Policy 2025 | – Target: 3,500 MW by 2030 – Create 15,000 jobs – Attract public and private investments – Encourage decentralized solar power units |
⚙️ Prelims Pointers
Concert Tourism: A niche form of tourism centered around music festivals and concerts.
Assam Tourism Vision 2047: Includes cultural tourism as a key driver.
Renewable Energy Target (India): 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030 (under COP26 commitment).
Assam Solar Policy 2025: Successor to Assam Solar Energy Policy 2017.
Rooftop Solar Subsidy Scheme: National scheme to promote household solar adoption.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the Dual Policies
Cultural Economy Boost: Assam can attract youth, global artists, and investors by leveraging its music traditions.
Decentralized Green Energy: Promotes climate resilience and energy access in rural belts.
Urban-Rural Connectivity: Events in tier-2 cities like Dibrugarh and Jorhat encourage economic decentralization.
Employment Generation: Infrastructure for events and solar plants create direct and indirect jobs.
Private Sector Synergy: Opens space for startups, solar EPC contractors, and event managers.
B. Challenges in Implementation
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Infrastructural Gaps | Lack of concert-ready venues and transmission infra for solar integration |
| Power Storage Issues | Battery tech for large-scale solar is still evolving |
| Environmental Sensitivity | Events must adhere to noise, waste, and green norms |
| Land Acquisition | Solar plants may face local resistance or delay |
| Logistical Coordination | Cross-department planning is critical for both sectors |
C. Assam-Specific Opportunities
Leverage Sattriya and Bihu: Integrate cultural themes in concerts to attract global tourists
Use Solar in Char and Hill Areas: Where grid access is unreliable
Assam Startup Portal: Support local entrepreneurs in solar tech and entertainment logistics
Skill Development: Use Skill India Mission to train sound engineers, solar technicians, etc.
D. Way Forward
Concert Infrastructure Planning: Develop open-air and multi-use venues with civic amenities
Microgrid Pilot Projects: Combine solar with storage in flood-prone rural Assam
Incentives for Green Events: Subsidies or tax relief for carbon-neutral festivals
Robust PPA Mechanisms: Transparent solar procurement via DISCOMs
Marketing Campaigns: Global outreach for “Destination Assam” in music and sustainability circuits
📚 Relevant Reports & Policies
Assam State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC)
Draft National Green Hydrogen Mission
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 – Theme-based tourism circuits
Electricity Act (Amendment Draft 2022)
Incredible India 2.0 Campaign
🧩 Conclusion
Assam’s dual push toward concert-driven tourism and solar power generation marks a visionary turn in state development. It seeks to blend sustainability, culture, and entrepreneurship, making Assam a leader in the green and creative economy of Eastern India.
🟢 Topic: India Becomes World’s Third-Largest Solar Power Generator
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Renewable Energy | Environment
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Initiatives | International Commitments
📘 APSC GS Paper 5: Assam’s Role in National Energy Transition | Climate Policy
🔹 Introduction
India has officially become the third-largest solar power generator in the world, behind China and the United States, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) 2025 mid-year update. This milestone underscores India’s rapid transition toward clean energy, fulfilling its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and COP26.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Parameter | Detail |
| Total Solar Capacity (India) | Over 90 GW (as of May 2025) |
| Top Generating States | Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu |
| Global Rank | 3rd (after China and the US) |
| Target by 2030 | 280 GW solar (out of 500 GW non-fossil) |
| Major Policies Driving Growth | PM-KUSUM, Rooftop Solar Scheme, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) |
| IEA Observation | India’s market is driven by declining costs and strong policy support |
⚙️ Prelims Pointers
PM-KUSUM Scheme: Promotes solarization of agriculture pumps and grid-connected solar plants.
PLI Scheme for Solar: Encourages domestic manufacturing of solar modules.
National Solar Mission: Launched in 2010, aims at promoting solar as a key source of power.
ISA (International Solar Alliance): India-led initiative for global solar cooperation.
India’s COP26 Commitment: 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030; net-zero by 2070.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the Achievement
Energy Security Diversification: Reduces dependence on coal and imported oil.
Climate Leadership: Strengthens India’s negotiating position in global climate platforms.
Economic Opportunity: Expands jobs in installation, manufacturing, and EPC sectors.
Rural Empowerment: Solar microgrids and rooftop systems enhance electricity access in remote areas.
Technological Boost: Promotes innovation in battery storage and grid integration.
B. Challenges in Solar Expansion
| Challenge | Impact |
| Land Acquisition | Solar parks require large land parcels, often in agrarian zones |
| Grid Integration | Solar is intermittent; needs storage and smart grids |
| Discom Financial Health | Poor payment capacity limits large-scale procurement |
| Domestic Manufacturing Gap | High module import dependence despite PLI schemes |
| Recycling & Waste | Rising solar panel waste poses an environmental challenge |
C. Assam’s Solar Strategy (Linkage with State Policy)
New Solar Policy 2025: Aims for 3,500 MW by 2030 (see previous topic)
Decentralized Focus: Off-grid solar in char, hill, and border regions
Public Building Rooftop Mandate: Government offices to install solar panels
Skill Development: Training rural youth in solar installation & maintenance
Bilateral Solar Projects: Collaborations with Japan, Germany under NE Renewable Corridor
D. Way Forward
Enhance Domestic Manufacturing: Expand solar cell and module factories via Make in India
Grid Modernization: Smart metering and storage integration
Solar Waste Management Rules: Enforce extended producer responsibility
State-Level Green Tariffs: To attract private investment in solar-heavy states
Community-Owned Models: SHG-run solar enterprises in NE and tribal belts
📚 Relevant Reports & Frameworks
IEA 2025 Mid-Year Renewable Update
NITI Aayog’s Energy Compendium
MNRE Guidelines on Solar Parks
National Electricity Plan 2023
UN SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
🧩 Conclusion
India’s emergence as the third-largest solar power generator marks a pivotal achievement in its clean energy transition. States like Assam must now leverage this momentum to integrate renewable energy into development plans, ensuring inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient growth.
🟢 Topic: ‘Study in India’ Portal Registers Surge in Global Student Applications
📘 GS Paper 2: Education | International Relations | Government Initiatives
📘 GS Paper 3: Economic Development | Services Sector (Education Exports)
📘 APSC GS Paper 5: Education in Assam | NE as an Academic Hub
🔹 Introduction
The Government of India’s flagship initiative, the ‘Study in India’ portal, has seen a record surge in foreign student applications in 2025. This follows efforts to brand Indian higher education globally, particularly targeting students from Africa, Central Asia, ASEAN, and the Middle East. Institutions like IIT Guwahati, Tezpur University, and Cotton University are among those listed as destination campuses.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
| Initiative Name | Study in India (SII) |
| Launched By | Ministry of Education + EdCIL (India) Ltd |
| Current Trend | 30% rise in international applications (2025) |
| Top Source Countries | Nepal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Nigeria |
| Target Seats | 50,000 seats across 100+ premier institutes |
| Institutes Covered | IITs, NITs, IIITs, Central Universities, including NE universities |
⚙️ Prelims Pointers
Study in India Programme: Launched in 2018 to attract foreign students, especially from the Global South.
EdCIL (India) Ltd: A PSU under the Ministry of Education managing the SII portal.
GIAN, SPARC, and SATHEE: Other key schemes for internationalization of Indian education.
NEP 2020: Encourages making India a global education destination through academic reforms and digital outreach.
Indian Knowledge System (IKS): Promoted as a soft power pillar of Indian education diplomacy.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the ‘Study in India’ Programme
Education as Soft Power: Strengthens India’s diplomatic ties with developing nations.
Revenue for Institutions: Tuition and allied services boost funding for public universities.
Promotes Cultural Exchange: Creates global goodwill and awareness of Indian values.
Strengthens NE Education Ecosystem: Showcases universities in Assam and other NE states.
Reduces Outward Migration: Encourages inward student mobility to balance education trade.
B. Challenges to Address
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Recognition of Degrees | Indian degrees not always recognized in Europe/US |
| Hostel & Visa Issues | Delays in accommodation and student visa approvals |
| Language Barrier | Some courses lack English-medium consistency |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Not all listed institutes have global-level facilities |
| Low Faculty Diversity | Few foreign teachers and collaborative courses |
C. Relevance to Assam and the Northeast
IIT Guwahati & Tezpur University: Part of SII’s premium category
Potential for Cross-Border Education: Assam can attract students from Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar
Assam Education Vision: Plans to set up International Student Hostels in Guwahati and Silchar
Leveraging Digital Platforms: Promote online degrees, short courses for foreign learners
Cultural Diplomacy: Use Bihu, Sattriya, and Vaishnav heritage as tools for engagement
D. Way Forward
Credit Transfer and Global Partnerships: Dual degrees and MOUs with global universities
Ease Visa and FRRO Norms: Student visa facilitation centres on campuses
Digital Upgrade: Improve virtual classrooms, LMS platforms, and course content for global use
Alumni Diplomacy: Use international alumni as ambassadors for Indian institutions
NE as Gateway to ASEAN: Brand Assam universities under Act East education diplomacy
📚 Relevant Reports & Policies
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
Draft Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill
UN SDG 4: Quality Education
Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report by UNESCO
India-Africa Forum Summit Education Track
🧩 Conclusion
The surge in applications on the Study in India portal marks India’s growing presence as a global education provider. For Assam and the Northeast, it offers a unique chance to blend academic excellence with cultural heritage, making the region a key player in India’s education diplomacy and soft power strategy.
🟢 Topic: AFSPA Extended in Parts of Arunachal, Nagaland for Six More Months
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Internal Security | Federalism
📘 GS Paper 3: Security Challenges in Border Areas | Role of Security Forces
📘 APSC GS Paper 5: NE-Specific Law & Order | Insurgency & Counterinsurgency
🔹 Introduction
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in certain “disturbed areas” of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland for another six months starting May 2025. While AFSPA has been withdrawn from several districts in Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur in recent years, some pockets remain under the Act due to ongoing security concerns and insurgent activity.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Element | Details |
| Act in Force | AFSPA, 1958 |
| Extension Period | 6 months (from May 2025) |
| States Affected | Nagaland (entire state except 4 districts), parts of Arunachal Pradesh (Tirap, Changlang, Longding) |
| Authority to Declare | Central Government under Section 3 of AFSPA |
| Reason for Extension | Presence of insurgent groups (e.g., NSCN factions), arms trafficking, and border vulnerabilities |
| Withdrawn From | Most districts in Assam (since April 2022) and Manipur (partial) |
⚙️ Prelims Pointers
AFSPA, 1958: Grants special powers to the armed forces in “disturbed areas” – includes arrest without warrant, search operations, and use of force.
Section 3 of AFSPA: Allows the central or state government to declare an area as “disturbed.”
Disturbed Area Notification: Required for AFSPA to be applicable.
Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee (2005): Recommended repealing AFSPA; viewed it as “symbol of oppression.”
Article 355: Centre’s duty to protect states from internal disturbances.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Rationale for Continuation in Some NE Regions
Border Security Risks: Proximity to Myanmar and illegal arms influx
Insurgent Presence: Active factions like NSCN-K, ULFA-I still operate in forested belts
Failed Peace Talks: Delays in final Naga Accord keep tensions alive
Civilian–Insurgent Nexus: Intelligence inputs of rebel support networks
Smuggling & Narco-Terrorism: Trafficking from the Golden Triangle via NE corridors
B. Criticisms and Concerns
| Concern | Explanation |
| Human Rights Violations | Allegations of fake encounters, torture, arbitrary arrests |
| Lack of Accountability | Section 6 provides immunity to armed forces from prosecution without Centre’s sanction |
| Alienation of Local Population | Fuels anti-government sentiment, affects peace processes |
| Judicial Scrutiny | SC in Extra Judicial Execution Victim Families Association v. Union of India raised constitutional questions |
| Impact on Federalism | Central declaration overrides state’s local governance role |
C. AFSPA Reforms & Recent Developments
Reduction in AFSPA Areas: Over 60% of NE now out of AFSPA coverage
Enhanced Policing: Assam and Manipur police now lead in law-and-order functions
Peace Agreements: Bodo Accord (2020), Karbi Peace Deal (2021) led to withdrawal in parts of Assam
Review Mechanisms: AFSPA areas reviewed every 6 months
Home Ministry Consultations: State governments consulted before notification
D. Way Forward
Strengthen Civilian Institutions: Empower state police and intelligence networks
Fast-Track Peace Talks: Finalize Naga Accord and engage with NSCN splinters
Phase-wise Withdrawal: Linked to performance indicators (violence levels, arms recovery)
Accountability Measures: Enforce SOPs and oversight for operations under AFSPA
Development-Led Security: Infrastructure, education, and connectivity in border areas
📚 Relevant Reports & Legal References
Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee Report (2005)
Second ARC Report on Public Order (2007)
Santosh Hegde Report on Manipur (2013)
Supreme Court Judgments on Encounter Killings
UN OHCHR Statements on Human Rights in NE India
🧩 Conclusion
The extension of AFSPA in pockets of Nagaland and Arunachal reflects a security-development paradox in the Northeast. While significant strides have been made, a phased, transparent, and people-centric strategy is needed to transition from militarisation to democratic peace and justice.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
✅ Topic 1: Assam’s Concert Tourism and Solar Power Policies
Q1. Which of the following correctly describes the goals of Assam’s Concert Tourism Policy 2025?
- Position Assam as a music and entertainment hub
- Host annual Bihu festivals in the capital city only
- Promote tourism in cities like Dibrugarh and Jorhat
- Reduce dependence on traditional pilgrimage tourism
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A.
Explanation:
- The policy promotes Assam as a music and concert destination, especially in cities like Guwahati, Jorhat, and Dibrugarh.
- It does not focus exclusively on Bihu festivals or discourage pilgrimage tourism.
Q2. Under the Assam Solar Power Generation Promotion Policy 2025, the state aims to:
A. Ban all thermal power generation by 2030
B. Generate 3,500 MW solar power by 2030
C. Achieve 100% rural electrification solely through solar
D. Replace hydropower with rooftop solar
✅ Answer: B.
Explanation:
- The policy sets a target of 3,500 MW of solar energy by 2030.
- It does not mandate a ban on other forms of power or sole reliance on solar for rural areas.
✅ Topic 2: India Becomes 3rd-Largest Solar Power Generator
Q3. India’s rank in the world for total solar power generation (as of 2025) is:
A. 1st
B. 2nd
C. 3rd
D. 4th
✅ Answer: C.
Explanation:
- According to the IEA 2025 update, India is now the third-largest solar power generator, behind China and the United States.
Q4. Which of the following schemes has directly supported India’s solar energy expansion?
- PM-KUSUM
- PLI Scheme for High-Efficiency Solar Modules
- Ujjwala Yojana
- Rooftop Solar Scheme
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A.
Explanation:
- PM-KUSUM, PLI, and the Rooftop Solar Scheme are directly linked to solar power generation.
- Ujjwala Yojana deals with LPG connections, not solar energy.
✅ Topic 3: Study in India Portal Sees Record Applications
Q5. The ‘Study in India’ programme primarily aims to:
A. Send Indian students abroad under scholarship
B. Attract foreign students to Indian universities
C. Provide vocational training for Indian tribal youth
D. Promote AI-based remote education for domestic students
✅ Answer: B.
Explanation:
- The Study in India initiative, launched in 2018, aims to attract foreign students to Indian institutions as part of education diplomacy.
Q6. Which of the following Indian institutions are covered under the ‘Study in India’ programme?
- IIT Guwahati
- NITs and IIITs
- Tezpur University
- Private foreign universities in India
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1 and 4 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A.
Explanation:
- IITs, NITs, IIITs, and central universities like Tezpur University are part of the SII programme.
- Foreign universities operating in India are not directly included under the current SII model.
✅ Topic 4: AFSPA Extension in Arunachal and Nagaland
Q7. Which of the following statements regarding the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 is correct?
A. It applies only to Jammu and Kashmir
B. It allows armed forces to arrest civilians only with judicial permission
C. It requires a “disturbed area” notification for enforcement
D. It is part of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
✅ Answer: C.
Explanation:
- AFSPA is applicable only in “disturbed areas” as declared by the Central or State Government under Section 3.
- It does not require judicial permission for arrests and is not part of UAPA.
Q8. In recent years, AFSPA has been completely withdrawn from which of the following states?
A. Assam
B. Manipur
C. Meghalaya
D. Tripura
✅ Answer: D.
Explanation:
In Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland, it has been partially lifted, not fully withdrawn.
Tripura withdrew AFSPA entirely in 2015.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Mains Question:
Q. Critically examine the relevance of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958 in the context of the Northeast. What are the key concerns surrounding the Act and what reforms can make it more accountable and democratic?
(GS Paper 3 – Internal Security | APSC GS Paper 5 – Northeast-Specific Law & Order)
Word Limit: 250
✅ Model Answer:
🔹 Introduction
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958 provides special powers to the armed forces in “disturbed areas” to maintain public order. While originally enacted to counter insurgency, its continuation in parts of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, even in 2025, raises questions about its democratic and human rights compatibility.
🔍 Relevance in the Northeast
- Security Challenges Remain: Active insurgent groups like NSCN-K, cross-border arms flow from Myanmar, and unresolved peace accords warrant military preparedness.
- Strategic Geography: Proximity to international borders (China, Myanmar, Bangladesh) necessitates strong internal security.
- Weak Local Policing: Civilian law enforcement capacity is still uneven in hilly and remote areas.
⚠️ Major Concerns
| Concern | Description |
| Human Rights Violations | Allegations of extrajudicial killings, torture, and harassment |
| Legal Immunity | Section 6 prevents prosecution of armed forces without Central sanction |
| Alienation of Citizens | Prolonged use creates resentment and distrust among local populations |
| Federalism Issues | Centre can override state’s views in declaring disturbed areas |
🛠️ Suggested Reforms
- Phase-wise Withdrawal: Based on violence indicators and peace accord progress
- Independent Oversight Bodies: State Human Rights Commissions should audit AFSPA operations
- Amend Section 6: To allow time-bound judicial review of armed forces’ actions
- Enhance Police Capacity: Train and equip local forces to eventually replace army deployments
- Community Confidence Building: Dialogue with civil society and tribal groups to ensure cooperation
🧩 Conclusion
While AFSPA may be necessary in select pockets, its blanket extension undermines democratic legitimacy and state accountability. A calibrated, transparent, and rights-based approach must replace the legacy of militarised governance in the Northeast.
✨ APSC Prelims Crash Course, 2025
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