APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (22/07/2025)
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 (22-07-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🏞️ India-Bangladesh Joint Survey to Curb Cross-Border Encroachment in Dhubri Sector
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): International Relations – India & Neighbours
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Border Security | Land Management
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam Geography | Bangladesh Border Issues
📘 Prelims: Indo-Bangla Border | Border Fencing | Land Border Agreement (LBA) | Survey of India
🔹 Introduction
India and Bangladesh have jointly initiated a land boundary survey along the Dhubri sector in Assam to identify and prevent cross-border encroachment and illegal settlements. The collaboration aims to resolve persistent boundary demarcation issues, which often result in tensions, infiltration, and security risks in this porous region.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
| Area of Survey | Dhubri district, bordering Kurigram in Bangladesh |
| Involved Agencies | Survey of India, Assam Border Police, Bangladesh’s Land Survey Dept. |
| Objective | Marking undemarcated border points and identifying encroachments |
| Tools Used | DGPS, drones, and satellite mapping |
| Historical Context | Post-2015 Land Boundary Agreement (LBA), but operational issues persist in some enclaves |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Dhubri Sector: Shares ~134 km of riverine and land boundary with Bangladesh
Land Boundary Agreement (2015): Resolved 70-year-old enclave and adverse possession issues
Border Haat: Local cross-border markets operating in Meghalaya, Tripura, and Assam
Integrated Check Posts (ICPs): Established to regulate and ease cross-border trade and transit
Fencing Challenges: Brahmaputra riverine terrain complicates physical border fencing in Dhubri
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Joint Survey
| Aspect | Significance |
| Territorial Integrity | Reaffirming India’s border control and sovereignty |
| Bilateral Confidence Building | Reinforces trust between India and Bangladesh post-LBA |
| Disaster & Migration Management | Prevents illegal settlements, especially post-flood encroachments |
| Border Economy | Enables formalization of trade and customs infrastructure |
| Security Enhancement | Aids BSF in managing infiltration and smuggling |
B. Key Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Riverine Geography | Brahmaputra’s changing course affects border perception |
| Lack of Infrastructure | Limited surveillance posts in remote chars (islands) |
| Illegal Migration | Continuous undocumented movement across porous stretches |
| Local Resistance | Conflicting land claims and livelihood issues |
| Delayed Demarcation | Pending micro-surveys post-2015 LBA ratification |
📊 Relevant Policies & Agreements
Indo-Bangladesh LBA (2015) – Ratified by Indian Parliament; implemented enclave swaps
India-Bangladesh Joint Border Coordination Conference (2024) – Aimed at dispute resolution and joint patrolling
NRC and CAA – Linked debates on illegal immigration in Assam
Border Management Programme (BMP) – Govt of India scheme for border area development and fencing
🧭 Way Forward
| Focus Area | Strategy |
| Digital Demarcation | Use blockchain-based land records for verified border mapping |
| River Management Cooperation | Bilateral river commission to address riverine changes |
| Local Inclusion | Engage locals in border village committees for monitoring |
| Smart Fencing (BOLD-QIT) | Expand sensor-based fencing in riverine zones |
| Consular Infrastructure | Open more ICPs and border haats to reduce illegal movement |
🧩 Conclusion
The India-Bangladesh joint border survey in Dhubri is a pivotal step toward sustainable border management and cooperative security, especially in the flood-prone and strategically sensitive Northeast. Success depends on technology adoption, trust-building, and people-centric approaches.
🧑🏫 Tripura to Launch New Education Policy-Aligned Curriculum from Next Academic Year
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Education Policy | Government Schemes
📘 GS Paper 4 (APSC): Social Sector – Education Reforms
📘 Prelims: NEP 2020 | Tripura Education Model | Foundational Literacy | Multilingual Education
🔹 Introduction
Tripura is set to implement a curriculum aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 starting from the next academic session (2025–26). The decision comes after approval by the state cabinet and extensive consultations with educational experts. The move aims to enhance foundational literacy, regional relevance, and skill-based learning.
🔑 Key Features of the Curriculum Reform
| Feature | Details |
| Policy Base | NEP 2020 – first holistic education policy in 34 years |
| Focus Areas | Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN), skill education, multilingualism, digital learning |
| Implementation Level | Classes 1 to 10, phased rollout |
| Tripura’s Additions | Local history, tribal languages, vocational modules |
| Pedagogical Shift | Child-centric, experiential learning; 5+3+3+4 structure |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
NEP 2020 Structure: 5+3+3+4 curricular framework (instead of 10+2 system)
Foundational Stage: Ages 3–8; focus on play-based learning and mother tongue
FLN Mission: Launched by MoE to ensure literacy and numeracy by Class 3
NIPUN Bharat: National mission for proficiency in foundational literacy
SCERT: State body responsible for adapting NEP in school curriculum
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of NEP-Aligned Curriculum in Tripura
| Benefit | Explanation |
| Regional Relevance | Incorporates tribal culture, local history, and languages |
| Equity in Learning | Aims to reduce urban-rural and socio-linguistic learning gaps |
| Skill Orientation | Introduces vocational subjects and coding from middle school |
| Digital Pedagogy | Use of DIKSHA platform, e-content in regional languages |
| Inclusive Growth | Emphasis on underrepresented communities and girls’ education |
B. Key Challenges in Implementation
| Challenge | Description |
| Teacher Training | Lack of capacity to shift from rote to interactive teaching |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Rural schools face digital and linguistic limitations |
| Curriculum Overload Risk | Balancing innovation with feasibility for all learners |
| Monitoring and Evaluation | Need for robust assessment metrics under new framework |
| Language Divide | Managing transition between tribal dialects, Bengali, and English |
📊 Supporting Policies & Reports
NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index: Tripura ranked moderate in education indicators
Right to Education Act (2009): Mandates quality, equitable schooling till Class 8
PM SHRI Scheme: For modernizing schools in line with NEP 2020
PMeVidya and DIKSHA: Digital initiatives under Ministry of Education
Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): Integrated scheme for school education
🧭 Way Forward
| Focus Area | Suggested Steps |
| Capacity Building | State-level teacher training institutes must align with NEP pedagogy |
| Community Engagement | Use Panchayats, PTAs to ensure NEP goals reach grassroots |
| Digital Infrastructure | Provide tablets, solar-powered classrooms in tribal zones |
| Feedback Loops | Create a dashboard to monitor implementation, with public audits |
| Pilot and Scale | Begin in select districts before statewide expansion |
🧩 Conclusion
Tripura’s proactive move to implement an NEP-aligned curriculum reflects the potential for inclusive and localized education reform. With strategic support, it can serve as a model for other Northeastern states navigating cultural diversity and educational disparities.
👥 High-Level Panel Formed to Tackle Drug Menace in Assam
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Governance – Social Justice | Internal Security
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Security – Narcotics & Border Control
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): State Policy | Law & Order | Youth Welfare
📘 Prelims: NDPS Act | NCB | State Task Force | Drug-Free Assam Mission
🔹 Introduction
The Government of Assam has constituted a high-level task force to intensify efforts against the growing drug menace in the state. The panel includes representatives from Home, Health, Education, and Social Welfare departments, reflecting a multi-agency approach to address both supply and demand aspects of narcotic trafficking and abuse.
🔑 Key Features of the Task Force
| Parameter | Details |
| Objective | Develop an integrated strategy for drug prevention, rehabilitation, and law enforcement |
| Led By | Chief Secretary of Assam |
| Departments Involved | Home, Police, Education, Health, Social Justice, Youth Affairs |
| Key Priorities | Crackdown on peddlers, rehab programs, school sensitization, border vigilance |
| Target Timeline | Action plan to be submitted within 90 days |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
NDPS Act, 1985: Prohibits production, possession, sale, transport of narcotics
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): Central agency coordinating drug law enforcement
Golden Triangle: Illicit drug-producing region near NE border (Myanmar-Laos-Thailand)
Drug-Free Assam Campaign: State initiative launched in 2021
Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD): Platform for inter-agency coordination
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the Task Force
| Domain | Benefit |
| Policy Coordination | Prevents siloed functioning of departments |
| Youth Protection | Focus on school and college-level awareness programs |
| Border Security | Enhances vigilance along porous Indo-Myanmar border |
| Rehabilitation-Oriented | Emphasis on de-addiction centres and community-based recovery |
| Data-Based Policing | Use of drug seizure analytics and hotspot mapping |
B. Challenges in Controlling Drug Abuse in Assam
| Challenge | Description |
| Cross-Border Smuggling | Assam’s proximity to Myanmar and porous borders aid traffickers |
| Online Drug Trade | Increased use of darknet and social media for narcotic sales |
| Lack of Rehab Infrastructure | Shortage of certified de-addiction and mental health facilities |
| Stigma | Social taboo prevents addicts from seeking help |
| Youth Vulnerability | Increasing addiction among adolescents and college students |
📊 Related Policies and Reports
National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR)
2023 NCRB Report: Assam among top 10 states in narcotic-related arrests
UNODC Southeast Asia Drug Report: Flags NE as key transit corridor
SAMVAD Initiative: Mental health support for adolescent drug users
Mission Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
🧭 Way Forward
| Focus Area | Actionable Measures |
| Community Policing | Involve local leaders, teachers, and religious heads |
| Tech-Based Surveillance | Use AI and drones for border surveillance |
| Youth Engagement | Sports, arts, and livelihood programs for at-risk groups |
| Capacity Building | Train police and teachers in early detection and support |
| Decriminalization Approach | Focus on users as victims, not criminals |
🧩 Conclusion
The formation of a high-level anti-drug task force marks a significant policy shift in Assam, embracing a health-security-development triad. A robust, coordinated, and compassionate framework is critical to address the multi-dimensional challenge of drug abuse and safeguard the future of Assam’s youth.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🧭 Topic 1: India-Bangladesh Joint Survey in Dhubri Sector
Q1. Which of the following are correct regarding the Indo-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) of 2015?
- It involved the exchange of enclaves between the two countries.
- It required a constitutional amendment in India.
- It resolved all disputes along the maritime boundary.
Select the correct answer using the code:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Enclaves were exchanged (✅)
- It required the 119th Constitutional Amendment (✅)
- Maritime boundary was resolved separately at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (❌)
Q2. Consider the following with reference to border management in Assam:
- The Dhubri sector has a riverine international boundary with Bangladesh.
- Smart fencing using BOLD-QIT technology has been implemented in parts of the Assam border.
- The Indo-Bangladesh border in Assam is fully fenced.
Which of the above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct.
- Statement 2 is correct (BOLD-QIT launched by BSF).
- Statement 3 is incorrect — fencing is incomplete due to terrain challenges.
📘 Topic 2: Tripura’s New NEP-Aligned Curriculum
Q3. The 5+3+3+4 curricular structure proposed in NEP 2020 corresponds to which of the following stages?
(a) Pre-primary, Primary, Upper Primary, Secondary
(b) Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, Secondary
(c) Primary, Middle, Secondary, Higher Secondary
(d) Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, Tertiary
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- The NEP 2020 divides school education into:
- 5 years Foundational (ages 3–8),
- 3 years Preparatory,
- 3 years Middle,
- 4 years Secondary.
Q4. Which of the following initiatives are aimed at improving foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) in India?
- NIPUN Bharat
- DIKSHA Portal
- Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme
Select the correct answer using the code:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) All of the above
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Mid-Day Meal is nutritional, not directly FLN-oriented.
- NIPUN Bharat, Samagra Shiksha, and DIKSHA focus on literacy, pedagogy, and digital content.
🚫 Topic 3: Assam’s High-Level Panel on Drug Menace
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985:
- It penalizes the consumption, trafficking, and possession of banned substances.
- It provides for treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts.
- It allows decriminalization of small quantity possession for first-time offenders.
Which of the above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (d)
Explanation:
- NDPS is a comprehensive act — it penalizes, rehabilitates, and provides judicial discretion for minor offenders under specific circumstances.
Q6. The “Golden Triangle” in narcotics trade refers to the region around:
(a) India-Nepal-Bhutan border
(b) Myanmar-Thailand-Laos
(c) Colombia-Brazil-Peru
(d) Afghanistan-Iran-Pakistan
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Golden Triangle: Southeast Asia — Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos.
- NE India is vulnerable due to proximity to this illicit opium-producing region.
Q7. The “NCORD mechanism”, often mentioned in drug control efforts, refers to:
(a) National Commission for Rural Drug Outreach
(b) National Narcotic Control Response Division
(c) Narco Coordination Centre under MHA
(d) National Centre for Organized Crime and Recovery
✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation:
NCORD is the Narco Coordination Centre under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) — coordinates with states, police, and NCB for drug interdiction.
APSC Mains Practice Question
❓ Question:
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions transforming India’s school education system through equity, quality, and flexibility. Discuss how the implementation of an NEP-aligned curriculum in northeastern states like Tripura can address regional disparities in education. Also highlight key challenges in this transition and suggest the way forward.
(Word Limit: 250)
✅ Model Answer:
🔸 Introduction
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a significant reform in India’s education system, replacing the 1986 policy. With its 5+3+3+4 structure, emphasis on foundational literacy, mother-tongue instruction, multidisciplinary learning, and digital integration, it holds special promise for socio-economically and linguistically diverse states like Tripura.
🔹 Significance of NEP Implementation in Tripura
| Area | Benefits |
| Linguistic Inclusivity | Incorporation of tribal languages enhances engagement and cultural confidence |
| Equity in Learning | Reaches first-generation learners in rural and tribal areas |
| Skill Development | Vocational training from middle school aligns with regional employability |
| Digital Access | Government initiatives like DIKSHA improve content reach |
| Decentralization | Curriculum tailored by SCERT to suit local needs |
🔹 Key Challenges in Transition
| Challenge | Description |
| Teacher Preparedness | Lack of training in experiential and multilingual pedagogy |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Limited digital devices and internet in hilly and remote districts |
| Curriculum Overload Risk | Balancing national objectives with state-specific additions |
| Monitoring & Evaluation | Absence of robust feedback and tracking mechanisms |
| Language Transition | Smooth switch between tribal dialects and official languages |
🔹 Way Forward
- Phased Implementation with pilot districts
- Extensive Teacher Training through SCERT and DIETs
- Public-Private Collaboration for EdTech and vocational training
- Community Engagement via school management committees
- Baseline Assessments and child tracking systems under Samagra Shiksha
🔸 Conclusion
Tripura’s initiative to adopt the NEP-aligned curriculum offers a replicable model for inclusive, context-sensitive education in India’s Northeast. The success of this shift lies in balancing innovation with accessibility, ensuring no child is left behind in the learning journey.
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