APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (22/10/2024)

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 (22-10-2024). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.

1. Dredging to Restore Jorhat-Majuli Water Route

Relevant to: Infrastructure Development (GS Paper-III), Environment (GS Paper-III)

• Introduction:
  The Assam government has initiated dredging operations on the Brahmaputra River to restore the Jorhat-Majuli water route. This effort aims to enhance inland water transport and improve connectivity between Jorhat and Majuli, Assam’s iconic river island.
• Key Points:
  • The dredging project addresses siltation issues that have obstructed navigation on the river route, aiming to make it navigable year-round.
  • Improved navigation is expected to facilitate the transport of goods and passengers, stimulating local economic activities and tourism.
  • The project aims to mitigate flood risks in the region by improving water flow in the river, reducing sediment build-up that exacerbates flooding.
  • Environmentalists have raised concerns about the potential impact of dredging on aquatic ecosystems, emphasizing the need for careful assessment.
  • The initiative is part of a broader strategy to develop Assam’s inland waterway infrastructure and revitalize traditional transport routes.
• Prelims Pointers:
  • What is Dredging?
    Dredging involves the removal of sediment and debris from the bottom of rivers, lakes, or other water bodies to maintain or increase depth for navigation.
  • Significance of the Jorhat-Majuli Route:
    Majuli, the world’s largest river island, relies on water routes for its connection to Jorhat and other parts of Assam, making this route vital for its socio-economic well-being.
  • Brahmaputra River System:
    One of Asia’s major rivers, flowing through Tibet, India, and Bangladesh, known for its dynamic flow and seasonal variations.
• Mains Pointers:
  • Importance:
    1. Enhancing Connectivity: Reviving the Jorhat-Majuli route enhances transportation, trade, and access to essential services.
    2. Boosting Tourism: Improved access to Majuli can attract more tourists, benefiting local businesses and artisans.
    3. Flood Management: Dredging helps in managing river flow, reducing the risk of sediment build-up that can lead to flooding.
    4. Supporting Inland Water Transport: Strengthens Assam’s position in developing sustainable and low-cost transport options.
    5. Economic Upliftment: Facilitates market access for agricultural products from Majuli, supporting local farmers and traders.
  • Challenges:
    1. Environmental Impact: Potential disturbances to aquatic life and habitats, requiring careful environmental assessments.
    2. High Costs: Dredging is expensive, with ongoing maintenance costs to keep channels open.
    3. Siltation Recurrence: Continual sediment deposition may necessitate frequent dredging.
    4. Community Concerns: Local fishermen and communities may have concerns about impacts on their livelihoods.
    5. Technical Complexity: Navigating the river’s shifting channels and currents poses technical challenges.
  • Way Ahead:
    1. Environmental Monitoring: Conducting regular environmental impact assessments to ensure sustainable dredging practices.
    2. Community Engagement: Involving local communities in the planning process to address their concerns.
    3. Adopting Modern Technology: Utilizing advanced dredging equipment to improve efficiency and minimize ecological damage.
    4. Periodic Dredging: Establishing a routine for maintenance dredging to keep the route open.
    5. Promotion of Eco-Tourism: Developing eco-friendly tourism activities to balance economic benefits with environmental conservation.
• Conclusion:
  The dredging of the Brahmaputra River to restore the Jorhat-Majuli route is a crucial step in enhancing connectivity and economic development in Assam. With a balanced approach that considers environmental sustainability and community needs, this project can contribute to long-term regional growth.

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2. Preparations for Bhasha Gaurav Week in Kokrajhar

Relevant to: Culture (GS Paper-I), Governance (GS Paper-II)

• Introduction:
  Kokrajhar district is preparing for Bhasha Gaurav Week, scheduled from November 3-9, 2024. The event aims to celebrate and promote Assamese and other indigenous languages of the state, fostering a sense of pride in linguistic heritage.
• Key Points:
  • The district administration, led by the Deputy Commissioner, has organized cultural activities to engage diverse linguistic communities.
  • Events will include essay competitions, poetry recitals, and cultural performances, involving local schools and cultural organizations.
  • The initiative aims to ensure the participation of various indigenous language groups, promoting inclusivity.
  • The week-long celebration aligns with broader state efforts to preserve Assam’s diverse linguistic and cultural traditions.
  • The emphasis on linguistic pride is seen as a way to strengthen the identity of indigenous groups within the multicultural fabric of Assam.
• Prelims Pointers:
  • What is Bhasha Gaurav Week?
    A cultural observance focused on promoting the Assamese language and other regional languages, celebrating linguistic diversity.
  • Significance of Kokrajhar:
    A district in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), known for its rich linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.
  • Role of District Administration in Cultural Events:
    District administrations play a critical role in coordinating and organizing cultural events that promote regional identity.
• Mains Pointers:
  • Importance:
    1. Cultural Preservation: Supports the preservation of regional languages and traditions, which are essential for maintaining cultural diversity.
    2. Promoting Unity: Encourages unity and respect among different linguistic communities in Assam.
    3. Engaging Youth: Involving students and young people in cultural activities fosters a sense of pride in their linguistic heritage.
    4. Supporting Indigenous Identity: Highlights the importance of language in preserving cultural roots and regional identity.
    5. Boost to Regional Literature: Provides a platform for writers and poets to showcase their work in their native languages.
  • Challenges:
    1. Linguistic Diversity: Balancing the representation of multiple languages in events.
    2. Resource Limitations: Organizing cultural events in remote areas may face logistical challenges.
    3. Ensuring Participation: Engaging all sections of society in the celebrations can be difficult.
    4. Political Sensitivities: Managing regional political dynamics that may influence the event.
    5. Sustaining Interest: Maintaining focus on language preservation beyond the week’s celebrations.
  • Way Ahead:
    1. Community Participation: Encouraging active involvement of local communities in planning and execution.
    2. Support from Educational Institutions: Collaborating with schools and colleges to ensure widespread participation.
    3. Promoting Digital Platforms: Using social media to reach a larger audience and spread awareness.
    4. Year-Round Cultural Activities: Extending initiatives beyond the week to sustain focus on linguistic preservation.
    5. Government Funding: Providing financial support to cultural organizations for organizing events.
• Conclusion:
  Bhasha Gaurav Week in Kokrajhar is a significant effort towards preserving Assam’s linguistic heritage and fostering unity among diverse communities. It serves as a reminder of the role that cultural events play in promoting pride and inclusivity in society.

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3. Gadkari Reviews Progress of National Highway Projects in Northeast

Relevant to: Infrastructure Development (GS Paper-III), Regional Development (GS Paper-II)

• Introduction:
  Union Minister Nitin Gadkari conducted a review meeting with officials from Northeastern states to accelerate the progress of national highway projects. The focus is on enhancing road infrastructure to support economic growth and connectivity in the region.
• Key Points:
  • The review included discussions on 15 national highway projects in Arunachal Pradesh, 38 in Manipur, and 16 in Tripura, among others.
  • The meeting highlighted the need for timely completion of projects, addressing logistical challenges to meet deadlines.
  • Improving road connectivity is a key part of the Central government’s vision to integrate the Northeast with mainstream economic activities.
  • Enhanced connectivity is expected to boost trade, tourism, and inter-state relations, contributing to regional development.
  • Challenges such as difficult terrain, land acquisition issues, and environmental considerations were discussed during the review.
• Prelims Pointers:
  • Role of NHAI:
    The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of national highways.
  • Significance of Northeast Connectivity:
    Road connectivity is crucial for integrating the Northeast with the rest of India, facilitating trade and economic activities.
  • Challenges in Infrastructure Development:
    Include geographical barriers, environmental concerns, and logistical challenges in the Northeast.
• Mains Pointers:
  • Importance:
    1. Economic Development: Improved highways enhance trade, tourism, and regional economic integration.
    2. Strategic Importance: Crucial for military logistics and mobility in the border areas of the Northeast.
    3. Employment Generation: Infrastructure projects provide jobs for the local population, boosting regional livelihoods.
    4. Boosting Cross-Border Trade: Enhanced connectivity aids trade with neighboring countries like Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.
    5. Social Integration: Improved roads facilitate better cultural and social exchange within and beyond the region.
  • Challenges:
    1. Geographical Barriers: Mountainous terrain increases construction costs and complexity.
    2. Environmental Impact: Concerns over deforestation and displacement during highway construction.
    3. Land Acquisition: Securing land for projects is a time-consuming process.
    4. Funding Constraints: High costs require sustained financial investment.
    5. Coordination with State Governments: Effective collaboration is needed for project approvals and implementation.
  • Way Ahead:
    1. Use of Advanced Technology: Implementing geospatial tools for better planning.
    2. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Involving private players can ease the financial burden.
    3. Community Engagement: Engaging local communities to ensure smooth land acquisition and support.
    4. Eco-Friendly Practices: Adopting sustainable methods to reduce environmental impact.
    5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular reviews to ensure projects remain on track.
• Conclusion:
  The review of national highway projects in the Northeast reflects the government’s commitment to improving connectivity in the region. By addressing challenges and leveraging modern technology, these projects can significantly contribute to the socio-economic transformation of the Northeastern states.

4. Launch of SCOPE Scheme for Poultry Entrepreneurs in Assam

Relevant to: Agriculture & Animal Husbandry (GS Paper-III), Governance (GS Paper-II)

Introduction:
The Assam government has launched the SCOPE (Supporting and Creating Opportunities for Poultry Entrepreneurs) Scheme for FY 2024-25. The scheme aims to support both new and existing poultry entrepreneurs, focusing on small-size layer farms and low-input technology (LIT) poultry farms.

Key Points:

The scheme targets both new and existing entrepreneurs to expand their poultry operations.

It covers mini and small-size layer farms and LIT farms, promoting modern and efficient poultry practices.

Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including document verification and field checks, as per scheme guidelines.

The scheme is expected to boost the poultry industry in Assam, providing a sustainable source of livelihood for rural communities.

The last date for applications is set for 30 days from the date of the official notice publication.

Prelims Pointers:

What is the SCOPE Scheme?
An initiative to support poultry entrepreneurs, focusing on enhancing poultry production through financial aid and technical guidance.

Significance of LIT Poultry Farming:
Low-input technology farms focus on cost-effective poultry production with minimal external inputs.

Eligibility for the Scheme:
Includes verification of documents and compliance with scheme guidelines, such as existing farm infrastructure.

Mains Pointers:

Importance:

Economic Upliftment: Supports rural livelihoods through job creation in the poultry sector.

Enhancing Food Security: Contributes to local food supply, ensuring availability of protein-rich food sources.

Rural Development: Strengthens the rural economy by promoting entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector.

Skill Development: Encourages adoption of modern practices in poultry farming, building technical skills.

Boosting State’s Agricultural GDP: Poultry sector growth contributes to Assam’s agricultural output and GDP.

Challenges:

Limited Awareness: Rural entrepreneurs may lack awareness about the scheme’s benefits.

Infrastructure Gaps: Setting up modern poultry facilities requires initial investment and infrastructure.

Market Access: Ensuring stable market linkages for small farmers remains a challenge.

Disease Control: Managing poultry health and preventing disease outbreaks are critical concerns.

Implementation Delays: Bureaucratic delays in the application process could hinder timely support.

Way Ahead:

Awareness Campaigns: Conducting outreach programs to educate rural communities about the scheme.

Financial Support: Providing low-interest loans and subsidies to cover infrastructure costs.

Training Programs: Technical training on modern poultry practices can improve productivity.

Market Linkages: Creating networks between farmers and buyers can stabilize market access.

Disease Surveillance: Implementing robust disease surveillance systems to prevent outbreaks.

Conclusion:
The SCOPE Scheme has the potential to transform the poultry sector in Assam by fostering entrepreneurship and modernizing poultry practices. Effective implementation can ensure sustained benefits for rural communities and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

APSC Prelims Practice Questions

1. Dredging to Restore Jorhat-Majuli Water Route

Question 1:
Consider the following statements regarding the dredging operations on the Brahmaputra River initiated by the Assam government:

1. The primary objective is to enhance inland water transport and improve connectivity between Jorhat and Majuli.
2. Dredging is expected to mitigate flood risks by improving water flow in the river.
3. Environmentalists fully support the dredging initiative, citing no concerns for aquatic ecosystems.

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) 1 and 2 only

Explanation: The primary objectives of dredging are indeed to enhance connectivity and mitigate flood risks. However, the third statement is incorrect, as environmentalists have raised concerns about potential disturbances to aquatic ecosystems.

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2. Preparations for Bhasha Gaurav Week in Kokrajhar

Question 2:
Which of the following statements is/are true regarding the Bhasha Gaurav Week scheduled in Kokrajhar from November 3-9, 2024?

1. The event aims to celebrate Assamese and other indigenous languages of Assam.
2. Activities during the week will include essay competitions, poetry recitals, and cultural performances.
3. The event is exclusively for promoting the Assamese language, excluding other regional languages.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are true; the event celebrates various languages, not just Assamese. Statement 3 is incorrect, as the initiative includes multiple indigenous languages.

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3. Gadkari Reviews Progress of National Highway Projects in Northeast

Question 3:
Consider the following statements about the national highway projects in the Northeast reviewed by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari:

1. The review emphasized the timely completion of projects to enhance economic growth and connectivity.
2. Challenges discussed included the difficult terrain and land acquisition issues.
3. All highway projects in the Northeast are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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) 1 and 2 only

Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are accurate regarding the focus on timely completion and the challenges of terrain and land acquisition. Statement 3 is incorrect; the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) manages these projects, not the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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4. Launch of SCOPE Scheme for Poultry Entrepreneurs in Assam

Question 4:
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the SCOPE Scheme launched by the Assam government?

1. The scheme aims to support only large-scale poultry entrepreneurs.
2. It promotes low-input technology (LIT) poultry farms to enhance production efficiency.
3. The last date for applications is set for 30 days from the date of the official notice publication.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation: Statement 2 is correct as the scheme promotes LIT farms. Statement 3 is also accurate regarding the application deadline. However, statement 1 is incorrect, as the scheme is targeted at both new and existing small-size poultry entrepreneurs, not just large-scale ones.

APSC Mains Practice Question

Q. “While the initiative to dredge the Brahmaputra River for restoring the Jorhat-Majuli water route promises enhanced connectivity and economic development, it also raises significant environmental concerns. Discuss the potential benefits and challenges of this project.”

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Model Answer:

The dredging initiative on the Brahmaputra River to restore the Jorhat-Majuli water route is a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth in Assam. However, this project presents both promising benefits and formidable challenges.

Potential Benefits:

1. Enhanced Connectivity:
   • The restoration of the Jorhat-Majuli route will significantly improve transportation for goods and passengers. This is particularly vital for Majuli, the world’s largest river island, which relies on water routes for its socio-economic activities. Improved navigation can lead to reduced transportation costs and time, thereby enhancing trade opportunities for local farmers and businesses.
2. Economic Development:
   • Better connectivity is expected to stimulate local economies by facilitating the movement of agricultural products from Majuli to broader markets. This can provide a much-needed boost to local income and livelihood opportunities.
   • The initiative is also likely to promote tourism, as improved access can attract more visitors to Majuli’s cultural and ecological heritage, further benefiting local artisans and businesses.
3. Flood Mitigation:
   • Dredging can help manage sediment build-up in the river, thereby improving water flow. This has the potential to reduce flood risks, which have been a recurring challenge in the region, particularly during the monsoon season.

Challenges:

1. Environmental Concerns:
   • Dredging poses significant risks to the aquatic ecosystem, including disturbances to fish habitats and biodiversity loss. Environmentalists have raised alarms about the long-term impacts of such activities, necessitating careful assessment and monitoring.
   • The project may also disrupt local livelihoods, particularly for communities reliant on fishing, leading to potential conflicts between economic development and environmental sustainability.
2. High Costs and Maintenance:
   • The financial burden of dredging operations is considerable, not only for initial implementation but also for ongoing maintenance. Regular dredging may be required due to sedimentation, which can strain public resources.
3. Community Concerns:
   • Local communities, particularly fishermen, may have concerns regarding the impacts on their traditional livelihoods. Engaging these communities in the planning and decision-making process is crucial to mitigate opposition and ensure that their needs are addressed.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while the dredging of the Brahmaputra River to restore the Jorhat-Majuli water route holds substantial promise for enhancing connectivity and stimulating economic development, it is accompanied by significant environmental and social challenges. A balanced approach that incorporates environmental monitoring, community engagement, and sustainable practices will be essential to ensure that the benefits of this project outweigh its drawbacks, leading to a prosperous and ecologically sensitive future for the region.

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