APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (23/08/2025)
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 (23-08-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🌾 Assam to Launch New Policy on Climate-Resilient Agriculture
📘 GS Paper 3: Agriculture | Environment & Climate Change
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Agriculture in Assam, Flood & Climate Challenges
🔹 Introduction
The Assam Government has announced a new Policy on Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) to tackle the impact of floods, erratic rainfall, and soil erosion on farming. The policy focuses on climate-smart farming techniques, crop diversification, irrigation reforms, and technology-driven solutions to secure the livelihoods of millions of farmers in the state.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Announced By | Assam Department of Agriculture. |
| Objective | Make agriculture resilient to floods, droughts, and climate shocks. |
| Key Focus | Diversification, improved irrigation, soil conservation, agro-forestry. |
| Technology Use | Drones for crop monitoring, AI for weather forecasting. |
| Support Mechanisms | Crop insurance expansion, MSP coverage, farmer cooperatives. |
| Policy Alignment | Assam Climate Action Plan (2020–2030), National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
NMSA: A mission under NAPCC focusing on water use efficiency, soil health, and climate resilience.
PMFBY: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana – crop insurance scheme for risk minimization.
Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF): Promoted under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana.
Agroforestry Policy (2014): India’s first national policy on integrating trees with crops.
Assam Crops: Sali, Boro rice, tea, jute, mustard, horticulture crops (banana, arecanut).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of CRA for Assam
Flood-Prone State – ~40% of Assam’s land is flood-prone; annual crop losses exceed ₹2000 crore.
Food Security – Ensures stable rice production despite erratic monsoons.
Livelihoods – 70% of Assam’s population depends on agriculture.
Environmental Sustainability – Promotes soil conservation and biodiversity.
National Goals – Supports India’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| High Dependence on Monsoon | Low irrigation coverage (~27%). |
| Fragmented Land Holdings | Limits adoption of mechanization. |
| Flood–Erosion Cycle | Brahmaputra and tributaries cause annual crop loss. |
| Institutional Gaps | Weak extension services and farmer training. |
| Market Access | Farmers lack assured procurement & storage. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – “Har Khet Ko Pani” and micro-irrigation.
National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change (NAFCC) – supports CRA projects.
Soil Health Card Scheme – improved soil fertility management.
Assam Agribusiness & Rural Transformation Project (APART) – World Bank-funded project.
D. Way Forward
Climate-Smart Irrigation – Solar pumps, drip, and sprinkler systems.
Diversification – Shift from single-crop paddy to pulses, oilseeds, horticulture.
Agro-Insurance – Expand PMFBY with localized risk assessment.
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) – Collective bargaining power.
Integration of Research – Use of IIT Guwahati and AAU’s research for localised solutions.
🧩 Conclusion
The new Climate-Resilient Agriculture Policy is a critical step for Assam to shift from reactive relief to proactive adaptation in farming. If backed with technology, farmer participation, and strong institutions, it can transform Assam’s agriculture into a sustainable, climate-proof sector.
⚡ Assam Govt to Expand Rural Solar Power Grid
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Energy | Environment
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Rural Development, Renewable Energy
🔹 Introduction
The Assam Government announced a major initiative to expand the Rural Solar Power Grid across villages in flood-prone and remote areas. The project aims to ensure 24×7 clean energy access, reduce dependence on diesel generators, and promote green energy solutions aligned with India’s renewable energy goals.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Implementing Agency | Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd. (APDCL). |
| Objective | Provide affordable, sustainable electricity to rural households. |
| Capacity Target | 500 MW solar microgrids in Phase I (2025–30). |
| Focus Areas | Flood-affected chars, river islands, tea garden labour lines. |
| Funding | State Govt + MNRE support + World Bank green energy funds. |
| Social Impact | Improves education, healthcare, and rural enterprises. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
National Solar Mission (2010): Aims for 280 GW solar capacity by 2030.
KUSUM Scheme: Provides farmers with solar pumps, decentralized solar plants.
Solar Microgrids: Small-scale, local electricity networks using PV panels + storage.
Assam Renewable Energy Policy 2017: Targeted 6,000 MW by 2025.
International Solar Alliance (ISA): India-led global solar cooperation platform.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Rural Solar Grids
Energy Access – Electrifies remote villages not connected to main grid.
Climate Action – Reduces carbon footprint in line with India’s NDCs.
Economic Development – Supports small businesses, irrigation, and rural industries.
Women Empowerment – Reliable power reduces drudgery, boosts livelihood opportunities.
Disaster Resilience – Solar grids function even when floods disrupt main supply.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| High Initial Costs | Solar panels, storage batteries are capital intensive. |
| Flood Risk | Panels in char areas prone to submersion. |
| Maintenance Issues | Skilled manpower lacking in rural regions. |
| Grid Integration | Technical issues in connecting microgrids to main supply. |
| Policy Delays | Slow release of central subsidies and funding. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) – rural electrification.
Rural Solarization under KUSUM-C – solar pumps and mini-grids.
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (2024) – rooftop solar subsidy.
Assam Renewable Energy Policy (2023 Update) – focus on decentralized solar.
D. Way Forward
Climate-Smart Design – Elevated solar grids in flood-prone zones.
Public–Private Partnerships – Encourage solar startups and NGOs in deployment.
Local Capacity Building – Train youth as solar technicians for maintenance.
Battery Innovation – Use lithium-ion and hydrogen-based storage systems.
Integrated Development – Link solar grids with irrigation, cold storage, and e-mobility in rural areas.
🧩 Conclusion
The expansion of Rural Solar Power Grids in Assam is a transformative step towards universal energy access, climate resilience, and rural development. By combining technology, finance, and community participation, Assam can emerge as a model state for decentralized renewable energy in India.
🛡️ Centre Approves Special Security Package for Assam’s Border Areas
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Internal Security
📘 GS Paper 3: Border Management | Security Challenges
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Assam’s Border Issues, Migration, Insurgency
🔹 Introduction
The Union Government has approved a Special Security Package for Assam’s border areas to strengthen surveillance, infrastructure, and community resilience along the state’s international boundaries with Bangladesh and Bhutan. The move addresses long-standing concerns of illegal migration, cross-border crime, and insurgent movement, while also integrating border villages into mainstream development.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Announced By | Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). |
| Coverage | Indo-Bangladesh (263 km) and Indo-Bhutan (267 km) borders in Assam. |
| Components | Smart fencing, border roads, floodlights, advanced surveillance tech. |
| Community Initiatives | Civic infrastructure, schools, health centers in border villages. |
| Strategic Aim | Strengthen national security + foster development in sensitive areas. |
| Alignment | Part of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS). |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
India’s Borders with Assam: Bangladesh (South & West), Bhutan (North).
CIBMS: Uses sensors, CCTV, UAVs, and infrared for border management.
Border Area Development Programme (BADP): Developmental works in 0–10 km belt along borders.
Indo-Bangladesh Agreement (1974, ratified 2015): Land Boundary Agreement settled enclaves.
Seema Darshan Project: Promotes tourism in border areas (pilot in Gujarat, replicable in NE).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Security Package
National Security – Tackles infiltration, smuggling, arms and narcotics trafficking.
Territorial Integrity – Protects porous riverine and hilly border zones.
Migration Control – Helps monitor illegal migration from Bangladesh.
Socio-Economic Development – Prevents alienation of border communities by providing basic amenities.
Strategic Diplomacy – Boosts India’s credibility in regional security, especially with BIMSTEC partners.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Porous Riverine Terrain | Brahmaputra and its tributaries create unguarded stretches. |
| Smuggling Networks | Cattle, narcotics, and arms trade rampant. |
| Insurgency Linkages | Border areas exploited by extremist groups for shelter and arms movement. |
| Community Alienation | Lack of infrastructure and economic opportunities. |
| Climate Risks | Floods and erosion damage border posts and fences. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Smart Fencing Project (BOLD-QIT) in Assam – use of virtual fencing with sensors.
Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) – at Sutarkandi, Karimganj for legal trade & movement.
BADP – Schools, health centres, roads in border belts.
Coordination with Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) – joint patrols and information sharing.
D. Way Forward
Technology-Driven Surveillance – Expand drones, AI-based monitoring.
Resilient Border Infrastructure – Raised fencing in flood-prone areas.
Community-Centric Development – Provide education, healthcare, and livelihood in border villages.
Regional Cooperation – Institutionalise security dialogue with Bangladesh and Bhutan.
Integration with Act East Policy – Border security must complement trade and connectivity initiatives.
🧩 Conclusion
The Special Security Package for Assam’s border areas represents a balanced approach of hard security and soft development. By combining modern surveillance with inclusive growth, Assam’s borders can be transformed from vulnerable zones into secure and thriving gateways of regional cooperation.
📚 NEP 2020 Implementation: Assam to Launch Regional Language Digital Learning Platform
📘 GS Paper 2: Education | Government Policies
📘 GS Paper 3: Science & Technology (Digital Learning)
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Language & Education Policy in Assam
🔹 Introduction
To accelerate NEP 2020 implementation, Assam is set to launch a Regional Language Digital Learning Platform. The initiative seeks to make quality digital education accessible in Assamese, Bodo, Bengali, and other regional languages, reducing barriers for rural and marginalized students while promoting inclusivity in line with the Digital India mission.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Policy Framework | NEP 2020 emphasis on mother-tongue education till Class 5. |
| Implementing Agency | Assam Education Dept. with support from NCERT & EdTech firms. |
| Features | E-content in Assamese, Bodo, Bengali; interactive modules; AI-based personalized learning. |
| Target Group | School students, teachers, and adult learners in rural areas. |
| Technology Backbone | Mobile-first platform, offline learning kits for low-connectivity areas. |
| Goal | Bridging digital divide, promoting regional language education. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
NEP 2020 Key Features: 5+3+3+4 structure, multilingualism, vocational training, digital learning.
DIKSHA Platform: National digital platform for teachers and students.
PM e-Vidya: One nation–one digital platform, radio & TV learning.
SWAYAM: MOOCs platform for higher education.
Languages of Assam (8th Schedule): Assamese, Bengali, Bodo.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Initiative
Inclusivity – Ensures access to digital education for rural and tribal students.
Language Preservation – Strengthens use of Assamese, Bodo, Bengali in formal education.
NEP 2020 Goals – Promotes mother-tongue based learning in early years.
Skill Development – Digital content helps integrate vocational and skill-based training.
Bridging Digital Divide – Addresses connectivity challenges in flood-prone and remote areas.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Digital Infrastructure Gaps | Poor internet penetration in char areas and hill districts. |
| Teacher Training | Educators need digital literacy to use the platform effectively. |
| Quality of Content | Need for contextualized, culturally relevant materials. |
| Equity Issues | Risk of leaving behind those without devices or electricity. |
| Language Standardization | Technical vocabulary in science and maths difficult to translate. |
C. Govt Initiatives
PM e-Vidya (2020) – Unified digital content under DIKSHA.
Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan – ICT labs in schools.
Digital India Mission – BharatNet expanding rural internet connectivity.
Assam’s Gunotsav – State-level school evaluation initiative integrating digital tools.
D. Way Forward
Hybrid Model – Blend digital content with classroom teaching.
Offline Solutions – Solar-powered smart classrooms and preloaded devices.
Teacher Empowerment – Training programs on EdTech pedagogy.
Public–Private Partnerships – Collaboration with startups for content development.
Monitoring & Feedback – Regular assessment of student performance through analytics.
🧩 Conclusion
The Regional Language Digital Learning Platform in Assam aligns with NEP 2020 and Digital India, offering a unique opportunity to democratize education while preserving linguistic diversity. If backed by strong infrastructure and teacher training, it can emerge as a model for multilingual digital education in India’s federal setup.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
T1. Assam’s Climate-Resilient Agriculture Policy
Q1. With reference to climate-resilient agriculture, consider the following:
- It involves diversification of crops to adapt to climate variability.
- It emphasizes water-use efficiency through micro-irrigation.
- It discourages the use of traditional knowledge and indigenous seed varieties.
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: Climate-resilient agriculture promotes diversification and irrigation efficiency but also encourages, not discourages, traditional knowledge.
Q2. The National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is a part of which larger framework?
- (a) National Biodiversity Mission
- (b) National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
- (c) National Food Security Act
- (d) Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
Answer: (b)
Explanation: NMSA is one of the eight missions under NAPCC.
2. Assam’s Rural Solar Power Grid Expansion
Q3. The KUSUM scheme sometimes seen in news is related to:
- (a) Nutritional supplements for women and children
- (b) Solar pumps and decentralized renewable energy
- (c) Skill training in rural areas
- (d) Employment guarantee for farmers
Answer: (b)
Explanation: KUSUM (Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) promotes solar pumps and decentralized energy.
Q4. Which of the following is/are advantages of rural solar microgrids?
- Reduced carbon footprint.
- Resilience during disasters such as floods.
- Independence from the national electricity grid.
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 are correct features of solar microgrids.
3. Special Security Package for Assam’s Border Areas
Q5. Consider the following pairs of border initiatives and their purposes:
| Initiative | Purpose |
| 1. CIBMS | Use of technology for border surveillance |
| 2. BADP | Socio-economic development in border villages |
| 3. BOLD-QIT | Smart fencing with sensors in Assam |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
- (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 are correctly matched.
Q6. The India–Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement (LBA), ratified in 2015, was significant because:
- (a) It settled disputes related to enclaves and adverse possessions.
- (b) It demarcated maritime boundaries in the Bay of Bengal.
- (c) It created joint economic zones in Assam and Bangladesh.
- (d) It mandated joint patrols along the Brahmaputra River.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The 2015 LBA resolved enclave and adverse possession issues between India and Bangladesh.
4. Regional Language Digital Learning Platform under NEP 2020
Q7. With reference to NEP 2020, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It recommends mother-tongue/local language as the medium of instruction till at least Grade 5.
- It replaces the 10+2 structure with a 5+3+3+4 structure.
- It mandates English as the compulsory medium of instruction at the higher secondary level.
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: (a)
Explanation: NEP promotes mother-tongue instruction, introduces 5+3+3+4, but does not mandate English.
Q8. DIKSHA platform, often mentioned in the context of NEP 2020, is primarily aimed at:
- (a) Providing telemedicine services in rural areas
- (b) Creating a unified digital infrastructure for teachers and students
- (c) Establishing rural skill development centres
- (d) Facilitating real-time agricultural market information
Answer: (b)
Explanation: DIKSHA is a national digital platform for teachers and students.than rail/road.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Q. Discuss the significance of Assam’s Climate-Resilient Agriculture Policy in addressing the twin challenges of food security and climate change. What are the major hurdles in its implementation, and suggest measures for ensuring its success.
Introduction
Assam, with nearly 40% of its landmass flood-prone and agriculture as the livelihood base for over 70% of its population, faces recurring climate shocks. The recently announced Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) Policy seeks to safeguard food security and rural livelihoods through crop diversification, irrigation reforms, soil conservation, and technology-driven solutions. This policy is a proactive step to shift from relief-centric responses to long-term adaptation strategies.
Body
Significance of CRA for Assam
- Food Security – Ensures stable rice and allied crop production despite erratic monsoons.
- Livelihood Protection – Provides resilience for small and marginal farmers vulnerable to floods and droughts.
- Environmental Sustainability – Encourages agroforestry, soil health management, and reduced chemical use.
- Disaster Risk Reduction – Enhances preparedness against the flood–erosion cycle of the Brahmaputra basin.
- Alignment with National & Global Goals – Supports National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and India’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement.
Challenges in Implementation
- Low Irrigation Coverage – Only ~27% of agricultural land irrigated, leaving dependence on monsoon.
- Fragmented Land Holdings – Average landholding size below 1 hectare, limiting mechanization and innovation.
- Flood–Erosion Cycle – Annual destruction of fertile land hampers continuity in farming.
- Institutional Weakness – Weak extension services and limited farmer training in new technologies.
- Market Constraints – Lack of procurement centres and cold storage reduces incentives for diversification.
Measures for Ensuring Success
- Expand Irrigation Infrastructure – Promote solar pumps, drip irrigation, and check dams.
- Promote Diversification – Shift from mono-crop paddy to pulses, oilseeds, and horticulture.
- Strengthen Insurance Mechanisms – Expand PMFBY with localized risk assessments.
- Community-Based Adaptation – Leverage FPOs and cooperatives for collective farming and market access.
- Integrate Research and Technology – Collaborate with IIT Guwahati and Assam Agricultural University for localized innovations such as flood-resistant paddy varieties.
- Institutional Strengthening – Enhance the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in farmer training and outreach.
Conclusion
Assam’s Climate-Resilient Agriculture Policy represents a paradigm shift from reactive disaster relief to proactive climate adaptation. Its success, however, hinges on effective irrigation expansion, localized research, farmer empowerment, and robust market linkages. By embedding resilience in agriculture, Assam can not only secure its food systems but also emerge as a model state for climate-smart farming in India’s northeast. resource management.
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