APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (23/09/2025)
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 (23-09-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🌍 Assam State Climate Resilience Fund (SCRF) – Cabinet Approval
📘 GS Paper II – Government Policies & Interventions
📘 GS Paper III – Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific Governance & Ecology
🔹 Introduction
On 23 Sept 2025, the Assam Cabinet approved the creation of a State Climate Resilience Fund (SCRF) to strengthen the state’s adaptive capacity against climate change. Assam, located in the fragile Brahmaputra valley, faces frequent floods, riverbank erosion, drought-like conditions, and rising temperatures, making it one of India’s most climate-vulnerable states. The SCRF will channel resources for disaster preparedness, green infrastructure, and community resilience.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Fund Name | State Climate Resilience Fund (SCRF) |
| Approved By | Assam Cabinet (Sept 2025) |
| Purpose | Finance adaptation, mitigation, disaster response, and resilient infrastructure |
| Sectors Covered | Flood management, erosion control, agriculture resilience, renewable energy, wetlands conservation |
| Funding Sources | State budgetary allocation, international climate finance (Green Climate Fund, UNDP), CSR contributions |
| Implementation Agencies | Dept of Environment & Forest, Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), nodal climate cell |
| Beneficiaries | Vulnerable communities in flood, erosion, and drought-prone districts (e.g., Majuli, Dhemaji, Barak Valley) |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC – Assam): Aligns with National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
Majuli Island: World’s largest river island, highly erosion-prone.
UNFCCC Finance Mechanisms: Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund – key sources for state-level resilience.
CAG Report (2022): Flagged gaps in Assam’s disaster preparedness, recommending dedicated climate fund.
Important Wetlands in Assam: Deepor Beel (Ramsar site), Son Beel, Samaguri Beel.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of SCRF for Assam
Disaster Preparedness – Reduces losses from annual Brahmaputra floods.
Agricultural Stability – Promotes climate-resilient crops and irrigation.
Infrastructure Resilience – Funds raised embankments, green buildings, solar micro-grids.
Community Welfare – Supports rehabilitation and livelihood security for displaced families.
International Leverage – Positions Assam to access global climate finance.
B. Challenges in Climate Resilience
Chronic Floods & Erosion – Affect ~31 lakh people annually.
Funding Gap – High dependency on central and external finance.
Implementation Deficit – Weak inter-departmental coordination.
Technology & Data Gaps – Limited use of climate forecasting and early warning systems.
Social Vulnerabilities – Marginal farmers, women, and children most affected.
C. Government Initiatives in Context
National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change (NAFCC): Supports state-level projects.
National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) & SDRF: Relief-focused, but SCRF is adaptation-focused.
Mission LiFE (2022): Promotes sustainable lifestyle for environment protection.
Assam’s Green Assam Mission (2025): Complementary afforestation and carbon-neutral goals.
D. Way Forward
Integrated River Basin Management – Coordinate flood control with upstream states & Bhutan.
Technology Deployment – Use AI, drones, and GIS for climate forecasting and risk mapping.
Community-based Adaptation – Train village-level climate volunteers.
Blended Finance Model – Pool CSR, multilateral aid, and state funds.
Periodic Audits – Ensure transparency, outcome-based climate spending.
Synergy with EV & Renewable Policies – Push Assam toward a low-carbon economy.
🧩 Conclusion
The State Climate Resilience Fund (SCRF) is a proactive step towards securing Assam’s future against climate risks. If effectively implemented with scientific planning, community participation, and transparent finance, it can transform Assam from being one of the most climate-vulnerable states to a leader in climate adaptation in India’s Northeast.
🌏 India–ASEAN Connectivity Meet in Guwahati (2025)
📘 GS Paper II – International Relations (India & ASEAN, Act East Policy)
📘 GS Paper III – Infrastructure, Economy (Trade & Connectivity)
📘 GS Paper V – Assam & Northeast Development
🔹 Introduction
On 23 Sept 2025, Guwahati hosted the India–ASEAN Connectivity Meet, with a focus on accelerating projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project and the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway. The event highlighted the strategic role of Assam and the Northeast as India’s “gateway to Southeast Asia” under the Act East Policy, linking India’s domestic growth with ASEAN’s dynamic economies.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Venue | Guwahati, Assam |
| Participants | ASEAN member states, Indian MEA, DoNER, business leaders |
| Focus Projects | Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit (via Mizoram–Sittwe Port, Myanmar), India–Myanmar–Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway |
| Objectives | Boost trade, improve physical & digital connectivity, strengthen cultural & people-to-people ties |
| Assam’s Role | Land bridge through Silchar–Imphal–Moreh (NH-39), integration with inland waterways on Brahmaputra |
| Strategic Context | Counterbalance China’s BRI in Myanmar & Mekong region |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
ASEAN (1967): 10 members; HQ – Jakarta, Indonesia.
Act East Policy (2014): Upgrade of “Look East Policy” with focus on NE India as hub.
Kaladan Project: Connects Sittwe Port (Myanmar) with Mizoram via Kaladan River & roads.
IMT Highway: Links Moreh (India) → Mandalay (Myanmar) → Mae Sot (Thailand).
Sutarkandi ICP (Karimganj): Key trade post with Bangladesh, feeder to ASEAN linkages.
BBIN MVA: Motor Vehicles Agreement among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal for road transport.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of India–ASEAN Connectivity for Assam
Strategic Location – Assam central to IMT Highway & Kaladan linkages.
Economic Growth – Opens markets for Assam’s tea, oil, agro-products, and handicrafts.
Tourism & Culture – Leverages Buddhist circuits (Assam–Myanmar–Thailand).
Employment Opportunities – Infrastructure, logistics, and cross-border trade hubs.
Geopolitical Advantage – Counters Chinese influence in Myanmar and Bay of Bengal.
B. Challenges
Myanmar Instability – Ongoing conflict delays Kaladan & IMT projects.
Infrastructure Deficit – Assam’s road, rail, and port connectivity needs upgradation.
Security Risks – Militancy and cross-border insurgency in NE.
Trade Barriers – Tariff & non-tariff restrictions, customs delays.
Environmental Concerns – Highway and port projects in fragile ecosystems.
C. Government & Institutional Initiatives
Act East Policy (2014): Places NE at center of India–ASEAN engagement.
PM-DevINE (2022): Central funding for NE connectivity and infrastructure.
India–ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (2009): Trade liberalisation framework.
Sagarmala & Bharatmala Projects: Complementary national connectivity initiatives.
ASEAN–India Connectivity Plan 2021–25: Focus on multimodal transport corridors.
D. Way Forward
Fast-Track Stalled Projects – Kaladan & IMT completion with trilateral task force.
Digital Connectivity – Fibre-optic links between Assam & ASEAN.
Integrated Trade Hubs – Upgrade Guwahati, Silchar, Imphal as logistics hubs.
Security Cooperation – India–Myanmar joint patrols against insurgents.
People-to-People Links – Student exchanges, Buddhist heritage tourism.
Green Diplomacy – Ensure environmental sustainability in NE infrastructure projects.
🧩 Conclusion
The India–ASEAN Connectivity Meet in Guwahati reaffirms Assam’s role as the pivot of Act East Policy. For Assam, successful execution of connectivity projects means transforming from a landlocked frontier into a land-linked hub, boosting its economy while enhancing India’s strategic influence in Southeast Asia.
🐦 Deepor Beel Wetland – High Court Orders Eviction of Encroachments
📘 GS Paper II – Judiciary & Governance
📘 GS Paper III – Environment, Wetlands, Biodiversity
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific: Ecology & Urbanisation
🔹 Introduction
On 23 Sept 2025, the Gauhati High Court directed the Assam Government to clear encroachments around Deepor Beel, a Ramsar wetland and bird sanctuary near Guwahati. The order followed reports of illegal settlements, dumping, and hill cutting, which threaten the wetland’s ecological integrity. The directive underscores the tension between urban expansion and environmental protection in Assam’s rapidly growing capital city.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Wetland Type | Permanent freshwater lake, floodplain of Brahmaputra |
| Location | SW of Guwahati, Kamrup Metro district |
| Ecological Status | Ramsar Site (2002), Bird Sanctuary (1989), Important Bird Area (IBA) |
| Encroachment Issues | Illegal housing, railway lines, municipal dumping ground, brick kilns |
| HC Directive | Evict encroachers, stop land-filling, enforce buffer zones |
| Species Supported | Elephants (corridor area), >200 bird species incl. migratory waterfowl |
| Threats Identified | Pollution, siltation, plastic dumping, urban sprawl, loss of aquatic biodiversity |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Ramsar Wetlands in Assam: Deepor Beel, Samaguri Beel, Son Beel, Pobitora (proposed).
Ramsar Convention (1971): International treaty for wetland conservation; India has 80+ Ramsar sites (2025).
Elephant Corridors: Deepor Beel part of elephant migratory route between Rani–Garbhanga forests.
Biodiversity Fact: Deepor Beel hosts Spot-billed Pelican, Greater Adjutant Stork (Endangered).
Environment Laws Involved: Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017; Wildlife Protection Act 1972; EPA 1986.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Deepor Beel
Hydrological Role – Natural flood buffer for Guwahati.
Biodiversity Hotspot – Supports aquatic life, migratory birds, elephants.
Livelihood Source – Fishing, reeds collection for locals.
Cultural Value – Linked to local traditions and festivals.
Climate Regulation – Wetland ecosystem mitigates urban heat & stores carbon.
B. Challenges
Encroachments & Dumping – Guwahati municipal garbage depot near wetland.
Unplanned Urbanisation – Housing, roads, railway expansion.
Pollution – Industrial effluents, plastic, untreated sewage.
Siltation – Hill cutting increases sediment load.
Weak Enforcement – Repeated HC/NGT directives not strictly implemented.
C. Govt & Judicial Efforts
HC Order (2025): Evict encroachers, restore wetland.
NGT Directions (2018): Relocation of dumping ground.
Deepor Beel Management Authority: Set up for conservation.
National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA): Funding support.
Assam State Action Plan on Climate Change: Identifies wetlands as natural buffers.
D. Way Forward
Strict Enforcement – Time-bound eviction, relocate dumping site.
Ecological Zoning – Buffer zones & eco-sensitive area notification.
Community Participation – Involve local fishermen, NGOs in protection.
Eco-Tourism Potential – Bird-watching circuits for sustainable livelihoods.
Scientific Restoration – Desiltation, afforestation, sewage treatment plants.
Integration with Smart City Plan – Make Guwahati growth eco-sensitive.
🧩 Conclusion
The Deepor Beel directive is a wake-up call: urbanisation must not come at the cost of wetlands. For Guwahati, protecting Deepor Beel is not just about ecology but also about flood safety, water security, and sustainable urban future. A coordinated approach blending law enforcement, community stewardship, and scientific management can save Assam’s wetlands for future generations.
🎓 Assam Skill Voucher Scheme for Unemployed Youth (2025)
📘 GS Paper II – Welfare Schemes, Education, Governance
📘 GS Paper III – Economy (Employment, Skill Development)
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific: Human Resource Development
🔹 Introduction
On 23 Sept 2025, the Assam Government launched the Skill Voucher Scheme (SVS) to tackle rising youth unemployment and address the skill gap in the state’s workforce. Under the scheme, unemployed youth will receive government-funded vouchers that can be redeemed at empanelled skill training centres, ITIs, and private institutions, allowing them to choose courses that match their aspirations and market demand.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Target Group | Unemployed youth aged 18–35 years |
| Voucher Value | Covers tuition/training fees at registered institutions |
| Institutions Covered | Govt ITIs, skill centres, private training providers, industry partners |
| Courses Offered | Digital skills, healthcare, hospitality, construction, EV maintenance, agri-tech, tourism |
| Funding Source | State Govt budget + CSR partnerships + Skill India convergence |
| Employment Linkage | Placement assistance & apprenticeships with industry partners |
| Pilot Districts | Kamrup (M), Dibrugarh, Cachar, Barpeta (to be scaled statewide) |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Skill India Mission (2015): Umbrella programme for vocational training.
PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana): Flagship skill certification scheme.
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC): PPP model for skilling ecosystem.
Assam Skill Development Mission (ASDM): State-level nodal agency.
World Bank’s STRIVE Project: Supports ITI modernization.
ILO’s Skills Report (2024): Notes that 70% of NE youth need re-skilling for Industry 4.0.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Scheme
Tackling Unemployment – Assam’s youth unemployment rate higher than national average.
Flexibility & Choice – Youth choose training suited to market demand.
Bridging Skill Gaps – Addresses mismatch in Assam’s traditional vs. modern sectors.
Industry Alignment – Courses linked to sectors like EVs, digital economy, healthcare.
Inclusive Growth – Empowers women, rural youth, and marginalised communities.
B. Challenges
Quality of Training Providers – Risk of mushrooming substandard institutes.
Placement Uncertainty – Certification alone may not ensure jobs.
Digital Divide – Rural youth may lag in accessing modern skills.
Funding Sustainability – Long-term viability depends on steady budget + CSR support.
Migration Risk – Trained youth may leave Assam, leading to brain drain.
C. Govt & Institutional Context
NEP 2020 (National Education Policy): Stresses vocational education integration.
ASDM (Assam Skill Development Mission): Runs Mega Skill University at Mangaldoi (World Bank project).
MSDE (Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship): National convergence with Assam scheme.
EV Policy Assam (2025–30): Opens new demand for skilled EV technicians.
D. Way Forward
Accreditation & Monitoring – Strict quality control for empanelled institutes.
Industry Partnerships – Skill vouchers tied to guaranteed apprenticeships.
Focus on Emerging Sectors – AI, robotics, renewable energy, logistics.
Local Job Creation – Encourage MSMEs to absorb trained youth in Assam.
Tracking Outcomes – Use digital dashboards to track voucher use, training completion, job placements.
Women Empowerment – Reserved vouchers for women, especially in healthcare and hospitality.
🧩 Conclusion
The Skill Voucher Scheme is a demand-driven, flexible skilling model that empowers Assam’s youth to choose their training paths. If coupled with industry partnerships and robust monitoring, it can bridge the education–employment gap and convert Assam’s demographic dividend into a driver of inclusive growth and economic transformation.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
Topic 1 – Assam State Climate Resilience Fund (SCRF)
Q1. With reference to Assam’s State Climate Resilience Fund (SCRF), consider the following statements:
- It is designed exclusively for post-disaster relief and compensation.
- It seeks to pool resources from state budget, international climate finance, and CSR funds.
- The fund aligns with Assam’s State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC).
Which of the above statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: B
🔎 Explanation: SCRF focuses on adaptation + resilience, not just post-disaster relief. Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
Q2. Which of the following is/are Ramsar Wetlands in Assam?
- Deepor Beel
- Son Beel
- Majuli Island
- Samaguri Beel
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
✅ Answer: B
🔎 Explanation: Deepor Beel, Son Beel, and Samaguri Beel are Ramsar sites; Majuli is not (it is a river island, heritage site).
Topic 2 – India–ASEAN Connectivity Meet (Guwahati)
Q3. The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project, discussed at the ASEAN Connectivity Meet, connects:
A. Mizoram to Thailand via Imphal and Mandalay.
B. Sittwe Port in Myanmar to Mizoram via river and road links.
C. Tripura to Bangladesh via Akhaura rail link.
D. Assam to Vietnam via Bay of Bengal sea route.
✅ Answer: B
🔎 Explanation: Kaladan links Sittwe Port (Myanmar) → Kaladan River → Mizoram.
Q4. Which of the following statements regarding India–ASEAN relations is/are correct?
- ASEAN was established in 1967 with headquarters in Bangkok.
- The India–ASEAN Free Trade Agreement in goods was signed in 2009.
- The India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway ends at Mae Sot in Thailand.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: B
🔎 Explanation: HQ is Jakarta, not Bangkok. Statements 2 & 3 correct.
Topic 3 – Deepor Beel Wetland (HC Eviction Order)
Q5. Which of the following species is/are associated with Deepor Beel Wetland?
- Greater Adjutant Stork
- Spot-billed Pelican
- Gangetic Dolphin
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
🔎 Explanation: Deepor Beel is famous for migratory birds like storks & pelicans. Dolphins are in Brahmaputra, not inside the Beel.
Q6. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 prohibit which of the following activities in notified wetlands?
- Setting up of industries
- Dumping of waste
- Construction of permanent housing
- Commercial mining
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
✅ Answer: D
🔎 Explanation: All listed activities are prohibited.
Topic 4 – Assam Skill Voucher Scheme
Q7. Under Assam’s Skill Voucher Scheme (2025), the vouchers can be redeemed at:
- Government ITIs
- Private skill training providers
- Empanelled industry training centres
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: D
🔎 Explanation: The scheme allows flexibility across govt and private providers.
Q8. Which of the following institutions/initiatives is/are directly linked with Skill Development in India?
- National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
- STRIVE Project (World Bank-supported)
- PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana)
- ASDM (Assam Skill Development Mission)
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
✅ Answer: D
🔎 Explanation: All four are part of India/Assam’s skilling ecosystem.dy.
🔎 Explanation: Instability in Myanmar is indeed a direct cause for delay in India’s AEP projects.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Model Answer
Q. “Climate change is a lived reality for Assam, marked by recurring floods, erosion, and extreme weather. Critically evaluate the State Climate Resilience Fund (SCRF) as a mechanism for building long-term resilience.”
(GS Paper II – Policies & Governance | GS Paper III – Environment & Disaster Management | GS Paper V – Assam-specific Ecology)
🔹 Introduction
Assam, located in the fragile Brahmaputra and Barak valleys, is among India’s most climate-vulnerable states, facing annual floods, riverbank erosion, and rising heat stress. Recognising these risks, the Assam Cabinet (Sept 2025) approved the State Climate Resilience Fund (SCRF) to mobilise resources for adaptation, green infrastructure, and community resilience, beyond just post-disaster relief.
🔹 Body
1️⃣ Climate Vulnerability of Assam
- Floods & Erosion: Affect ~31 lakh people annually; Majuli island shrinking.
- Extreme Weather: Erratic rainfall, drought-like conditions in Barak Valley.
- Livelihood Impacts: Agriculture losses, health risks, displacement.
- Biodiversity Stress: Wetlands (Deepor Beel) and forests under threat.
2️⃣ Significance of SCRF
- Dedicated Climate Finance – Unlike SDRF/NDRF (focused on relief), SCRF funds adaptation & resilience.
- Multi-source Pooling – State budget, CSR, international climate finance (e.g., Green Climate Fund).
- Sectoral Coverage – Flood management, agriculture, renewable energy, wetlands, urban resilience.
- Community Focus – Directs resources to vulnerable districts like Dhemaji, Majuli, Barpeta.
- Policy Alignment – Complements Assam’s State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC).
3️⃣ Challenges
- Funding Sustainability: Reliance on external aid and CSR.
- Institutional Weakness: Poor inter-departmental coordination.
- Data & Tech Gap: Limited use of climate models, AI forecasting.
- Accountability Issues: Past funds (e.g., SDRF) criticised by CAG for inefficiency.
- Social Vulnerability: Women, children, marginal farmers hit hardest.
4️⃣ Way Forward
- Outcome-based Audits – Transparency in fund utilisation.
- Scientific Planning – GIS-based risk mapping, AI-driven early warning.
- Community Engagement – Train climate volunteers, SHGs in adaptation practices.
- Green Infrastructure – Flood-resilient housing, solar-powered microgrids.
- Regional Coordination – River-basin management with Arunachal, Bhutan, Meghalaya.
- Blended Finance Model – Leverage multilateral agencies + state funds.
🔹 Conclusion
The State Climate Resilience Fund (SCRF) is a proactive and innovative step, moving Assam from a reactive relief approach to a preventive resilience model. For success, the fund must be transparent, technology-driven, and community-inclusive. Done right, it can make Assam a pioneer in climate adaptation governance in India’s Northeast., multi-dimensional approach can Assam secure its rhino legacy as a symbol of resilience, ecology, and cultural pride.
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