APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (24/02/2025)
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 (24-02-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
1. Cabinet Approves MoUs Worth ₹1.22 Lakh Crore at Advantage Assam 2.0
📌 GS Paper 3: Economy, Infrastructure, Industrial Growth
📌 GS Paper 2: Government Policies, Investment Promotion
Introduction
The Assam government has approved 240 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹1.22 lakh crore as part of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025. These MoUs aim to boost industrial growth, infrastructure development, and employment generation in the state.
Key Points
1. Objectives of the MoUs
✅ Promoting Industrial Investments in Assam – Attracting global and domestic investors.
✅ Infrastructure Development – Focus on roads, highways, logistics hubs, and urban facilities.
✅ Employment Generation – Creating thousands of jobs across different sectors.
✅ International Collaboration – Countries like Japan and Singapore have shown interest in Assam’s skilled workforce.
2. Key Highlights of the Investment Summit
✔️ ₹1.22 Lakh Crore Investments Finalized – Largest-ever investment push in Assam.
✔️ Focus on Sectors Like Textiles, Energy, and IT.
✔️ International Companies Looking to Set Up Manufacturing Units.
✔️ Launch of Assam’s New Textile & Apparel Policy 2025.
3. Challenges in Attracting Investments
🚧 Bureaucratic Red Tape & Land Acquisition Issues.
🚧 Infrastructure Deficiencies & Power Supply Shortages.
🚧 Need for a Skilled Workforce for High-Tech Industries.
🚧 Environmental Concerns in Large-Scale Industrial Projects.
Prelims Pointers
- Advantage Assam 2.0 – The largest investment summit in Northeast India.
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India – Assam is focusing on FDI-driven industrialization.
- National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) – Aims to develop key infrastructure projects across India.
Mains Pointers
Why is Attracting Investments Important for Assam?
✅ Diversifies the Economy Beyond Agriculture & Tea Industry.
✅ Generates Employment & Reduces Migration to Other States.
✅ Enhances Assam’s Role as an Industrial Hub in Northeast India.
Way Ahead
✅ Speedy Implementation of MoUs & Reduction of Bureaucratic Hurdles.
✅ Developing Skill Training Programs for Local Youth.
✅ Ensuring Environmentally Sustainable Industrial Growth.
Conclusion
The approval of ₹1.22 lakh crore in MoUs is a landmark decision for Assam’s industrial and economic growth. The state must now focus on effective execution, infrastructure development, and ensuring sustainable industrialization.
2. Assam Government to Launch ‘Project Shakti’ for Women’s Safety
📌 GS Paper 2: Governance, Women Empowerment, Social Issues
📌 GS Paper 3: Internal Security, Law & Order
Introduction
The Assam government has announced the launch of ‘Project Shakti’, a statewide initiative to enhance women’s safety through technological interventions, fast-track justice systems, and improved law enforcement mechanisms. The initiative aims to curb crimes against women and promote gender-sensitive policing.
Key Points
1. Objectives of ‘Project Shakti’
✅ Strengthening Law Enforcement for Women’s Safety – Dedicated anti-harassment & anti-trafficking task forces.
✅ Fast-Track Courts for Crimes Against Women – Speeding up legal proceedings & justice delivery.
✅ Emergency Response & Women’s Helpline (1091) – Enhancing rapid police intervention & distress support.
✅ Self-Defense Training & Awareness Programs – Encouraging women’s empowerment & community safety programs.
2. Key Features of the Initiative
✔️ Installation of AI-Based Surveillance Cameras in Public Areas.
✔️ Expansion of Women-Only Police Stations in Districts.
✔️ Integration of ‘Shakti App’ for Women’s Safety & Emergency Support.
✔️ Special Police Units in Schools & Colleges for Gender Awareness Campaigns.
3. Challenges in Ensuring Women’s Safety
🚧 Delayed Legal Procedures & Low Conviction Rates.
🚧 Underreporting of Crimes Due to Social Stigma.
🚧 Need for Gender Sensitization Among Law Enforcement Officials.
🚧 Lack of Safe Public Transport Facilities for Women.
Prelims Pointers
- Nirbhaya Fund (2013) – Central scheme for women’s safety infrastructure development.
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) – Aims at improving child sex ratio & promoting women’s empowerment.
- SHe-Box (Sexual Harassment Electronic Box) – Online complaint redressal system for workplace harassment.
- National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Report on Women’s Safety – Tracks gender-based crimes in India.
Mains Pointers
Why is Women’s Safety Crucial for Assam’s Socio-Economic Development?
✅ Encourages Women’s Workforce Participation – Ensures economic independence & professional opportunities.
✅ Prevents Gender-Based Violence & Trafficking in Northeast India.
✅ Promotes a Safe & Inclusive Urban & Rural Environment.
Way Ahead
✅ Community Participation in Women’s Safety Programs.
✅ Enhancing Legal & Law Enforcement Capacities.
✅ Integrating Women’s Safety Measures with Smart City Projects.
Conclusion
‘Project Shakti’ is a progressive step toward ensuring a safer and more inclusive environment for women in Assam. With strong legal mechanisms, community engagement, and smart policing, the initiative can be a model for other states in India.
3. Assam to Develop ‘Blue Economy Zone’ Along Brahmaputra River
📌 GS Paper 3: Economy, Infrastructure, Sustainable Development
📌 GS Paper 1: Geography (Rivers & Resources)
Introduction
The Assam government has announced plans to develop a ‘Blue Economy Zone’ along the Brahmaputra River, focusing on inland water transport, fisheries, tourism, and sustainable resource management. This initiative aims to unlock economic opportunities, enhance connectivity, and promote eco-friendly industries along Assam’s major waterways.
Key Points
1. Objectives of the Blue Economy Zone
✅ Boosting Inland Water Transport (IWT) – Developing modern river ports & cargo terminals.
✅ Expanding Fisheries & Aquaculture – Promoting sustainable fish farming for economic growth.
✅ Encouraging River Tourism & Heritage Conservation – Developing cruise services & cultural tourism hubs.
✅ Enhancing Trade with Bangladesh & Southeast Asia – Utilizing waterways for cross-border trade expansion.
2. Key Features of Assam’s Blue Economy Initiative
✔️ Upgradation of River Ports in Dhubri, Guwahati & Dibrugarh.
✔️ Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for Fisheries & Maritime Trade.
✔️ Eco-Tourism Projects Along Brahmaputra & Majuli Island.
✔️ Integration with India’s Act East Policy for Trade Connectivity.
3. Challenges in Implementing the Blue Economy Model
🚧 Siltation & Navigational Barriers in Brahmaputra River.
🚧 Lack of Adequate Investment & Private Sector Participation.
🚧 Environmental Concerns Related to River Dredging & Industrialization.
🚧 Need for Advanced River Management & Disaster Resilience Measures.
Prelims Pointers
- Blue Economy – Sustainable use of ocean & river resources for economic growth.
- Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) – Manages India’s inland water transport system.
- National Waterway 2 (Brahmaputra River) – Major inland waterway under Sagarmala & Bharatmala Projects.
- Act East Policy – Strengthens trade & connectivity between Northeast India and ASEAN nations.
Mains Pointers
How Can the Blue Economy Benefit Assam?
✅ Reduces Dependence on Road & Rail Transport – Utilizing rivers for cost-effective cargo movement.
✅ Generates Employment in Fisheries, Tourism & Maritime Trade.
✅ Enhances Environmental Sustainability Through Eco-Tourism.
Way Ahead
✅ Investment in River Infrastructure & Smart Water Management.
✅ Strengthening Trade & Connectivity with Bangladesh & Myanmar.
✅ Regulatory Frameworks to Balance Economic Growth & Ecology.
Conclusion
The Blue Economy Zone along the Brahmaputra presents a transformative opportunity for Assam, ensuring sustainable economic development while preserving its rich water resources. With strategic planning, investment, and environmental safeguards, Assam can become a leading hub for inland water-based trade & industries.
4. Assam to Introduce ‘Smart Agriculture Mission’ to Boost Agri-Tech Innovation
📌 GS Paper 3: Agriculture, Science & Technology, Economic Development
📌 GS Paper 2: Government Policies & Interventions
Introduction
The Assam government has launched the ‘Smart Agriculture Mission’ to modernize farming practices through digital technologies, precision farming, and AI-driven solutions. The initiative aims to enhance productivity, reduce climate-related risks, and promote sustainable farming in Assam.
Key Points
1. Objectives of the Smart Agriculture Mission
✅ Promoting AI & IoT-Based Precision Farming – Using data analytics for soil health monitoring & yield prediction.
✅ Expanding Use of Drones & Automation in Agriculture – For pest control, irrigation management, and crop surveillance.
✅ Digital Market Access & E-Mandis – Enabling direct farmer-to-market linkages through digital platforms.
✅ Climate-Resilient & Organic Farming Techniques – Encouraging sustainable agriculture to combat climate change.
2. Key Features of the Initiative
✔️ AI-Based Crop Disease Detection System.
✔️ Subsidized Distribution of Smart Sensors for Soil & Water Monitoring.
✔️ Partnerships with Agri-Tech Startups & Research Institutes.
✔️ Development of ‘Smart Farmer’ Mobile App for Advisory Services.
3. Challenges in Implementing Agri-Tech in Assam
🚧 High Cost of Technology Adoption for Small Farmers.
🚧 Limited Digital Literacy & Awareness Among Rural Farmers.
🚧 Connectivity Issues in Remote Areas Affecting Data-Driven Farming.
🚧 Need for Better Agricultural Research & Extension Services.
Prelims Pointers
- National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA) – Promotes digital solutions for farming.
- PM-KISAN Scheme – Provides direct financial support to small & marginal farmers.
- Soil Health Card Scheme – Helps farmers with crop-specific soil nutrient information.
- Digital Agriculture Mission (2021-2025) – Encourages AI, blockchain, and IoT-based farming.
Mains Pointers
Why is Smart Agriculture Important for Assam?
✅ Increases Agricultural Productivity & Reduces Crop Losses.
✅ Empowers Farmers with Digital Market Access & Advisory Support.
✅ Mitigates Climate Change Impacts on Rain-Fed Agriculture.
Way Ahead
✅ Providing Financial Assistance & Subsidies for Smart Farming Tools.
✅ Strengthening Farmer Training & Digital Literacy Programs.
✅ Enhancing Public-Private Partnerships in Agri-Tech Innovations.
Conclusion
The Smart Agriculture Mission marks a significant step in Assam’s agri-tech transformation. With AI, digital platforms, and climate-resilient farming, Assam can achieve higher yields, increase farmers’ income, and ensure food security for the future.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
1. Cabinet Approves MoUs Worth ₹1.22 Lakh Crore at Advantage Assam 2.0
Question 1
Which of the following statements about the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment Summit are correct?
- It is the largest investment promotion summit in Northeast India.
- It primarily focuses on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in Assam’s industrial sector.
- It includes government initiatives to boost textiles, infrastructure, and information technology (IT) in Assam.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
✅ Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3
🔎 Explanation:
- All three statements are correct.
- Advantage Assam 2.0 is Northeast India’s largest investment summit, attracting FDI in various sectors.
- The summit aims to strengthen Assam’s position in textiles, IT, and infrastructure development.
2. Assam Government to Launch ‘Project Shakti’ for Women’s Safety
Question 2
Which of the following government initiatives focus on women’s safety and empowerment in India?
- One Stop Centre (OSC) Scheme
- SHe-Box (Sexual Harassment Electronic Box)
- Mission Shakti
- Stand Up India Scheme
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
✅ Answer: (b) 1, 2, and 3 only
🔎 Explanation:
- One Stop Centre (OSC) Scheme – Provides support to women facing violence.
- SHe-Box – A digital complaint platform for workplace harassment.
- Mission Shakti – Aims at women’s safety, employment, and empowerment.
- Stand Up India – Supports entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women entrepreneurs, but is not specifically a women’s safety program.
3. Assam to Develop ‘Blue Economy Zone’ Along Brahmaputra River
Question 3
Which of the following components are included in the concept of the Blue Economy?
- Inland water transport
- Sustainable fisheries
- Maritime tourism
- Renewable energy production from water resources
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, 3, and 4
(d) 2, 3, and 4 only
✅ Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3, and 4
🔎 Explanation:
- The Blue Economy focuses on the sustainable use of ocean and river resources for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and livelihood improvement.
- It includes inland water transport, fisheries, maritime tourism, and renewable energy development.
Question 4
Which of the following waterways is designated as National Waterway 2 (NW-2) in India?
(a) Ganga River
(b) Yamuna River
(c) Brahmaputra River
(d) Godavari River
✅ Answer: (c) Brahmaputra River
🔎 Explanation:
- National Waterway 2 (NW-2) is the Brahmaputra River, which plays a crucial role in inland water transport and trade connectivity with Bangladesh.
- NW-1 is the Ganga River, NW-3 is in Kerala, and NW-4 covers Godavari and Krishna Rivers.
4. Assam to Introduce ‘Smart Agriculture Mission’ to Boost Agri-Tech Innovation
Question 5
Which of the following technologies are part of modern Smart Agriculture?
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) for crop monitoring
- Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled sensors for soil health tracking
- Blockchain technology for supply chain management
- Drone technology for precision farming
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
✅ Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
🔎 Explanation:
- All four technologies are used in Smart Agriculture:
- AI helps in predicting crop diseases and yield estimation.
- IoT sensors monitor soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels.
- Blockchain enhances food traceability and reduces fraud in supply chains.
- Drones assist in aerial imaging, spraying pesticides, and monitoring crops.
Question 6
Which of the following schemes focus on digital and smart agriculture in India?
- National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA)
- Soil Health Card Scheme
- Digital Agriculture Mission
- Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
✅ Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
🔎 Explanation:
RKVY focuses on agricultural growth and modernization.
National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA) supports digital technology in farming.
Soil Health Card Scheme provides scientific nutrient analysis for improved soil fertility.
Digital Agriculture Mission promotes AI, IoT, and blockchain use in farming.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Mains Question
The Blue Economy has the potential to transform Assam’s economy by leveraging its riverine resources. Discuss the significance of developing a Blue Economy Zone along the Brahmaputra River and the challenges associated with its implementation.
Model Answer
Introduction
The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of water resources for economic growth while ensuring environmental protection and social equity. Assam, with the Brahmaputra River as a major economic artery, has immense potential to develop inland water transport, fisheries, eco-tourism, and cross-border trade. The Assam government’s plan to establish a Blue Economy Zone along the Brahmaputra aligns with India’s Act East Policy and aims to boost sustainable economic activities.
Significance of the Blue Economy Zone in Assam
✅ Boosts Inland Water Transport (IWT)
- Brahmaputra River is National Waterway-2 (NW-2) and can reduce logistics costs for goods movement.
✅ Enhances Trade with Bangladesh & Southeast Asia
- Strengthens cross-border trade agreements through water connectivity.
✅ Promotes Sustainable Fisheries & Aquaculture
- Expands fish production and exports, benefiting local fishermen.
✅ Eco-Tourism & Cultural Heritage Development
- River cruises and heritage sites like Majuli Island can attract global tourists.
✅ Generates Employment & Rural Livelihoods
- Creates opportunities in fishing, tourism, and logistics sectors.
Challenges in Implementing the Blue Economy Model
🚧 Siltation & Navigational Barriers – Brahmaputra’s changing course affects waterway stability.
🚧 Climate Change & Flood Risks – Frequent flooding and erosion threaten infrastructure.
🚧 Lack of Modern Infrastructure & River Port Facilities – Need for advanced ports and logistics hubs.
🚧 Environmental Concerns Related to Dredging & Industrialization – Risk of water pollution and biodiversity loss.
🚧 Need for Policy Reforms & Investment – Attracting private investment and international cooperation is critical.
Way Ahead
✅ Modernizing Inland Waterway Infrastructure – Expanding river ports, jetties, and digital monitoring systems.
✅ Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in Fisheries & Logistics – Encouraging foreign and domestic investment.
✅ Strengthening Disaster Management for Flood Resilience – Early warning systems & embankment projects.
✅ Eco-Friendly Tourism & Community-Based Conservation Models – Ensuring sustainable river tourism.
Conclusion
Developing a Blue Economy Zone along the Brahmaputra can transform Assam’s economic landscape by enhancing trade, employment, and ecological balance. However, infrastructure, environmental safeguards, and policy reforms are essential for its sustainable success. Assam must leverage its strategic location and water resources to become a hub of economic activity in Northeast India.
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