APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (24/04/2025)
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 (24-04-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
✨ Current Affairs Crash Course for the APSC Prelims 2025
🛡️ India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty: A Paradigm Shift in Diplomacy and Strategic Policy
📘 GS Paper 2: International Relations | Treaties | India–Pakistan Relations
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Water Resources | Strategic Infrastructure
🔹 Introduction
In a historic move, the Government of India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 with Pakistan. This follows the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists. India blames Pakistan-backed terror outfits and has taken a series of diplomatic retaliatory measures—marking a hard shift in India’s regional strategic posture.
🔑 Key Points
| Measure | Description |
| Treaty Suspended | India suspends IWT, halting 64 years of water-sharing cooperation with Pakistan |
| Check Post Closed | Closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post from May 1, 2025 |
| Visa Exemption Scrapped | SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals cancelled |
| Diplomatic Expulsion | Pakistan’s defense and military attachés declared persona non grata |
| Staff Reduction | Diplomatic staff strength in New Delhi and Islamabad cut by nearly 50% |
| Reason Cited | Lack of credible steps by Pakistan to stop supporting cross-border terrorism |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Indus Waters Treaty (1960):
Mediated by the World Bank, allocates control of eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan
Known as one of the most successful water-sharing treaties, even surviving wars
SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme:
Allows certain categories (journalists, businessmen, MPs) to travel visa-free across SAARC nations
India now excludes Pakistan from this list
Persona Non Grata:
A diplomatic practice to expel foreign officials who have violated norms or are deemed hostile
Attari Check Post:
Major land route for India–Pakistan trade and people-to-people contact
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Treaty Suspension
| Significance | Impact |
| Strategic Leverage | Water becomes a bargaining chip in bilateral relations |
| Global Signal | Marks a toughened stance post-Article 370 and Balakot doctrine |
| Internal Pressure | Responds to domestic sentiment seeking action post-terror attacks |
| Security Doctrine Shift | Integrates hydro-diplomacy with counter-terror response |
B. Risks and Implications
| Risk | Explanation |
| International Reactions | May draw concerns from UN, World Bank, and water diplomacy experts |
| Escalation of Tensions | Risk of retaliatory action by Pakistan across LOC or through proxies |
| Impact on Punjab Region | Eastern states must gear up to store and utilize surplus flows |
| China Factor | May provoke scrutiny of India’s stand on Brahmaputra with China |
C. India’s Broader Retaliatory Measures
Diplomatic Isolation Strategy
Push in multilateral forums to label Pakistan a terror-sponsoring nation
Cross-Border Ops & Intelligence
Renewed pressure to target terror camps in PoK
Economic Measures
MFN (Most Favoured Nation) status already withdrawn in 2019; trade remains minimal
D. Way Forward
Clear Communication to World Bodies
Frame the suspension as a temporary national security safeguard, not treaty violation
Strengthen Eastern Water Storage
Accelerate projects like Ujh Multipurpose Project and Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal
Diplomatic Coordination with Allies
Keep US, EU, Gulf countries informed to minimize global backlash
Prevent Misuse of Water as Weapon
Reassure domestic and international observers that India remains committed to peaceful use principles
Parallel Civil Society Diplomacy
Empower think tanks and diaspora voices to shape international opinion in India’s favor
🧩 Conclusion
Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty marks a watershed moment in India’s diplomatic doctrine. No longer bound by conventional restraint, India is now using hydro-diplomacy as a strategic deterrent. Yet, it must walk the tightrope—assertive enough to respond to terrorism, but measured enough to avoid permanent breakdown in regional water cooperation.
🧬 Assam Approves DNA Profiling Lab: Boost to Forensic Science & Criminal Justice
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Criminal Justice Reforms | Science & Tech in Governance
📘 GS Paper 3: Science & Technology | Forensic Advances | Internal Security
🔹 Introduction
The Government of Assam has approved the setting up of a state-level DNA Profiling Laboratory, marking a milestone in forensic infrastructure development in the Northeast. This decision is expected to significantly speed up criminal investigations, reduce pendency in rape and homicide cases, and improve conviction rates in sensitive crimes.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Feature | Description |
| Project | State DNA Profiling Laboratory |
| Location | Guwahati (to be integrated with Forensic Science Laboratory) |
| Funding | State budget + central assistance under Nirbhaya Fund |
| Purpose |
Speed up DNA-based evidence analysis
Support investigation of rape, murder, child abuse, missing persons
Reduce dependency on central labs (Hyderabad, Kolkata)
| Background | Assam among states with high pendency of rape cases awaiting DNA reports
🧠 Prelims Pointers
DNA Profiling: Technique to identify individuals by analyzing genetic markers
Nirbhaya Fund: Central fund created in 2013 to enhance safety for women and children
CFSLs: Central Forensic Science Laboratories under Ministry of Home Affairs
Assam Forensic Science Lab: Currently lacks in-house DNA testing; samples sent outside
DNA Technology (Use and Application) Bill: Introduced in Parliament (2019) but not passed yet
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of a State-Level DNA Lab
| Benefit | Impact |
| Faster Case Resolution | Reduces turnaround time for DNA report from 8–12 months to under 1 month |
| Improved Conviction Rates | Strong DNA evidence increases likelihood of court convictions |
| Victim-Centric Justice | Expedites trials in rape, POCSO, and human trafficking cases |
| Disaster Victim Identification | Useful during floods, landslides, and mass casualty events |
| Scientific Policing | Helps Assam move toward tech-enabled crime investigation |
B. Challenges in DNA Forensics Implementation
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Privacy & Data Protection | No legal safeguards for DNA databanks; potential for misuse |
| Shortage of Trained Experts | Forensic biologists, technicians, and lab analysts in limited supply |
| Backlog in Current Labs | High pendency may persist without parallel capacity-building |
| Legal Admissibility | DNA must be collected, stored, and analyzed as per strict chain-of-custody rules |
| Cost of Infrastructure | High-tech labs require sustained funding and operational budgets |
C. Broader Forensic Gaps in Assam
No dedicated Cyber Forensic Lab
Few POCSO fast-track courts using forensic evidence
Lack of mobile forensic vans for remote crime scenes
Dependency on central labs slows down justice in tribal and hill districts
D. Way Forward
Fast-Track Lab Setup with NABL Accreditation
Ensure ISO and NABL standards are met for legal admissibility
Skilling & Hiring
Partner with universities and IIT-Guwahati for forensic training programs
Legal Framework for DNA Data Use
Push for revival and passage of the DNA Technology Regulation Bill
Integration with Police & Judiciary
Real-time linkage of lab reports with e-Courts, CCTNS, and investigation tracking systems
Victim-Centric Forensic Protocols
Create safe spaces for rape survivors and minor victims to give DNA samples with dignity
🧩 Conclusion
The decision to establish a DNA profiling lab is a crucial reform in Assam’s justice delivery system, especially for cases involving women, children, and the vulnerable. But without trained staff, legal safeguards, and integration with policing, its promise may remain underutilized. A balanced approach combining technology, capacity, and rights is essential.
🎓 Assam to Host First Regional AI Skill Centre: Bridging NE’s Tech Divide
📘 GS Paper 3: Science & Technology | Skill Development | Artificial Intelligence
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Education | Employment | Digital Inclusion
🔹 Introduction
In a significant move to bridge the digital and AI skills gap in Northeast India, the Government of India, in collaboration with the Assam government and industry partners, will establish the region’s first Regional AI Skill Centre in Guwahati. The initiative aims to train over 25,000 students and professionals in emerging technologies over the next 3 years.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Feature | Description |
| Project | Regional AI Skill Centre (RAISC) |
| Location | Guwahati, Assam – to serve NE states |
| Partners | Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), AICTE, Assam Govt, NASSCOM, and private tech firms |
| Focus Areas |
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Machine Learning (ML)
Data Analytics
Cloud & Cybersecurity
| Target Group |
Students from Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities
ITI graduates, engineering students, teachers
| Mode of Delivery | Blended learning: offline labs + online modules (vernacular access)
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Digital India Bhashini: Govt initiative to make digital content available in Indian languages (to be integrated)
Skill India Mission: Launched in 2015 to train youth in industry-relevant skills
AICTE: Regulatory body for technical education in India; promotes AI curriculum at UG level
FutureSkills Prime: NASSCOM-led skilling platform for digital tech domains
NEP 2020: Encourages coding, AI, and computational thinking from school levels
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Why an AI Skill Centre is Crucial for Assam & NE
| Dimension | Explanation |
| Digital Divide | NE states lag in tech skilling infrastructure and employment readiness |
| Unemployment | Skilling in emerging tech opens jobs in software, fintech, health tech |
| Startup Ecosystem | Could boost Guwahati, Jorhat, and Tezpur as edu-tech hubs |
| Educational Equity | Vernacular modules help tribal, rural, and non-English speakers participate in the digital economy |
| Strategic Relevance | Youth empowerment in NE can act as soft counter to insurgency and migration |
B. Challenges Ahead
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Language & Curriculum Gap | Existing AI content mostly in English; regional language adaptation needed |
| Faculty Shortage | Not enough trained instructors in AI/ML in government institutions |
| Access to Hardware | Labs with GPUs, cloud credits, and edge devices are resource-intensive |
| Rural Connectivity | Limited internet in hill districts hampers online module access |
| Awareness | Low awareness in schools and colleges about career pathways in AI |
C. Policy Linkages & Opportunities
Digital India Act (proposed): To regulate digital platforms and promote digital education
PMKVY 4.0: New focus on AI, green energy, robotics
National AI Portal (IndiaAI.gov.in): Source of modules, datasets, use cases
Assam Startup Policy 2024: Offers grants and incubation for AI-based startups
D. Way Forward
Local Language Content
Integrate with Digital India Bhashini for Assamese, Bodo, and Bengali medium modules
Train-the-Trainer Programs
Partner with IIT-Guwahati and NIELIT to upskill faculty and lab instructors
Incentivize Women & Tribal Participation
Offer fellowships, transportation stipends, and campus-based access for underrepresented groups
Use of AI for Local Governance
Train students to develop AI tools for flood prediction, crop advisory, and traffic control in Assam
Build AI Innovation Clusters
Set up mini-Tinkering Labs in district colleges to sustain interest in applied learning
🧩 Conclusion
The AI Skill Centre in Assam marks more than a tech milestone—it is a leap toward digital democratization in the Northeast. With inclusive pedagogy, scalable models, and industry alignment, this initiative can transform Assam into a regional hub for emerging tech talent, empowering a generation for jobs of the future.
🚨 NRC ‘Reverification’ in Assam: Legal and Constitutional Crossroads
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Federalism | Citizenship & Rights
📘 GS Paper 1: Society | Demographic Change | Migration Issues
🔹 Introduction
The Supreme Court of India has admitted a petition filed by the Assam Government seeking “reverification” of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The original NRC process, completed in 2019 under SC supervision, had excluded over 19 lakh people, but the state argues that the list is riddled with errors, inclusion fraud, and regional imbalance—especially in border districts.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Feature | Description |
| Petition Filed By | Government of Assam |
| Sought Action | Supreme Court-monitored “complete reverification” of final NRC list (2019) |
| Reason | Inclusion of suspected illegal migrants, especially in Barpeta, Dhubri, South Salmara |
| Legal Background | NRC exercise ordered and monitored by SC from 2013 onwards |
| Present Status | Final list not notified by Registrar General of India (RGI) |
| Concerns Raised |
Disproportionate verification in Bengali-majority vs Assamese-majority areas
Fraudulent documents submitted for legacy claims
🧠 Prelims Pointers
NRC (National Register of Citizens):
A citizenship verification exercise to identify illegal immigrants in Assam under 1951 baseline
First prepared in 1951; updated in 2013–19 per SC orders
Assam Accord (1985):
Agreed on 1971 as the cut-off year for detecting and deporting illegal immigrants
Forms the legal basis for NRC in Assam
Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964:
Special quasi-judicial bodies to determine nationality status in Assam
Registrar General of India (RGI):
Statutory authority under the Ministry of Home Affairs; must notify the NRC for it to be official
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Why NRC Reverification is Being Sought
| Justification | Explanation |
| Error-Ridden Final List | Cases of known doubtful voters and foreigners allegedly being included |
| Regional Imbalance | High rejection in Upper Assam; low rejection in border districts raises suspicion |
| Public Pressure | AASU and other civil groups allege NRC failed to filter illegal migrants |
| Political Sensitivity | 2026 Assam elections may be influenced by community anxieties |
B. Legal and Constitutional Concerns
| Concern | Explanation |
| Finality of NRC | Once supervised and completed under SC, re-opening may set a dangerous precedent |
| Right to Equality (Article 14) | Selective reverification could violate equal treatment |
| Citizenship Rights | Lakhs awaiting status now face renewed uncertainty |
| Federal Overreach? | State Govt pushing for SC-mandated process revision raises questions of executive encroachment |
C. Impact on Society and Governance
Social Polarization: NRC continues to divide communities along ethnic and religious lines
Psychological Distress: Thousands in limbo face stigma and economic exclusion
Administrative Paralysis: Bureaucracy tied up with documentation, not service delivery
Burden on Judiciary: Foreigners Tribunals already clogged with appeals
D. Way Forward
SC-Led Transparent Review Panel
Include retired judges, civil society members, and digital forensic experts for limited scrutiny
Technology-Aided Document Verification
Use AI to flag document clusters and legacy link inconsistencies
Time-Bound Closure Mechanism
Fix 12–18 month window for any reverification to avoid eternal uncertainty
Post-NRC Social Healing
Civic campaigns to de-stigmatize excluded families and ensure access to healthcare, education, and ration
Independent Tribunal Reforms
Standardize procedures across Foreigners Tribunals to ensure consistency and fairness
🧩 Conclusion The NRC issue reflects a deep faultline between legality, identity, and humanity in Assam. While governance must be robust, it cannot trample constitutional rights. Any reverification must balance national interest with procedural fairness, keeping in mind Assam’s social cohesion and federal character.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🌊 Topic 1: Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
Q1. With reference to the Indus Waters Treaty, consider the following statements:
- The treaty was brokered by the United Nations in 1960.
- India has exclusive rights over the waters of the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
- The treaty can be unilaterally revoked by either country.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
A. 2 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A
🧠 Explanation:
- Statement 1 ❌: The treaty was brokered by the World Bank, not the UN.
- Statement 2 ✅: India has exclusive rights over the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, Sutlej.
- Statement 3 ❌: The treaty does not allow unilateral revocation; any change must follow arbitration or dispute resolution mechanisms under its provisions.
Q2. The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, recently suspended for Pakistani nationals, allows:
A. Free movement of all citizens within SAARC
B. Journalists, MPs, and businessmen to travel visa-free across SAARC countries
C. Military personnel to conduct border visits
D. Only cultural and sports delegates to access other countries without visa
✅ Answer: B
🧠 Explanation:
The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme permits visa-free travel to select categories (e.g., journalists, MPs, businesspersons) within SAARC, not the general public.
🧬 Topic 2: Assam’s DNA Profiling Lab
Q3. The establishment of a DNA profiling lab helps in:
- Speeding up conviction in sexual offence and murder cases
- Forensic identification during disasters
- Creating genetic databases for population studies
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A
🧠 Explanation:
- Statements 1 & 2 ✅: DNA profiling helps both criminal justice and disaster victim identification.
- Statement 3 ❌: Creating population-level genetic databases is not the core purpose of forensic labs and poses ethical/legal concerns without specific law.
Q4. Which of the following is true regarding the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Bill, 2019?
A. It has been passed and is now a law.
B. It regulates the use of DNA for agricultural biotechnology only.
C. It proposes safeguards for DNA data collection and profiling in criminal cases.
D. It allows public access to all DNA records for transparency.
✅ Answer: C
🧠 Explanation:
The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Bill, 2019 is pending in Parliament and aims to regulate DNA use for forensic and criminal investigation, including setting up a DNA Regulatory Board. It does not allow open public access to DNA data.
🤖 Topic 3: Regional AI Skill Centre in Assam
Q5. Consider the following initiatives:
- Digital India Bhashini
- Skill India Mission
- FutureSkills PRIME
- Start-Up India
Which of the above are directly relevant to the AI Skilling Centre announced in Assam?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A
🧠 Explanation:
- Bhashini supports multilingual access to AI content.
- Skill India Mission supports youth skill-building in tech.
- FutureSkills PRIME is a NASSCOM-led platform for emerging technologies.
- Start-Up India is indirectly related—it may support ventures, but not core to skill training for AI.
📜 Topic 4: NRC Reverification Debate
Q6. With reference to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, consider the following statements:
- The cut-off date for determining citizenship is 1971 as per the Assam Accord.
- The NRC was updated in Assam under the Citizenship Act, 2003.
- The final NRC list has been notified by the Registrar General of India.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1 only
✅ Answer: D
🧠 Explanation:
Statement 3 ❌: The final list is still not notified by the Registrar General of India (RGI).
Statement 1 ✅: The Assam Accord (1985) sets 24 March 1971 as the cut-off.
Statement 2 ❌: NRC in Assam is being updated under the Citizenship Act, 1955 with special rules—not the 2003 amendment used nationally.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Mains Question
“Forensic DNA profiling is a game changer in India’s criminal justice system, but its efficacy hinges on legal safeguards and institutional readiness.”
In the light of Assam’s decision to establish a DNA profiling lab, critically examine the potential benefits and challenges of expanding forensic DNA infrastructure in India. Suggest reforms to ensure ethical and effective use.
✅ Model Answer
🔹 Introduction
DNA profiling has emerged as one of the most precise and non-invasive tools in modern forensic science. Its use in sexual assault cases, homicide investigations, disaster victim identification, and missing persons cases has led to faster and more accurate justice delivery. Assam’s move to set up a state-level DNA lab highlights both the promise and the pitfalls of this technology in India’s justice system.
🔹 Potential Benefits of Expanding DNA Forensics in India
| Benefit | Explanation |
| Speedier Justice | Reduces investigation and trial delays, especially in rape and POCSO cases |
| Higher Conviction Rates | DNA evidence can strengthen prosecution, even in absence of eyewitnesses |
| Disaster Victim Identification | Helps identify bodies during floods, landslides, and mass casualties (common in Assam) |
| Supports Police Modernization | Part of larger vision of “smart policing” under MHA reforms |
| Decongests Courts | Clearer evidence reduces frivolous litigation and wrongful arrests |
🔹 Challenges in Implementation
1. Legal and Ethical Challenges
| Issue | Impact |
| Absence of DNA Law | The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Bill, 2019 remains pending in Parliament |
| Privacy Risks | Sensitive genetic data could be misused for profiling or surveillance |
| Chain of Custody | Lack of standardized procedures may lead to tampering or inadmissibility |
2. Institutional Challenges
- Lack of Trained Forensic Staff: Few institutions offer hands-on forensic biotech training
- Backlog in Existing Labs: CFSLs already overburdened, delays up to 1 year for DNA reports
- Under-Integration with Police & Judiciary: Forensic inputs often underused or misunderstood during investigation
3. Technological & Resource Constraints
- High Cost of Equipment: DNA sequencers, thermal cyclers, and consumables are expensive
- Poor Rural Access: Crime scene sample collection and preservation often botched in interior areas
- Cybersecurity of DNA Databases: Risk of breach and manipulation without robust encryption and oversight
🔹 Case Study: Assam’s DNA Lab Initiative
- First state-level facility approved in April 2025
- Will reduce dependency on Hyderabad and Kolkata CFSLs
- Funded partially by the Nirbhaya Fund, focusing on crimes against women and children
- Located in Guwahati, with plans to serve entire Northeast
🔹 Reforms Needed
A. Legal Framework & Oversight
- Pass the DNA Technology Bill with strict rules on data collection, consent, and access
- Establish DNA Regulatory Authority with quasi-judicial powers for redressal
B. Capacity Building
- Set up Forensic Biotech Courses in universities (e.g., IIT-Guwahati, NFSU campuses)
- Train police, magistrates, and lawyers in scientific evidence handling
C. Victim-Centric Protocols
- Ensure informed consent and trauma-sensitive sample collection, especially for minors and survivors
- Protect identity and dignity in reporting and court usage
D. Technological Integration
- Link DNA Labs to Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS)
- Develop secure DNA databanks with limited, role-based access
🔹 Conclusion
While DNA profiling can revolutionize India’s criminal justice system, it must be anchored in law, ethics, and institutional strength. Assam’s pioneering initiative can be a blueprint for the Northeast and beyond, but only if backed by transparency, skilled manpower, and a citizen-rights-first approach.
✨ APSC Prelims Crash Course, 2025
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