APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (24/07/2025)
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 (24-07-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🛰️ ISRO’s Space-Based Solar Power Research in Focus
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Science and Technology | Renewable Energy | Energy Security
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Application of Science in Daily Life | National Technological Missions
📘 Prelims: Solar Power Satellites | ISRO Programs | Energy Sources
🔹 Introduction
India, under ISRO’s newly intensified research division, is exploring space-based solar power (SBSP) technologies as part of its long-term energy security goals. SBSP involves harvesting solar energy in space using satellites and transmitting it wirelessly to Earth, enabling 24×7 energy generation without atmospheric interference.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
| Concept | Solar energy collected in orbit and transmitted to Earth via microwave or laser beaming |
| Lead Agency | ISRO in coordination with Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) |
| Collaborators | Academic institutions like IITs, DRDO, and international space agencies (like JAXA) |
| Target | Prototype demonstration in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) within 5–7 years |
| Significance | Round-the-clock clean power, reduced land usage, climate change mitigation |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
SBSP: Concept first proposed by Peter Glaser (1968)
Microwave Transmission: Dominant SBSP tech due to safety and efficiency
Current SBSP Nations: Japan, USA, China conducting experiments
Solar Irradiance in Space: 4x more than on Earth’s surface
INSAT series: ISRO’s geostationary satellites not yet used for SBSP
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance for India
| Benefit Area | Description |
| Energy Security | Reduces dependence on fossil fuels and land-based renewables |
| Strategic Autonomy | Builds indigenous capabilities in space-energy-tech integration |
| Climate Mitigation | Zero-emission continuous solar power for national grid |
| Disaster Resilience | Reliable energy source for post-disaster or inaccessible zones |
| Technological Spin-offs | Drives innovation in wireless energy transmission, materials science |
B. Challenges in Implementation
| Challenge | Explanation |
| High Cost | Launch, maintenance, and space infrastructure costs are steep |
| Energy Transmission Risks | Microwave/laser safety concerns and transmission loss |
| Technological Complexity | Requires advanced satellite, antenna, and rectenna systems |
| Space Debris Management | Potential collisions with existing satellites |
| Regulatory & Geopolitical Issues | Spectrum usage and space rights undefined for SBSP |
📊 Related Missions & Frameworks
National Solar Mission: Under India’s NAPCC – targets 100 GW solar by 2030
India’s G20 Presidency (2023): Promoted global renewable cooperation
ISRO’s Aditya-L1 Mission: Studying the sun, indirectly supporting SBSP research
International Solar Alliance (ISA): India-led body for solar collaboration
SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable energy
🧭 Way Forward
| Strategy | Actionable Step |
| Pilot Prototypes | Launch tech demonstrators in Low Earth Orbit |
| Public-Private Partnerships | Engage startups, energy firms, and universities |
| Safety Guidelines | Develop regulatory framework for microwave transmission |
| Space Collaboration | Bilateral tie-ups with Japan, US, ESA for tech co-development |
| Mass Awareness | Highlight SBSP through national science campaigns |
🧩 Conclusion
India’s move towards space-based solar power demonstrates its ambition to lead in futuristic, green technologies. With proper investment, safety frameworks, and international cooperation, SBSP could revolutionize energy availability and ensure sustainable development aligned with net-zero targets.
🧫 Assam to Launch State Nutrition Surveillance System
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Health & Nutrition | Welfare Policies | Government Interventions
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Public Health in Assam | State-Wide Schemes | Nutrition Indicators
📘 Prelims: Malnutrition | NFHS | POSHAN Abhiyaan | ICDS | Nutrition Surveillance
🔹 Introduction
In a bid to combat persistent malnutrition and undernutrition, the Government of Assam has approved the launch of a State Nutrition Surveillance System (SNSS). This initiative aims to create a real-time database of child and maternal nutrition indicators, enhancing the targeting and evaluation of nutrition-based schemes.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Launch Authority | Assam State Health & Family Welfare Department |
| Coverage | Children under 5 years, adolescent girls, and pregnant/lactating women |
| Technology Backbone | Integration with Poshan Tracker App & Anganwadi digital platforms |
| Objectives | Monitor nutrition status, alert for stunting/wasting, track dietary diversity |
| Data Sources | Anganwadi workers, ASHAs, Health Sub-Centres, ICDS data |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
NFHS-5 Assam: Stunting (35.3%), Wasting (17%), Anemia among women (66%)
POSHAN Abhiyaan (2018): Flagship nutrition mission under MWCD
ICDS: Covers supplementary nutrition, preschool education, and health services
Anaemia Mukt Bharat: Govt. initiative to combat iron deficiency
Nutrition Surveillance: Continuous assessment of dietary and anthropometric trends
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the Initiative
| Area | Contribution |
| Data-Driven Policy | Enables timely intervention at district/block level |
| Improved Targeting | Identifies high-risk populations for urgent aid |
| Monitoring Outcomes | Evaluates scheme impact like ICDS and mid-day meals |
| Health-Nutrition Convergence | Integrates health screenings with nutrition alerts |
| Fiscal Efficiency | Reduces leakage and duplication in delivery |
B. Challenges in Implementation
| Challenge | Description |
| Data Accuracy | Risk of underreporting or false entries at grassroots |
| Digital Divide | Infrastructure and internet access gaps in remote districts |
| Manpower Shortage | Overburdened Anganwadi/ASHA workers may affect data quality |
| Privacy Concerns | Protection of individual health and nutrition data |
| Capacity Building | Need for training frontline workers in digital tools |
📊 Related Policies & Reports
Global Hunger Index (2023): India ranks 111 out of 125
State Food Security Mission (Assam): Promotes nutrition-linked agriculture
Saksham Anganwadi Scheme: ICDS modernization initiative
NITI Aayog’s Nutrition Dashboard: Monitors real-time nutrition progress
UNICEF-India Reports: Emphasize real-time child malnutrition monitoring
🧭 Way Forward
| Recommendation | Action |
| Digital Training Drives | Build digital capacity of Anganwadi workers |
| District Nutrition Cells | Create data audit and action review units |
| AI-Based Alerts | Integrate predictive analytics for intervention flags |
| Community Engagement | SHGs and local NGOs to spread nutrition awareness |
| Grievance Mechanism | Enable feedback from beneficiaries |
🧩 Conclusion
The Assam State Nutrition Surveillance System is a timely step towards ensuring nutritional justice and data-backed governance. With smart implementation, it can not only reduce undernutrition but also align with India’s SDG goals on hunger, health, and gender equity.
🛤️ Centre Approves Bairabi–Sairang Railway Line Extension in Mizoram
📘 GS Paper 1 (Mains): Geography – Infrastructure | Transport Networks
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Infrastructure | Border Area Development | Economic Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Northeast Connectivity | Assam’s Regional Integration | Act East Policy
📘 Prelims: Bairabi–Sairang Railway | Mizoram Geography | NER Rail Projects
🔹 Introduction
As part of enhancing connectivity in the Northeast, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the extension of the Bairabi–Sairang broad gauge railway line in Mizoram. The line is a crucial step under the Act East Policy, linking interior Mizoram to Assam and beyond, aiming to boost trade, tourism, and border connectivity.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Feature | Description |
| Route | Bairabi (near Assam border) to Sairang (near Aizawl), extended to Zokhawthar near Myanmar |
| Length | 51.38 km (new extension) |
| Funding | ₹6,186 crore sanctioned by the CCEA |
| Agencies | Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) + Ministry of Railways |
| Timeline | Completion targeted by 2028 |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Bairabi–Sairang Line: Part of India’s strategic rail push in NE
Zokhawthar: Border town opposite Myanmar’s Chin State
Kaladan Multimodal Project: Connects Mizoram to Sittwe Port via river-road
Act East Policy: India’s strategic framework for SE Asia connectivity
DPR (Detailed Project Report): Mandatory before sanctioning new railway lines
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Project
| Aspect | Significance |
| Strategic Connectivity | Links India’s NE to Myanmar under Act East Policy |
| Economic Integration | Enables faster movement of goods from Mizoram to other states and ports |
| Border Area Development | Reduces isolation of border districts like Champhai |
| Tourism Growth | Enhances access to Aizawl, Reiek, and other Mizoram hill stations |
| Disaster Response | Rail as lifeline during floods or road blockages |
B. Implementation Challenges
| Challenge | Description |
| Difficult Terrain | Hills, gorges, and rivers increase engineering complexity |
| Land Acquisition | Tribal land rights and compensation issues |
| Environmental Concerns | Risk to forest ecosystems and wildlife corridors |
| Cross-border Security | Insurgency and smuggling risks in bordering areas |
| Cost Overruns | Rising costs due to terrain delays and inflation |
📊 Related Projects & Policies
PM Gati Shakti Plan: Multi-modal infrastructure synergy
Bharatmala and Sagarmala: Highway and port integration frameworks
India–Myanmar Border Trade Agreements
Northeast Vision Document 2035 by NITI Aayog
Rail Connectivity to State Capitals Project: Aims to connect all NE capitals
🧭 Way Forward
| Focus Area | Recommendation |
| Community Engagement | Use local workforce and tribal consultative bodies |
| Eco-sensitive Planning | Tunnel and bridge designs to reduce forest impact |
| Myanmar Coordination | Bilateral infrastructure syncing with Myanmar |
| Time-bound Execution | Periodic project audits and PMO monitoring |
| Integrated Logistics Hubs | Build terminals for goods and passenger traffic |
🧩 Conclusion
The extension of the Bairabi–Sairang railway line is more than a transport project—it is a strategic investment in NE’s integration with national and ASEAN markets. If executed with ecological sensitivity and local support, it will unlock Mizoram’s potential as a gateway to Southeast Asia.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🛰️ Topic 1: ISRO’s Space-Based Solar Power Research
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP):
- It collects solar energy in space and transmits it to Earth using microwaves or lasers.
- Solar radiation in space is significantly weaker than on Earth due to the absence of atmosphere.
- India’s Aditya-L1 mission is directly responsible for power beaming to Earth.
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct – SBSP systems transmit solar energy collected in space using microwave or laser beams.
- Statement 2 is incorrect – Solar radiation in space is stronger, not weaker, due to absence of atmospheric interference.
- Statement 3 is incorrect – Aditya-L1 is a solar observation mission, not linked to SBSP power transmission.
Q2. Which of the following countries are currently conducting space-based solar power experiments?
- China
- Japan
- Russia
- United States
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
China, Japan, and the United States are actively researching SBSP. Russia has shown interest but lacks a structured SBSP program.
🧫 Topic 2: Assam Nutrition Surveillance System
Q3. The Assam State Nutrition Surveillance System recently approved aims to:
(a) Set up nutrition laboratories across medical colleges
(b) Digitally monitor malnutrition trends and health indicators among vulnerable groups
(c) Provide fortified meals to all school children in Assam
(d) Replace the existing Poshan Tracker app with a new mobile app
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The system aims to collect real-time nutrition data for children, adolescents, and mothers using existing digital tools like the Poshan Tracker.
Q4. According to NFHS-5, which of the following is true about Assam’s nutritional status?
(a) The stunting rate among children under 5 is below the national average
(b) Wasting is a negligible concern in Assam
(c) Over 65% of women aged 15–49 are anaemic
(d) Assam has the highest BMI levels in India
✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation:
NFHS-5 indicates that 66% of women aged 15–49 in Assam are anaemic.
- Stunting and wasting remain above average, not negligible.
- BMI levels in Assam are not the highest in India.
🛤️ Topic 3: Bairabi–Sairang Railway Line Extension
Q5. The recently approved Bairabi–Sairang railway line is significant because:
(a) It connects Guwahati to Siliguri for enhanced trade
(b) It aims to link Mizoram’s interior to Myanmar under the Act East Policy
(c) It connects Assam to Bhutan via a tunnel project
(d) It is part of the Golden Quadrilateral freight corridor
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The project extends Mizoram’s rail connectivity toward the Myanmar border at Zokhawthar, enhancing Act East Policy objectives.
Q6. Which of the following infrastructure initiatives are associated with improving NE India’s connectivity?
- Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project
- Bharatmala Pariyojana
- PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan
- Sagarmala Project
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
✅ Answer: (d)
Explanation:
All four initiatives contribute to NE connectivity:
Sagarmala: Focuses on coastal and port-led development
Kaladan: Links Mizoram with Sittwe Port (Myanmar)
Bharatmala: Enhances highway infrastructure
Gati Shakti: Integrates multimodal transport
APSC Mains Practice Question
❓ Question:
Critically examine the significance of the Bairabi–Sairang railway line extension in the context of India’s Act East Policy. What are the major challenges associated with infrastructure expansion in the Northeast, and how can they be addressed?
(Word Limit: 250)
✅ Model Answer:
🔸 Introduction
The Bairabi–Sairang railway line, recently cleared for extension to Zokhawthar near the India–Myanmar border, is a vital strategic infrastructure project in Mizoram. It aligns with the Act East Policy, which aims to enhance India’s connectivity with Southeast Asia via the Northeastern Region (NER).
🔹 Strategic and Economic Significance
| Area | Impact |
| Act East Connectivity | Establishes direct access from Northeast India to Myanmar and ASEAN markets |
| Economic Growth | Facilitates movement of goods, improves market access for Mizoram’s agri-products and handicrafts |
| Border Area Development | Improves accessibility in remote border regions like Champhai, spurring tourism and trade |
| Multimodal Integration | Complements the Kaladan Multimodal Project and PM Gati Shakti vision |
| National Security | Enhances troop mobility and surveillance in border zones |
🔹 Challenges in Implementation
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Difficult Terrain | Steep hills, landslide-prone zones demand expensive tunneling and bridges |
| Land Acquisition | Tribal land rights and emotional ties pose legal and social hurdles |
| Environmental Impact | Potential deforestation, loss of biodiversity in ecologically sensitive areas |
| Cost and Delays | Time and cost overruns are frequent in Northeast infrastructure projects |
| Security and Insurgency | Border proximity increases vulnerability to cross-border crime and militancy |
🔹 Way Forward
- Tribal Consultations to ensure consent and cooperation
- Eco-Sensitive Engineering practices like elevated tracks and tunnel boring
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to expedite project delivery
- Cross-border Coordination with Myanmar for trade facilitation
- Independent Monitoring Agencies for transparency and timely execution
🔸 Conclusion
The Bairabi–Sairang rail extension is more than just a transport project—it is a strategic investment in regional integration, national security, and economic transformation. By addressing the ecological and socio-political challenges thoughtfully, India can position Mizoram as a gateway to Southeast Asia, making the Act East Policy a ground reality.
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