APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes by SuchitraACS 25-01-2025

APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (25/01/2025)

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 (25-01-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.

1. Topic: CM’s Japan Visit – Building Assam-Japan Relations

Relevance:
GS Paper 2: International Relations, Bilateral Relations
GS Paper 3: Economy, Industrial Development

Introduction

The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, concluded a three-day tour to Japan with the aim of fostering stronger ties in education, industry, and technology. The visit emphasized building collaborations with Japanese universities and businesses to boost Assam’s industrial and educational sectors, including participation in Advantage Assam 2.0.

Key Points

  1. Key Outcomes of the Visit:
    • Meetings with representatives from Japan’s leading universities for collaboration in joint degree courses, student exchange programs, and skilling initiatives.
    • Establishment of linkages between Assam universities and Japanese institutions to enhance higher education access.
    • Proposed industrial partnerships for setting up an industrial park for Japanese companies in Assam.
  2. Focus Areas of Collaboration:
    • Education and Research: Collaboration with universities for student exchanges and research initiatives.
    • Industrial Growth: Partnerships with companies like Toyota for automobile ancillary units.
    • Semiconductors: Engagement with Tokyo Electron Ltd. for the development of Assam’s electronic city at Jagiroad as a hub for the semiconductor supply chain.
    • Credit Linkages: Discussions with Japanese banks like Mizuho Securities for extending credit to Assam-based companies.
  3. Key Stakeholders:
    • Japanese Government Agencies: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
    • Japanese Companies: Toyota, Tokyo Electron, Yokogawa Electric, and others.
  4. Strategic Importance of the Visit:
    • Strengthens Assam’s position in the Act East Policy framework.
    • Enhances economic, industrial, and educational exchanges between Assam and Japan.

Prelims Pointers

  • Advantage Assam 2.0: A state initiative to attract foreign investment, especially from Southeast Asia.
  • Tokyo Electron Ltd.: A leading Japanese company specializing in semiconductor equipment.
  • JICA and JETRO: Japanese organizations supporting international development and trade, respectively.

Mains Pointers

Significance of Assam-Japan Relations

  1. Economic Growth:
    • Boosts foreign investment in Assam’s industrial hubs.
    • Strengthens MSMEs and creates employment opportunities.
  2. Education and Skill Development:
    • Offers global exposure to Assam’s students.
    • Enhances skill development aligned with industrial demands.
  3. Technology Transfer:
    • Facilitates adoption of advanced technologies in sectors like automobiles, semiconductors, and electronics.
    • Promotes sustainable and green technology in Assam’s industrial projects.
  4. Act East Policy:
    • Positions Assam as the gateway to Southeast Asia, enhancing trade and connectivity.

Challenges

  1. Infrastructure Bottlenecks:
    • Inadequate infrastructure in Assam may hinder large-scale investments.
  2. Bureaucratic Delays:
    • Lengthy procedures for setting up industries could dissuade investors.
  3. Cultural and Skill Gap:
    • Bridging the gap between Japanese corporate culture and the local workforce.

Government Initiatives Supporting Assam-Japan Relations

  1. Act East Policy: Focuses on improving connectivity and trade with ASEAN and East Asian countries.
  2. Industrial Infrastructure Development: Projects like the Jagiroad Electronic City aim to attract high-tech investments.
  3. Advantage Assam: Promotes Assam as a global investment destination, emphasizing foreign collaborations.

Way Forward

  1. Strengthening Infrastructure:
    • Develop state-of-the-art facilities for industries and educational institutions.
  2. Ease of Doing Business:
    • Simplify policies to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI).
  3. Skill Development:
    • Establish training centers to prepare the local workforce for advanced industrial roles.
  4. Institutional Partnerships:
    • Foster regular interaction between Assam-based universities and Japanese institutions.

Conclusion

The CM’s Japan visit sets the stage for stronger Assam-Japan ties, with promising prospects in education, industry, and technology. By addressing infrastructural and procedural challenges, Assam can position itself as a regional leader in Southeast Asia, driving growth through strategic international collaborations.

2. Flood Management and the Role of the Northeast Water Resources Authority (NEWRA)

Relevance:
GS Paper 3: Environment, Disaster Management, and Governance

Introduction

Assam and other northeastern states face recurrent flooding, which disrupts livelihoods, damages infrastructure, and causes severe ecological and economic losses. The proposed Northeast Water Resources Authority (NEWRA) aims to provide a coordinated and sustainable approach to managing water resources and mitigating flood-related disasters.

Key Points

  1. Flood Challenges in Assam:
    • Annual floods affect over 40% of the state’s population.
    • Damage to crops, loss of biodiversity, and displacement of communities are recurring issues.
    • Lack of effective river basin management exacerbates the problem.
  2. Role of NEWRA:
    • Integrated Water Resources Management: Focuses on efficient utilization and management of water resources across northeastern states.
    • Flood Mitigation: Identifies flood-prone zones and implements structural and non-structural measures to reduce flood impacts.
    • Interstate Coordination: Ensures cooperation among northeastern states for sustainable river basin management, especially for the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers.
    • Data-Driven Solutions: Uses real-time hydrological data and satellite imagery for flood forecasting and monitoring.
  3. Proposed Initiatives:
    • Construction of reservoirs and embankments in strategic locations.
    • Use of GIS and IoT for real-time monitoring of water levels and flood forecasting.
    • Collaboration with international bodies for transboundary river management with Bhutan, Bangladesh, and China.

Prelims Pointers

  • Northeast Water Resources Authority (NEWRA): A proposed body for sustainable water management in the northeastern region.
  • Flood-Prone Areas in Assam: Brahmaputra and Barak Valley regions, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, and Majuli.
  • Non-Structural Measures: Include flood forecasting, community preparedness, and watershed management.

Mains Pointers

Significance of NEWRA

  1. Disaster Risk Reduction:
    • Early warning systems minimize loss of life and property.
    • Comprehensive flood mapping improves preparedness and response.
  2. Economic Stability:
    • Protects agricultural lands and infrastructure, reducing economic losses.
    • Promotes water conservation and irrigation efficiency.
  3. Environmental Conservation:
    • Enhances river basin ecology by promoting sustainable water usage.
    • Reduces siltation and soil erosion in flood-prone areas.
  4. Interstate Cooperation:
    • Promotes coordinated efforts among northeastern states to manage shared river systems.

Challenges

  1. Institutional Gaps:
    • Delay in establishing NEWRA due to political disagreements among states.
  2. Resource Constraints:
    • High financial and technical costs for implementing large-scale water management projects.
  3. Transboundary Issues:
    • Limited cooperation with neighboring countries like China and Bhutan on shared rivers.

Government Initiatives

  1. Brahmaputra Board: Established for flood control and water resource development in the Brahmaputra basin.
  2. National Hydrology Project (NHP): Focuses on water resource monitoring and flood forecasting.
  3. Flood Management and Border Areas Program (FMBAP): Supports flood protection and river management projects in the Northeast.

Way Forward

  1. Fast-Track NEWRA Formation:
    • Expedite decision-making processes to establish NEWRA as a central coordinating body.
  2. International Collaboration:
    • Engage with neighboring countries for data sharing and joint river management.
  3. Technology Adoption:
    • Use drones, GIS, and IoT for real-time flood monitoring and early warning systems.
  4. Community-Based Approaches:
    • Involve local communities in flood preparedness and watershed management programs.
  5. Infrastructure Development:
    • Construct multi-purpose reservoirs for flood control, irrigation, and hydropower.

Conclusion

The establishment of NEWRA can transform flood management and water resource governance in the Northeast. By promoting regional cooperation, adopting advanced technologies, and prioritizing sustainable development, NEWRA can mitigate the devastating impact of floods and ensure the long-term prosperity of Assam and the entire region.

3. Indo-Bangladesh Water Sharing Agreement on the Kushiyara River

Relevance:
GS Paper 2: International Relations, Bilateral Relations, Water Resources

Introduction

India and Bangladesh recently advanced their cooperation in transboundary river management by finalizing the Indo-Bangladesh Water Sharing Agreement on the Kushiyara River, a tributary of the Barak River. The agreement underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management and reinforces bilateral ties.

Key Points

  1. Overview of the Kushiyara River Agreement:
    • Ensures equitable sharing of water resources between India and Bangladesh.
    • Facilitates withdrawal of 153 cusecs of water by India to meet the drinking water and irrigation needs of southern Assam.
    • Addresses water scarcity in Sylhet district of Bangladesh during the dry season.
  2. Significance of the Agreement:
    • Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Reinforces India-Bangladesh cooperation on shared river systems.
    • Support for Agriculture: Improves irrigation facilities in both India and Bangladesh.
    • Climate Resilience: Promotes sustainable water resource management amidst changing hydrological patterns.
  3. Strategic Context:
    • India and Bangladesh share 54 transboundary rivers, with the Kushiyara Agreement being the first significant pact since the Ganga Water Treaty of 1996.
    • Aligns with India’s Act East Policy, enhancing connectivity and economic ties with Bangladesh.
  4. Challenges Addressed:
    • Reduces conflicts over river water sharing during the lean season.
    • Strengthens joint monitoring mechanisms for hydrological data sharing.

Prelims Pointers

  • Kushiyara River: Tributary of the Barak River, which originates in Assam and flows into Bangladesh.
  • Ganga Water Treaty (1996): Agreement between India and Bangladesh for sharing Ganga river water.
  • Transboundary Rivers: Rivers shared between two or more countries, such as Brahmaputra, Teesta, and Kushiyara.

Mains Pointers

Significance of the Agreement

  1. Bilateral Relations:
    • Reinforces India-Bangladesh ties through mutual trust and cooperation.
    • Sets a positive precedent for resolving water-sharing issues, including the long-pending Teesta Agreement.
  2. Economic Benefits:
    • Boosts agricultural productivity in southern Assam and Sylhet.
    • Promotes livelihoods dependent on irrigation and fishing in the region.
  3. Environmental Impact:
    • Encourages sustainable use of water resources to prevent over-extraction.
    • Promotes biodiversity conservation in shared river basins.
  4. Regional Stability:
    • Reduces the potential for water-related disputes.
    • Strengthens India’s diplomatic position in South Asia.

Challenges

  1. Hydrological Variability:
    • Seasonal changes in water availability affect equitable sharing.
  2. Implementation Issues:
    • Monitoring and enforcing agreements require robust institutional mechanisms.
  3. Transboundary Complexities:
    • Political sensitivities around shared water resources remain high.

Government Initiatives

  1. Joint River Commission (JRC): Established in 1972 to address India-Bangladesh water-sharing issues.
  2. Regional Cooperation: Engagement through platforms like SAARC and BIMSTEC to promote water diplomacy.
  3. Hydrological Data Sharing: Agreements to exchange real-time data during monsoon and lean seasons.

Way Forward

  1. Strengthen Joint Monitoring Mechanisms:
    • Deploy advanced hydrological models and remote sensing tools for real-time data sharing.
  2. Broaden Cooperation:
    • Expand water-sharing agreements to other transboundary rivers, such as the Teesta.
  3. Climate Adaptation Measures:
    • Develop climate-resilient infrastructure, such as reservoirs and embankments.
  4. Community Participation:
    • Involve local stakeholders in decision-making to ensure equitable distribution and implementation.

Conclusion

The Indo-Bangladesh Agreement on the Kushiyara River highlights the potential of cooperative water-sharing frameworks in resolving transboundary issues. By building on this success, both nations can strengthen regional stability, ensure sustainable resource management, and foster deeper economic and social ties.

4. Assam’s Initiative for Biodiversity Conservation through Community Forest Rights

Relevance:
GS Paper 3: Environment, Biodiversity, and Governance

Introduction

Assam has recently taken steps to promote biodiversity conservation by empowering local communities through Community Forest Rights (CFR) under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. This initiative aims to strike a balance between development and conservation while ensuring the rights and livelihoods of indigenous communities.

Key Points

  1. What are Community Forest Rights (CFR)?
    • CFR recognizes the rights of forest-dependent communities to access, manage, and protect forests sustainably.
    • Enables communities to harvest minor forest produce, manage biodiversity, and conserve natural resources.
  2. Implementation in Assam:
    • Assam has distributed CFR titles in districts like Kokrajhar, Dima Hasao, and Karbi Anglong.
    • Focuses on forest-rich areas where tribal and indigenous populations depend on forests for their livelihoods.
    • Community-driven initiatives to conserve biodiversity, such as the protection of endangered species like the golden langur and hoolock gibbon.
  3. Biodiversity Significance:
    • Assam’s forests are part of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, home to rare and endemic species.
    • Sustainable use of forest resources contributes to carbon sequestration and climate resilience.
  4. Economic and Social Impact:
    • Enhances community livelihoods through sustainable harvesting of bamboo, honey, and medicinal plants.
    • Strengthens tribal cultural identity and traditional knowledge systems.

Prelims Pointers

  • Forest Rights Act, 2006: Recognizes the rights of Scheduled Tribes and other forest dwellers over forest land and resources.
  • Golden Langur: Endangered species found in Assam and Bhutan.
  • Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot: One of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots, including parts of Assam.

Mains Pointers

Significance of CFR for Biodiversity Conservation

  1. Empowers Communities:
    • Grants legal recognition to traditional forest management practices.
    • Strengthens community participation in conservation efforts.
  2. Promotes Sustainable Development:
    • Balances environmental protection with economic growth.
    • Reduces overexploitation of forest resources through regulated use.
  3. Enhances Climate Resilience:
    • Protects forests that act as carbon sinks and regulate microclimates.
    • Mitigates the impacts of deforestation and soil erosion.
  4. Cultural Preservation:
    • Safeguards traditional knowledge and cultural practices of tribal communities.

Challenges in Implementation

  1. Delayed Recognition of Rights:
    • Bureaucratic hurdles in processing and granting CFR titles.
  2. Encroachments and Conflicts:
    • Encroachments by industries and large-scale infrastructure projects.
    • Conflicts between community rights and conservation laws.
  3. Resource Management Issues:
    • Lack of technical knowledge and capacity for sustainable forest management.

Government Initiatives

  1. Forest Rights Act, 2006: Ensures legal recognition of community rights over forest resources.
  2. Green India Mission: Promotes afforestation and sustainable forest management.
  3. Joint Forest Management (JFM): Involves communities in forest conservation and management.

Way Forward

  1. Strengthening Legal Frameworks:
    • Expedite the recognition and distribution of CFR titles.
    • Ensure community rights are protected against industrial encroachments.
  2. Capacity Building:
    • Train communities in sustainable forest management practices.
    • Promote eco-friendly enterprises like handicrafts, honey production, and eco-tourism.
  3. Leveraging Technology:
    • Use GIS and satellite imagery for forest mapping and monitoring.
    • Implement mobile apps for community-based biodiversity reporting.
  4. Collaborative Approaches:
    • Foster partnerships between government, NGOs, and local communities.
    • Create platforms for knowledge sharing on best practices in forest conservation.

Conclusion Assam’s initiative to promote biodiversity conservation through Community Forest Rights is a step toward sustainable development and ecological balance. Empowering communities with legal rights and technical support can ensure the protection of Assam’s unique biodiversity while improving the livelihoods of its forest-dependent populations.

APSC Prelims Practice Questions

1. CM’s Japan Visit – Building Assam-Japan Relations

Q1. With reference to Assam’s collaboration with Japan, consider the following statements:

  1. Tokyo Electron Ltd. is partnering with Assam to develop an electronic city at Jagiroad.
  2. JICA and JETRO are organizations that focus on cultural exchange between India and Japan.
  3. Advantage Assam 2.0 is a state initiative to attract foreign investment primarily from Southeast Asia.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: b) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

  • Statement 1: Correct. Tokyo Electron Ltd. is collaborating on the development of Assam’s electronic city in Jagiroad as part of the semiconductor supply chain.
  • Statement 2: Incorrect. JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) focus on international development and trade, not cultural exchange.
  • Statement 3: Correct. Advantage Assam 2.0 aims to attract investment, especially from Southeast Asia, including Japan.

Q2. The Act East Policy, which positions Assam as a key gateway to Southeast Asia, focuses on:

  1. Improving connectivity with ASEAN countries.
  2. Enhancing trade and cultural ties with Japan.
  3. Developing Assam as an international education hub.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:
The Act East Policy focuses on strengthening connectivity and trade relations with ASEAN countries and other East Asian nations like Japan. While education partnerships exist, it is not the primary focus of the policy.

2. Flood Management and the Role of the Northeast Water Resources Authority (NEWRA)

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the Northeast Water Resources Authority (NEWRA):

  1. It is a proposed body aimed at sustainable water resource management in the northeastern region.
  2. NEWRA focuses only on flood forecasting and not on other structural measures.
  3. It emphasizes interstate coordination for managing river basins like the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: b) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

  • Statement 1: Correct. NEWRA is a proposed authority for integrated water resource management in the Northeast.
  • Statement 2: Incorrect. NEWRA includes structural measures like reservoirs and embankments along with non-structural measures like flood forecasting.
  • Statement 3: Correct. Interstate coordination for managing river basins is a core function of NEWRA.

Q4. With reference to non-structural measures for flood management, which of the following is/are included?

  1. Flood forecasting
  2. Watershed management
  3. Construction of reservoirs

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:
Non-structural measures involve activities like forecasting, community preparedness, and watershed management, while construction of reservoirs is a structural measure.

3. Indo-Bangladesh Water Sharing Agreement on the Kushiyara River

Q5. Consider the following statements about the Kushiyara River:

  1. It is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
  2. The Indo-Bangladesh Agreement on the Kushiyara River allows India to withdraw 153 cusecs of water for drinking and irrigation purposes.
  3. It is the first significant water-sharing agreement between India and Bangladesh since the Ganga Water Treaty of 1996.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2, and 3
d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

  • Statement 1: Incorrect. The Kushiyara is a tributary of the Barak River, not the Brahmaputra.
  • Statement 2: Correct. India can withdraw 153 cusecs of water under the agreement.
  • Statement 3: Correct. It is the first major water-sharing pact since the Ganga Water Treaty of 1996.

Q6. Which of the following rivers are shared between India and Bangladesh?

  1. Teesta
  2. Kushiyara
  3. Brahmaputra

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: d) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation:
India and Bangladesh share 54 transboundary rivers, including the Teesta, Kushiyara, and Brahmaputra.

4. Assam’s Initiative for Biodiversity Conservation through Community Forest Rights

Q7. Consider the following statements regarding Community Forest Rights (CFR):

  1. CFRs are provided under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
  2. They allow communities to access, manage, and protect forest resources sustainably.
  3. CFRs are limited to Scheduled Tribes and do not include other forest dwellers.

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) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

  • Statement 1: Correct. CFRs are recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
  • Statement 2: Correct. They empower communities to sustainably manage forest resources.
  • Statement 3: Incorrect. CFRs are granted to both Scheduled Tribes and other forest-dwelling communities.

Q8. Which of the following species are found in Assam’s Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot?

  1. Golden Langur
  2. Hoolock Gibbon
  3. Indian Pangolin

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: d) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation:
All three species—Golden Langur, Hoolock Gibbon, and Indian Pangolin—are found in Assam’s Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.

APSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss the role of Assam’s international collaborations, particularly with Japan, in fostering economic growth, technological development, and skill enhancement. Highlight the challenges faced in implementing such partnerships and suggest measures to overcome them. (250 words)

Model Answer

Introduction
Assam’s recent initiatives, such as Advantage Assam 2.0 and collaboration with Japan, underscore its commitment to leveraging international partnerships for economic and technological growth. These efforts align with India’s Act East Policy, positioning Assam as a gateway to Southeast Asia.

Body

Role of Assam-Japan Collaboration

  1. Economic Growth:
    • Japanese investment in sectors like semiconductors, renewable energy, and automobile manufacturing boosts Assam’s industrial base.
    • Credit linkages with Japanese banks such as Mizuho Securities provide funding for infrastructure and MSMEs.
  2. Technological Development:
    • Collaborations with companies like Tokyo Electron Ltd. enhance Assam’s electronic manufacturing capabilities.
    • Introduction of green technologies promotes sustainable industrial growth.
  3. Skill Enhancement:
    • Partnerships with Japanese universities offer joint degree programs and student exchanges.
    • Skilling initiatives align with industrial demands, creating a workforce ready for high-tech sectors.

Challenges

  1. Infrastructure Bottlenecks:
    • Poor logistics and lack of modern industrial facilities hinder large-scale investment.
  2. Bureaucratic Delays:
    • Lengthy approval processes deter foreign investors.
  3. Cultural and Skill Gaps:
    • Language barriers and gaps in technical expertise complicate collaborations.

Measures to Overcome Challenges

  1. Strengthening Infrastructure:
    • Develop state-of-the-art industrial parks and transport facilities.
  2. Simplifying Policies:
    • Create a single-window clearance system to streamline investment approvals.
  3. Skill Development Programs:
    • Establish training centers focused on language and industry-specific skills.
  4. Institutional Support:
    • Foster regular interaction between Assam’s institutions and Japanese counterparts to ensure smooth collaboration.

Conclusion
International collaborations, particularly with Japan, hold immense potential to transform Assam’s economy and technological landscape. By addressing infrastructural and procedural bottlenecks, Assam can fully leverage these partnerships to become a hub for innovation, trade, and skilled human resources in Southeast Asia.

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