APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (25/04/2025)
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 (25-04-2025). 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
đŽđŗ Terror Attack in Pahalgam and India-Pakistan Fallout
đ GS Paper 2: International Relations | Internal Security | Federalism
đ GS Paper 3: Security Challenges | Terrorism | Disaster Management
đš Introduction
The terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives, including tourists and a naval officer, has triggered a diplomatic crisis between India and Pakistan. In retaliation, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled diplomats, and closed trade routes. Pakistan responded by putting the Simla Agreement on hold, suspending airspace access, and escalating rhetoric.
đ Key Developments
| Event | Detail |
| Date of Attack | 22 April 2025, Pahalgam, J&K |
| Casualties | 26 dead, including Indian Navy officer Lt Vinay Narwal |
| Perpetrator | Resistance Front (TRF), proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) |
| Indiaâs Actions | |
| âĸ Suspended Indus Waters Treaty | |
| âĸ Expelled Pakistani diplomats | |
| âĸ Closed Attari border | |
| Pakistanâs Response | |
| âĸ Put Simla Agreement on hold | |
| âĸ Closed Wagah border and airspace | |
| âĸ Declared Indian military advisers persona non grata | |
| Assam Govt Action | âš5 lakh ex gratia per family to terror victims’ kin (symbolic solidarity) |
âī¸ Strategic and Policy Implications
| Area | Impact |
| India-Pakistan Relations | Escalation to near Cold Peace levels; bilateral mechanisms suspended |
| Diplomatic Fallout | Downgrading of missions and visa bans (SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme halted) |
| Water Diplomacy | Potential disruption to Indus River Basin cooperation |
| Border Vigilance | Assam enhances security along Bangladesh border amidst fears of spillover |
đ§ Prelims Pointers
Indus Waters Treaty (1960):
Brokered by World Bank
India gets exclusive control of Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej)
Pakistan controls Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab)
Simla Agreement (1972):
Post-1971 war accord; mandates peaceful resolution of issues
Recognized Line of Control (LoC) in J&K
TRF & LeT:
TRF: Shadow outfit of Lashkar-e-Taiba, active post-2019 Article 370 abrogation
TRF declared a terrorist group under UAPA & US Terror Watchlist
SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme:
Allows select categories (MPs, journalists, businessmen) to travel across SAARC nations without visa
đ Mains Pointers
A. Implications for Indiaâs Security Framework
Rise in hybrid terrorism and use of soft targets (tourists, civilians)
Highlights need for intelligence coordination, especially inter-agency and inter-state
Calls for upgrading civilian protection measures in conflict zones
Impetus for reviewing bilateral agreements in light of national interest
B. Indiaâs Soft vs Hard Power Response
| Type | Response |
| Soft Power | Global diplomacy; solidarity with victim families; reinforcing India’s moral high ground |
| Hard Power | Diplomatic downgrades, revocation of treaties, border closures, intelligence action against proxies |
C. Challenges Ahead
Balancing retaliation with international norms and restraint
Avoiding full breakdown of water and trade treaties that could escalate war
Managing communal tensions domestically (e.g., AIUDF MLA arrested for pro-Pak remarks)
đ§ Way Forward
Multilateral Engagement
Engage UNSC, FATF, and G20 partners to build pressure on Pakistan to act against terror
Legal Sanctions Expansion
Widen UAPA coverage to include hybrid actors like TRF and their social media proxies
People-Centric Diplomacy
Use victimsâ stories to counter Pakistani narratives in global media
Border Management in Assam
Assam Govt rightly boosted Bangladesh border vigilance after increased Indo-Pak tensions
𧊠Conclusion
The Pahalgam attack is not just a tragedy but a test of Indiaâs diplomatic maturity and internal unity. As India recalibrates its Pakistan policy by suspending key treaties, the focus must remain on ensuring justice, maintaining deterrence, and preserving peace in volatile border states like Assam.
âī¸ AIUDF MLA Arrested Over Pro-Pakistan Remark: Politics, Free Speech & National Security
đ GS Paper 2: Polity | Indian Constitution | Freedom of Speech vs Public Order
đ GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Role of Media & Communication | Ethics in Public Life
đš Introduction
An AIUDF MLA from Assamâs Barak Valley was arrested after allegedly making a pro-Pakistan statement in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. The arrest has sparked debate around the limits of free speech, use of UAPA/sedition laws, and the responsibility of public representatives during national crises.
đ Key Developments
| Aspect | Details |
| Who Was Arrested | Sitting MLA from AIUDF, accused of âglorifying Pakistanâ during a public rally |
| When & Where | Post-Pahalgam attack, remarks made in Karimganj, Assam |
| Arrested Under | Section 153A (promoting enmity), Section 505 (inciting fear), and UAPA provisions |
| Govt Stance | Assam CM: âFree speech cannot be anti-national; public figures must uphold national interestâ |
| AIUDF’s Response | Called arrest politically motivated, claimed misinterpretation of speech |
| Security Angle | Assam Police fears such rhetoric may trigger communal tension in sensitive districts |
đ§ Prelims Pointers
Article 19(1)(a): Guarantees freedom of speech and expression
Article 19(2): Allows reasonable restrictions for public order, morality, sovereignty, etc.
UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act): Anti-terror law; allows preventive detention and seizure of assets in cases threatening India’s sovereignty
Section 153A IPC: Deals with promoting enmity between groups on grounds of religion, race, language, etc.
Section 505 IPC: Penalizes speech that spreads fear, alarm, or incites offence against the State
đ Mains Pointers
A. Why This Incident Matters in Assamâs Context
| Context | Relevance |
| Border Sensitivity | Assamâs proximity to Bangladesh makes it vulnerable to radical messaging |
| Communal Dynamics | Political speeches can polarize along ethnic and religious lines |
| Role of Public Figures | MLAs and MPs are expected to uphold constitutional values and avoid incendiary rhetoric |
| Institutional Response | Shows assertiveness of state machinery in countering any speech seen as anti-national |
B. Debate: Free Speech vs National Security
| Argument | Perspective |
| In Favor of Arrest | Upholds national sovereignty, especially during a terror crisis; discourages glorification of hostile states |
| Against Arrest | Could be seen as misuse of UAPA to silence opposition; chilling effect on political discourse |
| Balanced View | Intent, platform, and potential to disturb public order must be assessed before invoking harsh laws |
C. Legal and Ethical Implications
Due Process: Arrest must be based on clear threat perception, not political vendetta
Ethical Responsibility: Elected representatives have greater duty to maintain unity and sensitivity
Law vs Morality: Some expressions may be legally protected but socially or morally unacceptable
D. Way Forward
Judicial Oversight of UAPA Use
Ensure District Magistrate or High Court review for political cases under national security laws
Political Code of Conduct
Develop an Ethical Charter for Legislators, especially during conflict or terror incidents
Speech vs Sedition Guidelines
Define thresholds for hate speech, disruptive speech, and prohibited speech under IPC
Community Engagement
Counter radical narratives through civil society and interfaith dialogue platforms
𧊠Conclusion
The arrest of the AIUDF MLA reflects the delicate balance between free speech and national unity. In a volatile state like Assamâwhere identity, religion, and politics intersectâleaders must exercise measured expression. The State, in turn, must enforce law with restraint and responsibility, ensuring that justice is neither politicized nor paralyzed.
đž Assam Govt Launches Corpus for Climate-Resilient Agriculture
đ GS Paper 3: Agriculture | Environment | Climate Change | Disaster Management
đ GS Paper 2: Government Policies | Schemes for Farmers | Inclusive Growth
đš Introduction
The Assam government has announced the creation of a dedicated corpus fund to promote climate-resilient agriculture practices, especially in flood-prone and drought-affected areas of the state. This initiative comes amid growing concern over erratic rainfall, frequent floods, and declining traditional paddy cultivation in Assam.
đ Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
| Initiative | Corpus Fund for Climate-Resilient Farming |
| Fund Size | âš100 crore (initial allocation) |
| Focus Regions | Barpeta, Morigaon, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Dhubri â prone to flood/drought cycles |
| Practices Supported |
Flood-resistant rice (e.g., Swarna Sub1)
Agroforestry
Integrated farming systems (rice + fish + duck)
Micro-irrigation
Community seed banks
| Implementation Agencies | Dept. of Agriculture, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and FPOs
đ§ Prelims Pointers
Swarna Sub1: A flood-tolerant variety of paddy developed by IRRI and ICAR
Agroforestry: Integrating trees with crops/livestock for climate resilience
eNAM: Electronic National Agriculture Market â enables farmers to sell directly
PM-Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): Promotes per drop more crop through micro-irrigation
Assam SAPCC (State Action Plan on Climate Change): Includes goals for sustainable agriculture
đ Mains Pointers
A. Why Climate-Resilient Agriculture is Critical in Assam
| Concern | Impact |
| Flood-Drought Duality | Brahmaputra and Barak basins face both floods and prolonged dry spells |
| Crop Damage | Over 60% of Sali paddy crops affected in 2023 due to waterlogging |
| Decline in Traditional Farming | Marginal farmers shift to non-farm jobs due to low yield + high risk |
| Food Security | Dependency on food imports increases vulnerability during disasters |
B. Core Components of the Scheme
| Intervention | Outcome |
| Seed Resilience | Promote climate-proof varieties via KVKs |
| Agroecological Farming | Combine livestock, aquaculture, and multi-cropping |
| Water Efficiency | Subsidize solar pumps, drip irrigation, farm ponds |
| Community Outreach | Empower Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to act as knowledge hubs |
| Digital Integration | Use weather forecasting apps, soil health cards, crop insurance tech |
C. Challenges to Implementation
Lack of Technical Know-how at village level
Financial Constraints for small and marginal farmers
Fragmented Landholdings reduce scalability of tech-based interventions
Institutional Coordination gaps between revenue, irrigation, and agriculture departments
Monitoring Issues â No geotagging or independent audit for scheme tracking
D. Way Forward
Scale-Up KVK Involvement
Conduct block-level demonstration projects on climate-resilient models
Financial Inclusion of Farmers
Link with Kisan Credit Cards, NABARD-backed SHGs, and Agri-Startups
Satellite-Based Farm Monitoring
Use GIS and drones to assess damage and guide response
District-Level Agriculture Climate Plans
Customize strategies as per flood risk, crop pattern, and tribal zone
Youth Involvement
Launch âGreen Agri Fellowsâ to deploy young agri graduates in rural tech extension
𧊠Conclusion
Assamâs climate-resilient agriculture corpus marks a policy shift from reactive relief to proactive adaptation. To succeed, it must combine science, sustainability, and grassroots participation. Climate resilience is no longer optional for Assamâit is the key to its agrarian revival and rural stability.
đĨ Rising Cases of Hepatitis in Assam: Public Health Alert
đ GS Paper 2: Health | Government Schemes | Issues Related to Children and Women
đ GS Paper 3: Human Development | Public Health | Environmental Sanitation
đš Introduction
Assam has reported a spike in hepatitis infections, especially among children and adolescent girls, sparking concern among public health officials. Experts attribute the rise to poor sanitation, low vaccination coverage, and lack of preventive health education, especially in flood-affected and urban-slum pockets.
đ Key Developments
| Indicator | Details |
| Areas Affected | Barak Valley, Dibrugarh, Guwahati outskirts |
| Groups Most Vulnerable | Girls aged 10â19, malnourished children, slum residents |
| Type of Hepatitis | Primarily Hepatitis A and E (spread via contaminated food & water) |
| Health Expert Opinion | Lack of routine handwashing, open defecation, and stagnant water exposure to blame |
| Current Govt Measures |
Intensified routine immunization
Awareness via Anganwadi and ASHA networks
Medical camps in schools
đ§ Prelims Pointers
Hepatitis A & E:
Transmitted via fecalâoral route
Preventable through safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene
No specific treatmentâfocus on hydration, nutrition, and prevention
Hepatitis B & C:
Spread via blood, body fluids; more chronic and life-threatening
HBV vaccine is part of Indiaâs Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
POSHAN Abhiyan:
Govtâs flagship nutrition scheme targeting children and adolescent girls
Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs):
Sub-centres and PHCs upgraded under Ayushman Bharat to include screening and preventive care
đ Mains Pointers
A. Why Hepatitis Spike Is a Concern for Assam
| Factor | Impact |
| Climate Link | Floods lead to water contamination; Hepatitis A outbreaks follow |
| Urban Sanitation Gaps | Slums lack toilets, clean drinking water access |
| Poor Menstrual Hygiene | Girls in puberty face compounded risks |
| Weakened Immunity | Malnutrition lowers resistance to infection |
| School Dropouts | Health conditions indirectly lead to absenteeism, especially among girls |
B. Structural Health System Gaps
| Gap | Consequence |
| Low Vaccine Coverage | Not all Hepatitis A vaccines covered under UIP |
| Weak School Health Programme | Limited convergence with education dept |
| Inadequate Surveillance | Sporadic cases often go unreported or undiagnosed |
| Shortage of Doctors in PHCs | Preventive screening often delayed |
C. Way Forward
Include Hepatitis A Vaccine under UIP in NE States
Target high-risk districts with catch-up campaigns
Swachh Vidyalaya + Swachh Bharat Sync-Up
Prioritize WASH infrastructure in rural and urban schools
School-Based Health Education
Make hand hygiene, safe water use, and food safety part of Life Skills Curriculum
Mobile Health Clinics
Deploy vans with screening + health promotion kits in remote areas
NutritionâSanitation Convergence
Link POSHAN Abhiyan outcomes with local water and sanitation drives
𧊠Conclusion
The rise in hepatitis cases is not just a medical issueâit reflects Assamâs wider sanitation and nutrition crisis. The state must move from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, especially for vulnerable children and adolescent girls. Clean water, empowered health workers, and informed citizens will be Assamâs best vaccine.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
đŽđŗ Topic 1: Pahalgam Terror Attack & IndiaâPakistan Tensions
Q1. With reference to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), consider the following:
- It was brokered by the World Bank in 1960.
- India controls the western riversâIndus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
- The treaty has survived multiple wars between India and Pakistan.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. All of the above
â Answer: A
đ§ Explanation:
- Statement 1 â : IWT was brokered by the World Bank.
- Statement 2 â: India controls eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej); Pakistan controls western rivers.
- Statement 3 â : The treaty has survived multiple conflicts, including wars in 1965, 1971, and Kargil.
Q2. Which of the following best defines âpersona non grataâ in international diplomacy?
A. A citizen who cannot vote in their country
B. A foreign official deemed unacceptable by the host country
C. A person denied refugee status
D. A UN-sanctioned terrorist individual
â Answer: B
đ§ Explanation:
âPersona non grataâ is a diplomatic term for a foreign diplomat or official expelled from the host country, usually for misconduct or hostile actions.
âī¸ Topic 2: AIUDF MLA Arrested & Free Speech
Q3. Which of the following provisions of the Indian Constitution allows the government to impose reasonable restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression?
A. Article 14
B. Article 19(1)(a)
C. Article 19(2)
D. Article 21
â Answer: C
đ§ Explanation:
- Article 19(1)(a) guarantees free speech
- Article 19(2) allows the State to impose reasonable restrictions in the interest of sovereignty, public order, morality, etc.
Q4. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) can be invoked for:
- Promoting enmity between religious groups
- Disrupting the sovereignty and integrity of India
- Posting seditious content on social media
- Engaging in peaceful protest without prior permission
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 4 only
D. All of the above
â Answer: A
đ§ Explanation:
- UAPA is an anti-terror law for activities that threaten sovereignty and integrity of India.
- Peaceful protest without permission may attract other laws (e.g., Section 144), but not UAPA unless linked to terror or sedition.
đž Topic 3: Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Assam
Q5. Which of the following practices help build climate resilience in agriculture?
- Use of flood-tolerant rice varieties like Swarna Sub1
- Integrated farming systems (e.g., rice + fish + duck)
- Agroforestry
- Excessive use of chemical fertilizers
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
â Answer: A
đ§ Explanation:
- Practices like flood-resilient seeds, multi-input farming, and agroforestry are key to climate-resilient agriculture.
- Excessive chemical fertilizers harm soil health and increase emissions, not resilience.
Q6. Which of the following are components of PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)?
- Micro-irrigation
- Watershed development
- Promotion of drip and sprinkler irrigation
- Procurement of rice and wheat at MSP
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. All of the above
â Answer: A
đ§ Explanation:
- PMKSY focuses on “More crop per drop”, i.e., irrigation efficiency and water conservation.
- MSP procurement is part of food policy, not PMKSY.
đĨ Topic 4: Hepatitis Outbreak in Assam
Q7. Hepatitis A and E are primarily transmitted through:
A. Sexual contact
B. Contaminated food and water
C. Mosquito bites
D. Blood transfusion
â Answer: B
đ§ Explanation:
- Hepatitis A & E are water-borne diseases caused by fecal-oral transmission through unsafe water and poor sanitation.
Q8. Under Indiaâs Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), which of the following vaccines are included?
- Hepatitis B
- Polio
- Measles
- Hepatitis A
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 4 only
D. All of the above
â Answer: A
đ§ Explanation:
Hepatitis A vaccine is not yet universal in India, though administered privately or in select states.
Hepatitis B, Polio, and Measles are included in UIP.
APSC Mains Practice Question
đ Mains Question (GS Paper 3 â Agriculture | Climate Change | Governance)
âClimate-resilient agriculture is not a luxury but a necessity in the face of growing ecological uncertainty.â
Critically analyze Assamâs initiative to establish a Climate-Resilient Agriculture Fund. Discuss the importance of such efforts for agrarian sustainability in Northeast India.
â Model Answer
đš Introduction
Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a lived reality, especially for agrarian states like Assam, where floods, droughts, and crop failures have become seasonal concerns. In this context, Assamâs decision to create a dedicated âš100 crore Climate-Resilient Agriculture Fund marks a significant policy step toward aligning agriculture with climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
đš Why Assam Needs Climate-Resilient Farming
| Challenge | Impact |
| FloodâDrought Duality | Barak and Brahmaputra valleys see alternating floods and dry spells |
| Declining Paddy Yield | Unpredictable rainfall and soil degradation affecting Sali and Boro crops |
| Labour Migration | Small farmers abandoning farming due to losses |
| Food Security Risk | Increased dependence on food imports from other states |
đš Key Components of Assamâs Climate-Resilient Agriculture Plan
| Intervention | Description |
| Climate-Proof Seeds | Promote varieties like Swarna Sub1 (flood-tolerant rice) |
| Integrated Farming Systems | Mix of rice-fish-duck, horticulture, agroforestry |
| Water Efficiency | Subsidy for micro-irrigation, solar pumps, and farm ponds |
| FPO Involvement | Use Farmer Producer Organisations to spread awareness and scale adoption |
| Digital Advisory | Mobile-based weather alerts, soil health cards, and pest control tips |
đš Significance for Assam and Northeast India
- Builds resilience against crop loss and income shocks
- Encourages return to agriculture through profitability
- Promotes low-input farming suited to hill and tribal ecosystems
- Enhances carbon sequestration through agroforestry and wetland restoration
- Strengthens climate justice for vulnerable farming communities
đš Challenges to Effective Implementation
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Capacity Deficit | Lack of trained agri-extension staff at block and panchayat level |
| Fragmented Landholdings | Limits adoption of irrigation and mechanized techniques |
| Monitoring Gaps | No real-time tracking of fund usage or survival rate of plantations |
| Awareness Deficit | Farmers often unaware of new seeds or practices |
| Lack of Market Linkage | Without price assurance, diversification may fail |
đš Way Forward
- Institutionalize Climate Plans at District Level
- Prepare District Agro-Climatic Action Plans with KVKs and FPOs
- Community-Led Monitoring
- Use SHGs, Gaon Panchayats to verify fund utilization and crop outcomes
- Digital Farmer Tools
- Roll out AI-powered crop advisory apps with voice-based interfaces in Assamese/Bodo
- Climate-Linked Crop Insurance
- Promote area-based insurance schemes with faster claim settlement
- Partnerships with Research Institutes
- Collaborate with ICAR, IIT-Guwahati, and IARI for innovation in NE-specific crops
đš Conclusion
Assamâs corpus for climate-resilient farming represents a paradigm shift from relief to resilience. But success will depend on bottom-up planning, real-time implementation, and integration of traditional knowledge with new science. In the Northeast, such reforms are not only ecological imperatives but also socio-economic lifelines.
⨠APSC Prelims Crash Course, 2025
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