APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (25/07/2025)
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 (25-07-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🧑🎓 Assam to Launch Community Tutor Scheme to Curb School Dropouts
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Education | Welfare Schemes | Social Justice
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Educational Status in Assam | State Government Initiatives | Rural Development
📘 Prelims: Education Schemes | Community Tutor Program | Foundational Literacy
🔹 Introduction
To combat rising school dropout rates—particularly in rural, tribal, and tea garden areas—the Government of Assam has introduced the Community Tutor Scheme, which seeks to provide local academic support through trained community members. This initiative aims to improve learning outcomes, reduce absenteeism, and strengthen grassroots involvement in the education system.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Feature | Description |
| Launch Authority | Assam Education Department |
| Focus Areas | Tea gardens, riverine char areas, tribal belts |
| Tutors | Local educated youth, women, retired teachers, volunteers |
| Nature | Part-time, home-based, or cluster-based remedial teaching |
| Target Beneficiaries | Students from Class I to Class VIII |
| Mode of Delivery | Flexible support through homes, Anganwadi centres, and schools |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN): Basic reading and arithmetic skills till Class 3
Vidya Samiksha Kendra (Assam): State’s education data analytics platform
Right to Education Act, 2009: Mandates free and compulsory education till age 14
NIPUN Bharat Mission: National FLN initiative
U-DISE+: Unified database for school education statistics
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Scheme
| Dimension | Impact |
| Equity in Education | Addresses learning poverty in marginalized communities |
| Community Engagement | Empowers villages to take ownership of children’s learning |
| Bridging Learning Gaps | Provides targeted support for dropouts and academically lagging students |
| Gender Inclusion | Employs women tutors, improving local employment and social mobility |
| Post-COVID Learning Recovery | Acts as a cushion for learning deficits created during school closures |
B. Challenges in Implementation
| Challenge | Description |
| Quality of Tutors | Ensuring competence and consistency in delivery |
| Monitoring and Evaluation | Limited oversight in informal/home-based setups |
| Remuneration & Motivation | Low pay or voluntary basis may affect retention |
| Curriculum Alignment | Synchronizing with formal syllabus and pedagogy |
| Social Acceptance | Resistance in some areas due to caste, gender, or political factors |
📊 Related Schemes & Reports
Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: Umbrella education scheme including remedial support
Mission Buniyaad (Delhi): Successful model for community-led foundational learning
UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Report: Highlights importance of localised solutions
Assam’s Gunotsav Program: Annual school assessment and improvement tool
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Stresses community involvement and foundational skills
🧭 Way Forward
| Focus Area | Suggestion |
| Training Modules | Short digital and on-site pedagogy training |
| Performance Incentives | Honorarium based on student improvement metrics |
| Cluster Monitoring | Gram Panchayat-level monitoring through school clusters |
| Public Recognition | Felicitation of outstanding tutors at block/district level |
| Integration with ASER Surveys | Evaluate learning impact using national-level tools |
🧩 Conclusion
The Community Tutor Scheme has the potential to become a game-changer in Assam’s education landscape if backed by proper training, monitoring, and community ownership. It reflects a shift toward localized, low-cost, high-impact interventions—an essential component of inclusive educational reform.
🧬 Assam to Host India’s First Tribal Genomic Mapping Project
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Health | Tribal Development | Government Interventions
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Science & Technology | Biotechnology | Public Health
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Tribal Communities in Assam | Application of Science in Society
📘 Prelims: Genomics | Tribal Health | DBT Initiatives
🔹 Introduction
Assam has been selected as the pilot state for India’s first Tribal Genomic Mapping Project, aimed at developing a comprehensive understanding of genetic patterns, inherited diseases, and population-specific traits among tribal communities. The initiative, driven by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), seeks to bridge the gap in health outcomes through precision medicine and population genomics.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
| Lead Agency | Department of Biotechnology (GoI) in collaboration with local universities |
| Pilot State | Assam |
| Target Groups | Bodo, Mising, Karbi, Dimasa, and other indigenous tribes |
| Purpose | Identify genetic predispositions, map rare diseases, enable tailored healthcare |
| Output | Tribal genome database, public health policy inputs, personalized treatment protocols |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Genomic Mapping: Identifying DNA variations that affect health and behavior
Human Genome Project (HGP): Completed in 2003; first global reference map of human genes
IndiGen Project (India): Sequenced over 1,000 Indian genomes
Tribal Health Report (MoTA, 2018): High rates of anemia, sickle cell disease, and TB in tribes
Precision Medicine: Customization of healthcare based on genetics
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Project
| Area | Relevance |
| Health Equity | Addresses genetic and epidemiological neglect of tribal populations |
| Scientific Advancement | Creates India’s first genome registry for indigenous groups |
| Tailored Healthcare | Facilitates development of gene-specific drugs, diagnostics |
| Public Policy Input | Guides nutrition, disease control, maternal health policies |
| Research & Academia | Boosts biotech innovation in Assam and NE India |
B. Challenges and Concerns
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Consent and Ethics | Risk of misuse of genetic data; informed consent is critical |
| Data Sovereignty | Protection of indigenous intellectual property and biological heritage |
| Distrust and Alienation | Historical neglect may cause fear or reluctance to participate |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Limited genome labs and trained personnel in remote areas |
| Cultural Sensitivity | Need for respectful engagement with tribal customs and values |
📊 Related Reports & Frameworks
Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Protects indigenous genetic resources
Tribal Health Action Plan (MoTA & MoHFW)
WHO Ethical Framework for Genomics
UNDRIP: Indigenous rights to biological and cultural knowledge
SDG 3 & 10: Good health and reduced inequalities
🧭 Way Forward
| Strategy | Action |
| Community Dialogues | Tribal leaders, NGOs to mediate and educate |
| Legal Protections | Enact safeguards for data privacy and benefit-sharing |
| Decentralized Labs | Set up district-level genomic centres in tribal belts |
| Capacity Building | Train tribal youth as genome technicians and health workers |
| Integration with AYUSH & Folk Health | Combine genetic mapping with traditional healing systems |
🧩 Conclusion
The Tribal Genomic Mapping Project is a pioneering health-scientific initiative with the potential to revolutionize how India addresses tribal health disparities. By ensuring ethical participation and community benefit, Assam can emerge as a model for inclusive biotechnological advancement.
📡 IAF’s Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) in Arunachal Pradesh Near Completion
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Security – Border Infrastructure | Defense Preparedness
📘 GS Paper 1 (Mains): Geography – Border States of India
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Strategic Importance of Northeast India | India-China Border Issues
📘 Prelims: ALGs | Eastern Air Command | Border Roads Organization
🔹 Introduction
In light of growing tensions along the India–China border, the Indian Air Force is finalizing the upgradation of Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) in Arunachal Pradesh. These ALGs are crucial for troop movement, logistics, and rapid deployment in the strategically sensitive Eastern sector of the Himalayas.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
| Total ALGs | 7 key ALGs: Walong, Mechuka, Pasighat, Ziro, Tuting, Along, and Tawang |
| Upgradation Focus | Runway extension, night landing, hangars, fuel dumps |
| Strategic Purpose | Faster deployment of troops, air support, emergency evacuation |
| Implementing Agency | Indian Air Force + BRO |
| Geopolitical Context | Increases preparedness in face of PLA activities along the LAC |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Advanced Landing Ground (ALG): Small airstrips used for military and emergency landings in remote areas
Eastern Air Command: Headquartered at Shillong; responsible for air operations in NE India
LAC (Line of Actual Control): De facto border between India and China
BRO: Constructs roads and airfields in border areas
Operation Meghdoot: India’s earlier use of ALGs in Siachen sector (1984)
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of ALGs in the Northeast
| Strategic Value | Explanation |
| Rapid Force Mobilization | Reduces response time during border incursions |
| Logistical Support | Ensures supplies to remote border posts in harsh terrain |
| Civil-Military Integration | Dual-use potential for disaster relief and medical emergencies |
| Deterrence Capability | Boosts India’s assertiveness against China’s infrastructure buildup |
| Disaster Resilience | Facilitates rescue in flood/earthquake-prone areas |
B. Challenges in Implementation
| Challenge | Description |
| Geographical Barriers | High altitude, low oxygen, and seismic zones complicate construction |
| Weather Disruption | Frequent fog, rains, and snowfall affect air operations |
| Limited Local Infrastructure | Roads, fuel storage, and power supply often inadequate |
| Environmental Impact | Construction may lead to forest loss and biodiversity threats |
| Maintenance Costs | High upkeep due to extreme climatic wear and tear |
📊 Related Policies & Developments
India-China Border Infrastructure Push (2020–25)
Vibrant Villages Programme: Civil-military outreach in border hamlets
Defense Acquisition Procedure (DAP): Speeds up military infrastructure procurement
National Security Strategy (Proposed): Emphasis on NE frontier preparedness
Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (SIDF) for NE
🧭 Way Forward
| Strategy | Action |
| Green Construction Methods | Minimize ecological damage |
| Local Hiring & Skill Training | Engage tribal youth in infrastructure building |
| Satellite Monitoring | Use ISRO tech for terrain mapping and weather updates |
| Civil Aviation Use | Develop dual-use policy to benefit civilian population |
| Permanent Troop Logistics Hub | Preposition supplies and shelters |
🧩 Conclusion
The completion of ALGs in Arunachal Pradesh marks a critical upgrade in India’s border infrastructure and strategic mobility. It sends a strong message of preparedness while ensuring that India’s defense and development go hand in hand in the Northeast frontier.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🧑🏫 Topic 1: Assam’s Community Tutor Scheme
Q1. The Community Tutor Scheme launched by the Government of Assam aims to:
(a) Recruit retired government teachers to teach in urban private schools
(b) Deploy local volunteers to provide remedial classes in rural and tribal areas
(c) Introduce online-only coaching for secondary school students
(d) Provide stipends to private coaching centers for enrolling poor students
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The scheme aims to utilize local educated volunteers (including women and youth) to support foundational education in remote, tribal, and tea garden areas of Assam.
Q2. With reference to education initiatives in Assam, consider the following statements:
- Gunotsav is an annual academic audit initiative to improve school education.
- Vidya Samiksha Kendra is Assam’s real-time school data monitoring platform.
- The Community Tutor Scheme focuses primarily on higher secondary education.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: The Community Tutor Scheme is meant for primary and middle school students (Class I–VIII), not higher secondary students.
🧬 Topic 2: Tribal Genomic Mapping Project in Assam
Q3. India’s first Tribal Genomic Mapping Project was recently launched in which of the following states?
(a) Odisha
(b) Assam
(c) Jharkhand
(d) Chhattisgarh
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Assam was selected as the pilot state for this initiative, which will map genetic traits and diseases among indigenous communities.
Q4. The Tribal Genomic Mapping Project is expected to benefit public health because:
(a) It will help identify universal vaccine formulations for India’s tribal populations.
(b) It will improve tribal migration patterns using biometric data.
(c) It enables the development of customized diagnostics and treatment for tribal groups.
(d) It will map economic traits of tribal populations for job matching.
✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The project aims to map genetic variations among tribes, enabling precision medicine and population-specific health strategies.
Q5. Which of the following are relevant ethical concerns with genomic mapping of tribal communities?
- Informed consent and privacy
- Genetic discrimination risks
- Intellectual property rights over biological data
- Increased pesticide exposure in tribal lands
Choose the correct code:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) All of the above
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Ethical issues include consent, data security, and IPR over indigenous knowledge.
- Pesticide exposure is not directly linked to genomic mapping.
🛩️ Topic 3: Advanced Landing Grounds in Arunachal Pradesh
Q6. What is the main strategic purpose of Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) in Arunachal Pradesh?
(a) To improve air connectivity for tourists
(b) To promote organic farming exports
(c) To support rapid troop deployment and logistics in border areas
(d) To provide pilot training to tribal youth
✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation:
ALGs are being upgraded by the IAF to enhance operational capability and respond quickly to border threats, especially along the India–China LAC.
Q7. Which of the following statements about ALGs is/are correct?
- They are used exclusively for civil aviation.
- Most ALGs in Arunachal Pradesh are located close to the Line of Actual Control.
- BRO is involved in constructing and upgrading ALGs.
Choose the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 3 only
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statements 2 and 3 are correct – They are close to the LAC, and BRO plays a major role in infrastructure work.
Statement 1 is incorrect – ALGs are military airstrips, not just for civil use.
APSC Mains Practice Question
❓ Question:
Discuss the significance of genomic mapping among tribal communities in India. How can such initiatives ensure health equity while addressing ethical and societal concerns?
(Word Limit: 250)
✅ Model Answer:
🔸 Introduction
Genomic mapping involves analyzing genetic data to understand disease predisposition, inherited traits, and population structure. The launch of India’s first Tribal Genomic Mapping Project in Assam marks a significant step toward integrating precision medicine into public health for marginalized tribal communities.
🔹 Significance of Genomic Mapping among Tribes
| Domain | Relevance |
| Public Health | Helps detect prevalence of genetic disorders like sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, etc. |
| Precision Medicine | Enables development of customized treatment protocols and diagnostics |
| Policy Planning | Supports targeted interventions in maternal health, nutrition, and epidemic control |
| Tribal Welfare | Addresses long-standing health disparities among India’s 10 crore+ tribal population |
| Scientific Advancement | Contributes to indigenous genetic databases and boosts biotech research |
🔹 Ethical and Social Challenges
| Concern | Description |
| Informed Consent | Tribals may not fully understand genetic data usage; risk of exploitation |
| Data Sovereignty | Need for policies that protect tribal IPR and biological resources |
| Cultural Sensitivity | Traditional beliefs may conflict with biomedical approaches |
| Misuse of Data | Genetic data can be misused for discrimination or surveillance |
🔹 Ensuring Ethical Implementation
- Community Engagement: Involve tribal leaders and NGOs in awareness drives
- Legal Framework: Enforce strict data privacy laws (like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act)
- Benefit-Sharing: Ensure tribals receive medical, financial, or infrastructural benefits
- Tribal-Led Research: Train tribal youth as genomic researchers and health ambassadors
🔸 Conclusion
The Tribal Genomic Mapping Project represents a science-for-social-justice approach, capable of transforming tribal healthcare. With robust ethical safeguards and genuine community participation, India can set a global precedent in inclusive genomics rooted in equity and empowerment.
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