APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (25/09/2025)
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 (25-09-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🎶 SIT Probe into Zubeen Garg’s Death & Assam Govt Memorial Plans
📘 GS Paper II – Governance, Accountability, Judiciary
📘 GS Paper I – Indian Society & Culture
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific: Culture, Governance, Society
🔹 Introduction
On 25 Sept 2025, the Assam Government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the death of Zubeen Garg, Assam’s iconic singer-composer, who passed away in Singapore. The SIT formation came amid public outcry, PILs in the Gauhati High Court, and demands for transparency. Simultaneously, the Government announced memorial projects and cultural institutions in Garg’s honour, underlining his role in shaping Assamese identity and youth culture.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Incident | Zubeen Garg died in Singapore (Sept 2025) under circumstances that led to demands for inquiry. |
| Govt Action | SIT formed under senior IPS officer to probe possible foul play. |
| Judicial Angle | PILs in Gauhati HC, demand for CBI probe. |
| Public Sentiment | Statewide mourning; cultural tributes; youth mobilisations. |
| Memorial Plans | Govt to set up a cultural centre in Guwahati; music academy in Tezpur (hometown); annual “Zubeen Garg Award” for artists. |
| Political Context | Both Govt and Opposition projecting concern to align with public emotions. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
SIT (Special Investigation Team): Formed by State Govt, HC, or SC for sensitive cases; headed by senior police officers.
CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation): Can take over cases only on state consent or court directive.
Article 226: High Courts’ power to issue directions, including in public interest litigation.
Assamese Icons in Culture: Srimanta Sankardev, Bishnu Prasad Rabha, Bhupen Hazarika, Zubeen Garg.
Tezpur: Known as the “Cultural Capital of Assam”; Garg’s birthplace.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Cultural Significance of Zubeen Garg
Music & Cinema – Over 1,600 Assamese songs, Bollywood playback, film contributions.
Youth Icon – Represented modern Assamese identity; connected rural & urban audiences.
Cultural Ambassador – Took Assamese music to national and global stage.
Social Activism – Vocal on flood relief, social justice, regional identity issues.
B. Governance & Accountability Dimension
Transparency in Investigation – SIT probe ensures credibility in face of speculation.
Judicial Oversight – PILs indicate public trust in judiciary for accountability.
Public Participation – Widespread mourning reflects deep emotional connect between governance and society.
Cultural Policy Angle – State memorialisation promotes heritage preservation.
C. Challenges & Issues
Public Trust Deficit – Govt credibility questioned unless probe transparent.
Politicisation Risk – Death of cultural icons often becomes politically charged.
Sustainability of Memorials – Previous cultural projects in Assam suffered neglect.
Overseas Jurisdiction – Legal complexity as death occurred in Singapore.
D. Way Forward
Independent Investigation – Ensure SIT coordination with Singapore authorities.
Judicial Monitoring – HC oversight to enhance legitimacy.
Sustainable Cultural Institutions – Proper funding & professional management of planned memorials.
Public Engagement – Involve artists, cultural bodies, and youth in designing legacy projects.
Integration with Policy – Memorial initiatives under Assam’s cultural tourism policy.
🧩 Conclusion
The SIT probe into Zubeen Garg’s death reflects Assam’s governance machinery responding to public sentiment and judicial pressure. Beyond justice, the State’s memorialisation efforts reaffirm Garg’s role as a symbol of Assamese cultural pride. If managed transparently, this episode can strengthen both accountability in governance and cultural policy in Assam.
⚖️ PILs & Political Calls for CBI Probe – Zubeen Garg’s Demise
📘 GS Paper II – Judiciary, Governance & Accountability
📘 GS Paper I – Society & Culture (Role of Icons)
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific Governance & Cultural Politics
🔹 Introduction
The sudden death of Zubeen Garg in Singapore (Sept 2025) sparked public unrest, multiple PILs in the Gauhati High Court, and political demands for a CBI probe. This reflects the intersection of judicial activism, governance accountability, and public emotion in Assam, where cultural figures hold immense social influence.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Judicial Developments | PILs filed in Gauhati High Court seeking CBI probe due to doubts over SIT’s impartiality. |
| Govt Action | State SIT already investigating; State assures cooperation with Singapore authorities. |
| Political Response | Opposition parties demanded CBI investigation, citing cross-border complexity. |
| Public Pressure | Student bodies, civil society staged protests demanding “justice for Zubeen”. |
| Legal Complexity | Case involves overseas jurisdiction (Singapore law), requiring diplomatic coordination. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
PIL (Public Interest Litigation): Legal mechanism under Article 226/32 for public cause litigation.
CBI (Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946): Central agency; needs state consent or court directive.
Judicial Activism: HC/SC interventions in sensitive cases to ensure accountability.
Assam Cultural Icons & Judiciary: Past PILs around Bhupen Hazarika memorial and public land use.
Extradition vs. Cooperation: International deaths usually probed under host country’s law with India assisting.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Judicial & Political Intervention
Public Trust: PILs reflect public faith in judiciary’s role as guardian of fairness.
Transparency: Ensures govt probe is not seen as biased.
Political Mobilisation: Opposition leveraging case to hold govt accountable.
Cultural Sensitivity: Death of icons triggers strong public emotions—needs sensitive handling.
Diplomatic Angle: Involvement of Singapore authorities complicates process.
B. Challenges in the Case
Jurisdictional Issues: Singapore law governs cause of death; India can only assist.
Duplication of Probes: SIT vs. possible CBI may cause institutional friction.
Public Perception: Delayed or opaque investigations risk mass unrest.
Politicisation: Risk of probe being used as electoral narrative.
Memorialisation vs. Justice: Govt projects may be seen as diversionary if probe lags.
C. Governance & Legal Framework in Context
SC in Vineet Narain Case (1997): Established guidelines for CBI autonomy.
Judicial Monitoring Precedents: SC/HC have monitored CBI probes (e.g., 2G, Coalgate).
International Legal Cooperation: India–Singapore MLAT (Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty) allows data sharing in criminal investigations.
D. Way Forward
HC-Monitored Probe: SIT work under judicial oversight for credibility.
Conditional CBI Role: Court may allow CBI to coordinate with Singapore if evidence warrants.
Public Transparency: Periodic reports released to build trust.
Depoliticisation: Cross-party consensus to ensure issue remains about justice, not politics.
Cultural Sensitivity: Parallel memorialisation should complement—not replace—accountability.
🧩 Conclusion
The PILs and CBI demand over Zubeen Garg’s demise highlight how the judiciary and politics converge in high-emotion cases. While SIT provides a state-level mechanism, only judicially monitored, transparent, and internationally coordinated investigation can satisfy public sentiment. For Assam, ensuring justice for Zubeen is also about upholding faith in governance and democracy.
🦏 Kaziranga National Park Reopens – Bagori Range Jeep Safari
📘 GS Paper III – Environment, Biodiversity & Wildlife Conservation
📘 GS Paper I – Geography & Tourism
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific Ecology & Heritage
🔹 Introduction
Kaziranga National Park (KNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the global stronghold of the one-horned rhinoceros, reopens its Bagori Range for jeep safaris (Sept 2025) after the annual monsoon closure. The reopening signals both revival of eco-tourism and renewed focus on balancing conservation with local livelihoods in Assam’s key biodiversity hotspot.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | Assam, spanning Golaghat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Biswanath & Karbi Anglong districts. |
| Significance | Home to >70% of world’s one-horned rhino population. |
| Annual Cycle | Park closes during monsoon (Jun–Sep) due to floods; reopens for tourists in Oct onwards (Bagori is early opener). |
| Tourism Value | Major contributor to Assam’s eco-tourism economy; attracts lakhs of visitors yearly. |
| Conservation Challenges | Floods, poaching, habitat encroachment, human-animal conflict. |
| Bagori Range Speciality | Known for close rhino sightings, migratory birds, and grassland landscapes. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Kaziranga National Park: Declared World Heritage Site in 1985.
Important Fauna: Indian rhinoceros, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, elephants, tigers (tiger reserve since 2006).
Eco-regions: Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot; Brahmaputra floodplains.
Important Bird Area (IBA): Kaziranga is recognized by BirdLife International.
Conservation Acts: Wildlife Protection Act (1972), Project Rhino (Assam govt initiative).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Kaziranga’s Reopening
Tourism & Livelihoods: Boosts income for jeep operators, guides, hotels, and local communities.
Conservation Awareness: Tourism spreads global awareness on rhino protection.
Economic Impact: Contributes to Assam’s GDP through eco-tourism.
Cultural Identity: Rhino is Assam’s state animal and pride symbol.
B. Challenges Facing Kaziranga
Annual Flooding: Brahmaputra floods kill wildlife; animals forced to migrate to Karbi Anglong hills.
Poaching & Wildlife Crime: Despite decline, rhino poaching persists.
Tourism Pressure: Overcrowding risks habitat degradation.
Encroachment: Human settlements, agriculture threaten park boundaries.
Climate Change: Erratic rainfall, rising water levels increase vulnerability.
C. Govt Initiatives & Judicial Oversight
Anti-Poaching Steps: Drone surveillance, forest protection force, high conviction rates under Wildlife Act.
Habitat Expansion: Ongoing corridor projects connecting Kaziranga to Karbi Anglong hills.
Eco-tourism Policy: State eco-tourism strategy aligns with sustainable livelihood goals.
Judicial Orders: Gauhati HC and SC directed action against encroachment & poaching.
D. Way Forward
Regulated Tourism: Cap daily jeep entries; promote eco-friendly electric safari vehicles.
Disaster Preparedness: Elevated highlands and animal corridors for flood escape.
Community-Based Conservation: Greater involvement of fringe villages in anti-poaching and eco-tourism.
Climate Adaptation: Integrate Kaziranga in Assam’s State Climate Resilience Fund (SCRF) planning.
Transboundary Coordination: Collaborate with Bhutan, Nagaland, and Arunachal for wildlife corridors.
🧩 Conclusion
Kaziranga’s reopening of the Bagori range reflects the cyclical revival of eco-tourism and conservation balance in Assam. For long-term sustainability, controlled tourism, climate adaptation, and strong community participation are essential. As the “Pride of Assam,” Kaziranga must serve as a model of wildlife protection integrated with people’s livelihoods.
👥 State Level Recruitment Commission (SLRC) – Scrutiny of Class IV Posts
📘 GS Paper II – Governance, Transparency & Welfare Schemes
📘 GS Paper III – Economy & Employment
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific Governance & Administration
🔹 Introduction
The Assam State Level Recruitment Commission (SLRC) has initiated document verification and scrutiny for Class IV government posts (Sept 2025). This marks the latest phase of Assam’s largest-ever direct recruitment drive, launched in 2022, aimed at ensuring fair, transparent, and merit-based recruitment for lower-grade state services.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| SLRC Creation | Formed under Assam’s 2021 Govt initiative to centralise recruitment for Grade III & IV posts. |
| Objective | Ensure fairness, reduce corruption, and avoid departmental irregularities. |
| Class IV Jobs | Peon, chowkidar, helper, and other support roles in govt offices. |
| Recruitment Process | Written test → skill test (where applicable) → document scrutiny & verification. |
| Transparency Measures | Single exam, common merit list, online updates. |
| Scale | Covers lakhs of applicants across districts – one of India’s largest direct recruitment drives. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
SLRC Assam: Constituted in 2021 for Grade III & IV posts; ensures uniform recruitment under CM’s “Mission Bhumiputra” reforms.
Article 16 (Equality of Opportunity in Public Employment): Basis for merit-based recruitment.
Digital Governance in Assam: “SeBA Portal” and digital job application systems used for transparency.
Mission Bhumiputra: Assam govt scheme to streamline caste certificates and recruitment documentation.
Class IV Recruitment Significance: Base-level entry into govt service for disadvantaged groups.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of SLRC Scrutiny
Transparency & Trust: Reduces allegations of nepotism and corruption.
Employment Generation: Vital for Assam where unemployment rates are high among youth.
Administrative Efficiency: Centralised recruitment cuts delays across departments.
Social Justice: Ensures inclusion of marginalised sections through reservation.
Political Accountability: Recruitment seen as fulfilment of election promises.
B. Challenges & Concerns
Huge Applicant Pool: Lakhs of applicants for limited posts → rising frustration.
Allegations of Malpractice: Past recruitment exams in Assam marred by paper leaks.
Delay in Recruitment: Long verification process leads to unemployment distress.
Digital Divide: Rural candidates face difficulty in online application and updates.
Reservation & Policy Confusion: Conflicts over OBC, ST, and EWS quota implementation.
C. Govt Initiatives for Clean Recruitment
SLRC Single Window System: Eliminates multiple departmental exams.
Digital Verification: Aadhaar, caste, and residence checks integrated.
CCTV Exam Monitoring: Ensures fairness during written exams.
Fast-Track Verification Teams: District-level committees verifying Class IV candidates.
Judicial Oversight: Assam HC has intervened in past cases of recruitment irregularities.
D. Way Forward
Time-bound Recruitment: Strict deadlines for exam-to-appointment cycle.
Transparency Reports: Publish results and scrutiny records online.
Independent Ombudsman: To hear grievances of rejected candidates.
Digital Literacy: Rural support centres for job applications and updates.
Long-term Reform: Move towards State Public Service Cadre for lower posts with continuous recruitment cycles.
🧩 Conclusion
The SLRC’s Class IV scrutiny is a crucial step in institutionalising transparent recruitment in Assam. If implemented efficiently, it can reduce corruption, restore public trust, and provide stable employment opportunities to thousands. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that the process remains fast, fair, and inclusive, without falling prey to political or bureaucratic delays.mplemented inclusively, it can balance productivity with worker welfare and sustainability, positioning Assam tea as a global benchmark for digital, ethical, and eco-friendly agriculture.will be the true test of success.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
Topic 1 – SIT Probe & Memorials for Zubeen Garg
Q1. Consider the following statements about a Special Investigation Team (SIT):
- It can be constituted only by the Supreme Court of India.
- It is usually headed by senior police officers and may investigate sensitive cases.
- Its reports are binding on the government and automatically amount to judicial verdicts.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: B
🔎 Explanation: SIT can be constituted by SC/HC/State Govt, not only SC. It is headed by senior officers. Its reports are recommendatory, not judicial verdicts.
Q2. Which of the following Assamese cultural icons are correctly matched with their contributions?
- Bhupen Hazarika – Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient
- Bishnu Prasad Rabha – Known as “Kalaguru”
- Srimanta Sankardev – Neo-Vaishnavite reformer
- Zubeen Garg – “Ya Ali” Bollywood playback
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
D. 1 and 3 only
✅ Answer: C
🔎 Explanation: All four statements are correct.
Topic 2 – High Court PILs & CBI Probe Demand
Q3. With reference to the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation):
- It derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
- It can take up investigation in a state only with that state’s consent or on court orders.
- It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Which of the above statements 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
🔎 Explanation: CBI is under Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, not MHA.
Q4. Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India can be filed under:
- Article 32 of the Constitution before the Supreme Court
- Article 226 before the High Courts
- By any citizen or group of citizens for public interest, even if not personally affected
Which of the statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: D
🔎 Explanation: PIL can be filed in SC under Article 32 and HC under Article 226; locus standi broadened.
Topic 3 – Kaziranga NP Reopening (Bagori Jeep Safari)
Q5. Kaziranga National Park is:
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- A Tiger Reserve
- An Important Bird Area (IBA)
- Spread across more than one district in Assam
Which of the above are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 1, 3 and 4 only
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
D. 2 and 3 only
✅ Answer: C
🔎 Explanation: Kaziranga has all these designations and spans Golaghat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Biswanath & Karbi Anglong.
Q6. Match the following protected areas in Assam with their unique features:
| Protected Area | Unique Feature |
| 1. Kaziranga NP | A. Golden langur habitat |
| 2. Manas NP | B. One-horned rhinoceros stronghold |
| 3. Pobitora WLS | C. Highest density of rhinos per sq km |
| 4. Chakrashila WLS | D. UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site (along with Kaziranga) |
Options:
A. 1–B, 2–D, 3–C, 4–A
B. 1–D, 2–B, 3–A, 4–C
C. 1–B, 2–A, 3–D, 4–C
D. 1–C, 2–D, 3–B, 4–A
✅ Answer: A
🔎 Explanation: Kaziranga – Rhino; Manas – UNESCO WHS; Pobitora – Highest rhino density; Chakrashila – Golden langur.
Topic 4 – State Level Recruitment Commission (SLRC) Class IV Jobs
Q7. Consider the following about Assam’s State Level Recruitment Commission (SLRC):
- It was set up in 2021 to conduct centralised recruitment for Grade III and IV jobs.
- It eliminates departmental recruitment exams and follows a single-window process.
- It was created under the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) Act.
Which of the above statements 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
🔎 Explanation: SLRC is separate from APSC; it was constituted by govt order, not under APSC Act.
Q8. Which of the following constitutional provisions relate to equality of opportunity in public employment?
- Article 14 – Equality before law
- Article 15 – Prohibition of discrimination
- Article 16 – Equality of opportunity in public employment
- Article 335 – Claims of SCs and STs in services
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2, 3 and 4 only
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
D. 3 and 4 only
✅ Answer: C
🔎 Explanation: All four are linked directly/indirectly with equality in recruitment and services.ody.
🔎 Explanation: Instability in Myanmar is indeed a direct cause for delay in India’s AEP projects.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Model Answer
Q. “Eco-tourism in protected areas like Kaziranga National Park plays a dual role of conservation and livelihood support, but it also creates challenges. Critically discuss in the context of Assam.”
(GS Paper III – Environment & Conservation | GS Paper V – Assam-specific Ecology)
🔹 Introduction
Eco-tourism is promoted as a sustainable model of tourism that supports conservation while generating livelihood opportunities. Assam’s Kaziranga National Park (KNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the one-horned rhinoceros, recently reopened its Bagori Range after the monsoon closure. This highlights the importance of regulated eco-tourism for both wildlife protection and community well-being.
🔹 Body
1️⃣ Significance of Eco-tourism in Kaziranga
- Biodiversity Conservation – Revenue from tourism funds anti-poaching units, highland construction for floods, and habitat management.
- Livelihoods & Local Economy – Jeep safari operators, guides, hotels, and local handicrafts benefit; eco-tourism sustains thousands of families.
- Awareness & Education – Visitors develop appreciation for rhino and wetland ecosystems, building support for conservation.
- Cultural Diplomacy – Rhino as a cultural icon strengthens Assam’s identity globally.
2️⃣ Challenges & Concerns
- Over-tourism Pressure – Excessive jeeps in Bagori and Kohora Ranges cause noise pollution and disturb animals.
- Habitat Stress – Tourism infrastructure (roads, lodges) fragments ecosystems.
- Seasonal Disturbance – Tourism coincides with post-flood recovery, stressing wildlife.
- Poaching Risks – Higher human presence may provide cover for wildlife crime networks.
- Climate Change Factor – Increasing floods and erosion reduce habitat resilience, making eco-tourism riskier.
3️⃣ Government & Judicial Measures
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Provides legal framework.
- Project Rhino & Assam Rhino Vision 2020 – Rhino conservation plans.
- Drone Surveillance & Smart Fencing – Technology in anti-poaching.
- Judicial Oversight – Gauhati HC orders against encroachment and unregulated tourism.
- Eco-tourism Policy (Assam) – Encourages sustainable models with community participation.
4️⃣ Way Forward
- Regulated Tourism – Cap safari vehicles; introduce electric jeeps.
- Community-Based Management – Greater role for fringe villages in profit-sharing and protection.
- Habitat Corridors – Expand connectivity to Karbi Anglong hills to ease flood-driven migration.
- Green Infrastructure – Eco-lodges, plastic-free zones, renewable-powered facilities.
- Climate Adaptation – Integrate Kaziranga into Assam’s State Climate Resilience Fund (SCRF).
🔹 Conclusion
Eco-tourism in Kaziranga exemplifies the conservation–livelihood nexus. While it offers vital economic and awareness benefits, unregulated growth risks undermining the very biodiversity it seeks to protect. A balanced model, rooted in sustainability, community partnership, and climate resilience, can make Kaziranga not only the pride of Assam but also a global model for eco-tourism governance.Court’s directive is timely in pushing for technology, governance reforms, and community participation. Only through a zero-tolerance, multi-dimensional approach can Assam secure its rhino legacy as a symbol of resilience, ecology, and cultural pride.
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