APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (26/06/2025)
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 (26-06-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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đ Indiaâs Return to Human Spaceflight After 41 Years
đ GS Paper 3: Science and Technology â Achievements of Indians in Space
đ GS Paper 2: International Relations â Space Diplomacy | Science & Tech Cooperation
đ APSC GS Paper 5: Assamâs contributions to National Achievements
đš Introduction
India marked a historic milestone as Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian astronaut, boarded a commercial mission by Axiom Space to the International Space Station (ISS). This is Indiaâs first crewed space mission since Rakesh Sharmaâs 1984 flight, showcasing Indiaâs renewed presence in human spaceflight on a global platform.
đ Key Highlights
| Feature | Description |
| đ Mission Name | Axiom-4 (AX-4) Mission |
| đ¨âđ Indian Astronaut | Shubhanshu Shukla (Lucknow-born) |
| đ°ī¸ Spacecraft | SpaceX Crew Dragon â Grace |
| đ Launch Vehicle | SpaceX Falcon 9 |
| đ°ī¸ Destination | International Space Station (ISS) |
| đ§Ē Mission Duration | 14 days (science + cultural outreach) |
| đ¤ Partners | Axiom Space (USA), NASA, ISRO support |
| đ Significance | 41 years after Rakesh Sharmaâs Soviet mission (1984) |
đ§ Prelims Pointers
Rakesh Sharma: First Indian in space (1984), flew aboard Soviet Soyuz T-11
ISS (International Space Station): Joint program by NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA & CSA
Axiom Space: US-based private space company pioneering commercial spaceflights
Falcon 9: Two-stage rocket developed by SpaceX; reusable launch system
Gaganyaan Mission: Indiaâs indigenous human spaceflight program (ISRO-led)
đ Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Indiaâs Human Spaceflight Return
| Aspect | Impact |
| đ Global Collaboration | Highlights India’s growing ties in global space missions |
| đŦ Science Diplomacy | Projects India as a cooperative space partner in LEO missions |
| đ¨âđŦ Tech Prestige | Showcases India’s skilled astronautics, contributing to manned missions |
| đ§âđ Public Inspiration | Motivates youth to join STEM and space research |
| đŽđŗ National Pride | Reaffirms Indiaâs vision as a space-faring nation |
B. Challenges in Human Spaceflight
đ§ Technological complexity in life support, docking, re-entry
đ° High financial costs and dependence on foreign tech for now
đ Geopolitical balance in engaging multiple space agencies
đ°ī¸ Space debris management and orbital safety
đ§ Astronaut training pipeline still at nascent stage in India
C. Government Initiatives
ISROâs Gaganyaan Mission â Targeting indigenous crewed space launch
IN-SPACe and NSIL â Promoting private-sector space participation
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) â R&D support in frontier tech
Draft Space Policy 2023 â Encourages collaboration, commercial launches, startups
đ Relevant Global Developments
India signed the Artemis Accords (2023) â Boosts cooperation in deep space
Axiom Space Missions â Commercial access to ISS and private station development
Increasing Indian participation in microgravity research, biotech, materials science in space
đ§ Way Forward
| Strategy | Action |
| đ§âđ Build domestic astronaut corps | Establish long-term training at ISROâs astronaut centre |
| đ°ī¸ Complete Gaganyaan | Launch indigenous mission by late 2025 or early 2026 |
| đ¤ Expand collaborations | Continue tie-ups with NASA, ESA, private players |
| đŧ Boost space startups | Support Indian private space firms under IN-SPACe |
𧊠Conclusion
Indiaâs renewed foray into human spaceflight represents a quantum leap in national capability and aspiration. Beyond prestige, it signals commitment to advanced science, global cooperation, and space exploration leadership. With Gaganyaan and private partnerships on the horizon, India is poised to be a major player in the new space age.
đ¨ Six-Lane Expressway Project to Connect Assam and West Bengal via Alipurduar
đ GS Paper 3: Infrastructure â Roads | Investment Models
đ GS Paper 1: Geography â Transport & Connectivity in NE India
đ GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam â Connectivity | Border Trade | Regional Development
đš Introduction
The Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has approved the construction of a greenfield six-lane expressway connecting Barpeta (Assam) to Alipurduar (West Bengal). This expressway is expected to reduce travel time by over 2 hours, boost logistics, trade, and tourism, and strengthen strategic connectivity with Bhutan and Northeast India.
đ Key Details of the Project
| Feature | Description |
| đŖī¸ Route | Barpeta (Assam) â Alipurduar (WB), via Bongaigaon |
| đ ī¸ Type | Greenfield Expressway â completely new alignment |
| đēī¸ Strategic Location | Near Bhutan border; supports international trade |
| đ§ Implementing Agency | National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) |
| đ° Estimated Cost | âš12,000 crore (approx) |
| đ Time Savings | Reduces GuwahatiâSiliguri travel by 2+ hours |
| âī¸ Land Requirement | ~1,600 hectares (to be acquired in Assam and WB) |
| đ§ Status | DPR approved, land acquisition in progress |
đ§ Prelims Pointers
Bharatmala Pariyojana: Flagship highway development project focusing on border and economic corridors
Greenfield Expressway: Built from scratch with new alignment, unlike brownfield (existing roads upgraded)
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI): Autonomous body under MoRTH for highway development
GuwahatiâSiliguri Corridor: A strategic artery for trade, military, and people movement in NE
ASEAN Connectivity: AssamâWB expressways aid in linking to BIMSTEC and BBIN initiatives
đ Mains Pointers
A. Significance for Assam & the Northeast
| Domain | Benefit |
| đ Trade | Faster goods movement to Bengal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh |
| đŖī¸ Infrastructure | Boosts rural connectivity in Goalpara, Bongaigaon, and Barpeta |
| đ§ŗ Tourism | Encourages eco-tourism and pilgrimage travel (Kamakhya, Manas) |
| đĄī¸ Security | Strengthens access to border districts and defence routes |
| đ Employment | Generates local jobs in construction, logistics, services |
B. Challenges Ahead
| Challenge | Explanation |
| đ§ Land Acquisition Hurdles | Resistance from tribal and agricultural communities |
| đŗ Environmental Concerns | Cutting through wildlife corridors near BuxaâManas landscape |
| 𧞠Funding Delays | Mobilisation of âš12,000+ crore over 5 years |
| đī¸ Execution Bottlenecks | Monsoon, terrain, and labour issues in Northeast |
| đ Interstate Coordination | AssamâWest Bengal administrative cooperation needed |
đ Relevant Policy Context
National Logistics Policy (2022)
PM Gati Shakti Plan â Unified logistics and transport infrastructure development
North East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS)
IndiaâBhutanâBangladesh Transit Routes (BBIN framework)
Act East Policy â Enhancing Indiaâs eastern connectivity and trade
đ§ Way Forward
| Recommendation | Strategy |
| đ§âđž Consult Stakeholders | Gram Sabha consultations in forest and tribal areas |
| đī¸ Eco-Sensitive Alignment | Avoid core wildlife zones, use eco-bridges & underpasses |
| đ§âđ§ Skill Local Youth | Construction skill training and employment guarantees |
| đ Phased Execution | Prioritise key nodes to demonstrate early benefits |
| đ¤ StateâCentre Synergy | Regular coordination between Assam, WB, MoRTH, NHAI |
𧊠Conclusion
The BarpetaâAlipurduar expressway is more than a road â itâs a lifeline for Assamâs economic and strategic integration with the rest of India and Southeast Asia. With proper planning and local inclusion, it can catalyse multi-sectoral growth and regional resilience in the Northeast.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
â Topic 1: Indiaâs Return to Human Spaceflight via Axiom-4 Mission
1. Who was the first Indian citizen to travel to space?
A. Kalpana Chawla
B. Sunita Williams
C. Rakesh Sharma â
D. Shubhanshu Shukla
đ§ Explanation:
Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian in space, flying aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11 in 1984. Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams were Indian-origin astronauts of U.S. nationality.
2. Which of the following are commercial spaceflight organizations?
- SpaceX
- ISRO
- Axiom Space
- Blue Origin
Select the correct code:
A. 1, 3 and 4 only â
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. All of the above
đ§ Explanation:
SpaceX, Axiom Space, and Blue Origin are private commercial space companies. ISRO is a government agency, not a commercial entity.
3. The âGaganyaanâ mission is associated with:
A. Indiaâs lunar exploration programme
B. Indiaâs first crewed human spaceflight â
C. Mars orbiter mission
D. Reusable launch vehicle technology
đ§ Explanation:
Gaganyaan is Indiaâs first indigenous human spaceflight programme being developed by ISRO, aiming to send a 3-member crew into low-Earth orbit.
â Topic 2: AssamâWest Bengal Six-Lane Expressway (BarpetaâAlipurduar)
4. Which of the following schemes primarily supports highway development in border and economic corridors?
A. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
B. Sagarmala Project
C. Bharatmala Pariyojana â
D. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
đ§ Explanation:
Bharatmala Pariyojana is a flagship programme of MoRTH focused on border roads, economic corridors, and inter-state connectivity projects.
5. What is a âgreenfield expresswayâ?
A. An expressway built on upgraded existing roads
B. An expressway running through green belts only
C. A newly built expressway on undeveloped land with new alignment â
D. An eco-friendly highway certified by MoEFCC
đ§ Explanation:
A greenfield expressway is constructed on a completely new alignment, not based on existing roads. It usually shortens travel time and avoids congested routes.
6. Which northeastern Indian states directly share a border with Bhutan?
- Assam
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Sikkim
- Nagaland
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only â
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. All of the above
đ§ Explanation:
Only Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in the Northeast share an international border with Bhutan. Sikkim shares a border with Bhutan but is not part of Northeast India as per APSCâs regional classification.
APSC Mains Practice Question
đ Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the strategic and developmental significance of the BarpetaâAlipurduar six-lane expressway project. What challenges are associated with large-scale infrastructure projects in ecologically sensitive regions like Assam, and how can they be mitigated?
đ Model Answer
Introduction
The proposed six-lane expressway connecting Barpeta (Assam) to Alipurduar (West Bengal) is a greenfield infrastructure project sanctioned by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. It aims to enhance regional connectivity, trade, and strategic access, especially in the context of Assamâs integration with the rest of India and its neighbouring countries.
Strategic and Developmental Significance
| Area | Importance |
| đŖī¸ Connectivity | Reduces GuwahatiâSiliguri travel by 2+ hours |
| đŧ Economic Growth | Eases logistics and supports AssamâBengalâBhutan trade |
| đ§ŗ Tourism Boost | Facilitates access to Manas National Park, Vaishnavite pilgrimage routes |
| đĄī¸ National Security | Improves troop and supply movement near the Bhutan border |
| đˇ Employment Creation | Stimulates local jobs in construction and transport |
Associated Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| đ§ Land Acquisition | Resistance from tribal and agrarian communities |
| đŗ Environmental Impact | Alignment near ManasâBuxa corridor threatens biodiversity |
| 𧹠Project Delays | Terrain complexity, monsoon disruptions in Assam |
| đ¤ Federal Coordination | AssamâWest Bengal coordination needed for seamless execution |
| đ Legal Bottlenecks | Issues with forest clearance and environmental assessments |
Relevant Policy Frameworks
- Bharatmala Pariyojana â Focus on economic corridors and border roads
- PM Gati Shakti Mission â Unified planning across ministries
- National Logistics Policy (2022) â Aims to reduce logistics cost to below 10% of GDP
- Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), 2006 â Mandates eco-clearances
- Northeast Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS) â Dedicated to NE road projects
Mitigation Strategies
| Solution Area | Recommendation |
| đ§âđž Participatory Planning | Conduct Gram Sabha consultations and fair compensation |
| đŋ Eco-Friendly Alignment | Use eco-bridges, underpasses for wildlife |
| đ ī¸ Phase-Wise Execution | Start with least disruptive stretches to show benefits early |
| đĄ Digital Monitoring | Geo-tagged dashboards for project transparency |
| đ§âđ§ Local Workforce Use | Train and employ local youth in road-building and maintenance |
Conclusion
The BarpetaâAlipurduar expressway is a crucial link for Assamâs economic and geostrategic aspirations. However, infrastructure growth in ecologically rich regions must follow the principle of green developmentâbalancing connectivity with conservation. With inclusive planning and environmental safeguards, this project can become a model for resilient, sustainable infrastructure in the Northeast.
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