APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (26/08/2025)
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 (26-08-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🛡️ India–Bangladesh Border Fencing: Assam’s Security & Development Challenge
📘 GS Paper 2: India & Neighbourhood Relations | Border Management
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Infrastructure | Migration Issues
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Cross-border Migration | Security Challenges
🔹 Introduction
The India–Bangladesh border, stretching over 4,000 km, is one of the longest in the world, with Assam sharing 262 km of this boundary. The Government of India has accelerated border fencing and smart surveillance projects to curb illegal migration, cross-border smuggling, and insurgent movement, while balancing the interests of borderland communities.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Border Length | India–Bangladesh: ~4,096 km; Assam: 262 km. |
| Fencing Progress | Physical fencing along porous riverine stretches being expedited. |
| Technology Use | Smart fencing (CIBMS – Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System). |
| Challenges | Riverine terrain, seasonal floods, erosion, shifting river courses. |
| Community Issues | Livelihoods of border residents, displacement due to fencing. |
| Strategic Importance | Controls illegal migration, cattle smuggling, infiltration. |
| Policy Link | Aligns with Act East Policy and national security strategy. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
India–Bangladesh Border: Fifth-longest international border in the world.
CIBMS: Uses sensors, radars, cameras, and command-control systems for “smart borders.”
Indo-Bangladesh Treaty of Friendship (1972) – Foundation of bilateral relations.
India–Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement (2015) – Resolved 68-year-old enclave exchange issue.
Border Security Force (BSF) – Guards the India–Bangladesh border.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Border Fencing
National Security – Prevents insurgent infiltration and arms trafficking.
Migration Control – Curb illegal immigration, demographic shifts.
Economic Security – Stops smuggling of cattle, drugs, and other contraband.
Regional Stability – Strengthens Indo-Bangladesh cooperation.
Socio-Cultural Protection – Preserves indigenous demography in border states like Assam.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Riverine Borders | Brahmaputra and its tributaries make fencing nearly impossible in stretches. |
| Erosion & Floods | Shifting river courses damage fencing repeatedly. |
| Local Livelihoods | Farmers lose access to cultivable land beyond the fence. |
| Diplomatic Sensitivity | Bangladesh’s concerns over human rights and border shootings. |
| Technology & Maintenance | High cost and manpower requirements for smart fencing. |
C. Govt Initiatives
CIBMS (Smart Fencing) – Pilot projects launched in Assam & Jammu.
Border Infrastructure Development – Roads, floodlights, and border outposts.
Land Boundary Agreement (2015) – Resolved major disputes, facilitating smoother fencing.
Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) – Joint patrols with Bangladesh.
PM Gati Shakti Plan – Integrated border infrastructure.
D. Way Forward
Hybrid Fencing – Combination of physical barriers and smart technology.
Riverine Security – Floating BOPs (Border Outposts) and river patrol boats.
Community-Centric Development – Skill programs, compensation, livelihood alternatives.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation – Joint river management, anti-smuggling efforts.
Human Rights Safeguards – Reduce border-related civilian casualties.
🧩 Conclusion
The India–Bangladesh border fencing in Assam is not just a matter of security, but also of human development and diplomacy. A balanced approach, integrating technology, infrastructure, and people-centric policies, can transform Assam’s borderlands into secure and prosperous gateways for India’s Act East Policy.
🚢 Inland Waterways Development in Assam: Unlocking Northeast Connectivity
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Transport | Economy
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Policies & Interventions | India–Neighbourhood Relations
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Brahmaputra & Barak River Navigation | Regional Trade
🔹 Introduction
Assam, blessed with the Brahmaputra and Barak river systems, holds immense potential for inland water transport (IWT). The government has recently fast-tracked projects to develop terminals, modern vessels, and river management systems, making waterways a sustainable alternative to road and rail transport in the Northeast.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Major Rivers | Brahmaputra (National Waterway-2), Barak (National Waterway-16). |
| Infrastructure Projects | New cargo terminals at Dibrugarh, Jogighopa, Pandu; passenger jetties in Majuli and Dhubri. |
| Strategic Role | Enhances connectivity with Bangladesh (Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade – PIWTT). |
| Economic Benefits | Reduces transport costs, boosts tea, coal, and agricultural exports. |
| Environmental Benefit | Low carbon footprint compared to road and rail. |
| Technology Integration | Digital tracking of vessels, dredging for navigability. |
| Funding | World Bank’s Assam Inland Water Transport Project (AIWTP), Sagarmala, and Act East Policy funds. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
National Waterway-2 (NW-2): Dhubri to Sadiya stretch of the Brahmaputra.
National Waterway-16 (NW-16): Barak River (Lakhipur to Bhanga).
PIWTT: Allows use of Bangladesh’s waterways for India’s Northeast connectivity.
Sagarmala Programme: Focused on port-led development.
IWAI (Inland Waterways Authority of India): Established in 1986, nodal body for IWT.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Inland Waterways in Assam
Trade & Commerce – Cheaper bulk cargo movement (tea, oil, cement).
Connectivity – Alternative to overburdened road and rail; links to Chittagong & Mongla ports in Bangladesh.
Tourism Potential – River cruises, eco-tourism along Brahmaputra.
Sustainability – Energy-efficient and eco-friendly transport.
Act East Policy – Enhances cross-border trade with Southeast Asia.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Siltation & River Dynamics | Brahmaputra’s shifting channels hinder navigation. |
| Seasonal Variation | Monsoon floods vs. dry-season low water. |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Lack of modern terminals, warehouses, cold chains. |
| Safety Concerns | Poor regulation of country boats and ferries. |
| Cross-Border Coordination | Dependence on Bangladesh for transit access. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Assam Inland Water Transport Project (AIWTP) – World Bank-funded modernisation of ferry services.
PIWTT with Bangladesh – Revised in 2020 to expand trade routes.
Sagarmala Programme – Port and terminal development in the Northeast.
SMART Ferries – Solar-electric ferries being piloted in Assam.
National Logistics Policy (2022) – Promotes multimodal integration.
D. Way Forward
River Training & Dredging – Scientific river management to ensure navigability.
Multimodal Hubs – Integration with rail, road, and air cargo systems.
Public–Private Partnerships – Encourage investment in terminals, vessels, and cruises.
Capacity Building – Training manpower for modern ferry and cargo operations.
Regional Diplomacy – Deepen cooperation with Bangladesh & ASEAN for water-based trade.
🧩 Conclusion
The development of inland waterways in Assam is not only a step toward economic efficiency but also a strategic necessity for the Northeast. With the right mix of infrastructure, technology, and regional cooperation, Assam can emerge as the gateway of India’s Act East Policy, leveraging its rivers for sustainable growth.
🏭 Assam’s Push for Green Energy Transition
📘 GS Paper 3: Energy | Environment | Economy
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Policies & Interventions | Climate Change
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Sustainable Development | Energy Security
🔹 Introduction
As part of India’s national target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, Assam has announced new projects in solar, bioenergy, and small hydropower, aiming to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The state is focusing on solar parks, rooftop installations, biomass utilisation, and ethanol blending, while also attracting private investment for a green industrial ecosystem.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Solar Mission | Large solar parks in Upper Assam; rooftop solar for Guwahati city. |
| Hydropower Projects | Small hydro (<25 MW) planned in hill districts. |
| Bioenergy | Biomass from rice husk, tea waste, and municipal solid waste. |
| Ethanol Blending | Targets aligned with 20% blending by 2025 (E20 policy). |
| Institutional Framework | Assam Renewable Energy Development Agency (AREDA). |
| Investment Push | PPP model for green hydrogen pilot projects. |
| Link to Climate Goals | Part of Assam’s Climate Action Plan (2025–2030). |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
National Solar Mission (2010) – Part of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
E20 Policy (2025) – Target: 20% ethanol blending in petrol.
Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme – Energy efficiency market mechanism.
National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023) – India aims to be a global hub for green hydrogen.
International Solar Alliance (ISA) – Launched by India and France in 2015.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Assam’s Green Energy Push
Energy Security – Reduces dependency on imported fossil fuels.
Environmental Benefits – Reduces carbon footprint in a biodiversity hotspot region.
Economic Growth – New industries in solar manufacturing, biomass, and ethanol.
Job Creation – Rural jobs in biomass, rooftop solar, and hydropower.
Regional Leadership – Positions Assam as a clean energy hub for the Northeast.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| High Initial Cost | Solar and hydrogen require significant upfront investment. |
| Grid Integration Issues | Renewable intermittency and weak transmission network. |
| Land Acquisition | Solar parks may face disputes in rural areas. |
| Technical Expertise | Lack of skilled manpower for new technologies. |
| Policy Uncertainty | Delays in subsidy disbursal and regulatory approvals. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Assam Solar Energy Policy (2017, updated 2025) – Rooftop solar targets.
Renewable Energy Development Fund – State incentives for private players.
National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023) – Assam planning pilot projects in refineries.
Biofuel Policy (2018) – Incentives for ethanol production from agri-waste.
Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) – Rural electrification via renewables.
D. Way Forward
Hybrid Models – Combine solar, hydro, and biomass for energy stability.
Microgrids for Villages – Renewable-based decentralised electrification.
Research & Innovation – Tie-ups with IIT Guwahati and Tezpur University.
Private Sector Participation – Encourage FDI and local entrepreneurs.
Community Awareness – Promote solar rooftops and biomass usage at household level.
🧩 Conclusion
Assam’s push for green energy transition aligns local development with global climate commitments. By investing in solar, bioenergy, and hydrogen, while addressing challenges of cost and infrastructure, the state can evolve into a sustainable energy hub, ensuring both economic growth and ecological balance.
🎓 Digital Education in Assam: NEP 2020 and Beyond
📘 GS Paper 2: Education | Government Policies & Interventions
📘 GS Paper 3: Science & Technology in Governance | Digital Divide
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Regional Education | ICT in Rural Assam
🔹 Introduction
Assam is accelerating its digital education initiatives in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on online learning platforms, digital classrooms, and teacher training. The government has launched schemes to bridge the digital divide in rural and tribal areas, ensuring inclusive education for the state’s diverse socio-economic groups.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| NEP 2020 Framework | Promotes digital learning and integration of technology in pedagogy. |
| Smart Classrooms | Expansion of ICT-enabled classrooms in government schools. |
| E-Content | Assam adapting NCERT DIKSHA portal into Assamese and tribal languages. |
| Teacher Training | Digital pedagogy training under PM eVIDYA scheme. |
| Higher Education | Digital universities and blended learning pilots at Gauhati & Dibrugarh universities. |
| Focus on Inclusion | Free tablets for poor students; internet connectivity in rural schools. |
| Funding | Supported by NEP grants, Digital India, and World Bank’s STARS project. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
DIKSHA Portal – Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing, NCERT-led initiative.
PM eVIDYA – One Nation, One Digital Platform; One Class, One TV Channel.
STARS Project – World Bank-supported education reform in six Indian states including Assam.
SWAYAM – Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) platform.
Digital India (2015) – Flagship mission to transform India into a digitally empowered society.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Digital Education in Assam
Bridges Regional Disparities – Access to quality resources in rural & tribal belts.
Promotes Equity – Inclusion of marginalised communities, girls, and first-generation learners.
Teacher Empowerment – Training for modern pedagogy and e-learning.
Higher Education Access – Blended learning reduces dropout in higher studies.
Resilience to Crises – Continuity of education during floods, pandemics.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Digital Divide | Poor internet penetration in hilly & char (riverine) areas. |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Lack of electricity and ICT facilities in remote schools. |
| Language Barriers | Content availability in Assamese & tribal dialects. |
| Teacher Preparedness | Limited exposure to digital pedagogy. |
| Equity Issues | Girls and poor students often deprived of digital access. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Digital India Mission – Infrastructure push for broadband & mobile internet.
NEP 2020 – Mainstreams ICT in pedagogy and higher education.
PM eVIDYA & DIKSHA – Free e-content, multi-language resources.
Assam Digital Classroom Scheme – State initiative for ICT-enabled teaching.
World Bank’s STARS Project – Strengthens teaching-learning processes in Assam.
D. Way Forward
Digital Infrastructure – Solar-powered ICT labs in off-grid schools.
Localized Content – Learning material in Bodo, Mishing, Karbi, and other tribal languages.
Public–Private Partnerships – Leverage EdTech start-ups for rural outreach.
Inclusive Access – Subsidized data plans and free devices for poor students.
Teacher Capacity Building – Continuous training on digital pedagogy.
🧩 Conclusion
Digital education in Assam is a transformative step under NEP 2020, ensuring equity, access, and quality. By addressing the digital divide and infrastructure gaps, the state can turn its educational challenges into opportunities, empowering youth and aligning Assam with India’s vision of a knowledge-driven economy.a hub of skilled manpower for India and Southeast Asia.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
1. India–Bangladesh Border Fencing in Assam
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the India–Bangladesh border:
- It is the longest international border that India shares with any country.
- Assam shares the maximum length of border with Bangladesh among the northeastern states.
- The 2015 Land Boundary Agreement resolved long-pending issues of enclaves between India and Bangladesh.
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: (c)
Explanation: The India–Bangladesh border (~4,096 km) is India’s fifth-longest border globally and longest for India, but Assam does not share the maximum length (Tripura does). The 2015 LBA did resolve enclave issues.
Q2. The Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), sometimes seen in the news, primarily relates to:
(a) Digital health infrastructure for rural areas
(b) Smart fencing and surveillance along international borders
(c) Blockchain-enabled supply chain monitoring
(d) Online system for monitoring forest resources
Answer: (b)
Explanation: CIBMS is about electronic surveillance and smart fencing to strengthen border security.
2. Inland Waterways Development in Assam
Q3. Which of the following are correctly matched?
| National Waterway | River/Stretch | Location |
| NW-1 | Ganga (Haldia–Allahabad) | UP, Bihar, West Bengal |
| NW-2 | Brahmaputra (Dhubri–Sadiya) | Assam |
| NW-16 | Barak (Lakhipur–Bhanga) | Assam |
Select the correct code:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only
Answer: (c)
Explanation: All three match correctly; Assam’s waterways are NW-2 and NW-16.
Q4. The Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT), often in news, is a bilateral agreement between:
(a) India and Nepal
(b) India and Myanmar
(c) India and Bangladesh
(d) India and Bhutan
Answer: (c)
Explanation: PIWTT facilitates India’s Northeast trade using Bangladesh’s waterways.
3. Assam’s Green Energy Transition
Q5. Which of the following initiatives are associated with renewable energy in India?
- National Solar Mission
- Green Hydrogen Mission
- E20 Ethanol Blending Policy
- UDAY Scheme
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a)
Explanation: UDAY (Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana) is for power distribution reforms, not directly renewable energy.
Q6. In the context of Assam’s green energy projects, which of the following is/are considered biomass sources?
- Rice husk
- Tea waste
- Municipal solid waste
- Natural gas
Select the correct code:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Biomass includes agricultural and organic waste; natural gas is fossil fuel, not biomass.
4. Digital Education in Assam under NEP 2020
Q7. Which of the following correctly describes the DIKSHA platform?
(a) A government portal for tracking employment under MGNREGA
(b) A digital infrastructure for school education resources
(c) A national health portal for COVID-19 vaccination
(d) A citizen portal for grievance redressal
Answer: (b)
Explanation: DIKSHA is NCERT-led digital education infrastructure.
Q8. With reference to the STARS Project, consider the following statements:
- It is supported by the World Bank.
- Assam is one of the states covered under this project.
- Its primary objective is improving quality and governance in school education.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: STARS (Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States) is a World Bank-supported project, includes Assam, and aims at improving school education outcomes.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Question (GS Paper 2 – Education, Governance)
“Digital education initiatives in Assam under NEP 2020 offer both opportunities and challenges. Discuss their significance, limitations, and suggest measures to bridge the digital divide in the state.”
Answer
🔹 Introduction
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasises technology-enabled learning to achieve equity, quality, and access. Assam, a state with diverse geography and socio-economic gaps, has launched several initiatives like ICT-enabled classrooms, localized e-content, and DIKSHA integration. While these efforts strengthen educational access, challenges of digital divide, infrastructure, and teacher preparedness remain.
🔹 Significance of Digital Education in Assam
- Equitable Access – Enables rural and tribal students to access national-level resources.
- Localized Learning – Assamese and tribal language content improves inclusivity.
- Continuity in Crisis – Ensures learning during floods, pandemics, and disruptions.
- Higher Education Integration – Digital universities and blended learning in Gauhati & Dibrugarh.
- Skill Development – Enhances employability through online technical and vocational training.
🔹 Challenges
| Category | Issues |
| Digital Divide | Poor internet penetration in hilly, rural, and riverine areas. |
| Infrastructure Deficit | Electricity and ICT facilities lacking in many schools. |
| Teacher Preparedness | Many teachers lack training in digital pedagogy. |
| Equity Concerns | Girls, tribal students, and poorer sections face access barriers. |
| Language Gap | Limited availability of e-content in Bodo, Karbi, Mishing, etc. |
🔹 Govt Initiatives
- DIKSHA Platform – Digital resources in Assamese & other languages.
- PM eVIDYA – One Nation, One Digital Platform, One Class One TV Channel.
- STARS Project (World Bank) – Strengthens school education in Assam.
- Assam Digital Classroom Scheme – ICT-enabled classrooms.
- NEP 2020 Roadmap – Blended learning, digital universities, and e-content creation.
🔹 Way Forward
- Infrastructure Expansion – Solar-powered ICT labs in off-grid rural schools.
- Localized E-Content – Multi-language resources covering tribal dialects.
- Public–Private Partnerships – Collaboration with EdTech firms for rural outreach.
- Teacher Training – Continuous capacity-building in digital pedagogy.
- Subsidized Access – Free devices and affordable internet for disadvantaged students.
- Monitoring & Feedback – Regular assessments to ensure effectiveness.
🔹 Conclusion
Digital education in Assam under NEP 2020 is a transformative reform, bridging gaps in access and quality. However, its success depends on addressing the digital divide through infrastructure, inclusivity, and teacher empowerment. With holistic implementation, Assam can leverage digital learning to build an equitable, skilled, and future-ready workforce.ng in India’s northeast. resource management.
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