APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (26/12/2024)
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 (26-12-2024). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
1. Assam Police’s ‘Operation Praghat’ to Curb Fundamentalist Activities
GS Paper 3: Internal Security, Terrorism, and Governance
Introduction
Assam Police’s ‘Operation Praghat’ is a targeted initiative to dismantle fundamentalist networks in the state. This operation highlights Assam’s growing focus on internal security and combating organized terror modules.
Key Points
- Objective of the Operation:
- Eliminate modules of fundamentalist groups operating in Assam and neighboring states.
- Strengthen state and national security.
- Recent Developments:
- Arrest of two fundamentalists in Kokrajhar district based on information from previously arrested suspects linked to Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT).
- Seizure of arms, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
- Significance of the Operation:
- Prevented a planned major act of terror in Assam.
- Demonstrates effective intelligence-sharing and operational efficiency of Assam Police.
- Challenges in Combating Fundamentalism:
- Cross-border infiltration and support networks.
- Lack of local awareness about radicalization patterns.
Prelims Pointers
- Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT): An affiliate of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).
- IED Components: Use of iron cases and agricultural equipment for making explosives.
- Kokrajhar District: A region with past instances of extremism and ethnic conflict.
Mains Pointers
Importance of Counter-Terrorism Operations
- Enhanced Security:
- Prevents terror acts, ensuring public safety and stability.
- Reinforces public confidence in law enforcement.
- National Integrity:
- Dismantles networks threatening internal peace.
- Secures vulnerable regions like the Northeast, which are critical to India’s geopolitics.
Challenges in Implementation
- Cross-Border Dynamics:
- Assam’s proximity to Bangladesh enables infiltration and recruitment.
- Resource Constraints:
- Limited manpower and technology for surveillance in remote areas.
- Community Trust:
- Countering local perceptions of biased enforcement against specific groups.
Government Initiatives
- Modernization of Police Forces (MPF): Focus on upgrading equipment and training.
- Border Security Programs: Collaborations with BSF and central agencies.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Intelligence Networks:
- Develop grassroots-level intelligence and use advanced surveillance tools.
- Community Policing:
- Engage with local communities to gain trust and identify early signs of radicalization.
- Cross-Border Collaboration:
- Collaborate with Bangladesh to curb infiltration and dismantle terror hubs.
Conclusion
‘Operation Praghat’ underlines Assam’s proactive measures in securing the state against fundamentalist threats. With continued focus on intelligence, community engagement, and inter-agency coordination, Assam can ensure sustained peace and security while addressing emerging challenges.
2. Assam’s Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Program
GS Paper 2: Health, Governance, and Social Justice
Introduction
Assam has launched a Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Program (MSNP) to combat malnutrition and anemia, particularly among women and children. The program integrates efforts from various sectors, including health, education, and rural development, to improve nutritional outcomes and health indicators.
Key Points
- Objectives of the Program:
- Reduce malnutrition prevalence among children under five by 15% by 2030.
- Address anemia in adolescent girls, targeting a reduction to below 30%.
- Improve access to fortified foods and nutritional supplements.
- Current Scenario:
- Assam’s National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) indicates that 35% of children are underweight, and 51% of women are anemic.
- Rural areas, particularly in Barpeta, Goalpara, and Kokrajhar, report higher malnutrition rates.
- Strategies and Implementation:
- Convergence Approach: Combines resources and initiatives across health, education, and rural development sectors.
- Nutrition Gardens: Promotes the cultivation of nutrient-rich crops in schools and anganwadi centers.
- Fortified Food Distribution: Introduces iron- and folic acid-fortified rice in public distribution systems (PDS).
- Monitoring and Evaluation:
- District-level Nutrition Committees to oversee program implementation.
- Real-time data collection to track progress and adapt strategies.
Prelims Pointers
- NFHS-5 (Assam): 35% of children under five are stunted; 51% of women are anemic.
- Nutrition Gardens: Plots dedicated to growing vegetables and fruits for local consumption.
- Iron-Fortified Rice: Distributed under the PDS to address anemia.
Mains Pointers
Significance of MSNP
- Health and Well-being:
- Improves maternal and child health outcomes, reducing infant and maternal mortality rates.
- Addresses hidden hunger caused by micronutrient deficiencies.
- Economic Impact:
- Enhances productivity and learning outcomes by reducing malnutrition-related health issues.
- Promotes rural livelihoods through nutrition gardens and local food production.
- Gender Equality:
- Focuses on adolescent girls and women, empowering them with better health and nutritional knowledge.
Challenges in Implementation
- Geographical Accessibility:
- Remote and flood-prone areas hinder the delivery of fortified foods and supplements.
- Behavioral Barriers:
- Lack of awareness about nutrition and dietary diversity in rural communities.
- Resource Gaps:
- Limited funding for scaling up initiatives like fortified food distribution and nutrition gardens.
Government Initiatives
- Poshan Abhiyaan: Nationwide program for nutritional improvement.
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS): Includes iron and folic acid supplements for schoolchildren.
- Fortification Standards by FSSAI: Ensures quality control of fortified foods.
Way Forward
- Strengthening Awareness Campaigns:
- Leverage digital platforms and local media to promote nutritional education.
- Expanding Nutrition Gardens:
- Encourage community participation to sustain these gardens in schools and anganwadis.
- Enhanced Monitoring Systems:
- Use technology to track beneficiaries and ensure efficient delivery of services.
Conclusion
The Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Program in Assam reflects a holistic approach to tackling malnutrition and anemia. By integrating resources, addressing behavioral barriers, and promoting innovative solutions like fortified foods, the state can achieve significant improvements in public health and socio-economic well-being.
3. Assam’s Green Hydrogen Initiative
GS Paper 3: Environment, Renewable Energy, and Economy
Introduction
The Assam government has announced its first Green Hydrogen Policy, aiming to position the state as a hub for green hydrogen production. This aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, focusing on decarbonization, energy independence, and industrial development.
Key Points
- Objective of the Policy:
- Promote the production and use of green hydrogen in industrial, transportation, and energy sectors.
- Attract investment to build a robust green hydrogen ecosystem in Assam.
- Key Features of Assam’s Green Hydrogen Policy:
- Incentives for green hydrogen producers, including subsidies and tax benefits.
- Allocation of land and infrastructure for hydrogen production facilities in Guwahati, Tinsukia, and Dibrugarh.
- Promotion of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to scale up production and usage.
- Strategic Importance of Green Hydrogen:
- Provides an alternative to fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions.
- Supports Assam’s petrochemical and fertilizer industries with cleaner energy sources.
- Positions Assam as a key player in India’s renewable energy transition.
Prelims Pointers
- Green Hydrogen: Produced using renewable energy sources and water electrolysis.
- National Green Hydrogen Mission: Aims for India to become a global leader in green hydrogen production and export.
- Potential Sectors: Includes industries like steel, refineries, fertilizers, and transportation.
Mains Pointers
Significance of Assam’s Green Hydrogen Initiative
- Economic Growth:
- Encourages investment in renewable energy infrastructure.
- Boosts employment in emerging green technologies.
- Environmental Impact:
- Reduces dependence on coal and oil, cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
- Promotes sustainable development in industries like fertilizers and petrochemicals.
- Energy Security:
- Reduces reliance on imported fuels, promoting energy independence.
- Enhances Assam’s contribution to India’s renewable energy goals.
Challenges
- High Initial Costs:
- Setting up green hydrogen production units requires significant capital investment.
- Lack of Infrastructure:
- Limited availability of hydrogen storage and transportation systems.
- Technological Barriers:
- Electrolysis and storage technologies are still in the early stages of development.
Government Initiatives
- Subsidies and Tax Benefits: Financial incentives for green hydrogen producers.
- Hydrogen Corridors: Proposed to facilitate transport and storage in key industrial zones.
- Collaboration with Central Policies: Aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission for seamless integration.
Way Forward
- Infrastructure Development:
- Build hydrogen refueling stations and storage facilities.
- Technology Transfer:
- Collaborate with global leaders in green hydrogen technology.
- Awareness and Training:
- Upskill the workforce to support hydrogen-based industries.
Conclusion
Assam’s Green Hydrogen Policy underscores its commitment to environmental sustainability and economic transformation. By addressing infrastructure and cost challenges, the state can become a frontrunner in India’s renewable energy sector, fostering growth and energy security.
4. Assam’s Digital Land Records Modernization Program
GS Paper 2: Governance and E-Governance
Introduction
The Assam government has launched the Digital Land Records Modernization Program to digitize and streamline land administration. This initiative aims to resolve land disputes, enhance transparency, and boost ease of doing business in the state.
Key Points
- Objectives of the Program:
- Digitize all land records, including cadastral maps and ownership details.
- Create a unified digital database accessible to citizens and government authorities.
- Key Features:
- Integration of GIS technology for accurate mapping.
- Development of a citizen portal for accessing land records online.
- Special task forces to oversee the updating and verification of legacy land records.
- Current Progress:
- Over 60% of land records in urban and peri-urban areas have been digitized.
- Pilot projects launched in Kamrup, Jorhat, and Barpeta districts.
- Benefits:
- Resolves land disputes, which constitute 75% of civil litigation cases in Assam.
- Enhances transparency and reduces corruption in land transactions.
- Facilitates investment by providing clear titles to industrial and agricultural land.
Prelims Pointers
- Cadastral Maps: Detailed maps showing property boundaries and ownership.
- Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP): A central initiative supporting state-level land digitization.
- GIS Technology: Geographic Information System used for precise mapping and analysis.
Mains Pointers
Significance of Land Records Digitization
- Governance and Transparency:
- Reduces manual errors and corruption in land administration.
- Provides secure and accessible records for citizens and businesses.
- Economic Benefits:
- Improves ease of doing business by ensuring clear land titles.
- Encourages investments in agriculture, real estate, and industries.
- Dispute Resolution:
- Minimizes land-related disputes by ensuring accurate and updated records.
Challenges
- Legacy Data Issues:
- Incomplete and outdated records require significant effort to digitize.
- Technical Barriers:
- Lack of skilled personnel for GIS mapping and digital database management.
- Public Awareness:
- Limited understanding among rural populations about digital land records.
Government Initiatives
- Citizen Facilitation Centers: Set up in key districts to assist with digital record access.
- Capacity Building: Training programs for officials on digital tools and technologies.
- Central-State Collaboration: Aligning state efforts with DILRMP for funding and technical support.
Way Forward
- Complete Digitization:
- Prioritize digitization in rural and tribal areas to address long-standing disputes.
- Public Awareness Campaigns:
- Educate citizens about the benefits of digital land records.
- Technology Integration:
- Use blockchain technology for secure and tamper-proof record storage.
Conclusion
The Digital Land Records Modernization Program in Assam is a transformative initiative for improving governance and resolving land disputes. By leveraging technology and ensuring public participation, the state can create a transparent and efficient land administration system, driving economic and social development.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
1. Assam Police’s ‘Operation Praghat’
Question 1: What is the primary objective of Assam Police’s ‘Operation Praghat’?
A. Countering organized crime syndicates
B. Dismantling fundamentalist networks
C. Combating drug trafficking in Assam
D. Resolving ethnic conflicts in border regions
Answer: B. Dismantling fundamentalist networks
Explanation: Operation Praghat focuses on eliminating fundamentalist modules and enhancing state security, especially against groups like Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT).
Question 2: Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), recently linked to terror activities in Assam, is an affiliate of which global terror organization?
A. Islamic State (ISIS)
B. Taliban
C. Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS)
D. Lashkar-e-Taiba
Answer: C. Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS)
Explanation: ABT is affiliated with AQIS and has been involved in radicalization and terror activities in the region.
2. Assam’s Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Program (MSNP)
Question 3: Which of the following measures is NOT part of Assam’s Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Program?
A. Distribution of iron-fortified rice
B. Setting up Nutrition Gardens
C. Providing direct cash transfers to pregnant women
D. Convergence of resources from multiple sectors
Answer: C. Providing direct cash transfers to pregnant women
Explanation: The MSNP focuses on fortified foods, nutrition gardens, and multi-sectoral convergence but does not include direct cash transfers as a measure.
Question 4: According to NFHS-5, what percentage of women in Assam are anemic?
A. 35%
B. 45%
C. 51%
D. 60%
Answer: C. 51%
Explanation: NFHS-5 data indicates that 51% of women in Assam are anemic, highlighting the need for nutritional interventions.
3. Assam’s Green Hydrogen Initiative
Question 5: Green hydrogen is primarily produced through which process?
A. Electrolysis of water using renewable energy
B. Cracking of natural gas
C. Combustion of biomass
D. High-pressure liquefaction of methane
Answer: A. Electrolysis of water using renewable energy
Explanation: Green hydrogen is produced via water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources, making it environmentally sustainable.
Question 6: Under Assam’s Green Hydrogen Policy, which sectors are targeted for adopting green hydrogen?
- Steel and petrochemical industries
- Fertilizer production
- Public transportation
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Answer: D. 1, 2, and 3
Explanation: Assam’s Green Hydrogen Policy promotes adoption in industries like steel, petrochemicals, fertilizers, and transportation to reduce carbon emissions.
4. Assam’s Digital Land Records Modernization Program
Question 7: Which technology is being used for land mapping under Assam’s Digital Land Records Modernization Program?
A. Blockchain
B. GIS (Geographic Information System)
C. IoT (Internet of Things)
D. Satellite imagery only
Answer: B. GIS (Geographic Information System)
Explanation: GIS is used for accurate mapping of land records, enabling transparency and resolving disputes.
Question 8: What percentage of land records in urban and peri-urban areas of Assam have been digitized as of December 2024?
A. 40%
B. 50%
C. 60%
D. 75%
Answer: C. 60%Explanation: The Assam government has digitized 60% of land records in urban and peri-urban areas, focusing on improving governance.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Topic: Assam’s Digital Land Records Modernization Program
Question:
Digitization of land records is a critical step toward ensuring transparency, reducing disputes, and promoting ease of doing business. Examine the significance of Assam’s Digital Land Records Modernization Program and discuss the challenges and measures to make it more effective. (250 words)
Model Answer
Introduction
The Assam Digital Land Records Modernization Program aims to digitize all land records to enhance transparency and governance. This initiative, part of the national Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), addresses long-standing issues like land disputes and lack of clear ownership.
Significance of the Program
- Transparency in Land Administration:
- Reduces corruption and manipulation in manual land records.
- Provides secure and tamper-proof access to ownership details.
- Dispute Resolution:
- Land disputes constitute 75% of civil cases in Assam; digitization minimizes errors and overlaps.
- Ease of Doing Business:
- Clear land titles attract investments in agriculture, real estate, and industries.
- Facilitates faster processing of land-related transactions.
- Citizen Empowerment:
- Enables citizens to access land records online, reducing dependency on intermediaries.
Challenges
- Legacy Issues:
- Incomplete or outdated land records require verification before digitization.
- Technical and Resource Constraints:
- Lack of trained personnel for GIS mapping and database management.
- Public Awareness:
- Rural populations often remain unaware of the benefits of digitized records.
Way Forward
- Complete Coverage:
- Prioritize digitization in rural and tribal areas to include all stakeholders.
- Public Awareness Campaigns:
- Use local languages to educate citizens about accessing and using digital records.
- Technology Integration:
- Leverage blockchain for tamper-proof records and AI for detecting inconsistencies.
- Capacity Building:
- Train local government officials and citizens in using digital platforms effectively.
Conclusion
The Digital Land Records Modernization Program is a transformative initiative for Assam, promoting transparency and economic growth. Addressing technical and resource gaps while ensuring public awareness will make the program more inclusive and effective, fostering trust in governance.
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