APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (27/08/2025)
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 (27-08-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🌾 Assam’s Agricultural Export Push under APEDA
📘 GS Paper 3: Economy | Agriculture | Exports
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Policies & Interventions
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Agricultural Development | Regional Trade
🔹 Introduction
Assam, endowed with fertile land and unique agro-climatic conditions, is being positioned as an agri-export hub of the Northeast. Under the guidance of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Assam is focusing on exporting rice, tea, ginger, pineapple, and other niche products to global markets, aligning with India’s broader export promotion strategies.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Nodal Agency | APEDA (under Ministry of Commerce & Industry). |
| Export Focus Products | Tea, Joha rice, ginger, turmeric, pineapple, bamboo products. |
| Agri-Export Zones | Assam included in Northeast Agri-Export Strategy. |
| Infrastructure Push | Pack houses, cold storage, quality testing labs. |
| Market Access | Targeting Middle East, EU, and ASEAN under Act East Policy. |
| Farmer Benefits | Better prices, training in global quality standards. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
APEDA – Statutory body under Ministry of Commerce, established in 1986.
GI Tags in Assam – Joha rice, Boka Chaul, Tezpur Litchi, Assam Orthodox Tea.
Act East Policy – Enhances connectivity and trade with ASEAN nations.
Operation Greens – Scheme for stabilizing prices of perishable crops.
One District One Product (ODOP) – Export-linked promotion of unique district crops.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Agricultural Export Push
Boost to Farmers – Higher income via global value chains.
Employment Generation – Agri-processing industries create jobs.
Regional Trade Integration – Leverages proximity to ASEAN markets.
Brand Assam – Promotes cultural identity through tea, rice, fruits.
Diversification – Reduces over-dependence on domestic markets.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Logistics Bottlenecks | Poor road, cold chain, and port infrastructure. |
| Quality Certification | Global SPS (Sanitary & Phytosanitary) standards difficult for small farmers. |
| Market Volatility | Price fluctuations in tea, ginger. |
| Awareness Gap | Farmers lack knowledge of export standards. |
| Geopolitical Risks | Trade barriers and non-tariff measures abroad. |
C. Govt Initiatives
APEDA Training Programs – On global quality, packaging, branding.
Krishi Udaan Scheme – Air cargo support for perishable exports.
PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM-FME).
Export Infrastructure Schemes – Pack houses, cold storages in Assam.
NE Agri-Export Strategy (2020) – Dedicated roadmap for NE region exports.
D. Way Forward
Integrated Value Chains – Connect farmers to processors and exporters.
Digital Platforms – eNAM integration for export-ready farmers.
Infrastructure Investment – Cold storage, testing labs, cargo terminals.
GI Branding – Promote Assam’s unique crops internationally.
ASEAN Trade Partnerships – Use Act East Policy for regional markets.
🧩 Conclusion
Assam’s agri-export potential is a key driver for both farmer prosperity and India’s trade diversification. With strong institutional support from APEDA, Act East connectivity, and local GI branding, Assam can become a gateway for agro-trade between India and Southeast Asia, ensuring inclusive growth for its farmers.
🚇 Guwahati Metro Rail Project: Towards Sustainable Urban Mobility
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Urban Transport | Environment
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Policies & Interventions | Urban Governance
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Urban Development in Assam
🔹 Introduction
With rapid urbanisation, Guwahati is facing challenges of traffic congestion, pollution, and inefficient public transport. To address these, the state government has revived plans for the Guwahati Metro Rail Project, aligning it with the National Urban Transport Policy and the Smart Cities Mission. The project is expected to transform Guwahati into a modern, sustainable, and accessible urban hub for the Northeast.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Planned by | Assam Govt + Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs |
| Length (Phase I) | ~61 km across North & South Guwahati |
| Corridors | Jalukbari–Narengi, Khanapara–ISBT, Maligaon–Panbazar |
| Funding Model | PPP + Multilateral agencies (ADB, JICA under consideration) |
| Benefits | Reduced congestion, eco-friendly transport, urban integration |
| Timeline | DPR under review; construction expected to start 2026 |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
First Metro in India – Kolkata (1984).
National Urban Transport Policy (2006) – Promotes sustainable, public transport-centric urban growth.
Smart Cities Mission – Guwahati is among 100 smart cities selected in India.
Metro Rail Policy (2017) – Mandates economic viability and PPP participation.
Global Example – Bangkok Skytrain, Manila LRT, etc. – serve as models for river cities.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Guwahati Metro Project
Decongests Roads – Reduces vehicle load on already saturated corridors.
Eco-Friendly – Electric, mass rapid transit reduces emissions.
Economic Growth – Boosts real estate, retail, and tourism.
Regional Connectivity – Establishes Guwahati as gateway metro city of NE India.
Social Inclusion – Affordable mobility for daily commuters.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| High Cost | Estimated cost ~₹15,000–20,000 crore, funding hurdles. |
| Land Acquisition | Densely populated city areas may face displacement issues. |
| Flood Risks | Brahmaputra’s hydrology complicates underground/riverfront routes. |
| Operational Viability | Passenger load may not match initial cost. |
| Urban Planning Gaps | Need for integration with buses, waterways, and e-rickshaws. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Metro Rail Policy 2017 – Framework for financial and technical approvals.
National Transit Oriented Development Policy – Ensures metro integrates with housing/commerce.
Smart Cities Mission – Guwahati – Urban mobility improvement.
ADB/JICA Discussions – Funding under India’s multilateral partnerships.
D. Way Forward
Multimodal Integration – Link metro with water transport, buses, e-rickshaws.
Phased Implementation – Start with high-density corridors.
Green Technology – Use solar-powered stations, rainwater harvesting.
Public–Private Partnerships – Incentivise real estate & commercial tie-ups.
Resilience Planning – Design infrastructure keeping Brahmaputra floods in mind.
🧩 Conclusion
The Guwahati Metro Rail Project is more than just a transport solution—it represents a paradigm shift in urban planning for Assam. If implemented with financial prudence, inclusivity, and resilience, Guwahati can emerge as a model of sustainable urban mobility for other Northeastern cities.
🌊 Flood Management in Assam: Need for a Holistic Strategy
📘 GS Paper 3: Disaster Management | Environment | Infrastructure
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Centre–State Relations
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Floods, Disaster Preparedness in Assam
🔹 Introduction
Assam faces recurring floods due to the dynamic nature of the Brahmaputra and Barak river systems, intense monsoon rainfall, deforestation, and siltation. In 2025, fresh concerns have been raised as large-scale inundation affected lakhs of people across several districts, highlighting the urgent need for a holistic flood management strategy that goes beyond short-term relief measures.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Cause of Floods | Heavy rainfall, Brahmaputra’s sediment load, embankment breaches, deforestation in catchments. |
| Affected Districts | Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Barpeta, Morigaon, Majuli, Cachar, etc. |
| Human Impact | Displacement of lakhs, crop loss, erosion of riverbanks, infrastructure damage. |
| Economic Impact | Loss of agriculture, fisheries, transport disruption, public health crises. |
| Recent Concern | Government pressed for comprehensive basin-wide planning with central support. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Brahmaputra Board Act (1980) – Created Brahmaputra Board for flood control, river basin planning.
Majuli Island – World’s largest river island, highly vulnerable to erosion.
Rashtriya Barh Ayog (1980) – National Commission on Floods, recommended basin-level management.
Flood-prone Area of Assam – ~39% of state area, compared to 10.2% national average.
NDMA Guidelines (2008) – Emphasize mitigation, early warning, and community preparedness.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Flood Management
Human Security – Protects lives, livelihoods, and property.
Agriculture Stability – Ensures resilience for crop cultivation.
Economic Growth – Minimizes infrastructure and trade disruption.
Environmental Protection – Safeguards wetlands, wildlife habitats (e.g., Kaziranga).
Social Equity – Prevents marginalization of flood-hit poor communities.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Embankment-Centric Approach | Embankments often breach due to poor maintenance. |
| Siltation | Brahmaputra carries high sediment load, raising riverbeds. |
| Erosion | Loss of agricultural land and displacement of villages. |
| Climate Change | Intensifies rainfall and glacial melt in Himalayas. |
| Institutional Coordination | Lack of synergy among Water Resources Dept., Brahmaputra Board, NDMA. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Brahmaputra Board (1980) – Basin planning and embankment projects.
Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP, 2021–26) – Funding for flood control projects.
Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) – Relief and preparedness.
River Basin Management Approach – Proposed by NITI Aayog.
International Collaboration – Data-sharing with China on upstream Brahmaputra rainfall.
D. Way Forward
Basin-wide Management – Integrated approach across Assam, Arunachal, and neighbouring states.
Eco-Engineering Solutions – Wetland restoration, afforestation in catchments.
Modern Technology – Satellite-based flood forecasting, GIS mapping.
Strengthening Infrastructure – Climate-resilient embankments, river training works.
Community-Centric Planning – Local disaster preparedness, flood-resilient housing.
Regional Cooperation – Engage Bhutan and China on upstream water flows.
🧩 Conclusion
Floods in Assam are not just a seasonal disaster but a structural challenge rooted in geography, climate, and governance. A holistic flood management strategy, combining engineering, ecological restoration, and regional cooperation, is the only sustainable path to ensure resilient development in Assam.
🏥 Assam’s Public Health Infrastructure: Strengthening for Universal Health Coverage
📘 GS Paper 2: Health | Governance | Welfare Schemes
📘 GS Paper 3: Inclusive Growth | Social Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Health Challenges in Assam
🔹 Introduction
Public health infrastructure in Assam is critical given the state’s high disease burden from communicable and non-communicable diseases, recurrent floods, and difficult terrain. Recent reports highlight shortage of doctors, inadequate infrastructure, and unequal access in rural/tribal areas, emphasizing the need for a robust strategy to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in line with the National Health Policy, 2017 and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Current Situation | Assam faces high maternal and infant mortality rates, malnutrition, and vector-borne diseases. |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Shortage of PHCs, CHCs, and district hospitals with modern facilities. |
| Human Resources | Doctor-patient ratio lower than national average; lack of specialists. |
| Disease Burden | Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, TB, cancer (especially in tea garden areas), rising lifestyle diseases. |
| Government Focus | Strengthening health facilities under Ayushman Bharat and Assam-specific schemes. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Ayushman Bharat (2018) – Two components: Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs) + PM-JAY insurance.
National Health Policy, 2017 – Aim: Achieve UHC, increase health spending to 2.5% of GDP.
SDG 3 Targets – Reduce maternal mortality to <70/100,000 live births; end epidemics.
Tea Garden Health Issues – High incidence of malnutrition, anaemia, and cancer.
Assam Cancer Care Foundation (2018) – State + Tata Trust initiative for oncology centres.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Strengthening Health Infrastructure
Equity in Access – Reduces rural–urban health disparity.
Disaster Resilience – Prepares for floods, epidemics, pandemics.
Human Capital Development – Healthy population = productive workforce.
Regional Integration – Assam as medical hub for NE states.
Trust in Governance – Public health is a marker of welfare state.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Infrastructure Deficit | Many PHCs lack labs, beds, medicines. |
| Manpower Shortage | Doctor-population ratio in Assam ~1:1,800 (WHO norm: 1:1,000). |
| Disease Diversity | Flood-related epidemics + rising lifestyle diseases. |
| Financial Constraints | Health spending low compared to demand. |
| Cultural Barriers | In tribal areas, traditional healers often preferred. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Ayushman Bharat – PM-JAY – ₹5 lakh insurance cover for poor families.
Assam Cancer Care Foundation – 17 cancer hospitals planned across state.
Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) – Health infra strengthening.
Tea Garden Worker Health Schemes – Special interventions for nutrition and cancer screening.
Telemedicine Projects – ICT-based rural health access.
D. Way Forward
Infrastructure Expansion – Upgrade PHCs to 24×7 centres with diagnostics.
Manpower Reforms – Incentives for doctors in rural postings.
Digital Health – Strengthen e-Sanjeevani and telemedicine.
Community Engagement – Involve ASHA workers, NGOs, local panchayats.
Preventive Health – Nutrition programs, vaccination drives, lifestyle awareness.
PPP Model – Leverage private hospitals & NGOs for specialized care.
🧩 Conclusion
For Assam, healthcare is not only a social need but an economic necessity. Strengthening health infrastructure with a focus on equity, resilience, and inclusivity can transform Assam into a healthcare hub of Northeast India, fulfilling both state and national goals of Universal Health Coverage.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
Topic 1: Assam’s Agricultural Export Push under APEDA
Q1. (Multiple Choice – UPSC style)
Which of the following agricultural products of Assam have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags?
- Joha rice
- Boka Chaul
- Tezpur Litchi
- Assam Orthodox Tea
Select the correct answer using the code below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2 and 3 only
c) 2 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation: Assam has multiple GI-tagged products like Joha rice, Boka Chaul, Tezpur Litchi, and Assam Orthodox Tea, which boost its agri-export branding.
Q2. (Match the Following)
Match the following APEDA-linked export initiatives with their features:
| Initiative | Feature |
| Operation Greens | Price stabilisation of perishable crops |
| ODOP Scheme | District-specific crop promotion |
| Krishi Udaan | Air cargo support for perishables |
Correct Match: All are correctly matched.
Topic 2: Guwahati Metro Rail Project
Q3. (Statement-based Question)
Consider the following statements about metro rail projects in India:
- The first metro project in India was inaugurated in Delhi in 2002.
- Metro Rail Policy (2017) makes economic viability and PPP participation mandatory for new projects.
- Guwahati has been selected under the Smart Cities Mission.
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: b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: The first metro was in Kolkata (1984), not Delhi. Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
Q4. (Assertion–Reason)
Assertion (A): The Guwahati Metro Project is expected to reduce urban congestion and pollution.
Reason (R): Metro systems run entirely on renewable energy sources in India.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: c) A is true, but R is false.
Explanation: While metro reduces congestion, not all Indian metros run entirely on renewable energy.
Topic 3: Flood Management in Assam
Q5. (Multiple Choice – UPSC trend)
Which of the following are causes of recurring floods in Assam?
- High sediment load of the Brahmaputra
- Frequent embankment breaches
- Glacial melt from the Himalayas
- Deforestation in catchment areas
Select the correct code:
a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
d) 1 and 3 only
Answer: c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation: All listed factors contribute to Assam’s recurring floods.
Q6. (Pairing Question)
Match the following institutions/reports with their relevance to flood management in Assam:
| Institution/Report | Relevance |
| Rashtriya Barh Ayog (1980) | Recommended basin-level flood management |
| Brahmaputra Board (1980) | River basin planning and flood control |
| NDMA Guidelines (2008) | Emphasized disaster preparedness |
Correct Match: All correctly paired.
Topic 4: Assam’s Public Health Infrastructure
Q7. (Statement-based Question)
Consider the following statements regarding health in Assam:
- Assam has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios (MMR) in India.
- The Assam Cancer Care Foundation is a joint initiative of the State Government and Tata Trusts.
- The doctor-patient ratio in Assam is above the WHO norm of 1:1000.
Which of the above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Statement 3 is incorrect — Assam’s doctor-patient ratio is worse than WHO standards.
Q8. (UPSC ‘Not Correct’ Pattern)
Which of the following is NOT correctly matched with its purpose?
| Scheme | Purpose |
| PM-JAY | Health insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family |
| PM-ABHIM | Infrastructure strengthening in health sector |
| Operation Greens | Universal immunization coverage |
| Ayushman Bharat HWCs | Comprehensive primary health services |
Answer: Operation Greens – Universal immunization coverage (incorrect).
Explanation: Operation Greens is related to perishable crop price stabilisation, not immunization.at improving school education outcomes.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Q. Recurring floods in Assam highlight the limitations of the embankment-centric approach. Discuss the need for a holistic flood management strategy with reference to institutional, ecological, and technological dimensions.
Introduction
Floods in Assam are an annual phenomenon, affecting nearly 39% of the state’s geographical area—the highest in India. The Brahmaputra and Barak river systems, coupled with heavy monsoons, siltation, and embankment failures, make floods a structural disaster. Despite decades of embankment construction, the persistence of devastation shows the need for a comprehensive and multi-dimensional strategy for flood management.
Body
1. Limitations of the Embankment-Centric Approach
- Embankments breach frequently due to poor maintenance and excessive silt load.
- They create a false sense of security, leading to settlements in vulnerable areas.
- Riverbed aggradation due to siltation reduces carrying capacity, worsening floods.
2. Need for a Holistic Strategy
a) Institutional Dimension
- Brahmaputra Board (1980) – Limited impact; requires restructuring for basin-wide planning.
- ASDMA and NDMA – Need greater focus on mitigation, not just relief.
- Centre–State coordination – Stronger fiscal and technical support for Assam.
b) Ecological Dimension
- Wetland conservation (Beels, Deepor Beel) for natural water retention.
- Afforestation in catchment areas of Arunachal & Bhutan to reduce run-off.
- Riverbank protection through bio-engineering and vegetative cover.
c) Technological Dimension
- Satellite-based flood forecasting and real-time alerts.
- GIS mapping for hazard zonation and relocation planning.
- Flood-resilient housing using indigenous elevated structures.
- International cooperation (India–China rainfall data sharing on upstream Brahmaputra).
3. Government Initiatives
- Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP, 2021–26) – Financial support for flood projects.
- NITI Aayog’s River Basin Management – Integrated basin-level planning proposed.
- World Bank-assisted Assam Integrated River Basin Management Project (AIRBMP) – Multi-pronged resilience initiative.
4. Way Forward
- Shift from control (embankments) to management (basin approach).
- Encourage community participation in disaster preparedness.
- Establish Northeast River Basin Authority for integrated planning.
- Promote regional diplomacy with Bhutan and China for flood forecasting.
Conclusion
Recurring floods in Assam reflect not just a natural hazard but a developmental challenge. Moving beyond embankments to a holistic approach—combining institutional reforms, ecological restoration, and modern technology—is essential to make Assam flood-resilient. A long-term vision, rather than ad hoc relief, will ensure both human security and sustainable development in the state.nds 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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