APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (28/05/2025)
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 (28-05-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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👶 Assam’s Anti-Child Marriage Campaign: A Model for Social Reform
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Welfare Schemes | Issues Related to Women and Children
📘 GS Paper 1: Indian Society | Social Issues
🔹 Introduction
Assam’s proactive legal and administrative drive against child marriage has received national attention, especially after its appreciation during the NDA Chief Ministers’ Conclave in New Delhi. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a remarkable 81% decline in such cases across 20 of the state’s 35 districts (2021–2024), with a goal to eradicate child marriage completely by 2026.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Initiative Launched By | Government of Assam |
| Key Legislation | Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 |
| Impact Achieved | 81% decline in child marriage cases in 20 districts (2021–2024) |
| Future Target | Total eradication of child marriage in Assam by 2026 |
| Recognized By | Prime Minister & NDA Chief Ministers during 2025 Conclave |
| Strategy Employed | Arrests, awareness drives, strict enforcement, district-level monitoring |
⚙️ Government Strategy
Legal Crackdown: Arrests of those performing, promoting or abetting child marriages under the 2006 Act.
Multi-sectoral Coordination: Involving police, health, education, and social welfare departments.
Awareness Drives: Campaigns across schools, villages, and religious institutions.
Tech Integration: Use of databases and police records to track offenders and prevent recurrence.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006: Penalizes marriages where either party is below 18 (female) or 21 (male).
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act: Often invoked in child marriage cases.
Assam’s Demography: Historically, districts with higher minority population and poverty see higher rates of child marriage.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: National flagship scheme to address gender discrimination and promote girl child education.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Assam’s Approach
| Significance | Explanation |
| Model for Other States | Prime Minister urged NDA states to emulate Assam’s method |
| Social Justice | Targets gender inequality and entrenched patriarchy |
| Enhances Development Outcomes | Delays childbirth, reduces maternal mortality, increases education levels |
| Legal Awareness | Increases rural population’s engagement with the law |
B. Challenges to Eradication
| Challenge | Description |
| Socio-religious Resistance | Child marriage is often culturally normalized in rural pockets |
| Poverty & Dowry Pressure | Economic reasons compel early marriage of girls |
| Weak Civil Registration System | Births and marriages are under-reported or falsely documented |
| Legal Loopholes & Bail | Accused often get bail, reducing deterrence |
C. Government & Civil Society Role
Grassroots Monitoring: Engage local panchayats and NGOs in monitoring and intervention.
Child Helpline Integration: Strengthen 1098 emergency services.
Adolescent Empowerment: Skill-based education and adolescent health programs (RKSK).
State-Specific Schemes: Like Arundhati Scheme for legal marriage support.
🔍 Data & Reports
NFHS-5 (2021): Assam reported child marriage prevalence at 31.8%, above the national average of 23.3%.
UNICEF (2023): Child marriage linked to higher school dropout rates and maternal mortality.
🧭 Way Forward
Behavioral Change Communication (BCC): Social messaging via schools, films, religious platforms.
Digital Monitoring: Use Aadhaar and school databases to verify ages.
Incentive Schemes: Scholarships and conditional cash transfers to delay marriage.
Judicial Fast-Track: Dedicated courts for child protection cases.
Local Champions: Train Anganwadi workers and ASHAs as watchdogs.
🧩 Conclusion
Assam’s model shows that a well-coordinated, legally-backed, and community-inclusive approach can significantly reduce child marriage. With sustained political will and people’s participation, the 2026 eradication target can become a benchmark for social reform across India.
🌧️ IMD’s Monsoon Forecast 2025: Early Onset, Uneven Rainfall
📘 GS Paper 1: Indian Geography | Climatology
📘 GS Paper 3: Disaster Management | Agriculture
🔹 Introduction
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that the southwest monsoon arrived over Kerala on May 24, marking its earliest onset since 2009. IMD forecasts above-normal rainfall for most regions during June–September 2025, with northeastern India, including parts of Assam, expected to receive below-normal rainfall—raising concerns for agriculture and water availability in the region.
🔑 Key Forecast Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
| Southwest Monsoon Onset | May 24, 2025 (earliest since 2009) |
| June Rainfall Forecast | >108% of Long Period Average (LPA) of 166.9 mm |
| Monsoon Season Forecast | 106% of LPA (87 cm) – ‘Above Normal’ classification |
| Core Monsoon Zone | MP, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra – likely to receive 106%+ rainfall |
| Below Normal Rainfall Zones | Northeast India, parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Ladakh |
| Temperature Outlook | Below-normal max temps in most areas; above-normal minimum temps due to cloud cover |
⚙️ Implications of Early & Uneven Monsoon
Agricultural Planning: Early sowing possible in southern and central India.
Flood Risk: Localized heavy rain events expected; urban floods likely in coastal and low-lying regions.
Drought in NE India: Below-normal rainfall could affect jute, paddy, and tea cultivation in Assam and neighboring states.
Energy Sector: Hydropower generation could face regional disparities.
Health Risks: Increased humidity and stagnant waters can lead to a rise in vector-borne diseases.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
LPA (Long Period Average): 50-year average of monsoon rainfall (87 cm); used as reference for classifying seasonal rainfall.
IMD Classifications:
Normal: 96–104% of LPA
Above Normal: 105–110%
Excess: >110%
Southwest Monsoon: Accounts for over 75% of India’s annual rainfall.
El Niño/La Niña: Strongly influence Indian monsoon variability.
Monsoon Core Zone: Region critical for kharif crops (central India).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Monsoon Forecasts
| Significance | Explanation |
| Agricultural Decision-Making | Helps in sowing plans, fertilizer use, water management |
| Disaster Preparedness | Early warning for floods and droughts |
| Food Security & Price Stability | Affects kharif output and inflation trends |
| Water Resource Management | Reservoir planning and urban water supply strategies |
B. Challenges in Monsoon Prediction & Management
| Challenge | Description |
| Sub-Regional Variability | Forecasts may not accurately reflect district-level rainfall patterns |
| Climate Change Impact | Increasing unpredictability and extreme weather events |
| Infrastructure Deficiency | Inadequate rainwater harvesting and urban drainage in many cities |
| Farmer Awareness & Communication | Delay in dissemination of localized forecasts and advisories |
C. Government & Scientific Initiatives
IMD Modernization: Improved Doppler radars, satellite imaging, and AI integration.
National Monsoon Mission (NMM): Launched by MoES for better forecast models.
Agromet Advisory Services: Weekly weather-based advisories for farmers.
FASAL Scheme: Forecasting Agricultural Output using Space, Agro-Meteorology & Land-based observations.
North East Monsoon Monitoring: Special focus on northeast states during monsoon deficits.
🧭 Way Forward
District-Level Forecasting: Improve granularity using AI & IoT-based weather stations.
Monsoon-Resilient Infrastructure: Urban flood mitigation, embankments, and drainage upgrades.
Crop Diversification: Promote less water-intensive and climate-resilient crops in vulnerable zones.
Public Awareness: Strengthen rural communication via SMS, mobile apps (e.g., Meghdoot, Mausam).
Water Literacy & Conservation: Encourage rainwater harvesting and watershed development.
🧩 Conclusion
While the early onset and above-normal forecast offer hope for most of India, the shortfall in northeastern states like Assam is a reminder of the growing climate-induced volatility in monsoon patterns. Strategic planning, adaptive farming, and infrastructural resilience are essential to turn this forecast into a development opportunity.
👮 Morigaon Cybercrime Crackdown: Preventing a Phishing Hub in Assam
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Cybersecurity
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks
🔹 Introduction
In a proactive policing move, Assam’s Morigaon district has narrowly avoided becoming a new hotspot for cybercrime, akin to Jamtara in Jharkhand. A series of more than 100 raids led to the arrest of 265 cybercriminals and seizure of over 7,000 forged SIM cards, highlighting a coordinated crackdown against phishing and digital fraud.
🔑 Key Details of the Crackdown
| Feature | Description |
| Location | Morigaon district, Assam |
| Lead Agencies | District Police, SP Hemanta Das, Addl. SP Samiram Baishya |
| Raids Conducted | 100+ operations in Moirabari and Lahorighat areas |
| Arrests Made | 265 individuals detained |
| SIM Cards Seized | 7,000+ forged SIM cards |
| Demographic Note | 99% of accused reportedly from the minority community (socially sensitive) |
| Preventive Impact | Halted the emergence of a “Jamtara-like phishing hub” in Assam |
⚙️ Broader Implications
Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: Easy access to fake SIMs and weak KYC norms.
Rural-Urban Digital Fraud Nexus: Remote areas becoming fraud centres due to poor digital policing.
Social Impact: Arrests can create trust gaps; must be handled with community outreach.
Governance Challenge: Policing in cybercrime requires a skill and tech upgrade.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Phishing: Fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive info like OTPs, passwords, and UPI access.
CERT-In: India’s cyber emergency response team under MeitY.
Jamtara Model: Known for large-scale bank OTP frauds via social engineering.
KYC: Know Your Customer norms mandated by RBI to prevent misuse of SIMs and bank accounts.
IT Act, 2000 (Section 66C, 66D): Addresses identity theft and cheating by impersonation using computers.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Why Cybercrime Hubs Emerge
| Cause | Explanation |
| Low Digital Literacy | Victims fall prey to fraud calls and phishing links |
| SIM Card Proliferation | Poor KYC enforcement allows easy access to mobile connections |
| Skill Access by Offenders | Basic internet, smartphone access enough to operate fraud schemes |
| Lack of Cyber Policing Infra | Rural PS lack digital surveillance units |
B. Government Response & Laws
Cyber Crime Portal: Launched by MHA for reporting online crimes (www.cybercrime.gov.in).
Digital Intelligence Units: Proposed under DoT to trace fraudsters using telecom data.
BharatCERT: Proposed for national-level cyber threat intelligence.
IT Rules (Intermediary Guidelines), 2021: Platform accountability for misuse.
State Cyber Cells: Many still under-equipped and understaffed.
C. Way Forward
Strengthen KYC Mechanism: Enforce biometric and Aadhaar-linked mobile verification.
Cyber Literacy Campaigns: Target rural belts with mass awareness using vernacular media.
Community Cyber Cells: Embed digital grievance redressal in each PS.
Tech Training for Police: Mandatory cyber forensic and phishing investigation modules.
ISP & SIM Regulation: Track misuse of pre-activated SIM cards; tighten distributor-level checks.
🧩 Conclusion
The Morigaon crackdown is a model of timely police action that averted Assam’s potential descent into organized cybercrime. However, unless systemic digital safeguards are instituted—across education, telecom regulation, and cyber policing—such hotspots can re-emerge elsewhere.
💰 ITR Filing Deadline Extended: Implications for Taxpayers
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Taxation Reforms
📘 GS Paper 3: Indian Economy | Resource Mobilization
🔹 Introduction
In a relief to non-audited entities such as individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), the Income Tax Department extended the due date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year 2025–26 from July 31 to September 15. The announcement comes amid feedback from tax professionals citing portal issues, delays in TDS reconciliation, and increased compliance burden.
🔑 Key Details
| Aspect | Details |
| Original Due Date | 31 July 2025 |
| Extended Due Date | 15 September 2025 |
| Applies to | Individuals, HUFs, and entities not requiring audit |
| Announced by | Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) |
| Relevant Financial Year | FY 2024–25 (April 2024 – March 2025) |
| Reason for Extension | Portal glitches, delay in AIS/TIS updates, increased tax reporting load |
⚙️ Implications
For Taxpayers:
Extra time to reconcile Annual Information Statements (AIS), Form 26AS, and TDS returns to avoid mismatches.
For Professionals:
Eases pressure on Chartered Accountants and tax consultants handling large numbers of clients.
For Government:
Delay in revenue collection; might affect fiscal estimates if large refunds get postponed.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Form 26AS: Consolidated annual tax statement showing TDS, TCS, advance tax, etc.
AIS & TIS: Annual and Taxpayer Information Statements introduced by CBDT for greater transparency in income tracking.
CBDT: Apex administrative body for direct tax laws in India.
Section 139(1): Governs the due dates for filing income tax returns.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Relevance of Timely Filing Reforms
| Benefit | Explanation |
| Digital Governance | Extension ensures compliance without legal penalties amidst tech challenges |
| Ease of Doing Business | Supports MSMEs and individual taxpayers; boosts India’s tax compliance score |
| Fiscal Planning | Helps in reconciling actual tax liability with government estimates |
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Description |
| Data Reconciliation Delays | Delays in TDS credits and salary mismatch affect return preparation |
| Systemic Glitches | Frequent crashes or downtime on e-filing portals hamper trust |
| Refund Delays | Late filing could result in cascading delays in tax refunds |
C. Suggestions and Way Forward
Staggered Portal Load Management: Increase server capacity during peak filing seasons.
Advance AIS Updates: Improve data feed timelines from banks, employers, and mutual funds.
Tax Literacy Drives: Focus on Tier 2/3 cities where digital filing is still a challenge.
Grievance Redressal Cells: Empower district-level offices to support e-filing issues.
Filing Calendar Notifications: Via SMS, WhatsApp, or Aadhaar-linked updates.
🧩 Conclusion
While the deadline extension provides welcome breathing room for millions of taxpayers, it underscores the need for a robust and resilient digital tax ecosystem. Strengthening backend systems and promoting awareness will ensure India’s march toward a transparent, efficient, and equitable taxation regime.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
❶ Assam’s Anti-Child Marriage Campaign
Q1. With reference to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, consider the following:
- The Act allows for annulment of a child marriage at the option of the contracting party who was a child at the time of marriage.
- Marriage of a girl below the age of 18 is void ab initio.
- The Act criminalizes all those who perform, promote, or permit child marriages.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only ✅
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct. The Act permits annulment by the contracting party within 2 years of attaining majority.
- Statement 2 is incorrect. Child marriage is voidable, not void ab initio (with some exceptions).
- Statement 3 is correct. It penalizes all who are involved in solemnizing or promoting such marriages.
❷ IMD Monsoon Forecast 2025
Q2. Which of the following best describes the term “Long Period Average” (LPA) as used by the India Meteorological Department?
A. The average annual rainfall over the last 30 years.
B. The average monsoon rainfall recorded during a specific past period, used as a reference. ✅
C. The average temperature deviation over a 10-year period.
D. The standard deviation of monsoon rainfall variability.
Explanation:
- LPA is the 50-year average (currently from 1971–2020) of monsoon rainfall, and is used as the benchmark for categorizing monsoon forecasts.
Q3. Consider the following statements about IMD’s classification of monsoon rainfall:
- “Above normal” rainfall refers to rainfall between 105% and 110% of LPA.
- The Southwest Monsoon accounts for less than half of India’s annual rainfall.
- The Monsoon Core Zone includes areas with the highest concentration of kharif crops.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only ✅
B. 1 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct. “Above normal” = 105–110% of LPA.
- Statement 2 is incorrect. Southwest monsoon contributes ~75% of annual rainfall.
- Statement 3 is correct. Core zone includes Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha etc. – heavy kharif regions.
❸ Morigaon Cybercrime Crackdown
Q4. The “Jamtara Model”, recently referenced in the context of cybercrime in Assam, is best described as:
A. A framework for cyber policing in rural areas.
B. A digital initiative for Aadhaar verification.
C. A method of phishing and financial fraud via social engineering. ✅
D. A community-based telecom regulation system.
Explanation:
- Jamtara (in Jharkhand) is infamous for fraudsters using social engineering (e.g., fake calls asking for OTPs) to commit online financial frauds.
Q5. Which of the following laws govern identity theft and impersonation in digital crimes in India?
- IT Act, 2000
- Indian Penal Code (IPC)
- Personal Data Protection Act
Select the correct code:
A. 1 and 2 only ✅
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
Explanation:
- IT Act Section 66C and 66D cover impersonation and phishing.
- IPC Sections like 420 (cheating) also apply.
- Personal Data Protection Act is not yet enacted (as of 2025).
❹ ITR Filing Deadline Extension
Q6. Consider the following statements:
- The CBDT is a statutory body under the Ministry of Finance.
- The due date extension for ITRs applies only to companies and audited entities.
- Form 26AS reflects details of TDS, advance tax, and refunds.
Which of the statements are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only ✅
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Explanation:
Statement 3 is correct. Form 26AS provides comprehensive tax details.
Statement 1 is correct. CBDT is under Dept. of Revenue, MoF.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The extension applies to non-audited individuals and HUFs.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Mains Question
Q. “Eradicating child marriage is not only a legal goal but a social necessity.” Discuss how Assam’s anti-child marriage campaign demonstrates a governance model for social reform. Also examine the challenges and suggest strategies for national replication.
✅ Model Answer
🔹 Introduction:
Child marriage in India has long been a barrier to gender equality, education, and public health. According to NFHS-5, nearly one in four women aged 20–24 were married before 18. In this context, Assam’s aggressive crackdown on child marriage, achieving an 81% reduction in targeted districts, has emerged as a model of law-backed, data-driven, and community-engaged governance.
🔹 Assam’s Governance Model: Key Features
| Component | Description |
| Strong Legal Enforcement | Thousands of arrests under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and POCSO for underage sexual offences. |
| Data-driven Action | District-wise mapping of vulnerable zones and real-time tracking of cases. |
| Political Will | CM Himanta Biswa Sarma personally monitors the campaign; strong top-down backing. |
| Multi-stakeholder Coordination | Involvement of police, school authorities, panchayats, and social welfare officers. |
| Preventive Measures | Awareness campaigns in religious institutions and integration with school curriculum. |
🔹 Significance of Assam’s Model
- National Recognition: Appreciated by the Prime Minister as an NDA best practice.
- Societal Change Catalyst: Aims to eliminate the practice entirely by 2026.
- Human Development Impact: Reduces maternal mortality, improves school retention among girls.
- Replicable Blueprint: Combines legal deterrence with community engagement.
🔹 Challenges in Replication
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Cultural Entrenchment | Child marriage is normalized in many communities due to poverty, patriarchy, and illiteracy. |
| Birth Record Manipulation | Lack of proper documentation makes age verification difficult. |
| Legal Pushback | Accused often secure bail; families resist intervention. |
| Victim Vulnerability | Rescued girls face social stigma and economic instability. |
🔹 Suggested National Strategies
- Strengthen Civil Registration: Universal birth and marriage registration using Aadhaar linkage.
- Incentivize Delay in Marriage: Cash transfers, scholarships, and career counseling.
- Build Support Systems: Hostels, education continuity, and skill development for rescued girls.
- Fast-Track Courts: Special child marriage courts to ensure speedy justice.
- Community Watchdogs: Training ASHAs, Anganwadi workers, and school teachers as first responders.
🔚 Conclusion:
Assam’s campaign against child marriage demonstrates that firm governance, when paired with community engagement and legal vigilance, can disrupt deeply rooted social evils. To eradicate child marriage nationally, India must blend law, incentives, and inclusion, following Assam’s lead as both an example and a warning.
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