APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (28/08/2025)
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 (28-08-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
✨ APSC CCE Online Coaching, 2026
🛰️ India’s Chandrayaan-4 Mission: Expanding Lunar Exploration
📘 GS Paper 3: Science & Technology | Space Research | Achievements of Indians in S&T
📘 GS Paper 1: Geography of Moon & Space Missions
📘 GS Paper 2: International Cooperation in Space
🔹 Introduction
India has made significant strides in space exploration with the success of Chandrayaan-3. Building on this momentum, ISRO is preparing for Chandrayaan-4, which aims at advanced lunar studies, possible sample return missions, and enhanced international collaboration. The mission reflects India’s growing role as a major spacefaring nation, contributing to both science and geopolitics.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Mission Objective | Advanced lunar exploration; possible sample return. |
| Technology | Improved lander & rover with AI navigation and drilling capabilities. |
| Collaboration | Likely tie-ups with JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe) for joint studies. |
| Scientific Focus | Study of lunar south pole, mineralogy, water ice mapping, seismology. |
| Timeline | Early planning stage, post-2025 roadmap. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Chandrayaan-1 (2008) – First Indian mission; confirmed water molecules on Moon.
Chandrayaan-2 (2019) – Orbiter successful; lander Vikram crash-landed.
Chandrayaan-3 (2023) – First successful soft landing near lunar south pole.
Artemis Accords – US-led lunar exploration norms; India signed in 2023.
Gaganyaan Mission – India’s first human spaceflight (planned 2026).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Chandrayaan-4
Enhances India’s scientific capabilities in planetary geology.
Strengthens space diplomacy via collaboration.
Promotes technological innovation in robotics, AI, propulsion.
Boosts national pride and global positioning in space race.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Details |
| High Costs | Budget constraints for ISRO amidst multiple projects. |
| Technological Risks | Sample return, drilling, and deep-space navigation are complex. |
| Global Competition | China, US, Russia advancing their own lunar missions. |
| Space Governance | Need to align with global treaties (Outer Space Treaty, Artemis Accords). |
C. Government Initiatives
Indian Space Policy, 2023 – Encourages private participation.
IN-SPACe & NSIL – Promote commercialization of space tech.
Artemis Accords (2023) – India’s commitment to responsible lunar exploration.
D. Way Forward
Strengthen ISRO–Private Sector Collaboration – Encourage startups in robotics & AI.
Enhance International Partnerships – Leverage JAXA, NASA, ESA for cost-sharing.
Invest in Capacity-Building – Training astronauts, lunar geology specialists.
Ensure Strategic Use – Link with resource exploration (Helium-3, rare minerals).
🧩 Conclusion
Chandrayaan-4 is not just about lunar science but a strategic leap for India in the 21st-century space race. If executed successfully, it will consolidate India’s position as a leader in affordable, innovative, and collaborative space exploration.
🌾 Minimum Support Price (MSP) Hike for Kharif Crops 2025-26: Implications for Assam
📘 GS Paper 3: Agriculture | Food Security | Inclusive Growth
📘 GS Paper 2: Welfare Schemes | Government Policies
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Agricultural Economy of Assam
🔹 Introduction
The Union Government has recently announced the Minimum Support Price (MSP) hike for Kharif crops 2025-26, including rice, pulses, oilseeds, and coarse grains. For Assam, where rice is the dominant crop and pulses/oilseeds are emerging, this revision is crucial for farm income security, food security, and crop diversification.
🔑 Key Points
| Crop (Major in Assam) | MSP 2024-25 (₹/quintal) | MSP 2025-26 (₹/quintal) | Change |
| Paddy (Common) | 2,300 | 2,420 | +120 |
| Arhar (Tur) | 7,000 | 7,300 | +300 |
| Groundnut | 6,550 | 6,900 | +350 |
| Maize | 2,250 | 2,390 | +140 |
(Illustrative figures – based on Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices projections.)
Aim: Ensure remunerative prices, encourage diversification, reduce dependence on imports (oilseeds, pulses).
Assam Impact: Boosts paddy farmers’ income, promotes oilseed expansion in Upper Assam, improves food security.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
MSP announced by: Government of India based on recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
Legal Status: MSP is not legally enforceable; it is a government assurance.
Crops Covered: 22 mandated crops (7 cereals, 5 pulses, 7 oilseeds, 4 commercial crops).
FRP vs MSP: FRP (Fair and Remunerative Price) applies to sugarcane, MSP applies to other crops.
Bhavantar Scheme (Madhya Pradesh): Covers farmers against distress sale below MSP.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for Assam
Income Security: Paddy farmers in Lower Assam benefit most.
Crop Diversification: Incentivises pulses and oilseeds, reducing monocropping.
Food Security: Helps maintain buffer stocks under NFSA.
Rural Employment: Strengthens tea-garden-adjacent rural economy.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Procurement Gap | Assam lacks strong FCI procurement compared to Punjab–Haryana. |
| Awareness Deficit | Many farmers unaware of MSP rates. |
| Market Infrastructure | Inadequate storage, mandis, logistics in NE region. |
| Climate Risks | Floods and erratic rainfall undermine MSP benefits. |
C. Govt Initiatives
PM-AASHA (2018) – Strengthening MSP operations and price deficiency payments.
e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) – Digital platform for better prices.
North East Agri Export Policy (2019) – Promotes diversification and trade.
Assam Agribusiness & Rural Transformation Project (APART) – World Bank-supported project for value chains.
D. Way Forward
Strengthen procurement agencies (FCI, NAFED) in Assam.
Promote community storage and rural warehouses.
Expand MSP awareness campaigns in local languages.
Integrate MSP with climate-resilient farming.
Develop pulses and oilseed hubs in NE region.
🧩 Conclusion
The 2025-26 MSP hike is a welcome step for farm income stability, but unless backed by effective procurement and infrastructure, its impact in Assam will remain limited. A shift towards diversified, climate-smart agriculture with robust MSP support is the key to empowering Assam’s rural economy.
🏞️ India–Bhutan River Cooperation on Flood Management
📘 GS Paper 2: International Relations | India’s Neighborhood Policy
📘 GS Paper 3: Disaster Management | Environment & Ecology
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Floods in Brahmaputra Basin
🔹 Introduction
Assam faces annual devastating floods, partly due to rivers flowing from Bhutan such as Manas, Sankosh, Dhansiri, and Puthimari. Recognizing this, India and Bhutan have recently agreed to enhance cross-border cooperation in river management, data sharing, and joint flood mitigation strategies. This is a crucial step toward addressing one of Assam’s most persistent natural disasters.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Countries Involved | India and Bhutan |
| Rivers | Manas, Sankosh, Dhansiri, Puthimari, Pagladiya |
| Agreed Areas | Data-sharing, flood forecasting, joint surveys, embankment strengthening |
| Institutions Involved | India’s Central Water Commission, Assam Water Resources Dept., Bhutan’s National Environment Commission |
| Context | Severe floods in Lower Assam linked to Bhutan-origin rivers |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Rivers from Bhutan to Assam: Manas, Sankosh, Puthimari, Pagladiya, Dhansiri.
Brahmaputra Tributaries: Over 50 tributaries, high silt load leads to floods.
Institution: Rashtriya Barh Ayog (1980) recommended basin-level planning.
Disaster Management Act, 2005: Framework for state and national flood management.
India–Bhutan Relations: Hydropower cooperation (e.g., Tala, Mangdechhu projects).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Cooperation
Flood Mitigation: Early warning reduces disaster losses.
Hydro-diplomacy: Strengthens India–Bhutan ties beyond hydropower.
Regional Stability: Reduces Assam’s flood-related grievances.
Climate Adaptation: Joint strategies for Himalayan river systems.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Siltation | Rivers carry heavy sediment, worsening floods. |
| Limited Technology | Forecasting in hilly terrain is complex. |
| Cross-border Coordination | Requires strong trust and institutional mechanisms. |
| Climate Change | Glacial melt and extreme rainfall events are rising. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP) – Strengthens embankments.
India–Bhutan Hydropower Cooperation – Now expanding to water management.
Assam Integrated River Basin Management Project (World Bank) – Multi-sector approach to floods.
IMD–Bhutan Cooperation – Rainfall and weather data sharing.
D. Way Forward
Establish Joint River Basin Authority with Bhutan.
Expand real-time data sharing for rainfall and discharge.
Promote eco-friendly embankments and natural floodplain restoration.
Integrate community-based flood preparedness in Assam’s villages.
Regional diplomacy with Nepal and China for holistic Brahmaputra management.
🧩 Conclusion
India–Bhutan cooperation on river management represents a shift from reactive flood control to proactive disaster mitigation. By combining institutional collaboration, ecological restoration, and technological forecasting, Assam’s flood vulnerability can be reduced, turning a recurring crisis into an opportunity for regional integration and resilience-building.
🧪 Assam’s New Biotechnology Policy 2025
📘 GS Paper 3: Science & Technology | Biotechnology | Inclusive Growth
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Policies | Development in S&T
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Science, Technology & Development in Assam
🔹 Introduction
The Government of Assam has unveiled the Biotechnology Policy 2025, aiming to transform the state into a bio-economy hub. With Assam’s rich biodiversity, medicinal plants, tea, and agricultural base, the policy focuses on biotech applications in healthcare, agriculture, environment, and industry. It aligns with the National Biotechnology Development Strategy and seeks to integrate startups, academia, and global partnerships.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Objective | Promote biotech research, innovation, and industrial application |
| Focus Areas | Agriculture (bio-fertilizers, crop improvement), Healthcare (vaccines, diagnostics), Environment (waste management), Industrial biotech (tea, silk, fermentation) |
| Implementation Agency | Assam Biotech Development Council (ABDC) |
| Startups & Innovation | Biotechnology Incubation Centres in Guwahati, Jorhat |
| Funding | PPP model with state govt support and venture capital |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
National Biotechnology Development Strategy (2021–25): Aims at a $150 billion bio-economy by 2025.
Institutes in Assam:
Institute of Advanced Study in Science & Technology (IAST), Guwahati
North East Institute of Science & Technology (NEIST), Jorhat
Tea Biotechnology: Assam is leading in biotech-based tea disease management.
Biofertilizers: Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum used for soil health.
GI Products: Muga silk, Joha rice – potential for biotech-based value addition.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for Assam
Agri-Biotech: Enhances crop productivity, organic farming, and resilience against pests.
Health Sector: Strengthens vaccine development and disease diagnostics (tropical diseases, cancer research).
Employment: Boosts biotech startups and skilled jobs in NE region.
Bioeconomy: Contributes to India’s $150 billion bio-economy goal.
Environmental Benefits: Waste-to-energy and sustainable bio-packaging.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Details |
| Skilled Manpower | Limited biotech professionals in Assam. |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Few world-class labs compared to Bengaluru, Hyderabad. |
| Funding Constraints | Startup financing is weak in NE region. |
| Ethical Concerns | GM crops, bioengineering face societal resistance. |
C. Government Initiatives
Assam Biotech Park, Guwahati – Joint venture with DBT, GoI.
North East Centre for Biotechnology Applications – Capacity-building for farmers.
Startup India, Biotech Ignition Grant (BIG) – Supports biotech entrepreneurs.
National Biopharma Mission – Strengthens vaccine and drug R&D.
D. Way Forward
Strengthen biotech education and training in Assam universities.
Foster PPP-based biotech clusters in Jorhat & Guwahati.
Attract venture capital and global biotech firms.
Integrate biotech with local strengths – tea, silk, medicinal plants.
Build international collaborations with ASEAN for herbal biotech markets.
🧩 Conclusion
The Biotechnology Policy 2025 marks a paradigm shift in Assam’s development strategy, leveraging its biodiversity for science-led growth. If supported with funding, infrastructure, and talent development, Assam can emerge as a leading biotech hub in South and Southeast Asia, boosting both its economy and sustainable innovation.rsal Health Coverage.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
Topic 1: Chandrayaan-4 Mission
Q1. With reference to India’s lunar missions, consider the following statements:
- Chandrayaan-1 was the first mission to confirm the presence of water molecules on the Moon.
- Chandrayaan-2 successfully deployed a rover on the lunar surface.
- Chandrayaan-3 made the first-ever soft landing near the lunar south pole.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Chandrayaan-1 confirmed water molecules (2008). Chandrayaan-2 orbiter succeeded but lander failed, so rover not deployed. Chandrayaan-3 (2023) achieved first soft landing near lunar south pole.
Q2. “Artemis Accords,” often seen in the news, is related to:
(a) Sustainable mining in the Arctic
(b) Global framework for ethical lunar exploration
(c) Climate financing for least developed countries
(d) Cybersecurity cooperation among democracies
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Artemis Accords is a US-led initiative on norms of responsible lunar exploration. India signed in 2023.
Topic 2: MSP Hike for Kharif Crops 2025-26
Q3. Consider the following pairs:
| Crop | Price Mechanism |
| 1. Sugarcane | Minimum Support Price (MSP) |
| 2. Paddy | Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) |
| 3. Cotton | Minimum Support Price (MSP) |
Which of the pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Sugarcane is under FRP (not MSP). Paddy and cotton are MSP crops.
Q4. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), whose recommendations are used for MSP, functions under:
(a) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
(b) Ministry of Finance
(c) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
(d) NITI Aayog
Answer: (c)
Explanation: CACP is attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
Topic 3: India–Bhutan River Cooperation
Q5. Which of the following rivers originate in Bhutan and flow into Assam?
- Manas
- Sankosh
- Puthimari
- Subansiri
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Subansiri originates in Tibet, not Bhutan. Manas, Sankosh, Puthimari flow from Bhutan to Assam.
Q6. Rashtriya Barh Ayog (RBA), often mentioned in context of Assam floods, was set up to:
(a) Provide post-disaster relief packages to flood-affected states
(b) Suggest long-term flood control and management strategy in India
(c) Frame laws to regulate floodplain settlements
(d) Coordinate transboundary flood management with neighboring countries
Answer: (b)
Explanation: RBA (1980) recommended a holistic basin-level flood management strategy.
Topic 4: Assam Biotechnology Policy 2025
Q7. Which of the following are potential applications of biotechnology in Assam?
- Development of disease-resistant tea varieties
- Value addition in Muga silk production
- Organic farming with biofertilizers
- Oil exploration in Upper Assam fields
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(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: Biotech has application in tea, silk, and agriculture. Oil exploration is not a biotech application.
Q8. Consider the following statements about the National Biotechnology Development Strategy (2021–25):
- It aims to make India’s bioeconomy worth $150 billion by 2025.
- It is implemented by the Department of Science and Technology.
- It promotes biotech startups through the Biotech Ignition Grant scheme.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The strategy is under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, not DST. Biotech Ignition Grant is part of DBT.
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 urgent need for transboundary water cooperation. Discuss the significance and challenges of India–Bhutan collaboration in flood management and suggest the way forward.”
🔹 Introduction
Floods in Assam are an annual calamity, affecting lives, agriculture, and infrastructure. A significant portion of these floods is caused by rivers originating in Bhutan such as Manas, Sankosh, Puthimari, and Pagladiya. Recent efforts by India and Bhutan to enhance data-sharing, joint monitoring, and river management mark a crucial step towards cooperative flood governance in the Brahmaputra basin.
🔹 Body
1. Significance of India–Bhutan River Cooperation
- Early Warning & Forecasting: Real-time data sharing helps Assam prepare for flash floods.
- Disaster Risk Reduction: Joint embankment planning reduces downstream vulnerabilities.
- Hydro-Diplomacy: Deepens bilateral ties beyond hydropower to water security.
- Sustainable Development: Enhances climate adaptation for Himalayan river systems.
- Community Benefits: Protects agriculture, fisheries, and rural livelihoods in Lower Assam.
2. Challenges in Cooperation
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Siltation & Sediment Load | Himalayan rivers carry huge silt, causing embankment breaches. |
| Technical Gaps | Limited forecasting models for hilly terrain. |
| Cross-Border Coordination | Requires institutional trust and constant dialogue. |
| Climate Change | Glacial melt and erratic rainfall intensify floods. |
| Infrastructure Deficit | Assam lacks adequate storage and basin-wide floodplain planning. |
3. Government Initiatives
- Flood Management & Border Areas Programme (FMBAP): Embankment and anti-erosion works.
- India–Bhutan Hydropower Agreements: Expanding scope to river management.
- World Bank-supported Assam Integrated River Basin Management Project.
- Regional Data-Sharing: Indian Meteorological Department and Bhutanese agencies.
4. Way Forward
- Institutional Mechanism: Create a Joint River Basin Authority for India–Bhutan rivers.
- Technological Integration: Use AI, satellite imaging, and Doppler radars for real-time forecasts.
- Eco-Friendly Flood Management: Promote wetland restoration and natural flood buffers.
- Community-Centric Approaches: Train local disaster response units in flood-prone districts.
- Regional Approach: Extend cooperation to Nepal and China for holistic Brahmaputra basin governance.
🔹 Conclusion
India–Bhutan cooperation in flood management is a strategic necessity for Assam, combining disaster preparedness with regional diplomacy. While technical and ecological challenges remain, a sustainable basin-level partnership can convert recurring floods into an opportunity for resilient development and stronger bilateral ties.gital 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.
✨ APSC CCE Courses, 2025-26 offered by SuchitraACS
🔔 Join Our WhatsApp Study Group!
For exclusive access to premium quality content, including study materials, current affairs, MCQs, and model answers for APSC CCE and other Assam competitive exams.
Click here to join: SuchitraACS Study WhatsApp Group
📚 Want to know more about SuchitraACS’s most affordable courses?
Click here to know more: SuchitraACS Courses for APSC CCE and Assam Competitive Examinations
