APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (29/07/2025)
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 (29-07-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🏥 Supreme Court’s Directive on ‘Right to Health’ as a Fundamental Right
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Indian Constitution | Fundamental Rights | Judiciary
📘 GS Paper 2 (APSC): Health Governance | Rights-Based Approach | Centre-State Relations
📘 Prelims: Article 21 | Directive Principles | Health as a Fundamental Right
🔹 Introduction
In a landmark observation, the Supreme Court of India asserted that the Right to Health is an integral part of Article 21 (Right to Life) and directed the Centre and States to strengthen the public health system, including enhancing infrastructure, regulation, and financing. The case arose amid complaints of deficiencies in health services and high out-of-pocket expenditure.
🔑 Key Points
| Key Directive | Detail |
| Article Invoked | Article 21 – Right to Life |
| Nature of Ruling | Reinforces judicial recognition of health as a justiciable right |
| Bench Concern | Overcrowded govt. hospitals, lack of regulation in private sector |
| Call to Action | Health should be treated as a non-negotiable core duty of the State |
| Context | Petition highlighting lack of affordability and accessibility in medical care |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Article 21: Guarantees protection of life and personal liberty
Directive Principles: Article 47 obliges the State to improve public health
National Health Policy (2017): Aims for universal health coverage
Ayushman Bharat – PM-JAY: Largest government-funded health insurance scheme
Out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE): India has one of the highest OOPE globally (approx. 48%)
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Recognizing Right to Health as Fundamental
| Domain | Impact |
| Legal Empowerment | Citizens can seek legal recourse for healthcare lapses |
| Equity & Inclusion | Assists vulnerable groups (women, rural, elderly) |
| Human Development | Health is vital for educational and economic outcomes |
| Disaster Preparedness | Ensures institutional readiness (e.g., pandemics, floods) |
| Federal Clarity | Strengthens Centre-State cooperation on health policy |
B. Challenges in Health Service Delivery
| Challenge | Description |
| Underfunding | Public health spending still <2% of GDP |
| Shortage of Personnel | Deficit of doctors, nurses, paramedics, esp. in rural India |
| Urban-Rural Divide | 70% of health infrastructure is urban-centric |
| Fragmented Regulation | Private sector largely unregulated; pricing disparities |
| Low Health Literacy | Preventive healthcare not prioritized |
📊 Government Initiatives & Judicial Precedents
Ayushman Bharat (2018) – 10 crore families covered
National Health Mission – Strengthening primary & secondary care
One Nation One Health – Proposed convergence across departments
Mohini Jain Case (1992) & Paschim Banga Case (1996) – Laid foundation for Right to Health
SC’s 2023 Oral Remarks – Emphasized health as a legal right, not charity
🧭 Way Forward
| Recommendation | Actionable Step |
| Constitutional Amendment | Explicitly include Right to Health under Part III |
| Increased Budget | Raise public health spending to 2.5% of GDP (as per NHP 2017) |
| Health Infrastructure Mission | Focus on NE, tribal & aspirational districts |
| Regulate Private Sector | Transparent pricing and grievance redressal |
| Digital Health Tools | Expand NDHM for e-records and telemedicine |
🧩 Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s reaffirmation of health as a justiciable fundamental right marks a watershed moment in Indian socio-legal policy. If implemented earnestly, it could transform India’s health landscape from a fragmented service to a rights-based, equitable, and accountable public good.
🚨 Rising Road Accidents in Assam: An Alarming Public Safety Concern
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Governance | Health & Safety | Role of State
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Infrastructure | Disaster Management | Road Safety
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Issues in Assam | Urban Transport | Public Safety
📘 Prelims: MV Act 2019 | Road Safety Committees | WHO Global Plan for Road Safety
🔹 Introduction
The Assam Transport Department reported a sharp spike in road accident deaths in 2024–25, raising concerns about enforcement, infrastructure, and public awareness. Despite the enactment of stricter provisions under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, fatalities in Assam have continued to rise, particularly in urban and highway zones.
🔑 Key Points
| Indicator | Detail |
| Reported Fatalities (2024–25) | Over 3,100 road deaths in Assam |
| Major Accident Zones | Guwahati city, NH-37, and Barak Valley corridor |
| Contributing Factors | Speeding, drunken driving, poor road conditions |
| Demographics | Highest deaths among youth aged 18–35 |
| Government Response | Announcement of stricter e-surveillance and road audits |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
MV Act, 2019: Includes enhanced penalties, e-challan system, and compensation reforms
Golden Hour Concept: First 60 minutes after a road accident critical for survival
iRAD Project: MoRTH initiative for accident data collection and analysis
WHO Road Safety Plan: Aims to halve global road deaths by 2030
Assam State Road Safety Policy: Focus on awareness, infrastructure & enforcement
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Causes Behind Road Accident Surge
| Cause | Description |
| Over-Speeding & Drunken Driving | Primary behavioral causes, especially among youth |
| Poor Road Engineering | Lack of signage, unsafe curves, potholes |
| Inadequate Enforcement | Gaps in highway patrolling and e-monitoring |
| Unlicensed/Underage Drivers | Common in rural and semi-urban belts |
| Low Helmet/Seatbelt Use | Especially among two-wheeler riders |
B. Impact on Society
Public Health Burden – Increased trauma care cost, long-term disabilities
Economic Loss – Road accidents cost India ~3% of GDP annually
Psychosocial Trauma – Loss of breadwinners impacts family structure
Legal System Load – Surge in accident-related litigation
📊 Government Initiatives
Motor Vehicles Act, 2019 – Higher penalties, offender database, compensation
Setu Bharatam – Eliminating railway crossings on highways
Assam’s Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) – Pilot in Guwahati
e-Challan System – Digital penalty issuance and tracking
State Road Safety Council – Coordination body for departments
🧭 Way Forward
| Strategy | Action |
| Behavioral Interventions | Road safety education in schools, digital awareness campaigns |
| Engineering Reforms | Scientific road design, crash barriers, pedestrian zones |
| Post-Accident Care | Ambulance GPS tracking, trauma centers in every district |
| Community Participation | Engage RWAs, student unions in awareness |
| Data-Driven Policing | Use of iRAD, AI surveillance for hotspot tracking |
🧩 Conclusion
The rising toll of road accidents in Assam underscores a systemic failure in road safety governance. A coordinated approach involving engineering, enforcement, education, and emergency care is imperative to make Assam’s roads safer and lives more secure.
🇮🇳 Assam’s Plan to Host NE’s First G20 Youth Summit
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): International Relations | Government Policies | Youth Engagement
📘 GS Paper 1 (Mains): Indian Society | Regional Identity & Cultural Integration
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam’s Role in National & Global Events | Youth Empowerment
📘 Prelims: G20 | Youth20 (Y20) | India’s G20 Presidency Legacy | Events in NE
🔹 Introduction
Assam is set to organize the first G20 Youth Summit in the Northeast, reflecting India’s sustained engagement in global youth diplomacy even after its G20 presidency in 2023. The summit will focus on themes such as youth innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusive development — aligning with India’s G20 agenda pillars.
🔑 Key Details
| Aspect | Description |
| Event | G20 Northeast Youth Summit |
| Venue | Guwahati, Assam (tentative) |
| Partners | Ministry of Youth Affairs, Assam Govt, G20 Secretariat |
| Focus Themes | Climate action, tech for development, youth leadership |
| Target Participants | Youth delegates from India and G20 nations |
| Objective | Enhance India’s soft power; integrate NE youth into global discourse |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Y20 (Youth20): Official youth engagement group of the G20
India’s G20 Presidency (2023): Theme – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: One Earth, One Family, One Future”
Guwahati’s G20 Legacy: Hosted B20 meet in 2023 on connectivity, trade, tourism
NE Council: Coordinates development efforts in NE, supports regional forums
Digital India Mission: Relevant to summit’s digital innovation focus
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Hosting G20 Youth Summit in Assam
| Dimension | Benefit |
| Cultural Integration | Promotes NE as part of India’s global identity |
| Youth Empowerment | Encourages participation of NE youth in global policymaking |
| Strategic Relevance | Showcases NE as a hub for diplomacy and development |
| Soft Power Diplomacy | Projects Assam’s culture and aspirations to the world |
| Capacity Building | Enhances skills in global networking, entrepreneurship |
B. Challenges to Effective Hosting
| Issue | Description |
| Logistics & Infrastructure | Limited direct air connectivity, accommodation gaps |
| Security & Protocols | High-level international presence needs strong coordination |
| Language and Cultural Sensitivity | Need for inclusive participation of diverse NE communities |
| Sustainability | Must align with India’s green diplomacy agenda |
📊 Government & Institutional Support
Ministry of External Affairs – G20 coordination
MyGov & NYKS – Youth engagement arms
NEC & DONER Ministry – Infrastructure, cultural representation
Digital India & Skill India – Focus areas for thematic workshops
Assam Tourism – Cultural showcases during summit
🧭 Way Forward
| Recommendation | Strategy |
| Inclusive Representation | Ensure participation from all NE states |
| Green Event Management | Zero-waste, paperless, solar-powered summit goals |
| Academic Linkages | Engage universities for pre-summit workshops |
| Legacy Infrastructure | Create a permanent youth forum in Guwahati |
| Follow-Up Policy Dialogues | Regular NE youth conclaves post-summit |
🧩 Conclusion
Hosting the G20 Youth Summit in Assam is more than symbolic — it’s a strategic move to embed the Northeast in global conversations and strengthen India’s youth diplomacy. With inclusive execution, it can set a precedent for youth-led international collaboration from the periphery to the global stage.
🛤️ Assam’s Progress in Railway Electrification and Infrastructure Modernization
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Infrastructure | Transportation | Sustainable Development
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Governance | Centre-State Coordination | Public Sector
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam-Specific Infrastructure | Connectivity Initiatives
📘 Prelims: Railway Electrification | Mission Raftaar | Vande Bharat | Indian Railways
🔹 Introduction
Assam is witnessing a significant leap in railway electrification and infrastructure upgrades, aligning with Indian Railways’ goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. The move promises cleaner transport, reduced logistics cost, and faster connectivity in the Northeast.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Feature | Detail |
| Electrified Routes | Lumding-Badarpur, Rangiya-Murkongselek lines |
| Modern Trains | Plans to introduce Vande Bharat for inter-city connectivity |
| Freight Corridors | Focus on linking Silchar, Tinsukia to national grid |
| Investment | Capex push under PM Gati Shakti Mission |
| Goal | 100% electrification of broad-gauge routes by 2030 |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Mission Electrification: Launched to electrify 100% broad gauge by 2030
PM Gati Shakti: Integrated infrastructure planning across sectors
Vande Bharat Trains: Semi-high-speed trains with regenerative braking
Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana: Skill development for railway jobs
NE Rail Development Fund: Targeted funding for difficult terrain
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Railway Electrification in Assam
| Dimension | Benefit |
| Environmental | Reduces diesel dependency, air and noise pollution |
| Economic | Cuts freight cost, improves regional market integration |
| Strategic | Enhances military logistics in border areas |
| Social | Boosts tourism, improves access to remote areas |
| Logistical | Improves punctuality and train speeds |
B. Challenges in Implementation
| Challenge | Description |
| Difficult Terrain | Flood-prone areas and hills raise costs and delays |
| Land Acquisition Issues | Disputes in tribal, forest regions |
| Power Infrastructure | Need for sub-stations, transmission capacity |
| Skilled Manpower | Shortage in NE-specific railway engineering staff |
| Maintenance Gaps | Rain damage and track upkeep delays |
📊 Government Interventions
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) – Key executing agency
Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) extensions proposed
Skill Development Schemes for railway jobs
Green Energy in Railways – Solar and wind use in stations
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for station modernization
🧭 Way Forward
| Suggestion | Action |
| Green Energy Integration | Solar panels in stations and on trains |
| Last-Mile Connectivity | Rail-bus multimodal terminals |
| Smart Signaling | AI and GPS-based monitoring |
| Community Involvement | Consultations in project-affected areas |
| Sustainable Design | Elevated tracks, flood-resilient infrastructure |
🧩 Conclusion
Railway electrification in Assam is not just a technical upgrade — it is a pathway to inclusive development, environmental resilience, and regional connectivity. With holistic planning and timely execution, it can redefine the Northeast’s integration with the national economy.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🏥 Topic 1: Supreme Court on Right to Health as a Fundamental Right
Q1. Consider the following provisions related to the right to health in India:
- Article 21 of the Constitution has been interpreted to include the Right to Health.
- Article 47 under the Directive Principles mandates the State to improve public health.
- There is an explicit mention of the Right to Health in Part III of the Constitution.
Which of the statements above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
📘 Explanation: Article 21 has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the Right to Health. Article 47 is a Directive Principle. There is no explicit mention of health in Part III.
🚧 Topic 2: Rising Road Accidents in Assam
Q2. With reference to road safety in India, consider the following statements:
- The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 introduced the concept of the “Golden Hour”.
- India aims to reduce road accident fatalities by 50% by 2030 under a national plan.
- The Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD) is a World Bank initiative.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: B
📘 Explanation:
- The “Golden Hour” was recognized earlier; the 2019 Act enhanced compensation for such cases.
- The 50% reduction goal aligns with the UN Global Plan.
- iRAD is developed by MoRTH, not by the World Bank.
🌍 Topic 3: Assam to Host G20 Youth Summit
Q3. Which of the following are official engagement groups of the G20?
- Youth 20 (Y20)
- Business 20 (B20)
- Women 20 (W20)
- Civil 20 (C20)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2, 3 and 4 only
C. 1, 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
✅ Answer: D
📘 Explanation: All listed are official engagement groups of the G20 under India’s G20 structure.
🛤️ Topic 4: Railway Electrification in Assam
Q4. With reference to India’s railway infrastructure modernization, consider the following:
- Indian Railways aims for 100% electrification of broad-gauge routes by 2030.
- Vande Bharat trains operate on electric and diesel modes.
- The PM Gati Shakti initiative includes planning for multi-modal transport infrastructure.
Which of the statements 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:
Vande Bharat trains are fully electric, not diesel-hybrid.
Statement 1 and 3 are correct.
APSC Mains Practice Question
🧾 Question:
Discuss the significance of railway electrification and modernization in India’s Northeast, particularly Assam, in the context of sustainable infrastructure and regional development.
(Word Limit: 250)
✅ Model Answer:
🔹 Introduction:
The modernization and electrification of railway infrastructure in India’s Northeast, especially Assam, is crucial for sustainable development, national integration, and regional equity. With Indian Railways targeting 100% electrification of broad-gauge routes by 2030, the move aligns with India’s commitment to net-zero emissions and inclusive growth.
🔹 Significance for Assam and Northeast:
| Dimension | Impact |
| Environmental | Reduces carbon emissions by cutting diesel dependence |
| Economic | Cuts logistics cost, promotes agro-based and industrial trade |
| Connectivity | Enhances regional integration with the national economy |
| Strategic | Strengthens movement in border and insurgency-prone zones |
| Tourism & Mobility | Facilitates faster, greener travel options |
🔹 Challenges:
- Difficult Terrain: Flood-prone zones and hilly regions complicate infrastructure.
- Power Supply Gaps: Limited transmission infrastructure to support electrification.
- Funding & Execution Delays: High capex in remote stretches; land disputes.
- Maintenance Capacity: Limited local expertise and repair facilities.
🔹 Government Interventions:
- Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR): Leading implementation in Assam.
- PM Gati Shakti: Enables integrated logistics planning.
- Electrified Corridors: Lumding–Badarpur, Rangiya–Murkongselek being prioritized.
- Green Stations Mission: Focus on solar and energy-efficient designs.
🔹 Conclusion:
Railway electrification in Assam is not merely a transport upgrade but a strategic infrastructure enabler for sustainability, regional development, and national cohesion. With a resilient, inclusive approach, it can bridge the developmental divide and make Assam a gateway to Southeast Asia.
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