APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (30/08/2025)
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 (30-08-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🚧 Assam Cabinet Approves New Land Policy 2025
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Policies for Development
📘 GS Paper 3: Land Reforms | Agriculture & Rural Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Land Administration in Assam
🔹 Introduction
The Assam Cabinet has approved a new Land Policy 2025 aimed at modernising land governance, addressing encroachment, and ensuring equitable distribution of land resources. This policy replaces the 2019 Land Policy, introducing reforms for land digitisation, protection of indigenous rights, and prevention of illegal occupation of government and forest land.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Approval | Assam Cabinet, August 2025 |
| Replaces | Assam Land Policy 2019 |
| Focus Areas | Land digitisation, anti-encroachment drive, indigenous rights, urban-rural land management |
| Special Provisions | Protection for Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and tea-tribe communities |
| Technology Use | GIS mapping, e-governance portals for land records |
| Objective | Balance development needs with conservation of land resources |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR): Special land rights provisions exist for tribal communities.
Sixth Schedule: Protects tribal land rights in autonomous districts of Assam.
Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP): Ongoing central scheme for digitisation of land records.
Assam Land Policy 2019: Focused on land distribution to landless indigenous people.
Encroachment Issues: Over 3.5 lakh hectares of land in Assam affected by encroachment (Forest Dept. 2024).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Assam’s New Land Policy
Equity: Ensures land allocation to landless indigenous households.
Digitisation: Brings transparency, reduces corruption, and prevents land fraud.
Environmental Protection: Prevents encroachment in forest areas.
Urban Planning: Regulates haphazard urban land use.
Social Justice: Protects vulnerable communities like STs, SCs, and tea tribes.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Encroachment Pressure | High migration and population density around forests. |
| Land Disputes | Frequent conflicts over boundaries and titles. |
| Flood & Erosion | Brahmaputra erosion displaces thousands annually, complicating land distribution. |
| Implementation Gaps | Past land policies faced weak enforcement. |
| Balancing Development | Need to protect indigenous rights while enabling industrialisation. |
C. Govt Initiatives Supporting Land Reforms
Mission Basundhara 2.0 – Digitisation and settlement of land records.
Jal Jeevan Mission linkages – Land access for water infrastructure.
National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP).
Forest Rights Act 2006 – Recognition of forest dwellers’ rights.
D. Way Forward
Strengthen land record digitisation and GIS mapping.
Create fast-track land tribunals for dispute resolution.
Ensure rehabilitation for erosion-affected families.
Foster community participation in anti-encroachment drives.
Link policy with sustainable development goals (SDGs 1, 11, 15).
🧩 Conclusion
The Assam Land Policy 2025 is a crucial step in modernising land governance and ensuring justice for indigenous and vulnerable groups. Its success will depend on effective implementation, use of technology, and community trust-building, making it a potential model for other northeastern states facing similar challenges.
🏭 Centre Clears ₹15,000-Crore Petrochemical Project in Assam
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Energy | Industrial Development
📘 GS Paper 1 (Assam & NE): Regional Development in Northeast
🔹 Introduction
The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹15,000-crore petrochemical project in Assam, aimed at boosting the Northeast’s industrial base, generating employment, and reducing dependence on imports. This project is expected to become a hub for plastic and chemical-based industries, integrating Assam more closely with India’s industrial growth story.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Approval | Union Cabinet, Aug 2025 |
| Investment Size | ₹15,000 crore |
| Location | Proposed near Numaligarh Refinery (Golaghat, Assam) |
| Expected Benefits | 1 lakh+ direct and indirect jobs |
| Products | Polymers, chemicals, plastics for multiple industries |
| Strategic Goal | Self-reliance in petrochemicals; support “Make in India” & “Act East” policies |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL): “Assam Accord Refinery,” expanded to 9 MMTPA capacity in 2024.
North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS, 2017): Incentivises industries in NE.
India’s Petrochemical Hubs: Dahej (Gujarat), Jamnagar (Gujarat), Paradeep (Odisha).
Plastic Parks: Govt scheme to set up dedicated plastic industry hubs (Assam already has one in Tinsukia).
Petrochemical Demand: India’s demand expected to double by 2035 (NITI Aayog).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Project
Industrialisation of NE: Positions Assam as a petrochemical hub.
Employment Generation: Significant direct and indirect jobs.
Import Substitution: Reduces India’s import bill for polymers and plastics.
Downstream Industries: Boosts textiles, packaging, agriculture, automotive sectors.
Strategic Location: Links with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and ASEAN markets via Act East Policy.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Environmental Concerns | Risk of pollution, waste management issues. |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Logistics and transport bottlenecks in NE. |
| Skilled Workforce Shortage | Need for petrochemical engineers and technicians. |
| Market Volatility | Global oil price fluctuations affect feedstock costs. |
| Community Opposition | Possible land acquisition and displacement issues. |
C. Govt Initiatives Supporting Project
Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
North East Hydrocarbon Vision 2030.
Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti – for integrated logistics.
India-Bangladesh Protocol Routes – enhancing trade connectivity.
D. Way Forward
Develop green petrochemicals with strict environmental safeguards.
Strengthen skill development centres in Assam.
Integrate with Plastic Parks and downstream MSMEs.
Improve multi-modal connectivity (rail-road-waterways).
Ensure transparent rehabilitation for displaced communities.
🧩 Conclusion
The ₹15,000-crore petrochemical project is a landmark for Assam’s industrialisation, aligning with the twin goals of regional development and self-reliance in petrochemicals. With careful environmental safeguards and inclusive growth, it can transform Assam into a gateway for industrial trade with the ASEAN region.
🌾 Centre Extends PM-KUSUM Scheme to Northeast India
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Policies & Interventions | Rural Development
📘 GS Paper 3: Agriculture | Renewable Energy | Environment
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Agricultural Development in Assam
🔹 Introduction
The Union Government has extended the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) to the Northeastern states, including Assam, to promote solar irrigation pumps, renewable energy adoption, and income diversification for farmers. This move aligns with India’s National Solar Mission and its commitment to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Scheme Launch | 2019 by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) |
| Main Objective | Provide farmers with reliable solar energy for irrigation and income generation |
| Extension to NE | Approved in August 2025 |
| Components | 1. Solar pumps, 2. Grid-connected solar power plants, 3. Solarisation of existing pumps |
| Funding Pattern | 60% subsidy (Centre + State), 30% bank loan, 10% farmer contribution |
| Expected Benefits in Assam | Reduced diesel dependency, climate resilience, lower cost irrigation |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
PM-KUSUM Components:
Component A: Decentralised grid-connected solar plants (up to 2 MW).
Component B: Stand-alone solar pumps.
Component C: Solarisation of existing grid-connected pumps.
International Solar Alliance (ISA): HQ – Gurugram; India is a founding member.
NE India’s Power Scenario: Assam imports ~20% of its power demand.
Agri-Energy Nexus: Agriculture accounts for ~18% of India’s electricity consumption.
SDG Links: SDG 7 (Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Extension to NE
Energy Access: Provides reliable irrigation in flood and drought-prone belts.
Economic Relief: Cuts farmers’ diesel costs, boosting farm incomes.
Climate Mitigation: Supports India’s renewable targets.
Employment Creation: Solar equipment manufacturing and maintenance.
Inclusive Growth: Benefits small and marginal farmers of Assam and NE.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| High Initial Cost | Even with subsidies, upfront cost burdens farmers. |
| Maintenance Issues | Lack of trained technicians in rural NE. |
| Grid Connectivity | Remote villages face weak power infrastructure. |
| Awareness Gap | Farmers may be reluctant due to low awareness. |
| Flood Risks | Assam’s floods can damage solar installations. |
C. Govt Initiatives Supporting KUSUM
National Solar Mission (2010).
Assam Solar Energy Policy 2022.
FAME-II Scheme (for EVs, linked to renewable ecosystem).
International Solar Alliance (ISA) projects.
D. Way Forward
Localized Models: Floating solar pumps in flood-prone belts.
Capacity Building: Training rural youth as solar technicians.
Community Ownership: Cooperatives to manage pumps collectively.
Hybrid Systems: Integrate solar with biomass and mini-hydro.
PPP Investments: Encourage private firms for last-mile solarisation.
🧩 Conclusion
The extension of PM-KUSUM to the Northeast is a critical step for climate-resilient agriculture, rural empowerment, and energy independence. If implemented with localised innovations and strong institutional support, it can transform Assam’s agricultural economy and set a model for other eco-fragile regions.
🛰️ India Successfully Launches INSAT-4GS Communication Satellite
📘 GS Paper 3: Science & Technology | Space Technology | Applications of Satellites
📘 GS Paper 1 (Assam & NE): Role of Space in Regional Development
🔹 Introduction
India has successfully launched the INSAT-4GS communication satellite, further strengthening its capacity in telecommunications, disaster management, and digital connectivity. The satellite, developed by ISRO, is part of India’s INSAT/GSAT series and will significantly benefit Northeastern states like Assam, where connectivity remains a major challenge.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Satellite Name | INSAT-4GS |
| Developed by | ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) |
| Launch Date | August 2025 |
| Purpose | High-capacity telecom, broadband internet, disaster warning, tele-education |
| Coverage | Pan-India, with a special focus on remote NE, Himalayan, and island regions |
| Significance for Assam | Improves internet penetration, supports flood forecasting and disaster alerts |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
INSAT Series: Multipurpose satellites for telecom, TV broadcasting, weather forecasting.
GSAT Series: Indian communication satellites launched by ISRO.
Other Relevant Satellites:
INSAT-3D & 3DR: Meteorological satellites for weather monitoring.
NAVIC: Indian regional navigation system.
Disaster Management: INSAT-based disaster warning systems aid cyclone and flood alerts.
India’s Space Achievements: Chandrayaan-3 (lunar landing, 2023), Aditya-L1 (solar mission, 2023).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of INSAT-4GS
Telecom & Internet: Expands 4G/5G penetration in rural and remote areas.
Digital India: Bridges digital divide, supports e-governance, tele-education, telemedicine.
Disaster Management: Improves flood, cyclone, and earthquake early-warning systems.
Strategic Communication: Enhances defence and border communication in sensitive NE.
Economic Growth: Boosts business, startups, and e-commerce in remote areas.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Space Debris | Growing concern for satellite sustainability. |
| Cybersecurity | Vulnerability of communication networks to cyberattacks. |
| High Costs | Launch and maintenance require large investments. |
| Ground Infrastructure | NE lacks adequate ground stations and user devices. |
C. Govt Initiatives Supporting Space & Communication
Digital India Mission.
BharatNet Project: Rural broadband through optical fibre + satellite.
Indian National Space Promotion & Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe): Encouraging private participation.
National Geospatial Policy 2022.
D. Way Forward
Expand ground stations in Assam and NE for effective utilisation.
Encourage public-private partnerships in space communication services.
Invest in cybersecurity frameworks for satellite data.
Promote affordable access for farmers, students, and healthcare providers.
Align with SDGs (4 – Education, 9 – Infrastructure, 13 – Climate Action).
🧩 Conclusion
The launch of INSAT-4GS represents India’s growing strength in space technology and its commitment to inclusive digital growth. For Assam and the Northeast, it promises not only improved connectivity but also stronger disaster preparedness, making it a vital step towards resilient and equitable development.lso shaping a stable and multipolar regional order.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
1. Assam Land Policy 2025
Q1. (Statement-based)
With reference to Assam’s Land Policy 2025, consider the following statements:
- It seeks to digitise land records using GIS mapping.
- It provides special land rights protection for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes.
- It allows allocation of forest land to private industries for development purposes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The policy emphasises digitisation and protection of indigenous rights but does not allow allocation of forest land to industries.
Q2. (Match the Following)
Match the following schemes/policies with their objectives:
| Scheme/Policy | Objective |
| Mission Basundhara 2.0 | A. Recognition of tribal forest rights |
| Forest Rights Act 2006 | B. Digitisation of land records |
| Assam Land Policy 2025 | C. Preventing land encroachment & protecting indigenous rights |
Options:
- Mission Basundhara 2.0 → B; Forest Rights Act → A; Assam Land Policy 2025 → C
- Mission Basundhara 2.0 → A; Forest Rights Act → C; Assam Land Policy 2025 → B
- Mission Basundhara 2.0 → B; Forest Rights Act → C; Assam Land Policy 2025 → A
- Mission Basundhara 2.0 → C; Forest Rights Act → B; Assam Land Policy 2025 → A
Answer: 1
2. Petrochemical Project in Assam
Q3. (Statement-based)
Consider the following statements about India’s petrochemical sector:
- Assam’s proposed ₹15,000 crore petrochemical hub will be located near Numaligarh Refinery.
- The project is expected to reduce India’s import dependence on polymers and plastics.
- Plastic Parks scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Which of the statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: All three statements are correct – NRL-based project, import substitution, and Plastic Parks are under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Q4. (Analytical/Map-based)
Numaligarh Refinery (proposed petrochemical hub) is located closest to which of the following rivers?
(a) Subansiri
(b) Dhansiri
(c) Kopili
(d) Beki
Answer: (b) Dhansiri
Explanation: The refinery is situated in Golaghat district near the Dhansiri river.
3. PM-KUSUM Extension to Northeast
Q5. (UPSC Pattern Statement-based)
With reference to PM-KUSUM Scheme, consider the following:
- It provides for stand-alone solar pumps and solarisation of existing pumps.
- It aims to establish decentralised grid-connected solar plants up to 2 MW.
- It is fully funded by the central government without any state contribution.
Which of the 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: Funding is shared – 60% subsidy (Centre + State), 30% loan, 10% farmer contribution.
Q6. (Current Affairs Twist)
The recent extension of PM-KUSUM to Assam is significant because:
- It will reduce diesel dependency of farmers.
- It will directly contribute to India’s 2030 renewable energy targets.
- It provides subsidy for hydropower-based irrigation in flood-prone areas.
Which of the 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: The scheme is solar-focused, not hydro.
4. INSAT-4GS Satellite
Q7. (Statement-based)
With reference to INSAT-4GS, consider the following statements:
- It is primarily a communication satellite developed by ISRO.
- It will provide special support for telecom, broadband, and disaster alerts in Northeast India.
- INSAT satellites are India’s series of navigation satellites like NAVIC.
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation: NAVIC is India’s navigation system; INSAT is for communication, broadcasting, weather, and disaster management.
Q8. (Assertion-Reason Type)
Assertion (A): The launch of INSAT-4GS is expected to strengthen digital connectivity in Assam and other Northeastern states.
Reason (R): Northeastern India has a high density of ground optical fibre infrastructure which makes satellite-based communication redundant.
Options:
(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)
Explanation: NE still lacks strong optical fibre infrastructure, hence satellite communication is crucial.mes.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Q. The extension of the PM-KUSUM scheme to the Northeast marks a significant step in ensuring energy security and sustainable agriculture in the region. Discuss the significance, challenges, and way forward.
(GS Paper 3 – Agriculture | Energy | Environment; GS Paper 5 – Assam & Northeast Development)
🔹 Introduction
Agriculture in Northeast India, particularly Assam, remains highly dependent on diesel-based irrigation, raising both costs and emissions. The Union Government’s decision in August 2025 to extend the PM-KUSUM scheme to the Northeast seeks to integrate solar energy into agriculture, ensuring climate-resilient farming and rural empowerment.
🔹 Significance of PM-KUSUM in the Northeast
- Energy Security for Farmers – Solar pumps reduce dependency on erratic grid supply and costly diesel.
- Climate Action – Supports India’s pledge of 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030 and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
- Agricultural Productivity – Reliable irrigation ensures multiple cropping cycles and reduces climate vulnerability.
- Economic Benefits – Cuts input costs, improves farm incomes, and creates local employment in solar installation/maintenance.
- Regional Development – Strengthens Assam’s renewable roadmap under the Assam Solar Energy Policy 2022.
🔹 Challenges in Implementation
| Challenge | Explanation |
| High Initial Costs | Despite subsidies, 10% contribution is difficult for marginal farmers. |
| Flood-Prone Region | Assam’s recurrent floods can damage solar panels and pumps. |
| Maintenance & Technical Skills | Lack of trained manpower in rural areas for upkeep. |
| Awareness Gap | Low farmer awareness of long-term benefits. |
| Grid Integration Issues | Remote NE villages face weak power evacuation infrastructure. |
🔹 Government Initiatives Supporting KUSUM
- National Solar Mission (2010): Flagship policy for renewable energy.
- North East Hydrocarbon Vision 2030: Diversification of energy sources.
- International Solar Alliance (ISA): Promotes global cooperation in solar energy.
- Assam Solar Energy Policy 2022: Targets 1,000 MW solar capacity.
🔹 Way Forward
- Localized Models – Use floating solar pumps in flood-prone belts.
- Capacity Building – Train rural youth as solar technicians under Skill India.
- Cooperative Ownership – Promote farmer cooperatives for shared solar irrigation systems.
- Financial Innovations – Provide interest-free loans and micro-credit for farmers’ contribution.
- Integration with Other Schemes – Align with PM-KUSUM + PMFBY (crop insurance) to improve resilience.
🔹 Conclusion
The extension of PM-KUSUM to the Northeast is a landmark initiative that goes beyond renewable energy—it addresses agricultural sustainability, rural livelihoods, and climate resilience. With local innovations and inclusive financial models, it has the potential to transform Assam into a model for green and sustainable farming in ecologically fragile regions.ed effectively, it can not only transform Assam’s healthcare delivery but also serve as a model for Universal Health Coverage in India’s Northeastern region.nt. 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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