APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (10/12/2024)

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 (10-12-2024). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.

1. Presence of Arsenic in Assam’s Groundwater

GS Paper 3: Environment and Public Health

Introduction

Arsenic contamination in groundwater is a pressing environmental and health issue in Assam, affecting 21 districts. This problem ranks Assam as the third most affected state in India after Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The contamination poses severe risks to public health, including chronic diseases and groundwater scarcity.

Key Points

• Extent of Contamination:
  • Arsenic levels exceed permissible limits in isolated pockets across 21 districts.
  • Major affected districts include Jorhat, Dibrugarh, and Nalbari.
• Health Impact:
  • Chronic exposure leads to diseases like cancer, cardiovascular issues, and skin lesions.
  • Arsenicosis, a condition caused by prolonged arsenic exposure, is a significant concern.
• Sources of Contamination:
  • Naturally occurring arsenic in aquifers due to geological formations.
  • Anthropogenic factors like excessive use of fertilizers and industrial waste disposal.

Prelims Pointers

• Permissible Limit of Arsenic in Drinking Water:
  • As per WHO and BIS, the limit is 10 µg/L.
• National Initiatives:
  • Jal Shakti Abhiyan to address water-related challenges.
• Technology in Use:
  • Arsenic removal units and groundwater mapping technologies.

Mains Pointers

Importance of Addressing Arsenic Contamination:

1. Public Health:
   • Protects over 20 lakh people relying on arsenic-contaminated groundwater for drinking and irrigation.
2. Economic Impact:
   • Reduces healthcare costs and productivity loss due to arsenic-induced illnesses.
3. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
   • Contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Challenges:

1. Limited Awareness:
   • Lack of knowledge among communities about arsenic contamination and its effects.
2. Technological and Financial Barriers:
   • High cost of arsenic removal technologies and infrastructure.
3. Policy Gaps:
   • Absence of stringent monitoring and mitigation measures in rural areas.

Government Initiatives:

1. National Water Quality Sub-Mission (NWQSM):
   • Provides arsenic-free drinking water through piped water supply schemes.
2. Jal Jeevan Mission:
   • Focus on safe drinking water access, including arsenic-prone regions.
3. Arsenic Task Forces:
   • Formed in affected states to monitor and mitigate contamination.

Way Ahead:

1. Community Awareness Programs:
   • Educate locals about arsenic contamination and preventive measures.
2. Affordable Technology Deployment:
   • Promote low-cost filtration units and real-time water testing kits.
3. Sustainable Water Management:
   • Encourage rainwater harvesting and surface water usage to reduce groundwater dependency.
4. Policy Reinforcement:
   • Strengthen arsenic monitoring and establish accountability frameworks.

Conclusion

Arsenic contamination in Assam’s groundwater is both an environmental and public health crisis. A multi-faceted approach encompassing technology, policy, and community engagement can ensure safe water access and long-term sustainability. Assam must act decisively to safeguard its population and fulfill its commitment to environmental health.

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2. Assam’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy Update

GS Paper 3: Infrastructure Development, Environment

Introduction

Assam’s updated Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy aims to accelerate the adoption of EVs to reduce carbon emissions, combat air pollution, and position Assam as a leader in sustainable transportation. The policy outlines incentives for EV manufacturers and users, promoting a transition to green mobility.

Key Points

• Policy Highlights:
  • Target to achieve 25% EV penetration in vehicle registrations by 2030.
  • Incentives for EV manufacturers, including subsidies for setting up EV assembly plants.
  • Waiver of road tax and registration fees for EV buyers.
• Infrastructure Development:
  • Plan to establish 200 EV charging stations across major cities and highways.
  • Promotion of battery-swapping facilities to enhance user convenience.
• Focus on Employment and Industry:
  • Creation of 10,000 green jobs through EV manufacturing and related industries.

Prelims Pointers

• FAME India Scheme (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and EVs): National program supporting EV adoption.
• Battery-Swapping Technology: Allows users to exchange depleted batteries for charged ones at designated stations.
• State Initiatives: Assam joins states like Karnataka and Maharashtra in promoting EV policies.

Mains Pointers

Importance of Assam’s EV Policy:

1. Environmental Benefits:
   • Reduces vehicular emissions, aligning with India’s COP26 commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
2. Economic Growth:
   • Attracts investments in EV manufacturing and charging infrastructure.
   • Boosts the local economy through job creation in green industries.
3. Energy Efficiency:
   • Reduces dependence on fossil fuels, lowering Assam’s import bill for petroleum products.

Challenges:

1. Infrastructure Deficit:
   • Limited charging stations hinder large-scale EV adoption.
2. High Initial Costs:
   • EVs remain expensive compared to conventional vehicles, despite subsidies.
3. Battery Recycling Issues:
   • Improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries poses environmental risks.
4. Public Awareness:
   • Lack of knowledge about EV benefits among rural populations.

Government Initiatives:

1. State-Level Measures:
   • Subsidies of up to ₹1.5 lakh for EV buyers.
   • Incentives for EV startups to establish manufacturing units in Assam.
2. National Programs:
   • FAME II Scheme: Offers financial support for EV purchases and infrastructure development.
   • National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP): Targets the creation of EV ecosystems in India.

Way Ahead:

1. Infrastructure Expansion:
   • Accelerate the development of charging stations in urban and rural areas.
2. Battery Management:
   • Promote research into sustainable battery recycling and disposal methods.
3. Awareness Campaigns:
   • Educate citizens about the economic and environmental benefits of EVs.
4. Policy Integration:
   • Align state EV policies with national schemes like FAME II for seamless implementation.

Conclusion

Assam’s EV Policy update is a forward-looking initiative that can revolutionize the state’s transportation sector while combating environmental challenges. By addressing infrastructure gaps and promoting public awareness, Assam can lead the Northeast in transitioning to sustainable mobility solutions.

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3. Kaziranga National Park’s Drone Surveillance Initiative

GS Paper 3: Environment, Biodiversity, and Technology

Introduction

Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the largest population of the one-horned rhinoceros, has launched a drone surveillance initiative to enhance wildlife protection. The initiative integrates technology with conservation, addressing challenges such as poaching, habitat monitoring, and disaster management.

Key Points

• Drone Capabilities:
  • Equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging for nighttime surveillance.
  • Real-time monitoring of inaccessible areas, especially during floods.
• Focus Areas:
  • Anti-poaching operations to safeguard the rhino population.
  • Monitoring of migratory animal movements and habitat conditions.
• Operational Zones:
  • Extensive use in vulnerable areas such as the Bagori and Kohora ranges.

Prelims Pointers

• Kaziranga National Park: Declared a World Heritage Site in 1985, covering an area of 430 sq. km.
• One-Horned Rhinoceros Population: Approximately 2,700, accounting for 70% of the global population (Source: Rhino Census 2022).
• M-STrIPES: A national program for wildlife monitoring using technology.

Mains Pointers

Significance of Drone Surveillance in Kaziranga:

1. Enhanced Wildlife Protection:
   • Drones provide 24/7 surveillance, reducing poaching incidents, which saw a 40% drop since 2020.
2. Flood Management:
   • Monitors animal movements during Brahmaputra floods, helping relocate them to highlands.
3. Scientific Monitoring:
   • Collects data on habitat conditions, assisting in ecological research and policy formulation.
4. Cost Efficiency:
   • Reduces manpower requirements for patrolling vast areas, improving operational efficiency.

Challenges:

1. Technology Limitations:
   • Drones have restricted battery life, limiting prolonged operations.
2. Training and Maintenance:
   • Requires skilled personnel for operation and regular maintenance.
3. Community Resistance:
   • Local communities may perceive drones as intrusive to their traditional activities.

Government Initiatives:

1. Project Rhino: Focuses on conservation of one-horned rhinoceroses in Kaziranga and other regions.
2. Anti-Poaching Infrastructure: Includes high-tech watchtowers and armed ranger teams.
3. M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status): A technology-driven wildlife monitoring system.

Way Ahead:

1. Technology Upgradation:
   • Invest in long-range drones with extended battery life and AI capabilities.
2. Capacity Building:
   • Train forest staff in drone operations and data analysis.
3. Community Engagement:
   • Involve local communities in conservation efforts through awareness and livelihood programs.
4. Policy Integration:
   • Scale up drone usage to other national parks in Assam, creating a state-wide surveillance network.

Conclusion

The drone surveillance initiative in Kaziranga National Park represents a paradigm shift in wildlife conservation, combining advanced technology with traditional methods. By addressing existing challenges and scaling up efforts, Kaziranga can continue to lead global conservation practices, safeguarding its biodiversity for generations to come.

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4. Assam’s New Renewable Energy Policy

GS Paper 3: Energy, Environment, and Sustainable Development

Introduction

The Assam Renewable Energy Policy 2024 aims to boost renewable energy capacity and transition the state toward sustainable energy solutions. Targeting 3 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, the policy focuses on solar, wind, and biomass energy to reduce Assam’s dependence on fossil fuels and combat climate change.

Key Points

• Policy Highlights:
  • Development of solar parks and hybrid energy systems.
  • Incentives for private investors, including tax holidays and capital subsidies.
  • Provision for decentralized renewable energy systems in remote areas.
• Focus Areas:
  • Installation of rooftop solar panels on government and commercial buildings.
  • Promotion of bioenergy projects using agricultural and municipal waste.

Prelims Pointers

• Assam’s Renewable Energy Potential:
  • Solar: 13 GW, Wind: 1.5 GW (Source: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy).
• India’s Renewable Energy Goals:
  • Target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030 (Source: COP26 Commitment).
• Key National Scheme:
  • PM-KUSUM: Promotes solar energy in agriculture.

Mains Pointers

Significance of the Policy for Assam:

1. Energy Security:
   • Reduces reliance on coal, which constitutes 70% of Assam’s power generation.
2. Economic Growth:
   • Encourages investments in renewable energy infrastructure, generating green jobs.
   • Promotes local industries manufacturing solar panels and wind turbines.
3. Environmental Benefits:
   • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to India’s Net Zero 2070 target.
   • Addresses air and water pollution caused by conventional power plants.
4. Rural Development:
   • Decentralized energy systems provide electricity to remote villages, boosting rural livelihoods.

Challenges:

1. Land Acquisition:
   • Large-scale solar and wind projects require significant land resources, leading to conflicts.
2. Financing Issues:
   • High initial investment in renewable energy technologies limits adoption.
3. Grid Integration:
   • Challenges in managing variable renewable energy sources in the existing power grid.
4. Policy Implementation Gaps:
   • Delayed projects and insufficient incentives discourage private participation.

Government Initiatives:

1. Assam Solar Energy Policy 2017: Earlier framework for promoting solar power.
2. National Solar Mission: Aims for 100 GW of solar capacity by 2030.
3. International Solar Alliance (ISA): India-led initiative for global solar energy development.

Way Ahead:

1. Incentivize Investments:
   • Introduce flexible financing schemes and subsidies to attract private players.
2. Technology Development:
   • Invest in research for energy storage systems to address variability in renewable sources.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns:
   • Educate citizens about the benefits of renewable energy through community engagement.
4. Strengthen Grid Infrastructure:
   • Upgrade power grids to accommodate renewable energy and ensure reliable supply.

Conclusion Assam’s Renewable Energy Policy 2024 is a timely initiative that aligns with India’s climate goals and Assam’s energy demands. By addressing challenges and fostering innovation, the policy can position Assam as a leader in green energy transitions, ensuring sustainable growth for the region.

APSC Prelims Practice Questions

Topic 1: Presence of Arsenic in Assam’s Groundwater

Q1. What is the permissible limit of arsenic in drinking water as per WHO and BIS standards?
a) 50 µg/L
b) 20 µg/L
c) 10 µg/L
d) 5 µg/L

Answer: c) 10 µg/L

Explanation:

• The permissible limit for arsenic in drinking water is 10 µg/L, as per the World Health Organization (WHO) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

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Q2. Which of the following factors contribute to arsenic contamination in groundwater?

1. Naturally occurring geological formations.
2. Excessive use of fertilizers in agriculture.
3. Industrial waste disposal.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 1, 2, and 3
d) 2 and 3 only

Answer: c) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation:

• Arsenic contamination is caused by natural geological formations and exacerbated by anthropogenic factors like fertilizer usage and industrial waste.

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Topic 2: Assam’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy Update

Q1. What is the target for EV penetration in Assam under the updated EV policy by 2030?
a) 15%
b) 20%
c) 25%
d) 30%

Answer: c) 25%

Explanation:

• Assam’s EV policy targets 25% EV penetration in vehicle registrations by 2030.

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Q2. Which of the following are included in Assam’s EV policy incentives?

1. Waiver of road tax for EVs.
2. Subsidies for setting up EV assembly plants.
3. Battery-swapping facilities.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: d) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation:

• Assam’s EV policy includes waivers, subsidies, and provisions for battery-swapping facilities to promote EV adoption.

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Topic 3: Kaziranga National Park’s Drone Surveillance Initiative

Q1. Which technology is being used in Kaziranga National Park for surveillance and conservation?
a) Satellite imaging
b) Drone surveillance with thermal imaging
c) Artificial Intelligence
d) Radar-based wildlife monitoring

Answer: b) Drone surveillance with thermal imaging

Explanation:

• Kaziranga has introduced drones equipped with thermal imaging for 24/7 surveillance and habitat monitoring.

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Q2. Kaziranga National Park is located on which river’s floodplain?
a) Barak River
b) Lohit River
c) Brahmaputra River
d) Subansiri River

Answer: c) Brahmaputra River

Explanation:

• Kaziranga National Park is situated on the Brahmaputra River’s floodplain, making it vulnerable to annual floods.

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Topic 4: Assam’s New Renewable Energy Policy

Q1. Assam’s Renewable Energy Policy 2024 aims to achieve which renewable energy capacity target by 2030?
a) 1 GW
b) 2 GW
c) 3 GW
d) 5 GW

Answer: c) 3 GW

Explanation:

• The policy targets 3 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, focusing on solar, wind, and biomass energy.

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Q2. Which of the following schemes supports renewable energy adoption in Assam?

1. PM-KUSUM
2. National Solar Mission
3. Green India Mission

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2, and 3
d) 1 only

Answer: c) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation:

All three initiatives promote renewable energy adoption, either directly or indirectly, and align with Assam’s goals.

APSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss the challenges posed by arsenic contamination in Assam’s groundwater. Highlight the steps taken by the government and suggest measures to address the issue comprehensively. (250 words)

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Model Answer

Introduction

Arsenic contamination in groundwater is a significant public health and environmental concern in Assam, affecting 21 districts and over 20 lakh people. With arsenic levels exceeding the permissible limit of 10 µg/L (WHO), the issue poses severe risks to health, agriculture, and water security. Assam is the third most affected state in India after Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Challenges Posed by Arsenic Contamination

1. Public Health Crisis:
   • Chronic exposure causes arsenicosis, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and skin lesions.
   • Increases the healthcare burden due to long-term illnesses.
2. Agricultural Impact:
   • Arsenic-contaminated water used for irrigation leads to crop contamination, affecting food safety.
   • Decreases soil fertility, reducing agricultural productivity.
3. Economic Loss:
   • Reduced workforce productivity due to health issues.
   • Increased government expenditure on healthcare and mitigation measures.
4. Limited Awareness:
   • Lack of knowledge among rural communities exacerbates health risks.

Government Initiatives

1. National Water Quality Sub-Mission (NWQSM):
   • Focuses on providing arsenic-free drinking water through piped water supply schemes.
2. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM):
   • Ensures functional household tap connections with safe water in rural areas.
3. Arsenic Task Forces:
   • Established in affected states for monitoring and mitigation efforts.
4. Technology Deployment:
   • Installation of arsenic removal units in highly affected regions.

Measures to Address the Issue

1. Sustainable Water Management:
   • Promote rainwater harvesting and surface water use to reduce groundwater dependency.
   • Recharge groundwater through community-based watershed development.
2. Affordable Technology Deployment:
   • Scale up low-cost arsenic filtration units and real-time water quality testing kits.
3. Capacity Building and Awareness:
   • Conduct educational campaigns in rural areas on the risks of arsenic contamination.
   • Train local officials and community leaders in mitigation strategies.
4. Policy Strengthening:
   • Enforce stricter groundwater monitoring and establish accountability frameworks.
   • Integrate arsenic mitigation into broader public health policies.

Conclusion Arsenic contamination in Assam’s groundwater is a multifaceted challenge that requires coordinated efforts across governance, technology, and community engagement. By addressing gaps in awareness, infrastructure, and policy implementation, Assam can safeguard public health, ensure water security, and achieve SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

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