APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (03/09/2025)
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 (03-09-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🛰️ India Successfully Launches INSAT-4H Satellite: Boosting Communication & Disaster Management
📘 GS Paper 3: Science & Technology | Space Technology | Disaster Management
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Service Delivery via Technology
🔹 Introduction
ISRO successfully launched the INSAT-4H satellite from Sriharikota on 2 September 2025, strengthening India’s communication, broadcasting, and disaster management capabilities. The satellite is part of the INSAT/GSAT series and will provide advanced meteorological, telecommunication, and emergency support services.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Satellite | INSAT-4H |
| Launched by | ISRO, GSLV Mk III rocket |
| Functions | Communication, DTH broadcasting, disaster warning, search & rescue |
| Coverage | Pan-India and Indian Ocean region |
| Special Feature | Enhanced transponders for HD broadcasting, faster data relay for IMD |
| Relevance | Supports Digital India, disaster early-warning systems, rural connectivity |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
INSAT Series: Multipurpose satellites (telecom, broadcasting, meteorology, disaster alert).
GSAT Series: Successor to INSAT, mainly for communication.
GSLV Mk III (LVM3): India’s heaviest rocket, used also for Chandrayaan-2 & Gaganyaan.
EDUSAT (2004): First Indian satellite dedicated to education.
COSPAS-SARSAT Programme: International satellite-based search & rescue system (India is a member).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of INSAT-4H
Communication Boost: Strengthens telecom, TV broadcasting, and internet bandwidth.
Disaster Management: Supports IMD forecasting, cyclone alerts, and rescue coordination.
Digital India: Expands rural broadband access.
Strategic Significance: Provides redundancy in case of failures, ensuring resilience.
International Role: Enhances India’s capacity in Indian Ocean Region cooperation.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Space Debris | Risk of collisions and orbital congestion. |
| Dependence on Foreign Components | Some payload technologies imported. |
| Cybersecurity Risks | Satellites vulnerable to hacking. |
| High Costs | Launch & maintenance expenses. |
C. Govt Initiatives
ISRO Commercial Arm (NSIL): Monetising satellite services.
IN-SPACe & Private Participation: Allowing startups in satellite launches.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Uses satellites for disaster response.
BharatNet Project: Expanding rural connectivity using satellite bandwidth.
D. Way Forward
Indigenous R&D → reduce foreign tech dependence.
International Cooperation → data sharing with SAARC, BIMSTEC, ASEAN.
Space Security Framework → protect from cyber & kinetic threats.
Satellite Constellations → LEO/MEO constellations for faster coverage.
🧩 Conclusion
The launch of INSAT-4H underlines India’s growing space capabilities and their role in socio-economic development, disaster management, and digital connectivity. By combining technology with governance, India can leverage space as a force multiplier for inclusive growth.
💊 Jan Aushadhi Kendras Cross 20,000 Mark Nationwide
📘 GS Paper 2: Health | Welfare Schemes | Government Policies
📘 GS Paper 3: Economy | Affordable Medicines | Inclusive Growth
🔹 Introduction
The Government of India announced that Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) have crossed the 20,000 mark nationwide. The scheme, launched in 2008 and revamped in 2015, provides generic medicines at affordable rates, ensuring healthcare access for all, particularly the poor and middle class.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) |
| Milestone | 20,000 Kendras opened across India (Sept 2025) |
| Price Advantage | Medicines cheaper by 50–90% than branded equivalents |
| Coverage | Over 1,800 districts covered |
| Beneficiaries | ~20 crore people estimated to benefit annually |
| Special Focus | Women-centric products like oxytocin, sanitary napkins (Suvidha at ₹1) |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Implementing Agency: Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI), now Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI).
Launch Year: 2008 (revamped 2015).
Suvidha Sanitary Napkins: Available at ₹1 under PMBJP.
National Health Policy 2017: Emphasises affordable access to medicines.
Generic Drugs: Same active ingredient, dosage, safety, and efficacy as branded drugs, but cost much less.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of PMBJP
Affordable Healthcare: Reduces out-of-pocket expenditure, which accounts for ~48% of total health spending in India (NHA 2023).
Accessibility: Expands reach to rural and semi-urban areas.
Women’s Health: Affordable sanitary products & maternity medicines.
Atmanirbhar Bharat: Boosts domestic pharma industry and local entrepreneurs.
Equity: Ensures poor and middle-class access to essential drugs.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Awareness Gap | Many citizens unaware of Jan Aushadhi outlets. |
| Doctor Prescription Bias | Preference for branded medicines. |
| Supply Chain Issues | Occasional shortages of key medicines. |
| Quality Concerns | Perception that generics are inferior. |
| Coverage Gaps | Kendras unevenly distributed; NE states under-represented. |
C. Govt Initiatives
PMBJP – Expansion Plan: Target 25,000 Kendras by 2027.
Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY): Complements by reducing hospitalisation cost.
National Digital Health Mission (NDHM): Integrates with e-pharmacy platforms.
Pharma Vision 2030: Aims for India to be a global leader in affordable medicines.
D. Way Forward
Awareness Campaigns → Promote generics via IEC outreach.
Doctor Incentives → Encourage prescriptions of generic medicines.
Tech Integration → Use apps for real-time availability tracking.
Expand in NE & Tribal Areas → Priority rollout in underserved regions.
Quality Assurance → Stronger audits and testing to build trust.
🧩 Conclusion
Crossing 20,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras is a landmark in India’s journey towards affordable and inclusive healthcare. By addressing supply chain and awareness challenges, PMBJP can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenditure and help India achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under the SDGs.
🛂 India Implements New Visa Liberalisation Measures to Boost Tourism & Trade
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | International Relations | Migration Policies
📘 GS Paper 3: Economy | Tourism | Trade
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Tourism Development in Northeast
🔹 Introduction
The Government of India has announced a new set of visa liberalisation measures to promote tourism, business travel, and cultural exchanges. These reforms are aligned with India’s goal of enhancing its global competitiveness, attracting investment, and positioning the Northeast as a tourism hub under the Act East Policy.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Policy Change | E-visas extended to more countries; simplified online applications. |
| Categories Covered | Tourism, business, medical, and conference visas. |
| Processing Time | Faster clearances, reduced paperwork. |
| Special Focus | Boosting inbound tourism post-pandemic; supporting trade fairs and investment meets. |
| Northeast Relevance | Easier access for tourists from ASEAN and neighbouring countries to visit Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal. |
| Link to Act East Policy | Enhances connectivity between India and Southeast Asia. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
E-Visa Scheme: Introduced in 2014; categories include tourist, business, medical, conference, medical attendant.
Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs): 2023 – ~9 million; top sources – Bangladesh, USA, UK.
Incredible India 2.0: Tourism promotion campaign.
Northeast Circuits under Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Focus on eco-tourism and cultural tourism.
Visa-on-Arrival (VoA): Limited to nationals of Japan, South Korea, UAE (under conditions).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Visa Liberalisation
Tourism Boost: Contributes to forex earnings and employment (tourism ≈ 5% of GDP).
Investment Facilitation: Encourages foreign businesses to attend trade expos and explore opportunities.
Soft Power Diplomacy: Strengthens India’s cultural and people-to-people ties.
Regional Development: NE states benefit from ASEAN and Bhutanese tourists.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Security Concerns | Easier entry raises border and cyber security risks. |
| Infrastructure Deficit | Poor tourism infrastructure in remote NE areas. |
| Overtourism Risks | Environmental pressure on fragile ecosystems. |
| Coordination Gaps | Centre–state mismatch in visa facilitation. |
C. Govt Initiatives
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 & PRASHAD Scheme: Developing thematic tourism circuits.
Dekho Apna Desh Campaign.
India–ASEAN Tourism Year initiatives.
North East India Tourism Policy (state-specific).
D. Way Forward
Strengthen NE tourism infrastructure – eco-lodges, homestays, connectivity.
Digital Integration – seamless online visa + UPI acceptance for tourists.
Security Screening – robust tech-driven checks without slowing approvals.
Branding Campaigns – highlight “Northeast as Gateway to ASEAN.”
Community Involvement – promote tribal cultural tourism with safeguards.
🧩 Conclusion
Visa liberalisation reflects India’s intent to open its doors wider to the world, balancing economic growth, security, and soft power diplomacy. For the Northeast, it could be a game-changer, integrating the region more closely with ASEAN through tourism-driven prosperity.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🛰️ INSAT-4H Satellite
Q1. With reference to the INSAT-4H satellite, consider the following statements:
- It was launched aboard India’s GSLV Mk III (LVM3).
- It is designed exclusively for meteorological observations.
- It will support India’s disaster warning and search-and-rescue operations.
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: INSAT-4H is a multipurpose satellite – not just meteorology, but also communication, DTH broadcasting, and disaster management.
Q2. Assertion (A): The INSAT-4H satellite will enhance India’s Digital India and rural broadband goals.
Reason (R): Satellites like INSAT provide pan-India coverage and redundancy for internet services.
- (a) A and R are true, R is the correct explanation of A
- (b) A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
- (c) A is true, R is false
- (d) A is false, R is true
Answer: (a)
💊 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJP)
Q3. Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), which of the following statements is/are correct?
- The scheme is implemented by the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI).
- Generic medicines sold under the scheme are priced 50–90% lower than branded equivalents.
- The scheme was launched in 2015 as part of Ayushman Bharat.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Scheme was originally launched in 2008 and revamped in 2015, not part of Ayushman Bharat.
Q4. Which of the following products are specifically targeted for women’s health under PMBJP?
- Oxytocin
- Suvidha sanitary napkins
- Maternity-related medicines
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
🛂 Visa Liberalisation & Tourism
Q5. Consider the following statements about India’s e-Visa scheme:
- It was first introduced in 2014.
- It covers categories like tourist, business, medical, and conference visas.
- Currently, visa-on-arrival in India is available to citizens of all ASEAN countries.
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: Visa-on-Arrival is available only for selected countries (Japan, South Korea, UAE under conditions), not all ASEAN nations.
Q6. Match the following schemes with their focus area:
| Scheme | Focus Area |
| 1. Swadesh Darshan 2.0 | A. Pilgrimage tourism |
| 2. PRASHAD | B. Thematic tourism circuits |
| 3. Dekho Apna Desh | C. Tourism awareness & promotion |
- (a) 1-B, 2-A, 3-C
- (b) 1-C, 2-B, 3-A
- (c) 1-A, 2-C, 3-B
- (d) 1-B, 2-C, 3-A
Answer: (a)
🧠 Integrated (Mixed)
Q7. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
| Programme / Scheme | Associated Organisation |
| COSPAS-SARSAT | International disaster & search-and-rescue system |
| BharatNet | Department of Telecommunications |
| Pharma Vision 2030 | Ministry of Health & Family Welfare |
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Pharma Vision 2030 is led by the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, not Health.
APSC Mains Practice Question
❓ GS Paper 2 (10/15 Marks)
“Affordable access to medicines is central to Universal Health Coverage in India. Critically examine the role of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in achieving this goal.”
📝 Model Answer
🔹 Introduction
Universal Health Coverage (UHC), as envisaged under the SDG 3 and India’s National Health Policy 2017, requires affordable access to essential medicines. With out-of-pocket expenditure on medicines constituting ~48% of total health spending in India (NHA 2023), the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has emerged as a key initiative to provide quality generic drugs at affordable prices through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
🔹 Body
1. Significance of PMBJP
- Affordable Medicines: Generic drugs sold at 50–90% lower cost than branded alternatives, reducing household financial burden.
- Wide Coverage: Over 20,000 Kendras across 1,800 districts (2025 milestone).
- Women-Centric Initiatives: Suvidha sanitary napkins at ₹1, oxytocin, maternal health medicines.
- Equity in Healthcare: Ensures access for rural and urban poor.
- Support to Atmanirbhar Bharat: Promotes indigenous pharma and small entrepreneurs.
2. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Awareness Gap | Many citizens and doctors unaware/mistrustful of generics. |
| Prescription Bias | Doctors often prescribe branded drugs due to pharma incentives. |
| Supply Chain Issues | Intermittent stock-outs reduce reliability. |
| Uneven Distribution | NE and tribal areas under-represented. |
| Perception Problem | Misconception of generics being inferior. |
3. Govt Initiatives & Reforms
- Expansion Plan: Target 25,000 Kendras by 2027.
- National Digital Health Mission (NDHM): Integration with e-pharmacies for availability tracking.
- Awareness Drives: IEC campaigns to promote confidence in generics.
- Regulation & Quality Control: Strengthening CDSCO and PMBI audits.
4. Way Forward
- Awareness & Trust Building: Community-level campaigns and medical education reforms.
- Prescription Reforms: Mandate generic prescriptions in govt facilities; incentivise doctors.
- Tech-enabled Supply Chains: Real-time monitoring to prevent shortages.
- Regional Expansion: Focus on NE, tribal belts, and aspirational districts.
- Integration with PM-JAY: Bundle PMBJP drugs with Ayushman Bharat hospitalisation.
🔹 Conclusion
The PMBJP has taken significant strides in making healthcare affordable, evident from the 20,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras milestone. However, challenges of awareness, prescription culture, and last-mile delivery need urgent attention. If implemented effectively, PMBJP can become the cornerstone of India’s UHC journey, ensuring that no citizen is denied healthcare due to medicine costs.
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