APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (05/07/2025)
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 (05-07-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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⚡ Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project: Delays, Dam Safety and Energy Security in Northeast India
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Infrastructure | Energy | Environment
📘 GS Paper 1 (Mains): Geography of Assam – Water Resources
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam-specific Infrastructure Projects | River Systems | Inter-State Coordination
📘 Prelims: Subansiri Project | NHPC | National Dam Safety Authority | Grouting | Hydropower in Assam
🔹 Introduction
The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, India’s second-largest hydropower initiative, has once again missed its deadline due to dam safety concerns raised by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA). This recurring delay underscores the tensions between infrastructure development and environmental safety in Northeast India.
🔑 Key Points from the News
| Feature | Description |
| Location | Gerukamukh (Assam-Arunachal border), on Subansiri River |
| Project Developer | NHPC (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) |
| Installed Capacity | 2,000 MW (4 units of 250 MW each in 1st phase) |
| Present Status | Three units (750 MW) were scheduled for commissioning in June 2025 but delayed again |
| Reason for Delay | NDSA directed additional grouting work at tunnel inlets and outlets |
| Technical Concern | 30m plugging of diversion tunnel pending; tunnel currently submerged |
| Revised Timeline | Likely commissioning: December 2025 or March 2026 |
| Environmental Impacts | Flood risk, seismic zone location, sedimentation |
| Financial Implication | Cost escalation and public revenue loss due to repeated delays |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Subansiri River: A major tributary of the Brahmaputra, originates in Tibet, enters India via Arunachal.
NHPC: Public sector hydropower developer under the Ministry of Power.
Grouting: A dam safety measure involving injection of cement-like materials to seal foundation cracks.
National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA): Statutory body under the Dam Safety Act, 2021; oversees dam inspection, safety, compliance.
Run-of-the-river Project: Subansiri is a mixed model, but largely storage-based, making it controversial in fragile topography.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the Project
| Aspect | Explanation |
| Regional Energy Security | Aims to generate 2,000 MW for Assam and neighboring states |
| Grid Stability | Enhances base load power and reduces dependency on coal |
| Inter-State Coordination | Project located on Arunachal-Assam border, affecting both states |
| Infrastructure Boost | Creates jobs, enhances roads, and supports industrial activity in Lakhimpur-Dhemaji belt |
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Description |
| Dam Safety | Project lies in seismic zone V; structural vulnerability due to topography and flood-prone nature |
| Environmental Risks | Alters natural river flow; sedimentation impacts aquatic biodiversity and farmland |
| Public Opposition | Local communities and environmental groups fear downstream flooding and displacement |
| Institutional Delays | Regulatory clearances, litigation, and inter-departmental coordination issues |
| Seasonal Constraints | Monsoonal flooding delays technical works like grouting and plugging |
C. Government and Regulatory Actions
| Body/Measure | Role |
| NDSA | Issued inspection directives for additional safety measures (June 2025) |
| MoEF&CC | Mandated environmental clearance with strict monitoring |
| Assam Government | Demanded timely commissioning; project considered critical for state energy planning |
| NHPC | Committed to completing work by 2026, awaiting dry season to complete tunnel grouting |
D. Way Ahead
| Suggestion | Implementation |
| Accelerated Safety Work | Begin plugging as soon as water levels recede (post-October) |
| Transparent Monitoring | Regular updates to state governments and public to build trust |
| Seismic Risk Preparedness | Install real-time seismic monitoring equipment in dam zone |
| Riverine Ecology Study | Long-term study of Subansiri-Brahmaputra flow changes and flood mapping |
| Community Engagement | Address local livelihood and resettlement concerns through stakeholder dialogues |
📊 Relevant Reports & Frameworks
Dam Safety Act, 2021 – Empowers NDSA for national dam oversight
CAG Report on Hydropower Projects in NE – Criticized delays and environmental oversights
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) norms under MoEF&CC
Brahmaputra Board – Institution for planning and flood control in NE India
Assam Vision 2030 – Focus on sustainable energy and resilience to climate risks
🧩 Conclusion
The Subansiri Lower Project holds transformative potential for Assam’s power infrastructure, but repeated delays due to safety and environmental concerns raise serious questions. A careful balancing of development, ecological preservation, and community trust is essential for its sustainable realization.
📡 Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) Contribution in Northeast: Empowering Agriculture and Disaster Response
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Science & Technology | Applications of Space Technology | Disaster Management
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Government Interventions in Agriculture | e-Governance
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Use of Technology in Assam’s Development | Space-Aided Planning
📘 Prelims: INSAT | AgroMet Services | Cyclone Warning System | Remote Sensing in NE
🔹 Introduction
The Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system, India’s multipurpose geostationary satellite constellation, has emerged as a key enabler for weather prediction, agricultural planning, and disaster preparedness in the Northeast region, including Assam.
🔑 Key Points from the News
| Feature | Description |
| INSAT Use in NE | Improved weather forecasting and agromet advisories for Assam & neighboring states |
| Application Areas | Flood monitoring, pest warning, rainfall prediction, crop yield assessment |
| Agencies Involved | IMD, ISRO, NESAC, Assam Agriculture and Revenue Departments |
| Agricultural Impact | Weekly agro-met bulletins aid farmers in irrigation, sowing, fertilizer usage |
| Disaster Response | Real-time satellite imagery used to monitor river flow, floods, landslides |
| Institutional Support | North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), Umiam, Meghalaya coordinates with state agencies |
| Community Outreach | Information relayed via Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and mobile apps (e.g., Meghdoot) |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
INSAT Series: India’s first multipurpose satellite system, launched in 1983; current INSATs provide meteorological and communication services.
Agro-Meteorological Advisory Service (AAS): Joint initiative of IMD and ICAR for weather-based farm advice.
NESAC: A joint initiative of ISRO and DoNER for space-based applications in NE states.
Meghdoot App: Delivers weather-based agromet advisories to farmers in regional languages.
INCOIS & Doppler Radar: Use remote sensing and radar for cyclone, lightning, and flood alerts.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for the Northeast
| Domain | Impact |
| Agriculture | Satellite-based agromet advisories reduce input costs and improve productivity |
| Flood Forecasting | Brahmaputra basin flood levels tracked using INSAT + ground station synergy |
| Infrastructure Monitoring | Landslide and roadblock alerts in hilly terrain using real-time imaging |
| Disaster Preparedness | Cyclone trajectory prediction critical for NE’s vulnerable states |
| e-Governance | Land-use mapping, village-level soil health analysis, and planning support for MGNREGA |
B. Challenges in Effective Use
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Connectivity Gaps | Remote areas still lack mobile/TV access to advisories |
| Interpretation Barrier | Technical bulletins often not farmer-friendly; low digital literacy |
| Coordination Issues | Delays in info-sharing between state depts and NESAC/IMD |
| Local Calibration | Data not always validated with on-ground weather stations in Assam’s microclimates |
C. Government and Institutional Initiatives
| Programme | Role |
| NESAC (ISRO + DoNER) | Real-time satellite-based decision support |
| IMD Agro-Met Units | Issue weekly district-wise weather advisories |
| Krishi Vigyan Kendras | Relay advisory to farmers via field-level demonstrations |
| Assam Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) | Integrates satellite inputs for early warning and response |
| Digital India | Promotes use of satellite-enabled mobile apps for farming and governance |
D. Way Ahead
| Strategy | Recommendation |
| Last-Mile Info Dissemination | Use FM radio, panchayat networks, and farmer cooperatives to translate and spread satellite data |
| Local Weather Stations | Strengthen AWS (Automatic Weather Stations) grid across Assam |
| Mobile & App Literacy | Train farmers in using weather and farm apps like Meghdoot, Pusa Krishi |
| Integration with Crop Insurance | Use satellite yield data to process claims under PMFBY quickly |
| Academic-Administrative Link | Encourage NE universities to collaborate with ISRO and NESAC for region-specific R&D |
📊 Relevant Policies & Frameworks
SpaceCom Policy, 2020 and Remote Sensing Data Policy
Digital India Mission – Promotes integration of space-based services for rural empowerment
State Disaster Management Plan (Assam)
National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET) – Emphasizes ICT in farming
Vision Document 2035 (ISRO) – Focus on regional applications and satellite democratization
🧩 Conclusion
The INSAT system has revolutionized planning and response mechanisms in Northeast India by providing precision weather forecasting and disaster mitigation tools. To fully realize its potential, Assam must bridge the last-mile information and skill gaps for inclusive development.
🛣️ Arunachal Frontier Highway: Strategic Infrastructure with Environmental and Ethnic Implications
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Infrastructure | Border Management | Environment
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Federalism | Centre-State Relations | Tribal Issues
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Border Areas of Northeast | Connectivity and Strategic Projects
📘 Prelims: Frontier Highway | India-China Border | Dibang Valley | Environmental Clearance
🔹 Introduction
The construction of the Arunachal Frontier Highway, a 1,748-km-long mega road project along India’s eastern Himalayan border, symbolizes India’s strategic and developmental push in the Northeast. However, environmental concerns and tribal anxieties are emerging around its alignment, particularly through the biodiversity-rich Dibang Valley.
🔑 Key Points from the News
| Feature | Description |
| Project Name | Arunachal Frontier Highway (AFH) |
| Total Length | 1,748 km, from Bomdila (West Arunachal) to Vijaynagar (East Arunachal) |
| Implementation Agency | Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) with BRO involvement |
| Strategic Significance | Runs close to Line of Actual Control (LAC); enhances military and civilian access |
| Environmental Concern | Forest and tribal groups oppose the route through Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary and tribal lands |
| Local Community Reaction | Idu Mishmi and Adi tribal groups demand rerouting to avoid sacred and ecologically fragile areas |
| Alternatives Suggested | Use of existing RoWs or re-alignment via sparsely forested regions |
| Legal Oversight | Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) mandatory; MoEF&CC approval awaited |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary: One of the largest sanctuaries in Arunachal; habitat of Mishmi takin, red panda, snow leopard.
BRO (Border Roads Organisation): Defence Ministry agency that builds roads in border regions.
Line of Actual Control (LAC): De facto border with China; critical for military logistics.
Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006: Protects tribal land and forest access rights; vital in this context.
Idu Mishmi Tribe: Recognized ST; deeply connected to the Dibang landscape spiritually and economically.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Project
| Dimension | Significance |
| Strategic | Enhances troop mobility and logistics in China-border zones |
| Economic | Opens up remote tribal areas for trade, tourism, and services |
| National Security | Counters China’s infrastructure buildup across LAC |
| Disaster Response | Provides faster evacuation and relief access during landslides, flash floods |
B. Challenges and Concerns
| Challenge | Description |
| Ecological Sensitivity | Highway cuts through pristine Himalayan ecosystems; impacts endangered fauna and carbon-rich forests |
| Tribal Discontent | Cultural and sacred spaces of Idu Mishmis threatened; fear of forced displacement |
| Bureaucratic Delays | Environmental clearances, forest approvals under FRA and FCA pending |
| Fragile Terrain | Landslide-prone, high-altitude terrain makes construction costly and risky |
| Potential for Ethnic Conflict | Inter-tribal boundary disputes and resource claims could intensify |
C. Government and Civil Society Responses
| Entity | Initiative |
| MoRTH | Plans phased construction with mitigation promises |
| Arunachal Govt | Supporting realignment to reduce forest and tribal impact |
| Tribal Bodies | Filed memorandums urging alternate alignment outside sanctuary boundaries |
| Environmentalists | Warning of irreversible ecological damage in Dibang biosphere |
| MoEF&CC | Yet to issue Stage I Forest Clearance as of July 2025 |
D. Way Ahead
| Suggestion | Implementation |
| Reroute in Sensitive Zones | Use abandoned or degraded corridors to avoid sanctuaries |
| Transparent EIA Process | Ensure community consent under FRA and PESA laws |
| Tribal Inclusion in Planning | Adopt participatory development through gram sabhas and customary councils |
| Wildlife Crossings | Build eco-bridges and corridors to mitigate habitat fragmentation |
| Time-Bound but Ethical Execution | Balance defence urgency with ecological and cultural preservation |
📊 Relevant Policies & Frameworks
Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006
Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 & Amended Rules 2022
Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers Act (FRA), 2006
Indo-China Border Infrastructure Plan
National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS)
🧩 Conclusion
The Arunachal Frontier Highway is a critical project for strategic sovereignty and regional development, but it must not come at the cost of tribal rights and environmental degradation. A balanced, community-informed route with ecological safeguards is the key to long-term success.
🛂 Influx and Identity: Centre Seeks Report on Citizenship Issuance in Assam
📘 GS Paper 2 (Mains): Governance | Citizenship | Centre-State Relations
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Internal Security | Border Management
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Immigration Issues in Assam | NRC | Social Harmony
📘 Prelims: Citizenship Act, 1955 | NRC | Foreigners Tribunal | Assam Accord
🔹 Introduction
The Centre’s recent request for a detailed report from the Assam government regarding alleged issuance of citizenship certificates to illegal immigrants in several districts revives the longstanding debate over identity, migration, and governance in Assam.
🔑 Key Points from the News
| Feature | Description |
| Issue Raised | Allegations of unauthorized issuance of citizenship to illegal immigrants in lower Assam districts |
| Centre’s Action | Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) asked Assam Chief Secretary for a report |
| Districts Involved | Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Dhubri, Goalpara, South Salmara (suspected high influx zones) |
| Alleged Modus Operandi | Issuance of D-voter deletions and claim of Indian citizenship without Foreigners Tribunal (FT) orders |
| Political Reactions | BJP MPs raised the issue in Parliament; Opposition accuses Centre of communalizing governance |
| Citizenship Verification Mechanisms | NRC, FTs, Electoral rolls, Border Police reports |
| Assam Govt Stand | Yet to respond publicly; likely internal probe initiated |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Citizenship Act, 1955: Governs acquisition, renunciation, and termination of Indian citizenship.
NRC (National Register of Citizens): First updated in Assam (2019) to identify illegal immigrants.
D-Voters: Doubtful voters flagged by the Election Commission; subject to FT decision.
Foreigners Tribunals (FTs): Quasi-judicial bodies to determine citizenship status under Foreigners Act, 1946.
Assam Accord (1985): Cut-off date of 24 March 1971 fixed for detection and deportation of illegal immigrants.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the Issue
| Area | Relevance |
| Constitutional Governance | Citizenship is a Union subject, but implementation overlaps with State agencies |
| Social Harmony | Unverified citizenship can aggravate ethnic and communal tensions |
| National Security | Unregulated cross-border migration may affect demographic balance and border security |
| Centre-State Relations | Interplay between MHA directives and state-level enforcement reflects federal dynamics |
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Administrative Loopholes | District-level records often not digitized; prone to manipulation |
| Political Polarization | Citizenship issues weaponized for vote bank politics |
| Legal Ambiguity | Lack of clarity in dealing with NRC dropouts who aren’t declared foreigners |
| Slow Tribunal Process | Over 1.4 lakh cases pending before Foreigners Tribunals in Assam |
| Humanitarian Concerns | Risk of rendering individuals stateless without due process |
C. Government & Institutional Responses
| Body | Action |
| Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) | Seeks detailed clarification and district-wise status report |
| Assam Border Police | Tasked with detection and referral of doubtful citizens to FTs |
| Supreme Court of India | Monitors NRC implementation, sets legal deadlines |
| NRC Authority | Claims list finalised in 2019; awaiting formal notification and follow-up action |
| Foreigners Tribunals | Adjudicate D-voter and illegal migrant cases based on evidence |
D. Way Ahead
| Strategy | Recommendation |
| Transparent Inquiry | Public release of MHA findings to restore confidence in due process |
| FT Reform | Fast-track pending tribunal cases with digital records and legal aid |
| Database Synchronization | Integrate NRC, FTs, Electoral rolls, Aadhaar to detect anomalies |
| Community Engagement | Avoid communal tension by involving local leaders, civil society in awareness campaigns |
| Balanced Policy | Combine national security with humanitarian principles and constitutional safeguards |
📊 Relevant Acts and Frameworks
Citizenship Act, 1955 (as amended)
Foreigners Act, 1946
Assam Accord, 1985
NRC Operational Guidelines (2015–2019)
Census Act & NPR Guidelines (interlinked with citizenship data)
🧩 Conclusion
The sensitive issue of illegal migration and citizenship in Assam calls for a legally sound, transparent, and humane approach. Political expediency must not override the need to uphold constitutional guarantees and regional peace.
🧬 Genetic Mapping of Tea in Assam: Unlocking Innovation in India’s Heritage Crop
📘 GS Paper 3 (Mains): Science & Technology | Agricultural Innovation | Biotechnology
📘 GS Paper 1 (Mains): Indian Culture – Tea as Cultural Identity in Assam
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam’s Tea Industry | Science and Tech for Rural Economy
📘 Prelims: Assam Tea | Genetic Mapping | Tocklai Tea Research Institute | Agro-biotechnology
🔹 Introduction
In a groundbreaking development, scientists at Tocklai Tea Research Institute (Jorhat) have completed the first comprehensive genetic mapping of Assam tea. This opens the path for tailored climate-resilient, disease-resistant, and high-quality tea varieties, reaffirming Assam’s global leadership in tea production.
🔑 Key Points from the News
| Feature | Description |
| Institution | Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Jorhat, Assam |
| Project | Genetic mapping of Camellia sinensis var. assamica |
| Technology Used | Next-generation genome sequencing (NGS) |
| Purpose | Identify genes linked to flavor, drought tolerance, pest resistance, productivity |
| Funding Agency | Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India |
| Collaborative Bodies | Tea Board of India, Assam Agricultural University |
| Long-Term Vision | Marker-assisted breeding to create climate-resilient and commercially viable tea cultivars |
| Global Impact | Expected to position Assam as leader in bio-fortified and specialty teas |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Camellia sinensis var. assamica: Botanical name of Assam tea variety
Tocklai Institute: World’s oldest tea research station (est. 1911), under Tea Research Association
Genetic Mapping: Identifying gene sequences and linking them to physical traits
Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS): Breeding method where desirable traits are selected using DNA markers
Assam Tea GI Tag: Assam Orthodox Tea holds a Geographical Indication tag
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Genetic Mapping
| Aspect | Significance |
| Climate Adaptation | Develop tea varieties that can tolerate drought, erratic rainfall, and pests |
| Economic Boost | Improves yield and market value through quality enhancement |
| R&D in Agriculture | Aligns with ‘Atmanirbhar Krishi’ and agri-tech missions |
| Tea Industry Revival | Helps address stagnating productivity and falling global competitiveness |
| Global Trade | Scope to export biotech-based specialty teas in premium markets |
B. Challenges in Tea Sector
| Challenge | Description |
| Low Genetic Diversity | Overuse of clonal tea leads to vulnerability to diseases |
| Climate Change | Erratic monsoons, rising temperatures, and pest outbreaks in NE tea belts |
| Labour Shortages | Outmigration and ageing workforce in tea gardens |
| Price Volatility | Tea prices fluctuate due to overproduction and global supply-demand gaps |
| R&D to Farm Lag | Translating scientific breakthroughs into field-level adoption remains slow |
C. Government and Institutional Initiatives
| Institution/Policy | Action |
| Tocklai Tea Research Institute | Led genome mapping; developing high-quality clones |
| Department of Biotechnology | Funded genomic research under agri-biotech initiatives |
| Tea Board of India | Supports varietal registration, e-auction modernization |
| State Govt. (Assam) | Offers subsidy for replantation and innovation adoption |
| National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) | Emphasizes climate-resilient cropping, including plantation sectors |
D. Way Ahead
| Strategy | Suggestion |
| Field Demonstration Projects | Show-case genomic advantages to garden owners via pilot trials |
| Public-Private Partnerships | Involve biotech startups and agri-tech firms in seedling production |
| Farmer Training | Upskill small tea growers in genetic traits and varietal management |
| Export Branding | Market biotech-based Assam tea as premium product globally |
| R&D Integration | Connect Tocklai research outputs to Tea Auction Centres and cooperatives |
📊 Relevant Policies & Reports
National Biotechnology Development Strategy, 2020–2025
Tea Development and Promotion Scheme
Assam State Agricultural Investment Plan
GI Tag Policy of India
IPR Policy and Traditional Knowledge Protection Guidelines
🧩 Conclusion
Genetic mapping of Assam tea is a landmark in blending traditional agricultural heritage with cutting-edge biotechnology. With proper policy support and industry integration, it can usher in a new era for Assam’s iconic tea industry, both economically and ecologically.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🔹 TOPIC 1: Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project
Q1. With reference to the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, consider the following statements:
- It is a run-of-the-river project entirely located in Arunachal Pradesh.
- The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has directed additional grouting works for dam safety.
- The project is being implemented by the Brahmaputra Board.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect: The Subansiri project is a mixed storage-run project located at the Assam-Arunachal border, not entirely in Arunachal.
- Statement 2 is correct: NDSA recommended additional grouting at tunnel outlets to ensure safety.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: The project is being developed by NHPC, not Brahmaputra Board.
🔹 TOPIC 2: INSAT System in Northeast
Q2. Consider the following applications of the INSAT satellite system in the Northeast:
- Real-time flood monitoring and rainfall estimation
- Weather-based crop advisory to farmers
- Mapping of earthquake-prone zones in Arunachal Pradesh
- Cyclone tracking and early warning dissemination
Which of the above applications are correctly associated with the INSAT system?
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- INSAT supports flood, weather, and cyclone monitoring (1, 2, and 4).
- Earthquake-prone zones are primarily mapped using seismological tools, not meteorological satellites like INSAT (3 is incorrect).
🔹 TOPIC 3: Arunachal Frontier Highway
Q3. Which of the following best explains the strategic importance of the Arunachal Frontier Highway?
(a) It connects India’s northeastern states with Bhutan through trade corridors.
(b) It enhances troop movement and logistical access along the India-Myanmar border.
(c) It strengthens India’s military and civil infrastructure close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
(d) It provides access to remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands for defense preparedness.
✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The Arunachal Frontier Highway runs close to the LAC and is being developed to improve military preparedness and border access in Arunachal Pradesh, where China claims Indian territory.
Q4. The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, recently in news, is known for the habitat of which of the following species?
(a) Great Indian Bustard
(b) Snow Leopard
(c) Indian Rhinoceros
(d) Olive Ridley Turtle
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal is known for Snow Leopard, Red Panda, and the Mishmi Takin—all high-altitude endangered species.
🔹 TOPIC 4: Citizenship Allegations in Assam
Q5. In the context of Assam’s citizenship verification mechanism, which of the following is/are correct?
- Doubtful voters (D-voters) are identified and verified by the Election Commission directly.
- Foreigners Tribunals are judicial bodies that decide on the citizenship of individuals.
- The NRC update in Assam followed a cut-off date as per the Assam Accord.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect: D-voters are identified based on reports from Assam Border Police, not directly by the Election Commission.
- Statement 2 is correct: FTs are quasi-judicial bodies that rule on an individual’s nationality.
- Statement 3 is correct: NRC’s cut-off date is 24 March 1971, as per the Assam Accord.
Q6. Which of the following Acts governs the functioning of Foreigners Tribunals in Assam?
(a) Citizenship Act, 1955
(b) Foreigners Act, 1946
(c) Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950
(d) National Register of Citizens Act, 2003
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The Foreigners Act, 1946 provides the legal basis for setting up Foreigners Tribunals, which adjudicate cases related to illegal migration and nationality.
🔹 TOPIC 5: Genetic Mapping of Assam Tea
Q7. Consider the following statements regarding the genetic mapping of Assam tea:
- It involves sequencing the DNA of Camellia sinensis var. assamica.
- Tocklai Tea Research Institute is the implementing agency of the project.
- The project is funded by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Statements 1 and 2 are correct: The mapping is of Camellia sinensis var. assamica, led by Tocklai Institute.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: It is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), not the Ministry of Commerce.
Q8. “Marker-assisted selection,” often seen in the context of plant breeding, refers to:
(a) Selection of crops based on market price trends
(b) Use of pesticides that mark pests for removal
(c) Use of DNA markers to select desired genetic traits in breeding
(d) Assigning QR codes to seeds for traceability
✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Marker-assisted selection (MAS) is a biotechnology-based breeding technique where DNA markers are used to select plants with desired traits like drought resistance or high yield.
APSC Mains Practice Question
❓ Question:
The Arunachal Frontier Highway is a strategic infrastructure project with significant implications for security, ecology, and tribal livelihoods. Critically examine the benefits and concerns associated with the project. Suggest a balanced approach to its implementation.
(Word Limit: 250)
✅ Model Answer:
🔸 Introduction
The 1,748-km-long Arunachal Frontier Highway aims to connect the eastern Himalayan frontier of India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). While it strengthens national security and regional development, the project also poses serious ecological and socio-cultural challenges.
🔹 Strategic and Developmental Benefits
- Border Infrastructure Enhancement
- Facilitates troop movement and logistics in the face of Chinese border infrastructure.
- Bolsters surveillance and rapid military deployment.
- Regional Connectivity & Economic Growth
- Links remote villages in eastern Arunachal, enabling access to markets, healthcare, and education.
- Boosts tourism and trade in underdeveloped frontier zones.
- Disaster Management and Accessibility
- Serves as a lifeline during landslides, flash floods, and other natural calamities.
🔹 Key Concerns
- Ecological Fragility
- The highway may cut through Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, threatening endangered species and biodiversity corridors.
- Tribal Rights and Sacred Landscapes
- Local communities, especially Idu Mishmis, fear loss of ancestral lands and disruption of sacred ecology.
- Legal and Procedural Issues
- Lack of clear Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) under Forest Rights Act, 2006.
- Delays in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and forest clearances.
🔹 Balanced Approach to Implementation
- Participatory Planning: Consult tribal councils and gram sabhas during alignment finalization.
- Ecological Safeguards: Realign route to bypass core habitats; use eco-bridges and tunnels.
- Time-Bound Approvals with Oversight: Fast-track clearances without compromising due diligence.
- Livelihood Integration: Provide skill-building and employment in road construction and tourism.
🔸 Conclusion
While the Arunachal Frontier Highway holds immense strategic and developmental promise, its success hinges on a model that respects ecological sensitivity and tribal agency, ensuring inclusive and sustainable nation-building.
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