APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (21/05/2025)
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 (21-05-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
✨ Current Affairs Crash Course for the APSC Prelims 2025
🌍 Topic: WHO Adopts Historic Global Pandemic Agreement
📘 GS Paper 2 (Governance & International Relations): Health Policies | Global Institutions | International Cooperation
📘 GS Paper 3 (Disaster Management): Epidemic Preparedness | Biological Threats
📘 APSC GS Paper 5: Role of International Bodies in Assam’s Health & Disaster Resilience
🔹 Introduction
On May 20, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) member states adopted the first-ever Global Pandemic Agreement during the 78th World Health Assembly. Born out of the COVID-19 experience, the agreement aims to enhance international preparedness, equity, and response mechanisms to future pandemics through multilateral cooperation and science-based governance.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Adopted By | WHO Member States at World Health Assembly |
| Approval | 124 in favour, 0 objections, 11 abstentions |
| Purpose | Strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) |
| Inspiration | COVID-19 pandemic’s global impact on health, economy, and governance |
| Principles | Equity, transparency, sovereignty, global coordination |
| Key Provisions | Pathogen access and benefit sharing, data transparency, equitable distribution of vaccines |
⚙️ Prelims Pointers
World Health Assembly: The decision-making body of WHO
International Health Regulations (IHR): A legally binding agreement that complements the new pandemic accord
COVAX Initiative: Global collaboration for equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution
One Health Approach: Integrates human, animal, and environmental health – part of new preparedness framework
Global South Concerns: Equitable access to diagnostics, medicines, and vaccines during health emergencies
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the Pandemic Agreement
Global Health Security: Creates legal and cooperative frameworks for better response
Multilateral Solidarity: Ensures timely pathogen sharing, technology transfer, and joint response protocols
Equity in Distribution: Avoids vaccine nationalism and strengthens access for Global South
Data & Surveillance Integration: Establishes early warning systems and risk communication mechanisms
Sovereignty with Accountability: Respects national policies while ensuring global coordination
B. Challenges Ahead
| Challenge | Explanation |
| National Sovereignty Concerns | Some nations fear loss of control over health policy |
| Funding Mechanisms | Need for sustainable global financing for preparedness |
| Intellectual Property (IP) Conflicts | TRIPS vs public health needs during emergencies |
| Non-compliance Risks | Lack of enforcement mechanisms if countries renege |
| Vaccine Diplomacy | Geopolitical misuse of medical resources |
C. Implications for India and Assam
Centralized Public Health Law: India must align with global standards for disease surveillance and response
Assam’s Vulnerabilities: Cross-border transmission risk from neighbouring countries (e.g., Bangladesh, Myanmar)
Strengthening Health Infrastructure: Assam to focus on district-level epidemiology, cold chain networks, and digital surveillance
Research Ecosystem: Boost to public health institutes in NE like RMRC-Dibrugarh
Community Resilience: Involve ASHA workers, Panchayats, and SHGs in epidemic awareness
D. Way Forward
Domestic Legislation Upgrade: Strengthen Epidemic Diseases Act with disaster management inputs
International Collaboration: India to actively shape WHO implementation guidelines
Regional Health Corridors: Cooperation with SAARC/ASEAN for cross-border pandemic drills
Digital Health Ecosystem: Expand eSanjeevani, CoWIN-like platforms for emergency response
Promote One Health: Institutionalize integrated surveillance of zoonotic diseases
📚 Relevant Documents & Frameworks
WHO International Health Regulations (IHR 2005)
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
India’s National Health Policy (2017) – Focus on universal health coverage
National Digital Health Mission (NDHM)
NEP 2020 – Suggests health awareness integration in school curriculum
🧩 Conclusion
The WHO Pandemic Agreement signifies a paradigm shift in global health governance, establishing an inclusive and proactive framework. For India and Assam, it is a wake-up call to bolster public health infrastructure, adopt global best practices, and build community-driven resilience against future biological threats.
🟢 Topic: India, Saudi Arabia Expand Energy, Connectivity & Investment Cooperation
📘 GS Paper 2: Bilateral Relations | India–West Asia Relations
📘 GS Paper 3: Energy Security | Infrastructure & Trade
📘 APSC GS Paper 5: India’s Foreign Policy with Economic Relevance for Assam/Northeast
🔹 Introduction
India and Saudi Arabia have agreed to deepen cooperation in energy security, trade connectivity, and strategic investments. The agreements were reached during the India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) meeting, aimed at building on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and enhancing bilateral synergy in clean energy, digital economy, and logistics.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Meeting Platform | Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) – 3rd ministerial meeting |
| Key Participants | Indian External Affairs Minister, Saudi Foreign Minister |
| Areas of Expansion | Oil, green hydrogen, digital economy, food security, port logistics |
| Linkage with IMEC | Saudi Arabia a key node in the India–Middle East–Europe Corridor |
| Energy Dialogue | Includes long-term crude supply, solar energy investment, hydrogen tech |
| Investment Proposals | Saudi PIF (Public Investment Fund) exploring infrastructure in India |
⚙️ Prelims Pointers
Strategic Partnership Council (SPC): Institutional mechanism launched in 2019 between India and Saudi Arabia.
IMEC: Announced at G20 New Delhi Summit (2023), connects India to Europe via Middle East – alternative to China’s BRI.
Public Investment Fund (PIF): Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund investing globally.
West Coast Refinery Project: Proposed mega-refinery in Maharashtra with Saudi Aramco participation.
India–Saudi CEPA: Talks underway for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Strategic Importance of India–Saudi Ties
Energy Security: Saudi Arabia is India’s 4th largest oil supplier and a partner in green hydrogen
Diaspora Linkages: Over 2 million Indian workers in Saudi Arabia contribute significant remittances
Counterbalancing China: IMEC offers India a geopolitical alternative to China’s BRI in Eurasia
Food & Water Security: Collaboration on smart irrigation, food processing, and agri-logistics
Gulf–Northeast India Linkage: Saudi investment in logistics and food hubs can extend to NE states via Act East connectivity
B. Challenges in Implementation
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Geopolitical Volatility | Gulf tensions (e.g., Iran-Saudi, Red Sea conflicts) affect trade |
| Investment Bottlenecks | Regulatory delays in mega infrastructure projects in India |
| Energy Transition Gap | Green hydrogen tech still in nascent stage in India |
| Labour Welfare Issues | Indian migrants still face Kafala-linked exploitation |
| Regional Inclusion | NE and E states like Assam not yet directly integrated with IMEC flow |
C. Opportunities for Assam & Northeast
Food Processing Hubs: Saudi investment can boost Assam’s tea, agri-export chains
Halal Certification Centres: For processed meat and agri-products exported via Arabian markets
Northeast Logistics Link: Use of Silchar–Haldia corridor to connect with IMEC maritime route
Cultural Diplomacy: Leverage historical Sufi-Arab ties with Northeast Muslim communities
Renewable Energy: Collaboration on off-grid solar and bioenergy in hill districts
D. Way Forward
Fast-track CEPA: To create a structured trade and investment ecosystem
Decentralize Investment Models: Open Saudi funding to NE agri-logistics and cold chains
Hydrogen Diplomacy: Joint R&D and pilot projects in green hydrogen
Maritime Infrastructure: Upgrade port facilities along IMEC-linked routes (e.g., Haldia, Vizag)
Diaspora Governance: Use digital platforms to address worker grievances and strengthen skill linkages
📚 Relevant Documents & Frameworks
India–Saudi Strategic Partnership Council (2019)
G20 IMEC MoU (2023)
India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (2022)
GCC–India Free Trade Talks (ongoing)
Draft Logistics Policy 2022 – boost multimodal connectivity for export
🧩 Conclusion
India–Saudi Arabia ties have transformed from oil dependence to multidimensional strategic engagement, spanning energy, digital, and infrastructure corridors. With platforms like the Strategic Partnership Council and IMEC, India has the opportunity to embed Assam and the Northeast into global value chains, fostering inclusive and resilient growth.
🟢 Topic: India’s Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.1% – Lowest in 5 Years
📘 GS Paper 3: Indian Economy | Employment & Inclusive Growth
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Schemes | Welfare for Vulnerable Sections
📘 APSC GS Paper 5: Assam’s Employment Challenges | Labour & Skill Development
🔹 Introduction
According to the latest report by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, India’s overall unemployment rate has dropped to 3.1%, marking a five-year low. This data, released under the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for Q1 2025, reflects gains in self-employment, rural employment generation, and post-COVID economic recovery. The trend is crucial for Assam and other states struggling with youth unemployment and rural underemployment.
🔑 Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
| Unemployment Rate (April–June 2025) | 3.1% (urban: 5.3%, rural: 2.4%) |
| Previous Year Rate (2024) | 4.2% |
| Survey Conducted By | National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under Ministry of Statistics |
| Methodology | Usual status + current weekly status approach |
| Highest Employment Sectors | Agriculture, construction, services |
| Rural Push Factors | MGNREGS, agri-allied jobs, digital inclusion |
⚙️ Prelims Pointers
PLFS (Periodic Labour Force Survey): Launched in 2017 to provide annual and quarterly labour statistics.
Unemployment Rate (UR): Percentage of persons in labour force who are unemployed.
LFPR (Labour Force Participation Rate): Share of population working or seeking work.
MGNREGS: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme – 100 days wage employment.
Gig Economy: Emerging contributor to informal and semi-formal employment in India.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Reasons Behind Unemployment Rate Decline
Post-COVID Recovery: Informal sector bounce-back and reopening of MSMEs.
Self-employment Surge: Expansion of gig work, small businesses, and digital platforms.
Government Initiatives: PMEGP, MUDRA loans, Skill India helped absorb rural workforce.
MGNREGS Expansion: More demand for rural work during lean seasons.
Digital Labour Platforms: Swiggy, Ola, Amazon, etc., created short-term earning options.
B. Concerns Despite Falling Unemployment
| Concern | Explanation |
| Disguised Employment | High in agriculture; productivity remains low |
| Youth Unemployment | Still over 16% among 15–29 age group (urban) |
| Wage Quality Issues | Informal jobs often lack security, health benefits |
| Skewed Gender Participation | Women’s LFPR still below 25% nationally |
| Underemployment | Many are employed below their skill/education level |
C. Assam’s Employment Landscape
Rural Employment Driven by MGNREGS: Particularly in char areas and flood-prone zones
Youth Migration: High outmigration to southern states for construction and hospitality jobs
Focus Sectors for Assam: Tea industry, tourism, agro-processing, dairy, fisheries
Skill Gaps: Mismatch between training and market demand
Entrepreneurship Bottlenecks: Credit and marketing constraints for small businesses in Assam
D. Way Forward
Boost Formal Employment: Incentivize MSMEs and startups to generate salaried jobs.
Gender-Responsive Jobs: Promote SHG-based work, tele-jobs, and female-centric skilling.
Regional Employment Plans: Tailor policies for NE, flood-prone and tribal regions.
Digital Inclusion in Rural Areas: Encourage online entrepreneurship via ONDC and UPI.
Labour Market Information Systems: Use real-time data to match skills with demand.
📚 Relevant Policies & Reports
National Employment Policy (Draft, 2023)
PLFS Reports by NSSO
State Skill Development Missions (SSDM)
India Skills Report (2024) – Tracks employability trends
SDG 8: Promote full and productive employment and decent work for all
🧩 Conclusion
The reported drop in India’s unemployment rate is encouraging, but a deeper look reveals the need to improve job quality, gender inclusion, and formal sector employment. For Assam, the opportunity lies in sector-specific skilling, rural entrepreneurship, and leveraging the digital economy for sustainable employment.
🟢 Topic: International Biodiversity Day Observed with Focus on Tribal Conservation Efforts in Northeast India
📘 GS Paper 3: Environment & Biodiversity | Conservation
📘 GS Paper 1 (APSC): Tribal Communities | Traditional Knowledge
📘 GS Paper 5 (APSC): Assam-Specific Environmental Initiatives | Community Conservation
🔹 Introduction
On the occasion of International Biodiversity Day (May 22), several events across Assam and the Northeast were held to highlight the critical role of tribal and local communities in biodiversity conservation. From the Apatani rice-fish systems in Arunachal to sacred groves in Meghalaya and Assam, the spotlight was on how traditional ecological knowledge can support climate resilience and sustainable development.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Description |
| Theme (2025) | “Be Part of the Plan” – under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework |
| Focus in Assam | Tribal role in conserving forests, agro-biodiversity, and medicinal plants |
| Events Held In | Kaziranga National Park, Dibrugarh University, and BTC regions |
| Involved Communities | Mishing, Bodo, Rabha, Karbi, Apatani (NE states) |
| Highlighted Systems | Rice-fish farming, jhum agroforestry, sacred groves, seed banks |
| Collaborating Agencies | State Forest Dept, UNEP, North East Biodiversity Board, WWF-India |
⚙️ Prelims Pointers
International Biodiversity Day: Observed on May 22 annually; declared by the UN.
Apatani System: UNESCO-recognized traditional wet rice cultivation + fish farming in Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.
Sacred Groves: Forest patches conserved due to spiritual beliefs (e.g., in Karbi Anglong, Meghalaya).
Jhum Cultivation: Traditional slash-and-burn method; now integrated into agroforestry models.
Global Biodiversity Framework: Kunming-Montreal Agreement adopted at COP15 in 2022 to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Role of Tribal Communities in Biodiversity Conservation
Indigenous Practices: Use of organic inputs, community seed banks, water harvesting.
Sacred Ecology: Maintenance of sacred groves that serve as biodiversity hotspots.
Crop Diversity: Indigenous paddy, millet, and medicinal plants conserved through festivals and rituals.
Agroforestry Models: Traditional systems like bamboo-fish, jhum, and home gardens provide ecological services.
Community Institutions: Village councils and forest user groups regulate resource use.
B. Threats to Biodiversity in Northeast
| Threat | Impact |
| Deforestation | Illegal logging and encroachments |
| Invasive Species | Threaten native flora and fauna |
| Climate Change | Alters rainfall patterns, affects endemic species |
| Tourism Pressure | Overuse of fragile ecosystems like wetlands and caves |
| Loss of Traditional Knowledge | Youth migration and cultural dilution |
C. Policy & Conservation Measures
Assam State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (SBSAP)
People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) under Biodiversity Act, 2002
National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Well-being
UNDP’s SECURE Himalaya Project in Arunachal and Sikkim
Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) around Kaziranga and Manas
D. Way Forward
Document Traditional Knowledge: Use digital tools and ethnobotanical surveys
Strengthen BMCs (Biodiversity Management Committees): Ensure Gram Sabha participation
Promote Community Conservation Areas: Legal backing for tribal-managed forests
Eco-Tourism with Cultural Integration: Revenue model for biodiversity protection
Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Revive seed diversity, native crops, and weather-adaptive systems
📚 Relevant Documents & Agreements
Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (COP15, 2022)
Nagoya Protocol – Access and benefit-sharing from biological resources
SDG 15: Life on Land
India State of Forest Report (ISFR) – NE states show forest cover decline in dense categories
🧩 Conclusion
The Northeast’s tribal communities are custodians of living biodiversity, and their traditional practices are key to climate-smart conservation. Recognizing and empowering these communities ensures that development remains ecologically inclusive and culturally rooted.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
✅ Topic 1: WHO Adopts Global Pandemic Agreement
Q1. The Global Pandemic Agreement adopted by WHO in 2025 primarily aims to:
A. Establish compulsory vaccine manufacturing hubs in every country
B. Strengthen global preparedness, prevention, and response to pandemics
C. Replace the International Health Regulations (IHR)
D. Centralize national health policy under WHO control
✅ Answer: B.
Explanation:
The agreement aims to ensure global cooperation in prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) to future pandemics. It complements, not replaces, the IHR.
Q2. Which of the following are principles emphasized in the WHO Global Pandemic Agreement?
- Equity in access to healthcare
- Transparency in data sharing
- Centralized vaccine procurement by WHO
- Respect for national sovereignty
A. 1, 2, and 4 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A.
Explanation:
The agreement stresses equity, transparency, and respect for sovereignty. It does not centralize vaccine procurement under WHO.
✅ Topic 2: India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Cooperation
Q3. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), in which Saudi Arabia is a partner, was first announced at:
A. COP28 in Dubai
B. BRICS Summit 2023
C. G20 Summit 2023 in New Delhi
D. World Economic Forum 2023
✅ Answer: C.
Explanation:
IMEC was announced at the G20 Summit hosted by India in 2023, as a counter to China’s BRI.
Q4. Which of the following areas are part of India–Saudi Arabia’s strategic cooperation?
- Green hydrogen
- Digital economy
- Port infrastructure
- Defence pacts with NATO
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: A.
Explanation:
India–Saudi cooperation focuses on energy, digital trade, and logistics. There are no formal defence pacts with NATO.
✅ Topic 3: India’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 3.1%
Q5. The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) in India is conducted by:
A. NITI Aayog
B. Ministry of Labour and Employment
C. National Sample Survey Office (NSSO)
D. Reserve Bank of India
✅ Answer: C.
Explanation:
The PLFS is conducted by the NSSO, under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
Q6. A decline in unemployment rate may not always reflect improved employment conditions because:
- It can be caused by disguised employment
- Many may exit the labour force
- Quality of jobs may be low
- It ignores wage-level growth
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1 and 4 only
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: D.
Explanation:
A lower unemployment rate may hide disguised employment, poor job quality, low wages, and labour force dropout.
✅ Topic 4: Biodiversity Day – Tribal Role in Conservation
Q7. The “Apatani system,” recognized by UNESCO, involves:
A. Bamboo and millet intercropping
B. Wet rice cultivation with fish farming
C. Sacred groves maintained by village elders
D. Jhum cultivation in high-altitude zones
✅ Answer: B.
Explanation:
The Apatani system in Ziro Valley (Arunachal) combines paddy cultivation with fish farming, promoting ecological balance.
Q8. Which of the following best explains “sacred groves” in the Northeast?
A. Wetlands maintained by state governments
B. Wildlife corridors notified under the Forest Act
C. Forest patches preserved due to cultural or religious beliefs
D. Medicinal plant gardens created by Ayurvedic missions
✅ Answer: C.
Explanation:
Sacred groves are forest patches protected by tribal or local communities due to religious/spiritual significance.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the significance of tribal communities in biodiversity conservation with special reference to the Northeastern region of India. Suggest measures to integrate traditional knowledge into formal conservation strategies.
(GS Paper 3 – Environment | APSC GS Paper 5 – Assam-Specific Environmental and Tribal Issues)
Word Limit: 250
✅ Model Answer:
🔹 Introduction
India’s Northeastern region, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, is home to diverse tribal communities whose traditional knowledge and practices have played a vital role in conserving local flora, fauna, and ecosystems. Their contribution has gained renewed focus during events like International Biodiversity Day (May 22, 2025), highlighting grassroots conservation.
🔍 Role of Tribal Communities in Biodiversity Conservation
- Agro-Ecological Practices
- Systems like the Apatani rice-fish farming in Arunachal integrate productivity with ecological balance.
- Sacred Groves
- Tribes like the Karbi and Khasi maintain forest patches preserved for spiritual reasons, fostering biodiversity.
- Seed Preservation
- Indigenous farmers maintain community seed banks of native rice, millet, and medicinal plants.
- Jhum Agroforestry
- While often critiqued, shifting cultivation, when regulated, supports diverse cropping and soil regeneration.
- Sustainable Harvesting
- Controlled extraction of bamboo, herbs, and NTFPs sustains livelihoods without depleting resources.
⚠️ Challenges
| Issue | Impact |
| Modernization & Youth Migration | Erosion of traditional ecological knowledge |
| Forest Encroachment | Deforestation driven by external actors |
| Lack of Legal Recognition | Informal conservation efforts not acknowledged in forest laws |
| Climate Stress | Alters patterns of rainfall, affecting traditional agriculture |
🛠️ Way Forward
- Document Traditional Knowledge using local universities and biodiversity registers
- Support Community Conservation Areas (CCAs) under the Biological Diversity Act
- Eco-Cultural Tourism to link conservation with income generation
- Integrate with State Forest Policies in Assam and NE states
- Youth Engagement Programs to revive ecological roles and storytelling traditions
🧩 Conclusion
Tribal communities are natural custodians of biodiversity, and their inclusion is key to climate-resilient, culturally-rooted conservation. Assam and the Northeast must move beyond top-down models and empower community-led conservation through policy, recognition, and sustainable incentives.
✨ APSC Prelims Crash Course, 2025
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