APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (26/09/2025)
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 (26-09-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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⚡ Oju Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh – Downstream Concerns for Assam
📘 GS Paper II – Centre–State Relations | Governance in NE
📘 GS Paper III – Environment, Energy, Disaster Management
📘 GS Paper V – Assam-specific: Ecology & Development
🔹 Introduction
On 26 Sept 2025, the Union Government cleared the 2,200 MW Oju Hydroelectric Project (HEP) on the Subansiri River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh. While seen as part of India’s clean energy push, the project has triggered concerns in Assam regarding downstream floods, sedimentation, and ecological disruption, echoing earlier debates around Lower Subansiri HEP.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Project Capacity | 2,200 MW, among the largest in NE India |
| Location | Upper Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh |
| River | Subansiri (largest tributary of Brahmaputra) |
| Developer | Likely NHPC/State-PSU JV under Hydro Policy |
| Strategic Rationale | Energy security, Act East connectivity, border infrastructure (near LAC with China) |
| Downstream Concerns | Flood surge, riverbank erosion in Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Majuli, Sonitpur districts of Assam |
| Past Precedent | Lower Subansiri Project stalled for a decade due to downstream agitation |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Subansiri River: Origin – Tibet; enters Arunachal, joins Brahmaputra in Assam.
Hydro Potential in NE: ~58,000 MW (40% of India’s total potential).
Lower Subansiri HEP: 2,000 MW project on Subansiri; faced protests by All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) over safety.
Environment Acts: EIA Notification 2006, Forest Conservation Act 1980, River Basin Planning (MoEFCC).
Earthquake Zone: Assam & Arunachal lie in Seismic Zone V (highest risk).
India–China Angle: Several hydropower dams by China on Yarlung Tsangpo (upper Brahmaputra).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Project
Clean Energy – Supports India’s NDC targets under Paris Agreement.
Regional Development – Employment & revenue for Arunachal Pradesh.
Strategic Security – Hydropower dams act as frontier infrastructure near LAC.
Grid Stability – Supplies to NE states & national grid via transmission lines.
Flood Moderation (Theoretical) – Reservoirs can regulate flow during lean season.
B. Challenges & Concerns (Assam’s Perspective)
Downstream Floods: Sudden water release may cause flash floods in Dhemaji, Lakhimpur.
Sedimentation & Riverbank Erosion: Changes river morphology, threatening Majuli island.
Seismic Risks: Seismic Zone V; dam-break risk catastrophic.
Biodiversity Loss: Gangetic dolphin, fish migration, aquatic ecosystem threatened.
Social Protests: Past Lower Subansiri agitation shows trust deficit.
C. Govt & Institutional Mechanisms
Northeast Hydropower Policy: Promotes large projects with green financing.
Expert Committees (2000s–2020s): Recommended redesign of Lower Subansiri dam.
Assam HC/SC Cases: Petitions on downstream safety.
Brahmaputra Board & CWC: Agencies tasked with river basin management.
Regional Cooperation: Brahmaputra Dialogue for basin-wide planning.
D. Way Forward
Downstream Impact Assessment: Mandatory cumulative EIA, not just site-specific.
Joint Monitoring Committees: Assam–Arunachal–Centre collaboration with civil society reps.
Dam Design Upgrades: Earthquake-resilient, sediment flushing structures.
Real-time Flood Alerts: Digital warning system linked to Assam SDRF.
Alternative Energy Mix: Balance hydro with solar/wind to reduce mega-dam dependency.
International Dimension: Use India–China water dialogue to ensure upstream transparency.
🧩 Conclusion
The Oju Hydroelectric Project embodies the tension between India’s clean energy ambitions and Assam’s ecological vulnerabilities. Without inclusive planning, robust safety design, and transparent monitoring, hydropower in the Brahmaputra basin risks deepening conflict rather than delivering sustainable development. The key lies in adopting a river basin approach where Assam’s voice is central to decision-making.
🚮 ‘Swachhta Hi Seva – 2025’ Campaign in Northeast (Shillong Launch)
📘 GS Paper II – Govt Schemes, Social Justice, Urban/Rural Governance
📘 GS Paper III – Environment, Waste Management, Public Health
📘 GS Paper V – Assam & NE-specific Development
🔹 Introduction
On 26 Sept 2025, the Ministry of Power and POWERGRID (NER HQ, Shillong) launched the Swachhta Hi Seva – 2025 campaign across the Northeast. This initiative is part of the nationwide sanitation drive under Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), focusing on clean public spaces, plastic waste management, and awareness-building. The Northeast dimension is critical due to urban-rural sanitation gaps, fragile ecology, and tourism dependence.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Theme (2025) | “Garbage-Free India with People’s Participation” |
| Launch in NE | POWERGRID offices, schools, and public areas in Shillong |
| Activities | Cleanliness drives, segregation awareness, plastic collection, plantation drives |
| Institutions Involved | POWERGRID, Urban Local Bodies, NGOs, student groups |
| Link with SBM | Reinforces Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban & Grameen) Phase-II goals |
| NE Special Context | Flood-prone Assam, tourist-heavy Meghalaya, plastic use in hilly terrain, waste mismanagement in small towns |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): Launched 2014, Phase II (2020–25) focuses on ODF+ villages and waste management.
ODF+ & ODF++: Higher sanitation categories under SBM; ODF++ includes sludge & septage management.
Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, amended 2022): Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic manufacturers.
Shillong: First hill city in NE to experiment with door-to-door waste segregation.
POWERGRID CSR Role: Regularly supports school sanitation, water filters, waste disposal infrastructure.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of the Campaign in NE
Public Health: Reduces diarrhoea, malaria, and water-borne diseases.
Tourism Appeal: Cleanliness in Shillong, Kaziranga, Tawang boosts eco-tourism.
Flood Management: Waste clogging drains worsens floods in Guwahati & Silchar.
Plastic-Free Ecology: NE’s fragile rivers, hills, and biodiversity need stricter plastic control.
Community Participation: Leverages strong student & tribal community networks.
B. Challenges in Northeast
Hilly Terrain: Makes waste collection & disposal costly.
Urban-Rural Gap: Towns like Guwahati show progress; villages lag behind.
Plastic Influx: Cheap single-use plastics in border trade.
Institutional Weakness: ULBs underfunded and poorly equipped.
Behavioural Issues: Littering, lack of segregation awareness.
C. Govt Initiatives & Legal Backing
SBM-U 2.0 & SBM-G Phase II: 100% waste segregation, ODF+ targets.
Plastic Ban (2022): Nationwide ban on certain single-use plastic items.
NE Clean Cities Ranking: Swachh Survekshan annual assessment; Shillong & Dibrugarh participated.
Northeast Council (NEC) Funds: For solid waste treatment plants in Guwahati, Imphal.
D. Way Forward
Segregation at Source: Promote 3-bin system (biodegradable, plastic, hazardous).
Decentralised Waste Processing: Compost pits, biogas units in villages & schools.
Plastic Alternatives: Promote bamboo, jute, areca-leaf products from NE.
Tourism-linked Incentives: Clean city branding for tourist hubs (Shillong, Kaziranga).
Youth Engagement: Harness NSS, NCC, student unions for sustained campaigns.
Technology Use: Waste-to-energy pilot projects in Guwahati & Shillong.
🧩 Conclusion
The Swachhta Hi Seva – 2025 campaign in Shillong reaffirms that sanitation is both an environmental and cultural imperative in the Northeast. With community participation, eco-friendly alternatives, and stronger local institutions, Assam and the NE can become models for sustainable waste management in ecologically fragile regions.
🛣️ Meghalaya Accident – Road Safety Concerns in Northeast
📘 GS Paper II – Governance & Social Justice (Road Safety Policies)
📘 GS Paper III – Infrastructure, Disaster & Safety Management
📘 GS Paper V – Assam & NE-specific Transport Challenges
🔹 Introduction
On 26 Sept 2025, a tragic accident in Meghalaya saw a motorcyclist charred to death after a collision led to a fire. The incident highlights the urgent road safety crisis in the Northeast, where hilly terrains, poor infrastructure, reckless driving, and enforcement gaps combine to make the region especially vulnerable.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Incident | Motorbike collision in Meghalaya; bike caught fire; rider charred. |
| Broader Issue | Frequent road accidents in NE due to high density of two-wheelers, lack of helmets, over-speeding. |
| Regional Context | Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland – steep roads, poor visibility, rainfall-induced hazards. |
| National Relevance | India records ~1.68 lakh road accident deaths annually (MoRTH, 2023). |
| Govt Measures | Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019 – stricter penalties, compulsory insurance, safety audits. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019: Focus on e-challan, heavy fines, protection for good samaritans.
Brasilia Declaration (2015): India committed to halving road traffic deaths by 2030 (aligned with SDG 3.6).
Northeast Transport Context: High two-wheeler usage; NH-6, NH-37 prone to accidents.
Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD): IT-based crash investigation tool in pilot phase in Assam.
Nagaland & Meghalaya: Among top states in per capita accident fatalities (MoRTH data 2022).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Road Safety in NE
Human Security: Rising fatalities cause huge social and economic losses.
Geographical Challenge: Steep gradients, sharp curves, fog, and rainfall worsen risks.
Tourism Economy: Accidents hurt image of Meghalaya (“Scotland of the East”) and Assam’s eco-tourism circuits.
Youth Vulnerability: Majority of victims are in the 18–35 age group.
Cross-Border Roads: NHs to Bangladesh/Myanmar often congested, with weak enforcement.
B. Challenges
Infrastructure Deficit: Poor road lighting, potholes, lack of crash barriers in hills.
Enforcement Weakness: Low helmet/seatbelt compliance, overloading.
Emergency Care Gaps: Golden hour response weak due to limited trauma centres in NE.
Cultural Habits: Drink-driving incidents during festivals common.
Vehicle Standards: Old, poorly maintained vehicles on highways.
C. Govt Initiatives & Judicial Context
National Road Safety Policy (2010): Comprehensive plan for safer mobility.
Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety (2014): Monitors state compliance.
Bharatmala Pariyojana: Expanding highway network in NE with safety features.
Assam Road Safety Policy (2018): Focus on awareness, traffic management.
Northeast Road Safety Projects: Asian Development Bank (ADB) assistance for road upgrades.
D. Way Forward
Infrastructure Upgrades: Crash barriers, reflective markers, speed-calming in hill roads.
Enforcement Tech: Speed cameras, AI-based traffic monitoring in Guwahati, Shillong.
Road Safety Education: School curriculum + campaigns in NE languages.
Emergency Response: More trauma care units, tie-ups with AIIMS Guwahati & NEIGRIHMS Shillong.
Community Involvement: Local youth & NGOs as “Road Safety Volunteers.”
Two-Wheeler Safety: Mandatory helmets, awareness drives, subsidised ISI helmets.
🧩 Conclusion
The Meghalaya accident is a grim reminder that road safety is not just about traffic rules but about holistic governance—safe roads, strict enforcement, quick trauma care, and citizen responsibility. For the Northeast, where geography already compounds risk, making road safety a policy priority is essential to save lives and support sustainable development.
🎓 SFI Memo Opposing UGC’s LOCF-2025
📘 GS Paper II – Education, Governance, Social Justice
📘 GS Paper IV – Ethics in Education (Values vs. Marketisation)
📘 GS Paper V – Assam & NE-specific: Higher Education Concerns
🔹 Introduction
On 26 Sept 2025, the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) submitted a memorandum opposing the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF-2025). The organisation argued that the framework prioritises market-driven skills over holistic education, raising concerns about academic autonomy, accessibility, and regional diversity in higher education, especially in the Northeast.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| LOCF-2025 | UGC’s new higher education framework focusing on measurable learning outcomes, employability, and skill-based modules. |
| SFI Concerns | Marketisation of education, neglect of critical thinking, risk of privatisation. |
| Memo Focus | Higher education must remain public good; oppose dilution of regional/vernacular subjects. |
| Assam/NE Context | Resource-poor universities may struggle to adopt LOCF modules; risks widening rural–urban divide. |
| Policy Link | LOCF-2025 aligned with NEP 2020 vision of outcome-based, flexible curricula. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
UGC (University Grants Commission): Statutory body under UGC Act, 1956.
NEP 2020: Introduced Academic Bank of Credits, multidisciplinary education, multiple entry-exit system.
LOCF (2018, updated 2025): Outcome-based curriculum ensuring defined skills at UG/PG exit levels.
GER (Gross Enrolment Ratio): NEP target – 50% GER in higher education by 2035.
SFI (Students’ Federation of India): Student organisation affiliated with CPI(M).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of LOCF-2025
Skill Orientation: Aligns graduates with industry needs, reducing unemployability.
Measurable Outcomes: Shift from rote learning to defined competencies.
Global Benchmarking: Brings Indian universities closer to international accreditation norms.
Flexibility: Multidisciplinary courses, credit transfers.
Supports NEP 2020 Goals: Enhances employability, innovation ecosystem.
B. Concerns Raised (SFI & Critics)
Marketisation of Education: Emphasis on employability may marginalise liberal arts, social sciences.
Equity Risks: Resource-rich universities can adapt easily; poorer state universities may lag.
Regional Neglect: NE languages, culture studies risk marginalisation.
Privatisation Push: Private universities may dominate LOCF-compliant models.
Academic Autonomy: Fear of centralised control via UGC frameworks.
C. Relevance for Assam & NE
Infrastructure Deficit: State universities & colleges lack faculty, labs, digital tools.
Employability Paradox: Despite high literacy, NE youth face unemployment due to skill mismatch.
Language & Identity: Assamese, Bodo, Khasi, Mizo studies risk sidelining.
Migration: Students may be forced to move to metros for better LOCF implementation.
D. Way Forward
Equity in Implementation: Special grants for NE universities to adapt LOCF.
Balanced Curriculum: Preserve humanities & regional subjects along with skill courses.
Faculty Development: Large-scale training to meet outcome-based pedagogy.
Public Good Principle: Ensure higher education doesn’t shift to pure private sector logic.
Student Participation: Engage unions and faculty in curriculum framing.
🧩 Conclusion
The UGC’s LOCF-2025 represents a paradigm shift in higher education, but its success depends on balancing employability with equity, diversity, and inclusiveness. The SFI’s opposition reflects a broader debate: Should higher education be a tool for the job market alone, or a means to nurture holistic citizens? For Assam and the NE, adapting LOCF must be accompanied by special support and safeguards for regional identity and public accessibility.ue test of success.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
Topic 1 – Oju Hydroelectric Project (Arunachal, Subansiri River)
Q1. Consider the following statements about the Subansiri River:
- It originates in Tibet and is the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra.
- The Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project has faced opposition due to seismic and downstream flood concerns.
- The Subansiri flows through Assam’s Majuli district before joining the Brahmaputra.
Which of the above statements 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 Subansiri joins the Brahmaputra at Lakhimpur, not through Majuli directly. Statements 1 & 2 correct.
Q2. The Oju Hydroelectric Project, recently cleared by the Centre, is significant because:
- It is among the largest hydropower projects in NE India.
- It is located in a seismic Zone V area.
- It is part of India’s renewable energy expansion to meet Paris Agreement commitments.
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: D
🔎 Explanation: All statements are correct.
Topic 2 – ‘Swachhta Hi Seva – 2025’ (Shillong Launch)
Q3. Which of the following is/are correct about the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)?
- SBM (Urban) 2.0 and SBM (Gramin) Phase II were launched in 2021.
- SBM Phase II emphasises ODF+ and solid/liquid waste management.
- SBM is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development alone.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
🔎 Explanation: SBM-U under Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs; SBM-G under Ministry of Jal Shakti, not Rural Development alone.
Q4. Which of the following correctly matches the Swachh Survekshan rankings (2023–24)?
- Indore – Ranked 1st (Urban category)
- Navi Mumbai – Ranked 2nd (Urban category)
- Shillong – Awarded for waste segregation practices in hill cities
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: D
🔎 Explanation: All are correct; Shillong received recognition under NE/hill-city category.
Topic 3 – Meghalaya Accident & Road Safety
Q5. With reference to India’s road safety framework, consider the following:
- The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 introduced stricter penalties, e-challans, and protection for good samaritans.
- India has committed under the Brasilia Declaration (2015) to reduce road accident fatalities by 50% by 2030.
- The Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD) is being developed by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Which of the statements are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: B
🔎 Explanation: iRAD is under Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), not Health.
Q6. Which of the following Northeast highways are particularly prone to accidents due to terrain and traffic?
- NH-37 (Assam)
- NH-6 (connecting Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram)
- NH-2 (Manipur–Nagaland route)
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 are high-risk NE highways.
Topic 4 – SFI Memo Opposing UGC’s LOCF-2025
Q7. The UGC’s Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF-2025) primarily focuses on:
- Skill development and employability
- Defining measurable learning outcomes for courses
- Reducing the role of accreditation agencies like NAAC
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
🔎 Explanation: LOCF complements NAAC/NBA accreditation, not reduce their role.
Q8. Which of the following correctly match student organisations with their orientation?
- SFI – Associated with CPI(M)
- ABVP – Associated with RSS/BJP
- NSUI – Associated with INC
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: D
🔎 Explanation: All three are correct; student wings of major political currents.
🔎 Explanation: Instability in Myanmar is indeed a direct cause for delay in India’s AEP projects.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Model Answer
Q. “Large hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh, such as the recently cleared Oju Hydroelectric Project, are central to India’s clean energy and strategic goals. Critically examine their implications for downstream states like Assam.”
(GS Paper III – Environment, Energy & Disaster Management | GS Paper V – Assam-specific)
🔹 Introduction
Hydropower forms a key pillar of India’s renewable energy strategy, with the Northeast holding nearly 40% of the country’s untapped hydro potential. The clearance of the 2,200 MW Oju Hydroelectric Project on the Subansiri River (Sept 2025) is part of this push. While it promises clean energy and strategic infrastructure, for Assam it raises concerns of flooding, erosion, seismic safety, and biodiversity loss.
🔹 Body
1️⃣ Importance of Hydropower in the Northeast
- Energy Security: Reduces reliance on fossil fuels, supports India’s Paris Agreement targets.
- Strategic Infrastructure: Strengthens presence near LAC with China.
- Regional Development: Revenue and jobs in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Grid Integration: Helps meet rising electricity demand in Assam and neighbouring states.
2️⃣ Downstream Concerns for Assam
- Floods & Flash Surges: Sudden water release could inundate Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Majuli.
- Seismic Vulnerability: Entire Subansiri basin lies in Seismic Zone V; dam-break risk catastrophic.
- Erosion & Siltation: Alters Brahmaputra morphology, worsening Majuli’s shrinkage.
- Biodiversity Stress: Impact on Gangetic dolphin, migratory fish, and floodplain wetlands.
- Social Conflict: Echoes of Lower Subansiri protests, reflecting trust deficit with local communities.
3️⃣ Governance & Institutional Dimensions
- EIA & Cumulative Impact: Current assessments often site-specific; need basin-wide studies.
- Inter-State Coordination: Assam’s concerns not fully integrated in Arunachal’s project clearances.
- Judicial Interventions: Past cases (Lower Subansiri) saw Assam HC, SC, and expert panels intervening.
- International Angle: China’s upstream dams on Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) raise strategic anxieties.
4️⃣ Way Forward
- Cumulative Impact Studies: Basin-wide ecological and seismic risk analysis.
- Joint Monitoring: Assam–Arunachal–Centre coordination committees with civil society.
- Dam Safety Upgrades: Earthquake-resilient design, sediment flushing, real-time flow monitoring.
- Community Engagement: Consultations with downstream villages, compensatory livelihood plans.
- Diversified Energy Mix: Balance large dams with smaller run-of-the-river, solar, and wind projects.
- Transparency & Trust: Periodic public disclosure of safety audits and water flow data.
🔹 Conclusion
The Oju Hydroelectric Project highlights the double-edged nature of hydropower in the Brahmaputra basin. For India, it strengthens clean energy and strategic presence, but for Assam, it amplifies ecological vulnerability and social anxieties. A sustainable path requires inclusive river basin planning, strong safety standards, and downstream-sensitive governance so that hydropower becomes a bridge between development and ecology, not a faultline of conflict.
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