APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (07/08/2025)
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 (07-08-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🚧 Manipur Violence: Centre Extends AFSPA in Hill Districts for Six Months
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) | Insurgency in North-East
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Federalism | Centre–State Relations
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam/NE): Security Challenges in the North-East | Law & Order Mechanisms
🔹 Introduction
The Government of India has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in parts of Manipur’s hill districts for another six months, citing the prevailing law-and-order situation and insurgent activities. The decision comes amid ongoing ethnic tensions and violence in the state, reflecting the complex security dynamics of the North-East.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Law Invoked | Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 |
| Duration | 6-month extension |
| Areas Covered | Hill districts excluding Imphal Valley |
| Reason | Continued insurgent activity, threats to civilian life, ethnic clashes |
| Administered By | Ministry of Home Affairs in consultation with the Manipur Government |
| Security Forces Involved | Assam Rifles, Army, Paramilitary units |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
AFSPA, 1958: Grants armed forces special powers in “disturbed areas” declared under Section 3.
Special Powers: Search, arrest, use force (even lethal) without prior warrant under specified conditions.
“Disturbed Area”: Declared by Governor or Central Government.
Judicial Review: Supreme Court in Naga People’s Movement of Human Rights vs Union of India (1997) upheld AFSPA’s constitutionality with safeguards.
AFSPA in NE States: Enforced in parts of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of AFSPA in Manipur’s Context
Security Stabilisation: Provides legal backing for armed forces to operate in insurgency-hit areas.
Counter-Insurgency Operations: Essential for dismantling underground networks of groups like NSCN, PLA, KYKL.
Protection of Development Projects: Safeguards infrastructure work from militant extortion and attacks.
Border Security: Assists in controlling illegal arms and drug trafficking along the Indo–Myanmar border.
B. Challenges and Criticisms
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Human Rights Concerns | Allegations of fake encounters and excessive use of force. |
| Alienation of Local Population | Perceived as a symbol of militarisation and suppression. |
| Prolonged Application | Extended use without political resolution risks normalising emergency laws. |
| Judicial Ineffectiveness | Low conviction rates in AFSPA-related violations. |
| Ethnic Sensitivities | Operations can be perceived as targeting specific communities. |
C. Govt. Initiatives and Developments
Partial Withdrawal: AFSPA lifted from large parts of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland in recent years.
Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee (2005): Recommended repeal, but with provisions retained in Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
State-Level Peace Talks: Engagement with insurgent groups under Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements.
Border Fencing: Strengthened along Myanmar to curb cross-border militancy.
D. Way Ahead
Phased Withdrawal: Link AFSPA’s removal to measurable improvements in law-and-order indicators.
Strengthen Civil Policing: Build capacity of state police for counter-insurgency and investigation.
Political Dialogue: Expand peace negotiations to address core ethnic and political grievances.
Transparency Mechanisms: Independent oversight of operations to address human rights concerns.
Socio-Economic Measures: Development projects targeting education, jobs, and connectivity in hill districts.
🧩 Conclusion
The AFSPA extension in Manipur’s hill districts underscores the persistent security volatility in the state. While the Act provides operational freedom to the armed forces, its continued application must be balanced with efforts to win public trust, strengthen democratic governance, and address the root causes of insurgency.
🌾 Cabinet Approves New Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Kharif Crops 2025–26 Marketing Season
📘 GS Paper 3: Agriculture | Price Support Mechanisms | Food Security
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Policies | Welfare Schemes | Rural Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Agriculture in Assam | Farmer Welfare Measures
🔹 Introduction
The Union Cabinet has approved the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2025–26 marketing season, aligning with the Swaminathan Commission recommendation of at least 50% margin over cost of production. This decision is expected to impact millions of farmers, including those in Assam’s rice- and pulse-growing regions.
🔑 Key Points
| Crop Category | Example Crops | MSP Increase (₹/quintal) | Notes |
| Cereals | Paddy (Common) | +₹117 | Main staple for Assam farmers |
| Pulses | Tur (Arhar), Moong | +₹200–₹250 | Encourages diversification |
| Oilseeds | Groundnut, Soybean | +₹150–₹200 | Supports edible oil self-reliance |
| Commercial Crops | Cotton | +₹150 | Major cash crop nationally |
| Highest Increase | Moong | ₹250 | To boost domestic pulse production |
Effective from: Kharif Marketing Season starting October 1, 2025
Objective: Ensure remunerative prices, improve farmer income, promote crop diversification
🧠 Prelims Pointers
MSP Mechanism: Announced by Government before sowing season on CACP recommendation.
CACP (Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices): Advisory body under Ministry of Agriculture.
Legal Status: MSP is not legally enforceable; procurement is assured mainly for a few crops like wheat, paddy.
Cost Concepts:
A2: Paid-out costs
A2+FL: A2 plus imputed value of family labour
C2: Comprehensive cost including land rent – basis for Swaminathan formula (MSP ≥ C2 + 50%).
Assam Kharif Crops: Sali paddy, pulses, oilseeds, maize.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of MSP Revision
Income Security: Protects farmers from market volatility.
Food Security: Supports procurement for PDS and NFSA beneficiaries.
Encourages Sowing: Higher MSP motivates timely sowing of priority crops.
Price Stabilization: Shields against price crashes during bumper harvests.
Regional Relevance: In Assam, paddy MSP helps smallholders dependent on monsoon-based cultivation.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Procurement Gap | Effective only in states with strong procurement systems; Assam lags. |
| Crop Bias | Skewed towards paddy and wheat, discouraging diversification. |
| Market Access Issues | Many farmers sell below MSP due to lack of procurement centers. |
| Fiscal Burden | High procurement leads to storage, subsidy, and wastage issues. |
| Inflationary Pressure | Higher MSPs can raise food prices in the market. |
C. Government Measures
PM-AASHA Scheme: Extends price deficiency payment and procurement to more crops.
Digital Procurement Platforms: Geotagging of purchase centers.
Decentralised Procurement (DCP): Encourages states like Assam to procure directly for PDS.
Crop Diversification Programs: Promotion of pulses and oilseeds under NFSM.
D. Way Ahead
Strengthen Procurement in NE: More FCI and state centers in Assam’s rural belts.
MSP Awareness Drives: Inform farmers of revised rates via KVKs and mobile alerts.
Market Linkages: Build farmer–FPO–market connections to reduce middlemen.
Legal Backing Debate: Explore feasibility of limited legal enforceability in essential crops.
Agro-Ecology Alignment: Link MSP incentives with sustainable cropping patterns.
🧩 Conclusion
The revised MSPs for Kharif 2025–26 reaffirm the government’s commitment to farmer welfare and rural stability. For states like Assam, the real challenge lies not in announcement but in ensuring effective procurement, diversification, and income security at the grassroots level.
🏥 WHO Warns of Rising Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): A Global Health Threat
📘 GS Paper 3: Science & Technology | Biotechnology | Public Health
📘 GS Paper 2: Health Policy | International Organisations | Governance
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Public Health Challenges in Assam | Disease Control
🔹 Introduction
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a renewed warning on the alarming global rise of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), urging countries to accelerate action plans. AMR, which occurs when microorganisms develop resistance to drugs, is undermining decades of medical progress and poses a direct threat to public health, food security, and economic stability.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Definition | Resistance of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites to antimicrobial medicines (antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, antiparasitics). |
| Global Deaths | ~1.27 million annually directly attributed to AMR (Lancet, 2022). |
| WHO’s Concern | AMR could cause 10 million deaths/year by 2050 if unchecked. |
| India’s Status | Among highest global consumers of antibiotics; rising drug-resistant TB and hospital-acquired infections. |
| Key Drivers | Overuse/misuse of antibiotics, poor infection control, lack of new drugs, agricultural misuse. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Global Action Plan on AMR: Adopted by WHO in 2015.
India’s National Action Plan on AMR: Launched in 2017; includes stewardship, surveillance, and research.
GLASS (Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System): WHO’s data-sharing platform.
Superbugs: Bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics (e.g., MRSA, NDM-1).
One Health Approach: Recognises human, animal, and environmental health linkages in tackling AMR.
National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC): Nodal agency for AMR surveillance in India.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Addressing AMR
Public Health: Reduces effectiveness of treatment for common infections and surgeries.
Economic Loss: Longer illness, higher treatment costs, reduced productivity.
Agricultural Relevance: Resistant pathogens affect livestock and aquaculture, impacting food supply.
Global Security: AMR is recognised as a cross-border health threat by the UN.
Relevance to Assam: Over-the-counter antibiotic sales and poor waste management in hospitals exacerbate risks.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Over-Prescription | Unregulated sale of antibiotics without prescription in many areas. |
| Lack of New Drugs | Declining R&D investment in antimicrobials. |
| Poor Hygiene Standards | Inadequate sanitation in hospitals and communities. |
| Agricultural Misuse | Antibiotics in poultry and fish farming without regulation. |
| Weak Surveillance | Inconsistent AMR data from rural and NE regions. |
C. Government & Global Initiatives
National Action Plan on AMR (2017): Multisectoral approach with state-level plans (SAPs).
FSSAI Regulations (2020): Banned certain antibiotics in food animals.
Red Line Campaign: Marking antibiotic packaging to discourage overuse.
WHO GLASS Programme: Encouraging global AMR data sharing.
Global Leaders Group on AMR: Political advocacy for coordinated action.
D. Way Ahead
Enforce Prescription-Only Sales: Ban OTC antibiotics.
Strengthen Surveillance: Expand NCDC’s network to rural and NE states.
Promote One Health: Coordinate human, veterinary, and environmental sectors.
Hospital Infection Control: Mandatory antibiotic stewardship programmes.
R&D Incentives: Encourage pharmaceutical innovation in new antimicrobials.
Public Awareness: Campaigns in schools and communities to discourage misuse.
🧩 Conclusion
AMR represents a silent pandemic that could reverse decades of medical gains if left unchecked. India, as a high-burden country, must tighten regulations, promote responsible antibiotic use, and adopt the One Health approach to safeguard public health for future generations.
🛤️ Railways to Introduce Hydrogen-Powered Trains on Heritage Routes
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Energy | Environment
📘 GS Paper 2: Government Policies & Interventions | Sustainable Development
📘 GS Paper 1: Indian Geography – Transport in India
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Green Mobility in North-East
🔹 Introduction
The Indian Railways has announced plans to roll out hydrogen-powered trains on select heritage and scenic routes, marking a significant step towards green mobility and decarbonisation. These trains are part of the Railways’ net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2030 and align with India’s National Hydrogen Mission.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Fuel Type | Green hydrogen produced via electrolysis using renewable energy. |
| Initial Deployment | Heritage and tourist routes (e.g., Kalka–Shimla, Matheran, Darjeeling) with potential for NE expansion. |
| Emissions | Zero CO₂ emissions; water vapour as byproduct. |
| Energy Efficiency | Fuel cells convert hydrogen to electricity to power train motors. |
| Speed & Range | Comparable to diesel-electric trains, with lower operating costs over time. |
| Relevance to Assam | Potential use on heritage lines like Lumding–Badarpur–Silchar or for tourism in Kaziranga–Majuli circuits. |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
National Hydrogen Mission (2021): Aims to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
Fuel Cell Technology: Converts chemical energy from hydrogen into electricity without combustion.
Heritage Railways in India: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Kalka–Shimla Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway (UNESCO sites).
Zero-Emission Transport: Hydrogen trains are part of broader e-mobility efforts alongside Vande Bharat and electric freight corridors.
Hydrogen Storage: Usually compressed at high pressures or in liquid form at low temperatures.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Hydrogen Trains
Environmental Gains: Reduction in GHG emissions and air pollutants.
Energy Diversification: Reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Tourism Boost: Heritage routes become eco-friendly attractions.
Alignment with Climate Goals: Supports India’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement.
Regional Development: Potential to open up NE tourist circuits sustainably.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| High Initial Cost | Fuel cell trains cost 30–40% more than diesel counterparts. |
| Hydrogen Infrastructure | Lack of refuelling stations and green hydrogen production capacity. |
| Storage & Safety | Hydrogen is highly flammable, requiring robust safety systems. |
| Technology Adaptation | Needs skilled manpower for operation and maintenance. |
| Economics in Low-Density Routes | Viability on heritage/tourist lines may depend on subsidies. |
C. Govt Initiatives
National Hydrogen Energy Mission: Production-linked incentives for green hydrogen manufacturing.
Indian Railways Net Zero 2030 Plan: Electrification, hydrogen adoption, and efficiency upgrades.
Pilot Hydrogen Train Project: Scheduled for 2026 on the Jind–Sonipat section (Haryana).
Public–Private Partnerships: Encouraging industry investment in hydrogen tech.
D. Way Ahead
Pilot in North-East: Start with heritage/tourist sectors in Assam–Nagaland–Meghalaya belt.
Hydrogen Production Hubs: Co-locate with solar/wind plants for green hydrogen supply.
International Collaboration: Leverage technology from Germany’s Coradia iLint hydrogen trains.
Tourism Packages: Integrate heritage hydrogen trains with state tourism boards.
Public Awareness & Branding: Promote hydrogen rail as a symbol of India’s green transition.
🧩 Conclusion
Hydrogen-powered heritage trains represent a fusion of cultural preservation and green innovation. If strategically implemented, they could position India—especially the North-East—as a global leader in sustainable railway tourism, while advancing the nation’s net-zero agenda.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
1. AFSPA in Manipur
Q1. With reference to the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, consider the following statements:
- It can be imposed in any part of India by the President only.
- It grants the armed forces the power to arrest without warrant in disturbed areas.
- A “disturbed area” under AFSPA can be declared by both the Centre and the State Governor.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
- Both Centre and Governor can declare an area “disturbed” (Sec. 3).
- Powers include arrest/search without warrant and use of force.
- Not only the President; the Governor/Administrator can also impose it.
Q2. The “Mukroh incident”, sometimes seen in the news in relation to border tensions, is linked to the boundary dispute between:
A. Assam and Manipur
B. Assam and Meghalaya
C. Manipur and Nagaland
D. Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh
✅ Answer: B. Assam and Meghalaya
Explanation:
Occurred in 2022; highlights inter-state border tensions in the NE.
2. MSP for Kharif 2025–26
Q3. Consider the following cost concepts used in MSP calculation:
- A2: Paid-out costs
- A2+FL: Paid-out costs plus imputed value of family labour
- C2: Comprehensive cost including imputed rent on owned land
Arrange them in increasing order of comprehensiveness:
A. A2 → A2+FL → C2
B. C2 → A2+FL → A2
C. A2+FL → C2 → A2
D. A2 → C2 → A2+FL
✅ Answer: A. A2 → A2+FL → C2
Explanation:
- C2 is the most comprehensive, including imputed rent and interest on owned capital.
Q4. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) recommends MSPs for:
A. Only foodgrains procured for PDS
B. All crops grown during Kharif season
C. 23 crops including cereals, pulses, and oilseeds
D. All crops notified by State Governments
✅ Answer: C. 23 crops including cereals, pulses, and oilseeds
Explanation:
CACP recommends MSP for 23 crops (7 cereals, 5 pulses, 7 oilseeds, 4 commercial crops).
3. WHO Warning on AMR
Q5. Which of the following best defines Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
A. The human body becoming immune to antibiotics
B. Microorganisms developing the ability to resist drugs designed to kill them
C. Loss of potency of vaccines over time
D. Resistance of pests to chemical pesticides
✅ Answer: B. Microorganisms developing the ability to resist drugs designed to kill them
Explanation:
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites evolve resistance to medicines.
Q6. With reference to India’s response to AMR, consider the following pairs:
| Initiative/Programme | Objective |
| 1. Red Line Campaign | Discourage indiscriminate use of antibiotics |
| 2. National Action Plan on AMR | Multisectoral framework to combat resistance |
| 3. GLASS | India’s national database for antibiotic usage |
Which of the pairs above are correctly matched?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
GLASS (Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System) is a WHO platform, not India’s own database.
4. Hydrogen-Powered Heritage Trains
Q7. In the context of hydrogen-powered trains, the term green hydrogen refers to hydrogen:
A. Produced by electrolysis using renewable energy
B. Produced from coal gasification with carbon capture
C. Generated as a by-product of oil refining
D. Produced from natural gas using steam reforming
✅ Answer: A. Produced by electrolysis using renewable energy
Explanation:
Green hydrogen is produced without CO₂ emissions; blue hydrogen uses fossil fuels with carbon capture.
Q8. Which of the following heritage railways in India are inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
- Kalka–Shimla Railway
- Matheran Light Railway
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
✅ Answer: B. 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation:
The Matheran Light Railway is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Q. “Antimicrobial Resistance is a silent pandemic that threatens to reverse decades of medical progress.” Discuss its causes, impact, and measures needed to address it, with special reference to India.
📘 GS Paper 3 – Science & Technology | Public Health | Biotechnology
🔹 Introduction
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) evolve mechanisms to withstand the drugs designed to kill them. According to The Lancet (2022), AMR directly caused 1.27 million deaths globally in 2019, with the WHO warning that the toll could reach 10 million annually by 2050 if left unchecked. For India — one of the world’s largest antibiotic consumers — AMR is not only a public health crisis but also a developmental challenge.
🔹 Causes of AMR
| Cause | Explanation |
| Overuse & Misuse of Antibiotics | Self-medication, unregulated pharmacy sales, unnecessary prescriptions. |
| Poor Infection Control | Inadequate hospital hygiene, improper waste disposal. |
| Agricultural Misuse | Antibiotics used as growth promoters in livestock and aquaculture. |
| Slow Drug Discovery | Declining pharmaceutical investment in new antimicrobials. |
| Environmental Contamination | Pharmaceutical effluents releasing active antibiotic residues. |
🔹 Impacts of AMR
- Public Health – Increased mortality from once-treatable infections; complicated surgeries.
- Economic Losses – Longer hospital stays, higher treatment costs, reduced workforce productivity.
- Food Security Threats – Resistant infections in livestock and aquaculture.
- Global Health Security Risk – AMR is transboundary; linked to pandemics and biosecurity concerns.
- Relevance to Assam/NE – Limited diagnostic facilities and unchecked OTC sales heighten rural vulnerability.
🔹 India’s Response
- National Action Plan on AMR (2017) – Multisectoral “One Health” approach integrating human, animal, and environmental health.
- Red Line Campaign – Red mark on antibiotic packs to discourage misuse.
- FSSAI Regulations (2020) – Ban on certain antibiotics in food animals.
- ICMR Surveillance Network – AMR tracking across hospitals.
- State Action Plans (SAPs) – Including Kerala, Madhya Pradesh; NE states yet to fully operationalise.
🔹 Challenges in Implementation
- Weak enforcement of prescription-only sales.
- Patchy AMR surveillance, especially in rural and NE states.
- Overcrowded hospitals with poor infection control.
- Farmer dependence on antibiotic-fed livestock for economic security.
- Limited public awareness on drug misuse.
🔹 Way Forward
Policy & Regulation:
- Strict enforcement of prescription-only antibiotic sales.
- Expand State Action Plans to NE states with region-specific strategies.
Healthcare Strengthening:
- Invest in hospital infection control systems.
- Promote rapid diagnostic tests to reduce unnecessary prescriptions.
Agriculture & Environment:
- Regulate veterinary antibiotic usage and promote biosecurity in farms.
- Treat pharmaceutical wastewater before release.
Research & Innovation:
- Incentivise R&D for new antimicrobials and vaccines.
- Collaborate internationally under WHO’s GLASS platform.
Public Awareness:
- School-level AMR education campaigns.
- Community outreach through ASHA and ANM workers.
🔹 Conclusion
AMR is not merely a health issue — it is a societal threat with economic, environmental, and security implications. India must adopt a robust One Health approach, blending strict regulation with grassroots awareness. For the North-East, including Assam, early containment through better diagnostics, regulated drug sales, and community engagement is essential to prevent AMR from becoming the next silent pandemic.
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