অসম বিশেষ

Topics of the week

1. Bhutan’s King visits Jogighopa

2. Shiksha Setu Axom App
3. Kaziranga Conservation
4. Afforestation in Assam
5. Assam Mountaineers and Lachit Kangri
6. Sati Sadhani Divas
Bhutan’s King visits Jogighopa
Source : The Assam Tribune
Date : 20th April 2025
Syllabus : GS Paper Paper II/V
Bhutan’s King visits Jogighopa
Current News :
• Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited
the Jogighopa logistics park in Assam on April 19, 2025,
to inspect its under-construction international
multimodal logistics park and inland waterway transport
terminal.
• Located in Bongaigaon district’s Jogighopa, the visit
underscores regional infrastructure development.
Bhutan’s King visits Jogighopa
Project Details:
• The logistics park is being developed under
the Bharatmala project on the banks of the
Brahmaputra.
• Adjacent terminal, inaugurated on February
18, projects considered crucial for the
Himalayan kingdom, located near the India-
Bhutan border.
Bhutan’s King visits Jogighopa
Bhutan’s Development Philosophy
• Gross National Happiness (GNH): Core
philosophy prioritizing happiness over GDP;
balances economic growth with cultural
preservation, environmental sustainability, and
good governance.
• Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC): Planned
economic hub in southern Bhutan near Assam
border; integrates mindfulness, sustainability,
and innovation to attract global investment
while adhering to GNH; spans 1,000 sq km with
a $100 billion vision.
• Mindfulness Focus: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel
Wangchuck emphasizes mindfulness in
governance and community-driven
development for mental well-being and equity.
• Environmental Commitment: Bhutan remains
carbon-negative; maintains over 70% forest
cover, promotes hydropower, and plans solar
energy for GMC.
Bhutan’s King visits Jogighopa
Bhutan-Assam Relations
• Historical Ties: Long-standing trade and cultural
exchanges; Bhutanese traders used Assam
routes historically for South Asian commerce.
• King’s Visit (April 2025): King visited Assam to
strengthen ties, focusing on trade, tourism, and
cultural exchange; inspected Jogighopa facilities.
• Economic Cooperation:
• Trade: Bhutan exports hydropower,
minerals, and agricultural products to
India; Assam is a key transit hub.
• Tourism: Joint eco-tourism potential (e.g.,
Buddhist sites, Manas National Park).
• Hydropower: Bhutan supplies clean energy
to India, benefiting Assam’s energy needs.
Bhutan’s King visits Jogighopa
Connectivity Initiatives:
• Jogighopa: Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT) and Multi
Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) at Jogighopa (91 km from
Gelephu, 108 km from Bangladesh) boost trade; IWT
inaugurated Feb 2025 as an international port of call.
• National Waterways: Brahmaputra (National Waterway
2) enhances trade via Jogighopa, linking Bhutan,
Assam, and Bangladesh.
• Integrated Check Post (ICP): Under construction at
Gelephu to facilitate goods and passenger movement
across the Assam-Bhutan border.
• Railway Link: 69.04 km Kokrajhar-Gelephu rail project
(Rs 3,500 crore) to improve connectivity.
• Conservation Collaboration: Shared Manas National Park
for biodiversity; joint efforts against illegal wildlife trade.
Bhutan’s King visits Jogighopa
Regional and Global Implications
• South Asian Connectivity:
• GMC and Jogighopa to link Bhutan, Assam,
Bangladesh, and beyond; supports India’s
Act East Policy.
• BIMSTEC (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,
Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand)
enhances regional trade; Bangladesh chairs
2025-2027.
• Sustainable Development:
• Aligns with UN SDGs; GMC and Jogighopa
promote low-carbon infrastructure.
• Act East Policy drives Northeast India’s role Fig : “Zero Carbon” city being developed.
as a trade hub.
• India-Bhutan Partnership:
• Strengthened via trade agreements,
hydropower, and infrastructure (Jogighopa,
ICP, rail).
• Assam’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ)
proposed to complement GMC.
Bhutan’s King visits Jogighopa
Socio-Economic Impacts
• Employment and Skills: GMC and Jogighopa
to create jobs in green industries, tourism,
and logistics.
• Community Empowerment: Local
participation emphasized in GMC and Assam
projects.
• Challenges Addressed: Tackles youth
migration, economic disparity, and climate
change.
• Cultural Preservation: Promotes Bhutanese
traditions while fostering Assam-Bhutan
exchanges.
Bhutan’s King visits Jogighopa
Prelims Practise Question
Question: With reference to Bhutan’s Gelephu
Mindfulness City (GMC) and its regional impact,
consider the following statements:
1. GMC integrates mindfulness principles with
sustainable development and is located near the
Assam border.
2. The Jogighopa Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT)
is part of National Waterway 2 and serves as a
port of call for Bhutan and Bangladesh.
3. The Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Gelephu is
intended to enhance trade connectivity under
the BIMSTEC framework.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Bhutan’s King visits Jogighopa
Mains Practise Question
Q. Discuss the significance of Bhutan King’s recent visit to Assam in strengthening India-Bhutan relations, with
emphasis on regional connectivity and economic cooperation initiatives.

Model Answer :

Introduction:
• Provide a brief overview of India-Bhutan relations, emphasizing their historical ties and mutual cooperation.
Body:
1. Significance of the King's Visit:
2. Infrastructure Initiatives
3. Gelephu Mindfulness City
4. Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Conclusion:
• Summarize the importance of high-level visits and joint infrastructure projects in reinforcing the India-Bhutan
partnership.
Shiksha Setu Axom App
Source : The Sentinel
Date : 22 Apr 2025
Syllabus : Prelims
Shiksha Setu Axom App
Shiksha Setu Axom App

• Recognition: Received national accolades and

the PM’s Award for Excellence in Public
Administration on April 21, 2025, presented
by PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
• Purpose: Innovative educational platform
improving access to learning resources and
administrative efficiency in Assam’s education
sector.
• Significance: Instituted to recognize
extraordinary and innovative public
administration work, awarded on the 17th
Civil Services Day.
• Leadership: Dr Om Prakash, Assam’s
managing director of Shiksha Setu, received
the award, reflecting effective governance.
Shiksha Setu Axom App
Tinsukia District Achievements
• PM’s Excellence Award: Conferred for providing
100% benefits of schemes to beneficiaries,
presented on Civil Services Day.
• Schemes Implemented:
• Har Ghar Jal Yojana: 100% coverage
ensuring piped water supply to all
households.
• SAKSHAM 2.0: Enhanced skill development
and empowerment initiatives.
• PM Awas Yojana: 100% housing coverage
for eligible beneficiaries.
• PM Jan Arogya: 100% healthcare access
under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
• Administrative Success: Demonstrates effective
district-level organization and central
government coordination.
Shiksha Setu Axom App
Sivasagar Administration Awarded

• Sivasagar DC Aayush Garg Conferred with

PM’s Award for Excellence in Public
Administration
• Aayush Garg, District Magistrate of Sivasagar,
has been conferred with the Prime Minister’s
Award for Excellence in Public
Administration, 2023 under the category of
“Holistic Development of Districts.”
• The prestigious award was presented by
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi,
during a special ceremony held at Vigyan
Bhawan, New Delhi.
Shiksha Setu Axom App
Prelims Practise Question
Question: With reference to the Shiksha Setu
Axom app and Tinsukia district’s achievements,
consider the following statements:
1. The Shiksha Setu app received the PM’s Award
for Excellence in Public Administration on April
21, 2025.
2. Tinsukia district achieved 100% coverage under
the PM Awas Yojana and Har Ghar Jal Yojana.
3. The opposition to the Shiksha Setu app comes
primarily from district administrators.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Kaziranga Conservation
Source : The Assam Tribune
Date : 24 Apr 2025
Syllabus : Prelims/ GS Paper III
Kaziranga Conservation
Kaziranga Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)
• Withdrawal: Assam government withdrew
the integrated ESZ proposal on April 23, 2025,
covering 3,600 sq km around Kaziranga
National Park (KNP) and its 10 Additions.
• Scope: Includes Laokhowa Wildlife
Sanctuary, Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary
(with its 1st Addition), Nambor-Doigrung
Wildlife Sanctuary, Nambor Wildlife
Sanctuary, Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary,
East Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary, and
Proposed North Karbi Anglong Wildlife
Sanctuary.
"Several Additions to KNP&TR are still in the proposed stage, with
• Historical Context: Several Additions boundaries yet to be finalized - some pending since 1985. Moreover, the
proposed since 1985, with boundaries still rights of the local communities residing in these areas including all the
pending; some pending since the 1980s. above eight protected areas remain unsettled. The proposed ESZ will
directly impact around 5 lakh people, including a significant population of
Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and economically weaker sections,"
the Chief Secretary said
Kaziranga Conservation
Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) vs National Park (NP)
Feature Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) National Park (NP)
Buffer area around protected areas to reduce Core protected area for conserving flora, fauna, and
Definition
external pressures ecosystem

Legal Backing Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Acts as a transition zone with regulated human Complete conservation with minimal human
Purpose
activity interference
Flexible; generally up to 10 km from Protected Area
Extent Fixed; notified area only
boundary

Activities Regulated (e.g. construction, mining restricted) Prohibited (no hunting, grazing, or commercial use)

Human Presence Permitted with regulation Not permitted; often requires relocation

State Government with Central Government’s

Declared By MoEFCC (Government of India)
approval

Objective Balance development with conservation around PAs Strict in-situ conservation of wildlife
Kaziranga Conservation
Reasons for Withdrawal
• Conservationist Resentment: Strong opposition from
conservationists due to doubts over Dispur’s (Assam
government’s) commitment to preserving pristine habitats; fears
of denotification of Ninth and Tenth Additions, which could allow
developmental activities.
• Ecological Concerns: Conservationists worried the ESZ might not
adequately protect KNP’s biodiversity, including the world’s
highest density of one-horned rhinos, if boundaries remain
unresolved.
• Social Resistance: Proposal impacts 5 lakh people, including Citing various infrastructures in the
Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and economically weaker proposed ESZ, he said that implementing
sections; locals remain unsettled in protected areas, fearing such a vast integrated ESZ without
displacement and loss of livelihoods.
resolving these fundamental boundary
• Governance Conflicts: Chief Secretary noted the state’s struggle
to balance conservation with socio-economic needs; previous and community issues would severely
ESZ attempts withdrawn due to similar ecological-social conflicts. obstruct development, lead to
• Lack of Consensus: Proposal lacked clarity on addressing population displacement, and create
community rights and mitigating developmental pressures, long-term socio-economic distress for
leading to its withdrawal. vulnerable communities.
Kaziranga Conservation
Prelims Practise Question
Question: With reference to the geographical features
of Kaziranga National Park, consider the following
statements:
1. Kaziranga National Park is located in the Golaghat
and Nagaon districts of Assam, along the southern
bank of the Brahmaputra River.
2. The park’s 3,600 sq km Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)
proposal includes the Mikir Hills and the Karbi
Anglong plateau regions.
3. Kaziranga is known for its alluvial grasslands and
wetlands, supporting the world’s largest population
of one-horned rhinoceros.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Afforestation in Assam
Source : The Assam Tribune
Date : 23 Apr 2025
Syllabus : Prelims/ GS Paper III & V
Afforestation in Assam
Afforestation Efforts in Assam
• Expenditure: Rs 420 crore spent on
afforestation over 10 years (2011-2023) under
the State Compensatory Afforestation Fund.
• Area Covered: Plantations carried out on
15,868.93 hectares of land, from PCCF’s
office.
• Forest Department claims 33,337 hectares of
plantations under the Assam Project on
Forest & Biodiversity Conservation Society
(Phase I and II, 2013-14 to 2024-25).
• Survival Rate: Official rate of plantation
survival reported as 65-75%, but varies across
the state based on ocular estimation (a visual
assessment)
Afforestation in Assam
Implementation and Monitoring
• Agencies Involved: Multiple agencies,
including CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation
Fund Management and Planning Authority),
flagged for poor coordination.
• CAMPA’s Role: Promotes afforestation to
compensate for forest land diverted to non-
forest uses; activities include plantation and
maintenance.
• Monitoring: Third-party monitoring by teams The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act,
of senior officials; RTI advocate Nayan Moni 2016 aims to compensate the loss of ecosystem
Hazarika highlighted inconsistencies.
and forest land due to diversion of forests for non
• Variation: Survival rate varies across Assam, forest use through compensatory afforestation,
with the Forest Department claiming 70% restoration of degraded forest, improvement of
average survival for firewood plantations. wildlife habitats, enrichment of biodiversity, etc.
Afforestation in Assam
Challenges and Discrepancies
• Forest Cover Loss: State lost 839.32 sq km
of forest cover between 2021 and 2023, per
the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023.
• Historical Data: Global Forest Watch reports
a 324 thousand ha tree cover loss from 2001
to 2023, a 12% decrease since 2000.
• Inefficiency: Initiatives failed to make Assam
greener; discrepancies in survival rates and
forest cover data noted.
• Funding Breakdown: Rs 262,628.24 lakh
spent from 2011-2023; Rs 114.89 crore under
Phase I and Rs 41.82 crore under Phase II.
Afforestation in Assam
Policy and Governance Insights
• Coordination Issues: Lack of synergy
between Forest Department and other
agencies hampers afforestation outcomes.
• Data Reliability: Ocular (visual) estimation
methods criticized; need for scientific
monitoring to ensure accuracy.
• LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is
used extensively for forest estimation,
particularly for measuring forest attributes
like height, biomass, and canopy
structure.
• Future Steps: Improve coordination, adopt
better monitoring techniques, and address
deforestation drivers.
Afforestation in Assam
Prelims Practise Question
Question: With reference to the static geography of
Assam’s forest cover, consider the following
statements:

1. Assam’s forest cover spans across the Brahmaputra

Valley and the Barak Valley, with significant forest
loss reported in the Karbi Anglong region.
2. The state lost 839.32 sq km of forest cover between
2021 and 2023, as per the India State of Forest
Report (ISFR) 2023.
3. Assam’s forest cover increased by 12% from 2001 to
2023, according to the Global Forest Watch report.

Which of the statements given above is/are

correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Assam Mountaineers and Lachit Kangri
Source : The Assam Tribune
Date : 23 Apr 2025
Syllabus : Prelims
Assam Mountaineers and Lachit Kangri
Mountaineering Achievement
• Historic 'Triple Peak' expedition by Assam
Mountaineering Association.
• Two climbers have successfully scaled
one of the three unnamed peaks in
Eastern Ladakh, set to be named after
Bir Lachit Barphukan.
• Ascent Details: Assam Mountaineering
Association (AMA) team scaled an unclimbed
peak at 6,365 meters in Ladakh’s Kygar La
range on April 22, 2025, at 10:16 am.
• Team Composition: Led by Shekhar Bordoloi
and Jayanta Nath; followed by Surajit
Ronghang, Bhaskar Barman, Upen
Chakraborty, and Henry David Teron.
• Challenges: Team braved extreme cold and
tough conditions during the climb as part of
AMA’s Triple Peak Expedition.
Assam Mountaineers and Lachit Kangri
Mountaineering Achievement
Cultural Tribute
• Naming: Peak named ‘Lachit Kangri’ in honor of
Bir Lachit Barphukan, a legendary Ahom general
known for his role in the Battle of Saraighat
(1671).
• Significance: Reflects Assam’s cultural pride and
historical reverence for Lachit Barphukan, a
symbol of resistance against Mughal forces.

Recognition and Support

• Leadership Acknowledgment: Assam Chief
The six successful summiteers are:
Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma congratulated the 1. Shekhar Bordoloi
team via social media for their extraordinary 2. Jayanta Nath
achievement. 3. Surajit Ronghang
4. Bhaskar Barman
Cultural Impact: Naming the peak after Lachit
Barphukan bridges Assam’s historical legacy with 5. Upen Chakraborty
geographical exploration in Ladakh 6. Henry David Teron
Assam Mountaineers and Lachit Kangri
Geographical Context

• Location: Kygar La range in Ladakh, a high-

altitude region in the Himalayas known for its
rugged terrain and unclimbed peaks.
Assam Mountaineers and Lachit Kangri
Prelims Practise Question
Question: With reference to the static geography of
Ladakh in the context of the Lachit Kangri
expedition, consider the following statements:

1. The Kygar La range, where Lachit Kangri is

located, lies in the eastern part of Ladakh near
the Indus River valley.
2. Ladakh is bordered by the Tibetan Plateau to the
east and the Karakoram Range to the north.
3. The peak Lachit Kangri, at 6,365 meters, is part
of the Himalayan range system in Ladakh.

Which of the statements given above is/are

correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Sati Sadhani Divas
Source : The Assam Tribune
Date : 21 Apr 2025
Syllabus : Prelims/ GS Paper V
Sati Sadhani Divas
Historical Significance

• Commemoration: Sati Sadhani Divas

celebrated annually on April 21st to honor
Queen Sati Sadhani of the Chutia dynasty
(1497-1539).
• Location: Chutia dynasty ruled the Sadiya
region in eastern Assam, along the Subansiri
River, near the Assam Himalayas.
• Historical Spread: Chutias migrated to
Subansiri, Yimnan province, and Hengduan
Mountain region post-conquest, shaping
Assam’s eastern identity.
• Evolution: Term ‘Swatiya’ evolved into ‘Sutiya,’
reflecting temporary integration due to
increasing influence from other communities.
Sati Sadhani Divas
Prelims Practise Question
Question: With reference to the static geography
and historical context of Assam related to Sati
Sadhani, consider the following statements:

1. The Sadiya region, associated with the Chutia

dynasty, lies in eastern Assam near the
confluence of the Brahmaputra and Subansiri
Rivers.
2. The Assam Himalayas, where the Chutia dynasty
once ruled, extend along the northern border of
Assam with Arunachal Pradesh.
3. The Barak Valley in southern Assam was the
primary stronghold of the Chutia dynasty before
their dispersal in the 16th century.

Which of the statements given above is/are

correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Thank you
- SPM IAS Academy