Assam Current Affairs Springs Rejuvenate  The Solution Key strategies: State-Level Initiatives Organic Assam and PGS certification Understanding PGS India and ASOCA PGS India’s Impact on Assam’s Agriculture Successful PGS-Certified Farmer Groups in Assam Market Prospects and Challenges Regulator of Organic Products:  Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) (under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) regulates the manufacture, distribution, sale or import of Organic products through the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017 (under FSSA 2006). Certification of Organic products: Assam: Schools Periodic Assessment Test The Issue The Impact of Low Compliance Reasons for Low Compliance Mission Basundhara 3.0 For land settlement in urban areas, eligible applicants under Mission Basundhara 3.0 have to pay only 10% of the total zonal value of the land concerned as a premium.  During Mission Basundhara 2.0, the state government offered land settlement to the eligible applicants in urban areas in lieu of a premium, which many could not afford to pay.  That is why the applicants could not get the land settlement done. Under Mission Basundhara 2.0, the rule was that applicants had to pay 30% of the premium calculated on the total zonal land value as the first installment.  The remaining 70% of the premium had to be paid in the next five years.  However, during the review of Mission Basundhara 2.0, it was found that some of the eligible applicants paid the 30% premium, but most applicants could not pay the amount. So, the government revised the premium payment structure under Mission Basundhara 3.0.  Under the revised policy decision, the eligible applicants under Mission Basundhara 3.0 in urban areas, including Guwahati, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, etc., have to pay only 10% of the total zonal value of the land concerned as premium. Under Mission Basundhara 2.0, those applicants who paid the 30% premium do not have to pay the remaining 70%, as per the revised policy. But, in case the beneficiary decides to sell the land settled in their name, the beneficiary has to pay the remaining 70% of the premium. Grievance Redressal in Assam  Recently CM, announced that Assam is one of the top states in the country in grievance redressal of citizens. Assam disposed of 7,430 cases, 2nd highest in the country while from January to July, 30,572 cases were resolved, which is the third highest in the country. In the month of July, Assam ranked second among all states on the parameter of grievance redressal while Uttar Pradesh secured the top position nationwide. Assam recorded a total of 16,442 grievances in July out of which 12,687 cases were brought forward from previous months. At the end of the month, 7,430 cases were disposed of and the pending cases stood at 9,012. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh etc. states ranked below Assam in the grievance redressal cases of citizens for the month of July. Between January and July, Assam received 30,133 complaints related to public grievances. With pending cases from the previous period, the state had a total of 39,584 grievances. The state government was successful in disposing of 30,572 public grievances in these six months. The pending cases for Assam stood at 9,012. Dimbeswar Neog Dimbeswar Neog was an eminent writer, poet, literati, educator and critic of Assam, who also served as the president of the 32nd Asom Sahitya Sabha, which was held in Nalbari.  Popular known as the Indradhenu Poet in Assamese literature, Neog was a poet that regarded nature as the medium to rejuvenate. He was one of the literary geniuses of Assam, gifted with extraordinary talent and accomplishments.  His contribution to the various fields of Assamese literature is exceptional that deserves special mention. This distinguished writer was also a leader and his innate analysis of the work and contribution has enriched Assamese culture, literature and art. uring his college days, he came in touch with a number of eminent poets of Assam, namely Suniti Kumar Chatterjee, Chandra Kumar Agarwalla, Mitradev Mahanta, Bani Kanta Kakoti and Chandradhar Baruah. Neog was selected to be the General Secretary of Assam Chatra Sanmelan until 1924 edited the journals Janmabhumi and Milan. During his life time, Neog wrote over 100 books, which includes books of different genre. Malika, Safura, Thupitora, Malati, Bihuwoti, Indradhanu, Mukuta, Thapona, Meghdoot, Axoma, Bichitra, Swohidaan, Rahasya Logori, Xuwoni and Manuh are some of the poetry collections of this great writer. Kundila Nagara, Gaone-Nagare and Sisuleela are the novels written by him.  Dimbeswar Neog also wrote folk literature as well, which include Bonbenu, Banhi, Rohrohi, Kachon Konwari, Bhogjora, Pani Mithoi, Putoli, Moni Konwar, Dakor Boson Vedor Baani, Phool Konwar, Parijat, Namoti, Rohrohi, Postula Konwari, to name a few.  Neog also wrote quite a few dramas, namely Krishna Leela, Okaal Basanta, Madan Bhasma, Deepawali, Ras Kriya, Kundil Konwari, Kundil Konwari and Deepawali.  New Light on the History of Assamese Literature, Studies on Assamese Literature, Katha- Prativa, Modern History of Assamese Literature, The Origin and Growth of the Axomiya Language, A Light coming through wall of Assamese Literature – Kirtan Ghosa, etc. are some of the critical works by the author. He also wrote several religious books in Assamese language. The contribution of Neog in the field of Assamese literature, history of literature, Sankardeva and Vaishnavism is remarkable and the books ‘Assamiya Bhasatatvar Natun Bisar’, ‘Assamiya Bhasa Aru Lipir Kahini’ and ‘Sudh Assamiya’ are displays the in-depth knowledge of Neog and his deep study of Assamese language. Impacts of illegal influx Historical Context The Assam Accord Challenges in Implementation The Impact on Assam’s Identity and Culture Comic Commandos In Assam’s Goalpara district, a unique initiative called “Comics Commandos” has been launched to combat child labour and child marriage. About Comics Commandos Purpose: To campaign against social evils like child labour and child marriage using grassroots comics. Execution: Thirty local youths trained to create comic strips with minimum text and humour for better public engagement. Approach: Visual storytelling resonates more effectively with the community, focusing on local issues like child abuse and economic hardships. 25% seats for poor students

Assam Part Current Affairs  Border Disputes Assam-Meghalaya Border Issue:  Assam-Arunachal Pradesh Border Issue:  Goodwill programme: To promote peaceful co-existence amongst the people of the neighboring states, Border Festival has been organized at Bhalukpung in close co-ordination with the counterpart District of Arunachal Pradesh and at Hailakandi in close co-ordination with the counterpart District of Mizoram. Panimur-Umrangso-Khobak region  Expenditure and Students attendance for mid day meal  Assamese Language History                                                           Assamese Language: From Ancient Roots to Classical Glory Ancient Origins and Evolution Medieval Period Colonial Era and Challenges Modern Era and Challenges Classical Language Status Current Initiatives Kulada Kumar Bhattacharya’s legacy in Assamese Drama Kulada Kumar Bhattacharya’s Legacy in Assamese Drama Contribution to Assamese Theatre: Playwriting and Directing: Bhattacharya wrote and directed plays that incorporated contemporary themes and innovative staging techniques. Impact on Assamese Drama: New Vaishnavite Literature and Devotion  Introduction Key Figures and Their Contributions Sankardeva: Madhavdeva: Characteristics of Neo-Vaishnavite Literature Raax Mahotsav Performance of the Ras Lila involves various classes of musical instruments, music and dance, and artifacts mask and painting.  First Raas Leela was performed at Dakhinpat Sattra in 1840 A.D. and it is continued with full ritual ways. These constitute Assamese classical music and dance.  Raas Lila was made into a stage performance by Pitambardeva Goswami of Garamur Sattra in the year 1934; in the year 1950 he permitted the girls of the Sattra to take roles in the Raas Lila and dance.  Today, in most of the centers women participation is the normal way to carry on the Raas Lila performance. This festival has a great impact on the life and culture of the people of Majuli in particular, though it is a part of the culture of the Sattras as a festival it is performed by many of the villages.  During the festival every man and woman and child remains busy receiving visitors and performing different duties related to the festival. There are reports to the effect that during the festival that lasts for four to five days at a stretch, lakhs of outsiders visit the island, and every family is to receive and keep one or more of them for those days. Financial Assistance:  Financially assisting Raas committees. The state government transfers ₹25,000 each to about 3,000 organisers across the state. The government also provides ₹150,000 and ₹10,000 to Rongali Bihu and Durga Puja organisers. Majuli Cultural University Classical Language Status Digital Life Certificates The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DOPPW) is organizing nationwide digital life certificate camps on November 11 and 12. These camps aim to simplify the life certificate submission process for pensioners using face authentication technology. Key points: Security Issues Current Affairs  Ransomware Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s data or locks their device, demanding a ransom for the decryption key or to regain access. Initially, ransomware attacks focused on encrypting data and demanding a ransom for the decryption key. Modern Tactics: Recent ransomware attacks have evolved to include double-extortion and triple-extortion tactics: Subcategories of Ransomware Include: Ransomware as a Cyber Threat Food Safety in Assam Importance of Food Safety Surveillance: Challenges in Food Safety Surveillance: Recommendations for Improving Food Safety Surveillance: Technology-Based Solutions: Training and Capacity Building: Collaboration and Coordination: Consumer Awareness: Infrastructure Current Affairs  Bibek Debroy Committee Factual Prelims Mains data Mining Current Affairs

Urban Flood Management program Student Teacher ratio Assam Government’s effort: Challenges for Students: Challenges for Teachers: Overall Impact: People’s Biodiversity Register People’s Biodiversity Register: It serves as a comprehensive record of various aspects of biodiversity, including the conservation of habitats, preservation of land races, domesticated stocks and breeds of animals, micro-organisms, and the accumulation of knowledge related to the area’s biological diversity. Significance of PBR: It will help local bodies in preparing various projects in agriculture, drinking water, and waste management, among other sectors, with a focus on biodiversity conservation and equitable sharing of benefits. Assam’s Power issues The Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission, AERC, in short, came into existence following a notification No PEL.112/97/Pt/308 issued by the Government of Assam on February 28, 2001 under provisions of the Electricity Regulatory Commission Act, 1998.  Power Scenario of Assam:  (Video Discussion) Child Protection Policy Assam During a hearing of the PIL filed by Delhi-based charitable trust, Bachpan Bachao Andolan, the senior government advocate, appearing for the state submitted that the State Child Protection Policy as well as the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules are likely to be settled and notified by the year end. Mission Vatsalya  The scheme for assistance to children’s homes.  The juvenile justice programme for children in need of care and protection as well as children in conflict with the law,  The integrated programme for street children,  Juvenile Justice Act (Care And Protection Of Children Act), 2015 Who is a Juvenile? Juvenile Justice Board: Every State Government shall constitute one or more Juvenile Justice Board for exercising the power and discharge functions related to children under the Act. Global NCI  India has been ranked as one of the five worst performer countries in the recently released first Global Nature Conservation Index, 2024. India was ranked 176th among 180 countries in terms of their commitment to nature conservation. The tiny European country of Luxembourg was ranked as the top-ranked country. In contrast, the Pacific Island country of Kiribati was ranked at the bottom of the Global Nature Conservation Index. Who Prepares the Global Nature Conservation Index? About the Global Nature Conservation Index The Nature Conservation Index shows how countries are protecting their environments and natural resources. While ranking countries, the index evaluates a range of factors, such as the number of plant and animal species at risk in the country, the size and quality of the protected areas, the health of habitats, and the effectiveness of the country’s conservation programs. The countries were ranked on four key pillars: These pillars were assessed using 25 performance indicators. The data for the Index has been from the World Bank and the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Status of India:  177 in the Threat to Biodiversity category, with a score of 54. India has been ranked 115 in the Capacity and Governance category with a score of 60 and a rank of 133 in the Future Trends with a score of 35. Polity Current Affairs  PM Vidyalaxmi 1. It is a central initiative aimed at supporting meritorious students financially, ensuring that economic constraints do not hinder access to higher education. 2. Objective: This scheme is rooted in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, underscores the policy’s emphasis on making financial aid available to deserving students in both public and private higher education institutions (HEIs). 3. Under PM Vidyalaxmi, any student admitted to a recognized Quality Higher Education Institution (QHEI) will be eligible for a collateral-free, guarantor-free loan from banks and financial institutions to cover full tuition fees and related course expenses. 4. The scheme applies to institutions ranked within the top 100 in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) across various categories, including state government HEIs in the 101-200 range and all central government institutions, covering an initial 860 QHEIs with potential to benefit over 22 lakh students. Digital Payment Solutions: Interest subvention will be disbursed via E-vouchers and Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallets, ensuring secure, digital payments. 5. PM Vidyalaxmi complements existing schemes like the Central Sector Interest Subsidy (CSIS) and Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Education Loans (CGFSEL) under PM-USP, offering a holistic support system for deserving students in quality institutions. 6. Credit Guarantee: Loans up to ₹ 7.5 lakhs will have a 75% credit guarantee from the Government of India to support banks in offering coverage to more students. 7. Interest Subvention Benefits: For Students with Annual Family Income up to ₹ 8 Lakhs: i) 3% interest subvention on loans up to ₹ 10 lakhs during the moratorium period. ii) Priority for students from government institutions, especially those in technical/professional courses. It covers 1 lakh students annually. 8. For Students with Annual Family Income up to ₹ 4.5 Lakhs: Full interest subvention during the moratorium period on loans up to ₹ 10 lakhs under PM-USP. 9. Implementation Mechanism: A mission-mode mechanism will facilitate the scheme’s rollout, ensuring easy access and high coverage. Students can apply through a unified portal where applications and interest subvention can be processed. International Relation Current Affairs  Trumponomics Economic Risks of Trump’s Policies: Inflation, Fiscal Deficit, and Global Market Uncertainties Indo-Pacific Strategy and India-US Cooperation China as a Common Rival Defense and Security Cooperation Immigration and Workforce Policies Trump’s Immigration Shift and Economic Proposals: Impacts on Indian Students and IT Sector Elon Musk’s Possible Role in US Administration: Implications for India Global Economic Watch: Fed Policy and China’s Stimulus Package Trump 2.0 Trade Negotiations and Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Trump is likely to pick up negotiations for an India-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a process that began during his first term but was shelved after his loss in 2020. This could provide opportunities for greater market access and trade partnerships. Focus on Tariffs: Trump’s administration has been vocal about reducing trade tariffs. This could lead to pressure on India to lower its tariffs, as it did during Trump 1.0 when counter-tariffs were imposed, and India lost its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) status.   U.S. Military and Technology Access: India