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Highlights of Union Budget 2024-25 – Analysis & Important points for APSC/ADRE Exams

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Highlights of Union Budget 2024-25 – Analysis & Important points for APSC/ADRE Exams

On July 23, 2024, Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2024-25 in Parliament today said that India’s inflation continues to be low, stable and moving towards the 4% target. Core inflation (non-food, non-fuel) currently is 3.1% and steps are being taken to ensure supplies of perishable goods reach market adequately. India’s economic growth continues to be the shining exception and will remain so in the years ahead. 

There is usually only one budget announced in a financial year. But in Lok Sabha election years, there are 2 budget announcements: one in February (like every year) and one in July (after elections).

Download Union Budget 2023-24 Highlights PDF

Highlights & Important Points of full Union Budget 2024-25

 

Nine Priorities in Union Budget 2024-25

The Finance Minister said, for pursuit of ‘Viksit Bharat’, the budget envisages sustained efforts on the following 9 priorities for generating ample opportunities for all. 

Priority 1: Productivity and resilience in Agriculture

  • Govt will undertake a comprehensive review of the agriculture research setup to bring the focus on raising productivity.
  • New 109 high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticulture crops will be released for cultivation by farmers.
  • In the next two years, 1 crore farmers across the country will be initiated into natural farming supported by certification and branding.
  • 10,000 need-based bio-input resource centres will be established.
  • For achieving self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds, government will strengthen their production, storage and marketing and to achieve ‘atmanirbharta’ for oil seeds such as mustard, groundnut, sesame, soybean, and sunflower.
  • Govt will facilitate the implementation of the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in agriculture for coverage of farmers and their lands in 3 years.
  • A provision of ₹1.52 lakh crore for agriculture and allied sector this year.

 

Priority 2: Employment & Skilling

  • Govt will implement 3 schemes for ‘Employment Linked Incentive’, as part of the Prime Minister’s package. These will be based on enrolment in the EPFO, and focus on recognition of first-time employees, and support to employees and employers.
  • A new centrally sponsored scheme, as the 4th scheme under the Prime Minister’s package, for skilling in collaboration with state governments and Industry.
  • 20 lakh youth will be skilled over a 5-year period and 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes will be upgraded in hub and spoke arrangements with outcome orientation.
  • The Model Skill Loan Scheme will be revised to facilitate loans up to ₹7.5 lakh with a guarantee from a government promoted Fund, which is expected to help 25,000 students every year.
  • Financial support for loans upto ₹10 lakh for higher education in domestic institutions. E-vouchers for this purpose will be given directly to 1 lakh students every year for annual interest subvention of 3 per cent of the loan amount.

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Priority 3: Inclusive Human Resource Development and Social Justice

  • Implementation of schemes meant for supporting economic activities by craftsmen, artisans, self-help groups, scheduled caste, schedule tribe and women entrepreneurs, and street vendors, such as PM Vishwakarma, PM SVANidhi,  National Livelihood Missions, and Stand-Up India will be stepped up.
  • Purvodaya – for the all-round development of the eastern region of the country covering Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.  This will cover human resource development, infrastructure, and generation of economic opportunities to make the region an engine to attain Viksit Bharat.
  • Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan for improving the socio-economic condition of tribal communities, by adopting saturation coverage for tribal families in tribal-majority villages and aspirational districts covering 63,000 villages and benefitting 5 crore tribal people.
  • More than 100 branches of India Post Payment Bank will be set up in the North East region to expand the banking services.
  • A provision of ₹2.66 lakh crore for rural development including rural infrastructure was made this year.

Priority 4: Manufacturing & Services

  • Support for promotion of MSMEs – special attention to MSMEs and manufacturing, particularly labour-intensive manufacturing.
  • A separately constituted self-financing guarantee fund will provide, to each applicant, guarantee cover up to ₹100 crore, while the loan amount may be larger.
  • Public sector banks will build their in-house capability to assess MSMEs for credit, instead of relying on external assessment.
  • Mudra Loans – limit of Mudra loans will be enhanced to  ₹ 20 lakh from the current  ₹ 10 lakh for those entrepreneurs who have availed and successfully repaid previous loans under the ‘Tarun’ category.
  • MSME Units for Food Irradiation, Quality & Safety Testing – Financial support for setting up of 50 multi-product food irradiation units in the MSME sector will be provided.
  • Setting up of 100 food quality and safety testing labs with NABL accreditation will also be facilitated.
  • To enable MSMEs and traditional artisans to sell their products in international markets, E-Commerce Export Hubs will be set up in public-private-partnership (PPP) mode .
  • Internship in Top Companies – Govt will launch a comprehensive scheme for providing internship opportunities in 500 top companies to 1 crore youth in 5 years.

Priority 5: Urban Development        

  • Urban Housing – Under the PM AwasYojana Urban 2.0, housing needs of 1 crore urban poor and middle-class families will be addressed with an investment of  ₹ 10 lakh crore. This will include the central assistance of ₹ 2.2 lakh crore in the next 5 years.
  • Water Supply and Sanitation – Govt will promote water supply, sewage treatment and solid waste management projects and services for 100 large cities through bankable projects.
  • PM SVANidhi – Govt envisions a scheme to support each year, over the next five years, the development of 100 weekly ‘haats’ or street food hubs in select cities.

Priority 6: Energy Security

  • PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has been launched to install rooftop solar plants to enable 1 crore households obtain free electricity up to 300 units every month. The scheme has generated remarkable response with more than 1.28 crore registrations and 14 lakh applications.

Priority 7: Infrastructure

  • Govt will endeavour to maintain strong fiscal support for infrastructure over the next 5 years, in conjunction with imperatives of other priorities and fiscal consolidation.
  • ₹11,11,111 crore for capital expenditure has been allocated this year, which is 3.4 per cent of our GDP.
  • Pradhan Mantri Gram SadakYojana (PMGSY) – Phase IV of PMGSY will be launched to provide all-weather connectivity to 25,000 rural habitations which have become eligible in view of their population increase.
  • For Irrigation and Flood Mitigation in Bihar, through the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme and other sources, government will provide financial support for projects with estimated cost of ₹11,500 crore such as the Kosi-Mechi intra-state link and 20 other ongoing and new schemes including barrages, river pollution abatement and irrigation projects.
  • Govt will also provide assistance to Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim for flood management, landslides and related projects.

Priority 8: Innovation, Research & Development

  • Govt will operationalize the Anusandhan National Research Fund for basic research and prototype development and set up a mechanism for spurring private sector-driven research and innovation at commercial scale with a financing pool of ₹1 lakh crore in line with the announcement in the interim budget.
  • Space Economy – continued emphasis on expanding the space economy by 5 times in the next 10 years, a venture capital fund of ₹1,000 crore will be set up.

Priority 9: Next Generation Reforms

  • Economic Policy Framework – Govt will formulate an Economic Policy Framework to delineate the overarching approach to economic development and set the scope of the next generation of reforms for facilitating employment opportunities and sustaining high growth.
  • Labour related reforms – Govt will facilitate the provision of a wide array of services to labour, including those for employment and skilling. A comprehensive integration of e-shram portal with other portals will facilitate such one-stop solution. Shram Suvidha and Samadhan portals will be revamped to enhance ease of compliance for industry and trade. 

 

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Overseas Investment

  • The rules and regulations for Foreign Direct Investment and Overseas Investments will be simplified to (1) facilitate foreign direct investments, (2) nudge prioritization, and (3) promote opportunities for using Indian Rupee as a currency for overseas investments.

NPS Vatsalya – a plan for contribution by parents and guardians for minors will be started. On attaining the age of majority, the plan can be converted seamlessly into a normal NPS account.

New Pension Scheme (NPS) – Committee to review the NPS has made considerable progress in its work and a solution will be evolved which addresses the relevant issues while maintaining fiscal prudence to protect the common citizens.

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Income Tax Rules

  • Budget 2024-25 increased standard deduction of salaried employees from ₹ 50,000/- to ₹ 75,000/- for those opting for new tax regime.
  • Deduction on family pension for pensioners enhanced from ₹ 15,000/- to ₹ 25,000/-. Assessments now, can be reopened beyond three years up to 5 years from end of year of assessment, only if, the escaped income is more than ₹ 50 Lakh
  • The new tax regime rate structure is also revised to give a salaried employee benefits up to ₹ 17,500/- in income tax.

Income Slabs

Tax Rate

0 – 3 Lakh rupees

NIL

3 – 7 Lakh rupees

5 per cent

7 – 10 Lakh rupees

10 per cent

10 – 12 Lakh rupees

15 per cent

12 – 15 Lakh rupees

20 per cent

Above 15 Lakh rupees

30 per cent

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Changes in capital gains tax

  • STCG on financial assets increased from 15% to 20%.
  • LTCG on financial and non-financial assets increased from 10% to 12.5%.
  • Exemption on LTCG gains increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.25 lakh.

Increase in STT

Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on:

  • Futures: increased from 0.0125% to 0.02%.
  • Options: increased from 0.0625% to 0.10%.

Buyback of shares

  • Gains from buyback of shares are no more tax-exempt. It would now be taxable like dividends, as per the applicable tax slab.
  • Further, the cost of such shares shall be treated as a capital loss to the investor
Books for Assam General Knowledge 
  Economy of Assam
  Environment & Ecology
  Geography of Assam
  Assam – Art & Culture
  History of Assam – Ahom and British Period
  History of Assam – Ancient Period

Study Materials & Notes | Assam Current Affairs | Assam Current Affairs Quiz 

Paris 2024 Paralympics – India’s Highest Medal Tally & Best Performance (29 Medals)

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Paris 2024 Paralympics – India’s Highest Medal Tally & Best Performance

A record 84 para-athletes are representing India at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, which is being conducted from August 28 to September 8, 2024. India will compete across 12 disciplines at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. 

India has previously won 31 medals across Paralympic Games with the most successful Paralympic campaign being the 2020 Tokyo edition with 19 medals including five gold, eight silver and six bronze medals.

In this edition of the Paralympics, India has won 29 medals with four gold, eight silver, and ten bronze medals in the Games, which marked India’s highest ever medal tally in a single Paralympic Games surpassing there Tokyo 2020 tally of 19 medals.

India’s Medal Tally – Full List

Total Gold Silver Bronze
29 7 9 13

DAY 9

  • Navdeep Singh won Gold in Athletics Javelin throw F41 event
  • Simran Sharma won Bronze in Athletics Women’s 200 m T12 event

DAY 8

  • Praveen Kumar won Gold in Athletics High jump T64 event
  • Hokato Hotozhe Sema won Bronze in Athletics Men’s Shot put F57 event

DAY 7

  • Kapil Parmar won Bronze in Judo Men’s J1 -60 kg event

DAY 6

  • Harvinder Singh won Gold in Archery Individual recurve open event
  • Sachin Khilari won Silver in Men’s shot put F46 event
  • Dharambir Nain won Gold in Club throw F51 event
  • Pranav Soorma won Silver Club throw F51 event

DAY 5

  • Ajeet Singh Yadav won Silver in Javelin throw F46 event.
  • Silver Sharad Kumar won Silver in High jump T63 event
  • Deepthi Jeevanji won Bronze in Women’s 400 m T20 event
  • Mariyappan Thangavelu won Bronze in Men’s high jump T63 event
  • Sundar Singh Gurjar won Bronze in  Men’s javelin throw F46 event

 

DAY 4

  • Kumar Nitesh won Gold in Badminton Men’s singles SL3 event
  • Sumit Antil won Gold in Athletics Men’s javelin throw F64 event
  • Yogesh Kathuniya won Silver in Athletics Men’s discus throw F56 event
  • Thulasimathi Murugesan won Silver in Badminton Women’s singles SU5 event
  • Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj won Silver in Badminton Men’s singles SL4 event
  • Manisha Ramadass won Bronze in Badminton Women’s singles SU5 event
  • Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar won Bronze in Archery Mixed team compound event
  • Nithya Sivan won Bronze in Badminton Women’s singles SH6 event
Books for Assam General Knowledge 
  Economy of Assam
  Environment & Ecology
  Geography of Assam
  Assam – Art & Culture
  History of Assam – Ahom and British Period
  History of Assam – Ancient Period

DAY 3

Preethi Pal wins BRONZE in women's Women's 200 m T35 event

Preethi Pal creates history with India’s first-ever Bronze in women’s Women’s 200 m T35 event at Paris Paralympics 2024

Nishad Kumar wins SILVER in men's high jump T47 event

Nishad Kumar secured his second successive silver in the men’s high jump T47 event. He also won the silver medal at the 2020 Summer Paralympics at Tokyo.

DAY 2

Rubina Francis won Bronze in P2 10 m air pistol SH1 event

Rubina Francis She won the bronze medal at the P2 10 m air pistol SH1 event at the 2024 Paralympics Games. She made history by becoming the first Indian woman to clinch a Paralympics medal in pistol shooting by winning a bronze.

DAY 1

Avani Lekhara won Gold in Women's 10m air rifle (SH1)

Avani Lekhara has become the first Indian to win successive Paralympic gold medals with a record-shattering performance in the women’s 10m air rifle (SH1) event. Avani shot a superb 249.7, breaking her own Paralympic record of 249.6 set in Tokyo three years ago.

Manish Narwal wins SILVER medal in 10m air pistol SH1 event

Manish Narwal won silver in the 10m air pistol SH1 event at the Paris Paralympics. Manish had won gold in the mixed SH1 50m pistol at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

Mona Agarwal wins BRONZE in Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event

Mona Agarwal settles for bronze medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 even, finishing with a score of 228.7. This is the first time two Indian shooters have medaled in a single Paralympic event. 

Preethi Pal wins BRONZE in women's T35 100m for India's first track medal

Preethi Pal won India’s first medal in a Paralympics track event as she clinched a bronze in the women’s T35 100m competition with a personal best time of 14.21 seconds at the Paris Games on Friday. All the athletics medals India had won since the 1984 edition of the Paralympics have come from field events.

ADRE 2023 Test Series Assamexam

Important Books for Assam General Knowledge 
  Economy of Assam
  Environment & Ecology
  Geography of Assam
  History of Britain
  Assam – Art & Culture
  History of Assam – Ahom and British Period
  History of Assam – Ancient Period

APSC Mains 2023-24 General Studies (GS-5) Paper V (Assam Paper)

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APSC Mains 2023-24 General Studies (GS-5) Paper-5

General Studies-V (History, Culture, Geography, Polity, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment of Assam)

 
 
 
 
Full Marks: 250                                                                                                        Time: 3 hours
  1. “The Gaon Pradhan are the eyes and ears of the district administration of Assam.” Put forward any four arguments in support of this statement. (Answer in 150 words) 10

“গাঁওপ্রধানসকলক অসমৰ জিলা প্ৰশাসনৰ ‘চকু’ আৰু ‘কাণ’ বুলি ক’ব পাৰি।” এই মন্তবাৰ সমর্থনত যি কোনো চাবিটা যুক্তি আগবঢ়াওক। (১৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. What is the “Vistarita Kanaklata Mahila Sabalikaran Yojana’ aimed at? Discuss the benefits available to Self Help Groups (SHGs) of Assam under this scheme. (Answer in 150 words) 10

‘বিস্তাৰিত কনকলতা মহিলা সবলীকৰণ যোজনা’ৰ লক্ষ্য কি? এই আঁচনিৰ অধীনত আত্মসহায়ক গোটবোৰৰ বাবে উপলব্ধ সুবিধাসমূহ আলোচনা কৰক। (১৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. Describe the course of the Brahmaputra river from its source to mouth. (Answer in 150 words) 10 

ব্রহ্মপুত্র নদীৰ উৎসৰ পৰা মোহনালৈ গতিপথৰ বৰ্ণনা দিয়ক। (১৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. Suggest steps for qualitative improvement in agriculture in Assam through cropping diversification. (Answer in 150 words) 10

শস্যৰ বিবিধীকৰণৰ জৰিয়তে অসমৰ কৃষিত গুণগত মান উন্নয়ন অনাৰ বাবে পৰামর্শ আগবঢ়াওক।  (১৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. In your opinion, what should be the primary considerations while formulating an economic welfare scheme for the rural population in Assam? (Answer in 150 words) 10

আপোনাৰ মতে, অসমৰ গ্ৰামাঞ্চলৰ বাসিন্দাসকলৰ বাবে এখন অর্থনৈতিক কল্যাণ আঁচনি প্রস্তুত কৰিবলৈ কোনবোৰ প্ৰাথমিক বিষয়ত গুৰুত্ব দিব লাগিব? (১৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. How does the granting of a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag to Majuli Masks and Majuli Manuscripts impact the cultural preservation and artisan empowerment within the region? (Answer in 150 words) 10

মাজুলীৰ মুখাশিল্প আৰু পুথিচিত্রলৈ ভৌগোলিক সূচক (GI) ‘টেগ’ প্রদানে অঞ্চলটোৰ সাংস্কৃতিক সংৰক্ষণ আৰু শিল্পীসকলৰ সবলীকৰণৰ ক্ষেত্ৰত কিদৰে প্ৰভাৱিত কৰিব? (১৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. Discuss the social and economic impacts of the Brahmaputra river erosion in Assam. (Answer in 150 words) 10 

  1. What is “People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR)”? How does it empower rural people? What process is followed in preparing a PBR? (Answer in 150 words) 10

“ৰাজহুৱা জৈৱ বৈচিত্র্য পঞ্জীয়ন (People’s Biodiversity Register)” কি? ই গ্রামাঞ্চলৰ লোকসকলক কেনেদৰে সবলীকৰণ কৰে? এই পঞ্জীয়ন প্রস্তুতিৰ বাবে আগবঢ়াৰ প্রক্রিয়াটো কি? (১৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. “The mega Bihu dance performance by more than 11000 dancers and artists at Sarusajai Stadium, Guwahati on 13th April, 2023 not only created a Guinness World Record but also catapulted the cultural identity of Assam into the world stage.” Examine the statement. (Answer in 150 words) 10

“২০২৩ চনৰ ১৩ এপ্রিল তাৰিখে গুৱাহাটীৰ সৰুসজাই ষ্টেডিয়ামত ১১০০০তকৈও অধিক নৃত্যশিল্পী আৰু কলাকাৰৰ দ্বাৰা পৰিৱেশিত বিশাল (mega) বিহুনৃত্য পৰিবেশনে কেৱল গীনিজ বিশ্ব ৰেকৰ্ড সৃষ্টি কৰাই নহয়, ই অসমৰ সাংস্কৃতিক পৰিচয়কো বিশ্বৰ মঞ্চত প্রতিষ্ঠিত কৰিলে।” কথাফাঁকি বিচাৰ কৰক। (১৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. Describe how cultural exchange programmes in border areas can be helpful in maintaining peace and development in the border areas of North-Eastern Region. (Answer in 150 words) 10

উত্তৰ-পূৰ্বাঞ্চলৰ সীমান্তৱতী এলেকাসমূহৰ শান্তি স্থাপন আক উন্নয়নৰ বাবে সাংস্কৃতিক আদান-প্রদানৰ কাৰ্যসূচীবোৰে কেনেদৰে সহায় কৰিব পাৰে, বর্ণনা কৰক। (১৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)


  1. Discuss the major factors responsible for migration of population into Assam and state its probable socio-economic consequences. (Answer in 250 words)

 

  1. “Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages.” Examine this statement in the context of Assam. (Answer in 250 words) 15

‘স্মার্ট গাঁও’ অবিহনে ‘স্মার্ট চিটি’ বর্তি থাকিব নোৱাৰে।” অসমৰ প্ৰেক্ষাপটত এই কথাফাঁকি বিচাৰ কৰক। (২৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. “Employment prospect of Assamese youth at national level is very limited without adequate knowledge of English language. Critically analyse the statement. (Answer in 250 words)

“ইংৰাজী ভাষাৰ পর্যাপ্ত জ্ঞান অবিহনে সৰ্বভাৰতীয় পৰ্যায়ত অসমীয়া যুবক-যুৱতীৰ কৰ্ম-সংস্থাপনৰ সম্ভাবনা খুবেই সীমিত।” কথাফাঁকি সমালোচনাত্মকভাবে বিশ্লেষণ কৰক। (২৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. Is climate change a disaster risk? How is disaster risk magnified by climate Discuss with reference to disasters in Assam. (Answer in 250 words) 15

  1. Discuss the events leading to the signing of the Yandabo Treaty on 24th February, 1826.    (Answer in 250 words) 15

১৮২৬ চনৰ ২৪ ফেব্রুৱাৰীত কোনবোৰ ঘটনাপ্রবাহৰ পৰিপ্ৰেক্ষিতত ইয়াণ্ডাবু সন্ধি স্বাক্ষৰিত হৈছিল, আলোচনা কৰক। (২৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. What do you mean by extreme weather events? Have you observed any such event in recent years in Assam? What could be the impacts of such events? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words) 15

বতৰৰ চৰম পৰিস্থিতি বুলিলে আপুনি কি বুজে? সাম্প্রতিক বর্ষবোৰত অসমত এনে কোনো পৰিস্থিতিৰ সম্মুখীন হোৱাটো আপুনি লক্ষ্য কৰিছেনে? এনেকুৱা পৰিস্থিতিৰ কি’ প্রভাৱ হ’ব পাৰে? উদাহৰণসহ আলোচনা কৰক। (২৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. Give your comments on the need of fusion in Assamese music for the sake of wider acceptability. (Answer in 250 words) 15

বহলভিত্তিক গ্রহণযোগ্যতাৰ বাবে অসমীয়া সংগীতত সংমিশ্রণ (fusion)ৰ প্ৰয়োজনীয়তা সম্বন্ধে আপোনাৰ মতামত দিয়ক। (২৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. “Assam has the potential to accelerate development of tourism through innovative presentation of various indigenous festivals, cuisine and music of the State.” Substantiate the statement with reasons. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  1. Illustrate with suitable examples how the Government of Assam has encouraged young generation to opt for a career in sports. (Answer in 250 words)

খেলা-ধূলাক এক বৃত্তিৰূপে চয়ন কৰিবলৈ অসম চৰকাৰে যুৱ-প্ৰজন্মক কেনেদৰে উৎসাহিত কৰিছে, উপযুক্ত উদাহৰণসহ বুজাই লিখক। (২৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. “Rural life of Assam is beautifully depicted in Assamese films.” Analyze the statement with examples. How is Assamese rural life reflected in the movies of Jahnu Barua or Rima Das? (Answer in 250 words).

NIRF 2024 Ranking – Top Universities/Institutes in Assam

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NIRF 2024 Ranking – Top Universities/Institutes in Assam
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Top Higher Education Institutions and Universities in Assam as per NIRF 2024 Ranking

NIRF 2024 Ranking – Overall Category

Rank Institution/University
9 Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
57 Guwahati University
92 National Institute of Technology Silchar
101-150 Tezpur University
101-150 Assam University
101-150 Dibrugarh University

NIRF 2024 Ranking – University Category

Rank Institution/University
40 Guwahati University
69 Tezpur University
101-150 Assam University, Silchar
101-150 Dibrugarh University

NIRF 2024 Ranking – Engineering Category

Rank Institution/University
7 Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
40 National Institute of Technology Silchar
151-200 Indian Institute of Information Technology Guwahati
151-200 Tezpur University

NIRF 2024 Ranking – State Public University Category

Rank Institution/University
13 Guwahati University
28 Dibrugarh University

NIRF 2024 Ranking – Pharmacy Category

Rank Institution/University
12 National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati
43 Dibrugarh University

NIRF 2024 Ranking – Law Category

Rank Institution/University
27 National Law University and Judicial Academy

NIRF 2024 Ranking – Management Category

Rank Institution/University
95 Tezpur University

NIRF 2024 Ranking – Agriculture and Allied Sectors Category

Rank Institution/University
14 Assam Agricultural University

NIRF 2024 Ranking – Research Institutions

Rank Institution/University
10 Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
 
Books for Assam General Knowledge 
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  Assam – Art & Culture
  History of Assam – Ahom and British Period
  History of Assam – Ancient Period
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APSC Mains 2023-24 General Studies (GS-4) Paper 5 Question Analysis

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APSC Mains 2023-24- General Studies GS 4 Question Paper 4 Analysis

Go to APSC Mains Previous Years Question Papers

 

Section-A

  1. “Human behaviour builds on beliefs and values.” Do you agree? Elaborate with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  2. Explain the following components of Emotional Intelligence briefly.  (Answer in 150 words) 10
  1. Self-awarness
  2. Self- regulation
  3. Internal motivation
  4. Empathy
  5. Social awareness
  1. Comment on the necessity of Old Age Home in a modern society. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  2. In quest of scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss it in the current context.  (Answer in 150 words) 10
  3. What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its relation with Emotional Intelligence of an individual. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  4. If you were a District Commissioner of a district, what steps would you take to arrest the menace of drug addictions and alcoholism in the state. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  5. Critically analyse the provisions of the Public Service Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 in tackling unfair means in Public examinations (Answer in 150 words) 10
  6. “Social media has not only endangered our social fabric, it has also led to an erosion of values.”Examine the statement. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  7. You are the District Commissioner of a district. The Chief Medical and Health Officer of the district hospital was constantly monitoring the treatment of a self-immolated girl during some agitation. At about 11 a.m., he informed you confidentially that the girl died. One lakh people has gathered outside the hospital as the girl was very meritorious, fought for their cause and expecting her recovery. Situation is tense. You are in the hospital with the Superintendent of Police and some police force. What will you do? Describe with reasons. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  8. You are the Commissioner of a Municipal Corporation in Assam. You have noticed that officers and staff of the Corporation do not follow a first-come, first-serve basis, instead they pick and choose their favourites and therefore citizens suffer in getting building permission, occupancy certificate, etc. The inspecting officer even raises unnecessary objections if their palm is not greased. What steps would you initiate to eradicate the menace? (Answer in 150 words) 10
  9. “The most important thing that you will ever wear is your attitude.” (Jeff Moore) Comment on this. Can attitude be acquired or changed? (Answer in 150 words) 10
  10. “Certainty of punishment is more effective than quantum of punishment.” (a) Discuss the above statement in the context of preventing corruption. (b) Suggest some innovative reforms that can be brought in to make governance more transparent and people-centric. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  11. Discuss the ethical issues of the circumstances when big industrial houses try to influence the government policies. In this regard, suggest measures to enhance transparency and accountability in delivery of services. (Answer in 150 words) 10

 

Section B

  1. Mr. X is posted as the District Commissioner of Y district. Mr. X is widely known for his passion and skill in executing the government development schemes. The government has decided to construct a big irrigation project in Y district to combat the drought situation which has been prevailing for years. The proposed works include diversion of rivulet, construction of RCC canals, culverts, small bridges, etc. This requires large-scale acquisition of residential and agricultural land. The landholders are opposing the land acquisition process. Mr. X has found that most of the people who will be affected by land acquisition process belong to marginal farmer category. In this scenario, as a civil servant, Mr. X must have to stick to the values of civil service. In this context- 

(a) explain which will be the end-oriented values; 

(b) explain which will be the means-oriented values.       (Answer in 250 words) 20

  1. You are posted as the Superintendent of Police in an Upper Assam district. Around 100 big and small tea gardens in the district signify the socio-economic system of the district. Recently a ‘witch-hunting’ incident took place in a very remote tea garden leading to death of an old woman followedby group clashes. From preliminary enquiry, you found that illiteracy and unemployment had been prominently visible. The inhabitants were not much benefitted from the government schemes and tea garden authority was not showing much interest for welfare of the labourers. In this context- 

(a) how will you lead the investigation considering customs and values of the society? 

(b) how will you collaborate with civil administration and tea garden authority for education and awareness of the people? 

(c) what may be your ethical dilemma in nabbing the culprits? 

(d) what may be your suggestions to eradicate the social evils like ‘witch hunting’?           (Answer in 250 words) 20

  1. ‘Tumakbasti’ is a village on the extreme north-eastern side of India-Bangladesh border, where local residents cross the border to reach a town ‘Moinabari’ (just a IS-minute walk away) in Bangladesh to get even the basic necessities of a day-to-day living. The village lacks basic facilities like hospital, concrete road, drinking water, school, police station and so on; the nearest Indian town falls about 100 km away from the village. The people of the village have no other option than to cross the border to get their health check-ups and necessary medicines. Often in an emergency, the people carry the patients on their shoulders across the border where Border Guards of Bangladesh stop them for security reasons which delay patients’ treatment. Consider the following statements and answer the questions : 

(a) The area falls under your jurisdiction of being a District Commissioner. What actions would you take in the above-described situation? 

(b) A District Commissioner has authority to do many things and if she/he wants she/he can transform the village into a modern one. How will you act in this situation and what contribution will you make for the village? 

(c) Bordering areas are too sensitive and cause security problems. Open border with Bangladesh has many of such implications including robbery, killing, smuggling, etc. How will you manage such security scenario? (Answer in 250 words) 20

  1. “According to Buddhism, for a man to be perfect there are two qualities that should develop equally-Compassion (Karuna) on one side and Wisdom (Panna) on the other side.” Analyze. (Answer in 250 words) 20  
  2. Nagen, who is a BPL category person, needs information about the budget of different development schemes in his village. He approached to the SPIO of the District Commissioner Office and submitted an RTI application. He forgot to enclose the required fee and being partially literate, his application was full of grammatical mistakes. In total, it was not in any format but the content can be understood. The SPIO has seen the application but did not point anything to Nagen. On completion of 30 days, the information was denied stating that his application was not in format and required fee. 

(a) How far is the reason of rejection of the application justified?

 (b) What is the remedy available to Nagen to get these information? 

(c) Whether the SPIO failed to discharge his duties as enshrined in the RTI Act? If so, explain in detail.             (Answer in 250 words) 20

  1. Moloypur, a remote district inhabited by a tribal population, is marked by extreme backwardness and economically underdeveloped. Agriculture is the . mainstay of the local population, though it is primarily subsistence level due to the very smalllandholdings. There is an insignificant industrial or mining activity. Even the targeted welfare programmes have inadequately benefitted the tribal population. In this scenario, the youths have begun to migrate to other States to supplement their family income. The plight of minor girls is that their parents are persuaded by labour contractors to send them to work in the construction sites in a nearby State. The unhygienic living and working conditions in these sites have caused serious health issues for the minor girls. NGOs in the districts of domicile and construction firms appear to be compromised and have not effectively espoused the twin issues of child labour and development of the area. 

You are appointed as the District Commissioner of Moloypur. Identify the ethical issues involved. Which specific steps will you initiate to ameliorate the conditions of minor girls of your district and to improve the overall economic scenario of the district?                                                                            (Answer in 250 words) 20

India at Olympic 2024 – Champions who near-missed medal

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India at Paris Olympic 2024 – Champions who came 4th | APSC/Assam Exams Current Affairs GK

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India, with a total of 6 medals, including one silver and five bronze medals, finished at the 71st spot in the overall medal tally in the 2024 Paris Olympics. India had a mixed performance at the coveted Summer Games. With a population of 1.4 billion, India’s tally of one silver and five bronze medals seems quite modest.

It’s disappointing that India did not win a single gold medal. However, when compared to past Olympic Games, the Paris results are not too disheartening.

Although we didn’t surpass our Tokyo 2020 total of seven medals (one gold, two silver, four bronze), our performance was better than in Rio 2016, where we won only two medals. 

The results in sports like badminton, boxing, and archery were disappointing as many had expected medals in these events. However, there is still some hope, with six fourth-place finishes and the fact that Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification might have cost India a potential gold or silver.

Despite having access to top-notch training facilities, exposure, and medical support, Indian sports at the grassroots level still need more attention and support. The government has made significant efforts to support elite athletes, spending Rs 470 crore over the last three years preparing for the Paris Olympics. The largest amounts were allocated to athletics (Rs 96.08 crore), badminton (Rs 72.02 crore), boxing (Rs 60.93 crore), and shooting (Rs 60.42 crore). Funding was provided to all 16 disciplines in which India participated. 

A total of 6 athletes finished fourth for India at the Games India finished with six medals, their second-best Games tally. However, India could well have had their best-ever campaign at the Games, had it not been for a series of heartbreaking fourth-place finishes.

India’s fourth place finishers at Olympic 2024

Shooter Arjun Babuta, finishing with 208.4 points in the 10m Men’s Air Rifle final. The 25-year-old missed the bronze as he scored 9.5 on his final shot.

Manu Bhaker had the chance to complete a historic hat-trick at the Games but narrowly missed out on the feat, finishing fourth in the women’s 25m pistol event.

Indian mixed archery team consisting of Ankita Bhakat and Dhiraj Bommadevara losing to the USA in the bronze medal match 2-4.

The Mixed skeet team represented by Maheshwari Chauhan and Anant Jeet Singh Naruka also continued the rendezvous with a fourth place, losing against China in the bronze medal match.

Lakshya Sen lost to Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the bronze medal match in the men’s singles badminton event. However, the 22-year-old etched his name in history books, becoming the first male player to qualify for the semi-final in the Olympics.

Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu also failed to win her second successive Olympic medal by 1 kg, finishing in fourth place in the women’s 49kg category. The 30-year-old lifted a total weight of 199 kg across snatch and clean and jerk lifts, losing third place to Thailand’s Surodchana Khambao, who lifted 200 kg.

Books for Assam General Knowledge 
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  History of Assam – Ahom and British Period
  History of Assam – Ancient Period

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India at Olympic 2024 – Six Medal Winners | APSC/Assam Exams Current Affairs GK

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India at Paris Olympic 2024 – Full list of medal winners | APSC/Assam Exams Current Affairs GK

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India, with a total of 6 medals, including one silver and five bronze medals, finished at the 71st spot in the overall medal tally in the 2024 Paris Olympics. India’s metal tally is reduced also because of Indian fell a little short due to multiple fourth-place finishes and the disheartening disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from her gold medal bout.

Comparatively, India was ranked 48th overall finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with a total of 7 medals, including one gold, two silver, and four bronze medals.

India opened their account with shooter Manu Bhaker, who secured a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Manu was again involved in the second medal win for India when she and her partner Sarabjot Singh won the bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, defeating South Korea.

Manu also became India’s first athlete to win two medals at the same Olympic Games in the post-independence era. India’s shooting contingent broke a 12-year shooting medal drought, and in some style. With three medals, India’s shooters were the best performing contingent.

India secured their third medal from shooting when shooter Swapnil Kusale became the first Indian to win the bronze medal in the men’s 50m rifle three-position event.

India’s hockey team, was once again on the podium after defeating Spain 2-1 in their bronze medal match. The hockey team, with their win, secured India’s fourth medal in Paris and their 13th overall medal in the Olympic Games.

Neeraj Chopra, although unable to defend his 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medal, still managed to secure a podium finish for himself and medal number five for India by winning the silver medal in the men’s javelin throw event.

The sixth and final medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics for India was also a historic one. The 21-year-old Aman Sehrawat, who won the bronze medal in the men’s 57kg freestyle wrestling event after defeating Puerto Rican Dorian Toi Cruz 13-5, became the youngest Indian to win a medal at the Summer Olympics.

Indian medal winners at Paris Olympics 2024
Indian athletes Medal Event
Manu Bhaker Bronze Women’s 10m air pistol event
Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh Bronze 10m air pistol mixed team event
Swapnil Kusale Bronze Men’s 50m rifle 3 positions
Indian hockey team Bronze Men’s hockey
Neeraj Chopra Silver Men’s Javelin Throw
Aman Sehrawat Bronze Men’s 57kg freestyle event

 

Paris Olympics 2024, Closing Ceremony Live Updates: Manu Bhaker and PR Sreejesh are India’s flag bearers for the closing ceremony in Paris.

Books for Assam General Knowledge 
  Economy of Assam
  Environment & Ecology
  Geography of Assam
  Assam – Art & Culture
  History of Assam – Ahom and British Period
  History of Assam – Ancient Period

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APSC Mains 2023-24 General Studies (GS3) Paper-III

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APSC Mains 2023-24 General Studies (GS-3) Paper-III

General Studies-III (Technology, Economic Dev, Biodiversity, Environment, Disaster Management)

 
Full Marks: 250                                                                                                        Time: 3 hours
 
 
1. Describe briefly the salient features of the scheme Mukhya Mantri Nijut Maina (MMNM)’ launched by the Government of Assam to eliminate
child marriages. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
2. Explain the pros and cons of development of railway stations through joint ventures under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. What may be the 
possible reactions of the general public? (Answer in 150 words) 5+5=10
 
3. “Indian Railways is the lifeline of the Indian economy.” Discuss the statement
in the context of three railway corridors announced in the Union Interim
Budget, 2024. (Answer in 150 words) 10 
 
4. Comment on the benefits and challenges of digital economy in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
5. Discuss the significance of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’ in reference
to rural economy and climate mitigation. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
6.  Explain the relationship among government procurement operations, minimum support prices (MSPs) and the creation of buffer stocks in the context
of Assam (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
7. “Disasters affect girls and women in different ways than they affect boys and men.” Do you agree? Why are responses often gender-blind? How do you
ensure gender equality in disaster risk reduction in particular? (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
8. Discuss the preparedness and mitigation measures that should be adopted
for reducing the impact of earthquakes in the context of Assam.
(Answer in 150 words) 10
 
9. What is the digital twin concept? How does it help an organization to arrive
at better decisions? Discuss the Sangam: Digital Twin’ initiative of the
Government of India, (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
10. Do you think that the Green Credit Programme can be used to circumvent
existing laws particularly those that deal with forest conservation? Substantiate
your answer. (Answer in 150 words) 10 
 
11. India’s first indigenous semiconductor assembly and test facility at
Jagiroad shall put Assam on the world semiconductor map and transform the
economic landscape of East India,”
Examine the above statement with reference to the economic opportunities and employment potential of this mega project. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
12. What are Nifty and Sensex? Comment on the growing popularity of
mutual funds investment in India. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
13. The Government of Assam has initiated the process of constructing bridges
over Brahmaputra at several places. Mention the places and discuss the
probable benefits and strategic importance of these bridges. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
14. Which is the implementing authority of the Project Cheetah in India and
which are the collaborating partners? What are the ecological objectives of
the project? Give your opinion on the implementation of the project so far. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
15. Explain the causal links between environmental degradation and vulnerability to disasters. Suggest four steps that can be taken to minimize environmental degradation. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
16. Describe, in detail, the Uttar Purva Transformative Industrialization
Scheme (UNNATI), 2024. How will it enhance industrial development and
job creation in North-East India? (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
17. What is traditional knowledge? Suggest ways to use it for sustainable use
of forest and biodiversity. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
18. “Seventy-hour work week may offer a temporary burst of productivity, but at the expense of employees’ well-being, long-term output and overall social happiness.” Critically examine the statement. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
19. Not all animals migrate by choice’ is a campaign against what activity? Suggest innovative steps to make the campaign a success. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
20. “India has emerged as a Vishwa Mitra (global friend), a Vishwa Guru (global teacher) and a Vishwa Vaidya (global physician).” Examine the statement in
the light of the development made by India in recent years. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 

APSC Mains 2023-24 General Studies (GS2) Paper-II

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APSC Mains 2022-24 General Studies (GS-2) Paper-II

General Studies-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and international relations)
 
 
Full Marks: 250                                                                                                        Time: 3 hours
 
1. Discuss how ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme aligns with the broader mission of poverty
alleviation and socio-economic empowerment of women. (Answer in 150 words) 10
2. “The social value of COVID-19 vaccine exceeds its market value.” Critically
analyze the statement. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
3. “India’s participation in global agreements on human rights reflects
its commitment to promoting a just and equitable world order.” (Answer in 150 words) 10

4. Discuss this statement with reference to India’s involvement in international
agreements and bodies. Evaluate India’s approach to human rights issues at
the global level. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
5. Discuss the significant differences between colonial civil service and the
civil service of independent India. Analyze the role of civil service as agents of
change in contemporary India. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
6. What is Bhutan’s plan for regional economic hub at Gelephu? In what
manner is Assam going to be benefitted by this hub? (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
7. Can State funding of elections bring in transparency in the poll process?
How do the other democracies handle this issue? (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
8. Do you think fencing of India-Myanmar border is an effective step to
check terrorist activities and drugs trafficking? Justify your answer in
the light of the Centre’s decision to fence the porous India-Myanmar border.
(Answer in 150 words) 10
 
9. “Constitutional bodies in India need to ‘fulfil the role of watchdog of democracy while keeping themselves out of executive interference.” Discuss this statement while critically evaluating the functioning of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)of India. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
10. “Bureaucracy is not an obstacle to democracy, but an inevitable complement
to it.” Evaluate this statement in the light of criticisms suggesting that
bureaucracy fails to facilitate change. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
11. “The recently passed ‘Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023’ seeks
to balance the case of forest conservation with the requirement of strategic
infrastructure development.” Discuss the possible impact of such interventions in the States of North-East India. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
12. “The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to fundamentally
transform the ways in which governance is done in India.” Discuss the
challenges to be faced in this regard. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
13. Examine the impact of developed countries‘ immigration policies on India’s
skilled workforce and diaspora communities. Analyze how visa regulations and
skilled immigration programmes in countries like the United States and Canada
affect India’s brain drain and diaspora engagement. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
14. “In an era of shifting geo-political alliances, particularly after the COVID-19
pandemic, the influence of developed and developing countries’ policies
on India’s.strategic interest demands nuanced examination.” Analyze the multifaceted impact of evolving foreign policies and the political dynamics of major powers on India’s national security and regional stability. Provide recent
examples and propose innovative diplomatic strategies to safeguard India’s
interest amidst global uncertainties. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
15. “Good governance is considered a key to achieving sustainable development
and human well-being.” Evaluate this assertion with reference to the initiatives
undertaken by the Government of India in realizing the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
16. What is Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)? Elucidate the opportunities
of India under Quad arrangement. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
17. “Toparaphrase Mark Twain, if you don’t watch news, you will be uninformed, if
you do, you will be misinformed.” In the context of this statement, assess the
role of Indian media as the fourth pillar of democracy. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
18. Describe the salient features of the Flag Code of India, 2002.
(Answer in 250 words) 15
 
19. “Right to dissent is the lifeline of democracy.” Explain. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
20. What is ‘Mission Karmayogi‘? Analyze its effectiveness in bringing civil service reforms through a capacity-building approach. (Answer in 250 words) 15

APSC Mains 2023-24 General Studies (GS1) Paper-I

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Full Marks: 250                                                                                                        Time: 3 hours
 
  1. Name the major earthquake-prone areas of the world and give details
    of the Circum-Pacific Belt. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  2. Define biosphere and discuss the extent and importance of the biosphere in the earth’s environment. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  3. Give an idea of the distribution and ecological characteristics of the tropical rain forest and explain the causes of its rapid degradation. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  4. Discuss how India would achieve self-reliance as well as national development in the context of the globalized world. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  5. Physical geography has a close relationship with Asia’s population distribution. Discuss some examples where such a relation does not hold good. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  6. Critically evaluate the depiction of partition horror of India in 1947 in any
    contemporary Indian Novel. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  7. Evaluate the contribution of Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia towards film- making in Assam. (Answer in 150 words) 10 
  8. With the dangers of global climate change becoming a reality, it is now time to replace the discourse of economic growth with that of conservation of nature. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (Answer in 150words) 10 
  9. Elements of dissent and protest were inherent in the preaching of the various Bhakti saints in medieval India. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  10. Is there a difference between urban poor women and their rural counterparts? Elucidate your views with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  11. Discuss the major factors contributing towards the selection of location for a manufacturing industry and explain with examples the role of market in this regard. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  12. What are the challenges of urbanization in North-East India? Do you think
    the idea of satellite township can address these challenges? Justify
    your answer. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  13. “North-East India is well-equipped to deal with the consequences of a mega
    earthquake. ” Analyze the statement with special reference to Assam.
    (Answer in 250 words) 15
  14. What are the two broad categories of socio-religious reform movements in colonial India? How far the western impact contributed to the growth and development of the socio-religious reform movements? (Answer in 250 words) 15
  15. “Although India has achieved substantial economic growth in recent times,
    its biggest challenge today is to bridge the widening of gap between the
    rich and the poor.” Analyze this statement and suggest measures
    to address this issue. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  16. What do you mean by feminization of poverty? What steps have been taken in recent times to address the issue? (Answer in 250 words) 15
  17. What do you mean by soil ecosystem? What are its components? Describe
    the functions of soil ecosystem. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  18. Indian classical music has played a significant role in preserving cultural heritage and strengthening national integrity. Critically analyze with suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  19. Evaluate the major policies of the government of independent India relating to the integration of the tribals in the process of consolidation of India as a nation. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  20. Evaluate the religious and historical importance of the Puranas in India.
    (Answer in 250 words) 15