APSC Combined Competitive Exam (CCE) 2018 – Timeline of events of ACS, APS, ALRS Services exam
The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) conducts Combined Competitive Examination, almost every year for recruitment to various services of Assam Govt.
One of the toughest exams in the state, the CC Exam comprises mainly two stages:
(A) Preliminary examination – a written test of screening nature
(B) Mains examination, which consist of Written Examination and Interview Test.
Total candidates cleared Prelim Exam= 3796 (Very good! you are in TOP 10.54%)
Total candidates accepted for Mains Exam= 3626(Good Luck for Mains, you are already in TOP 10.07%)
Total candidates (Approx) to be selected from Mains Exam ~ 560(Great! you are in TOP 1.5%)
Total candidates to be selected from Interview/viva-voce = 261 (Congratulations! YOU ARE IN)
Competition have been gradually increasing in APSC CCE and it have increase substantially in the recent years. For every post, around 138 candidates appeared in the APSC CCE (Prelims) 2018
Write answers to these Questions, Review others’ Answer, Ask Doubts and Discuss
Q1. The incidents of mob violence cannot be controlled by regulating social media alone, rather it asks for a political, administrative and legislative response”. Discuss. (in 150 Words) 12 Marks
Q2. Discuss the achievements of ISRO in the recent years. Evaluate the commercial prospects of India’s space advancements. (in 200 Words) 8+8= 16 Marks
Q3. Elaborate the main points of India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC), announced ahead of Paris Summit on Climate change. (in 100 Words) 8 Marks
Q4. What are the objectives of the Interlinking of Rivers project? What are the challenges in the implementation of these projects? (in 150 Words) 6+6= 12 Marks
NOTE: Learners please write the answers and review others’ answer , which will ultimately improve the answer writer, reviewer and most importantly the answer itself.
Q2. India has recently joined the Nuclear Triad club. What is Nuclear Triad? Discuss its significance to India’s security. (in 150 Words) 4+8= 12 Marks
Q3. Write a short-note on the forest resources on Assam. (in 100 Words) 8 Marks
NOTE: Learners please write the answers and review others’ answer , which will ultimately improve the answer writer, reviewer and most importantly the answer itself.
(Essay submitted in APSC Mains Essay Writing Contest 2019 – Essay Topics for week 8)
Women Empowerment In Indiaby Bikramjit Deka
“I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved” – B. R. Ambedkar
“Women empowerment” has become the new buzzword across the globe in the last few decades. On 11 December 2018 when India successfully tested its nuclear-capable ICBM missile Agni-V. But, behind all these was the story of grit, of determination – The story of Tessy Thomas, An Indian scientist and Project Director for both Agni-VI and Agni-V missiles. She is the first woman to lead missile teams in India, Tessy Thomas is known as the “Missile Woman of India”.
According to the World Bank – Empowerment is the process of increasing the capacity of individuals or groups to make choices and to transform those choices into desired actions and outcomes. Women Empowerment refers to the increasing the spiritual, political, social or economic strength of women.
In ancient times, the status of women started declining from the Vedic era, social evils like Sati, female infanticide, dowry, and child marriage have been haunting Indian society. The Indian renaissance began with the help of leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, who stood for Abolition of Sati, increasing age for marriage, Widow Remarriage, etc since then, the status of women in India has undergone a sea-change. Women have started becoming aware and they have demanded equal space in the social institutions and an acknowledgment for their identity.
India as a nation has observed significant changes in its socio-political and economic conditions. Such as, rise in literacy rate of women, work opportunities for women, equality in the wages, In recent years, India has seen woman holding the significant chairs of the governance like Lok Sabha speaker, eminent ministries and also some top-notch places in corporate world like Arundhati Bhattacharya, Indra Nooyi, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, etc. Women performances in sports have undergone through a drastic change, providing excel performances worldwide, players like Mary Kom, PV Sindhu, Apurvi Chandela, and Hima Das, etc have made their presence strongly felt in their respective fields.
In India, union governments have taken significant steps. The constitution provided right to vote, employment opportunities, provisions like maternity relief in workplaces, Government policies like “New national policy for Women” and schemes like Beti Bachao- Beti Padhao, “Janani Suraksha” which emphasizes on the dignity of woman.
It is the irony of Indian society where, the success of all-women crew which circumnavigated the globe on sailboat INSV Tarini. The same month carried reports of a girl-rape case in Kathua highlighting the paradoxical situation of women empowerment in India. India belongs to a land where women are revered as a goddess. They are given a sacred status whereas on the other hand, they are debarred entry to Sabarimala temple. India still records with high maternal mortality rate, Increase in Crime against women which is a matter of great concern. Though India has overcome itself from series of gender disparities, still there is a clump of the population living under the fear of rape, trafficking, domestic violence, acid attack, sexual harassment, and female infanticide as the harsh reality even after the attempts to prohibit through the law.
In Conclusion, while we may walk a few miles towards women empowerment, the road is a long one. The need of the hour is to enable women to realize their potential. While the government must take measures like for health, education, employment, awareness for women, etc. It is incumbent on society to create awareness and create public values which will promote women empowerment.
[ 585 Words ]
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(Essay submitted in APSC Mains Essay Writing Contest 2019 – Essay Topics for week 8)
Women Empowerment In Indiaby Amlan Baishya
Women empowerment is the realisation of rights of women including equality, liberty, dignity, means of livelihood, health, education etc. Nehru said “As women move, the family moves, the nation moves”. So, the progressive realisation of worth and success of a nation is defined by the place women hold in society.
The position of women has seen many crests and troughs with higher status in early Vedic period and steady decline thereafter, especially during Gupta period. Evils like sati, female infanticide, child marriage, dowry etc. were widely practised. The emancipation of women started with efforts of Rammohan Roy, Ishwar Vidyasagar, Jyotiba Phule etc. and the British through Regulation XVII, 1828 banning sati, Widow Remarriage Act, 1856, Sharda Act, 1928 etc. The freedom struggle saw women playing an active role with Gandhi being a great mobiliser. However, the issue of women empowerment still haunts us even after seven decades of independence.
Major issues hampering women empowerment include –
Political – Number of women in authoritative positions is miniscule despite 48% population being women. Their lack of representation makes the political system skewed and non-inclusive.
Social – Patriarchy still persists and practices like dowry, early marriage, skewed sex ratio affect their rights and status
Economic – Lack of employment opportunities, no tangible value attached to household chores deny economic justice.
Cultural – Many cultures allot them a subsidiary position. Health and hygiene issues like menstruation are still taboo.
Security – Violence against women, domestic and outside, are on the rise.
Environmental – Pollution harms pregnant women more. Feminization of agriculture without land titles, suitable machinery, cooking using wood fuel etc. have implications on women’s health.
Women empowerment issues have been in news recently. Public outcry over Nirbhaya case led to amending Juvenile Justice Act, IPC, CrPC. Supreme Court judgements include decriminalising adultery, banning triple Talaq, allow women entry into Sabarimala Temple. Article 370 is also being discussed as being discriminatory. There have been progressive efforts by Parliament and government – MGNREGA, Prevention of Sexual Harassment in Workplace Act, Poshan Abhiyan, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Ujjwala, PM Matru Vandana Yojana etc and also a dedicated ministry of women and child development. Constitutional provisions also include fundamental rights to equality, life, directive principles like equal pay, one-third reservation in local bodies etc.
However, there still exist gaps and a lot has to be achieved. Some steps may include –
Reservation policy in Parliament and State Legislatures.
Include more women in higher judiciary (Currently, only 3 out of 31 judges of Supreme Court are women).
Provide education and promote participation of girl child through scholarships and coaching.
Gender budgeting, gender sensitive schemes and ideas should be promoted
Recruit more women personnel in police and armed forces
Encourage women-based start-ups and women in senior management of companies
Media, advocacy and outreach to sensitise the public about issues of women
India ranks 108th out of 149 countries in WEF Global Gender Gap Index. It also ranks abysmally low on Gender Inequality Index of UNDP. Hence, there is a long road ahead. We must strive to create a society where women feel safe, included, respected and equitable. Change is needed not just in the social, economic and political structure but in our mind-set, behaviour and conscience. We must aspire to achieve not just constitutional goals but also universal human goals to give women the place she rightfully deserves.
[ 550 Words ]
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(Essay submitted in APSC Mains Essay Writing Contest 2019 – Essay Topics for week 8)
Women Empowerment In Indiaby Upasana Borah
Violance against women is continuing since the Ancient period of Mahabharat which portrays the violence against Dropati. Indian Society has always revered women.Many female deities Goddess Saraswati, Laxmi, Durga, Kali are worshipped across the whole over India. On other side, the system of patriarchal system is continuing since the time of Rig Veda. Women suffer this and remain silent because she is to be discriminated among the society, she can’t speak or stood up against the crime she is been suffering, she is afraid because of the customs laid by our society.
The position of women in Indian Constitution is very wide. Over the past two decades,Violence against women is increasing and had came to be understood as a form of discrimination and violation of women’s Human Rights. The obligation to enact laws to address violence against women, is now the subject matter of a wide legal and policy framework at the International, National and Regional levels. The constitution guarantees that all citizens of India (including women) have the fundamental right to live in peace and harmony where it is a global issue which has an impact in our society. Such violence has devastating effect on the lives of victims, their families and also communities.
The worth of a civilization can be judged by the place given to women in the society. One of several factors that justify the greatness of India’s ancient culture is the honorable place granted to women. They were deprived of their rights of equality with men. This advanced era of feminism when it’s agenda stresses on key concepts of individuality and embracing women hood, the prevailing scenes of violence against women threatens to topple the pillars on which the entire notion of feminism is based.
Wives(Women) are considered as better half and religious partners of their husband which means the half part of a man belong to his wife. Apart from these there are some peoples who still exists while saying a Girl child is being a burden towards the family so its better to abort the baby it is because there is lack of knowledge that in Today’s world a girl can do everything just she need support and love to care for her effort to overcome. The increasing numbers of rapes includes cases against minors such as the recent case in KATHUA RAPE CASE portrays the brutality the women in the society face characterized by heinous acts that ashamed humanity as a whole. These acts takes in the form of rape, harassment, human trafficking and numerous other kinds of crimes that the current government laws have failed to enforce it . The cause behind this mainly revolve around patriarchal norms of the society. These norms have internalized the ‘vulnerability’ of women in the society.
Women are continued to be treated as inferior by men, completely ignorant of the safeguards the the law provides to women. The Government of India has launched various schemes as well as various schemes are running for the welfare of the women in both state and central level.
Once Swamy Vivekananda , said “There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved, it is not possible for a bird to fly on only one wing”.
Thus, it is necessary to utilize the provisions enacted on our law for the protection of women and betterment of the society.
[ 565 Words ]
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Potential of tourism development in North East India – APSC Mains Essay
(Essay submitted in APSC Mains Essay Writing Contest 2019 – Essay Topics for week 7)
Potential of tourism development in North East Indiaby Henry Paul
North East India (NEI) is commonly known as ‘Land of Seven Sisters’ is situated on the foothills of mighty Himalaya surrounded by hills and mountains on at least 3 sides. Thus geographically the region has vast green cover and together with multiple ethnic and religious groups, making a colorful picture and a cultural melting pot.
Assam, the gateway of NEI is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park that house much endemic variety of flora and fauna. The state is famous for its one horned rhinoceros, water buffalo, Assam Roof Turtle, Hispid Hare, Goden Langur, Pigmy hog etc. Similarly state of Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya have Namdapha National Park, Nokrek National Park respectively that serves as major tourist attraction. Deepor Beel, a ramchar site is also a good tourist destination in Assam. Keibul Lamjao National park of Manipur, the only floating national park of world is earth famous. Thus the region has a good potential for environmental tourism and research tourism.
In Cultural & Religious tourism the region is famous for its Kamakhya Temple, Umananda Temple, various satras of Assam like Garmur satra, Batardawa than etc are famous tourist spot in Assam. Then in Tripura the Unakoti Hill; Tawang Monestry in Arunachal is famous among religious tourist. The ‘mukha silpa’ of Majuli; bell metal work of Sarthebar; Suwalkuchi’s paat muga are world famous. The hornbill festival of Nagaland is a good tourist attraction for the state.
The ethnic sports like Yubi Lakpi, Khong Khonjei etc. of Manipur and Meghalaya can support Sports Tourism. Meghalaya that house Scotland of East i.e. Shillong is famous for its pristine beauty and rainy climate. The name of Maussinram and Cherapunji is worth mentioning. Thus these places have a good potential for tourism. Then why is the region lacks in tourism sector?
Infrastructure, lack of skilled man power, non-presence of environment friendly hospitality sector etc. are hindering the development. The geography of the place hinders normal construction. Also lack of proper connectivity hinders the prospect tourism development. Let’s see the future development aspects.
With change in time and rapid globalization the prospect of “eco tourism” is gaining wind. NEI with perfect flora fauna and cultural melting pot provides a good degree of possibility for its development. As per an Independent survey the tourism potential of NEI is capped around $2billion/year. Also the implementation of “Act East Policy” is the key to development of the region. Eco tourism is sustainable for the region vast green cover and tribal belt as it thinks about development via people to people connection. How to achieve the required thrust?
The opening of Bogibeel Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu has given a boost to connectivity. Thus synchronizing the tourism project with BBIM rail link, India Myanmar Thailand trilateral highway project, Kaladan multimodal project etc. is need of the hour. It will develop the infrastructure that can support other things.
Also the NEC should look for skill enhancement projects for local youth, campaign like Awesome Assam etc. be promoted, the religious hubs be connected with schemes like BHARAT DARSHAN etc. Also vigorous international festival should be organized for the growth of tourism industry.
Thus a proper blue print along with state synchronization is needed to transfer geographical isolation of the region to geographical boon. A proper tourism sector can greatly uplift the socio economic lifestyle of the people that can also solve the insurgents’ problem in the region along with growth of GSDP.
[ 570 Words ]
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Potential of tourism development in North East India – APSC Mains Essay
(Essay submitted in APSC Mains Essay Writing Contest 2019 – Essay Topics for week 7)
Potential of tourism development in North East Indiaby Kiriti Dehingiya
In today’s world, one of the most profitable and fastest growing businesses is tourism industry. Many countries of the world are growing rich through this industry only. Therefore, if the rich resources of North East India can be utilized properly, there is a potentiality of tourism development in this region.
North East India consists of eight states- Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya and Sikkim. This region is often said to be ‘Paradise unexplored’ though it has enchanting natural scenic beauty, flora and fauna, historical heritage and cultural heritage. If proper infrastructure is developed, the North East India can be developed as heaven for mountaineering, trekking and adventure sport too.
This region is not only blessed with serene natural beauty, but with healthy weather, rich biodiversity, rare wild life, distinct ethnic heritage etc. also. Moreover, warm and welcoming people render a sense of satisfaction to the tourists. North East India offers unforgettable experiences for tourists interested in wild life, religious, cultural and ethnic tourism; river cruises, golf etc.. This region is home to many wildlife sanctuaries, e.g.: Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Orang National Park, Nameri National Park and Dibru Saikhowa National Park in Assam; Namdapha in Arunachal Pradesh, Intanki in Nagaland, Keibul Lamjao in Manipur, Balpakram in Meghalaya, Kangchendzonga in Sikkim etc.. The tourists can enjoy memorable river cruises in the mighty Brahmaputra which flows through the length of Assam. The largest river island ‘Majuli’, along with its Neo-Vaisnavite cultural heritage, is also a tourist attraction. The fast-flowing rivers of Arunachal Pradesh which feed the Brahmaputra offer adventurous white water rafting experiences to the tourists. Hill stations like Haflong, Tawang, Cherrapunji etc. are also important sites of tourist attraction. The North East India is home to several Buddhist monasteries, e.g.: Tawang, Rumtek, Ralang etc.. Several lakes and water bodies are also places of attraction for the tourists, e.g.: Loktak Lake of Manipur, Lake Tsongmo or Changu Lake of Sikkim; Chandubi Lake, Rudrasagar Lake of Assam etc.. Living root bridges of Cherrapunji, the cleanest village in Asia- ‘Mawlynnong’, caves in Meghalaya etc. are also hot spots for tourists.
In this region, there are some obstacles also in the direction of development of tourism. The militant insurgency of this region is a curse for tourism industry. Moreover, torrential rain, floods, erosion, landslides, deplorable condition of roads, even of National Highways also etc. are greatly hampering this industry in North East India.
In order to promote to tourism, the concerned departments of the Government should take necessary steps to eradicate these obstacles. Aggressive marketing strategy, advertisement and tourism packages on heritage tourism, religious tourism, cultural tourism, eco-tourism, wildlife tourism, adventure tourism etc. should be adopted by the policy-makers. With the growth of tourism, the demand for skilled manpower will also be increased in hotels, tour operators, travel agencies etc., thereby decreasing the problem of unemployment to some extent.
In conclusion, it can be said that there is huge potential of tourism development in North East India. If it can be developed in true sense, many socio-economic problems like unemployment, insurgency etc. may be kept at bay to a large extent.
[ 520 Words ]
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India’s cultural influence on Southeast Asia – APSC Mains Essay
(Essay submitted in APSC Mains Essay Writing Contest 2019 – Essay Topics for week 7)
India’s cultural influence on Southeast Asiaby Kiriti Dehingiya
In the history of mankind, it is evident that the countries having rich culture influence their neighbouring countries lacking advancement in culture. Likewise, since India has a rich cultural heritage of about 5000 years old, India’s cultural influence on the countries of Southeast Asia is quite undeniable.
Indians had cultural and trade contacts with other countries of Southeast Asia since times immemorial. The civilization and culture of India began to penetrate Southeast Asia during the beginning of the first millennium. From Ptolemy’s account written in the 2nd Century AD, the reference of Yavanadvipa is quite relevant in this context. Because, it proves that the influence of Indian culture on these countries existed in the 1st Century AD itself. Ptolemy’s note also gives us information about the existence of Indian communities in Funan or Cambodia. By the 5th Century AD, the Indian religions- Sanatana Dharma, i.e., Hinduism, Buddhism and cultural traditions took deep roots in the regions of Burma (now Myanmar), Thailand, Malaysia, Indo-China and Indonesia. This fact is proved by the evidences of epigraphy and literatures. But, this influence was not a sudden phenomenon. It took place gradually. In this process of influence, Buddhism acted as a catalyst in introducing Indian culture to its neighbouring countries. Trade had also played a great role in this regard.
There are many examples of evidences of cultural influence of India on Southeast Asia. Some of the most prominent evidences are as follows.
Many Southeast Asian languages contain a large proportion of words which have Sanskrit or Dravidian origin, e.g.: Malay language, Javanese language etc.. The scripts of some languages of these countries are clearly derived from Indian language scripts, e.g.: Thai language.
The traditional dances and shadow-puppet theatres in some Southeast Asian countries are very popular which continue to gain popularity by depicting the adventures of Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman. In Thailand, the Hindu epic-‘Ramayana’ is very popular till today.
Southeast Asian concepts of Kingship and authority owe much to ancient Hindu political theory. The Thai monarchy still requires the presence of Gour Brahmans (who by now have become Thai in all respects except the name) for proper performance of its ceremonials.
The ground-plans of Borobudur stupa in Java and the Khmer temples of Cambodia can easily be related to Indian religious texts.
Several Thai ceremonies related to ordination, marriage, merry making, cremation etc. have their roots in Indian tradition. Though Buddhism is prevalent in Thailand; Brahma and other Hindu deities are also widely worshipped in Thailand.
In this way, one can easily come into conclusion that there are considerable influences of Indian culture on Southeast Asian countries. If these elements of influence are utilized properly, e.g.: by organizing international cultural events, seminars etc., the cultural ties between India and the countries of Southeast Asia will be strengthened which will be of great help in promoting international peace and harmony along with the development of tourism industry.
[ 490 Words ]
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Write answers to these Questions, Review others’ Answer, Ask Doubts and Discuss
Q1. Express your view on how to promote balanced economic development of Assam, especially by integrating two regions of Brahmaputra valley and Barak valley. (in 150 Words) 12 Marks
Q2. What are the causes of high Arsenic contamination in ground water in Assam? How it effect people’s health? (in 200 Words) 8+8= 16 Marks
Q3. Write a brief note on Cabinet Mission Plan (1946). (in 100 Words) 8 Marks
NOTE: Learners please write the answers and review others’ answer , which will ultimately improve the answer writer, reviewer and most importantly the answer itself.
