TLDR;
This YouTube video by SPM IAS Academy covers several current affairs topics relevant to Assam and India. It includes an analysis of Assam's economic performance, initiatives like the 100% Plastic Recyclable Station at Guwahati Railway Station, Assam's agricultural exports, and conservation efforts related to the Woolly-necked Stork. Additionally, it discusses Project ASTHA, the Satra Commission, and the Kenton R. Miller Award 2025 received by the director of Kaziranga National Park.
- Assam's economic growth and its contribution to India's GDP.
- Initiatives for plastic recycling at Guwahati Railway Station.
- Boosting Assam's agricultural exports and addressing related challenges.
- Conservation efforts and awards in Assam's national parks.
- Government projects and commissions for healthcare and cultural preservation.
Introduction [0:00]
The video introduces a weekly current affairs discussion focused on topics relevant to Assam and India, particularly for those preparing for the APSC exam. The presenter, Akbar Haque, highlights the importance of the selected news items and their potential relevance to the mains exam.
Topics of the day [0:19]
The presenter outlines the topics to be covered, including Assam's economic performance, the 100% Plastic Recyclable Station initiative, Assam's agricultural exports, the Woolly-necked Stork, Project ASTHA, the Satra Commission, and the Kenton R. Miller Award 2025. These topics span economic development, environmental conservation, healthcare, and cultural preservation in Assam.
Assam’s Economic Performance [2:54]
This section analyzes Assam's economic performance, noting a growth rate of around 7.9%, which is higher than the national average. Despite this, Assam's contribution to India's GDP has decreased from 2.6% in 1966 to 1.9% currently. The discussion covers per capita income, which is lower than the national average, and attributes the historical gap to factors like social movements, insurgency, and geographical disadvantages. The presenter also touches upon the need for investment, infrastructure development, and a shift towards a market-driven economy to improve Assam's economic standing.
100% Plastic Recyclable Station [15:05]
Guwahati Railway Station is set to become India's first 100% plastic recyclable station through a tripartite agreement involving Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Assam Pollution Control Board (PCB), and local recyclers, with technical support from IIT Guwahati. The initiative includes installing a comprehensive plastic waste management system, color-coded dustbins for waste segregation, bottle crushing machines, and composting units. QR code-based monitoring will track real-time efficiency. The goal is to reduce complaints by 60%, improve station ambiance, and increase environmental awareness, with plans to extend the model to nine more stations if successful.
Assam’s Agricultural Exports [18:00]
Assam aims to achieve ₹10,000 crore in agricultural exports by the next year. Currently, Assam is exporting ₹2,000 crore worth of agricultural products and is trying to reach ₹10,000 crore. The discussion highlights the importance of diversifying export products beyond traditional items and tapping into the global market. The agricultural sector contributes 21% to Assam's economy. Exports have increased by 85% in the past six years. Key export products include vegetables, jackfruit, litchi, pineapple, ginger, turmeric, Joha rice, black rice, and red rice. The ODOP (One District One Product) scheme, which identifies 35 products across 35 districts, is also discussed. Challenges include meeting European Union standards for residue levels in exported products.
Woolly-necked Stork [25:27]
This section briefly mentions the Woolly-necked Stork and its IUCN status, which is near threatened. The discussion touches on habitat loss and degradation as threats to the species.
Project ASTHA [26:20]
Project ASTHA, or Assam State Tertiary Healthcare Augmentation Project, aims to improve tertiary healthcare in Assam. This involves upgrading infrastructure in Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Dibrugarh Medical College, and Silchar Medical College. The project includes constructing new blocks, smart classes, and modern labs, as well as digital and academic upgrades in Shrimanta Hongradeb University of Health Sciences. The allocated budget for this project is approximately ₹1500 crore.
Satra Commission [28:03]
The Satra Commission, officially the Assam Satra Land Preservation and Development Commission, was approved by the cabinet on October 16th. The commission aims to preserve the heritage of Assam's Satras, which are institutions central to the Vaishnava religion. The commission will be chaired by a retired High Court judge and will include members with experience in land administration. It has the power to initiate eviction in encroachment matters without needing a court order.
Kenton R. Miller Award 2025 [31:04]
Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, will receive the Kenton R. Miller Award for Innovation in National Parks and Protected Areas in 2025. She is the first Indian to receive this award, which recognizes her contributions to innovation in national park management. The award is presented by the World Commission on Protected Areas under the IUCN. Ghosh's work focuses on community participation, integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern science, and protecting species like rhinoceroses and tigers.