APSC MCQs / APSC Prelims Practice Questions based on Assam Tribune (Daily) – 04/06/2025

1. Which of the following climatic phenomena are associated with variations in monsoon rainfall in Northeast India?

1. El Niño
2. Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)
3. Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)
4. Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)

Choose the correct code:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4 ✅
D. 2 and 4 only

🧠 Explanation:
All four affect Indian monsoon variability. PDO influences decadal rainfall trends. El Niño weakens monsoon winds. IOD affects rainfall over peninsular India but can influence NE as well. MJO is a short-term intra-seasonal modulator of rainfall.

2. The term “Negative Epoch” in rainfall patterns refers to:

A. A year with sub-zero temperatures in Northeast India
B. A phase of high monsoon rainfall spread over decades
C. A multi-decade period with below-normal monsoon rainfall ✅
D. A year with extreme drought in Central India

🧠 Explanation:
The “Negative Epoch” refers to multi-decadal low rainfall trends, observed in NE India since the 1950s. Assam is believed to be in such a phase now.

3. With reference to oil exploration in ecologically sensitive zones, consider the following:

1. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is mandatory before exploratory drilling.
2. Wildlife Clearance is not required if the area is outside a National Park.
3. Forest Rights Act requires Free, Prior, Informed Consent (FPIC) of communities.

Which of the above are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only ✅
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

🧠 Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: EIA is mandatory for oil projects (Category A).
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Wildlife clearance is needed even near eco-sensitive zones (buffer zones, corridors).
• Statement 3 is correct: FRA mandates community consent in forest land diversion.

4. Oil India Ltd (OIL), which is exploring North Bank, is headquartered at:

A. Digboi
B. Guwahati
C. Duliajan ✅
D. Numaligarh

🧠 Explanation:
OIL is headquartered at Duliajan, Assam. Digboi houses the oldest refinery, but not OIL HQ.

5. Under Article 342 of the Constitution, the President can:

A. Unilaterally declare any group as ST in a state
B. Declare a community ST after consultation with the Governor ✅
C. Only act on the advice of the Chief Minister of the concerned state
D. Recommend ST status without Parliamentary approval

🧠 Explanation:
Article 342 states that the President specifies the ST list in consultation with the Governor. Any modification requires a constitutional amendment.

6. Consider the following communities demanding ST status in Assam:

1. Tai-Ahom
2. Tea Tribes
3. Moran
4. Mishing

Which of these are already recognized as Scheduled Tribes in Assam?
A. 1 and 4 only ✅
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

🧠 Explanation:
Only Mishing are recognized as ST (Plains). Tai-Ahom have partial ST claims but are not officially in the ST list. Tea Tribes and Moran are OBC currently.

7. Dhubri and Karimganj Ports are associated with which National Waterways?

A. NW-2 and NW-16 respectively ✅
B. NW-1 and NW-2 respectively
C. NW-2 and NW-3 respectively
D. NW-5 and NW-6 respectively

🧠 Explanation:

• NW-2 = Brahmaputra (Dhubri to Sadiya)
• NW-16 = Barak River (Lakhipur to Bhanga), where Karimganj is a key port.

8. The Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) is signed between:

A. India and Myanmar
B. India and Bangladesh ✅
C. India and Bhutan
D. Bangladesh and Nepal

🧠 Explanation:
PIWTT is a bilateral agreement between India and Bangladesh to facilitate cargo and passenger movement through inland waterways.

9. Consider the following constitutional provisions regarding reservation in public employment:

1. Article 16(4) enables reservation for backward classes.
2. Article 335 provides for maintaining efficiency of administration while considering SC/ST interests.
3. Article 15(4) allows reservation in employment for economically weaker sections.

Which of the above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only ✅
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above

🧠 Explanation:

• Article 15(4) permits reservation in education, not employment (for backward classes).
• EWS reservation is under Article 15(6) and 16(6) (added by 103rd Amendment).
• Articles 16(4) and 335 are related to employment and administration.

10. Assertion (A): Special recruitment drives are essential for clearing SC/ST job backlog in Assam.

Reason (R): Backlog vacancies often arise due to lack of eligible candidates and delayed recruitment processes.

Choose the correct option:
A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation ✅
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation
C. A is true, but R is false
D. A is false, but R is true

🧠 Explanation:
The Reason directly explains the Assertion. Procedural delays and unavailability of candidates are real causes for backlog, making option A correct.
This is a classic case of cause and effect: R directly explains A, making option A correct.