APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (10/01/2026)
For APSC CCE and other Assam competitive exam aspirants, staying consistently updated with reliable current affairs is essential for success. This blog provides a well-researched analysis of the most important topics from The Assam Tribune dated 10 January 2026. Each issue has been carefully selected and explained to support both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, ensuring alignment with the APSC CCE syllabus and the evolving trends of the examination.
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🐟 High Court Orders Ban on Fishing in Kaziranga During Magh Bihu
Wildlife Protection, Environmental Governance & Sustainable Traditions
📘 GS Paper III (Mains): Environment | Biodiversity | Conservation
📘 GS Paper II (Mains): Governance | Role of Judiciary | Rule of Law
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Kaziranga National Park | Wildlife Protection
📘 GS Prelims: Wildlife Protection Act | UNESCO Sites | Kaziranga
TG@Assam_Tribune (10-01-2026)
🔹 Introduction
The Gauhati High Court, responding to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), directed the Assam Government to strictly enforce prohibitory orders banning fishing inside Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve during Magh Bihu (January 13–14). The Court observed that community fishing in protected water bodies violates environmental laws and constitutional duties, threatening the fragile ecosystem of one of India’s most iconic wildlife reserves.
🔑 Key Points from the Newspaper
| Aspect | Details |
| Court | Gauhati High Court |
| Issue | Illegal community fishing during Magh Bihu |
| Location | Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve |
| Legal Basis | Wildlife Protection Act, 1972; Forest Conservation Act, 1980 |
| Constitutional Angle | Article 48A (Protection of Environment) |
| Biodiversity at Risk | One-horned rhino, migratory birds, ~42 fish species |
| Status of Kaziranga | UNESCO World Heritage Site & Important Bird Area |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Kaziranga National Park
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tiger Reserve & Important Bird Area (IBA)
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Prohibits activities harmful to wildlife in protected areas
Forest Conservation Act, 1980
Regulates diversion and use of forest land
Article 48A (DPSP)
State duty to protect environment and wildlife
Magh Bihu
Major Assamese festival; traditional practices sometimes clash with conservation laws
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the High Court Intervention
1. Rule of Law
Reinforces supremacy of environmental legislation over customary practices
2. Biodiversity Conservation
Protects aquatic ecosystems vital for birds, fish, and mega-fauna
3. Judicial Activism
Courts acting as guardians of ecological interests
4. Sustainable Development
Balancing cultural traditions with conservation imperatives
B. Ecological Concerns of Illegal Fishing
| Impact | Explanation |
| Biodiversity Loss | Disruption of aquatic food chains |
| Habitat Disturbance | Stress on wetlands and floodplain ecology |
| Threat to Flagship Species | Indirect impact on rhinos and birds |
| Ecosystem Fragility | Kaziranga’s wetlands are highly sensitive |
C. Governance & Enforcement Challenges
Large gatherings during festivals
Limited enforcement manpower
Social resistance citing tradition
Need for coordination between district administration, police, and forest department
D. Way Forward
Strict Enforcement
Joint action by district administration, police, and forest officials
Community Sensitisation
Awareness about ecological consequences
Alternative Livelihood & Cultural Options
Promote festival activities outside protected areas
Technology Use
Drones, surveillance, and early-warning systems
Participatory Conservation
Involve local communities as conservation stakeholders
🧭 Conclusion
The Gauhati High Court’s directive underscores that cultural traditions cannot override environmental law when biodiversity is at stake. Protecting Kaziranga’s fragile ecosystem requires a combination of judicial oversight, administrative enforcement, and community cooperation, ensuring that heritage conservation and cultural celebration coexist sustainably.
Assam Government Flags Rising Drug Abuse Among Youth: Public Health Crisis, Security Linkages & Governance Response
📘 GS Paper II (Mains): Governance | Social Justice | Role of State
📘 GS Paper III (Mains): Internal Security | Organised Crime | Public Health
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Social Problems | Youth Issues | Law & Order
📘 GS Prelims: Drug Abuse | NDPS Act | Assam-specific Social Issues
(Topic chosen strictly from the newspaper headline/lead highlighting growing concern over drug addiction among Assam’s youth, The Assam Tribune, 10 January 2026.)
🔹 Introduction
The Assam government has expressed serious concern over the rising incidence of drug abuse, particularly among the youth, describing it as a major social, public health, and internal security challenge. As reported in The Assam Tribune, increasing addiction cases, easy availability of narcotics, and cross-border trafficking routes have intensified the crisis, demanding a multi-dimensional governance response.
🔑 Key Points from the Newspaper
| Aspect | Details |
| Core Issue | Rising drug addiction among youth |
| Affected Group | Adolescents and young adults |
| Common Substances | Synthetic drugs, heroin, pharmaceuticals |
| Supply Routes | Cross-border and inter-State trafficking |
| Government Concern | Health, crime, and social impact |
| Ongoing Actions | Enforcement drives, rehabilitation focus |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Drug Abuse
Dependence on narcotic and psychotropic substances
NDPS Act, 1985
Principal law regulating narcotic drugs in India
Golden Triangle
Major drug-producing region (Myanmar–Thailand–Laos) influencing NE India
Rehabilitation
De-addiction and social reintegration programmes
Narco-Terrorism
Link between drug trade and organised crime/terror financing
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Why Rising Drug Abuse Is a Serious Concern
1. Public Health Crisis
Physical and mental health deterioration
Overburdening of healthcare systems
2. Social Impact
Breakdown of families and social cohesion
Rise in petty crimes and violence
3. Internal Security Dimension
Drug networks linked with organised crime and insurgency
Financing of illegal activities
4. Demographic Dividend at Risk
Youth productivity and employability compromised
B. Causes Behind the Drug Abuse Surge
| Cause | Explanation |
| Proximity to Drug Routes | Spillover from Golden Triangle |
| Easy Availability | Synthetic drugs and pharmaceuticals |
| Unemployment & Stress | Youth vulnerability |
| Weak Awareness | Limited understanding of consequences |
| Social Dislocation | Urbanisation and family breakdown |
C. Government Measures
Law Enforcement
Crackdown under NDPS Act
Rehabilitation
De-addiction centres and counselling
Awareness Campaigns
School and community outreach
Inter-State Coordination
Intelligence sharing on trafficking routes
D. Gaps & Challenges
Insufficient rehabilitation infrastructure
Stigma preventing treatment-seeking
Focus skewed towards policing over prevention
Limited coordination between health, education, and police departments
E. Way Forward
Public Health Approach
Treat addiction as a disease, not just a crime
Expand Rehabilitation Services
Affordable, district-level de-addiction centres
Youth Engagement
Skill development, sports, and counselling
Community & School-Based Prevention
Early intervention programmes
Border & Supply Chain Control
Strengthen surveillance and inter-agency coordination
🧭 Conclusion
Rising drug abuse in Assam represents a complex socio-health-security challenge. Addressing it requires shifting from a punitive-only approach to an integrated strategy combining enforcement, prevention, rehabilitation, and youth empowerment. Protecting Assam’s youth is essential for safeguarding the State’s social stability, internal security, and developmental future.
Assam’s Handloom Sector Faces Decline: Livelihood Crisis, Market Access Gaps & Cultural Sustainability
📘 GS Paper I (Mains): Indian Society | Culture | Traditional Occupations
📘 GS Paper II (Mains): Governance | Welfare Schemes | Institutional Support
📘 GS Paper III (Mains): Inclusive Growth | MSMEs | Employment
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Handloom & Handicrafts | Rural Livelihoods | Cultural Economy
📘 GS Prelims: Handloom Sector | GI Tags | Assam Silk
(Topic chosen strictly from the newspaper headline/lead highlighting the declining condition of Assam’s handloom sector and weavers’ distress, The Assam Tribune, 10 January 2026.)
🔹 Introduction
Assam’s handloom sector—renowned for Muga, Eri, and Pat silk—is facing a prolonged decline, with weavers struggling against low incomes, shrinking markets, rising input costs, and competition from powerlooms and synthetic textiles. As reported in The Assam Tribune, the crisis threatens not only livelihood security of lakhs of weavers but also the cultural heritage and identity of Assam.
🔑 Key Points from the Newspaper
| Aspect | Details |
| Sector | Handloom & traditional weaving |
| Affected Group | Rural and women weavers |
| Key Issues | Low wages, poor market access |
| Competition | Powerloom and synthetic fabrics |
| Institutional Gap | Weak cooperative and marketing support |
| Cultural Impact | Threat to traditional designs and skills |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Handloom Sector
Labour-intensive, decentralised, rural-based industry
Assam Silk Varieties
Muga (golden silk), Eri (thermal silk), Pat
GI Tag
Muga silk has a Geographical Indication
Handloom Census
Provides data on weavers and production
National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP)
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Why the Decline of Handloom Matters
1. Livelihood Security
Primary income source for rural households, especially women
2. Cultural Heritage
Handloom reflects Assam’s identity, traditions, and festivals
3. Inclusive Growth
Supports low-capital, home-based employment
4. Sustainable Production
Eco-friendly and low-energy textile production
B. Causes of the Sector’s Decline
| Cause | Explanation |
| Market Competition | Cheaper powerloom and synthetic products |
| Poor Market Linkages | Dependence on middlemen |
| Rising Input Costs | Yarn, dyes, and tools |
| Low Institutional Support | Weak cooperatives and credit access |
| Youth Disengagement | Low income discourages next generation |
C. Existing Government Initiatives
National Handloom Development Programme
Weavers’ Mudra loans
Handloom clusters and skill upgradation
GI branding and exhibitions
D. Gaps & Challenges
Limited branding and e-commerce integration
Delayed payments and lack of price assurance
Inadequate design innovation and market intelligence
Fragmented implementation of welfare schemes
E. Way Forward
Market Access & Branding
E-commerce platforms, GI-based branding, export promotion
Institutional Strengthening
Revive cooperatives and producer companies
Income Support
Minimum support price or assured procurement for handloom products
Design & Skill Upgradation
Contemporary designs without cultural dilution
Youth Engagement
Link weaving with entrepreneurship and tourism
🧭 Conclusion
The decline of Assam’s handloom sector is not merely an economic issue but a cultural and social concern. Revitalising the sector requires market-oriented reforms, institutional strengthening, and cultural-sensitive innovation, ensuring that handloom weaving remains a viable livelihood and living heritage in Assam’s development journey.
Assam Police Strengthens Road Safety Enforcement Ahead of Magh Bihu: Public Safety, Behavioural Change & Governance
📘 GS Paper III (Mains): Infrastructure | Road Safety | Disaster & Risk Management
📘 GS Paper II (Mains): Governance | Service Delivery | Role of State
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Transport | Public Safety | Festival Management
📘 GS Prelims: Road Safety | Motor Vehicles Act | Assam-specific Current Affairs
(Topic chosen strictly from the newspaper headline/lead reporting special road safety drives by Assam Police ahead of Magh Bihu, The Assam Tribune, 10 January 2026.)
🔹 Introduction
Ahead of Magh Bihu, the Assam Police has intensified road safety enforcement and awareness drives to curb accidents, drunk driving, and rash behaviour during festive travel. As highlighted in The Assam Tribune, the initiative reflects growing recognition that festival-related mobility spikes require proactive governance to protect public safety.
🔑 Key Points from the Newspaper
| Aspect | Details |
| Occasion | Magh Bihu (harvest festival) |
| Agency | Assam Police |
| Focus Areas | Drunk driving, overspeeding, helmet/seatbelt compliance |
| Tools Used | Checkpoints, breath analysers, patrols |
| Objective | Reduce road accidents and fatalities |
| Governance Signal | Preventive, not reactive policing |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Magh Bihu
Major Assamese harvest festival marked by travel and gatherings
Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019
Enhanced penalties for traffic violations
Road Safety
Key component of SDG 3.6 (reduce road deaths)
Golden Hour
First hour after accident, critical for survival
Drunk Driving
Major contributor to festive-season accidents
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Festive Road Safety Drives
1. Public Safety
Addresses spike in accidents during festivals
2. Preventive Governance
Moves beyond post-accident response
3. Behavioural Change
Visible enforcement deters risky driving
4. Institutional Coordination
Police–transport–health departments work together
B. Key Risk Factors During Festivals
| Risk | Explanation |
| Alcohol Consumption | Increased drunk driving cases |
| Traffic Surge | Congestion and fatigue |
| Night Travel | Reduced visibility |
| Poor Compliance | Helmet and seatbelt neglect |
C. Challenges
Limited manpower over large road networks
Public resistance to enforcement
Rural road safety infrastructure gaps
Inadequate emergency response in remote areas
D. Way Forward
Technology-Based Enforcement
Speed cameras, e-challans, CCTV
Awareness Campaigns
Community and media outreach
Engineering Improvements
Signage, lighting, and black-spot correction
Emergency Response Strengthening
Ambulance availability and trauma care
Data-Driven Policing
Use accident data to target high-risk stretches
🧭 Conclusion
The Assam Police’s festive road safety drive reflects a proactive governance approach to public safety. Sustaining such efforts beyond festivals—through enforcement, engineering, education, and emergency care (4Es)—is essential to reduce road fatalities and ensure safe mobility in Assam.uilding in a rapidly modernising society.
APSC Prelims MCQs
Topic 1: Ban on Fishing in Kaziranga During Magh Bihu
Q1. The Gauhati High Court banned fishing inside Kaziranga during Magh Bihu primarily to:
A. Prevent loss of revenue
B. Protect aquatic biodiversity in a protected area
C. Regulate community festivals
D. Promote tourism
Correct Answer: B
Q2. Kaziranga National Park enjoys which of the following statuses?
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Tiger Reserve
- Biosphere Reserve
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: B
Q3. Article 48A of the Constitution relates to:
A. Forest rights
B. Wildlife conservation duty of citizens
C. State’s duty to protect environment
D. Judicial review
Correct Answer: C
Topic 2: Rising Drug Abuse Among Youth in Assam
Q4. The principal legislation governing narcotic drugs in India is the:
A. IPC, 1860
B. NDPS Act, 1985
C. Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
D. Criminal Procedure Code
Correct Answer: B
Q5. The “Golden Triangle” is associated with:
A. Wildlife trafficking
B. Arms smuggling
C. Drug production and trafficking
D. Human trafficking
Correct Answer: C
Q6. Rising drug abuse among youth poses a threat to Assam mainly because it affects:
A. Agricultural productivity
B. Demographic dividend and internal security
C. Fiscal federalism
D. Urban housing
Correct Answer: B
Topic 3: Decline of Assam’s Handloom Sector
Q7. Which of the following silk varieties is unique to Assam?
A. Mulberry silk
B. Tasar silk
C. Muga silk
D. Endi wool
Correct Answer: C
Q8. The handloom sector is important mainly because it:
A. Is capital-intensive
B. Generates decentralised rural employment
C. Depends on foreign markets only
D. Uses synthetic raw materials
Correct Answer: B
Q9. Muga silk has been granted which form of intellectual property protection?
A. Copyright
B. Patent
C. Geographical Indication (GI)
D. Trademark
Correct Answer: C
Topic 4: Road Safety Drive Ahead of Magh Bihu
Q10. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 is significant mainly because it:
A. Reduced penalties for traffic offences
B. Focused only on vehicle manufacturing
C. Enhanced penalties and enforcement mechanisms
D. Abolished traffic police powers
Correct Answer: C
Q11. The “Golden Hour” in road safety refers to:
A. Peak traffic time
B. Time of maximum accident occurrence
C. First one hour after an accident
D. Night-time driving period
Correct Answer: C
Q12. Festival-related road safety drives are most effective when they combine:
A. Policing alone
B. Public awareness only
C. Enforcement, awareness, and emergency response
D. Temporary road closures
Correct Answer: C
APSC Mains Practice Question
GS Mains Question
“Rising drug abuse among youth in Assam is no longer merely a social issue but a multidimensional governance challenge.”
Discuss the causes and suggest a comprehensive strategy to address the problem.
Model Answer
Introduction
Assam is witnessing a disturbing rise in drug abuse among adolescents and young adults, driven by easy availability of narcotics, socio-economic stress, and proximity to international trafficking routes. What was once perceived as a social malaise has now emerged as a public health, law-and-order, and internal security concern, demanding coordinated State intervention.
Causes of Rising Drug Abuse
1. Geographical Vulnerability
- Proximity to the Golden Triangle facilitates inflow of narcotics
2. Youth Unemployment & Social Stress
- Lack of opportunities increases susceptibility to substance abuse
3. Easy Availability of Synthetic Drugs
- Low-cost, high-addiction substances and pharmaceutical misuse
4. Weak Awareness & Stigma
- Limited understanding of addiction as a health issue
Implications
- Public Health Crisis
- Physical and mental health disorders
- Social Breakdown
- Family distress, crime, and school dropouts
- Internal Security Risks
- Links with organised crime and narco-financing
- Loss of Demographic Dividend
- Reduced productivity and employability
Way Forward
- Balanced Enforcement
- Strict action under the NDPS Act with focus on traffickers
- Public Health Approach
- Treat addiction as a disease, not just a crime
- Expand Rehabilitation Infrastructure
- District-level de-addiction and counselling centres
- Preventive Education
- School- and community-based awareness programmes
- Youth Empowerment
- Skill development, sports, and employment initiatives
- Inter-Agency Coordination
- Police, health, education, and social welfare departments working together
Conclusion
Drug abuse among Assam’s youth represents a systemic governance failure rather than an isolated social problem. A multi-pronged strategy combining enforcement, prevention, rehabilitation, and youth empowerment is essential to safeguard Assam’s human capital and ensure sustainable social stability.sure sustainable social stability.
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