APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (12/03/2026)
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 12 March 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.
✨ APSC CCE Prelims Crash Course, 2026
⚖️ Passive Euthanasia Allowed by the Supreme Court – Right to Die with Dignity
📘 GS Paper II: Judiciary | Fundamental Rights | Ethical Issues in Public Policy
📘 GS Paper IV: Ethics in Medical Decision-Making
🔹 Introduction
In a landmark judgement, the Supreme Court of India allowed passive euthanasia for a 32-year-old man who had been in a coma for more than 12 years, permitting withdrawal of artificial life support. The Court directed that the process be conducted humanely at AIIMS-Delhi, emphasizing the principle of “right to die with dignity” under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The judgement reinforces earlier legal precedents recognizing passive euthanasia and clarifies the procedural safeguards required for such decisions.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Court | Supreme Court of India |
| Case | Withdrawal of life support for a patient in a long-term coma |
| Hospital | AIIMS Delhi |
| Legal Principle | Right to die with dignity under Article 21 |
| Medical Requirement | Certification by primary and secondary medical boards |
| Court Direction | Humane withdrawal of artificial life support |
The Court also urged the Union Government to consider comprehensive legislation on passive euthanasia.
⚙️ Understanding Passive Euthanasia
Passive Euthanasia
Withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining medical treatment.
Allows natural death without artificial prolongation of life.
Examples:
Removing ventilators
Stopping feeding tubes
Discontinuing artificial medical support.
📜 Legal Evolution in India
| Year | Case | Key Outcome |
| 2011 | Aruna Shanbaug Case | Passive euthanasia allowed with court approval |
| 2018 | Common Cause Case | Right to die with dignity recognized under Article 21 |
| 2023 | Supreme Court modification | Simplified procedure for advance directives |
| 2026 | Current ruling | Passive euthanasia allowed in a coma case |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Article 21
Guarantees right to life and personal liberty, interpreted to include right to die with dignity.
Advance Medical Directive (Living Will)
A legal document specifying a person’s wishes regarding medical treatment if they become incapable of decision-making.
Medical Boards
Two boards must certify:
Primary medical board
Secondary medical board.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance
1️⃣ Protection of Patient Dignity
Recognizes dignity and autonomy of terminally ill patients.
2️⃣ Ethical Medical Practice
Allows doctors to avoid unnecessary prolongation of suffering.
3️⃣ Judicial Clarity
Provides guidelines for hospitals and medical practitioners.
4️⃣ Human Rights Perspective
Strengthens the interpretation of fundamental rights under Article 21.
B. Ethical and Legal Concerns
| Concern | Explanation |
| Risk of Misuse | Potential pressure on vulnerable patients |
| Consent Issues | Difficulty verifying patient’s wishes |
| Moral Debate | Religious and cultural views on life and death |
| Medical Responsibility | Ethical dilemmas for doctors |
🧭 Way Forward
Enact Comprehensive Legislation
India needs a clear euthanasia law to avoid legal ambiguity.
Strengthen Safeguards
Ensure strict medical certification and oversight.
Promote Living Wills
Increase public awareness of advance medical directives.
Ethical Training
Improve medical ethics training for healthcare professionals.
🧩 Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s ruling on passive euthanasia marks an important step in recognizing human dignity and autonomy in end-of-life care. A comprehensive legal framework and robust safeguards will be essential to balance ethical considerations, patient rights, and medical responsibility.
🐾 Gauhati High Court Directive on Enclosure Norms for Exotic Animals in Assam State Zoo
📘 GS Paper III: Environment | Biodiversity Conservation | Wildlife Governance
📘 GS Paper II: Judiciary & Environmental Governance
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Wildlife Protection and Environmental Management in Assam
🔹 Introduction
The Gauhati High Court, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), directed the authorities of the Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden in Guwahati to strictly follow the guidelines on minimum enclosure dimensions for exotic animals issued by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). The directive comes as the zoo undergoes a major modernization project worth ₹345 crore, aimed at upgrading infrastructure and improving animal welfare standards.
The court emphasized that wildlife management must comply with national standards to ensure ethical treatment and conservation of animals in captivity.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Court | Gauhati High Court |
| Case Type | Public Interest Litigation (PIL) |
| Institution Concerned | Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden |
| Issue Raised | Compliance with enclosure size norms for exotic animals |
| Governing Authority | Central Zoo Authority (CZA) |
| Modernisation Project Cost | ₹345.67 crore |
| Expected Completion | November 2026 |
The court noted that the modernization plan should ensure proper housing facilities for animals according to Central Zoo Authority guidelines.
⚙️ Background: Zoo Governance in India
Central Zoo Authority (CZA)
Statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Functions of CZA
Recognizes and regulates zoos in India.
Sets standards for enclosure size and animal care.
Ensures scientific management of captive wildlife.
Zoo Rules, 2009
Provide guidelines for:
enclosure design
veterinary care
breeding programmes
animal welfare standards.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Central Zoo Authority
Established in 1992 under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden
Located in Hengrabari, Guwahati.
Largest zoo in Northeast India.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
Allows citizens to approach courts to protect public interest and environmental rights.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the High Court Directive
1️⃣ Animal Welfare
Ensures proper living conditions and reduces stress among captive animals.
2️⃣ Legal Enforcement
Strengthens implementation of wildlife protection laws.
3️⃣ Biodiversity Conservation
Zoos play a role in ex-situ conservation of endangered species.
4️⃣ Institutional Accountability
Ensures government authorities comply with environmental governance norms.
5️⃣ Improved Visitor Education
Modernized zoos can promote public awareness of wildlife conservation.
B. Challenges in Zoo Management
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Space Constraints | Urban zoos often face limited land area |
| Financial Requirements | Modernization and animal care are costly |
| Animal Stress | Captivity may affect natural behavior |
| Regulatory Compliance | Need for strict adherence to national guidelines |
🧭 Way Forward
Upgrade Zoo Infrastructure
Implement modern habitat-based enclosures rather than traditional cages.
Strengthen Scientific Management
Employ wildlife biologists and veterinarians.
Promote Conservation Breeding
Support breeding programmes for endangered species.
Increase Public Awareness
Develop educational exhibits about biodiversity conservation.
🧩 Conclusion
The Gauhati High Court’s directive highlights the importance of ethical wildlife governance and adherence to national conservation standards. By ensuring compliance with Central Zoo Authority norms, Assam can strengthen its role in wildlife protection, biodiversity conservation, and responsible environmental management.
🛰️ Israel Becomes 7th Largest Global Arms Exporter – India the Largest Buyer (SIPRI Report)
📘 GS Paper II: International Relations | India–Israel Relations
📘 GS Paper III: Defence & Security | Military Technology | Strategic Affairs
🔹 Introduction
According to the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Israel has surpassed the United Kingdom to become the world’s 7th largest arms exporter during 2021–2025. The report also highlights that India remains the largest importer of Israeli defence equipment, accounting for more than half of Israel’s arms exports.
The development reflects the growing strategic defence partnership between India and Israel, particularly in advanced military technologies such as missile systems, drones, and air defence systems.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Organisation | Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) |
| Ranking | Israel becomes 7th largest arms exporter globally |
| Israel’s Share of Global Arms Exports | 4.4% (2021–2025) |
| Previous Share | 3.1% (2016–2020) |
| Largest Buyer of Israeli Arms | India (56%) |
| Other Major Buyers | Germany (21%), United States (7.8%) |
The report indicates that global demand for air defence systems has been a major driver behind Israel’s rise in arms exports.
⚙️ Global Arms Export Landscape (SIPRI)
| Rank | Country |
| 1 | United States |
| 2 | France |
| 3 | Russia |
| 4 | Germany |
| 5 | China |
| 6 | Italy |
| 7 | Israel |
Israel’s export share increased significantly due to its advanced defence technology and growing global demand for modern warfare systems.
🇮🇳 India–Israel Defence Cooperation
1️⃣ Strategic Partnership
India and Israel established full diplomatic relations in 1992, leading to expanding defence cooperation.
2️⃣ Major Defence Technologies
Israel supplies India with:
missile defence systems
surveillance drones
radar systems
precision-guided weapons.
3️⃣ Joint Defence Projects
Examples include:
Barak-8 surface-to-air missile system
Heron UAVs used by the Indian Armed Forces.
4️⃣ Technology Transfer
Israel supports joint research and development projects with India.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
SIPRI
Independent research institute headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.
Publishes global reports on arms transfers, military expenditure, and security issues.
Global Arms Trade Trends
Increased defence spending due to geopolitical tensions.
Rising demand for air defence systems and unmanned systems.
Israel’s Defence Industry
Major companies include:
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
Elbit Systems.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance for India
1️⃣ Advanced Military Technology
Access to sophisticated defence systems improves India’s military capability.
2️⃣ Strategic Defence Partnership
Strengthens India–Israel bilateral relations.
3️⃣ Defence Modernisation
Supports modernization of India’s armed forces.
4️⃣ Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
Israel shares expertise in counter-terror operations and intelligence.
5️⃣ Indigenous Development
Joint projects help develop India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Import Dependence | India remains one of the largest arms importers |
| Geopolitical Balancing | Maintaining relations with West Asian countries |
| High Defence Costs | Advanced technologies are expensive |
| Technology Transfer Limits | Some technologies remain restricted |
🧭 Way Forward
Strengthen Indigenous Defence Production
Promote Make in India in Defence and domestic manufacturing.
Expand Joint R&D
Enhance collaboration in missile technology, drones, and cyber defence.
Diversify Defence Partnerships
Maintain strategic balance with multiple partners.
Promote Export Capability
Develop India as a defence manufacturing hub.
🧩 Conclusion
Israel’s emergence as the 7th largest arms exporter and India’s position as its biggest customer highlights the deepening defence ties between the two countries. While this partnership strengthens India’s military capabilities, long-term security will depend on self-reliance in defence production and strategic diversification of partnerships.
🔴 Mass Surrender of Maoists in Chhattisgarh – Progress in the Fight Against Left-Wing Extremism
📘 GS Paper III: Internal Security | Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)
📘 GS Paper II: Governance | Rehabilitation Policies
🔹 Introduction
In a major development in India’s fight against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), 108 Maoists, including 44 women, surrendered in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. The cadres belonged to the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) of the Maoist organisation and collectively carried rewards worth ₹3.29 crore.
The surrender reflects the growing effectiveness of government policies combining security operations with rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Bastar district, Chhattisgarh |
| Number of Maoists Surrendered | 108 |
| Women Cadres | 44 |
| Total Reward on Them | ₹3.29 crore |
| Organisation | Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) |
| Weapons & Seizures | ₹3.61 crore cash and about 1 kg gold recovered |
| Initiative Influencing Surrender | Poona Margem rehabilitation programme |
This surrender marks one of the largest recoveries of cash and valuables from Maoist hideouts in anti-Naxal operations.
⚙️ Background: Left-Wing Extremism in India
What is Left-Wing Extremism?
Left-Wing Extremism refers to Maoist insurgency aimed at overthrowing the Indian state through armed revolution.
Key Affected Region
Often referred to as the “Red Corridor”, spanning states such as:
Chhattisgarh
Jharkhand
Odisha
Maharashtra
Andhra Pradesh.
Major Maoist Organisation
Communist Party of India (Maoist).
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Dandakaranya Region
Forest region covering parts of:
Chhattisgarh
Maharashtra
Telangana
Andhra Pradesh.
Bastar
Epicentre of Maoist insurgency in Chhattisgarh.
Dense forests provide operational advantage to insurgents.
Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy
Provides:
financial incentives
vocational training
livelihood support.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of the Mass Surrender
1️⃣ Weakening of Maoist Networks
Large-scale surrender reduces operational strength of insurgents.
2️⃣ Success of Government Strategy
Combination of security operations and rehabilitation programmes.
3️⃣ Local Development Impact
Encourages development activities in previously conflict-affected areas.
4️⃣ Psychological Impact
Demonstrates declining morale among insurgents.
5️⃣ Strengthening Internal Security
Improves law and order in the Red Corridor region.
B. Challenges in Eliminating LWE
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Difficult Terrain | Dense forests and remote areas |
| Socio-economic Issues | Poverty, land alienation, and lack of development |
| Tribal Discontent | Marginalisation of tribal communities |
| Recruitment of Youth | Maoists exploit local grievances |
🧭 Way Forward
Accelerate Development in LWE Areas
Improve infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Strengthen Governance
Ensure better implementation of welfare schemes.
Tribal Empowerment
Protect land rights and promote inclusive development.
Continue Rehabilitation Programmes
Encourage more militants to surrender and rejoin society.
🧩 Conclusion The surrender of 108 Maoists in Bastar reflects the gradual weakening of Left-Wing Extremism due to a balanced strategy of security action, development initiatives, and rehabilitation programmes. Sustained governance reforms and inclusive development will be essential for the long-term elimination of the Maoist insurgency in India
APSC Prelims MCQs
1. Passive euthanasia refers to:
A. Actively administering drugs to cause death
B. Allowing natural death by withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatment
C. Causing death through assisted suicide
D. Medical termination of pregnancy
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
Passive euthanasia involves withholding or withdrawing life-support systems, allowing a patient to die naturally. The Supreme Court allowed such withdrawal of life support in a recent case.
2. The right to die with dignity in India has been interpreted by the Supreme Court as part of which constitutional provision?
A. Article 14
B. Article 19
C. Article 21
D. Article 32
✅ Answer: C
Explanation:
The Supreme Court has interpreted the Right to Life under Article 21 to include the right to die with dignity, particularly in cases involving passive euthanasia.
3. The Central Zoo Authority (CZA), which regulates zoos in India, functions under which ministry?
A. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
B. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
C. Ministry of Rural Development
D. Ministry of Science and Technology
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
The Central Zoo Authority operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and regulates zoo standards and animal welfare.
4. Consider the following statements regarding the Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden modernization project:
- The Gauhati High Court directed compliance with enclosure norms for exotic animals.
- The modernization project is estimated to cost around ₹345 crore.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2
C. 2 only
D. Neither 1 nor 2
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
The Gauhati High Court directed the zoo authorities to ensure compliance with Central Zoo Authority enclosure guidelines, while the zoo is undergoing modernization worth about ₹345 crore.
5. According to the SIPRI report (2021–2025), Israel has become the world’s:
A. Fifth largest arms exporter
B. Seventh largest arms exporter
C. Sixth largest arms exporter
D. Tenth largest arms exporter
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
Israel has surpassed the UK to become the 7th largest arms exporter globally, with a 4.4% share of global arms exports.
6. Which country is the largest buyer of Israeli defence equipment according to SIPRI?
A. Germany
B. India
C. United States
D. United Kingdom
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
India accounts for about 56% of Israel’s arms exports, making it the largest buyer.
7. Consider the following statements regarding Maoist insurgency in India:
- Bastar district in Chhattisgarh is considered a major centre of Left-Wing Extremism.
- The Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee is associated with Maoist activities.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2
C. 2 only
D. Neither 1 nor 2
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
Bastar is one of the core Maoist-affected regions, and the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) is a major Maoist organisational structure.
8. The “Red Corridor” in India refers to regions affected by:
A. Communal violence
B. Cross-border terrorism
C. Left-Wing Extremism
D. Religious radicalisation
✅ Answer: C
Explanation:
The Red Corridor refers to areas affected by Maoist or Left-Wing extremist insurgency.
9. According to recent government directives during the West Asia conflict, LPG supply was prioritised mainly for:
A. Commercial restaurants only
B. Domestic household consumers
C. Industrial manufacturing units
D. Power generation plants
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
To avoid shortage, the government prioritised domestic LPG supply, temporarily restricting bottling of commercial cylinders.
10. Which of the following correctly matches the organisation with its primary function?
| Organisation | Function |
- SIPRI | Global research on arms trade and military expenditure |
- Central Zoo Authority | Regulation of zoos in India |
- AIIMS | National research institute on defence technology |
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
Explanation:
AIIMS is a premier medical institute, not a defence research organisation.
SIPRI studies global arms transfers and defence spending.
Central Zoo Authority regulates zoo standards.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 GS Mains Model Question
📘 GS Paper III: Internal Security | Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)
📘 GS Paper II: Governance & Development Policies
Question
Despite significant security operations, Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) continues to challenge governance and development in parts of India.
Discuss the reasons behind Maoist insurgency in India and examine the role of surrender and rehabilitation policies in addressing the problem.
(Answer in ~250 words)
Model Answer
Introduction
Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), commonly known as the Maoist insurgency, remains one of India’s major internal security challenges. Concentrated mainly in the “Red Corridor” across central and eastern India, the insurgency has roots in socio-economic deprivation and governance deficits. Recently, 108 Maoists surrendered in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, indicating progress in government efforts combining security measures with rehabilitation policies.
Causes of Maoist Insurgency
1. Socio-economic Deprivation
Many Maoist-affected areas are marked by poverty, unemployment, and lack of infrastructure.
2. Tribal Marginalisation
Tribal communities often face land alienation, displacement, and limited access to development benefits.
3. Governance Deficits
Weak state presence and poor implementation of welfare schemes create space for insurgent influence.
4. Difficult Terrain
Dense forests and remote regions enable insurgents to operate effectively and evade security forces.
Role of Surrender and Rehabilitation Policies
1. Encouraging Reintegration
Policies provide financial incentives, vocational training, and livelihood opportunities for surrendered militants.
2. Weakening Insurgent Networks
Large-scale surrenders reduce the operational strength and morale of extremist groups.
3. Building Trust with Local Communities
Rehabilitation programmes demonstrate the government’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution.
4. Supporting Development Initiatives
Improved security conditions enable infrastructure projects and welfare schemes.
Way Forward
- Accelerate development in LWE-affected areas, including roads, education, and healthcare.
- Strengthen tribal rights and local governance institutions.
- Enhance coordination between security forces and development agencies.
- Continue community-based rehabilitation and deradicalisation programmes.
Conclusion
While security operations are essential to curb Maoist violence, long-term resolution of Left-Wing Extremism requires addressing root socio-economic grievances and ensuring inclusive development. Effective surrender and rehabilitation policies can play a crucial role in bringing insurgents back into the mainstream and restoring stability in affected regions.
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