APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (25/03/2026)
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 25 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
👩⚖️ Women Political Representation in Assam: Persistent Gender Gap
📘 GS Paper 1: Society | Women Issues
📘 GS Paper 2: Polity | Representation | Governance
🔹 Introduction
Despite women constituting nearly half of Assam’s electorate (1.24 crore voters) and recording higher voter turnout than men, their political representation remains disproportionately low. The 2026 Assembly election data shows that women continue to be underrepresented in candidate selection and electoral success .
This reflects a broader structural issue of gender inequality in political participation, making it a critical topic for both social justice and democratic deepening.
🔑 Key Points
| Indicator | Data |
| Women voters | ~1.24 crore (≈ 50% electorate) |
| Women turnout | Higher than men (82.42% in 2021; 84.72% in 2016) |
| Women candidates (2026) | Congress: 14, BJP: 7, AIUDF: 2, AGP: 1, BPF: 1 |
| Women winners (2021) | Only 6 out of 76 candidates |
| Women winners (2016) | 8 out of 91 candidates |
⚙️ Core Issue
High participation but low representation
Presence of tokenism rather than structural inclusion
Political careers of women remain uncertain and party-dependent
🧠 Prelims Pointers
73rd & 74th Constitutional Amendments
Provide 1/3rd reservation for women in local bodies
Women’s Reservation Bill (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023)
Proposes 33% reservation in Lok Sabha & State Assemblies
Gender Gap in Politics
Measured by representation, participation, leadership
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance
1. Democratic Inclusiveness
Ensures representation of half the population
2. Better Governance Outcomes
Women leaders focus on:
Health
Education
Welfare
3. Gender Equality
Promotes social justice and empowerment
4. Political Stability
Inclusive systems strengthen democracy
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Patriarchal Political Structure | Male-dominated party leadership |
| Tokenism | Women used as symbolic candidates |
| Lack of Party Support | Limited ticket allocation |
| Financial Constraints | High cost of elections |
| Safety & Social Barriers | Mobility and security concerns |
| Career Instability | Women leaders often sidelined |
C. Government / Institutional Initiatives
1. Women’s Reservation Bill (2023)
Aims to ensure 33% representation
2. Reservation in Local Bodies
Significant success at grassroots level
3. Election Commission Initiatives
Encouraging women participation
4. Women Empowerment Schemes
Indirect political empowerment
D. Way Forward
1. Implement Women’s Reservation in Assemblies
Fast-track operationalisation
2. Internal Party Reforms
Mandatory quota in ticket distribution
3. Capacity Building
Training and leadership programs
4. Financial & Institutional Support
Campaign funding assistance
5. Safe Political Environment
Address violence and harassment
6. Promote Grassroots Leadership
Strengthen pipeline from local bodies
📊 Value Addition
Paradox: High voter turnout vs low representation
Assam reflects a national trend of underrepresentation
🧩 Conclusion
The underrepresentation of women in Assam politics highlights a structural democratic deficit. Bridging this gap requires institutional reforms, political will, and societal change to transform women from active voters to equal decision-makers.
💰 Crypto Transactions Under Scanner in Assam: Black Money & Electoral Integrity
📘 GS Paper 3: Economy | Internal Security | Cyber Security
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Electoral Reforms
🔹 Introduction
Authorities in Assam have intensified scrutiny of cryptocurrency transactions, especially during the election period, amid concerns that digital assets may be used for black money circulation and illegal election funding. The issue reflects emerging challenges in regulating decentralised financial systems within democratic processes .
This development highlights the intersection of technology, finance, and electoral governance.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Issue | Crypto transactions under surveillance |
| Concern | Use in election funding & black money |
| Nature | Decentralised, hard-to-trace transactions |
| Risk | Money laundering, illicit transfers |
| Timing | Heightened scrutiny during elections |
⚙️ Concept: Cryptocurrency
Digital currency based on blockchain technology
Features:
Decentralised (no central authority)
Pseudonymous transactions
Cross-border transfer ease
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Cryptocurrency
Examples: Bitcoin, Ethereum
Blockchain Technology
Distributed ledger system
Money Laundering
Concealing illegal funds
Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
Global body to combat money laundering
India’s Position
Not legal tender
Taxed under Income Tax provisions (30% on gains)
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance
1. Electoral Integrity
Prevents misuse of funds in elections
2. Financial Transparency
Reduces black money circulation
3. National Security
Crypto linked to:
Terror financing
Illicit networks
4. Emerging Digital Economy
Regulation needed for safe innovation
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Anonymity | Difficult to trace transactions |
| Lack of Regulation | No comprehensive law in India |
| Cross-Border Nature | Hard to control globally |
| Technological Complexity | Limited enforcement capacity |
| Electoral Misuse | Hidden political funding |
| Cyber Crime Linkages | Fraud and hacking risks |
C. Government Measures
1. Taxation Policy
30% tax on crypto gains
2. Enforcement Actions
Monitoring by ED and agencies
3. RBI Concerns
Warnings on financial stability
4. FATF Guidelines
AML/CFT compliance
5. Proposal for Regulation
Draft crypto regulation frameworks
D. Way Forward
1. Comprehensive Legal Framework
Clear regulation of crypto assets
2. Strengthen Monitoring Mechanisms
Use AI & blockchain analytics
3. Electoral Finance Reform
Track digital funding channels
4. International Cooperation
Global coordination on crypto regulation
5. Awareness & Capacity Building
Train enforcement agencies
6. Promote Digital Rupee (CBDC)
Safer alternative to private crypto
📊 Value Addition
Crypto poses a challenge to:
State sovereignty over currency
Election transparency
Increasingly linked with:
Dark web transactions
Illicit financial flows
🧩 Conclusion
The scrutiny of cryptocurrency transactions in Assam underscores the urgent need to regulate emerging financial technologies. Balancing innovation with accountability is essential to protect economic stability, national security, and democratic integrity.
💣 ULFA(I) Reorganisation & Internal Security in Assam
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Insurgency | Border Management
🔹 Introduction
Recent reports indicate that ULFA (Independent) is attempting to reorganise and revive its militant structure, despite years of counter-insurgency operations and peace talks with the pro-talk faction. This signals a potential resurgence of insurgency in Assam, posing renewed challenges to internal security .
The development highlights the persistence of armed movements and cross-border militant networks in Northeast India.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Group | ULFA (Independent) |
| Activity | Reorganisation & recruitment |
| Objective | Revive insurgent operations |
| Leadership | Paresh Baruah faction |
| Concern | Renewed militant threat |
| Region | Assam & Northeast |
⚙️ Concept: Insurgency
Armed rebellion against the state
Driven by:
Political grievances
Identity issues
Economic marginalization
🧠 Prelims Pointers
ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom)
Founded in 1979
ULFA Split
ULFA (Pro-talk faction)
ULFA (Independent – anti-talk)
Safe Havens
Operates from outside India (Myanmar region)
Counter-Insurgency
Military + political + developmental strategy
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance
1. Internal Security Threat
Revival of ULFA(I) can destabilize Assam
2. Strategic Location
Northeast is geopolitically sensitive
3. Impact on Development
Insurgency hampers:
Investment
Infrastructure
4. National Integration
Challenges unity and stability
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Cross-Border Support | Safe havens in neighbouring countries |
| Recruitment | Youth radicalization |
| Difficult Terrain | Forests and hills aid insurgents |
| Advanced Weapons | Access to modern arms |
| Intelligence Gaps | Limited real-time data |
| Fragmented Peace Process | Not all factions included |
C. Government Measures
1. Peace Talks
Ongoing dialogue with pro-talk faction
2. Counter-Insurgency Operations
Army & Assam Police actions
3. AFSPA Implementation
Legal support for operations
4. Development Initiatives
Infrastructure and welfare schemes
5. Border Management
Surveillance and fencing
D. Way Forward
1. Inclusive Peace Process
Engage all factions including ULFA(I)
2. Strengthen Intelligence Network
Better surveillance and coordination
3. Border Security Enhancement
Prevent cross-border movement
4. Youth Engagement
Employment and skill development
5. Technology Integration
Use drones, AI monitoring
6. Regional Cooperation
Work with neighbouring countries
📊 Value Addition
ULFA insurgency is among the longest-running insurgencies in India
Northeast is key to Act East Policy
🧩 Conclusion
The reorganisation of ULFA(I) signals that insurgency in Assam remains a latent but serious threat. A comprehensive strategy combining security, dialogue, and development is essential to ensure lasting peace and stability.
🏦 Unclaimed Deposits Transferred by Banks to RBI (DEA Fund)
📘 GS Paper 3: Economy | Banking | Financial Inclusion
📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Institutional Mechanisms
🔹 Introduction
Public Sector Banks (PSBs) have transferred large amounts of unclaimed deposits to the RBI’s Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund, as accounts remain inactive for long periods. This raises concerns about financial awareness, depositor protection, and access to funds .
The issue highlights gaps in financial inclusion and banking outreach, especially among vulnerable populations.
🔑 Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Issue | Rising unclaimed bank deposits |
| Authority | Reserve Bank of India (RBI) |
| Fund | Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund |
| Trigger | Inactive accounts (>10 years) |
| Impact | Funds transferred from banks to RBI |
| Concern | Depositors unaware of funds |
⚙️ Concept: Unclaimed Deposits
Deposits that remain:
Inactive for 10 years or more
Includes:
Savings accounts
Fixed deposits
Transferred to:
DEA Fund (RBI)
🧠 Prelims Pointers
RBI (Reserve Bank of India)
Central bank of India
DEA Fund
Created in 2014
Used for:
Financial awareness
Depositor education
Inactive Account Rule
No operation for 10 years → classified as unclaimed
Claim Process
Depositor can reclaim money anytime via bank
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance
1. Depositor Protection
Ensures funds are safeguarded
2. Financial Inclusion
Reflects gaps in awareness among citizens
3. Banking Transparency
Accountability of banks in handling deposits
4. Economic Significance
Large volume of idle funds
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Lack of Awareness | Depositors unaware of dormant accounts |
| Documentation Issues | Difficulty in claiming funds |
| Rural Impact | Higher in low-literacy areas |
| Bank Communication Gap | Poor outreach to customers |
| Legal Heirs Issues | Problems in succession claims |
C. Government / RBI Measures
1. DEA Fund Mechanism
Funds used for awareness campaigns
2. RBI Guidelines
Periodic notification to depositors
3. Online Portals
Search for unclaimed deposits
4. Banking Reforms
Improved KYC and tracking systems
D. Way Forward
1. Increase Financial Literacy
Awareness campaigns in rural areas
2. Simplify Claim Process
Reduce documentation barriers
3. Use Technology
Centralised database for tracking deposits
4. Proactive Bank Outreach
Regular alerts to customers
5. Strengthen Digital Banking
Link accounts with Aadhaar/mobile
6. Legal Reforms
Simplify inheritance and nominee rules
📊 Value Addition
Large unclaimed deposits indicate:
Financial exclusion
Weak banking communication
Important for:
Inclusive growth
Trust in banking system
🧩 Conclusion
The issue of unclaimed deposits reflects deeper challenges in financial inclusion and awareness. Strengthening banking outreach, digital systems, and depositor education is essential to ensure that citizens fully benefit from the formal financial system.
APSC Prelims MCQs
🔹 Q1. With reference to women’s political participation in Assam, consider the following statements:
- Women voter turnout in Assam is higher than men.
- Women representation in the Assembly is proportional to their population share.
- Political parties allocate limited tickets to women candidates.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options:
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
Explanation:
- 1 ✔️ Correct
- 2 ❌ Incorrect – representation is low
- 3 ✔️ Correct
🔹 Q2. Which of the following best explains “tokenism” in political representation?
Options:
A. Equal participation of all groups
B. Inclusion of individuals only symbolically without real power
C. Legal reservation of seats
D. Mandatory electoral quotas
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
- Tokenism = symbolic inclusion without real empowerment
🔹 Q3. Consider the following statements regarding cryptocurrency:
- It is a decentralised digital currency.
- It is issued and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India.
- It can be used for cross-border transactions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options:
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
Explanation:
- 1 ✔️ Correct
- 2 ❌ Incorrect – not issued by RBI
- 3 ✔️ Correct
🔹 Q4. Which of the following is the MOST significant risk associated with cryptocurrency in elections?
Options:
A. Increased voter turnout
B. Difficulty in tracing illegal funding
C. Reduction in campaign costs
D. Transparency in transactions
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
- Crypto enables anonymous funding → risk to electoral integrity
🔹 Q5. Consider the following statements regarding ULFA (Independent):
- It is engaged in peace talks with the government.
- It operates from bases outside India.
- It aims to revive insurgent activities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options:
A. 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
Explanation:
- 1 ❌ Not in peace talks
- 2 ✔️ Correct
- 3 ✔️ Correct
🔹 Q6. Which of the following best explains “counter-insurgency”?
Options:
A. Military takeover of civilian administration
B. Measures taken to combat insurgency movements
C. Negotiation between insurgent groups only
D. Withdrawal of armed forces
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
- Counter-insurgency = combined strategy (military + political)
🔹 Q7. Consider the following statements regarding unclaimed deposits:
- Deposits inactive for more than 10 years are transferred to RBI.
- Such deposits are permanently forfeited by depositors.
- Depositors can reclaim their money from banks.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options:
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
Explanation:
- 1 ✔️ Correct
- 2 ❌ Incorrect – not forfeited
- 3 ✔️ Correct
🔹 Q8. Which of the following funds is associated with unclaimed deposits in India?
Options:
A. Consolidated Fund of India
B. Contingency Fund of India
C. Depositor Education and Awareness Fund
D. National Investment Fund
✅ Answer: C
Explanation:
- DEA Fund under RBI handles unclaimed deposits
🔹 Q9. Which of the following best explains the purpose of the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund (DEA Fund)?
Options:
A. Providing loans to banks
B. Promoting financial awareness and protecting depositor interests
C. Regulating stock markets
D. Supporting international trade
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
- DEA Fund used for financial literacy & depositor protection
🔹 Q10. Which of the following is the MOST likely reason for high unclaimed deposits in banks?
Options:
A. Excessive taxation
B. High inflation
C. Lack of financial awareness
D. Over-regulation of banks
✅ Answer: C
Explanation:
Main reason = low awareness + inactive accounts
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 GS Mains Model Question
Q. “Technological advancements and financial innovations are creating new challenges for governance and internal security in India.”
Discuss in the context of cryptocurrency misuse and financial irregularities. (250 words)
✍️ Model Answer
🔹 Introduction
The rapid growth of financial technologies such as cryptocurrencies has transformed global financial systems. However, these innovations have also introduced new governance and internal security challenges, as seen in recent concerns over crypto transactions being used for black money and election funding in Assam.
🔹 Emerging Challenges
1. Anonymity and Lack of Traceability
- Crypto transactions are pseudonymous
- Makes it difficult to track illegal financial flows
2. Electoral Integrity Risks
- Potential use in:
- Undisclosed campaign funding
- Vote manipulation through illicit money
3. Money Laundering and Terror Financing
- Used for:
- Concealing illegal income
- Cross-border financial transfers
4. Regulatory Vacuum
- Absence of comprehensive crypto regulation in India
5. Cybersecurity Threats
- Links with:
- Dark web
- Hacking and fraud
🔹 Implications
- Weakening of financial transparency
- Threat to national security
- Erosion of public trust in democratic processes
- Increased burden on enforcement agencies
🔹 Measures Taken
- 30% tax on crypto gains
- Monitoring by Enforcement Directorate (ED)
- RBI warnings on risks
- FATF guidelines for anti-money laundering
🔹 Way Forward
1. Comprehensive Regulatory Framework
- Clear laws governing crypto usage
2. Strengthen Monitoring Mechanisms
- Use AI and blockchain analytics
3. Electoral Finance Reforms
- Transparent tracking of funding
4. International Cooperation
- Global coordination on crypto regulation
5. Promote Digital Alternatives
- Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
🔹 Conclusion
While financial innovations offer opportunities for economic growth, they also pose complex governance challenges. A balanced approach that ensures regulation, transparency, and technological adaptation is essential to safeguard India’s economic and democratic systems.
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