APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (25/03/2026)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.