APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (13/06/2026)
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 13 June 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
Wetland Restoration for Flood Management in Assam
- GS Paper III: Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management
- GS Paper V: Environment and Disaster Management of Assam
- Prelims: Wetlands, Ramsar Sites, Flood Management, Biodiversity
🔴 Introduction
- Assam faces recurrent floods driven by the Brahmaputra and Barak river systems.
- Shifting from purely structural methods like embankments, the Assam Government has adopted an ecosystem-based flood management strategy focused on restoring and rejuvenating wetlands.
- As reported in The Assam Tribune (13 June 2026), 15 wetlands across 9 districts have been selected for restoration.
- The proposed project is valued at ₹692 crore under the National Disaster Management Fund (NDMF), marking a strategic pivot from flood control to flood resilience by combining ecological conservation with disaster risk reduction.
🔴 Key Points from the News
| Aspect | Details |
| Wetlands Identified | 15 wetlands spanning 9 districts |
| Estimated Cost | ₹692 crore |
| Funding Source | National Disaster Management Fund (NDMF) |
| Objective | Flood mitigation implemented through ecological restoration |
| Expected Benefits | Floodwater retention, groundwater recharge, and biodiversity conservation |
| Additional Measures | Embankment strengthening, anti-erosion projects, and installation of sluice gates |
| Innovative Technologies | Utilization of geo-tubes and ready-made embankments across vulnerable districts |
🔴 Understanding Wetlands
- According to the Ramsar Convention (1971), wetlands are defined as areas where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and its associated plant and animal life.
- They encompass diverse ecosystems including:
- Marshes, swamps, floodplains, and oxbow lakes.
- Peatlands, riverine wetlands, mangroves, and shallow lakes.
🔴 Why Wetlands Matter in Flood Management
Wetlands act as natural sponges that regulate water flow dynamically:
- During Heavy Rainfall:
- Absorb excess surface runoff and store floodwater temporarily.
- Reduce peak flood discharge, slow down water velocity, and minimize erosion.
- After Floods:
- Gradually release stored water to recharge groundwater aquifers.
- Sustain optimal river flow during dry seasons.
🔴 Wetlands vs Embankments
| Wetlands | Embankments |
| Nature-based solution | Engineering-based solution |
| Stores excess water naturally | Blocks and restricts natural water flow |
| Enhances and improves local biodiversity | Provides limited ecological benefits |
| Ensures long-term sustainability | Incurs high maintenance requirements |
| Offers climate-resilient protection | Highly vulnerable to structural breaches |
🔴 Assam’s Important Wetlands
- Deepor Beel: Designated Ramsar Site (2002), recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA), and serves as a vital elephant movement corridor.
- Maguri Beel: A prominent biodiversity hotspot intrinsically linked with the Dibru-Saikhowa ecosystem.
- Son Beel: The largest wetland in Assam.
- Urpad Beel: Critical regional wetland ecosystem.
- Sareswar Beel: Key local wetland habitat.
🔴 Prelims Pointers
- Ramsar Convention
- Adopted: 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
- Entered into Force: 1975.
- Nature: An international treaty dedicated to global wetland conservation.
- India Joined: 1982.
- Ramsar Site in Assam
- Deepor Beel
- National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA)
- Implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Integrates two former programs: National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) and National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP).
- Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
- Prohibits: Land reclamation of wetlands.
- Restricts: Solid waste dumping and permanent structural construction.
- Mandates: Setting up of State Wetland Authorities.
- Important Terms
- Geo-tubes: Large geotextile containers filled with sand, utilized for erosion control and riverbank protection.
- Porcupine Screens: Permeable river-training structures designed to reduce flow velocity and trap suspended sediments along riverbanks (installed under anti-erosion works).
🔴 Mains Pointers
A. Importance
- Flood Mitigation: Serve as natural buffers that lower disaster-related economic losses by absorbing flood peaks.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Support diverse communities of fish, amphibians, migratory birds, and aquatic plants.
- Groundwater Recharge: Enhances local water security during dry winter months.
- Climate Change Adaptation: Act as critical carbon sinks, climate buffers, and natural drought regulators.
- Livelihood Support: Generates economic value via fisheries, agriculture, eco-tourism, and wetland-based livelihoods.
- Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Directly addresses SDG 6 (Clean Water), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
B. Challenges
- Ecological Challenges: Encroachment, heavy siltation, pollution, and the spread of invasive species.
- Administrative Challenges: Overlapping jurisdictions of multiple agencies alongside weak legal enforcement.
- Climate Challenges: Severe extreme rainfall events, shifting river courses, and accelerated bank erosion.
- Financial Challenges: Capital-intensive restoration costs and heavy long-term maintenance burdens.
C. Government Initiatives
- National Level:
- Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
- National Disaster Management Plan.
- National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA).
- Amrit Dharohar Scheme (2023).
- Assam-Specific:
- Targeted wetland restoration program covering 15 wetlands.
- ₹692 crore investment proposal under the National Disaster Management Fund (NDMF).
- Structural scaling of embankments and implementation of anti-erosion measures.
- Deployment of innovative geo-tube technology.
- Asian Development Bank (ADB)-supported riverbank protection projects.
🔴 Way Forward
- Basin-Level Planning: Transition to integrated management of the entire Brahmaputra basin.
- Wetland Mapping: Deploy Geographic Information System (GIS), remote sensing, and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technologies for precise real-time monitoring.
- Community Participation: Empower fishermen, local communities, and grassroots village institutions to lead conservation efforts.
- Stronger Legal Protection: Formally declare ecologically critical wetlands as strictly protected zones.
- Nature-Based Solutions: Seamlessly combine wetland rejuvenation, afforestation, and river restoration with conventional engineering infrastructure.
- Climate-Resilient Flood Management: Shift the institutional mindset from “controlling floods” to “living with floods through resilience.”
🔴 Conclusion
The Assam Government’s initiative to restore 15 wetlands represents a progressive paradigm shift toward ecosystem-based flood management. By treating wetlands as vital natural infrastructure rather than wastelands, Assam is pioneering a sustainable, climate-resilient, and biodiversity-friendly disaster management model. Effective execution of this initiative can serve as a scalable blueprint for flood-prone regions across India, ensuring long-term environmental security and disaster resilience.
Underground Power Distribution System in Guwahati (RDSS)
- GS Paper III: Infrastructure, Energy, Urban Development
- GS Paper V: Infrastructure Development in Assam
- Prelims: RDSS, Power Distribution, Smart Grid, Underground Cabling
🔴 Introduction
- The Assam Government, via the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL), has launched the first phase of an underground power distribution project in Guwahati.
- Targeted at five major urban corridors, the project has an estimated cost of ₹200 crore, funded by the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
- Objective: Transition from conventional overhead lines to modern underground infrastructure to boost power reliability, public safety, urban aesthetics, and disaster resilience, creating a smart urban power network.
🔴 Key Points from the News
| Aspect | Details |
| Project Area | Guwahati |
| Implementing Agency | Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) |
| Funding | Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) |
| First Phase Cost | ₹200 crore |
| Purpose | Ensure reliable, safe, and resilient power supply |
| Major Corridors | Paltan Bazar, AT Road, MG Road, GS Road, Jalukbari |
| Long-term Vision | Complete conversion of overhead lines into an underground network |
🔴 What is Underground Power Distribution?
- The process of laying electrical transmission and distribution cables beneath the ground instead of using suspended overhead poles.
- Key Components:
- Underground power cables
- Ring Main Units (RMUs)
- Feeder Pillars
- Geographic Information System (GIS)-enabled monitoring systems
- Smart switching infrastructure
- The Guwahati project utilizes a ring-main based underground architecture to ensure superior reliability and rapid fault isolation.
🔴 About RDSS (Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme)
- Launched By: Government of India, Ministry of Power (2021).
- Duration: 2021–22 to 2025–26.
- Nature: A reforms-based and results-linked operational scheme.
- Core Objectives:
- Enhance the operational efficiency of DISCOMs.
- Reduce Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses.
- Improve the quality and reliability of the power supply.
- Modernize overall distribution infrastructure.
- Promote smart metering and smart distribution systems.
🔴 Why Does Guwahati Need Underground Cabling?
- Urban Congestion: Dense commercial areas and restricted space make new overhead lines and traffic management difficult.
- Public Safety Concerns: High risk of electrocution, falling conductors during storms, and severe encroachment near power lines.
- Flood Vulnerability: Overhead infrastructure is frequently damaged by Guwahati’s recurrent urban flooding, waterlogging, and heavy storms.
- Rising Power Demand: Rapidly increasing electricity needs in Northeast India’s primary gateway city require a modernized distribution network.
🔴 Expected Benefits
- Reliable Power Supply: Ensures fewer outages, enhanced voltage regulation, and faster fault isolation.
- Enhanced Public Safety: Eliminates exposed conductors, significantly reducing accident risks, especially during storms.
- Disaster Resilience: highly resistant to cyclones, strong winds, falling trees, and lightning disruptions.
- Urban Aesthetics: Removes overhead wire clutter, beautifying the cityscape and boosting tourism appeal.
- Reduced Technical Losses: Optimized network design minimizes transmission and distribution power losses.
🔴 Prelims Pointers
- Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)
- Ministry: Ministry of Power.
- Nature: Reforms-based and Results-linked Scheme.
- Launch Year: 2021.
- Focus: Distribution Sector Reforms.
- Key Components: Smart Metering, Infrastructure Strengthening.
- APDCL (Assam Power Distribution Company Limited)
- Functions: Core electricity distribution, consumer service delivery, network maintenance, and power loss reduction in Assam.
- Important Power Sector Terms
- AT&C Losses: Stands for Aggregate Technical and Commercial Losses. Encompasses technical losses, power theft, billing, and collection inefficiencies.
- Ring Main Unit (RMU): A medium-voltage switchgear used in underground networks for fault isolation, network flexibility, and ensuring continuous supply.
- GIS Substation (Gas Insulated Substation): A compact, highly reliable substation design exceptionally suited for dense urban areas.
🔴 Mains Pointers
A. Importance
- Smart City Development: Drives urban modernization, smart utility management, and digital infrastructure.
- Economic Growth: Reliable power catalyzes growth for industries, businesses, the service sector, and the start-up ecosystem.
- Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure: Central to climate-resilient urban planning and adaptation.
- Ease of Living: Elevates consumer satisfaction, service reliability, and urban safety.
- Sustainable Urbanization: Facilitates long-term infrastructure planning for rapidly expanding cities.
B. Challenges
- Financial Constraints: Underground setups require vastly more capital investment than overhead lines.
- Technical Challenges: Involves complex installation, difficult underground fault detection, and requires specialized maintenance.
- Urban Space Constraints: Interference with existing water pipelines, sewerage networks, telecom cables, and road infrastructure.
- Flooding Risks: Prolonged waterlogging can impair improperly designed or sealed underground systems.
- Coordination Issues: Requires seamless synchronization between APDCL, Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), Public Works Department (PWD), and Telecom operators.
C. Government Initiatives
- National Level: RDSS, Smart Cities Mission, Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS), Digital India initiatives.
- Assam-Specific:
- Smart Distribution Project for Guwahati.
- Dedicated Underground cabling initiative.
- GIS-based asset mapping.
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Distribution Management System (SCADA/DMS) implementation.
- Substation modernization and APDCL’s tech-driven investment plan.
🔴 Assam-Specific Value Addition
- Proposed First-Phase Corridors: Paltan Bazar area, AT Road corridor, MG Road corridor, GS Road corridor, and Jalukbari corridor.
- These represent Guwahati’s densest and busiest commercial and transport arteries.
🔴 Way Forward
- Phased Implementation: Prioritize execution in critical urban corridors before attempting city-wide scale-up.
- Smart Grid Integration: Embed smart meters, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based fault detection, and real-time monitoring capabilities.
- Climate-Resilient Design: Mandate waterproof infrastructure, flood-resistant equipment, and elevated ground control systems.
- Multi-Agency Coordination: Formulate and strictly enforce a unified urban utility corridor policy.
- Public Awareness: Proactively educate citizens regarding temporary execution disruptions, safety measures, and long-term benefits.
- Underground Utility Mapping: Build a comprehensive, unified GIS-based utility database for Guwahati prior to excavation.
🔴 Conclusion
The Underground Power Distribution Project under RDSS is a transformative step toward making Guwahati a resilient, smart, and future-ready city. By migrating from vulnerable overhead lines to advanced underground infrastructure, Assam is fundamentally enhancing power reliability, public safety, and disaster resilience. Successfully executing this vision will establish Guwahati as the benchmark for sustainable power distribution modernization across Northeast India.
Deepor Beel Elevated Railway Viaduct and Human-Wildlife Conflict
- GS Paper III: Environment, Biodiversity, Infrastructure & Conservation
- GS Paper V: Environment and Biodiversity of Assam
- Prelims: Ramsar Sites, Elephant Corridors, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Protected Areas
🔴 Introduction
- The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has initiated the construction of a 4.7-km elevated railway viaduct through Guwahati’s Deepor Beel area.
- Target Completion: March 2028 | Estimated Cost: ₹536 crore.
- Objective: Provide a long-term solution to train-elephant collisions in this highly sensitive wildlife corridor.
- While improving railway efficiency and wildlife safety, the project has sparked environmental concerns over its impact on the fragile wetland ecosystem.
🔴 Key Points from the News
- Project: Elevated Railway Viaduct
- Location: Deepor Beel, Guwahati
- Length: 4.7 km
- Estimated Cost: ₹536 crore
- Implementing Agency: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR)
- Completion Target: March 2028
- Primary Objective: Prevent train-elephant collisions
- Additional Works: Embankments, retaining walls, bridges, electrification, and signalling infrastructure
🔴 What is Deepor Beel?
- Type: Permanent freshwater riverine floodplain wetland.
- Location: Kamrup Metropolitan District, southwest of Guwahati.
- Connected River: Brahmaputra.
- Ramsar Designation: Recognized in 2002.
- Ecological Importance: Critical bird habitat, fish breeding ground, and elephant movement corridor.
🔴 Ecological Importance of Deepor Beel
- 1. Ramsar Site: Assam’s first Ramsar Site. (The Ramsar Convention, an international wetland treaty, was adopted in 1971 in Iran).
- 2. Biodiversity Hotspot:
- Birds: Over 230 species recorded, including migratory birds like the Spot-billed Pelican, Greater Adjutant Stork, Lesser Adjutant, and Bar-headed Goose.
- Mammals: Asian Elephant, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat.
- Aquatic Life: Rich in fish species, amphibians, and reptiles.
- 3. Natural Flood Buffer: Functions as a stormwater reservoir for Guwahati, a floodwater storage basin, and a groundwater recharge zone.
- 4. Livelihood Support: Sustains fisheries, agriculture, wetland-based livelihoods, and eco-tourism.
🔴 Human-Wildlife Conflict in Assam
- Meaning: Negative interactions between humans and wildlife causing injury, death, crop/property loss, and habitat fragmentation.
- Why Assam is Highly Vulnerable:
- Elephant Population: Hosts one of India’s largest wild elephant populations.
- Habitat Fragmentation: Driven by roads, railways, urban expansion, and encroachment.
- Shrinking Forests: Places immense pressure on vital wildlife corridors.
- Rapid Urbanization: Highly concentrated around Guwahati and adjoining regions.
🔴 Train-Elephant Collisions: A Major Concern
- The current railway line intersects a traditional elephant corridor at Deepor Beel, causing multiple elephant fatalities over the years.
- Due to accidents, the section operates under a permanent speed restriction of 30 kmph.
- Causes of Collisions: High train speeds, poor nighttime visibility, habitat fragmentation, and the absence of safe crossing structures.
🔴 How Will the Elevated Viaduct Help?
- Present Situation: Ground-level tracks force direct, dangerous interaction between trains and crossing elephants.
- After Completion: Trains will operate on an elevated structure, physically separating railway operations and allowing safe elephant movement below.
- Expected Benefits:
- Wildlife Conservation: Drastically reduces elephant mortality and improves habitat connectivity.
- Railway Efficiency: Eliminates the 30 kmph speed restriction, boosting operational efficiency.
- Passenger Safety: Lowers the risk of train accidents.
- Sustainable Infrastructure: Strikes a balance between development and ecological conservation.
🔴 Environmental Concerns
- 1. Tree Felling: Construction requires clearing vegetation in ecologically sensitive zones.
- 2. Disturbance to Wildlife: High noise pollution, heavy construction activity, and human intrusion.
- 3. Wetland Hydrology: Improper building practices could negatively alter water flow, sedimentation patterns, and overall wetland ecology.
- 4. Bird Habitat Disturbance: Poses a threat to critical habitats of migratory birds.
🔴 Prelims Pointers
- Ramsar Convention: Adopted in 1971 (Ramsar, Iran) as a wetland conservation treaty. India joined in 1982.
- Asian Elephant:
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Status: Endangered.
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest protection).
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES): Appendix I.
- Elephant Corridors: Natural pathways ensuring seasonal movement, genetic exchange, food/water access, and population viability.
- Important Wetlands of Assam: Deepor Beel, Pobitora Wetland, Maguri Beel, Son Beel.
- Infrastructure-Based Mitigation Measures:
- Underpasses: Allow wildlife movement below transport corridors.
- Overpasses (Eco-bridges): Allow wildlife movement above roads/railways.
- Elevated Viaducts: Permit uninterrupted movement beneath infrastructure.
🔴 Mains Pointers
A. Importance
- Conservation of Keystone Species: Elephants are ecosystem engineers; protecting them benefits entire ecosystems.
- Sustainable Infrastructure: Exemplifies development without ecological destruction.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Safeguards wetlands, forests, and crucial corridors.
- Improved Railway Connectivity: Facilitates freight movement, passenger transport, and regional economic growth.
- National Model: Acts as a template for future wildlife-sensitive projects across India.
B. Challenges
- Ecological Challenges: Habitat disturbance during construction, wetland degradation, and avian habitat impacts.
- Administrative Challenges: Requires complex coordination between the Railways and the Forest Department.
- Financial Challenges: High capital costs for elevated structures.
- Monitoring Challenges: Necessitates rigorous, long-term ecological tracking.
C. Government Initiatives
- National Level:
- Project Elephant (1992): Focuses on elephant conservation, corridor protection, and conflict mitigation.
- National Wildlife Action Plan (2017–2031): Promotes landscape-level conservation.
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Provides strict legal protection.
- Assam-Specific:
- Ongoing identification and conservation of Elephant Corridors.
- Deepor Beel conservation efforts (Ramsar management, restoration, habitat protection).
- The Elevated Viaduct Project as a targeted conflict-resolution mechanism.
🔴 Case Study for Mains
- Deepor Beel Elevated Viaduct:
- Issue: Frequent elephant mortalities from train collisions.
- Intervention: Deployment of an elevated railway corridor.
- Outcome: Reduced wildlife deaths, enhanced railway efficiency, and restored habitat connectivity. It stands as an optimal example of integrating conservation into major infrastructure planning.
🔴 Way Forward
- 1. Strict Environmental Safeguards: Implement continuous Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and rigorous wildlife monitoring during construction.
- 2. Maintain Hydrological Connectivity: Ensure all natural water flow patterns remain unobstructed.
- 3. Habitat Restoration: Mandate compensatory afforestation and active wetland restoration.
- 4. Technology-Based Monitoring: Utilize camera traps, drone surveillance, and Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking to map elephant movements.
- 5. Integrated Landscape Planning: Foster seamless coordination among the Railways, Forest Department, Wetland Authorities, and Local Communities.
- 6. Replication Across India: Adapt this wildlife-friendly infrastructure model in vulnerable states like Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Odisha.
🔴 Conclusion
The Deepor Beel Elevated Railway Viaduct is a milestone model for reconciling infrastructure growth with biodiversity conservation. Successfully balancing regional railway efficiency with the protection of an endangered keystone species and a fragile Ramsar wetland embodies the essence of sustainable development.
Future of Multilateralism and the United Nations: Challenges to the UN Charter-Based International Order
- GS Paper II: International Relations & International Institutions
- Essay: Global Governance, Multilateralism, International Cooperation
- Interview: Contemporary Global Affairs
🔴 Introduction
- Established in 1945 post-World War II, the United Nations (UN) was designed to maintain international peace, promote cooperation, and uphold international law.
- The article “Who will keep the UN Charter alive?” highlights a growing crisis in multilateralism, driven by geopolitical rivalry, weakening institutions, and declining respect for international law.
- As the UN approaches its 81st year and prepares to select its next Secretary-General, the future relevance of the UN Charter and the rules-based international order is under intense scrutiny.
🔴 Key Points from the Article
- Major Concerns Raised:
- The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is increasingly paralyzed.
- Great powers are openly violating international norms, straining the post-WWII rules-based order.
- Trust in international institutions is rapidly declining.
- Stronger global cooperation is urgently needed for crises like climate change, Artificial Intelligence (AI), pandemics, biodiversity loss, and armed conflicts.
- Expectations from the Next UN Secretary-General:
- Defend multilateralism and protect international law.
- Restore institutional credibility and aggressively reform the UN system.
- Strengthen peace and security mechanisms.
🔴 Understanding Multilateralism
- Definition: Cooperation among three or more countries to address common challenges through agreed-upon rules, institutions, and norms.
- Key Principles:
- Sovereign equality of states.
- Collective decision-making.
- Peaceful settlement of disputes.
- International cooperation.
- Respect for international law.
🔴 United Nations: An Overview
- Established: 24 October 1945.
- Headquarters: New York, USA.
- Members: 193.
- Founding Charter: UN Charter.
- Principal Organs: General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), International Court of Justice (ICJ), Secretariat, and Trusteeship Council.
🔴 UN Charter: The Foundation of International Order
- Often referred to as the “Constitution of the International Community.”
- Main Objectives:
- Maintain International Peace and Security.
- Promote Friendly Relations Among Nations.
- Encourage International Cooperation.
- Protect Human Rights.
- Uphold International Law.
🔴 Prelims Pointers
- United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
- Composition: 15 Members.
- Permanent Members (P5): United States, Russia, China, France, United Kingdom. (Exclusive holders of Veto Power).
- Non-Permanent Members: 10 members (Elected for two-year terms).
- UN Secretary-General
- Appointment Process: Recommended by the UNSC, appointed by the UN General Assembly.
- Tenure: Usually 5 years (Renewable).
- First Secretary-General: Trygve Lie.
- Current Secretary-General: António Guterres.
- Important UN Agencies & Headquarters
- World Health Organization (WHO): Geneva
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO): Paris
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): Rome
- International Labour Organization (ILO): Geneva
- United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF): New York
🔴 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Multilateralism
- 1. Managing Global Challenges: Transboundary issues (climate change, pandemics, cybersecurity, terrorism, AI governance) cannot be solved unilaterally.
- 2. Conflict Resolution: Provides essential diplomatic platforms for the peaceful settlement of disputes.
- 3. Protection of Smaller States: Prevents geopolitical domination by stronger nations.
- 4. Sustainable Development: Crucial for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Paris Agreement, and Biodiversity Framework.
- 5. Humanitarian Assistance: Coordinates global responses during wars, refugee crises, and natural disasters.
🔴 Challenges Facing the UN Today
- 1. Security Council Paralysis: The P5 veto system frequently blocks collective action (e.g., Ukraine, Syria, and Gaza conflicts).
- 2. Geopolitical Rivalry: Deepening competition (US-China, Russia-West) has severely weakened consensus-building.
- 3. Outdated Institutional Structure: The UNSC reflects 1945 power dynamics, severely under-representing India, Africa, and Latin America.
- 4. Declining Respect for International Law: A sharp increase in unilateral military and diplomatic actions by powerful states.
- 5. Funding Constraints: Many UN agencies face crippling financial pressures.
- 6. Emerging Global Threats: Lack of established governance for AI, climate emergencies, biosecurity risks, and space exploration.
🔴 India’s Position on UN Reforms
- India Advocates:
- 1. UNSC Reform: Expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership categories.
- 2. Greater Representation: Amplifying the voices of developing countries, Africa, and the Global South.
- 3. Democratic Global Governance: Aligning institutional structures with 21st-century geopolitical realities.
- G4 Countries: India is a core member of the G4 (alongside Germany, Japan, and Brazil), a coalition mutually supporting each other’s bids for permanent UNSC membership.
🔴 Contemporary Examples
- Climate Change: Implementation of the Paris Agreement strictly requires multilateral cooperation.
- Global Health: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fatal consequences of poor international coordination.
- Biodiversity: Execution of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework depends entirely on collective action.
🔴 Way Forward
- 1. Reform the UNSC: Expand membership to improve global representativeness and restore legitimacy.
- 2. Strengthen International Law: Enforce strict respect for Charter principles and reduce unilateral military actions.
- 3. Empower the Secretary-General: Grant greater diplomatic latitude and preventive capacities.
- 4. Strengthen Preventive Diplomacy: Pivot institutional focus from post-conflict management to proactive conflict prevention.
- 5. Enhance Funding and Accountability: Improve the efficiency, transparency, and financial independence of UN institutions.
- 6. Promote Inclusive Multilateralism: Ensure a stronger, decisive voice for the Global South, developing countries, Small Island States, and Africa.
🔴 Conclusion
The future of the international order depends on reviving faith in multilateralism. Amidst rising geopolitical fragmentation, climate crises, and technological disruptions, the world urgently needs stronger international institutions. Reforming the UN while preserving its foundational Charter is essential for 21st-century peace and stability.
APSC Prelims MCQs
Q1. With reference to wetlands, consider the following statements:
- Wetlands help in groundwater recharge.
- Wetlands act as natural flood buffers.
- Wetlands are exclusively freshwater ecosystems.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Wetlands store excess water, mitigate floods and recharge groundwater. They may be freshwater, brackish or marine ecosystems; therefore Statement 3 is incorrect.
Q2. Consider the following:
- Reclamation of wetlands
- Permanent construction within notified wetlands
- Dumping of solid waste in wetlands
Which of the above activities are generally restricted under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
The Rules restrict reclamation, dumping of waste and permanent constructions that adversely affect wetland ecology.
Q3. With reference to Deepor Beel, consider the following statements:
- It is a Ramsar Site.
- It is located near Guwahati.
- It is an important elephant movement corridor.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
Deepor Beel is Assam’s first Ramsar Site and an important wetland-cum-elephant corridor near Guwahati.
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding elephant corridors:
- They facilitate movement between fragmented habitats.
- They promote genetic exchange among elephant populations.
- They are notified under the Ramsar Convention.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Elephant corridors maintain habitat connectivity and genetic diversity. They are not notified under the Ramsar Convention.
Q5. Which one of the following is the most suitable ecological rationale behind constructing elevated railway viaducts in wildlife corridors?
(a) Increasing train speed only
(b) Reducing railway construction costs
(c) Facilitating uninterrupted wildlife movement beneath infrastructure
(d) Preventing soil erosion
Answer:
(c) Facilitating uninterrupted wildlife movement beneath infrastructure
Explanation:
Elevated viaducts separate wildlife movement from transport infrastructure, reducing animal mortality.
Q6. With reference to the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), consider the following statements:
- It is implemented by the Ministry of Power.
- It aims to improve operational efficiency of DISCOMs.
- It promotes smart metering and distribution infrastructure modernization.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
RDSS is a reforms-based power sector scheme aimed at reducing losses and modernizing power distribution.
Q7. Consider the following:
- Ring Main Unit (RMU)
- Smart Meter
- Feeder Pillar
Which of the above are commonly associated with modern underground power distribution systems?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
All are integral components of modern distribution networks.
Q8. The term “AT&C Losses”, often seen in the power sector, includes:
- Technical transmission losses
- Electricity theft
- Billing and collection inefficiencies
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
AT&C Losses refer to Aggregate Technical and Commercial losses.
Q9. Consider the following statements regarding the Ramsar Convention:
- It is an international treaty for wetland conservation.
- It was adopted in Ramsar, Iran.
- India became a party to the Convention in 1982.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
All three statements are correct.
Q10. Which one of the following best describes “multilateralism”?
(a) Bilateral cooperation between two countries
(b) Cooperation among multiple states through agreed rules and institutions
(c) Military alliance led by major powers
(d) Economic integration within a region only
Answer:
(b) Cooperation among multiple states through agreed rules and institutions
Explanation:
Multilateralism is rule-based cooperation among several nations.
Q11. With reference to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), consider the following statements:
- It consists of 15 members.
- All members possess veto power.
- Non-permanent members are elected for a two-year term.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:
(a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Only the five permanent members possess veto power.
Q12. Consider the following countries:
- India
- Germany
- Japan
- Brazil
These countries together constitute:
(a) QUAD
(b) G20 Troika
(c) G4 Group
(d) BRICS+
Answer:
(c) G4 Group
Explanation:
The G4 countries support each other’s candidature for permanent membership of the UNSC.
Q13. Which of the following are among the principal organs of the United Nations?
- General Assembly
- International Court of Justice
- Security Council
- Economic and Social Council
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer:
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation:
All are principal organs of the United Nations.
Q14. Consider the following statements:
- Wetland restoration is an example of Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR).
- Eco-DRR integrates ecosystem conservation with disaster management.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer:
(c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
Eco-DRR uses ecosystem conservation and restoration to reduce disaster risks.
Q15. With reference to the Asian Elephant, consider the following statements:
- It is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List.
- It is included in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- It is listed in Appendix I of CITES.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
The Asian Elephant enjoys the highest level of legal protection in India and is classified as Endangered by IUCN and listed in Appendix I of CITES.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📘 GS Mains Model Question (APSC CCE)
📝 Question
“The credibility of the United Nations is increasingly being challenged by geopolitical rivalries, institutional limitations, and emerging global crises. In this context, examine the need for reforms in the UN system to strengthen multilateralism in the 21st century.”
Model Answer
Introduction
The United Nations (UN), established in 1945, remains the cornerstone of the global multilateral order. It has played a significant role in maintaining international peace, promoting development, protecting human rights, and facilitating international cooperation. However, contemporary challenges such as great-power rivalry, climate change, pandemics, and technological disruptions have exposed structural weaknesses in the UN system, particularly in the Security Council.
Challenges Affecting the Credibility of the UN
1. Security Council Paralysis
- Frequent use of veto by Permanent Members (P5) often prevents effective action on major conflicts.
- Examples include the Ukraine conflict and the Gaza crisis.
2. Outdated Institutional Structure
- The UNSC reflects the geopolitical realities of 1945 rather than the present world order.
- Developing countries, particularly Africa and emerging powers such as India, remain underrepresented.
3. Erosion of Multilateralism
- Increasing unilateral actions and geopolitical competition have weakened consensus-based decision-making.
4. Emerging Global Challenges
- Climate change, Artificial Intelligence, cyber threats, pandemics, and biodiversity loss require stronger global governance mechanisms.
5. Declining Trust in International Institutions
- Perceived inefficiency and selective implementation of international law have affected institutional legitimacy.
Need for Reforms
Security Council Reform
- Expansion of permanent and non-permanent membership.
- Greater representation for the Global South.
Strengthening Preventive Diplomacy
- Enhance the role of the Secretary-General in conflict prevention and mediation.
Democratization of Global Governance
- Improve transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in decision-making.
Addressing Contemporary Challenges
- Establish stronger international frameworks for climate governance, AI regulation, and global health security.
India’s Perspective
India advocates comprehensive UN reforms through:
- Expansion of the UNSC.
- Greater voice for developing countries.
- Strengthening a rules-based international order.
- Promotion of inclusive and effective multilateralism.
Conclusion
In an era of interconnected global challenges, weakening multilateral institutions can have serious consequences for international peace and development. Reforming the United Nations is not merely an institutional necessity but a strategic imperative for preserving the relevance of the UN Charter and strengthening global cooperation in the 21st century.
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