APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (22/06/2026)

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 22 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

River Basin Management in the Brahmaputra Basin

• GS Paper III: Environment, Disaster Management (DM), Water Resources
• GS Paper V (Assam): Environment, Biodiversity & DM

🔴 Introduction

• The Brahmaputra River is a massive transboundary system and the lifeline of Assam.
• The Brahmaputra Board approved a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to update river basin master plans using Geographic Information System (GIS)-based scientific methods and stakeholder participation.
• This is a developmental necessity given Assam’s vulnerability to floods, erosion, sedimentation, and climate change.

🔴 Key Points

• Implementing Agency: Brahmaputra Board.
• New Initiative: SOP for updating river basin master plans.
• Planning Approach: GIS-based scientific planning.
• Coverage: 15 river sub-basins.
• States Covered: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland.
• Additional Focus: Managing flood, erosion, and sediment.
• New Policy: Sustainable development of Brahmaputra river islands.
• Key River Basins Under Study: Brahmaputra, Barak, Siang, Dibang.

🔴 What is River Basin Management?

• Definition: An integrated approach managing an entire river basin as a single ecological and hydrological unit, ignoring separate administrative boundaries.
• Main Components:
  • Flood, erosion, and sediment management.
  • Groundwater conservation & wetland protection.
  • Climate resilience & community participation.
  • Inter-state coordination.

🔴 Importance for Assam

• Flood Mitigation: Scientific basin planning reduces annual flood damages affecting millions.
• Erosion Control: Curbs severe riverbank erosion that causes the loss of thousands of hectares annually.
• Protection of Majuli: Saves the world’s largest inhabited river island from continuous land loss.
• Water Security: Supports irrigation, fisheries, and drinking water.
• Climate Change Adaptation: Prepares the state for extreme rainfall and glacial melt impacts.
• Sustainable Development: Balances ecology with infrastructure and economic growth.

🔴 Prelims Pointers

• Brahmaputra River:
  • Origin: Chemayungdung Glacier, Tibet (Known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet).
  • Enters India through Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Major Tributaries: Subansiri, Manas, Dibang, Lohit, Dhansiri, Jia Bharali.
• Brahmaputra Board:
  • Established under the Brahmaputra Board Act, 1980.
  • Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti.
  • Headquarters: Guwahati.
• GIS: Computer-based system for mapping and spatial analysis.
• Important River Islands: Majuli, Umananda.
• Barak River: Major river of southern Assam; flows through Cachar district.

🔴 Mains Pointers

A. Major Challenges

• Floods and Erosion: Annual floods and severe riverbank erosion cause massive population displacement (especially in Majuli and char areas).
• High Sediment Load: Brahmaputra carries one of the highest sediment loads globally.
• Climate Change Impacts: Increased extreme rainfall, glacier melting, greater flood frequency, wetland degradation, and agricultural losses.
• Institutional Weaknesses: Delayed master plans, lack of experts, poor inter-state coordination, and weak implementation capacity.

B. Government Initiatives

• Brahmaputra Board: Formulates master plans and conducts river basin studies.
• Flood Management Programme (FMP): Provides central assistance for flood control works.
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Implements flood preparedness frameworks.
• Ministry of Jal Shakti: Promotes integrated water resource management.
• Assam Initiatives: Focuses on embankment strengthening, river training, and erosion control projects.

C. Way Forward

• Scientific River Basin Governance: Utilize GIS, remote sensing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for flood forecasting.
• Nature-Based Solutions: Focus on wetland restoration, riparian vegetation, and strict floodplain zoning.
• Strengthen Brahmaputra Board: Ensure greater autonomy, increased technical manpower, and faster implementation.
• Community Participation: Include local communities and traditional knowledge in planning.
• Regional Cooperation: Enhance coordination among basin states and neighboring countries.
• Climate-Resilient Planning: Integrate climate projections into all river projects.

🔴 Reports & Institutions to Quote in Mains

• Brahmaputra Board
• Central Water Commission (CWC)
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Reports
• National Water Policy 2012
• Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

🔴 Conclusion

• The Brahmaputra is the ecological and economic backbone of Northeast India.
• Scientific river basin management transitions the approach from reactive flood control to a holistic, climate-resilient, and sustainable development framework.
• Long-term success depends entirely on effective implementation, institutional strengthening, and active community participation.

Assam has Highest Number of HIV Cases in Northeast

• GS Paper II: Health, Social Justice & Government Interventions
• GS Paper V: Health & Social Development in Assam

🔴 Introduction

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the body’s immune system, specifically CD4 (T-helper) cells. Untreated, it progresses to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), leading to opportunistic infections.
• Per the Union Health Ministry’s 2025–26 report (Source: Assam Tribune, 22 June 2026), Assam has the highest absolute number of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Northeast India with 33,145 cases and a prevalence rate of 0.13%.
• Despite a lower prevalence rate than other NE states, Assam’s high absolute burden is driven by its large population, migration, transport connectivity, and rapid urbanization.

🔴 Key Points from the Report

• PLHIV in Assam: 33,145
• Estimated Prevalence: 0.13%
• Rank in Northeast: 1st (in absolute cases)
• HIV-positive Women in Assam: 6,809
• HIV-positive Pregnant Women: 146
• Implementing Agency: National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO)
• Key Awareness Initiative: Red Fest
• Northeast Comparison (PLHIV Absolute Cases):
  • Assam: 33,145
  • Mizoram: 26,321
  • Nagaland: 23,731
  • Manipur: 23,463
  • Tripura: 10,769
  • Meghalaya: 9,244
  • Arunachal Pradesh: 2,630
  • Sikkim: 533

🔴 Understanding HIV and AIDS

• HIV: Virus that weakens immunity; targets CD4 T-cells; can remain asymptomatic for years.
• AIDS: Final stage of HIV infection when immunity is severely compromised.
• Modes of Transmission: Unprotected sexual contact, infected blood transfusions, sharing contaminated needles, mother-to-child transmission, and infected organ transplants.
• Not Spread Through: Touching, sharing food, hugging, mosquito bites, casual social contact.

🔴 Why is Assam Vulnerable?

• Strategic Transport Corridor: Acts as the Northeast gateway; high mobility facilitates transmission.
• Migration: Large-scale labour migration increases vulnerability among high-risk groups.
• Urbanisation: Rapid growth creates gaps in healthcare access and awareness.
• Cross-Border Connectivity: International borders and transit routes pose surveillance challenges.
• Social Stigma: Fear of discrimination delays testing and treatment.

🔴 Prelims Pointers

• NACO: Established in 1992 under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Implements the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP).
• NACP-V (2021–2026): Major objectives include reducing new infections, ensuring universal treatment access, eliminating mother-to-child transmission, and ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
• ART (Antiretroviral Therapy): Standard HIV treatment that suppresses viral load and improves lifespan/quality of life.
• UNAIDS Global Target (95-95-95 Targets by 2030): 95% know their status; 95% diagnosed receive treatment; 95% on treatment achieve viral suppression.
• Red Ribbon Symbol: Universal symbol for HIV/AIDS awareness.

🔴 Mains Pointers

A. Significance of Addressing HIV in Assam

• Public Health Security: Prevents long-term burden; reduces mortality and morbidity.
• Human Capital Development: A healthy workforce is vital for economic growth.
• Women and Child Welfare: Assam accounts for nearly half of all HIV-positive women in the Northeast.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Achievement: Aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

B. Major Challenges

• Social Stigma and Discrimination: Discourages voluntary testing and leads to late diagnosis.
• Mother-to-Child Transmission: 146 HIV-positive pregnant women reported in Assam.
• Healthcare Accessibility: Deficits in rural and char areas.
• Migration and Mobility: Mobile populations are hard to monitor and counsel.
• Lack of Awareness Among Youth: Misconceptions persist despite campaigns.
• Treatment Adherence: Ensuring long-term ART compliance remains difficult.

C. Government Initiatives

• NACO: Implements prevention, testing, treatment, and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns.
• Red Fest Initiative: Youth-oriented awareness using music and cultural platforms.
• IEC Campaigns: Focus on awareness, testing promotion, and stigma reduction.
• Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission (PPTCT): Provides antenatal screening and ART for pregnant women.
• Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS): State-level implementation body for HIV control.

D. Way Forward

• Expand Early Diagnosis: Promote universal screening and deploy mobile testing units in remote areas.
• Strengthen ART Coverage: Ensure an uninterrupted medicine supply.
• Focus on High-Risk Groups: Target migrants, truck drivers, youth, and vulnerable communities.
• Digital Health Monitoring: Utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) for disease surveillance and real-time tracking of ART adherence.
• Strengthen Community Participation: Engage NGOs, self-help groups, youth clubs, and religious leaders.
• Eliminate Stigma: Conduct workplace sensitization and educational awareness programs.
• Improve Maternal Screening: Mandate universal antenatal HIV testing.

🔴 Important Reports & Organisations

• Organisations: NACO, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), World Health Organization (WHO), ASACS.
• Important Programmes: NACP-V, Red Ribbon Clubs, Red Fest Campaign, PPTCT.
• Constitutional Linkages: Article 21 (Right to Life and Health); Directive Principles of State Policy relating to public health.

🔴 Conclusion

• Assam’s rising HIV cases constitute a major public health challenge requiring medical intervention, behavioural change, robust governance, and community participation.
• Though a low-prevalence state, Assam’s high absolute burden demands targeted action to meet the national goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
• Prioritizing early diagnosis, universal treatment access, and stigma-free healthcare will drastically reduce transmission and improve the quality of life for those affected.

Assam Rainforests: A Priceless Heritage

• GS Paper III: Environment, Biodiversity & Climate Change
• GS Paper V: Biodiversity, Environment & Natural Resources of Assam

🔴 Introduction

• Rainforests are vital terrestrial ecosystems essential for climate regulation, carbon sequestration (capturing/storing atmospheric carbon dioxide), water conservation, and ecological stability.
• Assam’s tropical and subtropical rainforests—principally located within the Dehing Patkai Landscape, Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, and surrounding ecosystems—form one of India’s richest biodiversity hotspots.
• The Dehing Patkai rainforest, dubbed the “Amazon of the East”, constitutes the largest stretch of lowland tropical rainforest in India.

🔴 Key Points

• Major Rainforest Region: Dehing Patkai Landscape.
• Popular Name: “Amazon of the East”.
• Location: Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and Charaideo districts of Assam.
• Protected Area: Dehing Patkai National Park (granted National Park status in 2021; covers approx. 234 sq km).
• Important Sanctuary: Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Significance: Extreme biodiversity, climate regulation, and functioning as a vital carbon sink.
• Major Threats: Coal mining, habitat fragmentation, climate change, and encroachment.

🔴 What are Tropical Rainforests?

• Dense forests characterized by:
  • High annual rainfall (greater than 200 cm).
  • Consistently warm temperatures and high humidity year-round.
  • Multi-layered vegetation and evergreen canopy cover.
  • Rapid nutrient cycling and high carbon storage capacities.

🔴 Major Rainforest Ecosystems of Assam

1. Dehing Patkai National Park:
   • Spans Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and Charaideo districts.
   • Largest lowland tropical rainforest in India; part of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.
   • Key Wildlife: Asian Elephant, Clouded Leopard, Leopard Cat, Malayan Giant Squirrel, Slow Loris, and Hoolock Gibbon.
2. Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary:
   • Located in Jorhat District.
   • Assam’s only protected habitat for the Western Hoolock Gibbon.
   • One of India’s last remaining patches of pristine evergreen rainforest.
   • Key Species: Western Hoolock Gibbon, Stump-tailed Macaque, Pig-tailed Macaque, and Capped Langur.

🔴 Biodiversity Significance

• Mammals: Hoolock Gibbon, Clouded Leopard, Elephant, Tiger, Leopard.
• Birds: Great Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, and the White-winged Duck.
• Reptiles: King Cobra and various Python species.
• Flora: Iconic tree species like Hollong, Nahor, and Mekai, alongside various orchids and medicinal plants.
• Endemic Species: Features diverse species restricted entirely to Northeast India and the Indo-Burma region.

🔴 Ecological Importance

• Carbon Sink: Mitigates climate change by absorbing massive amounts of atmospheric greenhouse gases (CO2).
• Water Cycle Regulation: Protects watersheds, maintains ambient humidity, and stabilizes regional rainfall patterns.
• Soil Conservation: Dense canopy cover minimizes soil erosion, land degradation, and river siltation.
• Ecological Connectivity: Forest corridors allow critical wildlife movement and healthy gene flow between isolated populations.

🔴 Prelims Pointers

• Dehing Patkai National Park: Originally established as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 2004, it was officially upgraded to a National Park by the Government of Assam in 2021.
• Indo-Burma Hotspot: One of the world’s 36 recognized biodiversity hotspots; encompasses Northeast India.
• Hoolock Gibbon: India’s only ape and the State Ape of Assam. Designated as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
• White-winged Duck: The State Bird of Assam and one of the world’s rarest avian species. IUCN conservation status is Critically Endangered.
• Great Indian Hornbill: Acts as a vital flagship species for Northeastern forest ecosystems.
• Ecosystem Services: Explicitly defined as benefits humans obtain from ecosystems (e.g., pollination, climate regulation, water purification).

🔴 Mains Pointers

A. Importance of Assam Rainforests

• Provides habitats for rare/endangered wildlife and secures genetic diversity.
• Moderates local macroclimates through heavy carbon sequestration.
• Ensures water security by maintaining the hydrological balance of major river systems.
• Supports indigenous/tribal communities via traditional livelihoods, eco-tourism, and non-timber forest products.

B. Major Challenges

• Coal Mining: Severe source of habitat destruction and pollution, specifically inside the Dehing Patkai landscape.
• Habitat Fragmentation: Linear infrastructure (roads, railways), industrial projects, and settlements sever corridors, escalating human-wildlife conflict.
• Encroachment & Logging: Expanding agricultural margins and illegal logging deplete ancient old-growth trees.
• Climate Change: Alters historical rainfall regimes and shifts wildlife distribution patterns.

C. Government Initiatives

• National Park Declaration (2021): Legal status upgraded for Dehing Patkai to solidify protection.
• Project Elephant & IDWH: Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) provides funding to protect elephant corridors and habitats.
• NAPCC & CAMPA: National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) guides ecosystem adaptation, while Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds ecological restoration.
• Assam State Biodiversity Board: Manages state-level biodiversity documentation and statutory conservation.

D. Way Forward

• Transition conservation models to broad, landscape-level scales over isolated protected pockets.
• Deploy scientific tracking systems like Geographic Information System (GIS), remote sensing, and drone-based surveillance.
• Actively restore disrupted wildlife corridors to reconnect fragmented forest matrices.
• Institutionalize community-based conservation by empowering local indigenous communities, village organizations, and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
• Enforce rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) protocols and forest laws to heavily regulate mining operations.

🔴 Important Reports & Institutions

• Reports: India State of Forest Report (ISFR), Global Forest Watch Reports, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Reports, and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Living Planet Report.
• Institutions: Forest Survey of India (FSI), National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), Assam State Biodiversity Board, and Wildlife Institute of India (WII).

🔴 Conclusion

• Assam’s rainforests are irreplaceable repositories of heritage, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
• Preserving landscapes like Dehing Patkai and Hollongapar requires balancing development with environmental sustainability.
• Long-term preservation hinges on robust landscape governance, re-establishing corridor connectivity, and empowering local frontline communities.

International Day of Yoga 2026 – Theme: “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”

• GS Paper II: Health, Social Sector & Government Initiatives
• Essay: Preventive Healthcare, Wellness and Healthy Lifestyle

🔴 Introduction

• The International Day of Yoga (IDY) is celebrated annually on 21 June, following its adoption by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2014.
• The 2026 theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, highlights yoga’s role in promoting physical fitness, mental resilience, and lifelong holistic well-being.
• Global celebrations underscore yoga’s growing acceptance as India’s soft-power contribution to global health.

🔴 Key Points

• Observed On: 21 June
• Adopted By: UNGA
• Year of Adoption: 2014 (First Celebration: 2015)
• Theme (2026): “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”
• Nodal Ministry in India: Ministry of AYUSH
• Objective: Promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

🔴 Why 21 June?

• Marks the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere (the longest day of the year in many countries).
• Holds deep significance in Indian yogic traditions.

🔴 Prelims Pointers

• IDY Origin: Proposed by PM Narendra Modi at the UNGA in September 2014; adopted on 11 December 2014 with a record 177 co-sponsoring countries.
• Ministry of AYUSH: Acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy.
• Common Yoga Protocol (CYP): A standardized yoga routine developed by the Ministry of AYUSH, practiced globally during IDY.
• WHO and Yoga: The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes physical activity and lifestyle interventions as critical for preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

🔴 Significance of Yoga for Healthy Ageing

• 1. Promotes Physical Health: Improves flexibility, balance, muscle strength, and cardiovascular health. Highly beneficial for the elderly, chronic disease patients, and sedentary workers.
• 2. Mental Health Benefits: Reduces stress/anxiety, improves concentration, and enhances emotional well-being (vital in the post-pandemic era).
• 3. Prevents Lifestyle Diseases: Helps manage diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, which form a large share of India’s disease burden.
• 4. Supports Healthy Ageing: Sustains functional ability, independence, mental health, and social participation.
• 5. Low-Cost Preventive Healthcare: Affordable, accessible, and community-oriented, reducing long-term healthcare expenditure.

🔴 Mains Pointers

A. Importance of Yoga in Public Health

• Reducing NCD Burden: Acts as a preventive intervention against rising cases of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
• Mental Health Promotion: Supports the objectives of the National Mental Health Programme and Tele-MANAS initiative.
• Geriatric Care: Aids India’s rapidly growing elderly population by improving mobility, balance, and cognitive function.
• Women’s Health: Beneficial during pregnancy, menopause, and post-menopausal management.

B. Challenges

• Limited Scientific Awareness: Frequently perceived merely as physical exercise.
• Urban Lifestyle Constraints: Lack of time and space restricts regular practice.
• Commercialization: Excessive commercial focus risks diluting traditional values.
• Accessibility Issues: Rural and remote areas lack trained instructors.
• Standardisation Concerns: Urgent need for evidence-based protocols and qualified trainers.

C. Government Initiatives

• Ministry of AYUSH: Leads IDY celebrations, research promotion, and yoga certification.
• National AYUSH Mission (NAM): Funds AYUSH healthcare infrastructure, human resource development, and wellness centres.
• Ayushman Bharat: Promotes preventive and promotive healthcare.
• Fit India Movement: Encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles.
• WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine: Established in Jamnagar, Gujarat, acting as a major global boost for traditional medicine systems.

D. Assam-Specific Dimension

• Institutional Participation: IDY was celebrated by NAM Assam, AIIMS Guwahati, Pragjyotishpur Medical College, Northeast Frontier Railway, Sainik Welfare Department, and various educational institutions.
• State Initiative Launch: The Governor launched the PM Shri Gaonwe-Gaonwe Yoga Maha Abhiyan to take yoga to every village in Assam and promote healthy living as a mass movement.

🔴 Important Reports & References

• WHO: Healthy Ageing Framework; Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030).
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Yoga directly contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

🔴 Conclusion

Global IDY celebrations reinforce India’s cultural diplomacy and soft-power influence.

The “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” theme reflects the global recognition of yoga as a preventive healthcare tool that improves the quality of life across all ages.

As India adopts a holistic healthcare model, yoga is crucial for reducing the disease burden, promoting mental wellness, and supporting active ageing.

APSC Prelims MCQs

Q1. With reference to River Basin Management, consider the following statements:

1. River Basin Management treats the entire river catchment as a single hydrological unit.
2. It emphasizes coordinated management of land, water and ecological resources.
3. River Basin Management focuses only on flood control measures.

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

Explanation:
RBM is an integrated approach involving water, land and ecosystem management. It is not limited only to flood control.

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Q2. Consider the following rivers:

1. Dibang
2. Lohit
3. Subansiri
4. Manas

Which of the above are tributaries of the Brahmaputra River?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Explanation:
All four rivers are important tributaries of the Brahmaputra.

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Q3. Which one of the following best describes Geographic Information System (GIS)?

A. A satellite communication system used for navigation
B. A computer-based system used to capture, store and analyse spatial data
C. A technology used exclusively for weather forecasting
D. A digital platform for census operations

Answer: B

Explanation:
GIS integrates spatial and geographical data for planning, mapping and resource management.

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Q4. With reference to HIV, consider the following statements:

1. HIV primarily attacks CD4 T-lymphocytes.
2. HIV infection always develops into AIDS within one year.
3. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) can suppress viral replication.

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: C

Explanation:
Statement 2 is incorrect. HIV may take many years to progress to AIDS, especially with treatment.

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Q5. Which of the following are recognised modes of HIV transmission?

1. Mother-to-child transmission
2. Blood transfusion from infected donor
3. Sharing contaminated needles
4. Mosquito bites

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: A

Explanation:
HIV is not transmitted through mosquito bites.

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Q6. With reference to the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), consider the following statements:

1. It functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
2. It implements the National AIDS Control Programme.
3. It is a statutory body established by Parliament.

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

Explanation:
NACO is not a statutory body; it is an administrative organisation under the Ministry of Health.

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Q7. International Day of Yoga is celebrated every year on:

A. 5 June
B. 11 July
C. 21 June
D. 2 October

Answer: C

Explanation:
International Day of Yoga is observed annually on 21 June following UNGA adoption in 2014.

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Q8. Consider the following statements regarding International Day of Yoga:

1. The proposal for International Day of Yoga was first placed before the United Nations by India.
2. The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated in 2015.
3. The United Nations adopted the resolution in 2014.

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

Explanation:
All statements are correct.

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Q9. Which of the following correctly represents AYUSH?

A. Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy
B. Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy
C. Ayurveda, Yoga, Urology, Siddha and Homoeopathy
D. Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Surgery and Homoeopathy

Answer: B

Explanation:
AYUSH includes Sowa-Rigpa and Yoga & Naturopathy.

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Q10. Consider the following benefits often associated with Yoga:

1. Improved flexibility
2. Better mental well-being
3. Reduction in lifestyle disease risks

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:
Scientific studies support all three benefits.

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Q11. With reference to Dehing Patkai National Park, consider the following statements:

1. It is located in Assam.
2. It is often referred to as the “Amazon of the East.”
3. It represents India’s largest stretch of lowland tropical rainforest.

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

Explanation:
All statements are correct.

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Q12. Which one of the following protected areas is especially known for the conservation of the Western Hoolock Gibbon?

A. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
B. Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
C. Orang National Park
D. Raimona National Park

Answer: B

Explanation:
Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary is the primary protected habitat of the Western Hoolock Gibbon.

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Q13. Consider the following statements:

1. Hoolock Gibbon is the only ape found in India.
2. White-winged Duck is the State Bird of Assam.
3. Both species are associated with rainforest ecosystems of Northeast India.

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

Explanation:
All statements are correct and highly relevant for Assam biodiversity.

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Q14. The term “Carbon Sink” refers to:

A. A process by which carbon is converted into methane
B. A reservoir that absorbs more carbon than it releases
C. A mechanism of carbon trading
D. A geological process occurring only in oceans

Answer: B

Explanation:
Forests, wetlands and oceans act as carbon sinks by absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide.

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Q15. Consider the following pairs:

Protected Area	State
1. Dehing Patkai National Park	Assam
2. Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary	Assam
3. Namdapha National Park	Arunachal Pradesh

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None

Answer: C

Explanation:
All three pairs are correctly matched. These protected areas are important components of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.

APSC Mains Practice Question

📘 GS Mains Model Question (APSC CCE)

📝 Question

“Assam’s rainforests are critical ecological assets that contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. However, developmental pressures and climate change pose serious threats to their survival.” Examine.

Model Answer

Introduction

Assam’s tropical rainforests, particularly the Dehing Patkai National Park and Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, form part of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. These forests are often referred to as the “Amazon of the East” due to their rich biodiversity and ecological significance. They play a vital role in climate regulation, carbon sequestration and ecosystem stability.

Body

1. Ecological Significance of Assam’s Rainforests

A. Biodiversity Conservation

• Habitat for endangered species such as:
  • Western Hoolock Gibbon (India’s only ape)
  • Clouded Leopard
  • White-winged Duck
  • Asian Elephant
• Preserve unique genetic diversity and endemic species.

B. Climate Change Mitigation

• Act as major carbon sinks by absorbing atmospheric CO₂.
• Help regulate local temperature and rainfall patterns.

C. Hydrological Functions

• Maintain watershed health.
• Reduce soil erosion and sedimentation.
• Support river systems and groundwater recharge.

D. Livelihood and Cultural Importance

• Provide non-timber forest products.
• Support eco-tourism and indigenous communities.

2. Major Threats

A. Mining and Industrial Activities

• Coal mining in the Dehing Patkai landscape has caused habitat degradation and fragmentation.

B. Habitat Fragmentation

• Expansion of roads, railways and settlements disrupts wildlife corridors.

C. Climate Change

• Altered rainfall patterns and extreme weather events affect species distribution and ecosystem functioning.

D. Encroachment and Illegal Logging

• Increasing human pressure on forest resources.

E. Human-Wildlife Conflict

• Shrinking habitats increase interactions between wildlife and local communities.

3. Way Forward

• Strengthen landscape-level conservation.
• Restore wildlife corridors and degraded habitats.
• Promote community-based conservation.
• Ensure strict Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) compliance.
• Utilize GIS, remote sensing and scientific monitoring.
• Encourage sustainable eco-tourism and green livelihoods.

Conclusion

Assam’s rainforests are invaluable ecological treasures that support biodiversity, climate resilience and human well-being. Balancing developmental needs with ecological sustainability through scientific management and community participation is essential to preserve this natural heritage for future generations.

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