APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (27/06/2026)
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 27 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
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls: Ensuring Electoral Integrity or Raising Concerns?
- GS Paper II: Governance | Constitution | Polity | Election Commission | Representation of the People Act
- GS Paper V (Assam): Governance & Public Administration
- Prelims: Election Commission, Electoral Rolls, Constitutional & Legal Provisions
🔴 Introduction
- Definition: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a comprehensive verification exercise by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure electoral rolls are accurate, inclusive, and free from duplicate, deceased, shifted, or ineligible voters.
- Electoral Roll: The official list of eligible voting citizens, prepared and maintained by the ECI.
- Current Status: SIR recently completed one year, resulting in the deletion of nearly 6 crore voter names across phases.
- Key Highlights:
- Phase-I (Pilot): Started in Bihar (24 June 2025); removed ~65 lakh names.
- Phase-II: Covered 12 States & Union Territories (UTs); reduced rolls by 10.2%.
- Phase-III: Currently underway in 18 States/UTs.
- Constitutional Validity: Upheld unanimously by the Supreme Court (SC) in March 2026.
- Objectives: Remove invalid entries, include newly eligible voters, enhance transparency, and reduce electoral fraud.
- Process: Publication of draft roll ➔ House-to-house verification ➔ Claims & objections ➔ Public hearings ➔ Publication of final roll.
🔴 Constitutional & Legal Framework
- Article 324: Grants the ECI superintendence, direction, and control of elections.
- Article 326: Mandates elections based on Universal Adult Suffrage (minimum voting age: 18 years).
- Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1950: Deals with preparation/revision of electoral rolls, allocation of seats, and elector qualifications.
- Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951: Deals with the conduct of elections, qualifications/disqualifications, corrupt practices, and election petitions.
🔴 Prelims Specific
- Election Commission of India (ECI): An Autonomous Constitutional Body (Article 324). Headed by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) (appointed by the President); Headquarters in New Delhi.
- Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC): Introduced in 1993; issued by the ECI as identity proof for voting.
- Key Digital Portals: Voter Helpline App, National Voters’ Service Portal (NVSP), and the Booth Level Officer (BLO) verification system.
- Important Terms: Electoral Roll, Draft/Final Roll, Continuous Updation, Intensive/Summary Revision.
🔴 Main Pointers
- Importance of SIR:
- Free and Fair Elections: Upholds democratic legitimacy by eliminating fake/duplicate voting.
- Electoral Integrity: Enforces the principle of “One Person, One Vote”.
- Better Governance: Accurate voter databases improve overall election management.
- Prevents Fraud: Reduces impersonation and bogus voting, building public trust.
- Key Challenges:
- Documentation Issues: Genuine voters may lack adequate documentary proof.
- Risk of Exclusion: Marginalised groups (migrant workers, elderly, homeless, tribal communities) face higher risks of being omitted.
- Administrative Burden: Requires massive manpower, time, and digital infrastructure.
- Political Controversies: Opposition alleges selective deletion, disenfranchisement, and political misuse.
- Data Privacy: Securing millions of personal records requires robust cybersecurity.
- Institutional Initiatives:
- Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP): Promotes informed and inclusive voter participation.
- Electoral Roll Management System (ERMS) for continuous updation.
- Significance for Assam (APSC Context):
- Crucial due to Assam’s historical challenges regarding migration, citizenship verification, border management, and inclusion debates. A transparent, legally sound revision is vital for the state’s democratic stability.
- Related Reports/Institutions: Law Commission of India (electoral reforms) and Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) (electoral governance).
🔴 Way Forward
- Inclusive Verification: Facilitate multiple forms of identity/residence proof and assist vulnerable groups during the process.
- Digital Integration: Utilize secure technology and robust data management to safeguard privacy.
- Public Awareness: Expand SVEEP to educate the public on the revision process and improve participation.
- Independent Grievance Redressal: Ensure transparent, timely mechanisms for appeals against wrongful deletions.
- Periodic Revision: Conduct transparent, regular revisions with stakeholder consultations to maintain public trust.
🔴 Conclusion
The SIR is essential for maintaining India’s electoral credibility. Balancing verification rigor with universal adult suffrage through a transparent, citizen-centric, and technology-driven approach will secure electoral integrity while safeguarding every eligible citizen’s right to vote.
Maa Kamakhya Corridor Project: Transforming a Sacred Heritage into a World-Class Pilgrimage Destination
- GS Paper I: Indian Heritage, Art & Culture
- GS Paper II: Government Policies & Interventions | Governance
- GS Paper III: Infrastructure | Sustainable Urban Development | Tourism
- GS Paper V (Assam): Heritage, Tourism, Infrastructure & Governance
🔴 Introduction
- Project Overview: Assam’s flagship heritage infrastructure project to transform the Kamakhya Temple (a revered Shakti Peetha) into a world-class pilgrimage destination while preserving its cultural significance.
- Timeline & Cost: Foundation laid by the Prime Minister (PM) in February 2024. Construction commenced in June 2026. Estimated cost is ₹500 crore.
- Executing Agency: Public Works Department (PWD), Government of Assam, with an expected completion time of 2 years.
- Objective: Redevelop temple surroundings, ease congestion, expand public spaces, and enhance the overall pilgrim experience.
🔴 About Kamakhya Temple
- Location: Nilachal Hill, Guwahati, Assam, overlooking the Brahmaputra River.
- Religion: Hinduism (Shaktism), dedicated to Kamakhya Devi (Goddess Shakti).
- Unique Feature: No idol; worshipped as a natural rock fissure symbolizing feminine creative power.
- Major Festival: Ambubachi Mela.
🔴 Major Features of the Project
- Expansion of Public Space: From the existing 3,000 sq ft to more than 1 lakh sq ft, developed across three levels.
- Wider Access Roads: Expanding current widths (8–10 feet) to nearly 30 feet to improve crowd management, pilgrim movement, and disaster response.
- Heritage-sensitive Development: The Indian Institute of Hydrology (IIH) evaluated subsurface conditions to create a revised design protecting structural integrity and underground features.
- Better Pilgrim Facilities: Upgrades include queue management, waiting areas, drinking water, toilets, parking, and universal accessibility.
- Improved Traffic Management: Focus on reducing congestion and enhancing pedestrian safety, especially during peak festivals.
🔴 Prelims Specific
- Kamakhya Temple: Centre of Tantric Shaktism on Nilachal Hill.
- Ambubachi Mela: Annual June festival marking the Goddess’s symbolic menstruation. The temple remains closed for three days and reopens post-purification. One of India’s largest religious gatherings.
- Shakti Peeths: Associated with the body parts of Goddess Sati; spread across India and neighbouring nations.
- Important Bodies: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), IIH, PWD (Assam), and Assam Tourism Department.
- Related Government Schemes: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASAD), Swadesh Darshan Scheme, Smart City Mission, and Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY).
🔴 Main Pointers
A. Importance of the Project
- Heritage Conservation: Preserves sacred religious sites, Assam’s cultural identity, and India’s intangible heritage.
- Religious Tourism: Boosts domestic/international arrivals and promotes year-round tourism.
- Economic Development: Generates jobs (hospitality, construction, local trade) and boosts Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- Urban Infrastructure: Improves roads, sanitation, parking, and crowd management.
B. Challenges
- Heritage Preservation: Ensuring modern infrastructure doesn’t compromise archaeological character.
- Environmental Concerns: Nilachal Hill is ecologically sensitive; risks include hill cutting, soil erosion, and biodiversity stress.
- Rehabilitation & Livelihood: Relocation concerns of local traders. Administration is geo-tagging commercial establishments for fair compensation.
- Traffic Management: Logistical hurdles of managing lakhs of pilgrims during Ambubachi Mela.
C. Government / Institutional Initiatives
- Central Government: PRASAD Scheme (pilgrimage infra), Swadesh Darshan Scheme (theme-based spiritual circuits), and the Incredible India Campaign.
- Assam Government: Corridor project, Ambubachi Mela management, and urban infra development in Guwahati.
D. Relevant Reports & Policies
- National Tourism Policy (Draft) & National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation.
- UNESCO Sustainable Tourism principles.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) and SDG 8 (Decent Work/Economic Growth).
🔴 Way Forward
- Heritage-sensitive Development: Complement historical and architectural character during redevelopment.
- Promote Sustainable Pilgrimage: Adopt waste segregation, plastic-free zones, green mobility, and rainwater harvesting.
- Improve Multimodal Connectivity: Integrate road, rail, air, and inland waterways.
- Strengthen Crowd Management: Utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based crowd monitoring, digital ticketing, and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance..
🔴 Conclusion
The project balances heritage conservation with modern infrastructure. By prioritizing environmental sustainability, local livelihoods, and technological integration, it will elevate Kamakhya into a globally recognized model of sustainable pilgrimage, reinforcing Assam’s role in India’s spiritual heritage.
India–Oman Relations: A Strategic Partnership in the Western Indian Ocean
- GS Paper II: International Relations
- Prelims: Gulf Region | West Asia | International Organizations | Maritime Security
🔴 Introduction
- India and Oman share one of the oldest, most stable relationships in the Gulf, rooted in centuries of maritime trade and cultural exchange.
- Recent Context: Indian Ambassador Prashant Pise recently presented credentials to Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, reaffirming strategic ties amid West Asian geopolitical tensions.
- Key Facts: Diplomatic ties established in 1955; upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2008.
🔴 Why is Oman Important for India?
- Strategic Maritime Location: Oman guards the Strait of Hormuz (handling ~20% of global petroleum trade), making it critical for India’s energy security, trade, and supply chains.
- Gateway to West Asia: Connects India to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), East Africa, and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Trusted Partner: Unlike conflict-prone nations, Oman maintains a balanced foreign policy and acts as a regional mediator.
🔴 Evolution of India–Oman Relations
- Ancient: Maritime trade across the Arabian Sea.
- 1955: Formal diplomatic relations established.
- 2008: Elevated to Strategic Partnership.
- Present: Comprehensive cooperation spanning defence, energy, and diaspora welfare.
🔴 Major Pillars of Bilateral Relations
- Political Relations: Driven by regular high-level visits, strategic dialogue, and regional coordination.
- Defence & Security: Features joint exercises (e.g., Exercise Al Nagah for the Army), intelligence sharing, and naval cooperation. The Port of Duqm provides critical logistical support to Indian naval vessels.
- Maritime Security: Collaboration on freedom of navigation, anti-piracy, search and rescue, and securing Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) near the Strait of Hormuz.
- Energy Security: Oman is a vital supplier of crude oil and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), aiding India’s energy diversification.
- Trade & Investment:
- Indian Exports: Engineering goods, food, textiles, pharmaceuticals.
- Indian Imports: Crude oil, fertilizers, petrochemicals.
- Investments: Strong Indian corporate presence in construction, healthcare, and education.
- Indian Diaspora: Over 6 lakh Indians live in Oman, strengthening economic and people-to-people ties.
- Cultural Relations: Shared maritime history; robust celebration of Yoga, Ayurveda, and Indian festivals.
🔴 Recent Developments
- Leadership Reaffirmation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned recent violations of Oman’s sovereignty, praising Oman’s role in safely evacuating Indian nationals during the West Asia crisis. Both nations emphasized diplomacy and safe navigation.
🔴 Prelims Pointers
- Oman Basics: Capital: Muscat | Currency: Omani Rial (OMR) | Head of State: Sultan Haitham bin Tariq | Language: Arabic.
- Strategic Geography: Borders the Arabian Sea. Controls the Strait of Hormuz (a critical chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea).
- Important Organisations:
- GCC: Members are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) & Arab League (Oman is a member of both).
🔴 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for India
- Energy & Maritime Security: Secures shipping lanes, provides reliable crude/LNG, and anchors anti-piracy efforts.
- Strategic Outreach: Enhances India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision in the Indian Ocean.
- Economic & Diaspora Ties: Fosters infrastructure cooperation, trade growth, and remittance flows from the large Indian workforce.
B. Challenges
- Regional Instability: Iran–Israel tensions and broader West Asian conflicts threaten maritime security.
- Economic Limitations: Energy price volatility directly impacts trade. Furthermore, trade remains heavily concentrated in hydrocarbons.
- Geopolitics: India faces strategic competition from China for influence in the Gulf.
C. Government Initiatives
- India: SAGAR Vision, Act West Policy, Neighbourhood First, and the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
- Oman: Vision 2040 (focusing on economic diversification, logistics, renewables, and digital economy).
D. Relevant Agreements
- 2008 Strategic Partnership, Defence MoUs, Joint Commission Meeting (JCM), and ongoing economic partnership dialogues.
🔴 Way Forward
- Strengthen Maritime Cooperation: Expand naval exercises and coastal security coordination.
- Diversify Economic Relations: Move beyond hydrocarbons into green hydrogen, renewable energy, Financial Technology (FinTech), and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Enhance Connectivity: Leverage the Port of Duqm to improve regional logistics.
- Promote Stability: Continuously support diplomatic dialogue and freedom of navigation in West Asia.
🔴 Conclusion
India–Oman relations have successfully evolved from ancient maritime exchanges to a robust strategic partnership. Amidst West Asian volatility, Oman serves as a vital anchor for India’s energy security and maritime safety, making continued cooperation essential for broader regional stability.
Brewing New Horizons in Tea Farming: Diversification for Sustainable Growth
- GS Paper III: Agriculture | Economic Development | Sustainable Rural Livelihoods
- GS Paper V (Assam): Agriculture | Tea Industry | Rural Economy
🔴 Introduction
- Context: Assam produces over half of India’s tea and is globally recognized for high-quality Assam Tea. However, the sector faces structural challenges like climate change, volatile prices, rising production costs, changing consumer preferences, and labour shortages.
- Core Theme: The future of tea farming depends on diversification (integrating tea production with complementary activities) to enhance farmers’ incomes, strengthen rural livelihoods, and promote sustainable agriculture.
🔴 Why Diversification is Needed?
- Reduces over-reliance on a single crop.
- Mitigates risks associated with climate variability (affecting yield/quality).
- Counters rising input costs and labour shortages.
- Acts as a buffer against domestic and international price fluctuations.
- Improves competitiveness against other tea-producing nations.
🔴 Major Diversification Opportunities
- Tea Tourism: Developing heritage bungalows, eco-resorts, tea tasting, and plucking experiences. Promotes Assam’s cultural heritage, increases tourist footfall, and encourages rural entrepreneurship.
- Organic Tea Farming: Utilizing compost, biofertilisers, and biological pest management. Yields premium international prices, improves soil fertility, and ensures sustainable long-term production.
- Agroforestry: Integrating shade, fruit, and timber trees alongside bamboo and medicinal plants. Enhances carbon sequestration, microclimates, biodiversity, and farm income.
- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs): Cultivating lemongrass, tulsi, ashwagandha, and aloe vera to tap into the high-demand pharmaceutical and wellness industries.
- Beekeeping (Apiculture): Low-investment activity that provides additional income (honey/beeswax) and improves crop pollination/productivity.
- Value Addition: Shifting from raw tea sales to specialty, orthodox, green, white, and flavoured teas. Includes investing in tea packaging, branding, and tea cafés to increase the farmer’s share in the final consumer price.
🔴 Environmental Benefits
- Diversified farming leads to reduced soil erosion, better water conservation, enhanced biodiversity, improved carbon storage, and greater climate resilience with less dependence on chemical inputs.
🔴 Prelims Pointers
- Assam Tea: Largest tea-producing state in India; globally famous for its strong malty flavour.
- Geographical Indication (GI) Tag: Assam Orthodox Tea holds a GI tag.
- Tea Board India: A statutory body established under the Tea Act, 1953. It functions under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry with its headquarters in Kolkata.
- Small Tea Growers (STGs): Crucial demographic producing a substantial share of Assam’s tea and acting as major contributors to rural employment.
- Key Concepts:
- Organic Farming: Relies on biofertilisers, biopesticides, and crop diversity.
- Agroforestry: Growing trees and crops together to improve land productivity and ecological balance.
🔴 Mains Pointers
A. Importance
- Income & Employment: Creates multiple revenue streams and generates jobs in hospitality, processing, handicrafts, and marketing.
- Export Competitiveness: Organic and specialty teas fetch premium global prices.
- Social Empowerment: Provides employment for women and spurs rural startups in eco-tourism, wellness, and agri-processing.
- Sustainability: Enhances climate resilience and soil conservation.
B. Challenges
- Climate Change: Erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and pest outbreaks leading to declining productivity.
- Financial & Market Hurdles: STGs often lack credit, modern technology, and direct market linkages.
- Infrastructure & Skills: Deficits in cold chain logistics, digital connectivity, processing units, and trained manpower for tea tourism.
C. Government Initiatives
- Central & State Support: Tea Board India and the Assam Government provide quality certification, export promotion, welfare for workers, and support for STGs and tea tourism.
- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Promotes climate-resilient farming practices.
- Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER): Supports organic farming, certification, and market linkages in the North East.
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Finances post-harvest and value-addition infrastructure.
D. Relevant Reports & Policies
- NMSA, National Agriculture Policy, and Tea Board India Reports.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Aligns with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
🔴 Way Forward
- Promote Tea Tourism: Build integrated circuits featuring homestays and plantation visits.
- Encourage Organic Transition: Provide strict certification support, financial incentives, and premium market access.
- Strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs): Improve aggregation, branding, and bargaining power for STGs.
- Invest in Value Addition: Ramp up processing and export infrastructure for specialty teas.
- Enhance Extension & Connectivity: Develop climate-resilient tea varieties and expand e-commerce platforms for allied products.
🔴 Conclusion
Diversifying tea farming is vital for the long-term competitiveness of Assam’s tea sector. By embracing tourism, organic cultivation, agroforestry, and value addition, growers can secure resilient livelihoods and ecological balance, fulfilling the broader goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and sustainable rural development.
APSC Prelims MCQs
Q1.With reference to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls, consider the following statements:
- It is conducted by the Election Commission of India under powers derived from Article 324 of the Constitution.
- One of its objectives is to remove duplicate and ineligible entries from electoral rolls.
- Preparation and revision of electoral rolls are governed primarily by the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Electoral rolls are primarily governed by the Representation of the People Act, 1950, not the 1951 Act.
Q2.Which of the following are correctly matched?
| Constitutional Provision | Subject |
| 1. Article 324 | Superintendence of elections |
| 2. Article 325 | Universal Adult Suffrage |
| 3. Article 326 | Adult Suffrage for elections |
Select the correct answer using the code below.
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Explanation:
Article 325 prohibits exclusion from electoral rolls on grounds of religion, race, caste or sex. Universal Adult Suffrage is under Article 326.
Q3.With reference to the Kamakhya Temple, consider the following statements:
- It is situated on Nilachal Hill overlooking the Brahmaputra River.
- It is one of the revered Shakti Peethas of Hinduism.
- The principal deity is worshipped in the form of a natural rock fissure rather than a conventional idol.
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 three statements are correct.
Q4.The PRASAD Scheme, often seen in the news, aims to:
A. Promote precision agriculture
B. Develop pilgrimage destinations through integrated infrastructure
C. Protect archaeological monuments from climate change
D. Develop Smart Cities through PPP mode
Answer: B
Explanation:
PRASAD stands for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive.
Q5.With reference to Ambubachi Mela, consider the following statements:
- It is celebrated annually at Kamakhya Temple.
- It symbolizes the annual menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya.
- During the observance, the temple remains closed for a few days before reopening after purification rituals.
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:
All statements correctly describe Ambubachi Mela.
Q6.Which one of the following best explains the strategic importance of Oman for India?
A. It shares a land boundary with India.
B. It controls India’s exclusive economic zone.
C. It is located near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy chokepoint.
D. It is India’s largest trading partner in Asia.
Answer: C
Explanation:
Oman’s proximity to the Strait of Hormuz makes it strategically important for India’s energy and maritime security.
Q7.Consider the following organizations:
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
- Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
- Arab League
Oman is a member of which of the above?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation:
Oman is a member of GCC, IORA and the Arab League.
Q8.The Port of Duqm, often mentioned in India-Oman relations, is significant because it:
A. Hosts India’s only overseas naval base.
B. Provides logistical support and strategic access to Indian naval vessels.
C. Is jointly administered by India and Oman.
D. Is located at the entrance of the Red Sea.
Answer: B
Explanation:
India has access to Duqm Port for logistics and maintenance under bilateral arrangements.
Q9.With reference to Tea Board India, consider the following statements:
- It is a statutory body.
- It functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- It was established under the Tea Act, 1953.
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:
All statements are correct.
Q10.Which of the following practices are commonly associated with organic tea cultivation?
- Biofertilisers
- Vermicompost
- Synthetic pesticides
- Biological pest control
Select the correct answer using the code below.
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Explanation:
Organic farming avoids synthetic pesticides while promoting biological methods.
Q11.Agroforestry contributes to sustainable agriculture because it:
- Enhances biodiversity.
- Improves carbon sequestration.
- Reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers.
- Improves soil conservation.
Select the correct answer using the code below.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
Explanation:
All are recognised ecological benefits of agroforestry.
Q12.With reference to the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), consider the following statements:
- It promotes certified organic farming in the North Eastern Region.
- It supports value chain development from production to marketing.
- It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
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:
MOVCDNER promotes organic farming and value chains in the North East under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
Q13.Consider the following pairs:
| Scheme | Objective |
| 1. PRASAD | Pilgrimage infrastructure |
| 2. MOVCDNER | Organic agriculture in North East |
| 3. SAGAR | Maritime security and regional cooperation |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Answer: C
Explanation:
All three pairs are correctly matched.
Q14.Which of the following developments would most directly contribute to income diversification for tea growers?
- Tea tourism
- Cultivation of medicinal plants
- Beekeeping
- Value-added tea processing
Select the correct answer using the code below.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2, 3 and 4 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
Explanation:
All these activities provide supplementary income to tea growers.
Q15.Consider the following statements:
- Sustainable pilgrimage infrastructure can promote both cultural heritage conservation and local economic development.
- Diversified plantation agriculture generally enhances climate resilience compared to monocropping.
- Accurate electoral rolls are essential for strengthening democratic governance.
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 three statements are conceptually correct and reflect the broader themes of governance, sustainability and inclusive development.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📘 GS Mains Model Question (APSC CCE)
📝 Question
Q. Diversification of tea farming through tea tourism, organic cultivation and allied enterprises can significantly improve farmers’ income and enhance climate resilience. Discuss with special reference to Assam. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Model Answer
Introduction
The Economic Survey 2023–24 highlights the need for crop diversification and value addition to achieve sustainable agricultural growth. As the world’s largest tea-growing region, Assam can strengthen the resilience of its tea sector by integrating tea cultivation with tourism, organic farming and allied activities.
Body
1. Significance of Diversification
A. Income Enhancement
- Reduces dependence on tea alone.
- Generates multiple income streams through tea tourism, apiculture and medicinal plants.
- Promotes value-added products like orthodox, green and specialty teas.
B. Sustainable Agriculture
- Organic farming improves soil health and biodiversity.
- Agroforestry enhances carbon sequestration and conserves water.
- Reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
C. Rural Employment
- Creates employment in hospitality, handicrafts, food processing and transport.
- Encourages entrepreneurship among rural youth and women.
D. Tourism Promotion
- Tea estate stays, tea tasting and plantation tours promote experiential tourism.
- Strengthens Assam’s image as a heritage and eco-tourism destination.
E. Climate Resilience
- Crop diversification reduces vulnerability to erratic rainfall and temperature rise.
- Agroforestry and integrated farming systems improve ecosystem resilience.
2. Challenges
- Climate change affecting tea quality and productivity.
- Limited access to finance for small tea growers.
- Inadequate processing and storage infrastructure.
- Lack of branding and direct market access.
- Skill gaps in tourism and value-added enterprises.
- Certification challenges for organic tea.
3. Government Initiatives
- Tea Board India support for quality improvement and exports.
- Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER).
- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF).
- Assam Government initiatives promoting tea tourism and welfare of tea garden workers.
4. Way Forward
- Develop integrated Tea Tourism Circuits in Assam.
- Strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
- Expand organic certification and premium market access.
- Promote GI-based branding and export of Assam Tea.
- Encourage climate-smart tea cultivation through research and extension.
- Improve digital marketing, processing and logistics infrastructure.
Conclusion
Diversification is essential for transforming Assam’s tea sector from a production-centric model to a value-driven rural economy. By integrating sustainable agriculture, tourism and allied enterprises, Assam can enhance farmers’ income, improve climate resilience and contribute to the objectives of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
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