APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (16/07/2026)
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 16 July 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 Foundation Course, 2026
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Orunodoi Scheme: Assam’s Flagship Strategy for Poverty Reduction
- GS Paper II: Governance | Government Policies & Interventions | Welfare Schemes | Social Justice
- GS Paper III: Inclusive Growth | Poverty Alleviation | Financial Inclusion | Economic Development
- GS Paper V (Assam): Economy of Assam | Government Welfare Schemes | Inclusive Development
🔴 Introduction
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is a governance mechanism transferring welfare benefits directly into eligible beneficiaries’ bank accounts, minimizing leakages, delays, and corruption.
- During the Assam Legislative Assembly Budget Session 2026, the Chief Minister highlighted DBT schemes as Assam’s primary weapon against poverty.
- The Orunodoi Scheme is the flagship driver of this transformation, with enhanced financial assistance announced for its next phase.
Key Points
- Programme: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Flagship Scheme (Assam): Orunodoi
- Objective: Poverty reduction via direct income support.
- Mode: Direct bank account transfers.
- Focus: Women-led household welfare and financial inclusion.
- Impact: Significant reduction in multidimensional poverty in Assam.
- Future Vision: Promote economic self-reliance in districts and constituencies through livelihood generation.
What is the Orunodoi Scheme?
- Assam’s flagship social welfare DBT scheme providing monthly financial aid to economically vulnerable households.
- Primary Beneficiary: The female member of the family.
- Core Objectives:
- Reduce poverty and vulnerability.
- Improve health and nutrition expenditure.
- Promote women’s financial empowerment.
- Provide income security and strengthen social protection.
What is Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)?
- An electronic transfer system introduced by the Government of India (GoI) to deliver subsidies and welfare directly, eliminating intermediaries.
- Core Objectives: Eliminate corruption/ghost beneficiaries, improve transparency/accountability, promote financial inclusion, and ensure efficient welfare delivery.
JAM Trinity: Foundation of DBT
- DBT operates securely and transparently via:
- J – Jan Dhan Accounts
- A – Aadhaar
- M – Mobile Connectivity
Highlights from the Assembly Statement
- DBT and Orunodoi lead Assam’s poverty alleviation strategy.
- Financial assistance under Orunodoi will be increased.
- Goal to further reduce multidimensional poverty and make every constituency/district economically self-reliant.
- Boosting local production (eggs, fish, milk) to end reliance on syndicate systems.
- Strict penal action warned against disruptors of welfare initiatives.
Importance of DBT for Assam
- Poverty Reduction: Predictable income support for food, healthcare, and education.
- Women’s Empowerment: Direct credit enhances financial autonomy and household decision-making power.
- Financial Inclusion: Promotes banking habits, digital transactions, and integration into the formal economy.
- Good Governance: Digital tracking ensures transparency and accountability.
- Inclusive Growth: Ensures balanced socio-economic development by reaching the most vulnerable.
🔴 Prelims Specific
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Launched by GoI in 2013; relies on the JAM Trinity; covers pensions, subsidies, and scholarships.
- Orunodoi Scheme: Assam’s flagship DBT initiative; female-centric monthly financial assistance aimed at poverty reduction.
- Related DBT Schemes:
- PM-KISAN
- PM Ujjwala Yojana (LPG subsidy)
- National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
- Fertiliser subsidy
- Various Scholarship schemes
🔴 Main Pointers
A. Importance
- Social Justice: Protects vulnerable groups and reduces socio-economic disparities.
- Inclusive Growth: Acts as a social safety net sustaining low-income household consumption.
- Women Empowerment: Direct transfers elevate women’s economic participation.
- Digital Governance & Finance: Expands banking access, digital literacy, and transparent public expenditure.
B. Challenges
- Exclusion Errors: Documentation/identification gaps exclude eligible citizens.
- Aadhaar Authentication Failures: Biometric mismatches and network connectivity delay payments.
- Digital Divide: Poor internet access and digital literacy in remote/riverine regions.
- Inflation: Fixed transfer amounts lose purchasing power over time.
- Fiscal Burden: Continuous expansion strains state fiscal resources.
C. Government Initiatives
- Government of India: DBT Mission, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Aadhaar, Public Financial Management System (PFMS), and Digital India Mission.
- Government of Assam: Orunodoi Scheme, Mission Basundhara (digital governance), and expansion/enhancement of DBT welfare delivery.
Relevant Reports & Constitutional Linkages
- Reports:
- NITI Aayog – National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Global MPI
- World Bank – Social Protection and Jobs
- Constitutional Provisions (Directive Principles of State Policy):
- Article 38: Promote social welfare.
- Article 39: Ensure adequate livelihood and equitable resource distribution.
- Article 41: Public assistance for unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement.
- Article 47: Raise nutrition levels and standard of living.
🔴 Way Forward
- Periodically revise financial assistance to offset inflation.
- Regularly update databases to improve beneficiary targeting and minimize exclusion errors.
- Expand digital and banking infrastructure specifically in remote and riverine areas.
- Strengthen transparency via robust grievance redressal mechanisms and social audits.
- Converge cash transfers with skill development and livelihood programs to prevent long-term welfare dependency.
🔴 Conclusion
The DBT framework and Assam’s Orunodoi scheme represent a critical shift toward transparent, citizen-centric governance. By empowering vulnerable households, particularly women, and integrating welfare with livelihood creation, these programs form the foundational stepping stones for achieving Viksit Assam and Viksit Bharat 2047.
VB-GRAM-G (Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission – Gramin): Replacing MGNREGA
- GS Paper II: Governance | Government Policies & Interventions | Rural Development | Welfare Schemes
- GS Paper III: Inclusive Growth | Employment | Agriculture | Rural Infrastructure | Sustainable Development
- GS Paper V (Assam): Economy of Assam | Rural Development | Employment Generation | Government Schemes
🔴 Introduction
The Government of India has replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM-G), effective 1 July 2026.
Designed to align with Viksit Bharat @2047, the scheme expands guaranteed employment, promotes sustainable livelihoods, creates durable assets, and integrates modern technologies like Geographic Information System (GIS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Prime Minister (PM) Gati Shakti.
Key Points
- Full Name: Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)
- Replaces: MGNREGA
- Employment Guarantee: 125 days per eligible rural household annually (demand-driven).
- Planning & Tech: Gram Sabha-based Village Development Plans using GIS, AI, Global Positioning System (GPS), and biometric attendance.
- Main Objective: Rural employment, livelihood security, climate resilience, and durable asset creation.
Background: What was MGNREGA?
- A 2005 rights-based legislation guaranteeing 100 days of unskilled manual wage employment annually.
- One of the world’s largest public employment programmes.
Why was VB-GRAM-G introduced?
To transition from temporary wage employment toward sustainable livelihoods, rural infrastructure, climate-resilient assets, and technological integration in line with Viksit Bharat @2047.
Objectives
- Provide 125 days of guaranteed employment.
- Enhance livelihood security and create durable community/agricultural infrastructure.
- Promote climate-resilient development and digital transparency.
- Reduce rural poverty and distress migration.
Major Features
- Increased Guarantee: From 100 to 125 days.
- Four Broad Categories of Works (318 total works):
- Water Conservation: Check dams, ponds, canals, watershed, rainwater harvesting.
- Rural Infrastructure: Roads, culverts, Gram Panchayat buildings, schools, Anganwadi Centres, markets, sanitation complexes.
- Livelihood Infrastructure: Dairy/fisheries infrastructure, cold storage, skill centres, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) houses, irrigation wells.
- Climate & Disaster Resilience: Flood/cyclone shelters, embankments, afforestation, post-disaster restoration.
Technology Integration
Introduces robust digital governance absent in MGNREGA to ensure transparency and accountability:
- GIS-based village planning & Geospatial mapping.
- AI-enabled monitoring & GPS-based worksite verification.
- Biometric attendance & real-time Management Information System (MIS) dashboards.
- Integration with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
Agricultural Focus
- Mandates a 60-day employment break during sowing and harvesting seasons to ensure adequate agricultural labour availability and balance productivity.
🔴 Prelims Specific
- VB-GRAM-G: Effective 1 July 2026; provides 125 days of employment; covers 318 work categories; integrates GIS, AI, and PM Gati Shakti.
- MGNREGA: Enacted in 2005; rights-based; guaranteed 100 days; under the Ministry of Rural Development.
- PM Gati Shakti: GIS-based National Master Plan promoting coordinated infrastructure development.
🔴 Mains Pointers
A. Importance
- Employment & Inclusive Growth: Expands wage opportunities, secures incomes, and reduces distress migration for vulnerable households.
- Rural & Agricultural Infrastructure: Builds durable public assets, improves irrigation, and supports water conservation.
- Climate Resilience & Digital Governance: Adapts to climate change via disaster-resilient infrastructure while reducing corruption through real-time monitoring.
B. Significance for Assam
- Generates critical employment in flood-prone and rural districts.
- Strengthens Brahmaputra embankments, flood shelters, and erosion adaptation.
- Creates livelihood assets in tea garden and tribal areas; supports PMAY-G housing.
C. Challenges
- Digital Divide: Poor internet connectivity in remote villages.
- Institutional Capacity: Gram Panchayats need training for effective GIS planning.
- Implementation Bottlenecks: Delayed fund releases affect wage payments; AI/GIS requires technical maintenance.
- Inclusion & Quality: Ensuring participation of women, Scheduled Castes (SC) / Scheduled Tribes (ST), and maintaining structural quality of assets.
D. Government Initiatives (Convergence)
- Government of India: Digital India Mission, PMAY-G, Jal Jeevan Mission, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), Watershed Development Component (WDC-PMKSY).
- Government of Assam: Implementation via Panchayat and Rural Development Department; convergence with flood management and irrigation.
Comparison: MGNREGA vs VB-GRAM-G
| Feature | MGNREGA (2005) | VB-GRAM-G (2026) |
| Nature & Focus | Rights-based Act; Purely wage employment | Mission-mode; Employment + Livelihood + Infrastructure |
| Days Guaranteed | 100 days | 125 days |
| Technology | Limited MIS | GIS, AI, GPS, Biometrics |
| Planning & Assets | Gram Panchayat; Basic public assets | GIS-based Village Plans; Climate & livelihood-oriented |
| Integration | Standalone | Integrated with PM Gati Shakti |
Reports & Constitutional Linkages
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work), SDG 9 (Infrastructure), SDG 13 (Climate Action).
- Constitutional Provisions: Article 38 (Social welfare), Article 39(a) (Adequate livelihood), Article 41 (Right to work), Article 46 (Promote weaker sections).
🔴 Way Forward
- Ensure timely wage payments through fortified digital infrastructure.
- Build technical capacity for Gram Panchayats to utilize GIS-based planning.
- Expand rural internet connectivity and strictly enforce independent social audits.
- Deepen convergence with agriculture, watershed development, and rural entrepreneurship to create locally relevant, durable assets.
🔴 Conclusion
VB-GRAM-G marks a paradigm shift from temporary wage labor to a sustainable, tech-driven rural development model. By expanding guaranteed employment to 125 days and integrating tools like PM Gati Shakti, it aligns with Viksit Bharat @2047. Its success hinges on timely funding, robust digital infrastructure, and local capacity building, making it a critical tool for climate resilience and inclusive growth in states like Assam.
Strait of Hormuz Crisis & India’s Energy Security: Implications of the West Asia Conflict
- GS Paper II: International Relations | India’s Relations with West Asia | Global Groupings
- GS Paper III: Energy Security | Economy | Internal Security | Supply Chain & Trade
- GS Paper V (Assam): Economic Development | Energy Security | Disaster & Crisis Management | Economy of Assam
🔴 Introduction
- The renewed United States (US)–Iran conflict has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global sea lane.
- Reports indicate seven Indian ships were stranded, prompting diplomatic efforts for safe passage.
- This disruption threatens India’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) imports, as the country is heavily dependent on Gulf nations, highlighting the strategic importance of the Strait for global energy security, Indian economic stability, and maritime trade.
Location of the Strait of Hormuz
- A narrow maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
- Borders: Iran (North), Oman (Musandam Peninsula), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (South).
- Primary gateway for Gulf oil and gas exports.
Key Points
- Water Body: Strait of Hormuz.
- Connects: Persian Gulf → Gulf of Oman → Arabian Sea.
- Bordering Countries: Iran, Oman, UAE.
- Importance: Major global oil and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) shipping route.
- Current Issue: US-Iran conflict disrupting shipping.
- Indian Impact: Stranded Indian ships; potential LPG supply disruptions.
- Government Response: Diplomatic engagement for vessel safety.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz Important?
- Recognized as the world’s most critical energy chokepoint.
- A primary transit route for crude oil, petroleum products, and LNG, connecting Gulf producers with global markets.
- Vital for maintaining international energy security.
Why is it Important for India?
- Energy Security: India imports a massive share of crude oil, LPG, and LNG from the Gulf. Disruptions impact energy availability, fuel prices, inflation, and industrial production.
- Maritime Trade: Essential for large trade volumes with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, and Bahrain. Disruptions increase freight/insurance costs and delay deliveries.
- Indian Diaspora: Approximately 9 million Indians reside in Gulf countries. Conflicts threaten their safety, remittances, and may necessitate evacuations.
- Strategic Interests: India maintains crucial defence, energy, trade, and maritime security partnerships in the region.
Why LPG is a Major Concern?
- While crude oil imports have been diversified, India remains heavily dependent on Gulf nations for LPG.
- Continued disruptions risk declining imports, delayed alternative supplies, rising costs, and increased domestic prices.
Major Oil Exporting Countries Using the Strait
- Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Iran, Qatar, UAE.
- These nations account for a major share of India’s hydrocarbon imports.
🔴 Prelims Specific
- Strait of Hormuz: Connects Persian Gulf & Gulf of Oman to the Arabian Sea. Bordered by Iran, Oman, UAE. A vital energy chokepoint.
- Other Chokepoints:
- Strait of Malacca: Indian Ocean – South China Sea
- Bab-el-Mandeb: Red Sea – Gulf of Aden
- Bosporus: Black Sea – Sea of Marmara
- Suez Canal: Mediterranean Sea – Red Sea
- Panama Canal: Atlantic Ocean – Pacific Ocean
- Persian Gulf Countries: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE.
🔴 Main Pointers
A. Importance for India
- Energy Security: Ensures uninterrupted crude, LPG, and LNG imports; supports economic growth.
- Economic Stability: Controls inflation; prevents manufacturing and transport disruptions.
- Maritime Trade: Facilitates West Asia, Europe, and Africa export-import supply chains.
- Strategic Diplomacy: Strengthens ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC); enhances regional peace and maritime security roles.
B. Challenges
- Geopolitical Conflicts: US-Iran tensions threaten maritime navigation.
- Rising Oil Prices: Increases import bills and current account deficits.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Delays cargo; raises logistics costs.
- Inflationary Pressures: Higher fuel prices inflate food and transport costs.
- Diaspora Safety: Requires potential evacuation and consular assistance in conflict zones.
C. Government Initiatives
- Energy Security: Diversified crude imports (Russia, US, Brazil, Africa); Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs); renewable expansion via the National Green Hydrogen Mission; biofuels/ethanol blending.
- Maritime Security: Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR); mission-based naval deployments; Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR); anti-piracy escorts.
- Diplomacy: Balanced engagement with Iran and Gulf states; coordinated sea lane safety; consular support for citizens abroad.
Relevant International Organisations
- GCC, International Energy Agency (IEA), Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), OPEC+, International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Reports & Indices
- IEA – World Energy Outlook; BP Statistical Review of World Energy; Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas; Economic Survey of India; United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) – Review of Maritime Transport.
Significance for Assam
- Despite domestic oil and gas production, Assam relies on the national supply chain for petroleum and LPG.
- Disruptions can spike local prices, inflate transport costs across the Northeast, impact industries, and underscore the need for better refining, pipelines, and renewable adoption.
🔴 Way Forward
- Diversify energy import sources to minimize regional overdependence.
- Expand India’s SPRs.
- Accelerate the adoption of renewables and green hydrogen.
- Strengthen Indian Ocean maritime security and naval cooperation.
- Enhance diplomatic engagement with West Asia to protect shipping routes.
- Promote domestic exploration, refining, and energy efficiency for resilience.
🔴 Conclusion
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint whose instability directly threatens India’s energy and economic security. Navigating this requires a balanced foreign policy, diversified energy sourcing, and robust maritime capabilities to ensure long-term resilience for India and energy-dependent states like Assam.
Economic Fallout of the Iran War: Implications for India and the Way Forward
- GS Paper II: International Relations | India and West Asia | Foreign Policy | Strategic Affairs
- GS Paper III: Indian Economy | Energy Security | External Sector | Inflation | Internal Security
- GS Paper V (Assam): Economic Development | Energy Security | Disaster & Crisis Management | Economy of Assam
🔴 Introduction
- The conflict involving Iran highlights the intersection of geopolitical instability and economic security.
- As a leading crude oil importer, India faces severe vulnerabilities from disruptions in West Asia, particularly along the Strait of Hormuz—a vital conduit for global oil and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) trade.
- A protracted war risks driving up oil prices, triggering inflation, inflating fiscal stress, obstructing maritime trade, and dampening economic growth, which underscores the need for energy security and strategic autonomy.
Key Points
- Conflict Region: West Asia (Iran and surrounding region).
- Core Threat: Disruption of global energy corridors, specifically the Strait of Hormuz.
- Immediate Impacts: Escalating crude oil prices and maritime shipping logjams.
- Indian Vulnerabilities: Energy import dependency, cost-push inflation, widening fiscal and trade deficits.
- Long-Term Imperative: Diversification of energy portfolios and enhancement of strategic resilience.
Why is Iran Important for India?
- Strategic Gateway: Acts as a land bridge to Central Asia via the India-backed Chabahar Port.
- Connectivity: Serves as a vital node in the multi-modal International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
- Energy Potential: Historically a top crude oil supplier prior to the imposition of international sanctions.
- Geopolitics: Proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global maritime chokepoint.
Economic Impact on India
- Crude Oil Surge: India imports nearly 85% of its crude requirements; price spikes balloon the import bill, transport costs, and industrial production expenses.
- Inflationary Pressures: Elevated energy costs fuel cost-push inflation across food logistics, manufacturing, fertilizers, electricity, and public transport.
- Current Account Deficit (CAD): Expensive oil imports expand the merchandise trade deficit, widening the Current Account Deficit (CAD) and undermining macroeconomic balance.
- Fiscal Strain: Public exchequer faces pressure from rising Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and fertilizer subsidy burdens alongside potential revenue drops from slowing growth.
- Rupee Depreciation: Skyrocketing dollar demand for oil imports weakens the Indian Rupee, compounding external debt servicing costs and triggering imported inflation.
- Financial Markets: Heightened geopolitical risk fuels equity market volatility, domestic capital outflows, and diminished foreign investments.
- Supply Chain Disruption: Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz faces operational delays, spiked freight charges, and soaring maritime insurance premiums.
Impact on India’s Energy Security
- Energy security hinges on four dimensions: availability, affordability, accessibility, and sustainability.
- Key Challenges: High reliance on imported crude and Gulf-sourced LPG, maritime transit risks, severe price volatility, and strategic exposure to external shocks.
Implications for Assam
- Despite domestic hydrocarbon extraction (centered around Digboi, Numaligarh, and Duliajan), Assam remains tied to the national supply chain.
- A prolonged conflict will drive up regional LPG prices, compound transport costs across the Northeast, inflate production inputs for tea, agriculture, and local industries, and pinch household budgets.
- Strategic Silver Lining: Assam’s domestic petroleum assets gain added strategic importance in buffering India’s overall energy ecosystem.
🔴 Prelims Specific
- Strait of Hormuz: Chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, opening into the Arabian Sea; bordered by Iran, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- Chabahar Port: Located in Iran; built with Indian assistance to bypass Pakistan and access Afghanistan and Central Asia.
- INSTC: Multi-modal transit network connecting India to Iran, Central Asia, Russia, and Europe.
- Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR): Underground crude reserves maintained by India at Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru, and Padur to insulate against short-term supply cuts.
🔴 Main Pointers
A. Importance
- Energy Security & Stability: Uninterrupted supplies act as a buffer against external shocks to ensure sustained economic growth, low inflation, and fiscal discipline.
- Strategic Autonomy: Balanced diplomacy enables independent ties with Iran, Israel, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the United States (US) without bloc alignment.
- Maritime Safety: Securing Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) is foundational for baseline trade, energy flow, and overall national security.
B. Challenges
- Geopolitical Instability: Escalating friction actively jeopardizes maritime shipping safety.
- Macroeconomic Strain: Spiking oil imports drive up the national import bill, induce fiscal stress via subsidies, and weaken the external sector through currency depreciation.
- Logistical Blockades: Transit delays and rising logistics costs disrupt vital export-import supply chains.
C. Government Initiatives
- Energy Buffers: Diversification of oil sourcing; expansion of the SPR network; launch of the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) for domestic extraction.
- Green Transition: Scaling up the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Ethanol Blending Programme, solar, wind, and biofuel targets.
- Maritime & Regional Safety: Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative; naval mission-based deployments; tracking via the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR); alignment with the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
Relevant Reports & Linkages
- Organizations: Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), OPEC+, International Energy Agency (IEA), International Maritime Organization (IMO), GCC.
- Reports: Economic Survey of India; Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Reports; IEA World Energy Outlook; United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Review of Maritime Transport; International Monetary Fund (IMF) World Economic Outlook.
- Constitutional Baseline: Reflected via Article 38 (welfare and social order) and Article 39(b) (equitable distribution of material resources). Supported by the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 and the Draft National Energy Policy.
🔴 Way Forward
- Sourcing & Storage: Shift away from regional overdependence by expanding the global import basket and ramping up underground SPR capacity.
- Green & Local Acceleration: Push for cross-sector energy efficiency, scale green hydrogen, solar, and wind, and expand domestic exploration and refining capacity.
- Security & Diplomacy: Maintain robust naval presence and domain awareness to secure critical SLOCs while utilizing balanced diplomacy to advocate for peaceful dialogue in West Asia.
🔴 Value Addition
- Core Quote: “Energy security is the foundation of economic security.”
- GS-III Toolkit: Reduce external shock vulnerability via a diversified import basket, strategic reserves, swift renewable transition, green hydrogen, robust maritime tracking, and balanced West Asian diplomacy.
🔴 Conclusion
The Iran conflict underscores how quickly regional instability triggers domestic economic turbulence. Safeguarding India’s growth requires a dual approach: maintaining strategic diplomatic neutrality in West Asia while aggressively accelerating domestic energy exploration, expanding strategic stockpiles, and transitioning to a clean energy economy.
APSC Prelims MCQs
Q1. With reference to the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system in India, consider the following statements:
- It aims to transfer government benefits directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
- It is based on the JAM Trinity.
- It was introduced under the Digital India Mission in 2015.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation: DBT was launched in 2013, not under Digital India (2015). It is based on the JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) Trinity.
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Orunodoi Scheme:
- It is the flagship Direct Benefit Transfer scheme of Assam.
- The financial assistance is transferred to the female member of the beneficiary household.
- It is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation: Orunodoi is implemented by the Government of Assam, not by the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
Q3. Which one of the following combinations correctly represents the JAM Trinity?
A. Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile
B. Jan Suraksha–Aadhaar–Mobile
C. Jan Dhan–Ayushman–Mobile
D. Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Market
Answer: A
Explanation: JAM stands for Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile, which forms the backbone of DBT.
Q4. With reference to the VB-GRAM-G (Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission-Gramin), consider the following statements:
- It replaced MGNREGA from July 2026.
- It guarantees 125 days of wage employment annually.
- It integrates village planning with the PM Gati Shakti platform.
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: D
Explanation: All three statements are correct according to the new scheme.
Q5. Which of the following technologies are proposed to be used under VB-GRAM-G?
- Artificial Intelligence
- GIS-based planning
- GPS-based worksite monitoring
- Biometric attendance
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: VB-GRAM-G proposes extensive use of AI, GIS, GPS and biometric attendance for transparency.
Q6. Under the VB-GRAM-G scheme, employment during sowing and harvesting seasons is proposed to be:
A. Increased to 150 days
B. Replaced by cash transfer
C. Suspended for a 60-day period
D. Restricted only to women workers
Answer: C
Explanation: A 60-day employment break is provided to ensure adequate agricultural labour during peak farming seasons.
Q7. The Strait of Hormuz connects:
A. Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea
B. Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
C. Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea
D. Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal
Answer: B
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, opening into the Arabian Sea.
Q8. Which of the following countries directly border the Strait of Hormuz?
- Iran
- Oman
- United Arab Emirates
- Qatar
Select the correct answer using the code below.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
Explanation: The Strait is bordered by Iran, Oman (Musandam Peninsula) and the UAE. Qatar does not directly border the Strait.
Q9. Which one of the following is often referred to as the world’s most important energy chokepoint?
A. Strait of Malacca
B. Bosporus Strait
C. Strait of Hormuz
D. Bab-el-Mandeb
Answer: C
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz carries a substantial share of global oil and LNG exports.
Q10. India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs) have primarily been created to:
A. Increase petroleum exports
B. Meet emergency crude oil requirements during supply disruptions
C. Supply petroleum to neighbouring countries
D. Stabilise international crude oil prices
Answer: B
Explanation: SPRs provide a buffer against temporary disruptions in crude oil supplies.
Q11. A prolonged rise in international crude oil prices is most likely to have which of the following effects on the Indian economy?
- Increase in Current Account Deficit (CAD)
- Rise in inflation
- Increase in fiscal pressure due to higher subsidies
Select the correct answer using the code below.
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation: Higher oil prices widen the CAD, fuel inflation, and may increase the government’s subsidy burden.
Q12. Which of the following initiatives primarily aims at integrated infrastructure planning using GIS technology?
A. PM Gati Shakti
B. Bharatmala Pariyojana
C. PM Gram Sadak Yojana
D. National Logistics Policy
Answer: A
Explanation: PM Gati Shakti is a GIS-based National Master Plan for integrated infrastructure development.
Q13. Consider the following pairs:
| Maritime Chokepoint | Water Bodies Connected |
| 1. Strait of Hormuz | Persian Gulf – Gulf of Oman |
| 2. Bab-el-Mandeb | Red Sea – Gulf of Aden |
| 3. Strait of Malacca | Bay of Bengal – South China Sea |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
A. One only
B. Two only
C. All three
D. None
Answer: C
Explanation: All three pairs are correctly matched and are frequently asked in UPSC Prelims.
Q14. Which one of the following best describes the primary objective of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)?
A. Universal Basic Income
B. Elimination of intermediaries in welfare delivery
C. Privatisation of welfare schemes
D. Direct tax collection from beneficiaries
Answer: B
Explanation: DBT aims to improve welfare delivery by eliminating intermediaries and reducing leakages.
Q15. With reference to India’s energy security, consider the following statements:
- Diversification of crude oil import sources reduces geopolitical risk.
- Expansion of renewable energy contributes to long-term energy security.
- Strengthening Strategic Petroleum Reserves enhances resilience during global supply disruptions.
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: D
Explanation: All three measures are important pillars of India’s energy security strategy and reduce vulnerability to external geopolitical shocks.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📘 GS Mains Model Question (APSC CCE)
📝 Question
“The replacement of MGNREGA by the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM-G) marks a paradigm shift from wage employment to sustainable rural livelihood creation.” Critically examine the statement. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Model Answer
Introduction (2-3 lines)
Rural employment programmes have played a pivotal role in reducing poverty and strengthening rural resilience in India. Introduced from 1 July 2026, VB-GRAM-G seeks to transform the traditional wage-employment model of MGNREGA into a comprehensive rural development mission aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, emphasizing livelihood security, durable asset creation and technology-driven governance.
Body
Why VB-GRAM-G represents a paradigm shift
1. From Wage Employment to Livelihood Security
- Employment guarantee increased from 100 days to 125 days.
- Focus extends beyond wage support to sustainable livelihood generation.
- Encourages creation of productive community assets.
2. Technology-driven Governance
- GIS-based Village Development Plans.
- Artificial Intelligence-enabled monitoring.
- GPS-based worksite verification.
- Biometric attendance.
- Integration with PM Gati Shakti.
Result: Greater transparency, accountability and reduction in leakages.
3. Climate-resilient Rural Development
The scheme prioritises:
- Water conservation structures
- Afforestation
- Watershed development
- Flood and cyclone shelters
- Embankments
- Disaster-resilient infrastructure
This aligns rural employment with climate adaptation and sustainable development.
4. Infrastructure-led Inclusive Growth
Permitted works include:
- Rural roads and culverts
- Gram Panchayat buildings
- Schools and Anganwadi centres
- Cold storage facilities
- Dairy and fisheries infrastructure
- Irrigation projects
Such assets improve agricultural productivity, market access and rural incomes.
5. Better Agricultural Convergence
A 60-day employment break during sowing and harvesting seasons helps ensure labour availability for agriculture, balancing employment generation with farm productivity.
Significance for Assam
- Supports employment in flood-prone and erosion-affected districts.
- Strengthens irrigation and watershed management.
- Promotes durable infrastructure in rural and border areas.
- Can improve livelihoods in tea garden, tribal and char (riverine island) regions.
- Enhances climate resilience against recurring floods and riverbank erosion.
Challenges
- Digital divide in remote rural areas.
- Capacity constraints in Gram Panchayats.
- Timely release of wages and funds.
- Need for skilled manpower to implement GIS and AI-based systems.
- Ensuring quality and maintenance of durable assets.
- Preventing exclusion of vulnerable households due to technological barriers.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions through capacity building.
- Ensure universal digital connectivity and banking access.
- Conduct regular social audits and third-party evaluations.
- Converge the scheme with PMKSY, PMAY-G, National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and climate adaptation programmes.
- Encourage community participation in planning and maintenance of assets.
- Establish real-time monitoring with robust grievance redressal mechanisms.
Conclusion
VB-GRAM-G marks a significant evolution in India’s rural development strategy by integrating employment generation, technology, climate resilience and infrastructure creation into a single framework. If implemented with transparency, adequate financial support and strong local institutions, the scheme can accelerate inclusive rural transformation and contribute substantially to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, while addressing region-specific developmental challenges in states like Assam.
✨ APSC CCE Courses, 2025-26 offered by SuchitraACS
🔔 Join Our WhatsApp Study Group!
For exclusive access to premium quality content, including study materials, current affairs, MCQs, and model answers for APSC CCE and other Assam competitive exams.
Click here to join: SuchitraACS Study WhatsApp Group
📚 Want to know more about SuchitraACS’s most affordable courses?
Click here to know more: SuchitraACS Courses for APSC CCE and Assam Competitive Examinations
