APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (28/08/2026)
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 28 August 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 Mains Course, 2026
Myanmar–Changlang–Tinsukia New Drug-Trafficking Corridor
Syllabus Mapping
- GS Paper III: Internal Security (Organised Crime, Drug Trafficking, Border Management, Security Challenges in Northeast India)
- GS Paper V (Assam): Assam Security Challenges, Assam–Arunachal Border Dynamics, Socio-Economic Impact of Drug Abuse
- Why in News: The Assam Government identified an emerging alternative trafficking corridor (Myanmar → Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh → Tinsukia, Assam), highlighting route diversification by syndicates away from the heavily monitored Myanmar–Moreh corridor.
Introduction
Drug trafficking in Northeast India is an asymmetric internal security challenge driven by porous borders, transnational crime cartels, synthetic drug proliferation, and narco-insurgency linkages.
Prelims Perspective
- Emerging Route: Myanmar → Changlang (Arunachal Pradesh) → Tinsukia (Upper Assam) onwards to other domestic markets.
- Traditional Route: Myanmar → Moreh (Manipur) → Northeast / Mainland India.
- India–Myanmar Border: Total length 1,643 km across four states:
- Arunachal Pradesh: 520 km
- Mizoram: 510 km
- Manipur: 398 km
- Nagaland: 215 km
- (Exam Trap: Assam shares no direct international border with Myanmar).
- Free Movement Regime (FMR): Scrapped by the Union Government in February 2024 to address internal security and demographic concerns.
- Golden Triangle: Region comprising Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand (distinguish from Golden Crescent: Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan).
- Major Trafficked Contraband: Traditional Heroin and emerging Synthetic Drugs (Amphetamine-Type Stimulants / ATS, Methamphetamine/Yaba tablets).
- Seizure Data (2021–2025): 4,626 kg of ATS and 2,652 kg of heroin reported by enforcement agencies.
- Statutory Framework:
- NDPS Act, 1985: Principal substantive criminal law governing prohibition, control, and regulation of narcotic and psychotropic substances.
- PITNDPS Act, 1988: Dedicated legal framework providing for preventive detention in illicit trafficking operations.
- Key Institutions:
- Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): Apex national coordinating and enforcement agency; operates a Zonal Office in Guwahati.
- NCORD (Narco-Coordination Centre): 4-tier institutional coordination mechanism (Apex, Executive, State under Chief Secretary, District under District Magistrate).
- Government Policies & Schemes:
- Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026–2029): Four strategic pillars — Enforcement & Intelligence, Precursor & Synthetic Drug Control, Demand & Harm Reduction, and Capacity Building.
- Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme: MHA initiative funding border fences, BOPs, night-vision devices, and anti-drone surveillance.
- Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Flagship demand-reduction programme under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Mains Perspective
Significance & Strategic Dimensions
- Adaptive Cartel Dynamics: Illustrates how enforcement along traditional corridors (Moreh) forces syndicates to explore alternate routes through unmonitored forested terrains.
- Transit-to-Destination Threat: Exposes Upper Assam (Tinsukia hub) to severe downstream risks of local addiction, public health crises, and economic drainage.
- Narco-Insurgency Nexus: Illicit narcotics revenue creates an informal shadow economy that funds weapons procurement and fuels regional insurgent networks.
Key Challenges
- Topographical Vulnerability: Mountainous terrain, dense forests, and traditional foot tracks along the 1,643-km border impede continuous physical surveillance.
- Concealment & Technology: Rising traffic of compact synthetic drugs (Yaba) facilitated by end-to-end encrypted messaging, legitimate transport misuse, and hawala channels.
- Multi-Jurisdictional Gaps: Inter-state transit requires seamless operational synergy among Assam Police, Arunachal Pradesh Police, central paramilitaries, and the NCB.
Government Initiatives
- Four-Tier NCORD Mechanism: Bridges intelligence-sharing gaps across Central, State, and District administration levels.
- Smart Border Surveillance: Deployment of PTZ cameras, thermal imagers, CCTV networks, and anti-drone counter-measures under the BIM Scheme.
- Three-Year Policy Blueprint: Implementation of the Vision Document (2026–2029) driving a “Whole-of-Government” strategy against synthetic drug supply chains.
Way Forward
- Joint Inter-State Task Forces: Establish institutionalized, real-time intelligence-sharing mechanisms between Assam Police and Arunachal Pradesh Police along border checkpoints.
- Financial Investigation & Asset Freezing: Target the trafficking ecosystem through anti-money laundering frameworks to confiscate crime proceeds, shell accounts, and benami properties.
- Precursor Control & Community Policing: Tighten monitoring of precursor chemicals while leveraging border village defense parties and civil society for ground-level human intelligence and demand reduction.
Conclusion
Mitigating the emerging narco-corridor requires moving beyond isolated border seizures to an integrated strategy combining inter-state intelligence sharing, technological surveillance, financial disruption, and community-driven demand reduction.
State’s First Base-Isolated Model DEOC, Kamrup
Syllabus Mapping
- GS Paper III: Disaster Management (Disaster-resilient infrastructure, Institutional preparedness)
- GS Paper V (Assam): Assam’s disaster vulnerability, Disaster management institutions
- Why in News: A Model District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC), Assam’s first facility utilizing Base Isolation Technology, was inaugurated in Kamrup to serve as a 24×7 disaster-resilient coordination hub.
Introduction
The Kamrup Model DEOC represents a paradigm shift in Assam’s disaster preparedness by integrating advanced structural earthquake resilience with a centralized, multi-hazard institutional command system.
Prelims Perspective
- Location & Developers: Situated at the Integrated DC Office campus, Kamrup; developed jointly by DDMA Kamrup and ASDMA.
- Base Isolation Technology: A structural engineering technique using specially designed isolators between the building and foundation to decouple the structure from ground motion, significantly reducing (not eliminating) seismic force transmission.
- Base Isolation vs. Retrofitting: Base isolation is an inbuilt structural system for new buildings; Seismic Retrofitting modifies existing deficient structures to improve earthquake performance.
- DEOC vs. DDMA: The DDMA is the statutory authority for district disaster management, whereas the DEOC is the operational nerve centre for Command, Control, and Communication (3 Cs).
- Multi-Hazard Scope: Designed to operate 24×7 responding to earthquakes, floods, landslides, fires, and industrial accidents.
- Assam’s Risk Profile: Officially designated a multi-hazard state by ASDMA, lying entirely in highly vulnerable Seismic Zone V, with a history of catastrophic quakes (e.g., 1897 and 1950).
- Statutory Framework: Driven by the Disaster Management Act, 2005, which mandates the NDMA → SDMA → DDMA institutional hierarchy.
- Key ASDMA Projects: Implementation of the Seismic Microzonation Atlas (assessing localized quake risks based on soil/geology) and the Flood Early Warning System (FLEWS).
Mains Perspective
- Importance / Significance
- Resilient Governance: Ensures the critical disaster-response infrastructure survives the disaster itself, averting secondary administrative failures.
- Centralized Coordination: Accelerates the decision-response cycle by integrating district administration, emergency services, and line departments onto a single multi-hazard platform.
- Challenges
- Operational Vulnerabilities: High reliance on uninterrupted backup power, communication redundancies, and skilled manpower to maintain advanced technology.
- Coordination & Last-Mile Reach: Overcoming inter-agency jurisdictional friction and ensuring real-time information dissemination to remote, vulnerable communities.
- Government Initiatives
- Institutional Architecture: Leveraging the Disaster Management Act, 2005 to build a robust framework from the National EOC down to the District EOC level.
- Scientific Risk Mitigation: ASDMA’s integration of Seismic Microzonation and early warning technologies to shift from single-hazard to multi-hazard management.
- Way Forward
- Risk-Based Scaling & Redundancy: Replicate base-isolated DEOCs across vulnerable districts, ensuring absolute redundancy in communication (satellite/radio) and power.
- Tech-Driven Community Integration: Fuse real-time GIS/satellite data with community-based disaster intelligence, backed by continuous multi-hazard simulation drills.
Conclusion
Fusing structural resilience with advanced early warning and inter-agency coordination, the Model DEOC establishes a blueprint for transforming Assam’s approach from reactive crisis management to anticipatory and resilient disaster governance.
Northeast India Space Workshop 2026: Building a Regional Space-Tech Ecosystem
Syllabus Mapping
- GS Paper III: Science & Technology (Space Technology, Applications in Development, Disaster Management)
- GS Paper V (Assam): Science & Technology in Assam, Regional Development & Infrastructure
- Why in News: The Northeast India Space Workshop (August 2026) in Guwahati proposed a new Centre for Space Entrepreneurship in Assam, signaling a shift to develop the region as a creator and testbed for space-enabled solutions.
Introduction
The workshop marks a strategic policy shift aimed at transforming the Northeast from a mere consumer of space technology into an innovation testbed and commercial creator of space-enabled solutions.
Prelims Perspective
- Event Details: Held on 26–27 August 2026 in Guwahati, Assam.
- Theme: “Leveraging Space Technology: Regional Transformation to Global Reach”.
- Organizers: Space Industry Association of India (SIA-India) in partnership with the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC).
- Major Proposal: Establishment of a Centre for Space Entrepreneurship in Assam, driven by SIA-India, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), and the Government of Assam.
- NESAC Facts: Located in Umiam, Meghalaya; a joint initiative of the Department of Space and the North Eastern Council (NEC); covers all 8 Northeastern states (including Sikkim).
- STPI (MeitY): STPI-Guwahati was established in 2000 to foster the IT/tech startup ecosystem across the Northeast.
- Institutional Roles:
- IN-SPACe: Single-window nodal agency promoting and authorizing private-sector space activities.
- ISRO: Focuses on core R&D and space missions.
- NSIL: Handles the commercialization of space products/services.
- Key Tech Applications: Remote Sensing and GIS (Geographic Information System) combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI) for real-time flood mapping, landslide early warnings, and geospatial intelligence for border management.
Mains Perspective
- Importance / Significance
- Consumer to Innovator Shift: Catalyzes a local ecosystem where regional startups and MSMEs develop, test, and export space-tech solutions.
- Disaster Resilience & Governance: Fuses satellite data, ground sensors, and AI to provide actionable, real-time early warnings for chronic issues like Brahmaputra floods and landslides.
- Strategic & Inclusive Growth: Bridges geographical barriers to deliver remote education, precision agriculture, and critical geospatial intelligence for Indo-Pacific border management.
- Challenges
- Capital & Infrastructure Deficit: High capital costs for space hardware and the concentration of advanced testing/prototyping facilities outside the Northeast.
- Talent & Commercialization Gaps: Persistent brain drain of skilled youth and systemic difficulties in translating academic space research into commercially viable products.
- Government / Institutional Initiatives
- Policy Enablement: Guided by the Indian Space Policy 2023, which mandates greater private/NGE participation via IN-SPACe.
- Regional Anchors: Ongoing tech application support by NESAC and the Assam State Space Application Centre (ASSAC), bolstered by the proposed Centre for Space Entrepreneurship.
- Way Ahead
- Regional Innovation Testbeds: Utilize Northeast-specific geographical challenges (floods, difficult terrain, borders) as living laboratories for scalable tech solutions.
- Ecosystem Integration: Strengthen the research-to-market pipeline through interdisciplinary education (Space + AI + GIS) and robust industry-academia-startup incubation.
Conclusion
By leveraging its unique geographical challenges as opportunities for innovation, Northeast India can build a self-sustaining space-tech ecosystem that drives regional resilience, economic growth, and strategic global reach.
PM Jan Dhan Yojana — 12 Years of Financial Inclusion
Syllabus Mapping
- GS Paper II: Government Schemes & Policies, Welfare Schemes, Financial Inclusion, DBT
- GS Paper III: Indian Economy, Inclusive Growth, Banking & Digital Payments
- GS Paper V (Assam): Financial Inclusion, Welfare Delivery, Rural Development
- Why in News: PMJDY completed 12 years on August 28, 2026, marking a transition from merely opening basic accounts to deeper financial engagement (savings, insurance, DBT).
Introduction
Launched in 2014, the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is India’s cornerstone mission for financial inclusion, designed to integrate underserved populations into the formal financial ecosystem by moving from “Banking the Unbanked” to “Securing the Unsecured”.
Prelims Perspective
- Launch Date: August 28, 2014 (National Mission for Financial Inclusion).
- Account Type: Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) Account with zero minimum balance requirement.
- Delivery Channels: Bank branches and Business Correspondents (BCs) / Bank Mitras.
- JAM Trinity Core: Jan Dhan (Account) + Aadhaar (Identity) + Mobile (Communication) = Infrastructure for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Card & Insurance: RuPay Debit Card provided; includes an in-built accident insurance cover of ₹2 Lakh (for accounts opened after Aug 28, 2018).
- Credit Access: Overdraft (OD) facility up to ₹10,000 (subject to eligibility conditions; initially ₹5,000).
- Linked Social Security: Acts as a gateway for PMJJBY (Life), PMSBY (Accident), APY (Pension), and MUDRA (Micro-credit).
- 12-Year Data Milestones (as of Aug 2026):
- Total Accounts: 59.09 crore (77.8% Rural/Semi-Urban).
- Women Ownership: 55.7% (32.92 crore).
- Total Deposits: ₹3.17 lakh crore (Average deposit: ₹5,356).
- RuPay Cards issued: 41.29 crore.
Mains Perspective
- Importance / Significance
- Scale of Formalization: Brought over 59 crore previously excluded individuals into the formal economy, mobilizing ₹3.17 lakh crore in formal savings.
- Welfare Efficiency & JAM: Drastically reduced leakages by replacing intermediaries with direct, targeted, and transparent DBT welfare transfers.
- Gender Empowerment: With nearly 56% women beneficiaries, it fosters financial autonomy and enables direct receipt of state support for women.
- Challenges
- Usage Over Access: The persistent challenge of dormant or low-usage accounts where account ownership does not translate to meaningful economic activity.
- Digital & Literacy Gaps: Poor internet connectivity, low digital literacy, and the rising threat of cyber frauds (phishing, OTP scams) hinder safe usage.
- Credit Exclusion: Bank accounts alone do not guarantee access to affordable, productive institutional credit necessary for entrepreneurship.
- Government Initiatives connected to PMJDY
- DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer): Utilizes the JAM trinity to plug welfare leakages.
- Insurance & Pension: Integration with PMSBY, PMJJBY, and Atal Pension Yojana to build a comprehensive social safety net.
- Business Correspondents (BCs): Deployment of Bank Mitras to solve the last-mile banking infrastructure deficit in remote/rural areas.
- Way Ahead
- Transition to Active Usage: Shift policy metrics from “accounts opened” to “transaction frequency, credit access, and insurance uptake”.
- Aggressive Financial Literacy: Integrate digital fraud awareness and financial education into Panchayats, SHGs, and rural livelihood programs.
- Strengthening Last-Mile Infrastructure: Enhance BC viability, mobile connectivity, and micro-ATM presence, specifically to overcome the difficult terrain of Assam and the Northeast.
Conclusion
PMJDY has successfully laid the foundational infrastructure for financial inclusion; future efforts must now focus on converting this vast access into active financial literacy, productive credit utilization, and sustainable economic empowerment.
APSC MCQs
Topic 1: Myanmar–Changlang–Tinsukia New Drug-Trafficking Corridor
Q1. With reference to the emerging drug-trafficking routes in Northeast India, consider the following statements:
- The India–Myanmar international border passes through Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.
- Assam shares an international boundary with Myanmar.
- Trafficking networks may shift routes in response to intensified enforcement along established corridors.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: The India–Myanmar border passes through four Indian states: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Assam does not directly border Myanmar, but trafficking can move onward into Assam, as illustrated by the reported Changlang–Tinsukia corridor. Route diversification is a common feature of organised trafficking networks.
Q2. Consider the following pairs:
| Drug | Broad classification |
| 1. Methamphetamine | Synthetic stimulant |
| 2. Heroin | Opioid |
| 3. Yaba | Methamphetamine-based tablet formulation |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant; heroin is an opioid derived from morphine; and Yaba generally refers to methamphetamine-containing tablets, commonly trafficked in South and Southeast Asia. The growing importance of synthetic drugs is a major feature of the changing narcotics landscape.
Q3. With reference to India’s institutional framework for combating narcotic trafficking, consider the following statements:
- The Narcotics Control Bureau functions as the apex coordinating agency for matters relating to narcotics control.
- The NCORD mechanism facilitates coordination between Central and State agencies involved in narcotics control.
- The NDPS Act, 1985 deals exclusively with preventive detention of persons involved in narcotics trafficking.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: NCB is the apex coordinating agency for narcotics control, while NCORD facilitates inter-agency coordination. The NDPS Act, 1985 is the principal law dealing with narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances; preventive detention is specifically dealt with under the PITNDPS Act, 1988.
Q4. The term ‘Golden Triangle’, frequently encountered in discussions on narcotics trafficking, refers to a region associated primarily with which of the following countries?
(a) Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan
(b) Myanmar, Laos and Thailand
(c) India, Myanmar and Bangladesh
(d) China, Myanmar and Vietnam
Answer: (b) Myanmar, Laos and Thailand
Explanation: The Golden Triangle refers broadly to the border region of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand and has historically been associated with illicit opium production and trafficking. The Golden Crescent refers broadly to Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan.
Topic 2: State’s First Base-Isolated Model DEOC, Kamrup
Q5. With reference to the Model District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC) in Kamrup, consider the following statements:
- It incorporates base-isolation technology to improve earthquake resilience.
- It is intended to function as a centralised hub for disaster-related coordination and information management.
- Its functioning is restricted exclusively to earthquake emergencies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: The Kamrup Model DEOC incorporates base-isolation technology and functions as a multi-hazard emergency coordination centre. Its scope includes floods, earthquakes, landslides, fires, industrial accidents and other emergencies.
Q6. With reference to base-isolation technology used in earthquake-resilient structures, consider the following statements:
- It aims to reduce the transmission of ground motion to the superstructure.
- It completely prevents a building from moving during an earthquake.
- It can be particularly relevant for critical infrastructure that must remain functional during an earthquake.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Base isolation does not make a building completely immobile. It introduces an isolation system between the foundation and superstructure to reduce the transmission of seismic motion. This is particularly valuable for critical facilities such as emergency operation centres.
Q7. Which one of the following best describes the distinction between a District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and a District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC)?
(a) DDMA is a communication facility, whereas DEOC is a statutory authority.
(b) DDMA is the district-level disaster-management authority, whereas DEOC serves as an operational coordination and information-management centre.
(c) Both are identical institutions with different names.
(d) DEOC is responsible only for post-disaster rehabilitation, whereas DDMA handles only rescue operations.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The DDMA is the district-level institutional authority under the disaster-management framework. The DEOC functions as an operational hub for receiving information, monitoring situations, coordinating agencies, mobilising resources and supporting decision-making.
Q8. Assam’s adoption of a base-isolated Model DEOC is particularly significant because of which of the following combinations of factors?
- Assam’s significant seismic vulnerability
- Assam’s recurring flood hazards
- The need for disaster-management institutions to remain functional during disasters
- The absence of any other major natural hazard in Assam
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) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Assam is a multi-hazard state, with earthquakes, floods, landslides and other hazards. A disaster-response centre that itself becomes non-functional during a disaster can severely undermine emergency management. Hence, resilience of the response infrastructure itself is crucial.
Topic 3: Northeast India Space Workshop 2026
Q9. With reference to the Northeast India Space Workshop 2026, consider the following statements:
- It was organised by the Space Industry Association of India in partnership with NESAC.
- Its theme was “Leveraging Space Technology: Regional Transformation to Global Reach.”
- The workshop focused exclusively on satellite launch technology and space exploration.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: The workshop was organised by SIA-India in partnership with NESAC under the stated theme. Its focus was much broader, including disaster management, agriculture, forests, water resources, border management, connectivity, infrastructure and regional planning.
Q10. Consider the following statements regarding the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC):
- It is located at Umiam in Meghalaya.
- It is a joint initiative of the Department of Space and the North Eastern Council.
- Its activities are confined to astronomical research and satellite launch operations.
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) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: NESAC is located at Umiam, Meghalaya, and is a joint initiative of the Department of Space and North Eastern Council. It applies space technology to agriculture, disaster management, natural resources, water resources, governance, geospatial applications and other developmental sectors.
Q11. Which one of the following best represents the sequence through which space technology can contribute to disaster management?
(a) Satellite launch → mining → industrial production → relief
(b) Satellite observation → data integration → analysis/modelling → early warning → response
(c) Satellite communication → currency printing → taxation → rehabilitation
(d) Remote sensing → judicial adjudication → legislation → evacuation
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Modern disaster management increasingly follows a data-to-decision chain. Satellite observations can be combined with ground sensors and weather information, analysed through models/AI and converted into actionable warnings. This was a key theme of the Northeast workshop.
Q12. With reference to the proposed Centre for Space Entrepreneurship in Assam, consider the following statements:
- It seeks to promote collaboration among startups, innovators, academia and industry.
- STPI and the Government of Assam are among the proposed institutional partners.
- Its objective is limited to providing government employment in the space sector.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: The proposed centre aims to build an entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem, connecting startups, innovators, academia and industry. SIA-India, STPI and the Government of Assam are associated with taking the proposal forward.
Topic 4: PM Jan Dhan Yojana — 12 Years
Q13. With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), consider the following statements:
- It was launched in 2014 as a National Mission for Financial Inclusion.
- PMJDY accounts are intended to provide access to banking, savings, credit, insurance and pension-related services.
- A compulsory minimum balance must be maintained in every PMJDY account.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: PMJDY was launched on 28 August 2014 as India’s National Mission for Financial Inclusion. Its objective extends beyond account opening to financial services such as savings, credit, insurance and pensions. No compulsory minimum balance is required.
Q14. Consider the following statements regarding the JAM Trinity:
- Jan Dhan accounts provide the banking component of the framework.
- Aadhaar can provide an identity/authentication and account-linkage component.
- Mobile connectivity can facilitate communication and digital financial transactions.
- JAM requires that all welfare benefits must be distributed through physical cash transfers.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: JAM = Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile. It forms an important part of India’s digital public infrastructure and facilitates targeted and direct delivery of welfare benefits. It does not require physical cash distribution. The Government describes JAM as supporting direct and transparent welfare delivery.
Q15. With reference to the recent progress of PMJDY, consider the following statements:
- As of 19 August 2026, more than half of PMJDY account holders were women.
- Rural and semi-urban accounts constituted less than half of all PMJDY accounts.
- More than 40 crore RuPay cards had been issued to PMJDY account holders.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: As of 19 August 2026, PMJDY had 59.09 crore accounts; 55.7% were held by women and 77.8% were in rural/semi-urban areas. 41.29 crore RuPay cards had been issued.
Q16. Which of the following best explains why PMJDY is considered a foundational component of inclusive growth in India?
- It brings previously underserved populations into the formal banking system.
- It facilitates access to DBT and other government welfare transfers.
- It can provide a gateway to insurance, pension and formal credit.
- It eliminates the need for financial literacy because account ownership automatically ensures financial empowerment.
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) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: PMJDY can serve as a gateway to formal banking, DBT, insurance, pension and credit, making it important for inclusive growth. But account ownership alone does not guarantee financial empowerment; financial literacy, active usage, digital access and productive credit are also necessary.
Daily APSC Mains Answer Writing
Q. “The emergence of new narcotics-trafficking routes in Northeast India highlights the convergence of transnational organised crime, border-management challenges and public-health concerns.” Discuss with special reference to the emerging Myanmar–Changlang–Tinsukia corridor.
The reported emergence of a Myanmar–Changlang (Arunachal Pradesh)–Tinsukia (Assam) drug-trafficking corridor indicates the adaptive nature of transnational narcotics networks. The development is significant for Assam because it shows how trafficking routes can penetrate beyond traditional border-entry points.
Why is it a serious concern?
- Internal security: Drug trafficking can strengthen organised criminal networks and, where linkages exist, create financial ecosystems that may overlap with insurgent networks.
- Border-management challenge: The difficult terrain and long India–Myanmar border make complete surveillance difficult. Intensified enforcement along one route can encourage traffickers to seek alternative routes.
- Synthetic-drug threat: The Northeast is increasingly exposed to synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine, requiring specialised intelligence and enforcement.
- Public-health consequences: Increased availability of narcotics can contribute to addiction, particularly among youth, and generate wider social and healthcare costs.
- Money laundering: Profits from narcotics trafficking can enter informal or illicit financial channels, strengthening organised crime.
- Inter-state dimension: Since the reported corridor crosses Arunachal Pradesh into Assam, effective response requires coordination between state police, central agencies and border-management institutions.
Government response and way ahead:
- Strengthen the NCORD mechanism and intelligence sharing among Central and State agencies.
- Adopt intelligence-led policing, focusing on financiers and network organisers rather than only couriers.
- Intensify technological surveillance using drones, sensors, night-vision systems and other appropriate border technologies.
- Strengthen investigation of drug-related financial flows and money laundering.
- Improve monitoring of precursor chemicals and synthetic-drug networks.
- Combine enforcement with prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and community awareness.
- Enhance cooperation with Myanmar and other regional partners because narcotics trafficking is inherently transnational.
The Myanmar–Changlang–Tinsukia corridor demonstrates that narcotics control cannot be treated as merely a policing issue. Assam requires an integrated strategy combining border security, intelligence, financial investigation, inter-state coordination and demand reduction. Such a whole-of-government approach can address both the supply chain and the social roots of drug abuse.
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