APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (12/09/2026)
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 12 September 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
AI Guardrails & Responsible AI in India
Syllabus Mapping
- GS Paper III: Science & Technology, Cybersecurity, Internal Security, Economic Development.
- GS Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude (Accountability, Transparency, Algorithmic Bias, Human Oversight).
- GS Paper V (Assam Special): Digital Governance, Public Service Delivery, Disaster Management.
- Why in News: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized instituting robust AI guardrails, human accountability, and a federated industry platform to curb rapid systemic fraud and cyber vulnerabilities in high-stakes sectors like finance.
Introduction
AI guardrails are technical, institutional, and legal mechanisms designed to manage algorithmic risks and maintain human accountability without stalling technological innovation.
Prelims Perspective
- National Strategy on AI (2018): Released by NITI Aayog under the guiding philosophy of “AI for All”, targeting agriculture, healthcare, education, smart cities, and mobility.
- NITI Aayog’s 7 Principles of Responsible AI: Safety & Reliability; Equality; Inclusivity & Non-discrimination; Privacy & Security; Transparency; Accountability; Protection and Reinforcement of Positive Human Values.
- IndiaAI Mission (2024): Approved with 7 functional pillars—Compute Capacity, Innovation Centre, Datasets Platform, Application Development Initiative, FutureSkills, Startup Financing, and Safe & Trusted AI.
- IndiaAI Safety Institute: Established under the Safe & Trusted AI pillar to formulate safety standards, benchmarking tools, and evaluation frameworks for AI systems.
- AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG): Institutional body constituted under MeitY to oversee strategic AI governance.
- AIKosh: India’s national digital repository housing curated datasets, tools, APIs, and foundational AI models.
- Risk-Based Regulatory Model: Regulatory architecture categorizing systems into low-risk (light-touch compliance) and high-risk (critical infrastructure, finance, policing; subject to mandatory auditing and human oversight).
Mains Perspective
Importance
- Mitigating Systemic Fragility: Prevents automated financial contagion, algorithmic trading collapses, and rapid propagation of cyber threats across critical infrastructure.
- Preventing Algorithmic Bias: Ensures that historical prejudices in datasets do not automate discrimination in lending, hiring, and criminal justice.
- Safeguarding Democratic Processes: Counters synthetic media, deepfakes, and automated misinformation campaigns designed to distort public discourse and social cohesion.
Challenges
- Innovation vs. Regulation Dilemma: Onerous pre-market compliance risks crippling domestic start-ups, while regulatory voids leave consumers exposed to systemic harm.
- Pacing & Cross-Border Asymmetry: Rapid technological advances outpace static domestic legislation, complicated by borderless data flows operating outside national jurisdictions.
- Compute Oligopoly & AI Divide: High capital and compute concentration within global big-tech firms risks exacerbating socio-economic inequalities and creating digital dependency.
Government Initiatives
- IndiaAI Mission: Catalyzes indigenous compute infrastructure, sovereign model development, and ethical testing protocols.
- NITI Aayog’s Responsible AI Framework: Introduces lifecycle-wide impact assessments, moving compliance from a one-time clearance to continuous post-deployment monitoring.
- Institutional Capacity Building: Operationalization of the IndiaAI Safety Institute and AIGEG to institutionalize safety benchmarks and technical evaluation.
Way Forward
- Proportionate, Risk-Tiered Regulation: Apply light-touch guidelines to productivity tools while enforcing stringent stress-testing and human-in-the-loop mandates for high-stakes deployments.
- Algorithmic Audits & Explainability: Mandate third-party technical audits and legally enforceable provisions for the right to explanation and appeal against automated decisions.
- Global Harmonization via Industry Platforms: Establish a federated industry platform to represent domestic technology firms in multilateral standard-setting forums.
Value Additions
- Ethics & Governance (GS-IV): Operationalize the SAFE AI Framework (Safety, Accountability, Fairness, Explainability); algorithmic delegation does not dilute ultimate moral and administrative accountability.
- Assam Context (GS-V): Deploy localized, multilingual AI models for Brahmaputra flood forecasting, tea garden pest management, and welfare delivery, backed by guardrails against linguistic exclusion.
Conclusion
The governance imperative lies not in choosing between innovation and restriction, but in deploying proportionate, risk-calibrated guardrails that anchor technological progress firmly within human agency and public trust.
Planning Guwahati’s Green Future
Syllabus Mapping
- GS Paper III: Environment, Disaster Management, Sustainable Urbanisation, Infrastructure.
- GS Paper V: Assam Geography, Environment, Governance & Urban Development.
- Why in News: An Assam Tribune piece highlighted the urgent need to integrate Guwahati’s ecological assets (hills, wetlands, drainage) into urban planning to mitigate severe flooding and waterlogging.
Introduction
Guwahati’s sustainable development mandates adopting “development within ecological limits” by treating its hills, wetlands, and natural drainage as critical urban infrastructure rather than exploitable vacant land.
Prelims Perspective
- GMDA Act, 1985: Established the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) for metropolitan planning and development.
- Guwahati Water Bodies (Preservation and Conservation) Act, 2008: Enacted (and amended in 2010) specifically for the protection of urban water bodies.
- Key Notified Wetlands: Deepor Beel (freshwater lake, biodiversity hotspot), Silsako Beel, and Borsola-Sorusola Beels (critical storm-water retainers).
- 5 Primary Drainage Channels: Bharalu, Mora Bharalu, Basistha, Bahini, and Lakhimijan.
- Mission Flood-Free Guwahati: A multi-agency framework targeting urban flood mitigation, storm-water retention, and drainage de-siltation.
- Draft Master Plan 2045: A GIS-based planning framework incorporating land-use, drainage basins, and eco-sensitive zoning.
Mains Perspective
Importance
- Flood Mitigation: Wetlands act as natural storm-water reservoirs that reduce flood peaks, while natural drainage safely conveys excess runoff to the Brahmaputra.
- Ecological Infrastructure: Surrounding hills regulate rainfall runoff and prevent soil erosion, maintaining the city’s hydrological balance and climate resilience.
Challenges
- Unplanned Expansion & Encroachment: Rampant hill cutting, wetland landfilling, and settlement in low-lying areas destroy natural water retention capacities.
- Concretization (Impervious Surfaces): Replaces permeable land with asphalt and concrete, exponentially increasing surface runoff and overloading drainage systems.
- Institutional Fragmentation: Overlapping mandates and poor coordination among GMDA, GMC, ASDMA, and the Forest Department cause implementation paralysis.
Government Initiatives
- Legislative Protection: Implementation of the Guwahati Water Bodies Act (2008/2010) for systematic wetland conservation and restoration.
- Mission Flood-Free Guwahati: Targeted de-siltation of the five primary natural channels, coupled with the installation of automatic weather stations and pumping systems.
- Master Plan Integration: Ongoing development of the GIS-based Master Plan 2045 to enforce land-use regulations and protect eco-sensitive zones.
Way Forward
- Blue-Green Infrastructure: Shift from purely engineered (Grey) solutions by integrating natural water bodies (Blue) and urban forests/parks (Green) to create a “sponge city.”
- Strict Land-Use Enforcement: Deploy real-time GIS monitoring to halt illegal hill cutting, prevent wetland encroachment, and heavily penalize violations.
- Institutional Convergence: Establish a unified, multi-agency urban ecological and flood management command center ensuring participatory community governance.
Value Additions
- Urban Flooding Nexus: Unplanned Urbanization + Hill Cutting + Concretization = Reduced Infiltration + High Runoff = Drainage Overload (Artificial Flooding).
Conclusion
Transitioning Guwahati from a flood-prone landscape to a climate-resilient metropolis requires a paradigm shift from reactive engineered infrastructure to proactive, nature-based blue-green urban planning.
Balanced Development of Northeast India
Syllabus Mapping
- GS Paper III: Economic Development, Infrastructure, Biodiversity, Disaster Management.
- GS Paper V: Assam/Northeast Geography, Economic Development, Environment & Governance.
- Why in News: Assam and Meghalaya Chief Ministers advocated for increased Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) and capital investment, prompting calls to balance infrastructure growth with the Northeast’s ecological fragility.
Introduction
The Northeast requires accelerated infrastructure development that strictly adheres to the region’s unique ecological, geological, and social carrying capacities, decisively rejecting a mainland-centric “one-size-fits-all” model.
Prelims Perspective
- MDoNER (Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region): Nodal Union ministry for the planning, execution, and monitoring of NE development projects.
- North Eastern Council (NEC): Regional statutory body responsible for inter-State coordination and long-term regional planning.
- North East Vision 2047: NEC’s long-term roadmap focusing on economic growth, connectivity, sustainability, and cultural vitality.
- PM-DevINE: Central Sector Scheme (launched Budget 2022-23; ₹6,600 crore outlay) targeting infrastructure, social development, and youth/women livelihoods.
- NESIDS (North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme): Provides 100% central funding, divided into NESIDS-Roads (administered by NEC) and NESIDS-OTRI (Other Than Roads Infrastructure, administered by MDoNER).
- Externally Aided Projects (EAPs): Infrastructure projects funded by international agencies (World Bank, ADB, JICA, AIIB) that bring capital, advanced technical expertise, and strict environmental safeguards.
Mains Perspective
Importance
- Economic Multiplier: Bridges critical physical and social infrastructure deficits, transforming geographical isolation into a logistical gateway to Southeast Asia.
- Leveraging EAPs: External assistance provides essential capital, technical capacity, and rigorous outcome-based planning necessary for navigating complex topography.
Challenges
- Ecological & Geological Fragility: Steep slopes, high seismicity, and rich biodiversity make the region highly vulnerable to landslides and flash floods caused by unscientific construction.
- Socio-Cultural Disruption: Top-down infrastructure models risk displacing tribal populations, eroding customary land-management systems, and causing cultural commodification.
- Implementation Bottlenecks: Rugged terrain, reactive maintenance deficits, and fragmented inter-State coordination drastically inflate project costs and timelines.
Government Initiatives
- Targeted Central Funding: PM-DevINE and NESIDS directly address localized infrastructure, livelihood, and developmental gaps with 100% central support.
- Strategic Regional Frameworks: North East Vision 2047 institutionalizes region-specific policy planning, shifting away from standardized mainland models.
Way Forward
- Place-Based Master Planning: Mandate stringent ecological carrying capacity and disaster vulnerability assessments prior to any large-scale project approval.
- Climate-Resilient & Community-Centric Execution: Integrate geological safeguards (slope stabilization, natural drainage) and involve local tribal/customary institutions in project monitoring.
- Sustainable Economic Models: Promote high-value, eco-sensitive tourism and prioritize the local processing and branding of native resources over raw extraction.
Value Additions
- Disaster Risk Chain: Unscientific Construction → Slope Destabilization/Drainage Alteration → Higher Hazard Exposure → Systemic Disaster Risk.
- Sustainable Tourism Equation: Carrying Capacity + Community Participation + Eco-sensitive Infrastructure + Waste Management.
Conclusion
True regional integration demands a paradigm shift from prioritizing sheer infrastructural volume to building climate-resilient, community-managed ecosystems that view the Northeast’s biodiversity as an asset to be leveraged, not an obstacle to be cleared.
BRICS 2026
Syllabus Mapping
- GS Paper II: International Relations, India and Global Groupings.
- GS Paper III: Economy, Technology, Energy, Emerging Global Economic Architecture.
- GS Paper V: Assam’s economic and strategic relevance in India’s Northeast.
- Why in News: India holds its fourth BRICS Chairship in 2026 (marking 20 years of the grouping) and is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026.
Introduction
BRICS is a prominent multilateral grouping of 11 major emerging economies that serves as a critical platform for articulating Global South interests, reforming global governance, and fostering inclusive economic cooperation.
Prelims Perspective
- Origins: The term “BRIC” was coined in 2001 by Jim O’Neill; formal cooperation began in 2006, with the first summit held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009.
- Expansion Milestones: South Africa joined in 2010 (making it BRICS); Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Saudi Arabia joined as full members in 2024; Indonesia became a full member in 2025.
- Current 11 Full Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia.
- Partner Countries: Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam (distinct from full members).
- Global Share: The expanded grouping represents ~49.5% of the global population, 40% of global GDP, and 26% of global trade.
- 18th BRICS Summit (2026): Held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi (12–13 September), marking India’s fourth Chairship.
- 2026 Theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.
- New Development Bank (NDB): Established in 2014 (HQ: Shanghai) to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects as an alternative to Western institutions.
- Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA): Operationalized in 2015 as a financial safety mechanism to provide liquidity support during balance-of-payments crises.
Mains Perspective
Importance
- Global South Representation: Serves as a collective bargaining platform to push for the urgent reform of outdated post-WWII global governance institutions (UN, IMF, World Bank, WTO).
- Economic & Energy Security: Provides India access to massive combined markets, diversified supply chains for critical minerals, and crucial energy engagements with Russia and West Asian members.
- Strategic Autonomy: Allows India to champion a multi-aligned foreign policy, balancing engagements with the West alongside deepening ties with Russia, China, and the Global South.
Challenges
- Internal Geopolitical Friction: Severe power asymmetries, the India-China strategic rivalry, and the overarching Russia-West confrontation complicate consensus-building.
- Expansion vs. Cohesion: Rapidly increasing membership broadens geographic representation but makes unified coordination and decision-making significantly harder.
- Institutional Limitations: Lacks the deep institutionalization of blocs like the EU, relying heavily on annual presidencies and political consensus rather than binding legal frameworks.
India’s Strategic Approach
- Pragmatic Multi-Alignment: India utilizes BRICS to assert Global South leadership and economic diversification without transforming the grouping into an ideological, anti-Western bloc.
- Bilateral Leverage: Summits act as conduits for critical bilateral diplomacy (e.g., India-Russia advancing a targeted USD 100 billion bilateral trade by 2030, covering energy, defence, and technology).
- De-dollarisation Stance: Focuses pragmatically on local-currency transactions and alternative payment mechanisms to shield against financial shocks, rather than an unrealistic immediate formal currency union.
Way Forward
- Issue-Based Cooperation: Prioritize actionable collaborations in digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, sustainable agriculture, and climate finance over divisive geopolitical posturing.
- Strengthening NDB & CRA: Enhance the lending capacity and operational independence of BRICS financial institutions to provide genuine, stable alternatives to Western-dominated finance.
Value Additions
- Assam / Northeast Angle (GS-V): Integrating BRICS connectivity, agriculture, and digital economy initiatives can transform Northeast India into a logistics and tourism gateway for Southeast Asia, directly complementing the Act East Policy.
- BRICS vs. G7 Concept: BRICS represents emerging major economies focused on global governance reform, whereas the G7 represents advanced Western industrial economies maintaining the existing global order.
Conclusion
To remain effective amidst rapid expansion, BRICS must navigate its internal geopolitical contradictions by evolving into a pragmatic, issue-based platform dedicated to the inclusive economic advancement of the Global South.
APSC MCQs
Topic 1: AI GUARDRAILS & RESPONSIBLE AI
Q1. With reference to “Responsible AI”, consider the following principles:
- Transparency and explainability
- Accountability
- Privacy and security
- Human oversight
- Mandatory elimination of all algorithmic bias
Which of the above are generally associated with responsible AI frameworks?
A. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
B. 1, 2 and 5 only
C. 3, 4 and 5 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: A
Explanation: Responsible AI commonly emphasises safety, fairness, transparency, accountability, privacy and human oversight. Complete elimination of algorithmic bias is generally unrealistic; the objective is to identify, measure and mitigate harmful bias. India’s NITI Aayog framework also emphasises principles such as safety, equality, inclusivity, privacy, transparency and accountability.
Q2. With reference to AI governance, consider the following statements:
- A risk-based regulatory approach generally subjects higher-risk AI applications to greater scrutiny.
- Human accountability can be transferred completely to an AI system once the system has been independently validated.
- Explainability becomes particularly important where AI influences consequential decisions affecting individuals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation: A central principle of responsible AI is human and institutional accountability. Validation of an AI system does not eliminate responsibility of its developers, deployers or institutions. The Assam Tribune report similarly highlighted that higher-risk AI uses require greater review, explanation and scrutiny.
Q3. Which one of the following best describes the “human-in-the-loop” principle in AI governance?
A. AI systems must operate without human intervention after deployment.
B. Human beings retain meaningful oversight or intervention capability in important AI-driven decisions.
C. Humans are required only for collecting training data.
D. AI systems can be legally treated as independent decision-making authorities.
Answer: B
Explanation: Human-in-the-loop means maintaining meaningful human oversight, intervention or approval, especially for high-impact or high-risk decisions. It is an important safeguard for accountability and contestability.
Q4. Consider the following pairs:
| AI-related concept | Description |
| 1. Algorithmic bias | Systematic and potentially harmful skew in an AI system’s outputs |
| 2. Explainability | Ability to understand or communicate how an AI system arrived at an output |
| 3. AI hallucination | AI generating fabricated or inaccurate information presented as plausible |
| 4. Model drift | Change in model performance as the underlying data or environment changes |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1, 2, 3 and 4
C. 1 and 4 only
D. 2 and 3 only
Answer: B
Explanation: All four are correctly matched. These concepts are important for understanding why AI governance requires continuous lifecycle monitoring, rather than merely checking an AI model before deployment.
Topic 2: PLANNING GUWAHATI’S GREEN FUTURE
Q5. With reference to urban flooding in Guwahati, consider the following factors:
- Encroachment of wetlands
- Hill cutting and degradation of natural drainage systems
- Increased impervious surfaces due to urbanisation
- Shrinking natural water-retention areas
Which of the above can contribute to urban flooding and waterlogging?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1, 3 and 4 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
Explanation: Urban flooding is not merely a consequence of intense rainfall. Wetland loss, hill degradation, drainage obstruction, concretisation and reduced water-retention capacity can significantly amplify flood risk. This is why ecological conservation should be treated as part of urban infrastructure.
Q6. Consider the following statements regarding urban wetlands:
- They can act as natural storm-water storage areas.
- They may support biodiversity within urban landscapes.
- Their ecological value necessarily disappears once they are located within municipal limits.
- Their destruction can increase urban flood vulnerability.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Explanation: Urban wetlands perform important hydrological and ecological functions, including temporary water storage and habitat provision. Urbanisation does not eliminate their ecological importance.
Q7. Which of the following best illustrates the concept of “blue-green infrastructure” in urban planning?
A. Construction of only concrete storm-water drains and flyovers
B. Integration of wetlands, urban forests, natural drainage, parks and water bodies with conventional infrastructure
C. Replacement of natural drainage channels with underground pipelines
D. Expansion of built-up areas around protected forests
Answer: B
Explanation: Blue infrastructure includes water bodies and drainage systems, while green infrastructure includes vegetation, forests, parks, wetlands and other nature-based systems. Their integration can improve flood management, biodiversity and climate resilience.
Q8. With reference to Guwahati’s environmental planning, consider the following statements:
- Hills can influence surface runoff and watershed behaviour.
- Wetlands can function as natural buffers against excessive storm-water accumulation.
- Urban ecological planning should consider only land use within municipal boundaries.
- Natural drainage systems can be treated as components of urban infrastructure.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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: Urban ecological systems do not follow administrative boundaries. Hills, wetlands, watersheds and drainage channels interact as one ecological system. Hence, planning must adopt a landscape/watershed approach.
Topic 3: BALANCED DEVELOPMENT OF NORTHEAST INDIA
Q9. With reference to development planning in Northeast India, consider the following statements:
- The region’s fragile geology increases vulnerability to landslides and earthquakes.
- High biodiversity requires greater attention to ecological safeguards in infrastructure development.
- A uniform development model can be applied across all Northeastern States without significant modification.
- Community participation can improve the social legitimacy and sustainability of development projects.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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: Northeast India has substantial geographical, ecological, ethnic and socio-economic diversity. Therefore, development needs to be region-specific rather than based on a one-size-fits-all approach. This was a central argument in the newspaper discussion on balanced development.
Q10. Consider the following statements about Externally Aided Projects (EAPs):
- They can provide access to external financial resources for development projects.
- They can also bring technical expertise and institutional capacity-building.
- They necessarily imply that the entire project is financed through grants.
- Their effectiveness depends partly on appropriate project design and safeguards.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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: EAPs may involve loans, grants, technical assistance or combinations thereof, depending on the development partner and project. They are not synonymous with grants. In the Northeast, their value can extend beyond financing to technology and institutional capacity.
Q11. Consider the following pairs:
| Initiative | Broad objective |
| 1. PM-DevINE | Filling infrastructure and development gaps in Northeast India |
| 2. NESIDS | Supporting infrastructure and social-development projects in the Northeast |
| 3. North Eastern Council | Regional planning and development in the Northeast |
| 4. New Development Bank | Regional development bank specifically created only for Northeast India |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
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
Explanation: PM-DevINE, NESIDS and NEC are relevant to Northeast development. NDB is a BRICS development bank, not a Northeast-specific institution.
Q12. Which one of the following approaches is most consistent with the principle of “balanced development” in Northeast India?
A. Prioritising rapid infrastructure construction irrespective of ecological and disaster risks
B. Restricting all large infrastructure projects to preserve the region’s biodiversity
C. Combining connectivity and economic development with ecological safeguards, disaster resilience and community participation
D. Concentrating development exclusively in State capitals
Answer: C
Explanation: The objective is not development versus environment. Sustainable development requires infrastructure that is economically productive while remaining sensitive to biodiversity, geology, disaster risk and local communities.
Topic 4: BRICS 2026
Q13. With reference to BRICS in 2026, consider the following statements:
- India holds the BRICS Chairship in 2026.
- India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
- Indonesia is among the full members of BRICS.
- Saudi Arabia is not a full member of BRICS.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Explanation: India assumed the Chairship on 1 January 2026 and is hosting the 18th Summit on 12–13 September 2026. BRICS currently has 11 members, including Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.
Q14. Consider the following statements regarding the evolution of BRICS:
- The term “BRIC” was coined before the formal establishment of the BRIC/BRICS political grouping.
- South Africa’s entry transformed BRIC into BRICS.
- The New Development Bank was established as part of BRICS financial cooperation.
- BRICS is a military alliance comparable to NATO.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Explanation: The term BRIC was coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill in 2001. South Africa joined in 2010, converting BRIC into BRICS. The NDB is a major BRICS institution. BRICS is not a military alliance.
Q15. With reference to the New Development Bank (NDB), consider the following statements:
- It was established by BRICS countries.
- Its primary purpose includes financing infrastructure and sustainable-development projects.
- Its headquarters is located in Shanghai.
- It functions as a military-security institution of BRICS.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Explanation: The NDB is the development-finance institution of BRICS, headquartered in Shanghai. It supports infrastructure and sustainable-development financing. It is not a military or security institution.
Q16. Consider the following statements about India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship:
- Its theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.
- It seeks to strengthen BRICS as a platform for Global South cooperation.
- The agenda includes cooperation in areas such as technology, finance and development.
- India seeks to transform BRICS into a formal military alliance.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Explanation: India’s 2026 Chairship theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” Its agenda focuses on practical cooperation across economic, financial, technological, developmental and people-to-people domains. The official backgrounder describes BRICS as a platform for a more inclusive global order, not a military alliance.
Daily APSC Mains Answer Writing
Q. “BRICS has evolved from an economic grouping of emerging economies into an important platform for reshaping the global governance architecture. Examine its significance for India and critically analyse the challenges to its effectiveness.” (15 Marks, 250 Words)
With India chairing BRICS for the fourth time in 2026 under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, BRICS has emerged as an important platform for advancing Global South interests and a more representative multilateral order.
1. Significance of BRICS for India
a) Voice of the Global South
- Provides India a platform to advocate reform of global governance institutions, including greater representation of developing economies.
- Collectively, the 11 BRICS members account for about 49.5% of global population and 40% of global GDP.
b) Strategic autonomy
- Enables India to engage simultaneously with Russia, China, West Asia, Africa and Latin America, complementing its multi-alignment strategy.
- Helps avoid excessive dependence on any single geopolitical bloc.
c) Economic diversification
- Facilitates cooperation in trade, investment, services and resilient global value chains.
- The 2026 BRICS Trade Ministers’ meeting emphasised the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2030 and diversified global value chains.
d) Development finance
- The New Development Bank (NDB) mobilises resources for infrastructure and sustainable-development projects in emerging and developing economies.
- It can complement existing multilateral financing mechanisms.
e) Emerging technologies and innovation
- India’s 2026 agenda places innovation and technology prominently within BRICS cooperation.
- The Bharat Innovates Exposition alongside the Summit seeks to connect Indian deep-tech innovators with global stakeholders.
f) Assam/Northeast dimension
- BRICS cooperation in connectivity, sustainable urbanisation, tourism, agriculture and digital technology can complement India’s Act East Policy.
- Example: better Northeast connectivity can strengthen India’s economic interface with Bangladesh and Southeast Asia.
2. Challenges to BRICS’ Effectiveness
| Challenge | Implication |
| India–China strategic rivalry | Limits deeper strategic convergence |
| Russia–West conflict | Produces divergent positions on international security |
| Economic asymmetry | Unequal economic weight can affect intra-group influence |
| Rapid expansion | Greater representation but potentially slower consensus |
| Diverse political interests | Makes common positions difficult |
| Limited institutionalisation | Consensus-based cooperation may produce uneven implementation |
3. Way Forward
India should pursue “cooperation without bloc politics” through:
Issue-based convergence → Institutional strengthening → Economic integration → Global South leadership
- Prioritise practical cooperation in trade, health, energy, technology and development finance.
- Strengthen NDB financing and institutional mechanisms.
- Promote reform rather than replacement of existing multilateral institutions.
- Build consensus despite geopolitical differences.
- Ensure that BRICS expansion translates into effective outcomes, not merely greater membership.
BRICS should evolve as a pragmatic, inclusive and solutions-oriented platform, consistent with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and India’s commitment to cooperative multilateralism. A stronger BRICS can contribute to a more representative global order and Viksit Bharat 2047 without becoming an exclusionary geopolitical bloc.
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