APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (23/06/2026)

For APSC CCE and other Assam competitive exam aspirants, staying consistently updated with reliable current affairs is essential for success. This blog provides a well-researched analysis of the most important topics from The Assam Tribune dated 23 June 2026. Each issue has been carefully selected and explained to support both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, ensuring alignment with the APSC CCE syllabus and the evolving trends of the examination.

✨ APSC CCE Prelims Crash Course, 2026

HPV Vaccination Campaign in Assam: Towards Cervical Cancer Elimination

• GS Paper II: Health, Education & Social Sector Development
• GS Paper V (Assam): Health Infrastructure and Government Initiatives

🔴 Introduction

• Assam achieved a major milestone in its Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, vaccinating >2.25 lakh girls (aged 14–15 years), achieving ~70% of its target.
• Goal: Protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer (a leading cause of cancer deaths among Indian women).
• Significance: A critical public health intervention driving India’s goal to reduce preventable cancers via immunization.

🔴 Key Points

• Disease Targeted: Cervical Cancer
• Causative Agent: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Target Group: Girls aged 14–15 years
• Assam Target: 3.27 lakh beneficiaries
• Vaccinated (as of June 2026): 2,25,936 girls
• Coverage Achieved: Nearly 70%
• Vaccine Used: Gardasil-4
• Implementing Agencies: Directorate of Health Services (FW), National Health Mission (NHM) Assam
• Timeline: Launched 28 February 2026; Rolled out 17 March 2026
• Reach: >400 health facilities across Assam

🔴 What is HPV?

• A group of >200 related viruses, with >40 types spread via sexual contact.
• “High-risk” strains cause: Cervical, Vaginal, Vulvar, Anal, and Oropharyngeal cancers.
• Most Dangerous Types: HPV-16 and HPV-18 (cause ~70% of global cervical cancer cases).

🔴 Why is Cervical Cancer Important?

• Global Scenario: 4th most common cancer among women. The World Health Organization (WHO) targets its global elimination.
• Indian Scenario: 2nd most common cancer among women (~1.25 lakh new cases & ~75,000 deaths annually).
• Assam Scenario: High burden driven by low screening, limited awareness, and rural healthcare deficits.
• Core Fact: Persistent HPV infection causes nearly all cervical cancer cases.

🔴 WHO Global Strategy for Cervical Cancer Elimination

• The WHO launched the 90-70-90 Strategy to be achieved by 2030:
  • 90% of girls fully vaccinated before age 15.
  • 70% of women screened by age 35, and again by 45.
  • 90% of women with cervical disease receive treatment.

🔴 How Does the Vaccine Work?

• Produces antibodies to prevent HPV infection before exposure. (Does not treat existing infections).
• Highest efficacy when administered during adolescence.
• Vaccine Used in Assam (Gardasil-4): Protects against HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18.
• Monitoring: Supply and cold-chain are managed via the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN).

🔴 HPV Vaccination in India

• National Efforts: Intensified immunization focus recently.
• Indigenous Vaccine (Cervavac):
  • Developed by the Serum Institute of India and the Department of Biotechnology.
  • Advantages: Lower cost, easier accessibility, and promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat in healthcare.

🔴 Prelims Pointers

• HPV: A DNA virus of the Papillomaviridae family; spreads mainly via skin-to-skin and sexual contact.
• Gardasil-4: Targets HPV 6, 11, 16, 18.
• eVIN: Tracks vaccine stock and monitors cold-chain temperature.
• WHO Goal: Eliminate cervical cancer via vaccination, screening, and treatment.
• Crucial Fact: Nearly all cervical cancers are linked to persistent HPV infection.

🔴 Mains Pointers

A. Importance of HPV Vaccination

• Reduces Cancer Burden: Lowers mortality by preventing infection.
• Women Empowerment: Protects reproductive health and improves quality of life.
• Cost-Effective: Prevention is significantly cheaper than cancer treatment.
• Supports SDG Goals: Aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (Good Health) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
• Healthcare Shift: Transitions focus from treatment to preventive healthcare.

B. Challenges

• Vaccine Hesitancy: Fueled by myths around side effects and fertility.
• Accessibility: Reaching difficult terrains (riverine and hill areas).
• School Dropouts: Tracking eligible girls outside the formal education system.
• Social Stigma: Taboos associated with linking HPV to sexual health.
• Logistics: Funding and sustaining cold-chain infrastructure in remote areas.

C. Government Initiatives

• National Level: Strengthening the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), Mission Indradhanush, and the eVIN platform.
• Assam-Specific: State-wide campaign driving coordination between NHM Assam, Education/Health Departments, and District Administrations across >400 facilities.

D. Way Forward

• Universal Coverage: Strive for 100% vaccination of the target group.
• School-Based Rollout: Deepen institutional coordination with schools.
• Community Awareness: Leverage Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers and local self-help groups.
• Regular Screening: Expand testing for adult women.
• Indigenous Promotion: Scale up affordable options like Cervavac.
• Digital Monitoring: Enhance eVIN for flawless real-time tracking.

🔴 Conclusion

• Assam’s HPV campaign is a landmark preventive healthcare initiative capable of drastically reducing future cervical cancer rates. By integrating vaccination, screening, awareness, and strong infrastructure, Assam can serve as a national model for eliminating cervical cancer and empowering women’s health.

Assam’s Rural–Urban Health Divide: Infant Mortality & Maternal Health Crisis

• GS Paper II: Social Sector (Health), Welfare Schemes & Human Development
• GS Paper V (Assam): Health Infrastructure, Social Development & Public Policy

🔴 Introduction

• The Sample Registration System (SRS) 2024 Report highlights a persistent rural–urban health divide in Assam despite overall healthcare improvements.
• Rural Assam experiences significantly higher infant, neonatal, and perinatal mortality rates due to disparities in healthcare access, infrastructure, nutrition, and awareness.
• This issue intersects with health governance, social justice, women and child welfare, and Assam-specific developmental challenges.

🔴 Key Findings from SRS 2024

• Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Urban = 14 | Rural = 31
• Neonatal Mortality Rate: Urban = 12 | Rural = 21
• Early Neonatal Mortality Rate: Urban = 8 | Rural = 15
• Share of Deaths (0-4 years): Urban = 3.8% | Rural = 11.6%
• Infant Deaths as % of Total Deaths: Urban = 3.4% | Rural = 10.3%

🔴 Understanding the Key Terms

• Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Deaths of infants below one year of age per 1,000 live births annually.
• Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR): Deaths within the first 28 days of life per 1,000 live births.
• Early Neonatal Mortality Rate: Deaths within the first 7 days after birth.
• Maternal Health: Encompasses women’s health during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

🔴 Why Does Rural Assam Fare Worse?

• 1. Poor Access to Healthcare Infrastructure: Villages lack specialists, emergency obstetric/neonatal care, and diagnostics. Fatal delays occur when traveling to tertiary centers like Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH), Assam Medical College (AMC), and Jorhat Medical College.
• 2. Transportation and Connectivity Challenges: Delayed ambulances and poor roads plague flood-prone areas, Riverine (Char) regions, tea gardens, and hilly districts (e.g., a Jorhat woman delivered at home due to ambulance delays).
• 3. Malnutrition and Poor Maternal Nutrition: Protein-Energy Malnutrition drives low birth weight, stunting, and weak immunity. Nutritional rehabilitation centres remain heavily occupied.
• 4. Low Awareness Levels: Families often delay institutional deliveries and medical treatment, ignoring early warning signs until complications are severe.
• 5. Challenges in Tea Garden Areas: Communities suffer from poverty, early marriage, maternal undernutrition, and continuous physical labour during pregnancy, drastically increasing mortality risks.

🔴 Social Determinants of Health The divide is multidimensional, driven by:

• Economic: Poverty and income inequality.
• Educational: Low female literacy and health awareness.
• Social: Early marriage and gender inequality.
• Geographic: Remote habitations and difficult terrain.
• Nutritional: Food insecurity and maternal anaemia.

🔴 Constitutional & Policy Framework

• Article 21: Right to Life inherently includes the right to health (judicial interpretation).
• Article 39(e) & 39(f): Mandates protection of children and mothers.
• Article 47: State duty to raise nutrition levels and improve public health.

🔴 Government Initiatives

• National Level:
  • National Health Mission (NHM): Strengthens rural healthcare via Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers, Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK).
  • POSHAN Abhiyaan: Focuses on reducing stunting and anaemia.
  • Mission Indradhanush: Boosts child immunization coverage.
  • Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Maternity benefits for pregnant women.
• Assam-Specific:
  • Atal Amrit Abhiyan: Financial aid for critical illnesses.
  • Mukhya Mantri Lok Sevak Arogya Yojana: Health insurance support.
  • Medical College Expansion: Rapid scaling of medical education and state health infrastructure.

🔴 Prelims Pointers

• SRS: Conducted by the Registrar General of India; estimates Birth/Death Rates, IMR, and Maternal Mortality.
• IMR: Infant deaths below age one per 1,000 live births.
• Neonatal Period: First 28 days of life.
• ASHA: Grassroots health worker under NHM.
• POSHAN Abhiyaan: Launched in 2018 for nutritional outcomes.
• SDG Target: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 aims to reduce neonatal mortality and improve maternal health.

🔴 Mains Pointers

A. Importance of Addressing the Rural–Urban Health Divide

• Human Capital: Healthy mothers/children drive economic productivity.
• Social Justice: Ensures equitable healthcare access.
• Demographic Dividend: Secures long-term workforce quality.
• SDG Achievement: Supports SDG 3 (Health), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

B. Major Challenges

• Specialist Shortage: Leads to delayed treatment.
• Poor Transportation: Causes emergency response failures.
• Malnutrition: Drives higher infant mortality.
• Low Awareness: Results in delayed healthcare seeking.
• Tea Garden Vulnerability: Sustains persistent health inequities.
• Geography/Floods: Displaces and disrupts service delivery.

C. Way Forward

• Strengthen Primary Care: Upgrade Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Sub-Centres for 24×7 maternal care.
• Improve Transport: Expand road and river ambulance networks (especially in Char areas).
• Focus on Nutrition: Strengthen POSHAN Abhiyaan and universal maternal nutrition support.
• Behavioural Change: Launch community counselling and health education campaigns.
• Tea Garden Strategy: Deploy mobile medical units and dedicated maternal programmes.
• Digital Health: Implement telemedicine and AI-enabled maternal monitoring in remote districts.

🔴 Relevant Reports & Indices

• SRS Report 2024: Key data source for mortality indicators.
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5): Data on nutrition, anaemia, child health, and institutional deliveries.
• SDGs: Global targets for reducing maternal and child mortality.

🔴 Conclusion

• Assam’s rural-urban health divide is a multidimensional issue rooted in poverty, geography, and education. While progress has been made via NHM and new medical colleges, achieving inclusive growth requires targeted investments in rural infrastructure, maternal nutrition, emergency transport, and community awareness to create a healthier, equitable Assam.

Iran–US Talks and the Strait of Hormuz: Implications for Global Security and Energy Markets

• GS Paper II: International Relations | Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s Interests
• GS Paper III: Energy Security (Indirect Linkage)

🔴 Introduction

• Diplomatic talks between the United States (US) and Iran, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar in Switzerland, have laid a “good foundation” to end the West Asia conflict.
• Primary Focus: Securing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global maritime energy chokepoint.
• Indian Relevance: Stability directly impacts India’s energy security, trade, diaspora, and strategic investments.

🔴 Key Highlights from the News

• Countries Involved: US and Iran
• Mediators & Venue: Pakistan and Qatar | Switzerland
• Core Objective & Framework: Permanent end to conflict | 60-day negotiation framework
• Key Economics: Temporary easing of some sanctions on Iranian oil
• Regional Backing: Addressing the Israel-Iran-Hezbollah conflict

🔴 What is the Strait of Hormuz?

• Location: Narrow waterway lying between Iran (North) and Oman/UAE (South).
• Connects: Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

🔴 Strategic Importance

• Known as the “World’s Most Important Oil Chokepoint”.
• Volume: ~One-fifth (20%) of global petroleum trade passes through it.
• Key Exporters Dependent: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, Iran, and Qatar (Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports).

🔴 Map-Based Prelims Pointer

• Directly Bordering: Iran, Oman.
• Dependent Gulf States: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE.

🔴 Why is the Strait of Hormuz Important in the Current Conflict?

• Negotiators are working to ensure it remains open and secure.
• Disruption Risks: Explosive crude oil price spikes, runaway global inflation, acute supply chain blockages, and severe energy shortages.

🔴 Importance for India

• 1. Energy Security: India imports ~85% of its crude oil, heavily sourcing from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait. These shipments transit through the Strait. Any disruption widens India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) and fuels domestic inflation.
• 2. Indian Diaspora: Over 9 million Indians reside in the Gulf. Instability threatens safety, jobs, and vital remittance inflows.
• 3. Trade Interests: The Gulf is a premier trading partner; conflict risks inflating shipping costs and cutting off crucial petroleum/fertilizer imports.
• 4. Strategic Connectivity: Regional peace is vital for India-backed links like the Chabahar Port and International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

🔴 Understanding the Iran–US Issue

• 1979 Revolution: Overthrow of the Shah; establishment of the Islamic Republic collapsed US-Iran ties.
• Nuclear Conflict: Western nations allege Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons; Iran maintains its program is for peaceful, civilian purposes.
• JCPOA (2015): The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signed by Iran, P5+1 (US, UK, France, China, Russia + Germany) to curb Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
• 2018 Pullout: US unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA, reimposing severe sanctions and reviving geopolitical tensions.

🔴 Role of Pakistan and Qatar

• Qatar: Uses its unique diplomatic leverage to maintain fluid communication channels between Western states and Iran.
• Pakistan: Shares a direct border and economic interests with Iran while maintaining traditional ties with Gulf states.

🔴 Prelims Pointers

• Strait of Hormuz: Connects Persian Gulf to Gulf of Oman. Bordered by Iran and Oman.
• JCPOA: Historic nuclear accord signed in 2015.
• Chabahar Port: Located in Iran, strategically funded and developed by India.
• Global Chokepoints: Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb, Suez Canal, Strait of Malacca, Panama Canal.
• Fact: Persistent military escalation by Iran directly threatens the stability of all maritime freight traversing Hormuz.

🔴 Mains Pointers

A. Significance of the Iran–US Talks

• Regional & Global Security: Defuses wider regional war risks and secures global shipping networks.
• Economic Equilibrium: Preempts global oil shocks and stabilizes macro energy markets.

B. Implications for India

• Positives: Moderated crude prices, lower maritime insurance premiums, and seamless operationalization of Chabahar and INSTC.
• Negatives (If Talks Fail): Severe oil shocks, acute inflationary pressures, and complex evacuation challenges for the diaspora.

C. Challenges

• Distrust: Decades of diplomatic hostilities.
• Sticking Points: The nuclear deadlock and complex unwinding of the sanctions regime.
• Proxies & Rivals: The intense Israel-Iran rivalry alongside active proxy fronts in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.

D. Way Forward

• Sustained Engagement: Institutionalizing continuous, structured dialogue.
• Confidence-Building: Incremental, verified sanctions relief mapped directly to Iranian nuclear compliance.
• India’s Strategy: Actively diversify energy partners while fast-tracking domestic renewable energy scaling.

🔴 Related International Locations for Prelims

• Strait of Hormuz: Premier oil chokepoint (Persian Gulf – Gulf of Oman).
• Bab-el-Mandeb: Strategic chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
• Suez Canal: Crucial maritime artery for Europe-Asia trade.
• Chabahar Port: Indian-assisted strategic gateway in Iran bypassing Pakistan.

🔴 Conclusion

• The US-Iran negotiations present a vital opportunity to stabilize the volatile West Asian landscape. Given the indispensable nature of the Strait of Hormuz to global energy stability, successful diplomacy is a prerequisite for worldwide economic health. For India, a peaceful Gulf region remains non-negotiable to sustain its economic growth trajectory, trade security, and diaspora welfare.

India–Vietnam Maritime Cooperation: Strengthening Strategic Partnership in the Indo-Pacific

• GS Paper II: International Relations | Bilateral Relations & Regional Groupings
• GS Paper III: Security Challenges and Maritime Security

🔴 Introduction

• India and Vietnam reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region through naval engagement, professional exchanges, and defence collaboration.
• Key Event: Indian Naval Ships (INS) Delhi and INS Kavaratti visited Ho Chi Minh City, emphasizing maritime security as a core pillar of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
• Significance: Reflects India’s expanding role in the Indo-Pacific and its pursuit of a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based maritime order.

🔴 Key Points from the News

• Countries Involved: India and Vietnam
• Indian Naval Ships: INS Delhi and INS Kavaratti
• Location & Personnel: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | 610 officers and sailors
• Objective: Deepen maritime cooperation and defence partnerships under the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework.
• Strategic Blueprint: Aligned with the India-Vietnam Defence Partnership Statement (2020).

🔴 India–Vietnam Relations: An Overview

• Diplomatic Genesis: Formal ties established in 1972.
• Evolution: Elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2007 and further upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016.
• Policy Link: Vietnam acts as a critical anchor in India’s Act East Policy.

🔴 Why is Maritime Cooperation Important?

• 1. Strategic Location of Vietnam: Positioned along the South China Sea (SCS), one of the world’s busiest channels connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Nearly one-third of global maritime trade traverses this zone.
• 2. Ensuring Freedom of Navigation: Both nations defend the freedom of navigation, overflight, and peaceful dispute resolution adhering to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982.
• 3. Countering Regional Security Challenges: The Indo-Pacific faces territorial friction, militarization of shipping lanes, piracy, illegal fishing, and aggressive great-power competition. Collaborative actions help maintain regional stability.

🔴 India’s Indo-Pacific Vision

• Core Philosophy: Driven by SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Objectives: Advance maritime security, foster regional cooperation, promote sustainable marine resource usage, and build institutional capacity.
• Key Tenets: Safeguarding a free and open Indo-Pacific, maintaining a rules-based order, upholding Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) centrality, and absolute compliance with sovereignty and UNCLOS.

🔴 Areas of India–Vietnam Maritime Cooperation

• Defence Cooperation: Regular naval ship transits, joint operational exercises, strategic port calls, and defense capacity building.
• Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): Seamless data exchange regarding commercial shipping movements, maritime threats, and illegal high-seas activities.
• Training & Exchanges: Routine interactions between naval personnel to optimize operational interoperability, mutual trust, and strategic cohesion.
• Defence Industry Cooperation: India extends strategic defence lines of credit, specialized training programs, and technology transfers to Vietnam.

🔴 Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)

• Vietnam has integrated into the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), a maritime cooperation framework introduced by India in 2019.
• The Seven Pillars of IPOI: Maritime Security; Marine Ecology; Maritime Resources; Capacity Building; Disaster Risk Reduction; Science, Technology & Cooperation; Trade Connectivity.

🔴 South China Sea: Why It Matters?

• Strategic Weight: Houses critical commercial shipping pathways alongside immense reserves of fisheries, oil, and natural gas.
• Territorial Claimants: Embroiled in overlapping sovereign claims involving China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.

🔴 Prelims Pointers

• INS Delhi: India’s premier Guided Missile Destroyer belonging to the Delhi-class series.
• INS Kavaratti: An advanced anti-submarine warfare stealth corvette engineered under Project-28.
• UNCLOS (1982): International legal regime defining jurisdictional limits over Territorial Waters, Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), and Continental Shelf Rights.
• ASEAN: A 10-member bloc comprising Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• Act East Policy: Focused upgrade of the Look East Policy, prioritizing economic integration, security connectivity, and robust strategic partnerships across Southeast Asia.

🔴 Mains Pointers

A. Significance of India–Vietnam Maritime Cooperation

• Act East Deepening: Reinforces Vietnam’s status as a central pillar for India’s ASEAN outreach.
• Maritime Lane Protection: Enhances monitoring capabilities to defend critical commercial lanes.
• Geopolitical Equilibrium: Rebalances regional power dynamics by advancing a multipolar Indo-Pacific.
• Defence Diplomacy: Accelerates practical interoperability between both armed forces.
• Economic Resilience: Insulates maritime trade routes vital to India’s domestic economic security.

B. Challenges

• SCS Volatility: Intense territorial standoffs among regional claimant states.
• Geopolitical Friction: Growing polarization and competition among global superpowers.
• Asymmetric Threats: Ongoing challenges from piracy, contraband smuggling, and illegal fishing.
• Strategic Balancing: Managing complex bilateral relationships without aggravating regional sensitivities.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Vulnerabilities in global trade flow due to choke-point vulnerabilities.

C. Government Initiatives

• Act East Policy: Focused diplomatic and economic alignment with ASEAN.
• SAGAR Vision: India’s foundational blueprint for regional maritime safety and growth.
• IPOI: An inclusive, India-led platform for cooperative maritime management.
• ASEAN-India Cooperation: Institutionalized defense dialogues and strategic ministerial forums.

D. Way Forward

• Escalate Naval Engagements: Increase the frequency of coordinated sea patrols, complex joint exercises, and strategic port visits.
• Consolidate MDA: Establish robust, real-time digital information-sharing mechanisms.
• Deepen Industrial Synergy: Expand defense technology co-development and specialized industrial collaboration.
• Blue Economy Initiatives: Launch joint investments in marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and offshore renewable energy.
• Uphold ASEAN Centrality: Maintain a non-fragmented, inclusive architectural balance in the Indo-Pacific.

🔴 Related Reports & Frameworks

• ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP): Promotes regional inclusivity, cooperation, and ASEAN centrality.
• Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI): India’s core operational blueprint for maritime collaboration.
• UNCLOS 1982: The definitive international legal order governing all oceanic rights and obligations.

🔴 Conclusion

India–Vietnam maritime cooperation forms the bedrock of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and serves as a vital anchor for India’s Indo-Pacific strategy. By conducting regular naval maneuvers, sharing maritime surveillance, and strictly advocating for a rules-based order, both states reinforce regional security. As competitive geopolitical pressures mount, this partnership remains indispensable to safeguarding mutual strategic, economic, and sovereign interests.

APSC Prelims MCQs

Q1. With reference to Human Papillomavirus (HPV), consider the following statements:

1. HPV is a DNA virus.
2. Persistent infection with certain HPV strains can cause cervical cancer.
3. HPV infection spreads exclusively through blood transfusion.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: A

Explanation:

• HPV is a DNA virus.
• HPV-16 and HPV-18 are major causes of cervical cancer.
• It primarily spreads through skin-to-skin/sexual contact, not exclusively through blood transfusion.

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Q2. Gardasil-4 vaccine provides protection against which of the following HPV strains?

A. HPV 1, 2, 3 and 4
B. HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18
C. HPV 5, 10, 15 and 20
D. HPV 16, 18, 31 and 45

Answer: B

Explanation:

Gardasil-4 protects against HPV types:

• 6
• 11
• 16
• 18

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Q3. The Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) is primarily associated with:

A. Vaccine research and development
B. Monitoring disease outbreaks
C. Vaccine stock and cold-chain management
D. Vaccine export certification

Answer: C

Explanation:

eVIN digitally tracks vaccine stocks and cold-chain temperatures.

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Q4. Which of the following indicators is defined as the number of deaths of infants below one year of age per 1,000 live births?

A. Crude Death Rate
B. Neonatal Mortality Rate
C. Maternal Mortality Ratio
D. Infant Mortality Rate

Answer: D

Explanation:

IMR measures deaths below one year per 1,000 live births.

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Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Sample Registration System (SRS):

1. It is administered by the Registrar General of India.
2. It provides estimates of birth rate and death rate.
3. It provides mortality indicators including Infant Mortality Rate.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: D

Explanation:

SRS is India’s largest demographic survey system and provides vital statistics including mortality indicators.

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Q6. Which of the following Constitutional provisions directs the State to improve public health and nutrition?

A. Article 32
B. Article 47
C. Article 51A
D. Article 243G

Answer: B

Explanation:

Article 47 is a Directive Principle of State Policy concerning nutrition and public health.

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Q7. Consider the following:

1. Janani Suraksha Yojana
2. Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram
3. POSHAN Abhiyaan

Which of the above are directly related to maternal and child health?

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

Answer: D

Explanation:

All three programmes focus on maternal, neonatal, child health and nutrition.

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Q8. The Strait of Hormuz connects:

A. Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea
B. Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
C. Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal
D. Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea

Answer: B

Explanation:

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.

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Q9. Which of the following countries directly border the Strait of Hormuz?

1. Iran
2. Oman
3. Qatar
4. Bahrain

Select the correct answer using the code given 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: A

Explanation:

Only Iran and Oman directly border the Strait.

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Q10. Consider the following maritime chokepoints:

1. Bab-el-Mandeb
2. Strait of Hormuz
3. Strait of Malacca

Which of the above are critical for global energy transportation?

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

Answer: D

Explanation:

All three are major global maritime energy routes.

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Q11. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), frequently seen in news, is related to:

A. Syrian peace process
B. Iran’s nuclear programme
C. Israel–Palestine negotiations
D. OPEC oil production agreement

Answer: B

Explanation:

JCPOA is the 2015 nuclear agreement involving Iran and world powers.

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Q12. With reference to the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), consider the following statements:

1. It was launched by India.
2. It promotes maritime security and sustainable use of marine resources.
3. It is a military alliance similar to NATO.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: A

Explanation:

IPOI is a cooperative maritime initiative, not a military alliance.

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Q13. Which one of the following best describes the objective of India’s SAGAR doctrine?

A. Establishing military bases abroad
B. Creating a customs union in the Indian Ocean
C. Security and Growth for All in the Region
D. Promoting exclusive naval dominance

Answer: C

Explanation:

SAGAR stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region.

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Q14. Consider the following statements regarding the South China Sea:

1. It is one of the busiest maritime trade routes in the world.
2. Vietnam is one of the claimant countries in the South China Sea disputes.
3. The South China Sea lies entirely within China’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: A

Explanation:

Vietnam is a claimant state, and the South China Sea is disputed; it does not lie entirely within China’s EEZ.

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Q15. Consider the following pairs:

Naval Ship	Type
INS Delhi	Guided Missile Destroyer
INS Kavaratti	Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

INS Kavaratti is an Anti-Submarine Warfare Stealth Corvette.

INS Delhi is a Guided Missile Destroyer.

APSC Mains Practice Question

📘 GS Mains Model Question (APSC CCE)

📝 Question

“Q. “The Indo-Pacific has emerged as the new centre of global geopolitics. In this context, examine the significance of India–Vietnam maritime cooperation for India’s strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.” (15 Marks, 250 Words)

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Model Answer

Introduction

The Indo-Pacific region accounts for over 60% of global GDP and hosts some of the world’s busiest sea lanes. India and Vietnam, under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), have increasingly strengthened maritime cooperation to promote a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific order.

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Significance of India–Vietnam Maritime Cooperation

1. Strengthening India’s Act East Policy

• Vietnam is a key partner in India’s engagement with ASEAN.
• Enhances India’s diplomatic and strategic presence in Southeast Asia.

2. Promoting Maritime Security

• Supports freedom of navigation and overflight.
• Ensures adherence to UNCLOS, 1982.
• Helps maintain stability in the South China Sea.

3. Balancing Regional Power Dynamics

• Contributes to a multipolar Indo-Pacific.
• Enhances cooperation among like-minded countries supporting a rules-based order.

4. Defence and Strategic Cooperation

• Naval ship visits, military training, and professional exchanges improve interoperability.
• Strengthens defence diplomacy and mutual trust.

5. Economic and Trade Interests

• Secure Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) are crucial for India’s trade.
• Supports regional connectivity and supply chain resilience.

6. Advancement of India’s Indo-Pacific Vision

• Complements India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine.
• Supports the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and ASEAN centrality.

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Challenges

• South China Sea territorial disputes.
• Growing geopolitical competition among major powers.
• Maritime security threats such as piracy and illegal fishing.
• Need to balance strategic partnerships while maintaining regional stability.

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Way Forward

• Expand joint naval exercises and maritime domain awareness.
• Strengthen cooperation in the blue economy and disaster management.
• Promote ASEAN-led regional mechanisms.
• Enhance defence technology and capacity-building partnerships.

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Conclusion

India–Vietnam maritime cooperation is a cornerstone of India’s Indo-Pacific strategy. By combining strategic convergence, maritime security cooperation, and commitment to international law, both countries can contribute significantly to a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region while advancing India’s long-term geopolitical and economic interests.

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