APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (02/02/2026)
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 02 February 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
💰 Union Budget 2026–27 & Its Implications for Assam and the North-East
📘 APSC GS Prelims: Indian Economy | Budget | Government Policies
📘 APSC GS Mains – III: Economic Development | Infrastructure | Fiscal Policy
📘 APSC GS Mains – V (Assam): Economy of Assam | Development & Planning | Special Packages
🔹 Introduction
The Union Budget 2026–27, presented by the Union Finance Minister on 1 February 2026, outlines a ₹53.5 lakh crore expenditure framework with a strong focus on fiscal consolidation, infrastructure expansion, manufacturing, and regional development.
For Assam and the North-East, the Budget is significant due to enhanced tax devolution, a 52% hike in allocation to the Ministry of DoNER, special packages for BTC, KAATC, ex-ULFA families, and renewed thrust on connectivity, skilling, tourism, and infrastructure, as highlighted in The Assam Tribune.
🔑 Key Points (From the Newspaper)
| Aspect | Details |
| Total Union Budget | ₹53.5 lakh crore |
| Fiscal Deficit | 4.3% of GDP (FY27) |
| Debt-to-GDP Ratio | Reduced to 55.6% |
| Capital Expenditure | ₹12.2 lakh crore |
| Assam’s Tax Devolution | Increased to 3.258% |
| DoNER Allocation | ₹6,812.30 crore (↑ 52.09%) |
| PM-DeVINE | ₹2,300 crore |
| BTC Package | ₹156 crore |
| KAATC Package | ₹200 crore |
| Special Package | ₹500 crore for families of ex-ULFA members |
| Infrastructure | 7 high-speed rail corridors announced |
| Focus Sectors | Manufacturing, electronics, data centres, tourism, skilling |
🧠 Prelims Pointers (High-Probability Facts)
Union Budget 2026–27 size: ₹53.5 lakh crore
Fiscal Deficit Target (FY27): 4.3% of GDP
Ministry of DoNER allocation: ₹6,812.30 crore
PM-DeVINE Scheme: Focus on infrastructure & livelihood in NE
Capital Expenditure: Increased to ₹12.2 lakh crore
Assam’s share in tax devolution: Raised to 3.258%
High-Speed Rail Corridors: 7 announced nationwide
Special packages: BTC, KAATC, ex-ULFA families
Manufacturing push: Electronics, semiconductors, rare earths
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance for Assam & North-East
Enhanced Fiscal Space for Assam
Higher tax devolution increases State’s discretionary spending capacity.
Enables investment in health, education, and infrastructure.
Strengthening Regional Equity
DoNER allocation and PM-DeVINE reinforce cooperative federalism.
Addresses historical infrastructure deficit of the NE region.
Infrastructure-led Growth
Rail corridors, roads, and capital investment improve connectivity and market access.
Critical for landlocked and hilly regions.
Peace & Rehabilitation Strategy
₹500 crore package for families of ex-ULFA members integrates development with internal security.
Boost to Employment & Skilling
Focus on manufacturing, data centres, and skilling aligns with Assam’s demographic dividend.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Absorptive Capacity | States may struggle to fully utilize increased allocations |
| Execution Bottlenecks | Delays due to land acquisition, terrain, and administrative capacity |
| Regional Disparities | Benefits may concentrate in urban centres |
| Fiscal Dependence | Heavy reliance on Central transfers persists |
| Monitoring & Accountability | Risk of leakages in special packages |
C. Government Initiatives Highlighted
Ministry of DoNER enhanced allocation
PM-DeVINE Scheme for NE development
Special Development Packages (BTC, KAATC, ex-ULFA families)
Capital Expenditure push under Special Assistance to States
Tourism circuits in North-East
Skilling and Lakhpati Didi ecosystem through SHG-focused initiatives
D. Way Forward
Outcome-Based Budgeting at State Level
Link fund release with measurable development indicators.
Strengthening Local Institutions
Empower Autonomous Councils (BTC, KAATC) with planning capacity.
Focus on Last-Mile Connectivity
Roads, bridges, and digital infrastructure in remote areas.
Private Sector Participation
PPP models in tourism, logistics, and renewable energy.
Transparent Monitoring Mechanisms
Use digital dashboards for tracking scheme performance.
🧩 Conclusion
The Union Budget 2026–27 represents a development-oriented and fiscally prudent framework that offers Assam and the North-East a critical opportunity to accelerate inclusive growth. However, effective implementation, institutional capacity building, and accountability will determine whether enhanced allocations translate into tangible socio-economic transformation for the region.
🌄 Ministry of DoNER Allocation & Special Packages for Assam and the North-East
📘 APSC GS Prelims: Government Schemes | Regional Development
📘 APSC GS Mains – II: Federalism | Governance | Inter-governmental Relations
📘 APSC GS Mains – III: Inclusive Growth | Infrastructure | Regional Development
📘 APSC GS Mains – V (Assam): Political & Administrative System of Assam | Development & Planning
🔹 Introduction
The Union Budget 2026–27 marks a decisive shift toward region-specific development with a 52.09% increase in allocations to the Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). Assam emerges as a principal beneficiary through enhanced funding for PM-DeVINE, special packages for BTC, KAATC, and a ₹500 crore rehabilitation package for families of former ULFA members—linking development with peace, inclusion, and federal balance.
🔑 Key Points (from the Newspaper)
| Component | Allocation / Change |
| DoNER Ministry | ₹6,812.30 crore (↑ 52.09% from RE 2025–26) |
| PM-DeVINE | ₹2,300 crore |
| North Eastern Council (NEC) | ₹825 crore |
| NESIDS | ₹2,500 crore |
| Special Development Packages | ₹1,046 crore |
| BTC | ₹156 crore |
| KAATC | ₹200 crore |
| Ex-ULFA families (Assam) | ₹500 crore |
| Adivasi & Dimasa (Assam) | ₹70 crore each |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
DoNER coordinates and funds NE-specific schemes to reduce regional disparities.
PM-DeVINE focuses on infrastructure, livelihoods, and social sector gaps in the NE.
NESIDS finances connectivity and social infrastructure.
BTC / KAATC are Sixth Schedule autonomous councils in Assam.
NEC is a statutory body for regional planning and coordination.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
Deepening Cooperative Federalism
Targeted central support compensates for structural constraints (terrain, remoteness).
Assam-centric Peace Dividend
Ex-ULFA family package integrates security with socio-economic rehabilitation.
Empowering Autonomous Councils
BTC & KAATC funds strengthen local self-governance under the Sixth Schedule.
Infrastructure-led Inclusion
NESIDS & PM-DeVINE accelerate last-mile connectivity and social assets.
Balanced Regional Growth
Counters historical under-investment and migration pressures.
B. Challenges
| Issue | Why it Matters |
| Absorptive Capacity | Limited project readiness delays utilization |
| Coordination Deficits | Overlaps among Centre–State–Council agencies |
| Monitoring & Outcomes | Input-heavy spending risks weak outcomes |
| Terrain & Climate Risks | Cost overruns; disaster vulnerability |
| Equity within NE | Urban bias may persist without safeguards |
C. Government Initiatives (as reflected)
PM-DeVINE (infrastructure & livelihoods)
NESIDS (roads, bridges, social infrastructure)
Special Packages for BTC, KAATC, ex-ULFA families
NEC-led regional coordination
Tourism & skilling thrust aligned with NE priorities
D. Way Forward
Outcome-Based Financing with district-level KPIs.
Strengthen Project Preparation Units in Assam & councils.
Integrated Planning (DoNER–State–Council dashboards).
Climate-resilient Design for NE infrastructure.
Community Participation & Social Audits to ensure inclusion.
🧩 Conclusion
The enhanced DoNER allocation in Budget 2026–27 positions Assam and the North-East for a developmental leap, coupling infrastructure, inclusion, and peace-building. Translating allocations into outcomes will hinge on institutional capacity, coordination, and accountability, ensuring that regional equity becomes a durable reality.
🚄 High-Speed Rail Corridors & Infrastructure Push in Union Budget 2026–27
📘 APSC GS Prelims: Infrastructure | Transport | Railways
📘 APSC GS Mains – III: Infrastructure | Growth & Development
📘 APSC GS Mains – V (Assam): Connectivity | Economic Development of Assam
🔹 Introduction
The Union Budget 2026–27 places infrastructure at the core of India’s growth strategy by announcing seven high-speed rail corridors and a dedicated freight corridor, alongside a sharp rise in railway capital expenditure. Although Assam is not on the immediate high-speed map, the initiative has strong indirect implications for the North-East’s connectivity, logistics efficiency, and integration with national markets, as reported in The Assam Tribune.
🔑 Key Points (from the Newspaper)
| Component | Details |
| High-Speed Rail Corridors | 7 corridors announced |
| Dedicated Freight Corridor | Dankuni (WB) – Surat (Gujarat) |
| Railway Capital Support | ₹2.78 lakh crore (₹2.93 lakh crore incl. capex) |
| Passenger Safety Focus | ₹1.20 lakh crore for safety & modernization |
| Safety Tech | Kavach, CCTV, track & rolling stock upgrades |
| Objective | Faster travel, logistics efficiency, economic growth |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
High-speed rail aims at >250 kmph operational speeds.
Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) decongest passenger routes and cut logistics costs.
Kavach is an indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.
Railway safety spending includes track renewal, signaling, rolling stock.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
Growth Multiplier for the Economy
Faster mobility boosts productivity, tourism, and regional commerce.
Logistics Cost Reduction
Freight corridors reduce turnaround time and enhance supply-chain efficiency.
Technology & Safety Upgrade
Kavach, CCTV, and modern signaling enhance passenger safety.
Regional Spillover for the North-East
Improved national rail capacity benefits NE via better trunk connectivity (e.g., WB–Assam links).
Urban–Industrial Integration
Supports manufacturing clusters and port–hinterland connectivity.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| High Capital Cost | High-speed rail requires sustained long-term funding |
| Land Acquisition | Social resistance and delays |
| Regional Imbalance | Initial corridors bypass peripheral regions like NE |
| Technical Expertise | Need for advanced systems & skilled manpower |
| Environmental Concerns | Alignment through sensitive ecologies |
C. Government Initiatives (Budget-linked)
Seven High-Speed Rail Corridors
Dedicated Freight Corridor (Dankuni–Surat)
Railway Safety Modernization (Kavach, CCTV)
Station Redevelopment & passenger amenities
Increased Railway Capex under Budget 2026–27
D. Way Forward (Assam & NE Focus)
Extend Semi–High-Speed Rail to NE
Upgrade Guwahati–New Jalpaiguri and Guwahati–Dibrugarh corridors.
Multimodal Integration
Rail–road–inland waterways (Brahmaputra) linkage.
Logistics Parks in Assam
Leverage improved national freight capacity.
Skill Development
Train local workforce in rail technology & maintenance.
Environment-Sensitive Planning
Climate-resilient infrastructure for flood-prone regions.
🧩 Conclusion
The high-speed rail and infrastructure push in Budget 2026–27 signals India’s transition toward next-generation mobility and logistics. For Assam and the North-East, the real gains will depend on strategic extensions, multimodal integration, and regional prioritization, ensuring that national infrastructure growth translates into inclusive regional development.
🛡️ Defence Budget Expansion & Indigenous Defence Manufacturing (Union Budget 2026–27)
📘 APSC GS Prelims: Defence | Security | Budget & Economy
📘 APSC GS Mains – III: Internal Security | Defence Technology | Indigenisation
📘 APSC GS Mains – V (Assam): Security Challenges | Border Management | Strategic Importance of Assam
🔹 Introduction
The Union Budget 2026–27 provides a strong thrust to national security with a 15% increase in defence outlay, allocating ₹7.85 lakh crore—the highest among all ministries. The Budget emphasizes capital acquisition, indigenous manufacturing, aerospace, and border infrastructure, which is particularly relevant for Assam and the North-East, given their strategic location bordering China, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
🔑 Key Points (from the Newspaper)
| Component | Details |
| Total Defence Outlay | ₹7.85 lakh crore |
| Increase over FY26 | ~15% |
| Capital Expenditure | ₹2.19 lakh crore |
| Domestic Procurement | 75% of capital acquisition |
| Aircraft & Aero Engines | ₹63,733 crore |
| Naval Fleet | ₹25,023 crore |
| Border Roads Organisation | Enhanced allocation |
| Customs Duty Exemptions | Aircraft parts & raw materials |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Defence budget equals ~2% of GDP.
75% domestic procurement aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Defence).
Capital expenditure funds aircraft, warships, weapons, and platforms.
BRO develops strategic roads in border areas, including the North-East.
Customs duty exemptions promote MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) in India.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
Strengthening National Security
Enhanced preparedness amid threats from China and Pakistan.
Boost to Defence Indigenisation
Large domestic procurement share incentivizes Indian defence industry.
Strategic Relevance for Assam & NE
Improved border roads, logistics, and forward infrastructure.
Economic & Technological Spillovers
Aerospace and defence manufacturing generate skilled employment.
Operational Readiness
Focus on capital acquisition modernizes armed forces.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Import Dependence | Critical technologies still sourced externally |
| Delays in Procurement | Complex acquisition procedures |
| Limited NE Industrial Base | Defence manufacturing concentrated elsewhere |
| Terrain Constraints | Difficult logistics in NE border regions |
| R&D Ecosystem Gaps | Need stronger public–private collaboration |
C. Government Initiatives (Budget-linked)
Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Defence) push
75% domestic capital procurement norm
Customs duty exemptions for aircraft manufacturing & MRO
Enhanced BRO funding for border connectivity
Focus on aerospace & defence manufacturing clusters
D. Way Forward (Assam-Focused)
Defence Logistics Hubs in Assam
Warehousing and maintenance for eastern commands.
BRO-led Connectivity Acceleration
All-weather roads to border villages.
Skill Development in Defence Manufacturing
Aerospace and electronics training in NE institutes.
Dual-Use Infrastructure
Roads and airstrips for civilian + military use.
R&D Partnerships
DRDO–academia–industry collaboration in NE.
🧩 Conclusion
The defence budget expansion in 2026–27 underscores India’s resolve to ensure security, self-reliance, and technological advancement. For Assam and the North-East, its success will depend on translating higher allocations into robust border infrastructure, local capacity building, and strategic integration, reinforcing both national security and regional development.
APSC Prelims MCQs
Q1. With reference to the Union Budget 2026–27, consider the following statements regarding defence expenditure:
- Defence allocation is the highest among all Union ministries.
- Defence expenditure is approximately 2% of India’s GDP.
- Capital expenditure accounts for more than half of the total defence budget.
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
✅ Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
- Statement 1: ✔ Correct – Defence has the highest allocation among ministries.
- Statement 2: ✔ Correct – Defence spending is about 2% of GDP.
- Statement 3: ❌ Incorrect – Capital expenditure (~₹2.19 lakh crore) is not more than half of the total defence outlay (~₹7.85 lakh crore).
Q2. In the Union Budget 2026–27, a significant portion of defence capital acquisition has been earmarked for procurement from domestic industries. This policy primarily supports which of the following objectives?
A. Fiscal consolidation
B. Import substitution
C. Internal security reform
D. Revenue deficit reduction
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The provision that 75% of capital acquisition should be sourced from domestic industries directly promotes import substitution and strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.
Q3. Which of the following defence-related expenditures received explicit emphasis in Union Budget 2026–27?
- Aircraft and aero engines
- Border roads infrastructure
- Naval fleet modernisation
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
- Aircraft & aero engines: ✔ ₹63,733 crore allocated
- Border Roads Organisation: ✔ Enhanced allocation
- Naval fleet: ✔ ₹25,023 crore allocated
All three received explicit focus.
Q4. Customs duty exemptions announced in Union Budget 2026–27 are expected to directly benefit which segment of the defence ecosystem?
A. Ammunition retail sector
B. Defence export promotion councils
C. Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities
D. Paramilitary recruitment agencies
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Customs duty exemptions on aircraft parts and raw materials reduce costs for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) activities, boosting India’s defence aerospace ecosystem.
Q5. Why is the enhanced allocation to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) particularly significant for Assam and the North-East?
A. It enables coastal security infrastructure
B. It improves connectivity in border and hilly terrains
C. It promotes private investment in highways
D. It supports urban metro rail projects
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
BRO plays a critical role in constructing strategic all-weather roads in border and hilly regions, which is crucial for Assam and the North-East due to difficult terrain and international borders.
Q6. Which of the following best explains the link between defence indigenisation and economic development?
A. It reduces pension liabilities
B. It strengthens monetary policy transmission
C. It creates skilled employment and technology spillovers
D. It increases customs revenue
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Defence indigenisation promotes high-skilled jobs, R&D, and advanced manufacturing, leading to technology spillovers into the wider economy.
Q7. Consider the following statements regarding capital expenditure in the defence budget:
- It is primarily meant for salaries and pensions.
- It supports procurement of platforms like aircraft and warships.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
- Statement 1: ❌ Incorrect – Salaries and pensions fall under revenue expenditure.
Statement 2: ✔ Correct – Capital expenditure is for weapons, platforms, and equipment.
APSC Mains Practice Question
GS Mains Model Question
Paper: General Studies – III (Defence, Security, Economy, Indigenisation)
Q. The Union Budget 2026–27 marks a decisive push towards defence indigenisation while significantly enhancing capital expenditure on national security.
Critically examine the significance of this approach for India’s strategic autonomy and economic development. Also discuss its relevance for border States such as Assam.
(15 marks)
Model Answer
Introduction
The Union Budget 2026–27, as reported in The Assam Tribune, signals a strategic recalibration of India’s defence policy through a 15% increase in defence outlay and a strong emphasis on indigenous defence manufacturing. By prioritising capital expenditure and mandating a substantial share of domestic procurement, the Budget seeks to simultaneously address national security imperatives and economic self-reliance, marking a shift from import-dependent defence preparedness.
Body
A. Defence Indigenisation and Capital Expenditure: An Overview
The Budget underscores defence indigenisation by:
- Allocating a record defence budget, the highest among Union ministries
- Earmarking nearly 75% of defence capital acquisition for domestic industries
- Increasing capital expenditure for aircraft, naval platforms, and advanced weapon systems
This approach aligns security needs with long-term industrial and technological capacity building.
B. Significance for Strategic Autonomy
1. Reduced Import Dependence
- Indigenous procurement limits vulnerability to external supply shocks and sanctions.
- Enhances operational continuity during geopolitical crises.
2. Strengthened Defence Preparedness
- Capital investment modernises the armed forces with next-generation platforms.
- Improves deterrence against conventional and non-conventional threats.
3. Technological Sovereignty
- Promotes domestic R&D and innovation in critical defence technologies.
- Encourages collaboration between DRDO, private industry, and academia.
C. Economic and Developmental Implications
1. Industrial Growth and Employment
- Defence manufacturing generates high-skilled jobs and strengthens MSME participation.
- Acts as a catalyst for ancillary industries and supply chains.
2. Technology Spillovers
- Dual-use technologies benefit civilian sectors such as aerospace, electronics, and logistics.
3. Fiscal Prudence with Long-Term Returns
- Capital-heavy spending creates durable assets rather than recurring liabilities.
D. Relevance for Assam and Border States
1. Strategic Infrastructure Development
- Enhanced funding for border roads and logistics improves military mobility and civilian access.
2. Regional Security Integration
- Assam’s location near international borders makes it central to eastern defence preparedness.
3. Economic Opportunities
- Potential to develop logistics, maintenance, and support hubs linked to defence establishments.
Conclusion
The defence-focused provisions of the Union Budget 2026–27 reflect a conscious effort to integrate national security with economic self-reliance. By combining enhanced capital expenditure with indigenisation, the Budget strengthens India’s strategic autonomy while fostering industrial growth. For border States like Assam, this approach offers a dual dividend—greater security preparedness and region-specific development—provided implementation remains timely, inclusive, and institutionally robust.
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