APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (09/03/2026)
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 09 March 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
🛢️ India’s Energy Security amid Middle East Conflict (Strait of Hormuz Risk)
📘 GS Paper II: International Relations | West Asia
📘 GS Paper III: Energy Security | Economy | Geopolitics
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Economic & Strategic Developments
🔹 Introduction
Escalating tensions in West Asia following US–Israel strikes on Iran have disrupted global oil supply chains and created uncertainty in international energy markets. In response, India has begun sourcing additional crude oil from the US, Russia, West Africa, and Latin America to ensure stable supplies and reduce dependence on the conflict-affected Middle East region.
This situation highlights the strategic importance of energy security, diversification of imports, and maritime chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Description |
| Issue | Disruption of crude oil supplies due to West Asia conflict |
| India’s Oil Import Dependence | About 88% of crude oil is imported |
| Strategic Route | Strait of Hormuz – major global oil transit chokepoint |
| Government Response | Diversification of oil imports |
| Alternative Sources | US, Russia, West Africa, Latin America |
| Storage Capacity | Around 74 days of oil import coverage |
Indian refiners are maintaining normal processing rates and building supply buffers to ensure adequate availability of petroleum products.
⚙️ Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz
Location
Between Iran and Oman.
Global Role
One of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
Energy Security
Nearly one-fifth of global oil trade passes through this strait.
Vulnerability
Regional conflicts can disrupt shipping and energy supply chains.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
India’s Crude Oil Import Dependence
Around 85–88% of India’s crude oil needs are imported.
Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR)
Emergency oil storage maintained by the Government of India.
Major Oil Suppliers to India
Russia
Iraq
Saudi Arabia
UAE.
Strait of Hormuz
Connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance
1. Energy Security
Stable oil supply is essential for economic growth and industrial production.
2. Strategic Diversification
Importing oil from multiple sources reduces geopolitical risk.
3. Price Stability
Diversification helps manage global price volatility.
4. Strategic Autonomy
Allows India to pursue an independent foreign policy.
5. Economic Stability
Energy security directly affects inflation, trade balance, and fiscal stability.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Geopolitical Conflicts | Wars in West Asia disrupt supply chains |
| Maritime Chokepoints | Dependence on Strait of Hormuz |
| Price Volatility | Oil prices rise during conflicts |
| Transport Costs | Longer shipping routes increase freight costs |
| Sanctions | International sanctions complicate oil trade |
C. Government Initiatives
1️⃣ Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR)
Emergency oil storage facilities in:
Vishakhapatnam
Mangaluru
Padur.
2️⃣ Diversification of Imports
Increasing purchases from Russia, US, and Africa.
3️⃣ Renewable Energy Expansion
Promotion of solar, wind, and green hydrogen.
4️⃣ National Biofuel Policy
Encourages ethanol blending and biofuel production.
🧭 Way Forward
Expand Strategic Oil Reserves
Increase storage capacity for longer supply coverage.
Accelerate Renewable Energy
Reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Strengthen Energy Diplomacy
Enhance partnerships with major oil-producing nations.
Improve Domestic Production
Promote exploration under Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP).
Secure Maritime Routes
Strengthen naval presence and international cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
🧩 Conclusion
The ongoing West Asian conflict highlights the vulnerabilities of global energy supply chains. India’s strategy of diversifying crude oil imports and strengthening strategic reserves is crucial for ensuring long-term energy security while gradually transitioning toward clean and sustainable energy sources.
🌳 Large-Scale Tree Felling in Assam (Over 1 Lakh Trees in 10 Years) & Ecological Implications
📘 GS Paper III: Environment | Biodiversity | Climate Change
📘 GS Paper II: Governance | Environmental Regulation
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Forest Resources & Environmental Conservation
🔹 Introduction
Recent data obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) query revealed that more than 1,06,896 mature trees have been felled across Assam since May 2016 for various development projects. These include road construction, oil exploration, infrastructure development, and institutional buildings. Experts warn that replacing mature trees with saplings does not immediately compensate for ecological losses.
The issue highlights the tension between developmental infrastructure expansion and environmental sustainability in Assam.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| Total Trees Felled | 1,06,896 trees since 2016 |
| Source of Data | RTI responses from forest divisions |
| Forest Divisions Reporting | 15 divisions provided full data |
| Trees in Forest Areas | About 26,000 trees |
| Trees in Non-Forest Areas | Around 80,000 trees |
| Major Causes | Road expansion, oil exploration, infrastructure projects |
A large portion of the tree cutting was linked to national highway expansion, oil drilling projects by ONGC and Oil India, and construction of institutions such as medical colleges.
⚙️ Government Response
The State government stated that:
Trees were cut due to “dire necessity” for development projects.
Compensatory plantation programmes have been implemented.
Over 3.5 crore saplings were planted in the last two years, including the Amrit Briksha Andolan, where one crore saplings were planted in a single day.
However, experts emphasize that saplings cannot immediately replace the ecological value of mature trees.
🌿 Ecological Implications
1️⃣ Loss of Biodiversity
Mature trees support birds, insects, mammals, and micro-organisms.
2️⃣ Carbon Storage Loss
Older trees store large amounts of carbon, helping mitigate climate change.
3️⃣ Microclimate Changes
Tree removal increases:
local temperature
soil erosion
dust pollution.
4️⃣ Habitat Fragmentation
Large-scale tree cutting disrupts wildlife corridors and ecosystems.
5️⃣ Reduced Ecosystem Services
Mature trees provide:
oxygen production
groundwater recharge
air purification.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Compensatory Afforestation
Mandatory planting of trees to compensate for forest land diverted for development.
Forest Conservation Act, 1980
Regulates diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
Amrit Briksha Andolan
Assam government initiative for large-scale plantation drive.
Ecosystem Services
Benefits provided by ecosystems such as climate regulation, soil conservation, and biodiversity support.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Forest Conservation
1. Climate Regulation
Forests act as carbon sinks, reducing greenhouse gases.
2. Biodiversity Protection
Assam is part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
3. Flood Control
Tree cover helps reduce soil erosion and sedimentation in rivers.
4. Livelihood Support
Forests support tribal communities and rural livelihoods.
5. Ecological Balance
Maintains ecosystem stability and environmental sustainability.
B. Key Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Development Pressure | Infrastructure expansion requires land clearance |
| Weak Impact Assessments | Lack of proper ecological impact studies |
| Survival Rate of Saplings | Many plantations fail to reach maturity |
| Habitat Loss | Wildlife displacement due to deforestation |
| Governance Gaps | Coordination issues between development and environment agencies |
Experts noted that no ecological impact study was conducted in many divisions where large-scale tree felling occurred, raising scientific concerns.
🧭 Way Forward
Strengthen Environmental Impact Assessment
Mandatory ecological studies before large-scale tree removal.
Promote Sustainable Infrastructure
Use green infrastructure planning and avoid critical habitats.
Improve Compensatory Afforestation
Focus on native species and long-term survival monitoring.
Protect Urban Green Cover
Develop urban forestry programmes in growing cities like Guwahati.
Community Participation
Involve local communities in forest conservation and plantation drives.
🧩 Conclusion
While infrastructure development is essential for economic growth, indiscriminate tree felling can have long-term ecological consequences. Assam must balance development with sustainability through scientific planning, effective afforestation, and stronger environmental governance to protect its rich biodiversity and ecological stability.
👩👧 Orunodoi Scheme – Direct Benefit Transfer of ₹9,000 to 40 Lakh Beneficiaries
📘 GS Paper II: Welfare Schemes | Women Empowerment | Inclusive Governance
📘 GS Paper III: Poverty Alleviation | Financial Inclusion
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Social Welfare Policies in Assam
🔹 Introduction
The Orunodoi Scheme is a flagship Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) welfare programme of the Assam Government aimed at supporting economically vulnerable households. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Chief Minister announced that 40 lakh beneficiary families will receive ₹9,000 each, combining four months’ payments with an additional financial support amount. The transfer will amount to ₹3,600 crore in a single day, making it one of the largest DBT transfers in Assam.
The scheme is designed to strengthen financial security and empowerment of women, as the benefits are credited directly to female members of eligible households.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Description |
| Scheme | Orunodoi |
| Launch Year | 2020 |
| Implementing Government | Government of Assam |
| Target Beneficiaries | Economically vulnerable households |
| Beneficiary Account Holder | Female member of the household |
| Monthly Assistance | ₹1,250 per family |
| Beneficiaries | Around 40 lakh families |
| Special Transfer (2026) | ₹9,000 lump-sum payment |
The scheme focuses on improving financial security of poor households through direct cash transfers.
⚙️ Objectives of the Scheme
1️⃣ Poverty Alleviation
Provide regular financial assistance to low-income families.
2️⃣ Women Empowerment
Funds are transferred to women beneficiaries, enhancing their financial autonomy.
3️⃣ Support for Essential Needs
Money can be used for:
food
medicines
education
household expenses.
4️⃣ Social Security
Acts as a safety net for vulnerable families.
5️⃣ Financial Inclusion
Encourages banking access and digital financial transactions.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Orunodoi Scheme
Cash transfer programme launched by the Assam Government in 2020.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
Government subsidies directly transferred to bank accounts of beneficiaries.
Financial Inclusion
Ensuring access to banking and financial services for all citizens.
Women-Centric Welfare Policies
Many schemes prioritize female beneficiaries to enhance household welfare.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance
1. Women Empowerment
By transferring funds directly to women, the scheme strengthens financial decision-making power within households.
2. Poverty Reduction
Regular cash transfers improve consumption capacity and reduce vulnerability.
3. Inclusive Development
Targets economically weaker sections across rural and urban areas.
4. Strengthening Social Protection
Acts as a social safety net during economic stress.
5. Boost to Local Economy
Cash transfers increase local consumption and rural demand.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Fiscal Burden | Large-scale cash transfers require substantial state expenditure |
| Targeting Issues | Risk of inclusion or exclusion errors |
| Dependency Concerns | Long-term reliance on government support |
| Monitoring | Ensuring funds are used for welfare purposes |
| Administrative Complexity | Managing a large beneficiary database |
C. Related Government Initiatives
1️⃣ Lakhpati Didi Programme
Promotes women entrepreneurship through Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
2️⃣ Ujjwala Yojana
Provides LPG connections to women from poor households.
3️⃣ Jal Jeevan Mission
Ensures tap water supply to rural households, benefiting women.
4️⃣ Self-Help Group Programmes
Support women’s financial independence and livelihood activities.
🧭 Way Forward
Improve Targeting Mechanisms
Use digital databases and socio-economic surveys.
Link Welfare with Livelihood
Integrate the scheme with skill development and employment programmes.
Promote Financial Literacy
Ensure beneficiaries understand banking and financial management.
Strengthen Monitoring Systems
Use technology and social audits to track implementation.
🧩 Conclusion
The Orunodoi Scheme represents a significant step toward women-led welfare and poverty alleviation in Assam. By combining direct financial support with a focus on female beneficiaries, the programme strengthens social security, financial inclusion, and gender empowerment, contributing to inclusive and sustainable development in the state.
🛢️ Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) & India’s Oil Import Dependence
📘 GS Paper III: Energy Security | Economy | Infrastructure
📘 GS Paper II: International Relations | Strategic Resources
📘 GS Paper I: Indian Geography – Energy Resources
🔹 Introduction
India is one of the world’s largest energy consumers but has limited domestic crude oil production. As a result, the country imports about 88% of its crude oil requirement, making energy security a major strategic concern. Recent geopolitical tensions in West Asia have highlighted the vulnerability of global oil supply chains and the importance of Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) to safeguard India’s energy needs.
Strategic Petroleum Reserves are emergency crude oil stockpiles maintained by the government to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply during supply disruptions, wars, or natural disasters.
🔑 Key Points
| Feature | Details |
| India’s Oil Import Dependence | About 88% of crude oil is imported |
| Strategic Petroleum Reserve Coverage | Around 9.5 days of net imports |
| Combined Storage Capacity | Approximately 74 days of oil demand (including commercial storage) |
| Major Import Sources | Russia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE |
| Key Transit Route | Strait of Hormuz |
India’s crude oil stocks include government strategic reserves and commercial inventories held by oil companies, providing a buffer during supply disruptions.
⚙️ Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) in India
Phase I SPR Facilities
| Location | State | Capacity |
| Visakhapatnam | Andhra Pradesh | 1.33 million tonnes |
| Mangaluru | Karnataka | 1.5 million tonnes |
| Padur | Karnataka | 2.5 million tonnes |
Phase II SPR (Planned / Under Development)
| Location | State |
| Chandikhol | Odisha |
| Padur (Expansion) | Karnataka |
These reserves are managed by the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL).
🌍 Importance of Strategic Petroleum Reserves
1️⃣ Energy Security
Provides emergency supply during geopolitical conflicts or supply disruptions.
2️⃣ Economic Stability
Helps stabilize fuel availability and control inflation during crises.
3️⃣ Strategic Autonomy
Allows India to make independent foreign policy decisions without energy pressure.
4️⃣ Market Stabilization
Enables government intervention in times of extreme price volatility.
5️⃣ Disaster Preparedness
Ensures supply during natural disasters or maritime disruptions.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL)
Special Purpose Vehicle under Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB).
Strait of Hormuz
One of the most important global oil transit chokepoints.
India’s Energy Mix
Major sources:
Coal
Oil
Natural gas
Renewables.
International Energy Agency (IEA)
Member countries maintain 90 days of oil reserves as strategic stock.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance for India
1. Growing Energy Demand
India is the third-largest oil consumer in the world.
2. Import Dependency
Heavy reliance on imports exposes India to global supply shocks.
3. Strategic Location of Reserves
SPR facilities are located along coastal regions for easy tanker access.
4. National Security
Ensures military and economic operations during crises.
5. Price Volatility Management
Strategic reserves can be used to mitigate global oil price spikes.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| High Import Dependence | Vulnerability to global supply disruptions |
| Storage Costs | Construction and maintenance of underground caverns |
| Limited Reserve Coverage | SPR covers fewer days compared to some developed nations |
| Geopolitical Risks | Conflicts in oil-producing regions |
| Energy Transition | Balancing fossil fuel reserves with renewable energy goals |
🧭 Way Forward
Expand Strategic Reserves
Increase storage capacity to cover at least 90 days of imports.
Diversify Oil Imports
Strengthen energy partnerships with Africa, Latin America, and the US.
Promote Renewable Energy
Reduce dependence on crude oil through solar, wind, and green hydrogen.
Improve Domestic Production
Encourage exploration through Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP).
Strengthen Energy Diplomacy
Enhance cooperation with major oil-producing nations.
🧩 Conclusion
India’s high dependence on imported crude oil makes Strategic Petroleum Reserves a critical pillar of national energy security. Expanding reserves, diversifying supply sources, and accelerating the transition toward renewable energy will be essential for ensuring long-term economic stability and strategic resilience.
APSC Prelims MCQs
1. Consider the following statements regarding India’s crude oil imports:
- India imports around 85–90% of its crude oil requirements.
- A large share of India’s oil imports passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2
C. 2 only
D. Neither 1 nor 2
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
- India imports around 88% of its crude oil requirements.
- A significant share of global oil trade—including India’s imports—passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making it a critical maritime chokepoint.
2. Which of the following countries are among the major crude oil suppliers to India?
- Iraq
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 2 and 3 only
✅ Answer: C
Explanation:
India imports crude oil from several countries, including Russia, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, among its major suppliers.
3. Consider the following statements regarding Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) in India:
- Strategic Petroleum Reserves are emergency stockpiles of crude oil maintained by the government.
- India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves are managed by Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2
C. 2 only
D. Neither 1 nor 2
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
- SPRs are emergency reserves used during supply disruptions.
- They are managed by Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL).
4. Which of the following locations host Strategic Petroleum Reserve facilities in India?
- Mangaluru
- Padur
- Visakhapatnam
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: D
Explanation:
India’s Phase-I Strategic Petroleum Reserve facilities are located at:
- Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
- Mangaluru (Karnataka)
- Padur (Karnataka).
5. The Orunodoi Scheme of Assam primarily aims to:
A. Provide free healthcare services to rural households
B. Provide direct financial assistance to economically vulnerable families
C. Promote women entrepreneurship through start-up funding
D. Support agricultural mechanisation in rural areas
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
The Orunodoi Scheme provides direct financial assistance to economically vulnerable families, with the benefit transferred to women members of households.
6. Under the Orunodoi scheme, financial assistance is primarily transferred to:
A. Head of the household
B. Male members of the family
C. Self-help groups
D. Women beneficiaries of eligible households
✅ Answer: D
Explanation:
The scheme is women-centric, with funds transferred directly to female members of beneficiary households to enhance financial empowerment.
7. Consider the following statements regarding tree felling in Assam:
- Over one lakh trees have reportedly been felled in the State since 2016 for development projects.
- A large number of these trees were cut for infrastructure projects such as highways and buildings.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2
C. 2 only
D. Neither 1 nor 2
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
RTI data revealed that more than 1,06,000 trees have been felled in Assam since 2016, mainly for infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and institutional construction.
8. Compensatory afforestation refers to:
A. Cutting trees for infrastructure development
B. Planting trees to compensate for forest land diverted for development projects
C. Protecting endangered forest species
D. Replacing natural forests with plantations
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
Under environmental laws, compensatory afforestation requires planting trees to compensate for forest land diverted to non-forest purposes.
9. Which of the following ecosystem services are provided by mature trees?
- Carbon sequestration
- Habitat for biodiversity
- Regulation of local climate
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: D
Explanation:
Mature trees provide multiple ecosystem services, including carbon storage, habitat for biodiversity, and microclimate regulation.
10. The Strait of Hormuz connects which of the following water bodies?
A. Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal
B. Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea
C. Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
D. Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
✅ Answer: C
Explanation:
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, serving as one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 GS Mains Model Question
📘 GS Paper III: Environment | Biodiversity | Sustainable Development
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Forest Resources & Environmental Governance
Question
Large-scale tree felling for infrastructure and development projects poses significant ecological challenges.
In the context of Assam, discuss the environmental implications of large-scale tree felling and evaluate whether compensatory afforestation can adequately offset such ecological losses.
(Answer in ~250 words)
Model Answer
Introduction
Forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by regulating climate, supporting biodiversity, and providing ecosystem services. However, recent data indicates that over one lakh mature trees have been felled in Assam since 2016 for infrastructure projects such as highways, oil exploration and construction activities.
This has raised concerns about the long-term environmental impact of development activities in the state.
Environmental Implications of Large-Scale Tree Felling
1. Loss of Biodiversity
Mature trees provide habitats for numerous species. Their removal disrupts local ecosystems and wildlife corridors.
2. Climate Impact
Trees act as carbon sinks, storing large amounts of carbon. Large-scale deforestation contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Soil Erosion and Flood Risk
Tree roots help stabilize soil. Their removal can increase soil erosion and sedimentation in rivers, aggravating floods in Assam.
4. Microclimate Alteration
Deforestation can raise local temperatures and reduce humidity, affecting agriculture and human health.
5. Decline in Ecosystem Services
Mature forests provide services such as air purification, groundwater recharge, and climate regulation.
Limitations of Compensatory Afforestation
1. Ecological Inequality
Planting saplings cannot immediately replace the ecological value of decades-old mature trees.
2. Low Survival Rates
Many plantation drives suffer from low survival rates due to poor maintenance.
3. Biodiversity Loss
Plantations often involve monoculture species, which do not support diverse ecosystems.
4. Time Lag
It may take several decades for saplings to provide ecosystem services comparable to mature trees.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before clearing forests.
- Promote sustainable infrastructure planning.
- Encourage native species plantation and long-term monitoring.
- Integrate community participation in forest conservation.
Conclusion
While infrastructure development is essential for economic progress, it must be balanced with ecological sustainability. Scientific forest management, effective compensatory afforestation, and strict environmental governance are necessary to protect Assam’s rich biodiversity while pursuing development.
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