APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (13/01/2026)
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 13 January 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
Safety and Security of North-East Students Outside the Region
GS Paper II: Governance | Social Justice | Fundamental Rights
GS Paper V: Assam & North-East Specific Issues
Introduction
Thousands of students from the North-East migrate annually to other parts of India for higher education and employment opportunities. However, repeated instances of racial abuse, discrimination, and physical attacks against them have exposed serious gaps in institutional protection. The recent demand by the North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) for creating a formal database of North-East students studying outside the region has renewed attention on this persistent governance and social justice challenge
Key Points
NESO highlighted the absence of any official database tracking North-East students studying in other States.
Lack of coordination between home States and host States hampers timely intervention during crises.
Students from the region have faced racial profiling, verbal abuse, and violent attacks, often rooted in ignorance and stereotyping.
The Delhi Police North-East Cell was cited as a positive institutional mechanism.
Demand raised for:
Inter-State coordination
Curriculum-level awareness about the North-East
Strong punitive action against racial crimes
Prelims Pointers
North East Students’ Organisation (NESO): Apex student body representing multiple North-East states.
North-East Cell (Delhi Police): Special unit to address grievances of NE residents.
Fundamental Rights involved:
Article 14 – Equality before law
Article 15 – Prohibition of discrimination
Article 19 – Freedom of movement
Article 21 – Right to life and personal liberty
Legal gap: India lacks a comprehensive anti-racial discrimination law.
Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
Human Rights and Constitutional Morality
Racial violence violates Articles 14, 15, and 21.
Failure of the State to ensure dignity and security undermines constitutional promises.
National Integration
Discrimination against North-East students weakens emotional integration and unity.
Reinforces the perception of the North-East as “peripheral” to the Indian mainstream.
Internal Security and Social Stability
Repeated attacks can fuel alienation, resentment, and identity-based tensions.
Has long-term implications for internal cohesion.
Assam & North-East Relevance
Assam sends one of the largest numbers of students outside the region.
APSC frequently emphasizes Assam-centric governance failures and solutions.
B. Challenges
Absence of Institutional Data
No real-time information on student location, numbers, or emergency contacts.
Weak Inter-State Coordination
Home States often lack formal communication channels with host States.
Under-reporting of Crimes
Fear of harassment, stigma, or police apathy discourages complaints.
Societal Ignorance and Stereotyping
Limited awareness about North-East history, geography, and culture.
Persistent racial profiling based on physical features.
Delayed Justice
Past incidents show delays in FIR registration and investigation, reducing deterrence.
C. Government Initiatives (Existing)
North-East Special Police Cells (Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai – limited coverage).
Advisories by MHA to States on protection of North-East citizens.
Awareness campaigns through cultural festivals and academic exchanges (sporadic).
However, these remain fragmented and reactive rather than systemic.
D. Way Ahead
Creation of a Centralised Student Database
Mandatory voluntary registration through State education departments.
Emergency-response linkage with host-State police.
Institutionalised Inter-State Coordination
Dedicated nodal officers for North-East student welfare in major cities.
Regular information-sharing protocols.
Legal and Policy Measures
Enactment of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law.
Fast-track courts for hate crimes and racial violence.
Educational and Social Sensitisation
Inclusion of North-East geography, culture, and history in school curricula.
University-level orientation programmes.
Strengthening Police Accountability
Mandatory SOPs for handling racial crime complaints.
Independent oversight and strict disciplinary action for lapses.
Conclusion
Ensuring the safety and dignity of North-East students outside the region is not merely a welfare concern but a test of India’s constitutional values and federal responsibility. The NESO’s demand for a student database highlights the urgent need for preventive, data-driven, and rights-based governance. A coordinated approach combining legal reform, institutional mechanisms, and social sensitisation can transform this chronic vulnerability into an opportunity for deeper national integration and trust.
Impact of the Iran Crisis on Assam’s Tea Exports
GS Paper III: Economy | International Trade | Agriculture
GS Paper V: Assam Economic Issues
Introduction
The ongoing geopolitical crisis in West Asia, particularly the conflict involving Iran and Israel, has caused major disruptions in global trade routes, finance channels, and export logistics. India’s tea industry, especially Assam’s orthodox tea sector, has been significantly impacted due to its heavy reliance on Iran as a principal export market. The disruptions have resulted in stalled shipments, declining tea prices, and concerns over demand-supply balance in both international and domestic markets.
Key Points
Assam’s Tea Export Dependency:
Assam produces about 85 million kg of orthodox tea annually, with approximately 25–28 million kg destined for Iran, making it one of the largest foreign markets for premium Assam tea.
Geopolitical Disruption:
The Iran-Israel conflict has led to shipping route uncertainty, payment settlement challenges, and hesitancy among exporters in fulfilling orders due to elevated risk perceptions.
Market Impact:
Prices of orthodox tea have fallen significantly (in some cases by Rs 100 per kg) due to unsold stock, risk aversion, and uncertainty about future export contracts.
Export Decline and Domestic Backlash:
Caution among exporters has reduced auction sales and lowered prices, creating fear of an oversupply in the domestic market, which can depress local prices further.
Broad Export Importance:
Iranian and broader West Asian markets together account for a substantial share of Indian tea exports, especially premium orthodox varieties.
Prelims Pointers
Orthodox Tea: A premium variety of tea produced using traditional methods (hand plucking and careful processing).
Assam Tea: Assam is one of India’s largest tea-producing states, contributing about 50% of national tea output.
Export Dependence: Iran is a key export destination for Assam’s premium teas, historically accounting for a significant share of export volumes.
Impact on Auctions: Auctions at Kolkata and Guwahati significantly reflect international demand dynamics.
Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
Economic Contribution:
Tea is a major export commodity and livelihood source in Assam, contributing significantly to rural incomes, employment, and foreign exchange earnings.
Orthodox tea commands premium prices and enhances global brand value for Assam’s produce.
Global Trade Linkages:
The crisis underscores how geopolitical tensions directly affect agricultural exports, linking international affairs with India’s trade and rural economies.
Supply Chain Exposure:
Heavy dependence on specific export markets exposes Assam’s tea industry to external shocks, with cascading effects on prices and market stability.
Domestic Market Implications:
Export setbacks can lead to domestic oversupply, pushing down prices and causing income stress for growers and small producers.
B. Challenges
Market Concentration:
Reliance on a small number of foreign markets (Iran and other West Asian countries) increases vulnerability to geopolitical shocks.
Logistics and Payment Barriers:
Disrupted shipping routes, increased freight and insurance costs, and difficulties in cross-border payments reduce confidence among exporters.
Price Volatility:
Sudden drops in auction prices hurt planters’ profitability and discourage reinvestment in quality enhancement.
Domestic Impact:
Increased supply in the domestic market, without parallel demand growth, threatens rural incomes and estate sustainability.
Long-Term Contracts at Risk:
Contracts and forward sales become risky due to uncertain delivery timelines and potential payment defaults.
C. Government Initiatives (Existing / Relevant)
Tea Board of India Support:
Promotional activities for tea exports and diversification of markets.
Monitoring export dynamics across key international buyers.
Export Facilitation:
Facilitating trade delegations and participation in global commodity forums to enhance market access.
Diplomacy efforts to keep trade routes open and payment channels functional.
Agri Export Promotion Schemes:
Schemes such as Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) and export incentives designed to support exporters (subject to periodic changes based on trade policies).
Note: While these initiatives exist, their effectiveness in the face of geopolitical conflict remains limited without tactical crisis response measures.
D. Way Ahead
Diversification of Export Markets:
Proactively expand into European, African, Southeast Asian, and Latin American markets to reduce dependence on West Asia.
Enhanced Risk Management:
Provide export credit support, insurance schemes, and hedging instruments to protect against payment and logistics disruptions.
Strengthen Trade Diplomacy:
Engage with international partners and regional blocs to secure trade channels even amidst geopolitical tensions.
Market Intelligence and Forecasting:
Develop stronger early-warning systems to anticipate global disruptions and prepare contingency action.
Value Addition and Branding:
Invest in branding “Assam Orthodox Tea” as a premium global product to attract diversified demand.
Domestic Stabilisation Measures:
Support minimum support prices (MSP) for tea at production stages to prevent drastic price falls in domestic auctions during export downturns.
Conclusion
The Iran crisis has highlighted the interconnected nature of global geopolitics and commodity trade, with Assam’s tea industry bearing significant consequences from an external conflict. While the immediate effect includes export disruptions, price instability, and market uncertainty, the episode provides a critical lesson on the need for market diversification, institutional support, and robust risk mitigation strategies. Strengthening export infrastructure, diplomatic engagement, and strategic trade resilience will be essential to safeguard Assam’s tea economy against future geopolitical shocks.
Failure of PSLV-C62 and Loss of LACHIT-1 Satellite
GS Paper III: Science & Technology | Space Technology | Disaster Management
GS Paper V: Assam – Science, Technology & Innovation
(Based on Assam Tribune report on ISRO’s PSLV-C62 mission failure and loss of Assam’s first satellite LACHIT-1)
TG@Assam_Tribune (13-01-2026)
Introduction
India’s space programme suffered a significant setback with the failure of PSLV-C62, which could not place 16 satellites into their intended orbit due to an anomaly in the third stage of the launch vehicle. Among the satellites lost was LACHIT-1, the first satellite from Assam and the North-East, symbolising the region’s growing participation in India’s space ecosystem. The incident raises important questions related to technological reliability, innovation ecosystems, disaster management applications, and regional scientific inclusion.
Key Points
Mission: PSLV-C62 launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
Failure Stage: Anomaly detected in the third stage (PS3) of the rocket
Satellites Lost: 16 satellites, including:
LACHIT-1 (Assam / North-East)
Defence, Earth observation, amateur radio and student satellites
Nature of Mission: Deployment into Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)
LACHIT-1 Development:
Built by students and faculty of Assam Don Bosco University
In collaboration with Dhruva Space and National Institute of Amateur Radio
Significance of LACHIT-1: Intended for satellite communication and experimentation, especially for amateur radio users
ISRO Response: Detailed technical analysis initiated; mission not immediately termed a “failure”
Prelims Pointers
PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle):
India’s workhorse launch vehicle for polar and sun-synchronous orbits.
Third Stage (PS3):
Solid motor stage crucial for orbital velocity.
Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO):
Orbit allowing satellites to pass over the same part of Earth at the same local solar time.
LACHIT-1:
Named after Lachit Borphukan, Ahom general and symbol of Assamese valour.
Student Satellites:
Promote indigenous innovation, academic participation and low-cost space technology.
Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. For India’s Space Programme
PSLV failures, though rare, highlight the complexity of launch vehicle reliability.
Reinforces the need for continuous testing, quality control, and redundancy.
Demonstrates ISRO’s transparency and scientific accountability.
2. For Assam and the North-East
LACHIT-1 represented:
Entry of the North-East into space research and satellite development
Democratization of science beyond traditional hubs
Encourages regional talent, STEM education, and innovation culture.
3. Strategic and Developmental Value
Several satellites lost were meant for:
Earth observation
Emergency communication
Disaster management
Highlights the role of space assets in governance and internal security.
B. Challenges
Technological Risk
Rocket launch systems involve high precision; minor anomalies can lead to mission loss.
Repeated third-stage issues raise engineering concerns.
Setback to Regional Aspirations
Loss of LACHIT-1 affects morale of student innovators and institutions in the North-East.
Cost and Resource Loss
Financial costs of launch and satellite development.
Loss of experimental and research data.
Reliability Concerns
Repeated failures may affect confidence of:
Academic institutions
Private space startups
International collaborators
C. Government / Institutional Framework (Contextual)
(No new announcements reported; points derived from institutional framework)
ISRO’s Failure Review Mechanism
Independent analysis committees
Corrective design and procedural reforms
Student Satellite Programme
Encourages university participation in space research
Private Sector Collaboration
Increasing role of startups like Dhruva Space in satellite manufacturing
D. Way Ahead
Strengthening Launch Reliability
Enhanced testing of propulsion systems
Redundancy in critical stages like PS3
Support to Regional Space Ecosystems
Continued funding and mentoring for North-East institutions
Dedicated innovation hubs for space technology in the region
Learning-Driven Failure Management
Treat failures as part of scientific advancement
Faster incorporation of lessons into future missions
Diversification of Launch Opportunities
Ride-share missions
Use of upcoming launch vehicles to reduce dependency on single platforms
Integration with Disaster Management
Ensure future student and regional satellites align with:
Early warning systems
Emergency communication networks
Conclusion
The failure of PSLV-C62 and the loss of LACHIT-1 is a technological setback, but not a strategic defeat. For Assam and the North-East, LACHIT-1 remains a landmark in scientific ambition and regional inclusion. The episode underscores that space exploration is a domain of calculated risk, where failures refine future success. Strengthening institutional support, engineering resilience, and regional participation will ensure that such initiatives emerge stronger and more inclusive in the long run.
Heavy Metal Contamination in Fish Sold in Guwahati
GS Paper III: Environment | Public Health | Food Safety
GS Paper V: Assam – Pollution & Health Issues
Introduction
The Assam Tribune reported findings on the presence of heavy metals such as lead and arsenic in commonly consumed freshwater fish sold in markets in Guwahati
TG@Assam_Tribune (13-01-2026)
. Heavy metal contamination in food sources is a serious environmental and public health concern. Fish—a key source of protein for Assamese diets—can bioaccumulate toxic metals from aquatic pollution, posing long-term risks to human health, economic livelihoods of fishers, and food safety standards.
Key Points
Laboratory tests detected elevated levels of heavy metals in samples of fish sold in local markets.
Lead and arsenic, both neurotoxic and carcinogenic in nature, were among the contaminants found.
Potential sources include industrial effluent, untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and urban waste entering water bodies.
Fish markets in Guwahati serve as distribution hubs for products from Brahmaputra tributaries and local water bodies.
The findings raise questions about regulation, monitoring, and enforcement of water quality and food safety.
Prelims Pointers
Heavy Metals: Elements with high atomic weight and density (e.g., lead, arsenic) that are toxic even at low concentrations.
Bioaccumulation: Process by which organisms absorb contaminants faster than they can eliminate them.
Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs): Legal thresholds for contaminants in food (set under food safety norms).
Common Sources of Aquatic Pollution: Industrial discharge, mining, agriculture pesticides, urban sewage.
Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
Public Health Risk
Chronic exposure to heavy metals can cause neurological damage, kidney dysfunction, cancer risk, and developmental issues especially in children.
Fish is a staple protein source for large portions of Assam’s population; contamination threatens food security.
Environmental Indicator
Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fish signals wider ecosystem contamination in rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Economic Impact
Declining fish safety can reduce market demand, affecting fisherfolk income and allied sectors like transport and retail.
Governance and Regulatory Challenge
Highlights gaps in pollution control, enforcement of water quality standards, and food safety monitoring at municipal and state levels.
B. Challenges
Inadequate Monitoring
Absence of regular, systematic testing of water bodies and aquatic products.
Limited capacity of local labs to test for a broad range of contaminants.
Diffuse Pollution Sources
Multiple non-point sources (agriculture runoff, household sewage) complicate control mechanisms.
Weak Enforcement
Enforcement of existing laws under Environment Protection Act and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) norms remains inconsistent.
Awareness Deficit
Consumers and producers may lack awareness about health risks and proper practices to reduce contamination.
Urbanisation Pressure
Rapid urban growth in Guwahati increases pressure on natural drainage, sewage systems, and waste handling capacity.
C. Government Initiatives (Contextual)
(As of reporting; specific initiatives were not cited in the report, so these are the relevant statutory frameworks and schemes in context)
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
Provides for prevention and control of water pollution and maintenance of water quality standards.
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Enables central regulation of pollutants and identification of hazardous substances.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Regulations
Sets standards for contaminants including heavy metals in food products.
National Programme for Pollution Control
Various schemes at central and state levels targeting water quality improvement and sewage treatment.
Assam State Action Plan for Water Quality
State frameworks aimed at reducing pollution loads in key rivers and lakes.
D. Way Ahead
Comprehensive Monitoring Framework
Establish routine testing of fish and water from major water bodies feeding Guwahati markets.
Deploy certified labs for periodic analysis.
Pollution Source Mapping
Identify and regulate upstream sources of heavy metals (industrial discharges, landfill leachate, agrochemicals).
Strengthen Enforcement
Operationalize stricter enforcement of effluent discharge norms, municipal sewage treatment, and food safety standards.
Penal action against violators under Water Act and Environment Protection Act.
Public Awareness and Education
Consumer advisories on safe fish consumption.
Training for fishers and vendors on hygienic handling.
Interdepartmental Coordination
Collaborative governance among Departments of Environment, Fisheries, Health, and Urban Affairs to tackle pollution holistically.
Sustainable Urban Planning
Improve wastewater infrastructure in Guwahati.
Green buffer zones around aquatic ecosystems to filter contaminants.
Research and Innovation
Academic and institutional research on bio-remediation, contaminant transport, and risk assessment.
Conclusion
The detection of heavy metal contamination in fish sold in Guwahati is a serious warning signal for environmental governance, public health, and food safety in Assam. Sustainable solutions demand rigorous monitoring, strong regulatory enforcement, and community participation. Addressing the root causes of aquatic pollution not only safeguards human health but also preserves the long-term ecological and economic vitality of Assam’s fisheries sector. Ensuring clean water and safe food is central to inclusive development, public trust, and environmental justice.
Overcrowding of Prisons and Release of Undertrial Prisoners
GS Paper II: Polity | Judiciary | Human Rights
GS Paper IV: Ethics | Justice | Accountability
GS Paper V: Assam – Governance & Social Justice
(Based on Assam Tribune editorial/news on Supreme Court directive and Assam prison data)
TG@Assam_Tribune (13-01-2026)
Introduction
Overcrowding in Indian prisons has long been a structural problem, largely driven by the high proportion of undertrial prisoners—individuals yet to be convicted by a court of law. A recent directive of the Supreme Court mandating the release of eligible undertrials on Personal Recognisance (PR) bonds, even in the absence of local sureties, has led to a significant easing of prison overcrowding in Assam. This development brings into focus critical issues of constitutional rights, criminal justice reform, and humane governance.
Key Points
Supreme Court directed release of undertrial prisoners on PR bonds where continued detention was due solely to inability to furnish sureties.
Guwahati Central Jail alone saw the release of nearly 400 inmates in the past three months.
Total capacity of Assam’s prisons: 11,536 inmates.
Current prison population: approximately 10,400 inmates.
Earlier overcrowding ran into several thousand inmates above capacity.
Three central jails—Tezpur, Dibrugarh, and Jorhat—are now operating below sanctioned capacity.
Overcrowding had worsened during 2023–2025, intensifying concerns of safety, health, and dignity.
Prelims Pointers
Undertrial Prisoner: Person detained in prison during investigation or trial, not yet convicted.
Personal Recognisance (PR) Bond: Release on a personal undertaking without surety.
Article 21: Right to life and personal liberty.
Article 39A (DPSP): Equal justice and free legal aid.
Judicial Principle: “Bail is the rule, jail is the exception.”
Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. Protection of Fundamental Rights
Prolonged incarceration of undertrials violates Article 21.
Detention due to poverty (inability to furnish surety) undermines equality before law.
2. Judicial Humanism
Supreme Court’s directive reinforces substantive justice over procedural rigidity.
Recognises incarceration without conviction as a serious ethical concern.
3. Prison Administration and Safety
Reduced overcrowding:
Improves sanitation, healthcare, and living conditions.
Reduces pressure on prison staff.
Enhances internal security.
4. Assam-Specific Governance Impact
Assam prisons returning to manageable capacity reflects effective judicial intervention.
Important GS-V case study on criminal justice reform in Assam.
B. Challenges
High Undertrial Population
Systemic delays in investigation and trial.
Over-reliance on incarceration rather than alternatives.
Socio-Economic Bias
Poor and marginalised accused remain incarcerated longer due to lack of sureties or legal aid.
Judicial Backlog
Case pendency prolongs detention even for minor offences.
Risk of Recidivism (Perceived)
Administrative hesitation in granting bail due to fear of absconding, despite lack of evidence.
Lack of Monitoring Post-Release
Absence of structured supervision mechanisms for released undertrials.
C. Government / Institutional Measures (Contextual)
(Derived from constitutional and institutional framework; no new scheme announcement reported)
Supreme Court Guidelines on Bail and PR Bonds
Legal Services Authorities Act – free legal aid to underprivileged accused
Undertrial Review Committees (URCs) at district level
Prison Reforms Committees at state and national levels
D. Way Ahead
Strengthening Bail Reforms
Mandatory consideration of PR bonds for petty offences.
Uniform bail guidelines across courts.
Fast-Tracking Undertrial Cases
Dedicated courts for long-pending undertrial cases.
Use of technology for virtual hearings.
Legal Aid Expansion
Proactive legal counselling inside prisons.
Regular audits of undertrial cases by Legal Services Authorities.
Alternatives to Incarceration
Community service, probation, and electronic monitoring for minor offences.
Data-Driven Prison Management
Real-time prison occupancy dashboards.
Periodic judicial inspections.
Ethical Policing and Prosecution
Reduce unnecessary arrests.
Promote summons-based proceedings.
Conclusion
The release of undertrial prisoners on PR bonds in Assam marks a significant corrective step in India’s criminal justice system, reaffirming that liberty cannot be compromised by poverty or procedural inertia. While judicial intervention has provided immediate relief from overcrowding, sustainable reform demands systemic changes in policing, prosecution, and trial processes. Ensuring justice that is swift, humane, and equitable is essential not only for prison reform but also for upholding the constitutional conscience of a democratic society. in Assam.uilding in a rapidly modernising society.
APSC Prelims MCQs
🟦 TOPIC 1: Safety and Security of North-East Students Outside the Region
Q1. The demand for creating a database of North-East students studying outside the region is primarily intended to:
(a) Regulate inter-state migration
(b) Ensure timely assistance during emergencies
(c) Enforce domicile-based reservation
(d) Monitor political activities of students
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The demand raised by student organisations aims at ensuring safety, security, and quick response during emergencies, such as racial attacks or harassment.
- It is not meant for migration control (a),
- not for reservation enforcement (c), and
- not for surveillance or political monitoring (d).
Q2. Which of the following Fundamental Rights is most directly violated when North-East students face racial discrimination and violence?
(a) Article 16
(b) Article 19
(c) Article 21
(d) Article 29
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Article 21 guarantees the Right to Life and Personal Liberty, which includes dignity, safety, and protection from violence.
Racial discrimination and physical attacks directly threaten life and liberty.
Articles 16, 19, and 29 may be indirectly affected, but Article 21 is the most directly violated.
Q3. The establishment of a North-East Cell in police forces primarily reflects which governance principle?
(a) Centralisation
(b) Affirmative action
(c) Responsive and inclusive policing
(d) Preventive detention
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Special police cells are meant to make law enforcement responsive to the needs of vulnerable communities, ensuring accessibility and trust.
This reflects inclusive and citizen-centric policing, not centralisation or detention-related principles.
🟦 TOPIC 2: Impact of Iran Crisis on Assam’s Tea Exports
Q4. Assam’s vulnerability to the Iran crisis is mainly due to:
(a) Dependence on Iran for fertiliser imports
(b) Heavy export of CTC tea to Iran
(c) High share of orthodox tea exports to Iran
(d) Dependence on Iranian shipping companies
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Iran is a major importer of Assam’s orthodox tea, which is premium and export-oriented.
CTC tea is largely consumed domestically.
Thus, geopolitical instability in Iran directly affects Assam’s orthodox tea exporters.
Q5. Consider the following statements about orthodox tea:
- It is produced using traditional processing methods
- It fetches lower prices than CTC tea
- It is mainly exported rather than domestically consumed
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Orthodox tea uses traditional methods.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: Orthodox tea fetches higher prices than CTC tea.
- Statement 3 is correct: It is mainly export-oriented.
Q6. A geopolitical crisis affecting tea exports would most directly impact which component of India’s Balance of Payments?
(a) Capital Account
(b) Current Account
(c) Financial Account
(d) Fiscal Deficit
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Exports and imports are recorded under the Current Account of the Balance of Payments.
Any disruption in tea exports directly affects trade balance, not capital or fiscal accounts.
🟦 TOPIC 3: Failure of PSLV-C62 and Loss of LACHIT-1 Satellite
Q7. The PSLV mission mentioned in the news failed due to an anomaly in which stage?
(a) First stage
(b) Second stage
(c) Third stage
(d) Fourth stage
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The Assam Tribune report clearly mentions that the anomaly occurred in the third stage (PS3), which is a crucial propulsion phase for achieving orbit.
Q8. LACHIT-1 satellite is significant because:
(a) It was India’s first defence satellite
(b) It was the first satellite from Assam and the North-East
(c) It was designed for interplanetary missions
(d) It was launched exclusively for disaster relief
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
LACHIT-1 was the first satellite developed from Assam and the North-East, marking regional participation in India’s space ecosystem.
It was not a defence or interplanetary mission.
Q9. A Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) is preferred for Earth-observation satellites because it:
(a) Remains fixed over the equator
(b) Allows constant communication with ground stations
(c) Passes over the same area at the same local solar time
(d) Has the lowest orbital decay
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
SSO allows satellites to observe Earth under consistent lighting conditions, which is essential for accurate Earth-observation and imaging.
🟦 TOPIC 4: Heavy Metal Contamination in Fish Sold in Guwahati
Q10. The presence of heavy metals in fish is a concern primarily due to:
(a) Biomagnification in the aquatic food chain
(b) Reduced protein content of fish
(c) Increased shelf life of fish
(d) Improved taste and texture
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Heavy metals accumulate and magnify as they move up the food chain, leading to high concentrations in fish and humans who consume them.
Q11. Lead and arsenic contamination in fish poses the greatest long-term risk to:
(a) Marine biodiversity only
(b) River navigation
(c) Human nervous and renal systems
(d) Fish export competitiveness alone
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Lead and arsenic are toxic heavy metals affecting the nervous system, kidneys, and increasing cancer risk.
Economic impacts exist, but public health risks are the most severe.
Q12. Which of the following best explains why fish are reliable indicators of aquatic pollution?
(a) They migrate long distances
(b) They occupy the lowest trophic level
(c) They bioaccumulate pollutants over time
(d) They are resistant to chemical contamination
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Fish bioaccumulate pollutants in their tissues over time, making them effective indicators of long-term water pollution.
Q13. Heavy metal contamination in fish sold in Guwahati most directly points to governance failure in:
(a) Forest conservation
(b) Water pollution control and food safety enforcement
(c) Fisheries production targets
(d) Urban housing regulation
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The issue reflects lapses in pollution control of water bodies and food safety monitoring, not forest or housing policy.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Q. Overcrowding of prisons in India is largely a result of an excessive number of undertrial prisoners. Examine the significance of recent judicial interventions in this regard, with special reference to Assam. (15 marks)
Introduction
Prison overcrowding remains a persistent challenge in India’s criminal justice system, primarily due to the disproportionately high number of undertrial prisoners, many of whom are incarcerated for prolonged periods without conviction. Recognising this structural injustice, recent judicial interventions, including directions for the release of eligible undertrials on Personal Recognisance (PR) bonds, have sought to restore the constitutional balance between liberty and procedure, with visible impact in Assam.
Body
A. Causes of Prison Overcrowding
- High Undertrial Population: Delays in investigation and trial prolong incarceration.
- Socio-economic Inequality: Poor accused often remain in jail due to inability to furnish sureties.
- Procedural Rigidity: Mechanical denial of bail in minor offences.
- Judicial Backlog: Pendency of cases leads to prolonged detention without adjudication.
B. Significance of Judicial Intervention
- Upholding Article 21: The Supreme Court reaffirmed that deprivation of liberty merely due to poverty violates the right to life and dignity.
- “Bail, not Jail” Principle: Release on PR bonds operationalises this long-standing judicial doctrine.
- Humanisation of Criminal Justice: Focus shifts from punitive detention to fairness and proportionality.
- Institutional Accountability: Courts compelled prison and police authorities to review undertrial cases proactively.
C. Impact in Assam
- Tangible Reduction in Overcrowding: Nearly 400 undertrials released from Guwahati Central Jail alone.
- Improved Prison Conditions: Several central jails now operate within or below sanctioned capacity.
- Administrative Relief: Reduced strain on prison infrastructure, staff, and healthcare facilities.
- Governance Lesson: Demonstrates how judicial oversight can correct systemic executive inertia.
D. Limitations and Continuing Challenges
- Structural Delays Persist: Bail reform alone cannot resolve trial delays.
- Absence of Post-Release Monitoring: Risk of absconding, though often overstated.
- Inconsistent Application: Relief depends on judicial awareness and local implementation.
- Policing Practices: Unnecessary arrests continue, especially for minor offences.
E. Way Forward
- Statutory Bail Guidelines: Uniform, mandatory consideration of PR bonds for petty offences.
- Fast-Track Courts: Dedicated benches for long-pending undertrial cases.
- Strengthen Legal Aid: Proactive intervention by Legal Services Authorities inside prisons.
- Alternatives to Incarceration: Probation, community service, and summons-based procedures.
- Data-Driven Prison Management: Periodic undertrial reviews using real-time data.
Conclusion
The recent judicial push to release undertrial prisoners on PR bonds marks a normative shift from procedural incarceration to constitutional justice. Assam’s experience illustrates that meaningful reform is possible when courts actively defend liberty against systemic inertia. However, sustainable decongestion of prisons demands holistic criminal justice reform, encompassing policing, prosecution, trial efficiency, and social equity. Only then can prisons cease to be sites of injustice and become instruments of reform.ance in India.
✨ APSC CCE Courses, 2025-26 offered by SuchitraACS
🔔 Join Our WhatsApp Study Group!
For exclusive access to premium quality content, including study materials, current affairs, MCQs, and model answers for APSC CCE and other Assam competitive exams.
Click here to join: SuchitraACS Study WhatsApp Group
📚 Want to know more about SuchitraACS’s most affordable courses?
Click here to know more: SuchitraACS Courses for APSC CCE and Assam Competitive Examinations
