APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (16/01/2026)
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 16 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
Evacuation of Indians from Iran amid Political Crisis
GS Paper II: International Relations | Governance | Diaspora Safety
GS Paper III: Security | Disaster Response | Logistics
GS Paper I: Society & Vulnerable Population Protection
GS Paper V: Assam & National Interest
Introduction
Amid escalating political unrest and widespread protests in Iran in early 2026, the Government of India activated diplomatic and contingency mechanisms to ensure the safety of its citizens residing or travelling in the country. With tens of thousands of Indian nationals — including students, businesspersons, pilgrims and tourists — present in Iran, India issued a series of advisories and prepared evacuation plans to repatriate those wishing to return. These efforts reflect core principles of diaspora protection, adherence to international norms on citizen safety, and logistical planning under crisis conditions .
Key Points
Indian nationals in Iran were advised to depart immediately using any available means of transport, including commercial flights, due to deteriorating internal security conditions.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued fresh travel advisories strongly discouraging travel to Iran and urging caution for residents and visitors in the country.
Preparations were made to facilitate evacuation flights, with plans for the first flight from Tehran to New Delhi timed on short notice.
Communication challenges, including internet shutdowns and local connectivity issues, complicated outreach to Indian nationals.
Officials highlighted that over 10,000 Indian citizens were present in Iran, with a particularly large proportion being students.
Prelims Pointers
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): Government of India body responsible for foreign relations and consular support.
Travel Advisory: Official guideline issued to Indian citizens regarding safety of travel or presence in certain countries.
Evacuation Operation: Government-coordinated mission to bring citizens back during conflict or crisis.
Diaspora: Citizens and persons of Indian origin living abroad.
Mains Pointers
A. Significance
Protection of Nationals Abroad:
Ensuring safety of citizens aligns with India’s responsibility under customary international law and constitutional duty to protect lives irrespective of territory.
Diplomatic Weight:
The evacuation and advisories signify active diplomacy, maintaining channels with the host state even amid tension.
Humanitarian Imperative:
Safeguarding students and vulnerable groups underscores the welfare role of government beyond borders.
Strategic Relations:
Navigation of crisis reflects on India’s geopolitical balancing in West Asia, especially holding constructive ties with Iran while managing global tensions.
B. Challenges
Security and Operational Constraints:
Dynamic ground realities — protests, counter-protests, and possible violent crackdowns — raise risks for safe movement.
Communication Barriers:
Internet shutdowns and unreliable telecom networks impeded timely contact with citizens.
Logistics of Evacuation:
Organising aircraft, airspace clearances, crowd management, and prioritisation of evacuees pose administrative challenges.
Legal and Consular Complexities:
Issues such as visa status, documentation, and coordination with local authorities add procedural layers.
Psychological Impact:
Fear and anxiety among families of those abroad and among the diaspora community affect mental well-being.
C. Government Initiatives / Framework
(Based on established practice and ongoing directives — contextualised with recent events)
Travel Advisories:
Repeated advisories urging Indian nationals to leave Iran and avoid travel until stability returns.
Embassy Outreach:
Indian Embassy in Tehran engaged in contact tracing and registration of Indian citizens wishing to leave.
Evacuation Planning:
MEA made contingency arrangements for flights, coordinating logistical details including departure points and passenger priorities.
Multi-agency Coordination:
In past operations, India has used integrated government action, including civil airlines and diplomatic missions, to evacuate nationals. (Analogous to historical evacuation operations such as Operation Sindhu in 2025).
D. Way Forward
Regularised Registration for Citizens Abroad:
Expand the MEA’s e-registration of Indian Nationals Abroad (e-RAN) to ensure real-time data during crises.
Strengthen Embassy Networks:
Enhance consular presence and emergency response cells in volatile regions to monitor evolving risks.
Robust Communication Channels:
Ensure redundancy in citizen communication, including influencers like satellite communication tech in areas with expected shutdowns.
Preparedness Framework:
Institutionalise contingency protocols for evacuation (civil and military), training for crisis response teams, and mock drills.
Holistic Welfare Support:
Post-evacuation support mechanisms for returnees — including counselling, reintegration and academic continuity measures.
Conclusion
The evacuation planning and advisories issued for Indian nationals in Iran underscore the state’s duty of care toward its diaspora in times of international turmoil. While such measures present logistical and diplomatic challenges, they demonstrate India’s prioritisation of human security, welfare diplomacy, and operational preparedness. Strengthening consular mechanisms and contingency response frameworks will ensure that Indian citizens can be protected effectively whenever geopolitical uncertainties threaten their safety abroad.
Executive Interference in Investigative Agencies and Federalism
GS Paper II: Polity | Federalism | Judiciary | Governance
GS Paper IV: Ethics | Accountability | Rule of Law
GS Paper V: Assam & Contemporary National Issues
(Source: Assam Tribune, 16-01-2026 – Supreme Court observations on ED raids at I-PAC premises, West Bengal)
Introduction
The federal balance between the Union and the States came under sharp constitutional scrutiny following the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids at the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) office in Kolkata, during which the West Bengal Chief Minister allegedly intervened in an ongoing central investigation. Taking cognisance, the Supreme Court termed such obstruction “very serious”, observing that unresolved interference by State authorities in central agency probes could lead to lawlessness and erosion of the rule of law. The episode raises fundamental questions regarding executive overreach, autonomy of investigative agencies, and cooperative federalism.
Key Points from the Newspaper
The ED alleged obstruction and interference by the West Bengal government during search operations related to a coal pilferage scam.
The Chief Minister’s physical presence at the raid site led to a confrontation between State police and ED officials.
The Supreme Court:
Stayed FIRs against ED officials.
Issued notices to the CM, State government, DGP, and senior police officers.
Observed that such conduct, if left unchecked, could result in “lawlessness in one or the other State”.
The Court emphasised the need to allow each organ of the State to function independently.
Letters to the Editor strongly criticised the incident as:
“Executive intimidation”
A blurring of lines between party, State, and constitutional office
The ruling party claimed the ED action was politically motivated, citing proximity to elections.
Prelims Pointers
Enforcement Directorate (ED): Central agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
Federalism in India: Quasi-federal structure with strong Centre but constitutionally autonomous States.
Rule of Law: Supremacy of law over arbitrary exercise of power.
Investigative Autonomy: Essential for fair and unbiased criminal justice.
Key Constitutional Principles Involved:
Separation of powers
Cooperative federalism
Equality before law (Article 14)
Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. Rule of Law
Political obstruction of investigations undermines the principle that no one is above the law.
Investigations must be tested in courts, not overridden by executive presence.
2. Federal Balance
Federalism requires mutual respect between Union and States, not confrontation.
State interference in central probes risks converting federalism into institutional brinkmanship.
3. Institutional Autonomy
Independent functioning of agencies like ED is vital for:
Accountability
Anti-corruption efforts
Public trust in governance
4. Judicial Oversight
Supreme Court’s intervention reflects its role as guardian of the Constitution.
Prevents politicisation from degenerating into administrative paralysis.
B. Challenges Highlighted
Politicisation of Investigative Agencies
Allegations of political vendetta weaken credibility of enforcement agencies.
Executive Overreach
Physical intervention by constitutional authorities during probes sets a dangerous precedent.
Centre–State Trust Deficit
Mutual suspicion erodes cooperative federalism.
Law-Enforcement Demoralisation
Public obstruction can demoralise officers and weaken enforcement capacity.
Blurring of Party and State
Using State machinery to protect party interests dilutes constitutional morality.
C. Constitutional & Institutional Framework (Contextual)
(Derived from newspaper analysis and constitutional principles)
Separation of Powers: Executive must not interfere with investigative or judicial processes.
Judicial Review: Supreme Court as final arbiter of inter-governmental disputes.
Federal Accountability: States cannot shield individuals from lawful central investigations.
Electoral Neutrality: Investigative agencies must function without political timing bias.
D. Way Ahead
Clear Protocols for Central Investigations
Codified SOPs for central agencies operating within States.
Strengthen Institutional Independence
Safeguards against both political misuse and political obstruction.
Judicially Enforced Federal Discipline
Swift adjudication of Centre–State conflicts involving law enforcement.
Code of Constitutional Conduct
Ethical restraint expected from holders of high executive office.
Public Transparency
Agencies must communicate clearly to counter perceptions of arbitrariness.
Conclusion
The ED–West Bengal standoff, as highlighted by the Assam Tribune, is not merely a political controversy but a constitutional stress test for India’s federal structure. While concerns of political misuse of central agencies deserve attention, executive obstruction of lawful investigations is far more corrosive to democracy. True federalism rests not on confrontation but on constitutional restraint, institutional respect, and the supremacy of the rule of law. The Supreme Court’s intervention thus serves as a timely reaffirmation that power must operate within process, not above it.
Kaziranga Elevated Corridor: Development vs Conservation
GS Paper III: Environment | Infrastructure | Sustainable Development
GS Paper V: Assam – Ecology, Wildlife & Regional Development
(Source: Assam Tribune, 16-01-2026 – report on foundation stone for elevated corridor near Kaziranga National Park)
Introduction
The decision to construct an elevated corridor near Kaziranga National Park (KNP) marks a significant intervention at the intersection of infrastructure development and wildlife conservation. Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a globally significant biodiversity hotspot, has long faced threats from highway traffic, habitat fragmentation, and wildlife mortality. The elevated corridor project seeks to address these challenges while simultaneously facilitating smooth transport connectivity in Upper Assam, raising a critical debate on development versus conservation.
Key Points from the Newspaper
The project involves construction of a lengthy elevated corridor along the NH-37/NH-715 stretch skirting Kaziranga.
It aims to:
Reduce animal-vehicle collisions, especially during floods.
Ensure uninterrupted wildlife movement between Kaziranga and Karbi Anglong hills.
Kaziranga witnesses seasonal flooding, forcing animals to cross highways in search of higher ground.
The project is projected as a long-term mitigation measure rather than ad-hoc traffic control.
Environmental concerns and the need for strict monitoring were highlighted alongside developmental benefits.
Prelims Pointers
Kaziranga National Park:
UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985)
Famous for one-horned rhinoceros
Located on the floodplains of the Brahmaputra
Wildlife Corridor:
Natural or artificial passage allowing animal movement between habitats.
Habitat Fragmentation:
Division of wildlife habitat due to roads, railways, or urban expansion.
Elevated Infrastructure:
Infrastructure raised above ground level to reduce ecological disturbance.
Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. Wildlife Conservation
Elevated corridor allows safe passage for animals, especially rhinos, elephants, deer, and tigers.
Reduces roadkill incidents, a major concern in Kaziranga’s southern boundary.
2. Climate and Flood Adaptation
Kaziranga’s ecology depends on annual flooding.
Elevated structures respect the natural flood regime, unlike embankments that alter hydrology.
3. Sustainable Infrastructure Model
Demonstrates how engineering solutions can align with conservation goals.
Potential model for other ecologically sensitive regions in India.
4. Regional Connectivity
NH-37/NH-715 is a lifeline for Upper Assam.
Corridor ensures smoother transport without compromising ecological integrity.
B. Challenges / Concerns
Construction-Phase Disturbance
Noise, vibration, and human presence can stress wildlife.
Risk of temporary habitat disruption.
Governance and Oversight
Effectiveness depends on:
Strict environmental compliance
Independent ecological monitoring
Precedent Risk
Poorly planned replication elsewhere may legitimise infrastructure inside fragile ecosystems.
Maintenance and Enforcement
Long-term success requires:
Speed regulation
Restriction on stopping and commercial activity below the corridor
C. Government / Institutional Framework (Contextual)
(Derived from the newspaper and existing conservation approach)
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – legal basis for protecting habitats around national parks.
Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around Kaziranga – regulate developmental activities.
National Wildlife Action Plan – emphasises landscape-level conservation.
Judicial Oversight – Supreme Court monitoring of projects around Kaziranga in the past.
D. Way Ahead
Strict Environmental Safeguards
Real-time wildlife monitoring during construction.
Seasonal restrictions during peak animal movement.
Integrated Landscape Planning
Combine corridor with:
Underpasses
Animal detection and warning systems
Habitat restoration on either side
Community Participation
Involve local communities in monitoring and conservation.
Promote eco-tourism linked livelihoods.
Scientific Evaluation
Periodic assessment of corridor effectiveness using wildlife movement data.
Policy Replication with Caution
Adopt similar models only after site-specific ecological studies.
Conclusion
The Kaziranga elevated corridor represents a shift from conflict-driven to coexistence-oriented development. If implemented with scientific rigour and ethical restraint, it can reconcile Assam’s infrastructure needs with its responsibility as custodian of one of the world’s richest ecosystems. The true success of the project will lie not in concrete and steel, but in its ability to let development pass above while nature thrives below.
Railway Expansion in Assam and Act East Policy
GS Paper III: Infrastructure | Economic Development | Regional Connectivity
GS Paper II: International Relations | Regional Cooperation
GS Paper V: Assam – Infrastructure, Economy & Strategic Location
(Source: Assam Tribune, 16-01-2026 – reports on new railway projects, Vande Bharat sleeper train, and connectivity in the North-East)
Introduction
Railway expansion in Assam has emerged as a critical pillar of India’s Act East Policy, which seeks to strengthen economic, strategic, and cultural ties with South-East Asia. Recent announcements regarding new railway lines, upgraded services, and long-distance sleeper trains underscore Assam’s transformation from a peripheral frontier to a gateway state linking mainland India with the North-East and neighbouring countries. Improved rail connectivity is thus both an economic enabler and a strategic instrument.
Key Points from the Newspaper
Introduction of new long-distance and sleeper train services, including advanced semi-high-speed variants.
Ongoing and proposed railway line expansion projects across Upper Assam and Barak Valley.
Emphasis on cross-border connectivity with neighbouring countries such as Bhutan and Bangladesh through integrated transport networks.
Railways positioned as a cost-effective and climate-friendly transport mode for the region.
Projects aligned with the broader vision of Act East Policy and regional economic integration.
Prelims Pointers
Act East Policy: India’s strategic policy aimed at strengthening ties with South-East Asia, announced in 2014.
Gateway State: Assam’s geographical position makes it the entry point to the North-East.
Broad Gauge Conversion: Replacement of meter gauge lines to enhance speed and capacity.
Multimodal Connectivity: Integration of rail, road, inland waterways, and air transport.
Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. Economic Integration of the North-East
Railways reduce transportation costs for:
Tea, petroleum products, coal, cement
Agricultural and horticultural produce
Encourages industrial investment and market access.
2. Act East Policy Implementation
Rail connectivity strengthens links with:
Bangladesh (via transit routes)
Bhutan and Myanmar (through feeder networks)
Converts Assam into a logistical hub for East and South-East Asia.
3. Strategic and Security Dimension
Faster troop and material movement enhances internal and border security.
Supports disaster response and emergency logistics.
4. Social and Regional Inclusion
Improved passenger services reduce isolation of remote areas.
Enhances access to education, healthcare, and employment.
B. Challenges / Concerns
Difficult Terrain and Ecology
Flood-prone plains and hilly terrain raise construction and maintenance costs.
Land Acquisition Issues
Resistance due to displacement concerns and compensation disputes.
Environmental Sensitivity
Rail projects pass through:
Forest areas
Wildlife habitats
Requires strict environmental safeguards.
Project Delays
Funding constraints, clearances, and local opposition affect timelines.
C. Government / Institutional Framework (Contextual)
(As reflected in the newspaper and existing policy orientation)
Indian Railways’ North-East Focus:
Special emphasis on connectivity projects in the region.
Act East Policy:
Infrastructure-led diplomacy and regional integration.
PM Gati Shakti Approach:
Coordinated planning of transport infrastructure.
Regional Cooperation Agreements:
Rail-road-port integration with neighbouring countries.
D. Way Ahead
Integrated Transport Planning
Synchronise rail expansion with:
Inland waterways (Brahmaputra)
Road and border infrastructure
Environment-Sensitive Construction
Use elevated tracks, tunnels, and wildlife mitigation measures.
Local Participation
Engage communities in planning and execution to reduce resistance.
Cross-Border Rail Diplomacy
Accelerate operationalisation of international rail links under bilateral agreements.
Technology Adoption
Modern signalling, electrification, and energy-efficient rolling stock.
Conclusion
Railway expansion in Assam is not merely an infrastructure upgrade but a strategic lever of India’s Act East Policy. By improving connectivity, reducing logistical bottlenecks, and integrating the North-East with regional and global value chains, railways can transform Assam into a growth engine and geopolitical bridge. The challenge lies in balancing speed of development with ecological sensitivity and social inclusion, ensuring that connectivity becomes a catalyst for sustainable and shared prosperity.
Commercialisation of Magh Bihu: Culture vs Modernity
GS Paper I: Indian Society | Culture | Social Change
GS Paper V: Assam – Culture, Society & Identity
GS Paper IV: Ethics – Cultural Values & Social Responsibility
(Source: Assam Tribune, 16-01-2026 – opinion/letter highlighting concerns over changing nature of Magh Bihu)
Introduction
Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu, is one of Assam’s most significant agrarian festivals, symbolising harvest, community bonding, simplicity, and gratitude to nature. Traditionally marked by collective feasts, construction of Bhelaghar and Meji, and sharing of locally produced food, Magh Bihu has increasingly witnessed commercialisation and spectacle-driven celebrations. Concerns raised in the Assam Tribune highlight a growing tension between cultural authenticity and modern consumerism, prompting reflection on how festivals evolve in a changing socio-economic context.
Key Points from the Newspaper
Traditional Magh Bihu emphasised:
Community participation
Simplicity and frugality
Use of locally sourced materials and food
Present-day celebrations increasingly involve:
Sponsorships and corporate branding
Competitive, large-scale Meji construction
Excessive expenditure and display
The festival is shifting from community-centric to event-centric.
Concerns expressed over:
Dilution of cultural values
Environmental degradation
Loss of ethical and social meaning
Prelims Pointers
Magh Bihu (Bhogali Bihu): Harvest festival celebrated in mid-January.
Meji: Traditional bonfire lit during Magh Bihu.
Bhelaghar: Temporary hut built collectively by youths.
Cultural Commercialisation: Process where traditions are reshaped by market forces.
Intangible Cultural Heritage: Practices and expressions transmitted across generations.
Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. Cultural Identity of Assam
Magh Bihu reflects Assamese values of:
Collective living
Respect for nature
Agrarian ethics
Acts as a carrier of inter-generational cultural memory.
2. Social Cohesion
Traditional celebrations encouraged:
Community bonding
Egalitarian participation beyond class and wealth
Helped preserve rural social harmony.
3. Ethical and Environmental Values
Emphasised moderation, sharing, and sustainability.
Limited wastage and ecological footprint.
B. Challenges Due to Commercialisation
Erosion of Cultural Essence
Festival risks becoming a display of wealth rather than shared joy.
Competitive extravagance undermines traditional humility.
Environmental Concerns
Use of non-biodegradable materials.
Large bonfires and wastage strain local ecology.
Social Inequality
Commercialised celebrations can exclude poorer sections.
Shifts focus from participation to consumption.
Cultural Homogenisation
Influence of mass media and urban lifestyles dilutes local distinctiveness.
C. Modernity: Opportunities and Dilemmas
(As inferred from the discussion in the newspaper)
Modern platforms can:
Increase cultural visibility
Attract tourism and creative livelihoods
However, unchecked modernity risks:
Reducing culture to a market commodity
Breaking the link between ritual and meaning
D. Way Ahead
Community-Led Celebrations
Encourage local committees to prioritise participation over spectacle.
Cultural Sensitisation
Schools and community groups to educate youth on the meaning and values of Magh Bihu.
Sustainable Practices
Promote eco-friendly materials and controlled celebrations.
Balanced Cultural Evolution
Allow innovation without erasing tradition.
Modernity should support, not replace, cultural ethos.
Ethical Responsibility
Media, sponsors, and organisers must act with cultural sensitivity.
Conclusion
The debate on the commercialisation of Magh Bihu is ultimately about preserving the soul of culture amid social change. While traditions cannot remain static, their evolution must be guided by ethical restraint, environmental consciousness, and community ownership. Magh Bihu will remain meaningful not through grandeur or sponsorships, but through its ability to continue nurturing collective identity, simplicity, and cultural continuity in a modernising Assam.
APSC Prelims MCQs
TOPIC 1: Evacuation of Indians from Iran amid Political Crisis
Q1. The primary objective of issuing a travel advisory by the Ministry of External Affairs during political unrest in a foreign country is to:
(a) Restrict foreign travel permanently
(b) Ensure safety of Indian nationals abroad
(c) Suspend diplomatic relations
(d) Regulate foreign remittances
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Travel advisories are preventive safety instruments, issued to warn citizens of risks and facilitate safe evacuation. They do not imply diplomatic suspension or travel bans.
Q2. Which of the following groups was identified as particularly vulnerable during the Iran crisis?
(a) Tour operators
(b) Indian fishermen
(c) Indian students
(d) Journalists
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The newspaper specifically highlighted Indian students as a major vulnerable group requiring evacuation support due to limited mobility and local dependence.
Q3. Evacuation of Indian nationals from conflict zones primarily reflects India’s commitment to:
(a) Strategic autonomy
(b) Diaspora welfare and humanitarian diplomacy
(c) Economic diplomacy
(d) Cultural exchange
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Evacuation operations underline citizen-centric foreign policy and humanitarian responsibility toward Indians abroad.
🟩 TOPIC 2: Executive Interference in Investigative Agencies and Federalism
Q4. The Supreme Court’s concern regarding executive interference in central investigations mainly relates to which constitutional principle?
(a) Parliamentary sovereignty
(b) Rule of law
(c) Directive Principles of State Policy
(d) Collective responsibility
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Obstruction of lawful investigations undermines the rule of law, where all individuals and authorities are subject to legal process.
Q5. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) functions under the administrative control of:
(a) Ministry of Home Affairs
(b) Ministry of Law and Justice
(c) Ministry of Finance
(d) Cabinet Secretariat
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The ED operates under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, not the Home Ministry.
Q6. Executive obstruction of central agencies by State authorities poses a direct challenge to:
(a) Judicial review
(b) Cooperative federalism
(c) Bicameralism
(d) Electoral accountability
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Federalism requires mutual respect between Union and States. Obstruction erodes trust and disrupts cooperative federal functioning.
🟩 TOPIC 3: Kaziranga Elevated Corridor – Development vs Conservation
Q7. The primary ecological purpose of constructing an elevated corridor near Kaziranga National Park is to:
(a) Promote tourism
(b) Increase vehicular speed
(c) Facilitate wildlife movement
(d) Prevent flooding of highways
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The corridor allows safe animal movement, especially during floods, reducing habitat fragmentation and roadkill.
Q8. Kaziranga National Park is ecologically significant mainly because it:
(a) Lies in a desert ecosystem
(b) Is a mangrove forest
(c) Lies in a floodplain ecosystem
(d) Is a coral reef system
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Kaziranga is located in the Brahmaputra floodplains, where seasonal flooding is essential to its ecology.
Q9. Which of the following best explains why elevated infrastructure is preferred in ecologically sensitive zones?
(a) Lower construction cost
(b) Faster project completion
(c) Minimal disturbance to ground-level ecosystems
(d) Easier land acquisition
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Elevated structures allow ecological continuity below, reducing disruption to wildlife and hydrology.
🟩 TOPIC 4: Railway Expansion in Assam and Act East Policy
Q10. Assam’s strategic importance in India’s Act East Policy primarily arises from its:
(a) Mineral resources
(b) Coastal access
(c) Gateway location to South-East Asia
(d) Population density
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Assam serves as the gateway to the North-East, linking India with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and beyond.
Q11. Railway expansion in Assam contributes to Act East Policy mainly by:
(a) Enhancing cultural tourism alone
(b) Strengthening regional economic and logistical integration
(c) Reducing urbanisation
(d) Promoting only domestic trade
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Railways improve connectivity, trade, and strategic mobility, which are core objectives of Act East Policy.
Q12. Railways are considered a climate-friendly mode of transport because they:
(a) Consume no fossil fuels
(b) Have lower emissions per unit of freight/passenger
(c) Require no land acquisition
(d) Eliminate road transport
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Rail transport has lower carbon emissions per unit compared to road transport, making it environmentally preferable.
🟩 TOPIC 5: Commercialisation of Magh Bihu – Culture vs Modernity
Q13. Magh Bihu is traditionally associated with:
(a) Plantation agriculture
(b) Monsoon sowing
(c) Harvest and community feasting
(d) Religious fasting
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Magh Bihu (Bhogali Bihu) celebrates harvest, food sharing, and community bonding.
Q14. The main concern raised regarding the commercialisation of Magh Bihu is:
(a) Decline in tourist footfall
(b) Loss of cultural simplicity and values
(c) Reduced media coverage
(d) Government regulation of festivals
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The newspaper highlights that excessive commercialisation risks diluting cultural essence, ethics, and sustainability.
Q15. From a societal perspective, unchecked commercialisation of traditional festivals can lead to:
(a) Greater cultural inclusion
(b) Strengthening rural economies
(c) Cultural homogenisation and social exclusion
(d) Revival of indigenous practices
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Market-driven celebrations often promote uniformity, spectacle, and exclusion, weakening community-centric traditions.r housing policy.
APSC Mains Practice Question
GS Mains Model Question
Q. The tension between development imperatives and ecological conservation is most visible in infrastructure projects in environmentally sensitive regions.
In this context, examine the significance and challenges of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project. Suggest measures to ensure sustainable development without compromising biodiversity.
(15 marks)
Model Answer
Introduction
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Brahmaputra floodplains of Assam, represents one of the most fragile and valuable ecosystems in India. The proposal to construct an elevated corridor along the highway skirting Kaziranga seeks to address the long-standing conflict between transport infrastructure expansion and wildlife conservation. While the project promises improved connectivity and reduced animal mortality, it also raises critical concerns regarding ecological disturbance and governance in protected landscapes.
Body
A. Significance of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor
- Wildlife Protection
- Seasonal flooding forces animals to migrate toward higher ground, often crossing busy highways.
- The elevated corridor enables safe and uninterrupted wildlife movement, significantly reducing roadkill incidents.
- Ecological Sensitivity
- Unlike embankments or surface highways, elevated structures allow natural flood flows and habitat continuity, respecting Kaziranga’s flood-dependent ecology.
- Sustainable Infrastructure Model
- Demonstrates a shift from adversarial development to mitigation-based infrastructure planning.
- Can serve as a replicable model for other ecologically sensitive regions.
- Regional Connectivity
- The highway is a critical arterial route for Upper Assam, and the project ensures transport efficiency without ecological isolation.
B. Challenges and Concerns
- Construction-Phase Disturbance
- Noise, vibration, and human activity may stress wildlife during the construction period.
- Governance and Oversight
- Effectiveness depends on strict adherence to environmental safeguards and continuous monitoring.
- Risk of Misuse
- Poorly designed replication elsewhere may legitimise infrastructure encroachment in protected areas.
- Long-Term Maintenance
- Speed regulation, traffic discipline, and restriction on commercial activities are essential for success.
C. Way Forward
- Scientific Monitoring: Use wildlife tracking and movement studies to assess corridor effectiveness.
- Phased Construction: Restrict construction during peak wildlife movement seasons.
- Community Involvement: Engage local communities as conservation partners.
- Integrated Landscape Planning: Complement the corridor with underpasses, signage, and enforcement mechanisms.
- Policy Caution: Ensure site-specific ecological assessments before replicating similar projects elsewhere.
Conclusion
The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor represents an important attempt to reconcile developmental needs with ecological responsibility. Its success will depend not merely on engineering excellence but on institutional integrity, scientific planning, and ethical restraint. If implemented with rigor and sensitivity, the project can exemplify how infrastructure can rise above conflict and allow both nature and development to coexist sustainably.cing, prosecution, trial efficiency, and social equity. Only then can prisons cease to be sites of injustice and become instruments of reform.ance in India.
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