APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (18/03/2026)

LPG Shortage in India due to Strait of Hormuz Crisis

📘 GS Paper 3: Energy Security | Economy | International Relations
📘 GS Paper 2: International Relations | Governance

Introduction

The news highlights a potential LPG shortage in India caused by disruptions in maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint. As reported (Page 1 & 2), several LPG vessels are stranded due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, prompting India to engage diplomatically with multiple countries to ensure safe passage .

This issue underscores India’s energy vulnerability, dependence on imports, and the strategic importance of global sea lanes.

Key Points

Concept: Why Strait of Hormuz Matters

Narrow sea passage between Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman

Handles ~20% of global oil trade

Critical for India’s energy imports (oil, LPG, LNG)

Prelims Pointers

Strait of Hormuz

Connects Persian Gulf → Arabian Sea

Bordered by Iran and Oman

India’s Energy Imports

~85% crude oil import dependence

Major LPG suppliers: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE

Strategic Chokepoints

Hormuz, Malacca Strait, Bab-el-Mandeb

Types of Petroleum Products

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)

LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)

Energy Security: Availability, affordability, accessibility

Mains Pointers

A. Importance

1. Energy Security of India

LPG is essential for household cooking (Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries)

Disruption affects millions of households

2. Strategic Maritime Importance

Highlights vulnerability of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs)

Emphasizes role of Indian Navy & diplomacy

3. Economic Stability

Affects inflation, subsidy burden, and fiscal deficit

Impacts agriculture (fertiliser supply)

B. Challenges

C. Government Initiatives

Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) – buffer against supply shocks

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) – LPG access expansion

Diversification of Energy Sources

Imports from USA, Africa

International Energy Agency (IEA) cooperation

Push for Renewable Energy

Solar, ethanol blending, green hydrogen

D. Way Forward

1. Diversification of Supply Routes

Reduce dependence on single chokepoint (Hormuz)

Explore alternative maritime corridors

2. Strengthening Strategic Reserves

Expand petroleum storage capacity

3. Energy Transition

Promote electric cooking, solar energy, biogas

4. Maritime Security

Enhance naval presence & international cooperation

Secure SLOCs via QUAD and Indo-Pacific partnerships

5. Demand Management

Prevent panic buying through awareness + regulation

Value Addition (For Mains Answer Writing)

Hormuz handles ~17–20 million barrels/day oil flow

India imports >60% LPG demand

Fertiliser security linked to energy imports

Conclusion

The LPG shortage triggered by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz reflects the interconnected nature of geopolitics and energy security. For India, ensuring resilient energy systems requires a multi-pronged approach—diversification, strategic reserves, renewable transition, and robust diplomacy. This episode reinforces the need for long-term structural reforms in India’s energy architecture.

Use of Black Money in Elections & IT Department Control Measures

📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Elections | Transparency
📘 GS Paper 3: Economy | Internal Security (Money Power in Politics)

Introduction

Ahead of the Assam Assembly Elections 2026, the Income Tax Department has set up a 24×7 control room in Guwahati to monitor the movement of unaccounted cash and valuables. As reported on Page 3, this initiative aims to curb the influence of black money in elections, ensuring free and fair democratic processes .

The issue directly relates to electoral integrity, a critical pillar of Indian democracy.

Key Points

Concept: Black Money in Elections

Definition: Income not reported to tax authorities used for illegal electoral practices

Includes:

Vote buying

Distribution of cash/gifts

Undisclosed campaign expenditure

Prelims Pointers

Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

Enforced by Election Commission during elections

Regulates political conduct

Election Commission of India (ECI)

Constitutional body (Article 324)

Ensures free and fair elections

Income Tax Department Role

Tracks tax evasion and illicit funds

Works with ECI during elections

Electoral Bonds (now debated/restricted)

Introduced for transparent funding

Criticised for anonymity

Mains Pointers

A. Importance

1. Ensures Free & Fair Elections

Reduces influence of money power

Promotes level playing field

2. Strengthens Democracy

Prevents vote-buying and corruption

Enhances public trust in institutions

3. Promotes Transparency & Accountability

Encourages clean political funding

Reduces parallel economy influence

B. Challenges

C. Government / Institutional Measures

Election Commission Surveillance Teams

Flying squads, static surveillance teams

Income Tax Department Monitoring

Raids, seizure of illegal cash

Expenditure Monitoring Mechanism

Candidate spending limits

Supreme Court Judgments

Emphasis on transparency in funding

Digital Initiatives

Use of AI/data analytics for suspicious transactions

D. Way Forward

1. Electoral Reforms

State funding of elections

Full transparency in political donations

2. Strengthening Institutions

Better coordination between ECI, IT Dept, ED

3. Technological Monitoring

Use of big data analytics & financial intelligence tools

4. Voter Awareness

Educate voters against accepting money/gifts

5. Legal Reforms

Stricter penalties for electoral malpractices

Value Addition

According to ECI reports, thousands of crores worth of cash/liquor/drugs are seized during elections annually

India ranks among countries where election spending is rapidly increasing

Conclusion

The establishment of a control room by the Income Tax Department reflects the growing recognition of money power as a major threat to democratic integrity. While enforcement mechanisms are improving, achieving truly fair elections requires systemic reforms, institutional synergy, and informed citizen participation.

Pakistan–Afghanistan Airstrike & Humanitarian Crisis

📘 GS Paper 2: International Relations | India’s Neighbourhood
📘 GS Paper 3: Internal Security | Disaster & Humanitarian Issues

Introduction

A major geopolitical development reported on Page 1 & Page 2 highlights that Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan, allegedly targeting terrorist infrastructure. However, Afghan authorities claim the strike hit a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul, killing around 400 people and injuring many others .

This incident reflects escalating tensions in India’s extended neighbourhood and raises concerns regarding humanitarian law, cross-border terrorism, and regional stability.

Key Points

Concept: Cross-Border Airstrikes

Military action conducted across international borders

Often justified as counter-terrorism operations

Raises issues of:

Sovereignty violation

International humanitarian law (IHL)

Prelims Pointers

Afghanistan–Pakistan Border

Known as Durand Line (not officially recognized by Afghanistan)

Taliban Regime

Currently governs Afghanistan

Not widely recognized internationally

International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

Protects civilians during armed conflict

Geneva Conventions are key instruments

Drug Rehabilitation Centres

Afghanistan has one of the highest rates of drug addiction globally

Mains Pointers

A. Importance

1. Regional Stability (South Asia)

Escalation may destabilize India’s neighbourhood

Impacts security dynamics in South Asia

2. Humanitarian Concerns

Civilian casualties raise ethical and legal issues

Violations of human rights and IHL

3. Implications for India

Affects India’s strategic interests in Afghanistan

May increase terrorism spillover risks

B. Challenges

C. Global & Institutional Responses

International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) condemned the attack (Page 4 context)

Calls for:

Independent investigation

Accountability of perpetrators

UN frameworks emphasize protection of civilians

D. Way Forward

1. Diplomatic Resolution

Encourage dialogue between Pakistan & Afghanistan

Use of regional forums (SAARC, SCO)

2. Strengthening International Law

Strict adherence to Geneva Conventions

Global pressure on violations

3. Counter-Terrorism Cooperation

Joint mechanisms to address terrorism without civilian harm

4. Humanitarian Assistance

Support for victims via international aid agencies

5. India’s Role

Balanced diplomacy

Continued humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan

Value Addition

Afghanistan accounts for one of the world’s largest opium production regions

South Asia is among the most geopolitically volatile regions globally

Conclusion

The Pakistan–Afghanistan airstrike highlights the fragile nature of regional security and the grave consequences of military actions on civilian populations. For India, the situation underscores the need for strategic vigilance, diplomatic engagement, and a commitment to humanitarian principles in its neighbourhood policy.

APSC Cash-for-Job Scam & Judicial Limits on Commission Reports

📘 GS Paper 2: Governance | Judiciary | Accountability
📘 GS Paper 4: Ethics | Integrity in Public Administration

Introduction

The Gauhati High Court, in a significant observation (Page 3), stated that the report of a Commission of Inquiry into the APSC cash-for-job scam is “recommendatory in nature” and not legally binding, and courts cannot compel the government to implement it .

This case raises critical questions regarding institutional accountability, administrative ethics, and the effectiveness of investigative commissions in India.

Key Points

Concept: Commission of Inquiry

Constituted under Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952

Purpose:

Investigate public issues/scandals

Nature:

Fact-finding, not adjudicatory

Output:

Recommendations (not enforceable)

Prelims Pointers

Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952

Allows Centre/State to appoint commissions

APSC (Assam Public Service Commission)

Constitutional body (Article 315)

Conducts recruitment for state services

Judicial Review

Courts can examine legality, not policy decisions

Mains Pointers

A. Importance

1. Upholding Rule of Law

Clarifies limits of judicial intervention

Reinforces separation of powers

2. Administrative Accountability

Highlights need for transparent recruitment processes

3. Ethical Governance

Exposes corruption in public institutions

Strengthens demand for integrity in civil services

B. Challenges

C. Government / Institutional Framework

Judiciary

Ensures procedural fairness

Executive (Government)

Decides implementation of reports

Anti-Corruption Agencies

Vigilance commissions, CBI

Reforms in APSC

Post-2014 improvements noted by HC

D. Way Forward

1. Strengthening Legal Backing

Give limited binding force to key recommendations

2. Time-bound Implementation

Mandate deadlines for action

3. Institutional Reforms

Transparent recruitment systems (digital exams, audits)

4. Ethical Governance

Promote integrity, accountability, transparency

5. Public Oversight

Parliamentary/legislative scrutiny of reports

Value Addition

APSC scam involved cash-for-job allegations in civil service recruitment

Post-reforms, HC noted no major complaints after 2014, indicating improvement

Conclusion

The High Court’s ruling highlights a fundamental tension in governance—while commissions expose wrongdoing, their non-binding nature limits enforceability. Strengthening institutional mechanisms and ensuring ethical public administration remain essential to restore public trust and uphold meritocracy.