APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (18/12/2025)
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 18 December 2025. 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
Parliament Nods to 100% FDI in Insurance Sector: Implications for Growth, Regulation & Federal Concerns
📘 GS Paper II (Mains): Governance | Polity | Regulatory Institutions
📘 GS Paper III (Mains): Indian Economy | Financial Sector Reforms | Investment
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Economic Development | Financial Inclusion
📘 GS Prelims: FDI Policy | Insurance Sector | Current Affairs
(Topic chosen strictly from the newspaper heading:
“Parliament nod to 100 pc FDI in insurance sector”, The Assam Tribune*, 18 December 2025)*
TG@Assam_Tribune (18-12-2025)
🔹 Introduction
In a major financial sector reform, Parliament has approved the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025, raising the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%. The move aims to deepen insurance penetration, attract long-term capital, enhance competition, and strengthen policyholder protection in India’s under-insured economy.
🔑 Key Points from the Newspaper
| Aspect | Details |
| Legislation | Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment) Bill, 2025 |
| FDI Limit | Increased from 74% to 100% |
| Parliamentary Status | Passed by Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha |
| Amended Laws | Insurance Act, 1938; LIC Act, 1956; IRDAI Act, 1999 |
| Government Rationale | Higher capital inflow, lower premiums, job creation |
| Additional Provision | Allows merger of non-insurance company with insurance firm |
| Opposition Demand | Referral to Parliamentary Committee (rejected) |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Insurance Regulator: IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India)
Insurance Penetration in India: ~4% of GDP (lower than global average)
FDI Nature: Long-term, stable capital preferred in insurance sector
LIC Act, 1956: Governs Life Insurance Corporation of India
FDI Route: Liberalisation part of broader financial sector reforms
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. Capital Infusion
Insurance is capital-intensive; 100% FDI enables global insurers to bring long-term funds
2. Improved Insurance Penetration
Greater product diversity and outreach to under-served regions like NE India
3. Increased Competition
Entry of more players may reduce premiums and improve service quality
4. Employment Generation
Sector jobs nearly tripled earlier when FDI was raised from 26% to 74%
5. Financial Inclusion
Supports risk protection for households, MSMEs, and farmers
B. Concerns & Challenges
| Issue | Explanation |
| Regulatory Oversight | Risk of foreign dominance without strong regulation |
| Policyholder Protection | Profit motives may override social insurance goals |
| Data & Sovereignty | Handling of sensitive financial and health data |
| Domestic Players | Smaller Indian insurers may face intense competition |
| Federal Impact | States’ role in insurance outreach may weaken |
C. Government Safeguards & Policy Position
IRDAI Strengthening: Enhanced supervisory powers
Fit & Proper Criteria for foreign insurers
Policyholder Protection Mandate embedded in amendments
Gradual Liberalisation based on past FDI outcomes
No Dilution of Regulatory Control, despite ownership change
D. Way Forward
Strengthen IRDAI’s enforcement and consumer grievance mechanisms
Ensure data localisation and cyber security norms
Promote insurance coverage in rural and NE regions
Encourage blended models combining commercial and social insurance
Periodic review of impact on premiums, claims settlement, and jobs
🧭 Conclusion
Raising FDI to 100% in the insurance sector reflects India’s confidence in its regulatory maturity and market potential. If backed by strong oversight and a policyholder-first approach, the reform can significantly enhance financial resilience and inclusion. However, balancing foreign capital with public interest will be crucial to ensure that “Sabka Bima” truly translates into Sabka Suraksha.
Protests Near Indian Mission in Dhaka & India–Bangladesh Diplomatic Strain
📘 GS Paper II (Mains): International Relations | Neighbourhood Policy | Diplomacy
📘 GS Paper III (Mains): Internal Security | Border Management
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): North-East & Cross-Border Issues
📘 GS Prelims: India–Bangladesh Relations | Diplomatic Norms | Current Affairs
(Topic chosen strictly from the newspaper heading:
“Protesters march towards Indian mission in Dhaka; MEA summons Bangladesh envoy”, The Assam Tribune*, 18 December 2025)*
🔹 Introduction
India–Bangladesh relations witnessed fresh diplomatic strain after protesters attempted to march towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, prompting India to express serious concern over the security of its diplomatic mission and summon the Bangladesh High Commissioner in New Delhi. The episode occurred amid political turbulence in Bangladesh following regime change and upcoming elections, raising concerns for diplomatic security, regional stability, and India’s Neighbourhood First policy.
🔑 Key Points from the Newspaper
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | Indian High Commission, Dhaka |
| Nature of Incident | Protest march stopped by Bangladeshi police |
| Protest Demands | Extradition of former PM Sheikh Hasina |
| India’s Response | MEA summons Bangladesh envoy |
| Core Concern | Security of Indian diplomatic mission |
| Political Context | Post-regime change instability in Bangladesh |
| Diplomatic Norms | Host country’s responsibility under international law |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961)
Host State must protect diplomatic missions
India–Bangladesh Relations
Strategic partnership in South Asia
Neighbourhood First Policy
Stability and cooperation with immediate neighbours
Diplomatic Protest
Summoning of envoy = formal diplomatic signal
Assam & NE Relevance
Bangladesh shares border with Assam and NE states
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. Diplomatic Security
Protection of missions is fundamental to international diplomacy
2. Regional Stability
Political unrest in Bangladesh has spillover risks for NE India
3. India’s Neighbourhood First Policy
Stable Bangladesh crucial for connectivity, trade, and security
4. Border Management
Tensions can impact border trade, migration, and counter-insurgency cooperation
B. Challenges Highlighted
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Political Volatility in Bangladesh | Regime change and polarised politics |
| Anti-India Sentiment | Mobilisation of protest groups |
| Diplomatic Vulnerability | Threats to missions abroad |
| NE Security Concerns | Impact on Assam and border states |
| Election Uncertainty | Credibility of upcoming polls |
C. India’s Diplomatic Position
Asserted non-interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs
Reiterated commitment to peaceful, free, and inclusive elections
Emphasised host country’s obligation to ensure mission security
Maintained measured diplomatic engagement
D. Way Forward
Sustained Diplomatic Dialogue
High-level communication channels
Security Coordination
Enhanced protection of diplomatic missions
Support Democratic Stability
Encourage peaceful electoral processes
Border & Regional Cooperation
Continue security and development partnerships
People-to-People Engagement
Counter misinformation and hostility
🧭 Conclusion
The Dhaka protest episode underscores how domestic political turbulence can strain diplomatic relations. For India, safeguarding its diplomatic missions while maintaining constructive engagement with Bangladesh is essential for regional stability, NE security, and the credibility of its Neighbourhood First policy. A calibrated, principled diplomatic response remains the most effective way forward.
Renewed Violence in Manipur: Challenges to Peace, Rehabilitation & Internal Security
📘 GS Paper II (Mains): Governance | Centre–State Relations | Conflict Management
📘 GS Paper III (Mains): Internal Security | Role of Security Forces | Border & Insurgency Issues
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): North-East India | Regional Stability
📘 GS Prelims: Internal Security | Manipur Crisis | Current Affairs
(Topic chosen strictly from the newspaper heading:
“Tensions flare in Manipur post firing, bomb attack”, The Assam Tribune*, 18 December 2025)*
🔹 Introduction
Manipur has once again witnessed a flare-up of violence following reports of indiscriminate firing and a bomb attack near new resettlement zones in the Torbung area. The incident occurred at a time when displaced populations were attempting to rebuild their lives, exposing the fragility of the peace process and highlighting the persistent challenges of ethnic conflict resolution, internal security management, and rehabilitation governance in the State.
🔑 Key Points from the Newspaper
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | Torbung area, Manipur |
| Nature of Incident | Firing and bomb attack near resettlement sites |
| Groups Involved | Accusations exchanged between COCOMI and Kuki-Zo Council |
| Timing | During ongoing resettlement of displaced villagers |
| Security Presence | Heavy deployment, yet violence occurred |
| Core Concern | Undermining peace and rehabilitation efforts |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Manipur Crisis (since 2023): Ethnic tensions between hill and valley communities
Internal Security: Public order is a State subject, but Centre can intervene
Displacement: Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) require security-backed rehabilitation
COCOMI: Civil society group representing Meitei interests
Kuki-Zo Council: Represents Kuki-Zo community interests
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. Internal Security
Recurrent violence indicates unresolved root causes
Challenges the effectiveness of security deployments
2. Humanitarian & Rehabilitation Concerns
Attacks near resettlement zones discourage return of IDPs
Prolonged displacement deepens social fragmentation
3. Governance & Trust Deficit
Allegations against authorities weaken public confidence
Questions neutrality and effectiveness of administration
4. Regional Stability
Prolonged unrest in Manipur impacts the entire North-East, including Assam
B. Key Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Armed Group Presence | Continued access to weapons in hill areas |
| Fragile Peace Process | Absence of sustained dialogue |
| Rehabilitation Risks | Lack of security during resettlement |
| Coordination Gaps | Centre–State–security agency alignment |
| Ethnic Polarisation | Deep mistrust between communities |
C. Government Framework & Response
Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)
Governor-led Administration (during political instability)
Relief & Rehabilitation Packages for IDPs
Peace Committees & Dialogue Initiatives
Disaster & Emergency Response Mechanisms
D. Way Forward
Security First Approach
Neutral, area-dominant security for resettlement zones
Inclusive Political Dialogue
Structured talks with all stakeholders
Weapon Recovery
Accelerated disarmament and intelligence-led operations
Phased Rehabilitation
Resettlement only after security assurance
Confidence-Building Measures
Community reconciliation and civil society mediation
🧭 Conclusion
The renewed violence in Manipur underscores that peace without security guarantees is unsustainable. Long-term stability requires a holistic strategy combining firm security action, inclusive dialogue, and credible rehabilitation governance. Restoring trust among communities and institutions is essential not only for Manipur but for the broader peace and integration of the North-East region.
Aviation Sector Stress: Indigo’s Fleet Grounding & Implications for Air Connectivity
📘 GS Paper II (Mains): Governance | Public Service Delivery | Regulation
📘 GS Paper III (Mains): Infrastructure | Transport | Economic Development
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Connectivity & Regional Development
📘 GS Prelims: Civil Aviation | Infrastructure | Current Affairs
(Topic chosen strictly from the newspaper heading:
“IndiGo grounds 35 planes amid engine issues”, The Assam Tribune*, 18 December 2025)*
🔹 Introduction
India’s civil aviation sector has faced renewed operational stress after IndiGo grounded around 35 aircraft due to Pratt & Whitney engine issues, leading to flight cancellations and capacity constraints. The episode highlights systemic vulnerabilities in aircraft maintenance, supply chains, and regulatory oversight, with direct implications for regional air connectivity, including routes to and from the Northeast.
🔑 Key Points from the Newspaper
| Aspect | Details |
| Airline | IndiGo |
| Aircraft Affected | Airbus A320neo family |
| Reason | Pratt & Whitney GTF engine issues |
| Aircraft Grounded | ~35 planes |
| Impact | Flight cancellations, reduced capacity |
| Regulatory Interface | DGCA monitoring |
| Regional Impact | Disruption of NE and tier-2/tier-3 routes |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
DGCA: Directorate General of Civil Aviation – aviation safety regulator
A320neo: Fuel-efficient narrow-body aircraft widely used in India
GTF Engines: Geared Turbofan engines; efficiency vs reliability trade-off
UDAN Scheme: Regional connectivity vulnerable to capacity shocks
Aviation Safety: Shared responsibility of airline, OEM, and regulator
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. Passenger Safety
Grounding reflects precautionary approach prioritising safety
2. Infrastructure Dependence
Highlights reliance on imported aircraft engines and MRO ecosystems
3. Economic Impact
Fare volatility, reduced connectivity, tourism and business losses
4. Regional Connectivity
Northeast and remote routes are first to face cuts during capacity stress
B. Challenges Highlighted
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Supply Chain Bottlenecks | Delays in engine repairs and spare parts |
| MRO Deficit | Limited domestic maintenance capabilities |
| Market Concentration | High dependence on a few airlines |
| Regulatory Balance | Safety enforcement vs service continuity |
| Passenger Grievances | Cancellations and schedule uncertainty |
C. Government & Regulatory Framework
DGCA Safety Directives
National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016
UDAN (RCS) – Regional connectivity obligations
MRO Policy Reforms – Tax rationalisation to boost domestic MRO
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) (safety ecosystem)
D. Way Forward
Strengthen Domestic MRO
Incentivise engine overhaul and spare parts availability
Fleet Diversification
Reduce dependence on single engine-OEM combinations
Regulatory Vigilance
Predictive maintenance audits and transparency
Passenger Protection
Robust compensation and communication norms
Resilient Regional Connectivity
Contingency planning for UDAN and NE routes
🧭 Conclusion
The IndiGo grounding episode underscores that aviation growth must be matched by maintenance resilience, regulatory foresight, and supply-chain robustness. For India—and particularly the Northeast—building a self-reliant MRO ecosystem and diversified fleets is essential to ensure safe, affordable, and reliable air connectivity.r management in the North-East.
APSC Prelims MCQs
Topic 1: 100% FDI in Insurance Sector
Q1. Parliament’s approval of 100% FDI in the insurance sector required amendments to which of the following laws?
- Insurance Act, 1938
- LIC Act, 1956
- IRDAI Act, 1999
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: D
Q2. Which of the following is the most appropriate justification for allowing 100% FDI in the insurance sector?
A. Insurance requires short-term speculative capital
B. Insurance is capital-intensive and needs long-term funds
C. Insurance is a loss-making sector globally
D. Insurance penetration in India is already high
Correct Answer: B
Q3. Insurance penetration refers to:
A. Percentage of insured population
B. Number of insurance companies per capita
C. Insurance premium as a percentage of GDP
D. Share of public sector insurance companies
Correct Answer: C
Topic 2: India–Bangladesh Diplomatic Strain (Dhaka Protest)
Q4. Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), the primary responsibility for protecting diplomatic missions lies with:
A. The sending State
B. The host State
C. The United Nations
D. Jointly with both States
Correct Answer: B
Q5. Summoning a foreign envoy by the Ministry of External Affairs is best described as:
A. Severance of diplomatic relations
B. Informal diplomatic courtesy
C. A formal diplomatic protest
D. Declaration of sanctions
Correct Answer: C
Q6. Instability in Bangladesh is of particular concern to Assam because:
A. Assam shares a maritime boundary with Bangladesh
B. Bangladesh is Assam’s largest trading partner
C. It affects border management, migration and security in the NE
D. Assam depends on Bangladesh for power supply
Correct Answer: C
Topic 3: Renewed Violence in Manipur
Q7. The renewed violence in Manipur occurred near which critical governance process?
A. State Assembly elections
B. Census operations
C. Rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced persons
D. Delimitation of constituencies
Correct Answer: C
Q8. Which of the following statements about internal security management in Manipur is correct?
A. Public order is exclusively a Union subject
B. Only State police can be deployed
C. Centre can deploy CAPFs to assist the State
D. Armed forces deployment does not require State consent
Correct Answer: C
Q9. Persistent violence during resettlement of displaced persons mainly indicates failure of:
A. Electoral governance
B. Peace-building and confidence-building measures
C. Disaster relief mechanisms
D. Economic planning
Correct Answer: B
Topic 4: IndiGo Grounds Aircraft Due to Engine Issues
Q10. IndiGo grounded several aircraft primarily due to issues related to:
A. Avionics software
B. Pratt & Whitney GTF engines
C. Airframe structural fatigue
D. Pilot licensing norms
Correct Answer: B
Q11. Which regulatory body is responsible for aviation safety oversight in India?
A. Airports Authority of India
B. Ministry of Civil Aviation
C. Directorate General of Civil Aviation
D. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security
Correct Answer: C
Q12. Aircraft grounding episodes disproportionately affect the North-East because:
A. Airports in NE are privately owned
B. NE has excess aviation capacity
C. Regional and UDAN routes are first to be curtailed
D. NE airports lack DGCA oversight
Correct Answer: C
APSC Mains Practice Question
GS Mains Question
“Security of diplomatic missions is a litmus test of a host country’s commitment to international law.”
Discuss this statement in the context of recent India–Bangladesh diplomatic tensions.
Model Answer
Introduction
Recent protests near the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, followed by India summoning the Bangladesh envoy, have brought renewed attention to the security of diplomatic missions. Such incidents test adherence to international diplomatic norms, particularly during periods of political instability.
Diplomatic and Legal Significance
- Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961)
- Obligates host States to ensure inviolability and protection of diplomatic missions
- Symbol of Sovereignty & Trust
- Safety of missions reflects respect for bilateral relations
- Precedent Value
- Lapses can embolden non-state actors and erode diplomatic norms
Challenges Highlighted by the Incident
- Political Volatility in Bangladesh
- Regime change and polarised domestic politics
- Anti-India Mobilisation
- Use of diplomatic spaces as protest symbols
- Security Spillovers
- Implications for border management and NE India
- Diplomatic Sensitivity
- Balancing protest rights with international obligations
India’s Response and Approach
- Formal Diplomatic Protest
- Summoning of envoy signals seriousness without escalation
- Non-Interference Stance
- Avoiding involvement in internal political processes
- Neighbourhood First Policy
- Preference for stability through engagement, not coercion
Way Forward
- Strengthen mission security coordination with host governments
- Maintain continuous diplomatic dialogue during political transitions
- Encourage rule-based conduct and respect for international law
- Deepen people-to-people ties to counter hostile narratives
Conclusion
The Dhaka episode underscores that diplomatic security is not merely procedural but foundational to international relations. Upholding the Vienna Convention is essential for regional stability, mutual trust, and effective diplomacy, particularly in India’s neighbourhood. A calibrated response combining firmness and engagement remains the most sustainable path forward.
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