APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (21/01/2026)
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 21 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.
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Digitisation of Endangered Indigenous Languages of Assam
APSC GS Paper I: Indian Society | Culture | Linguistic Diversity
APSC GS Paper V: Assam – Culture, Identity & Heritage
APSC GS Paper IV (contextual): Ethics – Inter-generational Responsibility
Introduction
The Assam Tribune (21 January 2026) reported an initiative to digitise endangered indigenous languages of Assam, notably Khamyang, Tai Phake and Singpho, amid alarming indicators of linguistic extinction. With only one fluent Khamyang speaker remaining, the initiative underscores the urgency of preserving linguistic heritage through digital documentation, archiving, and dissemination, transforming cultural conservation into a technology-enabled public good.
Key Points from the Newspaper
Languages identified as endangered include Khamyang, Tai Phake and Singpho.
The Khamyang language faces imminent extinction, with only one fluent speaker alive.
The digitisation initiative involves:
Audio and video recording of spoken language
Digitisation of manuscripts and texts
Creation of digital archives for long-term access
The effort is being undertaken by All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) in collaboration with the Nanda Talukdar Foundation.
The initiative aims to:
Preserve linguistic heritage
Enable academic research
Create awareness among younger generations
Prelims Pointers
Endangered Language: A language at risk of falling out of use as speakers die or shift to dominant languages.
Linguistic Extinction: Permanent loss of a language when no native speakers remain.
Digitisation: Conversion of cultural and linguistic material into digital formats for preservation and access.
Intangible Cultural Heritage: Non-material cultural expressions such as language, oral traditions, and rituals.
Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. Preservation of Cultural Identity
Language embodies a community’s:
History
Worldview
Oral traditions
Loss of language implies erosion of collective memory and identity.
2. Safeguarding Linguistic Diversity
Assam is one of India’s most linguistically diverse States.
Digitisation helps counter homogenisation driven by dominant languages.
3. Inter-Generational Transmission
Digital archives enable:
Educational use
Revival efforts among younger community members
4. Academic and Knowledge Value
Indigenous languages carry unique knowledge systems related to:
Ecology
Medicine
Social organisation
B. Challenges / Concerns Highlighted
Extremely Limited Speaker Base
In cases like Khamyang, documentation is a race against time.
Community Engagement
Preservation efforts require:
Active participation of remaining speakers
Trust between institutions and communities
Beyond Archival Preservation
Digitisation alone may freeze a language as an archive rather than revive everyday usage.
Resource and Expertise Constraints
Linguistic documentation demands trained experts, technology, and sustained funding.
C. Institutional and Governance Context (as per Newspaper)
Civil Society Leadership: AASU’s role highlights non-state actors in cultural preservation.
Cultural Foundations: Nanda Talukdar Foundation provides institutional backing.
Digital Approach: Use of technology as a preservation tool rather than conventional archiving.
Cultural Policy Gap: The initiative reflects the need for systematic language preservation frameworks.
D. Way Ahead
Community-Centric Preservation
Empower indigenous communities as custodians of their languages.
Integration with Education
Introduce digitised materials into:
Schools
Cultural learning platforms
Living Language Approach
Encourage conversational use alongside documentation.
Institutional Support
Scale up digitisation efforts with sustained funding and technical assistance.
Public Awareness
Use digital platforms to highlight the value of linguistic diversity.
Conclusion
As highlighted in the Assam Tribune, the digitisation of endangered indigenous languages represents a critical intervention at the intersection of culture, technology, and ethics. While digital documentation cannot by itself revive living speech communities, it provides a vital foundation for cultural continuity, research, and potential revival. For a linguistically rich State like Assam, preserving endangered languages is not merely an act of cultural nostalgia but a constitutional and moral responsibility towards diversity and future generations.
Kokrajhar Violence: Ethnic Tensions and Internal Security
APSC GS Paper II: Governance | Internal Security | Federalism
APSC GS Paper V: Assam – Ethnicity, Peace & Law and Order
Introduction
The Assam Tribune (21 January 2026) reported fresh incidents of violence in Kokrajhar, involving clashes between Bodo and Adivasi communities, which led to loss of life, displacement of civilians, and deployment of central forces. The episode underscores the fragile peace in post-insurgency Bodoland, highlighting how unresolved socio-economic grievances, ethnic mistrust, and administrative complexities can rapidly escalate into law-and-order and internal security challenges.
Key Points from the Newspaper
Violent clashes occurred in Kokrajhar district, involving Bodo and Adivasi groups.
Civilian casualties were reported; several families were displaced.
Relief camps were opened to accommodate affected persons.
The State deployed central forces, including the Indian Army and the Rapid Action Force (RAF), to restore order.
Internet services were suspended temporarily to prevent rumour-mongering and escalation.
The incident raised questions about:
Law-and-order preparedness
Coordination between district administration and the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC)
Prelims Pointers
Rapid Action Force (RAF): Specialised force of the CRPF for riot control and communal violence.
Relief Camps: Temporary shelters for internally displaced persons during conflicts or disasters.
Internet Suspension: Administrative tool used to curb misinformation during crises.
BTC (Bodoland Territorial Council): Autonomous body administering Bodoland areas.
Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. Internal Security Dimension
Ethnic clashes threaten public order and social stability.
Recurrent violence undermines confidence in governance and peace mechanisms.
2. Post-Insurgency Fragility
Despite peace accords, inter-community mistrust persists.
Violence indicates incomplete reconciliation and uneven peace dividends.
3. Federal and Administrative Coordination
Law-and-order response requires seamless coordination between:
State police
District administration
BTC authorities
Central forces
4. Humanitarian Impact
Displacement and relief camps highlight the human cost of ethnic conflict.
Vulnerable groups—women, children, elderly—are disproportionately affected.
B. Challenges / Concerns Highlighted
Ethnic Polarisation
Historical grievances and competition over land and livelihoods fuel tensions.
Governance Gaps
Ambiguity in administrative authority between State and BTC can delay response.
Use of Emergency Measures
Internet shutdowns, while preventive, also disrupt daily life and services.
Cycle of Violence
Repeated incidents risk normalising conflict as a dispute-resolution mechanism.
C. Government / Institutional Response (as per Newspaper)
Security Deployment: Army and RAF deployed to stabilise the situation.
Administrative Measures: Internet suspension and curfew-like restrictions.
Humanitarian Relief: Establishment of relief camps for displaced persons.
Political Messaging: Appeals for calm and assurances of restoration of peace.
(No announcement of a new policy or commission was reported.)
D. Way Ahead
Strengthening Local Peace Mechanisms
Community-level dialogue and confidence-building between ethnic groups.
Clear Administrative Coordination
Well-defined protocols between State government and BTC during crises.
Early Warning and Intelligence
Monitor local tensions to prevent escalation.
Inclusive Development
Address root causes such as:
Land insecurity
Livelihood competition
Perceived marginalisation
Post-Conflict Rehabilitation
Beyond relief camps, ensure:
Safe return
Compensation
Social reconciliation initiatives
Conclusion
As highlighted in the Assam Tribune, the Kokrajhar violence is not merely a law-and-order episode but a stress test for Assam’s internal security architecture and post-insurgency peace framework. While swift deployment of forces can restore immediate calm, sustainable peace demands administrative clarity, inclusive development, and continuous inter-community engagement. Without addressing structural and social fault lines, ethnic tensions risk recurring, undermining long-term stability in Bodoland and Assam at large.
State Police Power to Investigate Central Government Employees under the Prevention of Corruption Act
APSC GS Paper II: Polity | Federalism | Anti-Corruption | Judiciary
APSC GS Paper V: Assam – Governance & Federal Relations
Introduction
The Assam Tribune (21 January 2026) reported a significant judicial clarification by the Supreme Court of India on whether State police can investigate Central Government employees under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The ruling addressed the scope of Section 17 of the Act and its interplay with Centre–State investigative jurisdiction, reaffirming accountability while preserving federal balance.
Key Points from the Newspaper
The Supreme Court examined the extent of powers of State police to investigate corruption cases involving Central Government employees.
The issue centred on the interpretation of Section 17 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The Court clarified that:
Prior approval of the Central Government is required in certain cases before investigation proceeds.
The provision is meant to protect honest officials from vexatious prosecution, not to create blanket immunity.
The judgment sought to balance accountability with federal propriety.
The ruling has implications for anti-corruption enforcement across States, including Assam.
Prelims Pointers
Prevention of Corruption Act: Principal law to combat corruption among public servants.
Section 17 (PC Act): Deals with the authority to investigate offences and the requirement of prior approval.
Federalism: Division of powers between Union and States.
Investigative Jurisdiction: Legal authority of agencies to register and probe offences.
Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. Accountability of Public Servants
Ensures that Central Government employees are not beyond scrutiny when corruption allegations arise.
Reinforces the principle that public office is a public trust.
2. Federal Balance
Clarifies the jurisdictional boundaries between Union and States.
Prevents investigative overreach while enabling lawful action.
3. Protection against Misuse
Prior approval requirement acts as a safeguard against frivolous or politically motivated probes.
4. Uniform Anti-Corruption Framework
Promotes consistency in how corruption cases are initiated and investigated across States.
B. Challenges / Concerns Highlighted
Risk of Delays
Requirement of prior approval can slow down investigations, affecting deterrence.
Potential Shielding Effect
If misused, approval provisions may be perceived as protecting influential officials.
Centre–State Friction
Jurisdictional ambiguity can trigger inter-governmental disputes.
Public Perception
Confidence in anti-corruption efforts depends on transparency and timeliness.
C. Institutional and Governance Context (as per Newspaper)
Judicial Oversight: Supreme Court’s interpretation guides investigative practice nationwide.
Investigating Agencies: State police must act within statutory limits.
Executive Role: Prior approval mechanism involves the Central Government.
Federal Framework: Reinforces cooperative functioning rather than unilateral action.
D. Way Ahead
Clear Operating Protocols
Standardised procedures for seeking and granting prior approval.
Time-Bound Decisions
Ensure approvals are granted or refused within a defined timeframe.
Transparency and Accountability
Record reasons for approval decisions to maintain public trust.
Capacity Building
Train investigating officers on legal thresholds and evidentiary standards.
Cooperative Federalism
Strengthen Centre–State coordination in anti-corruption enforcement.
Conclusion
As highlighted in the Assam Tribune, the Supreme Court’s clarification on State police powers under the Prevention of Corruption Act reaffirms a nuanced approach to anti-corruption governance. By permitting investigation with appropriate safeguards, the ruling upholds accountability without compromising federal balance. Effective implementation—marked by clarity, timeliness, and cooperation—will determine whether the judgment strengthens public confidence in India’s anti-corruption architecture.
Contempt of Court and Limits of Public Criticism
APSC GS Paper II: Polity | Judiciary | Constitutional Values
APSC GS Paper IV: Ethics | Accountability | Freedom with Responsibility
Introduction
The Assam Tribune (21 January 2026) reported important observations by the Supreme Court of India while dealing with public criticism of judicial orders, particularly in the context of remarks made on a court decision related to stray dogs. The Court underscored that while free speech is a foundational democratic right, it is not absolute, and must be exercised within limits that preserve the authority, dignity, and independence of the judiciary.
Key Points from the Newspaper
The Supreme Court took note of harsh public criticism of its judicial orders.
The Court clarified that:
Judicial orders can be criticised, but criticism must be fair, reasoned, and respectful.
Personal attacks, scandalising language, or imputing motives to judges cross the line into contempt.
The Court emphasised that:
Freedom of speech cannot be used to erode public confidence in the judiciary.
Judges cannot respond publicly to criticism, making institutional protection necessary.
The remarks were made while considering whether such criticism amounted to criminal contempt.
Prelims Pointers
Contempt of Court: Act that scandalises the court or obstructs administration of justice.
Criminal Contempt: Actions that lower the authority of the court or interfere with judicial proceedings.
Freedom of Speech (Article 19): Subject to reasonable restrictions.
Judicial Independence: Cornerstone of constitutional democracy.
Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. Preservation of Judicial Authority
Courts derive legitimacy from public confidence.
Unchecked attacks can weaken respect for judicial decisions.
2. Balance between Free Speech and Rule of Law
Democracy requires space for criticism.
However, criticism must not descend into vilification or delegitimisation.
3. Institutional Asymmetry
Judges are bound by propriety and cannot publicly defend themselves.
Contempt law acts as an institutional safeguard.
4. Ethical Dimension
Responsible speech reflects constitutional morality and civic duty.
B. Challenges / Concerns Highlighted
Defining the Boundary
Distinguishing fair criticism from contempt is often subjective.
Chilling Effect
Overuse of contempt powers may discourage legitimate dissent.
Social Media Amplification
Instant, mass dissemination of comments increases risk of contemptuous speech.
Public Perception
Misuse allegations can damage the judiciary’s image if not handled sensitively.
C. Institutional and Constitutional Context (as per Newspaper)
Judicial Self-Restraint: Court clarified it does not seek to silence dissent.
Contempt Jurisdiction: Used sparingly, only when authority of courts is threatened.
Constitutional Balance: Article 19 freedoms subject to restrictions for maintaining judicial integrity.
D. Way Ahead
Encouraging Reasoned Criticism
Promote legal literacy on how to critique judgments constructively.
Judicial Communication
Clear, reasoned judgments reduce scope for misinterpretation.
Self-Regulation in Public Discourse
Media and public figures must exercise restraint and responsibility.
Measured Use of Contempt Powers
Invoke contempt only in cases of serious institutional harm.
Ethical Public Engagement
Balance rights with duties under constitutional democracy.
Conclusion
As highlighted in the Assam Tribune, the Supreme Court’s observations reaffirm that freedom of speech and judicial authority are not adversarial values but complementary pillars of democracy. While courts must remain open to scrutiny and criticism, such engagement must respect institutional dignity and constitutional boundaries. A mature democracy lies not in silencing criticism, but in ensuring that criticism remains responsible, informed, and ethically grounded.
APSC Prelims MCQs
🟩 TOPIC 1: Digitisation of Endangered Indigenous Languages of Assam
Q1. Which of the following indigenous languages of Assam was reported to have only one fluent speaker remaining?
(a) Singpho
(b) Tai Phake
(c) Khamyang
(d) Deori
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The newspaper highlighted the critical endangerment of the Khamyang language, noting that only one fluent speaker remains, making digitisation an urgent necessity.
Q2. The digitisation initiative for endangered languages in Assam primarily aims to:
(a) Replace spoken languages with digital scripts
(b) Preserve linguistic heritage through digital archives
(c) Promote tourism
(d) Introduce compulsory language learning
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The initiative focuses on audio-visual recording, manuscript digitisation, and archiving to preserve endangered languages for future generations.
Q3. Which organisations were reported to be involved in the digitisation of endangered languages?
(a) ASI and IGNCA
(b) AASU and Nanda Talukdar Foundation
(c) Sahitya Akademi and NCERT
(d) NEZCC and ICCR
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The project is being undertaken by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) in collaboration with the Nanda Talukdar Foundation.
🟩 TOPIC 2: Kokrajhar Violence – Ethnic Tensions and Internal Security
Q4. The ethnic violence reported in Kokrajhar involved clashes between:
(a) Bodo and Bengali communities
(b) Bodo and Karbi communities
(c) Bodo and Adivasi communities
(d) Adivasi and Mishing communities
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The Assam Tribune reported clashes between Bodo and Adivasi groups, leading to casualties and displacement.
Q5. Which of the following measures was taken by the administration to prevent escalation of violence in Kokrajhar?
(a) Imposition of President’s Rule
(b) Suspension of internet services
(c) Closure of schools for a month
(d) Deployment of CISF only
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Internet suspension was imposed temporarily to prevent rumour-mongering and further escalation.
Q6. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) is primarily deployed for:
(a) Border guarding
(b) Counter-insurgency operations
(c) Riot and communal violence control
(d) Election duties
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The Rapid Action Force is a specialised unit for handling riots and communal violence, and was deployed in Kokrajhar.
🟩 TOPIC 3: State Police Power to Investigate Central Government Employees (PC Act)
Q7. The Supreme Court interpretation discussed in the newspaper relates to which provision of the Prevention of Corruption Act?
(a) Section 13
(b) Section 17
(c) Section 19
(d) Section 20
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The issue centred on Section 17 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which deals with authority to investigate and prior approval requirements.
Q8. The requirement of prior approval before investigation under the PC Act is primarily intended to:
(a) Provide immunity to public servants
(b) Delay investigations
(c) Protect honest officials from frivolous probes
(d) Limit State police powers completely
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The Supreme Court clarified that prior approval is a protective safeguard, not a blanket shield against accountability.
Q9. The Supreme Court ruling on State police powers reflects which constitutional principle most directly?
(a) Unitary bias
(b) Judicial supremacy
(c) Federal balance
(d) Parliamentary privilege
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The judgment sought to balance anti-corruption accountability with Centre–State federal relations, reinforcing cooperative federalism.
🟩 TOPIC 4: Contempt of Court and Limits of Public Criticism
Q10. According to the Supreme Court’s observations, which of the following constitutes contempt of court?
(a) Reasoned criticism of a judgment
(b) Academic analysis of judicial reasoning
(c) Scandalising language and imputing motives to judges
(d) Peaceful disagreement with verdicts
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The Court clarified that personal attacks, abusive language, or imputing motives to judges cross the line into criminal contempt.
Q11. Why does the judiciary require institutional protection against irresponsible criticism?
(a) Judges enjoy special privileges
(b) Courts lack enforcement power
(c) Judges cannot publicly respond to criticism
(d) Judicial orders are always final
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Judges are bound by propriety and cannot publicly defend themselves, necessitating institutional safeguards like contempt law.
Q12. Excessive or indiscriminate use of contempt powers may lead to:
(a) Strengthening of democracy
(b) Chilling effect on free speech
(c) Faster judicial processes
(d) Higher conviction rates
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The newspaper highlighted concerns that overuse of contempt jurisdiction could discourage legitimate criticism and dissent.
APSC Mains Practice Question
GS Mains Model Question
Q. Languages are carriers of cultural memory and indigenous knowledge systems.
In the context of Assam, examine the significance of digitising endangered indigenous languages and discuss the challenges involved in such preservation efforts.
(15 marks)
Model Answer
Introduction
The Assam Tribune (21 January 2026) highlighted urgent efforts to digitise endangered indigenous languages of Assam, including Khamyang, Tai Phake, and Singpho. The initiative assumes critical importance as the Khamyang language reportedly has only one fluent speaker remaining, signalling an imminent risk of linguistic extinction. This development brings to the fore the broader challenge of preserving India’s intangible cultural heritage amid rapid socio-cultural change.
Body
A. Significance of Digitising Endangered Indigenous Languages
- Preservation of Cultural Identity
- Language embodies a community’s history, traditions, and worldview.
- Loss of language leads to erosion of collective identity and cultural continuity.
- Safeguarding Linguistic Diversity
- Assam is among India’s most linguistically diverse States.
- Digitisation counters homogenisation caused by dominance of major languages.
- Inter-Generational Knowledge Transfer
- Digital archives enable younger generations to access:
- Oral traditions
- Folklore
- Indigenous knowledge systems
- Academic and Research Value
- Indigenous languages contain unique insights related to ecology, social organisation, and traditional practices.
- Digitised resources support linguistic, anthropological, and historical research.
B. Challenges in Language Digitisation
- Vanishing Speaker Base
- With extremely few fluent speakers, documentation becomes a race against time.
- Community Participation
- Successful preservation requires trust and active involvement of language communities.
- From Archive to Living Language
- Digitisation risks reducing languages to museum artefacts unless supported by revival efforts.
- Resource and Expertise Constraints
- Linguistic documentation demands trained experts, technology, and sustained funding.
C. Way Forward
- Community-Centric Approach: Empower indigenous communities as custodians of their languages.
- Educational Integration: Use digitised material in schools and cultural institutions.
- Living Language Strategy: Encourage everyday conversational use alongside archiving.
- Institutional Support: Scale up initiatives with long-term funding and policy backing.
Conclusion As highlighted in the Assam Tribune, digitizing endangered indigenous languages is not merely a technical exercise but an act of cultural responsibility and inter-generational justice. While digital preservation alone cannot revive spoken traditions, it provides a crucial foundation for cultural continuity, research, and possible revival. For Assam, protecting linguistic diversity is essential to safeguarding its plural social fabric and enriching India’s composite cultural heritage.
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