APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes (26/02/2026)

APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (26/02/2026)

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 26 February 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

🌳 Supreme Court Green Signal for Eviction of Forest Encroachments in Assam

📘 GS Paper II: Judiciary & Federalism
📘 GS Paper III: Environment & Internal Security
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Land, Forest & Demographic Issues

(Strictly based on report titled “Govt gets SC green signal to evict encroachers in State” – Page 1 & continuation)


🔹 Introduction

The Supreme Court has upheld the Assam Government’s process for eviction of encroachments from forest land, enabling the State to intensify eviction drives targeting nearly five lakh bighas of forest land.

This development has major implications for:

Environmental governance

Forest conservation

Demographic balance

Internal security

Centre–State legal dynamics


🔑 Key Points from the Newspaper

SC admitted that eviction process conforms to principles of fairness.

Target: Clear ~5 lakh bighas of forest land.

1.5 lakh bighas already cleared (1.2 lakh forest land).

15-day notice to encroachers.

Plantation drive initiated in cleared areas (Lumding, Paikan, Urimghat etc.).

Encroachers had earlier approached courts, causing delays.


🧠 Prelims Pointers

1️ Forest Conservation Legal Framework

Indian Forest Act, 1927

Forest Conservation Act, 1980

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Forest Rights Act, 2006

2️ Key Constitutional Provisions

Article 48A – Protection of environment

Article 51A(g) – Fundamental duty

Seventh Schedule – Forests under Concurrent List

3️ Important Terms

Reserved Forest

Protected Forest

Encroachment vs Forest Rights

Compensatory Afforestation

4️ Assam-Specific Facts

Large-scale forest encroachments in:

Darrang

Nagaon

Goalpara

Hojai belt


📝 Mains Pointers


A. Importance of the Eviction Drive

1️ Environmental Protection

Prevents deforestation.

Restores degraded forest ecosystem.

Supports biodiversity conservation.

2️ Climate Change Mitigation

Forests as carbon sinks.

Prevents soil erosion & flooding.

3️ Internal Security Dimension

Some encroachments linked with demographic tensions.

Forest areas sometimes used as shelter zones.

4️ Rule of Law

Supreme Court validation strengthens state authority.


B. Challenges

IssueExplanation
Humanitarian concernsDisplacement of marginal communities
Forest Rights Act conflictsGenuine tribal claims
Political polarizationVote-bank accusations
Administrative complexityEncroachers holding utilities & pattas

C. Legal Complexity

Distinction between:

Illegal encroachers

Traditional forest dwellers

FRA 2006 mandates recognition of rights before eviction.

Judicial balancing of ecology vs livelihood.


D. Government Measures

15-day notice mechanism.

Plantation drives in cleared land.

Multi-department committee (Forest + Revenue).

Legal backing after SC ruling.


E. Way Forward

1️ Transparent Identification

Digitised land records & GIS mapping.

2️ FRA Compliance

Recognise legitimate claims first.

3️ Rehabilitation Policy

Prevent humanitarian crisis.

4️ Community Forestry

Involve local communities.

5️ Long-Term Monitoring

Satellite-based surveillance.


📊 Analytical Dimensions for Mains

You may frame answers using:

Ecology vs Development debate

Environmental federalism

Judicial activism vs executive action

Security–demography nexus in Assam


📝 Model Mains Question

“Forest encroachment in Assam is not merely an environmental issue but a complex socio-political and legal challenge. Discuss in light of recent Supreme Court developments.”


🧩 Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s green signal empowers Assam to reclaim ecologically sensitive land. However, eviction drives must balance environmental restoration with constitutional protections under the Forest Rights Act. Sustainable outcomes require legal clarity, humanitarian sensitivity, and long-term ecological planning.

🚨 Racial Discrimination Against Northeast Citizens & SC/ST Act

📘 GS Paper II: Social Justice | Vulnerable Sections | Role of Government
📘 GS Paper IV: Ethics – Dignity, Equality, Empathy
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Identity, Regional Issues & Internal Security

(Based strictly on the report “Racial abuse of Arunachal women in Delhi draws flak” – Page 1 & continuation, 26 February 2026 edition)


🔹 Introduction

The alleged racial abuse of women from Arunachal Pradesh in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar has once again highlighted the recurring problem of racial discrimination faced by citizens from the Northeast in mainland India.

Police have invoked provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The incident triggered condemnation from Union Ministers, Northeast Chief Ministers, and AASU, with demands to implement the Bezbaruah Committee Report recommendations.

This issue lies at the intersection of constitutional equality, criminal law protection, and national integration.


🔑 Key Points from the Newspaper

Alleged racial slurs against three women from Arunachal Pradesh.

Arrest made; accused remanded to judicial custody.

SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act invoked.

Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju & Jyotiraditya Scindia condemned incident.

AASU demanded enforcement of Bezbaruah Committee recommendations.


🧠 Prelims Pointers

1️ Constitutional Provisions

Article 14 – Equality before law

Article 15(1) – Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth

Article 21 – Right to life & dignity

Article 19(1)(d) – Freedom of movement


2️ SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

Enacted to prevent atrocities against SC/ST communities.

Provides for:

Special courts

Enhanced punishments

Protection of victims & witnesses

Amended in 2015 & 2018 to strengthen provisions.


3️ Bezbaruah Committee (2014)

Constituted after the murder of Nido Tania (Arunachal student).

Recommended:

Anti-racial discrimination law

Fast-track courts

Sensitisation of police

Inclusion of “racial discrimination” in IPC


4️ Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023

Replaced IPC.

Contains provisions for:

Criminal intimidation

Promoting enmity between groups

Insult to modesty of women


📝 Mains Pointers


A. Nature of the Problem

1️ Racial Stereotyping

Citizens from Northeast often face:

Derogatory slurs

Misidentification as foreigners

Workplace & housing discrimination

2️ Structural Marginalisation

Limited political visibility

Cultural unfamiliarity in mainland India

3️ Urban Vulnerability

Students and working women particularly vulnerable in metros.


B. Legal Framework & Gaps

Existing MechanismLimitation
SC/ST ActApplies only if victim belongs to SC/ST
BNS provisionsDo not explicitly define “racial discrimination”
Constitutional remediesReactive, not preventive

India lacks a standalone anti-racial discrimination statute.


C. Social Justice & Ethical Dimensions

Violates dignity (Article 21).

Undermines unity in diversity.

Contradicts constitutional morality.

Erodes trust in federal inclusiveness.

Ethically, it reflects failure of empathy and social cohesion.


D. Government & Institutional Response

Arrest under SC/ST Act.

Condemnation by Union Ministers.

Demand to enforce Bezbaruah Committee report.

Judicial custody of accused.

TG@Assam_Tribune (26-02-2026)


E. Way Forward

1️ Enact Anti-Racial Discrimination Law

Explicit recognition of racial harassment as a punishable offence.

2️ Sensitisation of Police & Judiciary

Mandatory cultural training modules.

3️ Fast-Track Courts

For hate crimes & discrimination cases.

4️ Public Awareness Campaigns

Promote Northeast cultural integration.

5️ Implementation of Bezbaruah Committee Recommendations

6️ University & Workplace Compliance Mechanisms

Internal grievance redressal cells.


📊 Analytical Framework for Mains

You may structure answers using:

Constitutional morality vs social prejudice

Unity in diversity & federal integration

Human dignity as core of Article 21

Criminal law reform & identity protection


📝 Model Mains Question

“Despite constitutional guarantees of equality, citizens from Northeast India continue to face racial discrimination. Critically examine the adequacy of existing legal safeguards and suggest reforms.”


🧩 Conclusion

The recent incident underscores that racial discrimination against Northeast citizens is not isolated but symptomatic of deeper socio-cultural divides. While the SC/ST Act and BNS provisions offer partial remedies, India requires a comprehensive anti-racial discrimination framework coupled with institutional sensitisation. Ensuring dignity and equality for all citizens is not merely a legal necessity but a constitutional imperative.

🦢 Kaziranga Waterbird Estimation 2026 & Ramsar Criterion

📘 GS Paper III: Environment | Biodiversity | Conservation
📘 Prelims Focus: Ramsar Convention | Central Asian Flyway | Wildlife Protection Act
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Ecology & Protected Areas

(Based strictly on the report “Over 1 lakh birds of 107 species recorded in Kaziranga waterbird estimation” – Page 1 & continuation, 26 February 2026 edition)


🔹 Introduction

The 7th Kaziranga Waterbird Estimation recorded 1,05,540 birds belonging to 107 species across the Kaziranga–Laokhowa–Burhachapori floodplain complex.

The estimation comfortably exceeds the Ramsar Criterion 5 benchmark of 20,000 waterbirds, reaffirming Kaziranga’s status as one of the most significant wintering waterbird assemblages in the Brahmaputra Valley and an important node within the Central Asian Flyway.

This development has direct implications for biodiversity conservation, wetland governance, and international environmental commitments.


🔑 Key Findings from the Newspaper

Total birds recorded: 1,05,540

Total species: 107

Major species:

Bar-headed Goose – 19,133

Greylag Goose – 6,533

Ferruginous Pochard – 5,594

Lesser Whistling Duck – 6,700

Species of conservation concern:

Greater Adjutant (Leptoptilos dubius) – 66

Pallas’s Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus) – 61

Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus) – 257

Important wetlands:

Rowmari Beel

Donduwa Beel

Sohola (Agoratoli Range)


🧠 Prelims Pointers


1️ Ramsar Convention (1971)

International treaty for wetland conservation.

India became a signatory in 1982.

Administered by:

Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC)

India has 75+ Ramsar Sites (updated figure subject to exam year).


2️ Ramsar Criteria (Important for MCQs)

🔹 Criterion 5

A wetland should be considered internationally important if it regularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds.

Kaziranga’s recorded figure (1,05,540) far exceeds this threshold.


3️ Central Asian Flyway (CAF)

One of the world’s 9 major migratory flyways.

Covers:

30 countries

Arctic → Indian Ocean

India lies along key migratory corridors.


4️ Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Provides statutory protection to species.

Many recorded species are listed under:

Schedule I (highest protection)

Schedule IV


5️ Kaziranga National Park

UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985).

Located in Assam.

Known for:

One-horned Rhinoceros

Floodplain ecosystem of Brahmaputra.


📝 Mains Pointers


A. Ecological Significance

1️ Floodplain Biodiversity

Kaziranga’s perennial beels, marshes and riparian corridors create diverse wetland niches.

2️ Migratory Bird Habitat

Supports wintering species from Central Asia & Siberia.

3️ Indicator of Ecosystem Health

Waterbird population size reflects wetland quality.


B. Climate & Hydrological Relevance

Brahmaputra flood pulses replenish wetlands.

Seasonal inundation maintains nutrient cycles.

Climate change may alter migratory timing and habitat availability.


C. Conservation Importance

DimensionSignificance
Ramsar BenchmarkStrengthens international recognition
BiodiversityHabitat for endangered & vulnerable species
TourismEco-tourism potential
Global CommitmentsSupports CBD & SDG 15

D. Challenges

Siltation & River Morphology Changes

Encroachment in floodplain areas

Poaching & illegal fishing

Climate-induced habitat shifts

Invasive species (e.g., water hyacinth)


E. Government Initiatives

Annual waterbird estimation surveys.

Anti-poaching measures.

Integrated management of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve.

Wetland restoration programmes.


F. Way Forward

1️ Landscape-Level Wetland Management

Protect buffer wetlands outside core park.

2️ Flyway Cooperation

Strengthen international collaboration under CAF.

3️ Scientific Monitoring

Use GIS & satellite mapping for wetland health.

4️ Community Participation

Involve local communities in conservation.

5️ Climate-Resilient Planning

Adaptive management for hydrological variability.


📊 Analytical Framework for Mains

You can structure answers around:

Wetlands as ecological infrastructure

Ramsar obligations & India’s environmental diplomacy

Biodiversity–climate interlinkage

Floodplain management in Northeast India


📝 Model Mains Question

“Wetlands are ecological keystones for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Examine in the context of recent waterbird estimation findings in Kaziranga.”


🧩 Conclusion

The 2026 Kaziranga waterbird estimation not only reinforces Assam’s ecological significance but also highlights India’s responsibility under global wetland conservation frameworks. Exceeding the Ramsar Criterion 5 threshold underscores the site’s international importance. Sustained ecological governance, adaptive management, and regional cooperation under the Central Asian Flyway will be crucial to preserve this globally significant habitat.

🇮🇳🤝🇮🇱 India–Israel Relations & Gaza Peace Initiative

📘 GS Paper II: International Relations – West Asia | Bilateral Relations
📘 GS Paper III: Internal Security – Counter-terrorism
📘 Prelims Focus: UNSC, West Asia geopolitics

(Based strictly on the report “Terrorism threatens peace everywhere: PM” – PM’s address to Israeli Parliament, 26 February 2026 edition)


🔹 Introduction

During his address to the Israeli Parliament (Knesset), Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s “zero tolerance” policy towards terrorism and expressed support for the Gaza peace initiative endorsed by the UN Security Council, calling it a pathway toward a “just and durable peace”.

The statement reflects India’s calibrated West Asia diplomacy—balancing strong strategic ties with Israel while supporting peace efforts concerning Palestine.


🔑 Key Points from the Newspaper

PM condemned terrorism “anywhere” as a threat to peace “everywhere”.

Expressed solidarity with Israel over the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.

Reiterated India’s consistent policy of zero tolerance for terrorism.

Supported the Gaza peace initiative endorsed by UNSC.

Emphasised durable peace including addressing the Palestine issue.


🧠 Prelims Pointers


1️ India–Israel Diplomatic Relations

Established in 1992 (full diplomatic relations).

Areas of cooperation:

Defence & security

Agriculture (Centers of Excellence in India)

Water management

Cyber security


2️ Israel–Palestine Context

Gaza governed by Hamas (since 2007).

Recurrent conflict cycles between Israel and Hamas.

UNSC resolutions often focus on ceasefire, humanitarian corridors.


3️ Knesset

Israel’s unicameral parliament.

120 members.


4️ India’s West Asia Balancing

India maintains:

Strategic partnership with Israel.

Historical support for Palestinian statehood (Two-State Solution).

Strong ties with Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar).


📝 Mains Pointers


A. Evolution of India–Israel Relations

1️ Phase I (1992–2000):

Low-profile engagement; defence cooperation begins.

2️ Phase II (2000–2014):

Strategic deepening; counter-terrorism cooperation.

3️ Phase III (Post-2014):

Public high-level visits; strategic partnership formalised.


B. Strategic Significance

1️ Defence Cooperation

Israel among top defence suppliers to India:

UAVs

Missile systems

Radar technologies

2️ Counter-terrorism Cooperation

Shared experiences with cross-border terrorism.

3️ Agricultural & Water Technology

Drip irrigation, desert farming techniques.


C. Gaza Peace Initiative – India’s Position

India’s stance reflects a balanced diplomacy approach:

Support for IsraelSupport for Peace
Condemnation of Hamas attackBacking UNSC-endorsed peace initiative
Zero tolerance for terrorismReference to Palestine issue
Strategic solidarityCall for durable peace

This signals:

Realist security alignment.

Normative commitment to international law.


D. Internal Security Dimension (GS III Linkage)

Shared intelligence cooperation.

Counter-radicalisation strategies.

Anti-terror frameworks.

India draws parallels with:

26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Global terrorism threat networks.


E. Challenges in India’s West Asia Policy

Balancing Israel & Palestine.

Managing relations with Iran.

Oil security & diaspora concerns in Gulf.

Domestic political sensitivities.


F. Way Forward

1️ Strategic Autonomy

Maintain independent foreign policy stance.

2️ Support Two-State Solution

Consistent with historical Indian position.

3️ Expand Economic Ties

Technology, AI, defence manufacturing.

4️ Multilateral Engagement

Use UNSC & Global South platforms.

5️ Counter-Terror Diplomacy

Global coordination against terror networks.


📊 Analytical Framework for Mains

Structure answers around:

Realism vs Idealism in foreign policy

Strategic autonomy doctrine

Terrorism as global security challenge

West Asia power balance


📝 Model Mains Question

“India’s West Asia policy reflects a careful balancing between strategic partnership with Israel and support for Palestinian statehood. Examine in light of recent developments.”


🧩 Conclusion

India’s support for Israel’s security concerns alongside endorsement of a UN-backed Gaza peace initiative illustrates its nuanced and pragmatic diplomacy. By combining counter-terror solidarity with advocacy for a just and durable peace, India reinforces its image as a responsible global actor guided by strategic autonomy and international law.

APSC Prelims MCQs

🔹 Q1. With reference to the recent eviction drive in Assam forest areas, consider the following statements:

  1. The Supreme Court upheld the State Government’s eviction process as conforming to principles of fairness.
  2. The target is to clear at least five lakh bighas of forest land.
  3. Forests fall under the State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

  • SC upheld the process ✅
  • Target: 5 lakh bighas ✅
  • Forests are in the Concurrent List, not State List ❌

🔹 Q2. Which of the following crops are most likely to be affected by prolonged winter rainfall deficit in Assam?

  1. Rapeseed
  2. Potato
  3. Maize
  4. Tea (February flush)

Select the correct answer:

A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 2 and 4 only
C) 1, 2, 3 and 4
D) 4 only

Answer: C

Explanation:
The report highlights moisture stress in rapeseed, potato, maize, and delay in tea flush due to dry spell


🔹 Q3. Ramsar Criterion 5 refers to:

A) Wetland supporting endangered species
B) Wetland supporting at least 1% of a waterbird population
C) Wetland regularly supporting 20,000 or more waterbirds
D) Wetland designated by UNESCO

Answer: C

Explanation:
Criterion 5 → 20,000+ waterbirds benchmark; Kaziranga recorded 1,05,540


🔹 Q4. Which of the following species recorded in Kaziranga are classified as endangered?

  1. Greater Adjutant (Leptoptilos dubius)
  2. Pallas’s Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus)
  3. Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus)

Select the correct answer:

A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:
Greater Adjutant & Pallas’s Fish Eagle are endangered; Lesser Adjutant is vulnerable


🔹 Q5. The Central Asian Flyway primarily refers to:

A) A trade corridor between India and Central Asia
B) A migratory route used by waterbirds
C) A defence cooperation mechanism
D) A river basin management initiative

Answer: B


🔹 Q6. With reference to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, consider the following:

  1. It provides for establishment of Special Courts.
  2. It applies automatically to all cases of racial discrimination irrespective of caste status.
  3. It provides enhanced punishments for offences.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A) 1 and 3 only
B) 1 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

  • Special courts provision ✅
  • Applies only if victim belongs to SC/ST ❌
  • Enhanced punishments ✅

🔹 Q7. Exercise MILAN 2026 was conducted in:

A) Kochi
B) Visakhapatnam
C) Port Blair
D) Mumbai

Answer: B

Explanation:
MILAN 2026 concluded in Visakhapatnam


🔹 Q8. Exercise MILAN primarily aims to:

  1. Enhance maritime cooperation.
  2. Improve interoperability among navies.
  3. Promote bilateral land-based exercises.

Select the correct answer:

A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B


🔹 Q9. Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the Enforcement Directorate can:

  1. Provisionally attach properties derived from proceeds of crime.
  2. Conduct arrest and prosecution.
  3. Try and convict accused persons.

Select the correct answer:

A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

  • ED can attach & arrest ✅
  • Trial & conviction done by Special Court ❌

🔹 Q10. India’s official position on the Israel–Palestine issue includes:

  1. Zero tolerance for terrorism.
  2. Support for a UN-endorsed peace initiative.
  3. Rejection of Palestinian statehood.

Select the correct answer:

A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:
India supports peace initiative & condemns terrorism but supports two-state solution

APSC Mains Practice Question

📝 GS Mains Model Question & Answer


📘 GS Paper III – Environment, Biodiversity & Climate Change


📝 Model Question (250 Words)

“Wetland ecosystems are critical for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Discuss in the context of the recent waterbird estimation in Kaziranga and its relevance to India’s international environmental commitments.”


Model Answer

Introduction

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, regulating hydrological cycles, and acting as carbon sinks. The recent Kaziranga waterbird estimation recorded over 1,05,000 birds belonging to 107 species, comfortably exceeding the Ramsar Criterion 5 threshold of 20,000 waterbirds. This underscores the ecological importance of Assam’s floodplain wetlands within the Brahmaputra basin.


Ecological Significance

Kaziranga’s beels, marshes and riparian corridors provide habitat to migratory species along the Central Asian Flyway. The presence of endangered species such as the Greater Adjutant and Pallas’s Fish Eagle indicates high conservation value. Large congregations of Bar-headed Geese and other waterfowl demonstrate the wetland’s role as a wintering ground.

Wetlands also perform essential ecosystem services:

  • Flood moderation in the Brahmaputra basin
  • Nutrient cycling and groundwater recharge
  • Carbon sequestration contributing to climate mitigation

International & National Commitments

Exceeding Ramsar Criterion 5 strengthens the case for global recognition under the Ramsar Convention. It aligns with India’s commitments under:

  • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
  • SDG 15 (Life on Land)
  • National Wetland Conservation Programme

Kaziranga’s conservation contributes to India’s climate adaptation strategy by preserving natural buffers against extreme weather.


Challenges

However, siltation, encroachment, climate variability, and habitat fragmentation threaten wetland sustainability. Conservation must extend beyond protected core zones to landscape-level management.


Conclusion The Kaziranga waterbird estimation highlights wetlands as ecological infrastructure vital for biodiversity and climate resilience. Sustained scientific monitoring, community participation, and integrated floodplain management are essential to translate ecological potential into long-term sustainability.

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