APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (29/01/2026)
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 29 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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Assam’s Untapped Hydrocarbon Potential: Energy Security & Federal Resource Governance
APSC GS Paper III: Energy | Natural Resources | Economic Development
APSC GS Paper V: Assam – Hydrocarbons, PSUs & Centre–State Relations
Introduction
The Assam Tribune (29 January 2026) reported that nearly half of Assam’s hydrocarbon potential remains untapped, a concern highlighted in discussions linked to national energy platforms. Despite Assam being one of India’s oldest oil-producing regions, the State continues to under-utilise its hydrocarbon reserves. This has brought renewed focus on energy security, investment bottlenecks, and the issue of federal resource governance between the Centre and resource-rich States like Assam.
Key Points from the Newspaper
Assam possesses significant oil and natural gas reserves, but a substantial portion remains unexplored or unexploited.
The issue was discussed in the context of:
National energy planning
Investment mobilisation in hydrocarbons
Assam’s relevance stems from:
Presence of major hydrocarbon PSUs
Long-standing role in India’s oil economy
Constraints highlighted include:
Limited exploration intensity
Structural and policy challenges
The situation raises questions about:
Optimal utilisation of natural resources
Fair benefit-sharing in a federal system
Prelims Pointers
Hydrocarbon Resources: Oil and natural gas reserves used for energy.
Energy Security: Reliable and affordable availability of energy resources.
Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs): Government-owned companies operating in strategic sectors.
Resource Federalism: Distribution of control and benefits of natural resources between Centre and States.
Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. Energy Security for India
Untapped reserves represent:
Missed opportunity to reduce import dependence
Potential to strengthen domestic energy supply
Assam’s hydrocarbons can contribute to:
Supply diversification
Regional energy resilience
2. Economic Significance for Assam
Expanded exploration can:
Boost State revenues
Generate employment
Strengthen allied industries
Hydrocarbon development has strong multiplier effects in the regional economy.
3. Strategic Role of Assam
Assam is India’s pioneer oil-producing State.
Continued under-exploitation undermines its strategic importance in national energy planning.
4. Federal Resource Governance Dimension
Resource-rich States seek:
Greater participation in decision-making
Fair share of economic benefits
Highlights Centre–State coordination challenges in natural resource management.
B. Challenges / Concerns Highlighted
Exploration and Investment Constraints
Inadequate exploration coverage limits resource discovery.
Policy and Administrative Bottlenecks
Complex approval processes can discourage investment.
Centre–State Tensions
Perception of limited State control over locally available resources.
Infrastructure and Logistics Issues
Hydrocarbon projects require:
Transport connectivity
Support infrastructure
Environmental and Social Sensitivities
Exploration must balance:
Ecological protection
Community concerns
C. Governance and Institutional Context (as per Newspaper)
National Energy Discourse: Assam’s potential discussed within broader energy security debates.
Role of PSUs: Central to exploration and production activities.
Federal Framework: Resource governance shaped by Union policies with State-level implications.
No announcement of:
New exploration blocks
Revised revenue-sharing formula
was reported in the article.
D. Way Ahead
Enhanced Exploration Efforts
Intensify geological surveys and exploration in under-explored areas.
Investment Facilitation
Improve ease of doing business in the hydrocarbon sector.
Centre–State Collaboration
Strengthen cooperative federalism in resource governance.
Infrastructure Support
Develop pipelines, refineries, and logistics to support production.
Sustainable Development Approach
Ensure environmental safeguards and community engagement.
Conclusion
As highlighted in the Assam Tribune, Assam’s untapped hydrocarbon reserves represent a strategic opportunity lost unless addressed through proactive governance and investment. Unlocking this potential can significantly enhance India’s energy security while revitalising Assam’s economic role. However, success will depend on balanced federal resource governance, transparent policies, and sustainable development practices—ensuring that resource exploitation translates into shared prosperity rather than structural imbalance.
Radicalisation and Jihadi Networks in Assam: Internal Security Challenges
APSC GS Paper III: Internal Security | Terrorism | Border Management
APSC GS Paper V: Assam – Law & Order, Border Issues, Social Stability
Introduction
The Assam Tribune (29 January 2026) reported growing concerns over radicalisation and the presence of jihadi networks in Assam, with investigative agencies flagging linkages to Bangladesh-based extremist organisations. The issue has brought renewed focus on Assam’s internal security vulnerabilities, shaped by its porous borders, demographic sensitivities, and socio-economic fault lines.
Key Points from the Newspaper
Security agencies have identified:
Radical elements operating within Assam
Alleged links with Bangladesh-based extremist outfits
Certain modules were reportedly involved in:
Recruitment and indoctrination
Spread of extremist ideology
The threat was described as:
Low-intensity but persistent
Capable of undermining social harmony
The issue has raised concerns about:
Cross-border radical influence
Use of local networks for extremist activities
Emphasis was placed on:
Need for sustained intelligence and vigilance
Preventing radicalisation at early stages
Prelims Pointers
Radicalisation: Process by which individuals adopt extremist ideologies.
Jihadi Networks: Organised groups promoting violent extremism in the name of religion.
Internal Security: Protection of the State from internal threats such as terrorism and extremism.
Cross-Border Extremism: Ideological or operational links spanning national borders.
Mains Pointers
A. Significance / Security Implications
1. Threat to Internal Security
Even small extremist networks can:
Disrupt law and order
Trigger communal tension
Persistent radicalisation undermines long-term stability.
2. Assam’s Strategic Vulnerability
Proximity to international borders heightens exposure to:
Cross-border influence
Illegal movement of extremist ideas
Makes Assam sensitive in India’s internal security matrix.
3. Social Cohesion at Risk
Radicalisation can:
Polarise communities
Undermine trust and coexistence
Poses a threat to Assam’s plural social fabric.
4. National Security Dimension
Local extremist modules may act as:
Support bases
Recruitment grounds
Has implications beyond State boundaries.
B. Challenges / Concerns Highlighted
Covert Nature of Radicalisation
Operates through:
Informal networks
Ideological indoctrination
Difficult to detect at early stages.
Cross-Border Linkages
External influence complicates enforcement and intelligence operations.
Socio-Economic Vulnerabilities
Marginalisation and lack of opportunities can:
Increase susceptibility to extremist narratives
Information and Digital Spread
Radical ideas can spread rapidly through:
Informal communication channels
Makes monitoring more complex.
C. Governance and Institutional Context (as per Newspaper)
Security Agencies: Active monitoring and investigations underway.
Law Enforcement: Focus on dismantling networks before escalation.
Intelligence Coordination: Emphasised as critical for early detection.
The report did not indicate:
Any large-scale terrorist incident
Any new counter-terror law announcement
D. Way Ahead
Strengthening Intelligence Networks
Continuous surveillance and information sharing.
Community-Based De-radicalisation
Engage local communities to:
Counter extremist narratives
Build social resilience
Border Management
Enhanced vigilance to curb cross-border extremist influence.
Socio-Economic Inclusion
Address grievances that make individuals vulnerable to radicalisation.
Preventive Policing
Early identification and intervention rather than reactive action.
Conclusion
As highlighted in the Assam Tribune, the emergence of radicalisation and jihadi networks in Assam represents a silent but serious internal security challenge. While the threat may not yet be overtly violent, its potential to erode social harmony and destabilise the region is significant. Effective response requires a balanced strategy combining intelligence-led policing, community engagement, and socio-economic inclusion, ensuring that Assam’s internal security is strengthened without compromising democratic values or social cohesion.
Purvodaya Vision and Development of the North-East
APSC GS Paper II: Government Policies | Cooperative Federalism | Regional Development
APSC GS Paper III: Infrastructure | Economic Growth | Connectivity
APSC GS Paper V: Assam & North-East – Development Strategy
Introduction
The Assam Tribune (29 January 2026) reported on the Purvodaya Vision articulated at the national level to catalyse holistic development of Eastern India and the North-East. The vision positions the region as a future growth engine through connectivity expansion, infrastructure investment, industrialisation, and social sector strengthening, with Assam envisaged as a central hub in this transformation.
Key Points from the Newspaper
Purvodaya Vision aims at accelerating development in Eastern India and the North-East.
Emphasis areas highlighted include:
Connectivity (roads, railways, logistics)
Industrial and economic development
Social infrastructure such as health and education
The North-East is viewed as:
A strategic region for national integration
A gateway for broader regional engagement
Assam’s role was underlined due to:
Its geographic centrality
Existing and planned infrastructure projects
The vision was framed as:
A long-term developmental roadmap rather than a short-term scheme
Prelims Pointers
Purvodaya Vision: Policy articulation aimed at eastern and North-Eastern regional development.
Regional Development: Targeted interventions to reduce inter-regional disparities.
Connectivity: Physical and economic integration through transport and logistics.
Cooperative Federalism: Centre–State collaboration in development planning.
Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. Addressing Regional Imbalances
The vision seeks to correct historical development gaps between:
Eastern/North-Eastern regions and other parts of India.
Promotes equitable national growth.
2. Strategic Integration of the North-East
Improved connectivity strengthens:
Economic integration
Administrative reach
National unity
3. Economic Transformation
Infrastructure and industrial focus can:
Generate employment
Attract investment
Expand markets for local products
4. Assam as a Growth Anchor
Assam’s central location enables it to function as:
Logistics hub
Industrial base
Service centre for the region
B. Challenges / Concerns Highlighted
Implementation Capacity
Translating vision into outcomes requires:
Strong institutional coordination
Effective execution on the ground
Infrastructure Bottlenecks
Terrain, logistics costs, and delays can slow progress.
Inclusive Development
Risk that growth may:
Concentrate in urban centres
Bypass remote or vulnerable communities
Centre–State Coordination
Success depends on seamless cooperation across governments.
C. Governance and Institutional Context (as per Newspaper)
Policy Direction: Purvodaya articulated as a guiding development framework.
Centre–State Role: Emphasis on partnership in infrastructure and development initiatives.
Regional Focus: North-East treated as integral to national growth strategy.
No specific new scheme, budgetary outlay, or statutory change was announced in the report.
D. Way Ahead
Outcome-Oriented Implementation
Clear milestones and monitoring mechanisms for projects.
Strengthening Connectivity
Prioritise completion of transport and logistics projects.
Inclusive Growth Strategy
Ensure benefits reach rural, tribal, and border areas.
Private Sector Participation
Encourage investment aligned with regional strengths.
Capacity Building at State Level
Enhance administrative and planning capacity in North-Eastern States.
Conclusion
As highlighted in the Assam Tribune, the Purvodaya Vision represents a strategic attempt to reposition the North-East from a peripheral region to a central driver of national growth. For Assam and its neighbouring States, the vision offers an opportunity to overcome structural disadvantages through connectivity, investment, and institutional support. However, its success will hinge on effective implementation, cooperative federalism, and inclusive planning, ensuring that development translates into tangible improvements in livelihoods and regional resilience.
Rising State Liabilities and Fiscal Stress in Assam
APSC GS Paper III: Indian Economy | Public Finance | Fiscal Federalism
APSC GS Paper V: Assam – State Finances, Welfare Expenditure & Fiscal Sustainability
Introduction
The Assam Tribune (29 January 2026) reported concerns over rising State liabilities and growing fiscal stress in Assam, drawing attention to increasing debt levels, expanding welfare commitments, and pressure on public finances. The issue highlights the challenge of balancing developmental spending, social welfare obligations, and fiscal prudence within the framework of cooperative federalism.
Key Points from the Newspaper
Assam’s State liabilities have increased, reflecting higher borrowings.
Fiscal stress is linked to:
Expanding welfare expenditure
Revenue–expenditure imbalance
Debt servicing obligations are exerting pressure on:
Budgetary flexibility
Developmental spending capacity
The issue was discussed in the context of:
State-level fiscal sustainability
Long-term financial health
Concerns were raised about:
Limited fiscal space
Growing dependence on borrowing
Prelims Pointers
State Liabilities: Outstanding debt and obligations of a State government.
Fiscal Stress: Situation where revenues are insufficient to meet expenditure commitments.
Debt Servicing: Repayment of principal and interest on borrowings.
Fiscal Sustainability: Ability to maintain public finances without excessive debt accumulation.
Mains Pointers
A. Importance / Significance
1. Impact on Development Spending
High liabilities reduce funds available for:
Infrastructure
Health and education
Capital investment
2. Welfare vs Fiscal Prudence
Welfare schemes are politically and socially important.
However, unchecked expansion can strain State finances.
3. Long-Term Economic Stability
Rising debt can:
Increase interest burden
Limit future policy choices
Affects investor confidence and creditworthiness.
4. Federal Finance Dimension
Highlights dependence of States on:
Borrowings
Central transfers
Raises questions on fiscal autonomy and responsibility.
B. Challenges / Concerns Highlighted
Revenue Constraints
Limited own-tax revenue base restricts fiscal capacity.
Growing Debt Burden
Higher borrowings increase interest and repayment pressure.
Rigid Expenditure Structure
Large share of committed expenditure (salaries, pensions, welfare).
Reduced Fiscal Flexibility
Limited ability to respond to economic shocks or emergencies.
C. Governance and Institutional Context (as per Newspaper)
The issue was highlighted with reference to:
Official fiscal data and assessments
Emphasis on:
Need for prudent fiscal management
Sustainable budgeting practices
No announcement of:
Immediate fiscal reform package
New borrowing framework
was reported.
D. Way Ahead
Strengthening Revenue Mobilisation
Improve tax compliance and widen revenue base.
Rationalising Expenditure
Target welfare spending more efficiently.
Debt Management Strategy
Focus on long-term sustainability rather than short-term borrowing.
Prioritising Capital Expenditure
Shift spending towards growth-enhancing investments.
Fiscal Transparency
Improve disclosure and monitoring of State liabilities.
Conclusion
As highlighted in the Assam Tribune, rising State liabilities pose a serious fiscal challenge for Assam, with implications for development, welfare delivery, and economic stability. While welfare commitments and development needs are legitimate, sustaining them requires sound fiscal management, revenue strengthening, and prudent borrowing. Ensuring fiscal sustainability is essential for Assam to maintain growth momentum without compromising future financial stability.
APSC Prelims MCQs
🟩 TOPIC 1: Assam’s Untapped Hydrocarbon Potential
Q1. The statement that nearly half of Assam’s hydrocarbon potential remains untapped highlights which of the following concerns most directly?
(a) Declining global demand for fossil fuels
(b) Underutilisation of domestic energy resources
(c) Complete absence of exploration technology
(d) Lack of private sector interest only
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The newspaper emphasised limited exploration and exploitation, pointing to underutilisation of existing domestic energy resources despite Assam’s long oil history.
Q2. The issue of Assam’s hydrocarbon development also raises questions of:
(a) Judicial federalism
(b) Fiscal decentralisation
(c) Resource federalism
(d) Competitive federalism in education
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Control, decision-making, and benefit-sharing of natural resources between Centre and States fall under resource federalism.
🟩 TOPIC 2: Radicalisation and Jihadi Networks in Assam
Q3. Radicalisation, as discussed in the Assam Tribune, primarily refers to:
(a) Militarisation of police forces
(b) Adoption of extremist ideologies leading to violence
(c) Electoral polarisation
(d) Ethnic assertion movements
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Radicalisation involves ideological indoctrination into violent extremism, often operating covertly.
Q4. Assam’s vulnerability to extremist networks is heightened mainly due to:
(a) High urbanisation
(b) Porous international borders and cross-border linkages
(c) Industrial decline
(d) Absence of police forces
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The report flagged cross-border influence from Bangladesh-based groups, making border management critical.
Q5. The nature of the extremist threat reported in Assam was best described as:
(a) Large-scale armed insurgency
(b) Sporadic communal riots
(c) Low-intensity but persistent radicalisation
(d) Cyber warfare
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Security agencies characterised the threat as low-intensity yet persistent, requiring long-term vigilance.
🟩 TOPIC 3: Purvodaya Vision and North-East Development
Q6. The Purvodaya Vision primarily aims to:
(a) Promote western coastal industrial corridors
(b) Accelerate development of eastern India and the North-East
(c) Replace Act East Policy
(d) Focus exclusively on urban development
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Purvodaya is a regional development vision focused on Eastern India and the North-East.
Q7. Assam’s central role in the Purvodaya Vision is mainly due to:
(a) Coastal access
(b) High population density
(c) Geographic centrality and connectivity potential
(d) Dominance in software exports
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Assam is envisaged as a logistics and growth anchor because of its geographic position in the North-East.
🟩 TOPIC 4: Rising State Liabilities and Fiscal Stress in Assam
Q8. Rising State liabilities primarily constrain a government’s ability to:
(a) Conduct elections
(b) Increase defence spending
(c) Undertake fresh developmental expenditure
(d) Frame social legislation
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
High debt servicing reduces fiscal space for capital and development spending.
Q9. Fiscal stress in Assam, as reported, is closely linked to:
(a) Decline in population growth
(b) Expanding welfare expenditure and borrowings
(c) Overinvestment in exports
(d) Excessive foreign aid
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The newspaper highlighted welfare commitments and borrowing dependence as key drivers of fiscal stress.
Q10. Which of the following best defines fiscal sustainability?
(a) Eliminating all welfare schemes
(b) Maintaining public finances without excessive debt accumulation
(c) Dependence on central grants
(d) Increasing short-term borrowings
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Fiscal sustainability means managing finances so that debt remains manageable over the long term.
APSC Mains Practice Question
GS Mains Model Question
Q. Radicalisation today often manifests as a silent, low-intensity internal security threat rather than overt violence.
In the context of Assam, examine the factors contributing to radicalisation and discuss the measures required to counter such extremist networks without undermining social cohesion.
(15 marks)
Model Answer
Introduction
The Assam Tribune (29 January 2026) reported concerns regarding radicalisation and the presence of jihadi networks in Assam, with security agencies flagging linkages to cross-border extremist groups based in Bangladesh. Although the threat has not translated into large-scale violence, it represents a persistent internal security challenge capable of destabilising social harmony and undermining long-term peace in a sensitive border State.
Body
A. Factors Contributing to Radicalisation in Assam
- Cross-Border Influence
- Proximity to international borders facilitates:
- Ideological spillover
- Movement of extremist narratives
- External linkages complicate enforcement and intelligence gathering.
- Covert Nature of Extremist Networks
- Radicalisation often occurs through:
- Informal networks
- Indoctrination rather than open militancy
- Makes early detection difficult.
- Socio-Economic Vulnerabilities
- Marginalisation, unemployment, and lack of opportunities can:
- Increase susceptibility to extremist narratives
- Digital and Informal Communication Channels
- Rapid spread of radical ideas through informal networks without visible footprints.
B. Internal Security and Social Risks
- Even low-intensity radicalisation can:
- Polarise communities
- Create distrust between citizens and institutions
- Over-securitised responses risk:
- Alienation of communities
- Undermining social cohesion
C. Measures to Counter Radicalisation
- Intelligence-Led Policing
- Strengthen surveillance and intelligence coordination to detect early signs.
- Community-Based De-radicalisation
- Engage local leaders and communities to counter extremist narratives.
- Border Management
- Enhanced vigilance to curb cross-border extremist influence.
- Socio-Economic Inclusion
- Address root causes such as unemployment and marginalisation.
- Balanced Security Approach
- Combine firm law enforcement with respect for civil liberties to maintain trust.
Conclusion As highlighted in the Assam Tribune, radicalisation in Assam represents a subtle but serious internal security challenge. Addressing it requires moving beyond reactive policing towards a preventive, inclusive, and intelligence-driven strategy. By balancing security imperatives with social cohesion and development, Assam can effectively counter extremist influences while preserving its plural and democratic fabric.
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