APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (09/07/2026)
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 09 July 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 Foundation Course, 2026
Implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord
- GS Paper II: Governance | Constitution | Centre-State Relations | Public Policy
- GS Paper V (Assam): Political Issues | Governance | Assam Accord | Indigenous Rights
🔴 Introduction
- Context: The Assam Government expressed confidence in fully implementing Clause 6 of the Assam Accord during its current tenure.
- Implementation Status: Out of 67 recommendations made by the Justice Biplab Kumar Sharma Committee:
- 40 are under State jurisdiction (implementation initiated).
- 12 require joint Centre-State action.
- 15 are exclusively under Central Government jurisdiction.
- Significance: Clause 6 promises constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards to protect the indigenous identity of Assamese people, especially crucial amidst concerns over demographic change, illegal immigration, and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).
🔴 Background
- The Assam Accord (Signed 15 August 1985):
- Ended the six-year Assam Agitation (1979–1985) against illegal immigration.
- Signatories: Government of India (GoI), Government of Assam, All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), and All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP).
- Key Provisions:
- Clause 5: Detection and deportation of illegal migrants entering after 24 March 1971.
- Clause 6: Constitutional safeguards for Assamese people.
- Clause 7: Economic development of Assam.
- Clause 8: Citizenship-related issues.
- Clause 9: Border security.
- What is Clause 6? It mandates safeguards to “protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.”
- Complexity: The Accord does not explicitly define “Assamese people,” leading to legal and political hurdles.
- Justice Biplab Kumar Sharma Committee (2019):
- Constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA); chaired by Justice Biplab Kumar Sharma.
- Submitted its report in February 2020 to recommend measures for Clause 6 implementation.
- Key Recommendations:
- Constitutional: Reservation in Legislature/Government jobs; land rights for indigenous people.
- Administrative: Protection of indigenous villages, traditional institutions, and heritage sites.
- Educational: Promotion of Assamese and tribal languages; curriculum reforms.
- Economic: Priority for indigenous entrepreneurs and protection of local resources.
- Core Objectives: Protect Assamese identity, prevent demographic imbalance, ensure political representation, and secure land rights.
🔴 Prelims Specific
- Important Years: Assam Agitation (1979–1985), Accord Signed (1985), Migrant Cut-off date (24 March 1971), Committee Constituted (2019).
- Key Facts to Remember:
- Clause 6 does not grant citizenship; it strictly concerns constitutional safeguards.
- It is distinct from the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Foreigners Tribunals, and the CAA.
- Clause 6 vs. CAA:
- Clause 6: Focuses on identity safeguards for indigenous Assamese (Assam-specific).
- CAA: Focuses on granting citizenship to specified migrants (National legislation).
🔴 Main Pointers
A. Importance
- Identity & Culture: Safeguards Assam’s unique linguistic, ethnic identity, folk traditions, and tribal languages.
- Constitutional Federalism: Recognizes Assam’s special historical circumstances within the constitutional framework.
- Social Stability: Addresses long-standing anxieties over demographic change and illegal migration.
- Political & Economic Empowerment: Ensures inclusive development, balanced opportunities, and greater indigenous participation in governance.
B. Challenges
- Defining “Assamese People”: The absence of a clear definition makes implementation contentious.
- Constitutional & Legal Hurdles: Recommendations may require Constitutional Amendments, Parliamentary approval, and could face judicial scrutiny.
- Balancing Equality: Safeguards must strictly comply with Fundamental Rights, specifically Article 14 (Equality before law) and non-discrimination principles.
- Coordination & Consensus: Demands high Centre-State coordination and consensus among stakeholders with varying interpretations.
C. Government Initiatives
- State Level: Formed a Group of Ministers (GoM), prepared an implementation roadmap, initiated dialogue with AASU, and began rolling out state-level recommendations.
- Central Level: Constituted the Justice Sharma Committee, with the MHA acting as the nodal ministry holding ongoing consultations.
D. Constitutional & Legal Linkages
- Article 29: Protection of culture.
- Article 30: Minority educational rights.
- Article 371: Special provisions for states (contextually noted, though not currently applicable to Assam for this specific issue).
- Sixth Schedule: Governance via Autonomous Councils in tribal areas.
- Related Frameworks: Justice Sharma Committee Report (2020), Assam Accord (1985), NRC, and CAA (2019).
🔴 Way Forward
- Define “Assamese People”: Develop a legally sustainable definition through broad, inclusive stakeholder consultation.
- Time-Bound Implementation: Prioritize State-jurisdiction recommendations while actively coordinating with the Centre on remaining issues.
- Constitutional Compliance: Ensure all safeguards align perfectly with Fundamental Rights and the Constitution’s basic structure.
- Protect Land & Culture: Strengthen legal mechanisms safeguarding indigenous land ownership, language, and heritage.
- Inclusive Dialogue & Review: Continuously engage AASU, minority groups, and civil society, supported by an institutional monitoring mechanism to track progress.
🔴 Conclusion
Clause 6 is a vital constitutional commitment to preserving Assam’s indigenous identity. Its success relies on a transparent, consultative approach that balances federal cooperation with constitutional values, ensuring a durable framework for inclusive governance and socio-cultural preservation.
Assam’s Inter-State Border Disputes and Border Management (83,000 ha Land Issue)
- GS Paper II: Federalism | Centre–State Relations | Governance
- GS Paper III: Internal Security | Border Management
- GS Paper V (Assam): Geography | Governance | Political & Administrative Issues of Assam
🔴 Introduction
- Context: The Assam Government reported that approximately 83,000 hectares of its land has allegedly been encroached upon by four neighbouring states, with Arunachal Pradesh accounting for the largest share.
- Geopolitical Significance: As the gateway to Northeast India, Assam shares borders with seven Indian states and Bhutan. Effective border management is vital for regional harmony, security, and development.
- Current Status of Disputes:
- Assam–Meghalaya: Ongoing discussions in 12 identified sectors.
- Assam–Arunachal Pradesh: Joint surveys underway in 123 disputed villages following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
- Assam–Nagaland: Dispute remains sub judice before the Supreme Court (SC).
- Assam–Mizoram: Bilateral discussions continue.
- Central Intervention: The Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) aims to boost border infrastructure.
🔴 Historical Background
- Colonial Legacy: Assam’s boundaries were drawn under varied British laws. Neighbouring hill areas were administered separately, laying the groundwork for future conflicts.
- Post-Independence State Reorganisation: The carving out of new states from Assam intensified overlapping territorial claims:
- Nagaland: Created in 1963
- Meghalaya: Created in 1972
- Mizoram & Arunachal Pradesh: Attained statehood in 1987
🔴 Assam’s Interstate Borders & Major Disputes
- 1. Assam–Meghalaya Border (~885 km – Longest)
- Core Issue: Disagreements over boundaries drawn by the Assam Reorganisation (Meghalaya) Act, 1969.
- Status: 12 disputed sectors identified. Six are under active resolution. Both states formed Regional Committees, and an MoU has resolved disputes in specific sectors.
- 2. Assam–Arunachal Pradesh Border (~804 km)
- Core Issue: Stems from a 1951 notification transferring forest areas to the then North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA).
- Status: 12 Regional Committees formed; joint surveys active in 123 disputed villages.
- 3. Assam–Nagaland Border (~512 km)
- Core Issue: Nagaland claims areas based on traditional Naga habitation, while Assam relies on constitutional/legal boundaries.
- Status: The matter is pending before the SC; peace maintained via administrative mechanisms.
- 4. Assam–Mizoram Border (~165 km)
- Core Issue: Differing interpretations of two colonial documents: the 1875 Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation and the 1933 Boundary Notification.
- Status: Bilateral dialogue remains the primary mechanism despite periodic tensions.
- Other Borders: Manipur (~204 km), West Bengal (~127 km), Tripura (~46 km).
🔴 Prelims Specific
- Important Facts:
- Assam borders 7 States.
- Longest Border: Meghalaya (~885 km). Meghalaya is indeed Assam’s longest interstate border, but the ~885 km length applies to their border as a whole.
- Assam–Nagaland: The Assam-Nagaland border dispute is not the only inter-state dispute currently pending before the Supreme Court. The Assam–Arunachal Pradesh border dispute is also being heard in the Supreme Court as Original Suit No. 1 of 1989.
- Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP): Launched by the Government of India (GoI) to improve infrastructure, connectivity, and security in border villages. VVP-II targets further infrastructure strengthening, directly benefiting Assam’s border regions.
🔴 Main Pointers
A. Importance of Border Management
- Administrative & Economic: Ensures clear jurisdiction for service delivery, promotes infrastructure development, connectivity, trade, and investment confidence.
- Security & Social: Prevents illegal encroachment, curtails smuggling/law-and-order issues, reduces ethnic tensions, and fosters peaceful coexistence.
B. Challenges in Resolution
- Historical & Administrative: Conflicting colonial-era maps and overlapping administrative jurisdictions.
- Socio-Political: Ethnic sensitivities (multiple tribes claiming the same area) and shifting political leadership slowing negotiations.
- Geographical: Difficult terrain (dense forests, hills) complicates physical demarcation and surveys.
C. Government Initiatives
- State Level: Formation of Regional Committees, joint field surveys, modern satellite mapping, and bilateral negotiations.
- Central Level: Active support from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Survey of India, alongside funding through VVP-II.
🔴 Constitutional & Institutional Framework
- Constitutional Articles:
- Article 1: Union and its territory.
- Article 3: Formation of new States and boundary alteration.
- Article 131: Original jurisdiction of the SC in inter-state disputes.
- Article 355: Union’s duty to protect States and ensure constitutional governance.
- Key Institutions: Regional Committees, Survey of India, MHA, SC, North Eastern Council (NEC), and the Inter-State Council.
🔴 Way Forward
- Accelerate Joint Surveys: Utilize modern tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drones, and satellite imagery for accurate demarcation.
- Institutionalise Dialogue & Community Participation: Maintain regular inter-state meetings and involve local tribal/traditional institutions for confidence-building.
- Strengthen Infrastructure: Leverage schemes like VVP-II to expand roads, digital connectivity, and social infrastructure.
- Integrated Development: Combine border security with livelihood generation to ensure sustainable peace and cooperative federalism.
🔴 Conclusion
Assam’s border disputes are a complex colonial legacy requiring a delicate balance of constitutional mechanisms and political dialogue. Cooperative, evidence-based resolutions and integrated border development are essential to secure lasting peace and federal stability in Northeast India.
India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)
- GS Paper II: International Relations | Bilateral Relations
- GS Paper III: Economy | Maritime Security | Critical Minerals | Energy Security
- Essay: India’s Indo-Pacific Strategy | Emerging Strategic Partnerships
🔴 Introduction
- Context: The Prime Minister (PM) of India arrived in Australia to co-chair the 3rd India–Australia Annual Summit with the Australian PM.
- Focus Areas: Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) across defence, trade, critical minerals, education, mobility, and people-to-people ties.
- Preceding Visit: Indonesia, where India signed 14 agreements on critical minerals, maritime security, and other sectors.
- Significance: The bilateral relationship has transformed from a purely economic engagement into one of India’s most significant strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, driven by shared democratic values, a free Indo-Pacific, resilient supply chains, and clean energy transitions.
🔴 Evolution of India–Australia Relations
- 1941: Establishment of diplomatic relations.
- 2009: Strategic Partnership established.
- 2014: Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement.
- 2020: CSP launched during a Virtual Summit.
- 2022: Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) signed.
- 2023: Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA).
- Ongoing: Negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
🔴 Areas of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
- 1. Defence & Security:
- Regular 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue (Foreign and Defence Ministers).
- Joint Exercises: AUSINDEX (Naval), Malabar (with Quad partners), and Pitch Black (Air Force).
- Cooperation in Maritime Domain Awareness and the Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement (MLSA).
- 2. Indo-Pacific Cooperation:
- Support for a Free, Open and Inclusive Indo-Pacific (FOIP), rule-based international order, Freedom of Navigation, and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, 1982).
- Australia is a key partner in India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
- 3. Trade & Economic Relations:
- ECTA (2022): Reduces tariffs, expands market access, boosts services exports, and benefits Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- Major Sectors: Critical minerals, coal, gold, education, Information Technology (IT), pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
- 4. Critical Minerals Partnership:
- Australia holds abundant reserves of Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, and Rare Earth Elements.
- Crucial for Electric Vehicles (EVs), batteries, semiconductors, and defence manufacturing. Supports India’s National Critical Minerals Mission.
- 5. Clean Energy, Science & Technology:
- Cooperation under the International Solar Alliance (ISA) focusing on Green Hydrogen, solar energy, and energy storage.
- Joint research in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing, Cyber Security, Space Technology, and Digital Public Infrastructure.
- 6. Education & People-to-People:
- Australia is a top destination for Indian students. Focus on joint research and mutual skill development.
- The Indian diaspora exceeds one million (including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and persons of Indian origin), driving ties in tourism, academic exchange, and skilled migration.
🔴 Prelims Specific
- Important Agreements: CSP (2020), ECTA (2022), Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (2014), MMPA (2023).
- Important Exercises: AUSINDEX, Malabar, Pitch Black.
- International Memberships:
- Australia and India are both members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) (along with Japan and the United States).
- Australia is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
- Australia is not a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
- Geography Check: Capital: Canberra | Currency: Australian Dollar | Parliament: Federal Parliamentary Democracy under a Constitutional Monarchy.
🔴 Main Pointers
A. Importance for India
- Strategic & Defence: Counter-balances challenges in the Indo-Pacific, strengthens maritime security, and enhances defence interoperability.
- Economic: Diversifies supply chains, boosts trade/investment, and ensures long-term access to critical minerals.
- Energy Security: Provides a reliable supply of coal, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Uranium, and critical minerals essential for clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
B. Challenges
- Trade barriers in certain sectors and slow progress on CECA negotiations.
- Geographical distance increasing logistics costs.
- Balancing economic ties with China while safeguarding strategic interests.
- Ensuring resilient critical mineral supply chains and addressing visa/mobility hurdles for students and professionals.
C. Government Initiatives
- India: Act East Policy, IPOI, National Critical Minerals Mission, Make in India, National Green Hydrogen Mission.
- Australia: Indo-Pacific Strategy, Critical Minerals Strategy, Future Made in Australia initiative, Australia’s Economic Security Strategy.
🔴 Way Forward
- Conclude CECA: Finalize the broader trade agreement to expand market access and investment.
- Expand Defence & Tech: Increase joint exercises, maritime surveillance, and deepen collaboration in AI, quantum technologies, and semiconductors.
- Build Mineral Value Chains: Promote joint exploration, processing, and recycling to secure supply chains.
- Promote Indo-Pacific Coordination: Strengthen coordination through the Quad and regional platforms for a stable, rules-based Indo-Pacific.
🔴 Conclusion
The India–Australia CSP has matured into a vital multidimensional alliance anchored in democratic values. By actively deepening ties in defence, critical minerals, and technology, both nations will secure resilient supply chains and drive sustainable growth, cementing long-term stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
Crimes Against Women in Assam: Strengthening Justice, Governance and Women’s Safety
- GS Paper II: Governance | Social Justice | Welfare of Vulnerable Sections | Women Empowerment
- GS Paper IV: Ethics | Gender Sensitivity | Compassion | Public Service Values
- GS Paper V (Assam): Social Issues | Law & Order | Women & Child Development
🔴 Introduction
- Context: An editorial in The Assam Tribune notes that despite a slight decline due to preventive measures and police action, crimes against women in Assam remain a persistent concern.
- Key Statistics: Between 2016 and June 26, 2026, Assam registered over 10 lakh cases, including 14,466 rape cases, 1,463 dowry harassment cases, and 1,85,638 other offences.
- Major Hurdles: Effective justice is hindered by poor conviction rates, delayed justice, weak investigations, inadequate forensic infrastructure, and a shortage of trained police.
- Holistic Need: Ensuring safety is vital for protecting fundamental rights, social justice, and inclusive development. It requires multi-dimensional efforts involving police reforms, judicial efficiency, and active roles from society, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), educational institutions, and the media.
🔴 Constitutional & Legal Framework
- Constitutional Provisions:
- Article 14: Equality before law.
- Article 15(1) & 15(3): Prohibits sex discrimination; enables special provisions for women/children.
- Article 21: Right to life and dignity.
- Article 39(a), (d) & (e): Equal livelihood, equal pay, and protection.
- Article 42: Humane work conditions and maternity relief.
- Article 51A(e): Fundamental duty to renounce derogatory practices against women.
- Important Laws:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
- Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023.
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
- Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
- Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
- Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
🔴 Major Forms & Root Causes
- Forms of Crime: Rape, domestic violence, dowry harassment, acid attacks, human trafficking, cyberstalking, honour crimes, and workplace harassment.
- Social Factors: Patriarchal structure, gender stereotypes, declining moral values, victim blaming, and social stigma.
- Economic Factors: Financial dependence, poverty, and limited employment/education.
- Institutional Factors: Weak investigations, poor conviction rates, delayed charge sheets, poor forensic support, and lack of trained police personnel.
- Technological Factors: Cybercrime, online abuse, revenge pornography, and digital blackmail.
🔴 Impact
- On Women: Physical/psychological trauma, loss of dignity, disrupted education, and economic insecurity.
- On Society: Weakens social trust, lowers female workforce participation, increases fear in public spaces, and hampers gender equality.
- On Governance: Reduces public confidence in law enforcement, overburdens the police and judiciary, and stalls inclusive development.
🔴 Prelims Specific
- Key Articles: Article 14 (Equality), Article 15(3) (Special provisions), Article 21 (Life/dignity), Article 39 & 42 (Directive Principles).
- Statutory Bodies:
- National Commission for Women (NCW): Statutory body under the NCW Act, 1990.
- Assam State Commission for Women: Protects and promotes women’s rights at the State level.
- Government Schemes: Mission Shakti, One Stop Centre (Sakhi), Women Helpline (181), Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112), Nirbhaya Fund, Fast Track Special Courts, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP).
🔴 Main Pointers
A. Importance
- Constitutional Governance & Social Justice: Central to realizing Fundamental Rights, the rule of law, dignity, and social inclusion.
- Economic & Sustainable Development: A safe environment boosts female labour force participation. Directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5 – Gender Equality; SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
B. Challenges
- Institutional Weaknesses: Poor conviction rates due to unscientific investigations, large case backlogs causing delayed justice, inadequate police capacity, and weak forensic infrastructure.
- Societal Barriers: Under-reporting driven by fear/stigma, an entrenched patriarchal mindset that normalizes violence, and a surge in digital/cyber threats.
C. Government Initiatives
- Central: Mission Shakti, Sakhi Centres, Nirbhaya Fund, Fast Track Special Courts, Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, and BBBP.
- Assam State: State Commission for Women, Women Police Stations, Mahila Help Desks, gender sensitisation programmes, and victim counselling services.
- Relevant Reports: National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Crime in India Report, National Family Health Survey (NFHS).
🔴 Way Forward & Best Practices
- Modernize Investigation & Justice: Improve police training, forensic support, and digital evidence management. Ensure timely charge sheets, robust witness protection, and expand Fast Track Special Courts.
- Expand Representation: Increase recruitment of women in police, prosecution, judiciary, and forensic services.
- Sensitisation & Support: Integrate gender education in schools/workplaces. Provide accessible legal aid, shelter homes, and financial aid for survivors.
- Leverage Technology: Adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based surveillance, cybercrime monitoring, and safe-city initiatives responsibly.
- Best Practices to Emulate:
- Kerala: Pink Police Patrol.
- Hyderabad: SHE Teams (public space harassment).
- Delhi: Fast Track Courts for expeditious sexual offence trials.
- Assam: Women Police Stations and Mahila Help Desks.
🔴 Conclusion
Crimes against women reflect deep-rooted social, institutional, and governance flaws. Assam requires a holistic strategy encompassing modern police reforms, speedy justice, value-based education, and community participation to guarantee a safe, democratic, and inclusive society.
APSC Prelims MCQs
Q1. With reference to Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, consider the following statements:
- It provides constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards to protect the cultural, social and linguistic identity of the Assamese people.
- It defines the term “Assamese people” under the Assam Accord.
- It was incorporated as part of the Assam Accord signed in 1985.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation: Clause 6 provides safeguards but does not define the term “Assamese people”. It forms part of the Assam Accord signed in 1985.
Q2. Consider the following pairs regarding the implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord:
| Committee | Purpose |
| 1. Justice Biplab Kumar Sharma Committee | Recommend safeguards under Clause 6 |
| 2. Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee | Recommend safeguards under Clause 6 |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A
Explanation: Justice Biplab Kumar Sharma Committee was constituted to recommend measures for implementing Clause 6. Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee dealt with AFSPA.
Q3. With reference to the Assam–Meghalaya boundary dispute, consider the following statements:
- Twelve sectors have been identified as disputed.
- Both States constituted Regional Committees to examine the disputes.
- The disputes are proposed to be resolved only through the Supreme Court.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation: Assam and Meghalaya are resolving the dispute mainly through bilateral negotiations and Regional Committees, not solely through litigation.
Q4. Which one of the following Articles of the Constitution vests original jurisdiction in the Supreme Court over disputes between two or more States?
A. Article 131
B. Article 136
C. Article 143
D. Article 262
Answer: A
Explanation: Article 131 provides original jurisdiction to the Supreme Court in disputes involving the Union and States or between States.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP):
- It aims to improve infrastructure and livelihood opportunities in border villages.
- It covers only villages along India’s international borders.
- It seeks to reduce migration from border villages.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation: VVP focuses on comprehensive development of strategically important border villages to improve quality of life and reduce migration.
Q6. With reference to the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), consider the following statements:
- It was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020.
- Australia is a member of QUAD.
- The partnership covers defence, trade, critical minerals and emerging technologies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation: The CSP was launched in 2020 and encompasses multiple strategic sectors. Australia is one of the four QUAD members.
Q7. The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) primarily aims to:
A. Establish a military alliance in the Indo-Pacific
B. Promote bilateral trade and investment through tariff reduction
C. Create a common currency between India and Australia
D. Establish a joint naval command
Answer: B
Explanation: ECTA is an interim trade agreement that liberalises trade in goods and services.
Q8. Which one of the following minerals is of strategic importance in India–Australia cooperation because of its critical role in electric vehicle batteries?
A. Bauxite
B. Lithium
C. Limestone
D. Gypsum
Answer: B
Explanation: Australia possesses significant reserves of lithium, a key critical mineral required for EV batteries and renewable energy technologies.
Q9. Which of the following exercises is a bilateral naval exercise conducted between India and Australia?
A. AUSINDEX
B. Yudh Abhyas
C. Indra
D. Garuda
Answer: A
Explanation: AUSINDEX is the bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy.
Q10. With reference to constitutional provisions relating to women, consider the following statements:
- Article 15(3) permits the State to make special provisions for women.
- Article 42 directs the State to make provisions for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.
- Article 21 has been judicially interpreted to include the right to live with dignity.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation: All three statements are correct and are frequently tested constitutional provisions related to women’s rights.
Q11. Which one of the following is a statutory body established under an Act of Parliament to safeguard the interests of women?
A. National Human Rights Commission
B. National Commission for Women
C. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
D. National Legal Services Authority
Answer: B
Explanation: The National Commission for Women (NCW) was established under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.
Q12. The One Stop Centre (Sakhi) Scheme primarily aims to:
A. Provide legal aid only
B. Provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence
C. Promote women entrepreneurship
D. Provide vocational training exclusively to rural women
Answer: B
Explanation: Sakhi Centres provide medical, legal, psychological and temporary shelter support under one roof.
Q13. Which of the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are most directly related to eliminating violence against women?
- SDG 5 – Gender Equality
- SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Select the correct answer using the code below.
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation: While SDG 5 is the primary goal, SDG 10 and SDG 16 also contribute to reducing discrimination, strengthening justice and protecting vulnerable groups.
Q14. Consider the following statements:
- QUAD is a formal military alliance.
- Australia is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.
- India is a member of QUAD but not of the Five Eyes alliance.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 2 and 3 only
B. 1 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation: QUAD is an informal strategic grouping, not a military alliance. Australia is part of Five Eyes, whereas India is not.
Q15. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
| Scheme/Initiative | Primary Objective |
| A. Mission Shakti | Women’s safety and empowerment |
| B. AUSINDEX | India–Japan air exercise |
| C. Clause 6 of Assam Accord | Detection of illegal migrants |
| D. ECTA | India–ASEAN Free Trade Agreement |
A. A only
B. A and B only
C. A and C only
D. A, B, C and D
Answer: A
Explanation: Mission Shakti focuses on women’s safety and empowerment. AUSINDEX is an India–Australia naval exercise; Clause 6 concerns constitutional safeguards for Assamese people, not migrant detection; ECTA is between India and Australia.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📘 GS Mains Model Question (APSC CCE)
📝 Question
Q. “The effective implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord is crucial for protecting the identity of the indigenous people while preserving the constitutional values of equality and federalism.” Discuss. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Model Answer
Introduction (30–40 words)
The Assam Accord (1985) ended the six-year Assam Agitation and sought to address concerns over illegal immigration. Clause 6 promises constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards to protect the cultural, social and linguistic identity of the indigenous people of Assam, making it one of the most significant yet pending provisions of the Accord.
Body
A. Significance of Clause 6
1. Protection of Indigenous Identity
- Preserves the cultural, linguistic and traditional heritage of Assam.
- Safeguards indigenous communities against demographic and cultural dilution.
2. Constitutional Commitment
- Reflects the Union’s commitment under the Assam Accord.
- Strengthens the constitutional vision of cooperative federalism.
3. Political Empowerment
- Facilitates adequate political representation of indigenous communities.
- Strengthens participatory governance.
4. Socio-Economic Security
- Supports protection of land rights, employment opportunities and educational interests.
- Promotes inclusive development for indigenous populations.
5. National Integration
- Timely implementation can reduce long-standing grievances and strengthen trust between the Centre and the State.
B. Challenges in Implementation
1. Defining “Assamese People”
- Clause 6 does not define the term, leading to divergent interpretations among stakeholders.
2. Constitutional Constraints
- Measures relating to reservation, land ownership and political safeguards must comply with Articles 14, 15 and 16 and the basic structure doctrine.
3. Centre–State Coordination
- Several recommendations require joint legislative and administrative action by both governments.
4. Diverse Ethnic Interests
- Assam’s multi-ethnic composition necessitates a balanced and inclusive approach to avoid inter-community conflicts.
5. Legal and Administrative Complexities
- Some recommendations may require constitutional amendments, parliamentary approval or judicial scrutiny.
C. Way Forward
- Arrive at a broad-based consensus through consultations with all stakeholders.
- Adopt a phased and time-bound implementation of the Justice Biplab Kumar Sharma Committee recommendations.
- Ensure safeguards are constitutionally compliant, transparent and inclusive.
- Strengthen land protection, cultural institutions, language preservation and indigenous education.
- Establish an independent monitoring mechanism to periodically review implementation.
Conclusion (30–40 words)
The implementation of Clause 6 should balance the aspirations of Assam’s indigenous communities with the constitutional principles of equality, justice and federalism. A transparent, consultative and legally sustainable approach can transform this historic commitment into a foundation for lasting peace, social harmony and inclusive development in Assam.
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