APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (26/06/2026)
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 June 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
Global Crude Oil Price Decline and India’s Energy Security
- GS Paper III: Indian Economy | Energy Security | Infrastructure | International Trade
- GS Paper II: International Relations (West Asia and India’s Strategic Interests)
- GS Paper V (Assam): Economy & Industrial Development (Indirect Relevance)
🔴 Context
- Recent Development: Global crude prices fell to pre-conflict levels (Brent crude at USD 72–73/barrel) due to de-escalation in West Asia.
- Impact: Reduces inflationary pressure and improves India’s fiscal outlook, though domestic fuel prices remain unchanged.
🔴 Introduction
- India is the world’s third-largest consumer and importer of crude oil, importing 85–88% of its requirements.
- Fluctuations in global crude prices directly impact India’s inflation, trade/fiscal deficits, exchange rate, and overall energy security.
- The recent price drop offers short-term macroeconomic stability and a window to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy.
🔴 Key Points
- Main Cause of Price Drop: Decline in geopolitical risk premium in West Asia.
- Major Suppliers: Russia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, USA.
- Strategic Concern: High import dependence leaves India vulnerable to global supply shocks.
- Long-term Objective: Achieving energy security through diversification and renewable energy.
🔴 Why Global Crude Oil Prices Matter to India
- Inflation: High oil prices increase transport and logistics costs, raising food and commodity prices. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) monitors this closely.
- Current Account Deficit (CAD): Expensive crude increases the import bill, widening the CAD and pressuring the Indian Rupee (INR). Lower prices improve the Balance of Payments (BoP).
- Fiscal Deficit: Cheaper crude reduces government subsidy burdens for LPG, fertilisers, and kerosene, improving fiscal management.
- Industrial Growth: Lower fuel costs reduce production expenses in key sectors (aviation, fertilisers, chemicals, petrochemicals, cement, transport), boosting competitiveness.
- Consumer Spending: Reduced fuel costs leave households with higher disposable income, driving economic growth.
🔴 Energy Security
- Definition: The International Energy Agency (IEA) defines it as the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price.
- Dimensions:
- Short-term: Managing sudden disruptions (wars, sanctions, natural disasters).
- Long-term: Investing in diversified sources and infrastructure for future demand.
🔴 India’s Energy Security Strategy
- Diversification of Import Sources: Importing from multiple nations (Russia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, USA, Nigeria, Brazil) to avoid single-supplier reliance.
- Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR): Emergency crude reserves managed by Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL).
- Existing Locations: Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru, Padur.
- Upcoming Expansion: Chandikhol, Padur Phase-II.
- Renewable Energy Expansion: Scaling solar, wind, biofuels, green hydrogen, and electric vehicles (EVs).
- Targets: 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030; Net Zero by 2070.
- Ethanol Blending Programme: Target of 20% blending (E20) to cut crude imports, support farmers, and reduce emissions.
- National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023): Aims to produce green hydrogen domestically, reduce fossil fuel dependence, decarbonise industry, and promote exports.
- International Energy Partnerships: Engagement via the International Solar Alliance (ISA), IEA, I2U2, India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and bilateral Gulf partnerships.
🔴 Major Oil Import Partners
- Russia: Largest supplier recently due to discounted crude.
- Iraq & Saudi Arabia: Traditional major suppliers and long-term strategic partners.
- UAE & USA: Key energy/investment partners and suppliers of light crude.
- Nigeria: Critical source for import diversification.
🔴 Prelims Pointers
- Key Facts: India imports 85–88% of crude (3rd largest globally). Brent Crude (North Sea) is the global benchmark; West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is the USA benchmark. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint handling ~20% of traded crude.
- Organisations: Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), OPEC+ (includes Russia). The Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell (PPAC) under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) publishes the Indian Basket of Crude.
- Initiatives: National Green Hydrogen Mission, National Biofuel Policy, Ethanol Blending, Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT), PM e-Drive, SPR Expansion.
🔴 Mains Pointers
- Importance of Energy Security:
- Economic: Controls inflation, limits CAD, and supports industrial growth.
- Strategic: Shields against geopolitical shocks.
- Environmental: Accelerates clean energy transition.
- Key Challenges:
- Heavy Import Dependence and vulnerability to geopolitical conflicts (West Asia, Russia–Ukraine).
- Exchange Rate Volatility: A weaker rupee can offset global price drops.
- Domestic Issues: Stagnant domestic production and high demand in transport/industries slowing the clean energy transition.
- Government Initiatives:
- Supply: SPRs, diversified sourcing, long-term contracts.
- Transition: Green Hydrogen, PM-KUSUM, Solar Mission, EVs.
- Infrastructure: Refining capacity expansion, pipelines, LNG terminals, City Gas Distribution (CGD).
- Way Forward:
- Strengthen SPR capacity for longer import coverage.
- Diversify energy mix (solar, wind, nuclear, hydro, bioenergy).
- Enhance domestic exploration via the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP).
- Promote energy efficiency and expand EV infrastructure.
- Deepen regional cooperation (Gulf, Central Asia, Africa).
🔴 Assam Angle (GS-V)
- Assam is India’s oldest oil-producing state (key fields: Digboi, Naharkatiya, Moran, Lakwa).
- Major Companies: Oil India Limited (OIL), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Assam Asset, Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL).
- Global crude prices directly influence the state’s petroleum investments, refinery operations, and regional industrial growth.
🔴 Conclusion
Falling global crude prices provide immediate relief for India’s inflation and fiscal deficit. However, long-term energy security requires moving beyond price fluctuations by strengthening SPRs, boosting domestic exploration, and rapidly transitioning to renewables to ensure economic resilience and meet net-zero commitments.
Japan–Assam Historical Connection during World War II: The Forgotten Refugee Trail
- GS Paper I: Modern Indian History | World History (World War II)
- GS Paper V: History & Heritage of Assam
- GS Paper II: India–Japan Relations (Contemporary Linkage)
🔴 Context
- Recent Development: The Assam Tribune highlighted the forgotten refugee crisis where the Japanese invasion of Burma (Myanmar) forced a massive civilian exodus into Assam, leaving a deep socio-historical imprint on the region.
- Impact: Transformed Assam into an indispensable humanitarian, logistical, and military hub during the Second World War (WWII).
🔴 Introduction
- The Japanese invasion of Burma (1942) forced nearly five lakh civilians (Indians, Anglo-Indians, Burmese) to flee through perilous terrain into British India.
- Due to geographical proximity, Assam became the primary gateway, safe haven, and transit hub for these refugees.
- While often overshadowed by the later Battles of Kohima and Imphal, this migration remains a critical chapter in Assam’s modern history.
🔴 Key Points
- Main Cause: Fall of Rangoon (Yangon) and retreat of the British administration.
- Refugee Profile: Burmese civilians, Indian diaspora, Anglo-Indians, traders, and government laborers.
- Hardships: Refugees trekked hundreds of kilometers through dense jungles, facing starvation, disease, and wildlife; survivors were housed in temporary camps like the major centre in Guwahati.
🔴 Background & Strategic Importance of Assam
- Why Japan Invaded Burma: To expand its Southeast Asian empire, seize British colonies, capture vital oil fields, and cut off the Burma Road (the Allied supply route providing military aid to China).
- Why Assam Became Vital:
- Served as the nearest safe British territory and logistics base for Allied troop movements.
- Ledo Road (Stilwell Road): Built from Ledo (Assam) through Myanmar to reconnect supply lines to China after the Burma Road was blocked; hailed as a monumental engineering feat.
- “The Hump” Airlift: High-risk air supply operations flying over the eastern Himalayas to China, originating largely from Assam airbases.
🔴 Historical & Contemporary Significance
- For Assam: Showcases the region’s historic humanitarian role and alters its wartime narrative beyond direct combat zones. Refugee settlement permanently enriched Assam’s multicultural fabric and oral histories.
- For India–Japan Relations: Illustrates a profound historical arc. Former wartime adversaries are now major partners collaborating through QUAD, the Act East Policy, semiconductor manufacturing, the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train, and North-East connectivity infrastructure.
🔴 Prelims Pointers
- Key Facts: Japan’s Burma campaign began in 1942. The Battles of Kohima (now Nagaland) and Imphal (Manipur) occurred in 1944 as turning points.
- Personalities: General Joseph Stilwell, General William Slim, Field Marshal Claude Auchinleck, Subhas Chandra Bose (Indian National Army (INA) context).
- Key Geography: Ledo, Stilwell Road, “The Hump” air route, Guwahati, Dibrugarh.
🔴 Mains Pointers
- Key Challenges:
- Historical Neglect: Heavy focus on military battles over humanitarian and civilian experiences.
- Heritage Degradation: Lack of active preservation for historical refugee camps and wartime sites.
- Government Initiatives:
- Central: Act East Policy, preservation of WWII heritage sites, and bilateral strategic partnerships.
- State (Assam): Cultural documentation of oral histories and promotion of heritage tourism.
- Way Forward:
- Digitize archival records and oral histories of refugee descendants.
- Develop a WWII Heritage Tourism Circuit linking Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Ledo, and the Stilwell Road.
- Encourage academic research on Assam’s logistical contributions within regional universities.
🔴 Conclusion
The 1942 civilian exodus transformed Assam into a critical humanitarian and logistical pillar of the Allied war effort. Preserving this overlooked chapter elevates Assam’s historical consciousness and adds symbolic depth to the modern India–Japan partnership, demonstrating how nations can transition from wartime adversaries into deeply trusted strategic allies.
Ambubachi Mela and Kamakhya Temple: Celebrating the Divine Feminine and Shakti Tradition
- GS Paper I: Indian Art & Culture | Religion and Heritage
- GS Paper V: History, Heritage, Culture & Tradition of Assam
- GS Paper II: Tourism, Governance & Public Administration (Indirect)
🔴 Context
- Recent Development: The Assam Tribune reports on the unique role of Kamakhya Temple priests during the Ambubachi Mela. With temple rituals suspended for the Goddess’s period of seclusion, priests act as hosts, providing shelter and guidance to thousands of pilgrims before the temple reopens.
🔴 Introduction
- The Ambubachi Mela is an annual religious and cultural festival at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam.
- It marks the annual menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya, symbolizing fertility, womanhood, creation, and nature’s regenerative power.
- Unique Feature: The temple remains closed for three days, attracting lakhs of devotees, Tantric practitioners, Aghoris, and tourists, making it a major spiritual gathering in Northeast India.
🔴 Key Points
- Festival & Location: Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya Temple, Nilachal Hill, Guwahati.
- Presiding Deity: Goddess Kamakhya (Shakti).
- Nature & Duration: Celebrates the Goddess’s menstruation; entails a three-day temple closure followed by a reopening.
- Significance & Participants: Focuses on feminine energy and Tantric worship; attended by pilgrims, saints, and ascetics.
- Unique Practice: Upon reopening, devotees receive Angodak and Angabastra.
🔴 About Kamakhya Temple
- One of the 51 Shakti Peethas and a supreme center of Shaktism and Tantric worship, located on Nilachal Hill, Assam.
- Unique Feature: The sanctum has no idol. Worship is directed to a natural rock fissure fed by an underground spring, symbolizing the Yoni (creative power) of the Goddess.
🔴 Mythological Background
- Rooted in the Kalika Purana and Shakti traditions.
- After Goddess Sati immolated herself, Lord Shiva carried her body. Lord Vishnu dismembered it using the Sudarshan Chakra.
- Sati’s Yoni (womb) fell at Kamakhya, establishing it as a holiest Shakti Peetha and symbol of feminine creative energy.
🔴 Why is Ambubachi Celebrated?
- Observed in the Assamese month of Ahaar (June) when the Goddess undergoes her menstrual cycle.
- Three-Day Closure: No worship or darshan is allowed. Agricultural activities are traditionally paused, signifying nature’s renewal.
- Fourth Day: Ritual purification occurs, the temple reopens, and devotees receive sacred offerings.
🔴 Rituals and Traditions
- During the Three Days: The temple is closed, public worship is halted, and priests suspend rituals to host and guide devotees. Tantric practitioners focus on spiritual disciplines.
- On Reopening: Devotees receive highly auspicious offerings:
- Angodak: Sacred water associated with the Goddess.
- Angabastra: A small piece of blessed red cloth.
🔴 Importance of Ambubachi Mela
- Religious: Promotes Shakti worship, celebrates feminine divinity, and serves as a major center for Tantra.
- Cultural: Preserves indigenous rituals, ancient traditions, and Assam’s cultural identity.
- Tourism & Economic: Attracts massive crowds, boosting religious tourism, seasonal employment, local transport, hospitality, and artisan businesses.
🔴 Kamakhya and Tantra
- An internationally recognized center for Tantric Buddhism and Hindu Tantra.
- Draws practitioners like Tantric Sadhus, Aghoris, Kapalikas, and Shakta devotees from diverse modern and traditional backgrounds.
🔴 Prelims Pointers
- Key Facts: Kamakhya represents Shakti. There is no idol; worship focuses on a natural rock fissure/spring. Festival occurs in June (Ahaar). Temple closes for three days. Angodak and Angabastra are the key offerings. It is a fertility festival, not related to harvest or mourning.
- Important Places: Nilachal Hill, Guwahati, Kamakhya Temple.
- Important Texts: Kalika Purana, Yogini Tantra, Devi Bhagavata Purana.
🔴 Mains Pointers
- Importance:
- Cultural & Religious: Conserves Shakta practices, pluralistic traditions, and spiritual tourism.
- Women’s Perspective: Symbolically recognizes menstruation as sacred, challenging social stigmas and celebrating womanhood.
- Economic: Drives seasonal livelihoods and the cultural economy.
- Challenges:
- Overcrowding: Strain on civic infrastructure, traffic, and waste management.
- Environmental: Plastic waste, sanitation issues, and ecological pressure on Nilachal Hill.
- Commercialization: Inflated accommodation costs and potential exploitation of pilgrims.
- Heritage Conservation: Heavy footfall risks damaging the ancient monument.
- Government Initiatives:
- State (Assam): Crowd/traffic management, medical camps, sanitation drives.
- Ministry of Tourism: Pilgrimage infrastructure support.
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): Monument conservation support.
- Way Forward:
- Implement eco-friendly, plastic-free pilgrim management.
- Use digital tools like online registration and Geographic Information System (GIS) for traffic.
- Ensure scientific restoration and capacity management for heritage preservation.
- Promote community participation and responsible tourism (homestays, regulated pricing).
🔴 Relevant Reports / Policies
- Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme.
- Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003).
- Assam Tourism Policy.
🔴 Conclusion
The Ambubachi Mela is a profound expression of Assam’s cultural identity and Shakta philosophy. By revering womanhood and dismantling menstrual stigmas, it links ancient traditions with modern gender and heritage dialogues. Effective crowd management, sustainable tourism, and strict heritage conservation are essential to preserving this invaluable civilizational asset.
Global Call to Action Against Drugs: Building a Drug-Free Society Through Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation
- GS Paper II: Health | Social Justice | Government Policies & Interventions
- GS Paper III: Internal Security | Social Issues | Human Resource Development
- GS Paper V: Health, Social Issues & Governance of Assam
🔴 News Context
- The observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (26 June) highlights the necessity of a comprehensive approach—combining prevention, early intervention, treatment, and community participation—rather than relying solely on punitive measures.
🔴 Introduction
- Drug abuse is a severe global public health and security threat that weakens individuals, families, and national productivity.
- The United Nations (UN) observes 26 June to promote collective action for a drug-free society.
- For India and Assam, combating narcotics is a critical governance priority due to rising youth addiction and vulnerabilities in border regions.
🔴 Key Points
- Event: International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (26 June).
- Declared by: United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1987 (first observed in 1989).
- Theme (2026): “The evidence is clear: Invest in prevention. Break the cycle.” by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
- Focus Areas: Prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, awareness, and community participation.
🔴 What is Drug Abuse?
- The harmful use of psychoactive substances, including narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, alcohol, synthetic drugs, and misused prescription drugs.
- Consequences: Physical and psychological addiction, social isolation, criminal behavior, and increased disease burden.
🔴 Causes of Drug Abuse
- Individual: Curiosity, peer pressure, mental health disorders (stress, depression), low self-esteem.
- Family: Poor parental supervision, domestic violence, broken families.
- Social: Unemployment, poverty, urbanization, social exclusion, easy availability.
- Organised Crime: Trafficking networks, cross-border smuggling, dark web markets.
🔴 Impact of Drug Abuse
- Health: Addiction, organ disease, mental illness, HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis (via shared needles), overdose deaths.
- Social: Family breakdown, school dropouts, child neglect, increased crime.
- Economic: Reduced workforce productivity, higher healthcare expenditure, loss of human capital.
- National Security: Funds organized crime and terror networks, weakens border security, promotes illegal arms trade.
🔴 Drug Situation in India
- India is highly vulnerable due to its geographical proximity to two major illicit drug-producing regions:
- Golden Crescent: Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan.
- Golden Triangle: Myanmar, Laos, Thailand.
- The Northeast (including Assam) is particularly susceptible due to its location near the Golden Triangle.
🔴 Assam Perspective
- Assam is a key transit corridor owing to its international borders, national highway links, and proximity to Myanmar.
- Challenges: Synthetic drugs, heroin smuggling, youth addiction, cross-border organized crime.
- Government Action: Intensified anti-narcotics operations, enhanced border surveillance, public awareness campaigns, rehabilitation initiatives, and regular destruction of seized drugs.
🔴 Prelims Pointers
- Important Date: 26 June, declared by UNGA, coordinated by UNODC.
- Key Organisations: UNODC, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJE), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre.
- Key Acts: Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 (prohibits production/trafficking, provides stringent penalties, allows property forfeiture) and the NDPS (Amendment) Act, 2021 (clarified sentencing/enforcement).
- Key Schemes: Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), MANAS Helpline, National Tele Mental Health Programme.
🔴 Mains Pointers
- Importance of a Comprehensive Strategy:
- Public Health: Reduces addiction burden and prevents communicable diseases.
- Socio-Economic: Protects families, reduces crime, preserves the workforce, and lowers healthcare costs.
- National Security: Curtails terror financing and strengthens border management.
- Key Challenges:
- Demand-Side: Youth addiction, social stigma, lack of counseling.
- Supply-Side: Cross-border trafficking, dark web trade, synthetic drugs.
- Institutional: Shortage of rehab centers, lack of trained counselors, poor inter-agency coordination.
- Government Initiatives:
- Central: NMBA (community awareness), NAPDDR (treatment/capacity building), NCB intelligence-led crackdowns.
- State (Assam): Anti-drug drives, drug disposal, school programs, de-addiction support.
- Way Forward:
- Prevention First: Life-skills education in schools and parent counseling.
- Strengthen Rehabilitation: Increase de-addiction centers and vocational training.
- Better Enforcement: Tech-driven surveillance, financial investigations of networks, and international cooperation.
- Reduce Stigma: Treat addiction as a public health issue to encourage timely treatment.
🔴 Relevant Reports & Policies
- World Drug Report (UNODC).
- Crime in India (National Crime Records Bureau – NCRB).
- NAPDDR and NMBA.
- Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being.
🔴 Assam Angle (GS-V)
- Assam is vulnerable to transnational trafficking networks because it shares international borders with Bhutan and Bangladesh and acts as a gateway to the Northeast.
- The state’s proximity to the Golden Triangle necessitates intensified anti-drug operations to protect youth welfare, public health, and internal security.
🔴 Conclusion
Drug abuse is a multidimensional crisis requiring a balanced strategy of strict law enforcement and evidence-based rehabilitation. By investing in awareness and reducing social stigma, India and states like Assam can successfully protect their human capital and move toward a secure, drug-free society.
APSC Prelims MCQs
Q1. With reference to India’s energy security, consider the following statements:
- Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) in India are maintained primarily to meet domestic shortages arising from sudden supply disruptions.
- The Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) functions under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
- India currently imports less than half of its crude oil requirement.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct.
- Statement 2 is correct.
- Statement 3 is incorrect. India imports around 85–88% of its crude oil requirement.
Q2. Which of the following would most likely improve India’s Current Account Balance?
- Sustained decline in global crude oil prices.
- Increase in crude oil imports without a corresponding rise in exports.
- Diversification of energy sources towards renewables.
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: B
Explanation:
Lower oil prices reduce import expenditure, while renewable energy reduces import dependence. Increased imports worsen the Current Account Balance.
Q3. With reference to the Burma Campaign during World War II, consider the following statements:
- The Japanese invasion of Burma triggered a large refugee movement into Assam.
- The Stilwell (Ledo) Road originated from Assam.
- The Battle of Kohima was fought before the Japanese invasion of Burma.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
The invasion occurred in 1942, whereas the Battle of Kohima took place in 1944.
Q4. Consider the following pairs:
| Historical Feature | Associated with |
| 1. The Hump | Air supply route over the Himalayas |
| 2. Stilwell Road | Ledo (Assam) to China via Myanmar |
| 3. Burma Road | Connected India directly with Tibet |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
A. One only
B. Two only
C. Three
D. None
Answer: B
Explanation:
Pairs 1 and 2 are correct. Burma Road connected Myanmar to China, not India to Tibet.
Q5. With reference to Kamakhya Temple, consider the following statements:
- It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
- The sanctum houses a naturally occurring rock fissure worshipped as the Goddess.
- The temple is dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
Kamakhya is a major Shakti shrine, not a Shaiva temple.
Q6. Ambubachi Mela is celebrated primarily because it symbolises:
A. Harvesting season in Assam
B. Annual menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya
C. Birth anniversary of Srimanta Sankardeva
D. Foundation of the Kamakhya Temple
Answer: B
Explanation:
Ambubachi celebrates the annual menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya and the fertility of nature.
Q7. With reference to Ambubachi Mela, consider the following statements:
- The temple remains closed for three days.
- Devotees receive Angodak and Angabastra after reopening.
- Idol worship is the principal feature inside the sanctum.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
The sanctum contains a natural rock fissure, not an idol.
Q8. Which one of the following organisations coordinates the global observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking?
A. UNESCO
B. UNDP
C. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
D. World Health Organization
Answer: C
Explanation:
UNODC is the principal UN agency dealing with drugs, crime and related international cooperation.
Q9. With reference to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, consider the following statements:
- It regulates narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
- It provides legal provisions against illicit trafficking.
- It is administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
The Act is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (through enforcement agencies such as the NCB), not the Ministry of Social Justice.
Q10. Which of the following countries constitute the Golden Triangle?
A. Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan
B. Myanmar, Laos and Thailand
C. India, Nepal and Bhutan
D. Myanmar, Bangladesh and India
Answer: B
Explanation:
The Golden Triangle is one of the world’s major illicit opium-producing regions.
Q11. Consider the following statements regarding Brent Crude:
- It serves as one of the global benchmark crude oils.
- It is extracted primarily from the North Sea.
- India is a member of the organisation that determines Brent crude prices.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
Brent is a market benchmark; India is not part of any body that determines its price.
Q12. Which of the following correctly explains the concept of Energy Security?
A. Complete elimination of fossil fuels
B. Continuous availability of affordable and reliable energy supplies
C. Exclusive dependence on domestic energy production
D. Replacement of petroleum with nuclear energy
Answer: B
Explanation:
Energy security refers to ensuring uninterrupted, affordable and sustainable energy access.
Q13. Consider the following:
- Increased use of renewable energy
- Ethanol blending in petrol
- Expansion of Strategic Petroleum Reserves
Which of the above contribute to strengthening India’s energy security?
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation:
All three measures reduce vulnerability to energy supply disruptions.
Q14. With reference to the historical significance of Assam during World War II, consider the following statements:
- Assam became an important logistics base for Allied forces.
- Guwahati hosted refugee camps for people fleeing Burma.
- The refugee influx occurred after India’s Independence.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
The refugee movement occurred during World War II (1942), before Independence.
Q15. Which one of the following pairs is incorrectly matched?
| Event/Concept | Associated Feature |
| A. Ambubachi Mela | Kamakhya Temple |
| B. International Day Against Drug Abuse | 26 June |
| C. Stilwell Road | Began from Ledo in Assam |
| D. OPEC | United Nations specialised agency |
Answer: D
Explanation:
OPEC is an intergovernmental organization of oil-exporting countries. It is not a United Nations specialised agency.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📘 GS Mains Model Question (APSC CCE)
📝 Question
Q. India’s growing energy demand makes energy security a critical pillar of its economic and strategic interests. In the context of recent volatility in global crude oil prices, discuss the challenges to India’s energy security and suggest measures to build a resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Model Answer
Introduction
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), India is projected to account for nearly 25% of global energy demand growth by 2040. As India imports around 85% of its crude oil, fluctuations in global oil prices directly impact inflation, fiscal stability, and economic growth, making energy security a strategic priority.
Body
1. Importance of Energy Security
- Ensures uninterrupted supply of affordable energy for economic growth.
- Reduces vulnerability to geopolitical conflicts (e.g., West Asia, Russia–Ukraine).
- Controls inflation by stabilizing fuel and transport costs.
- Supports industrial production, agriculture, and logistics.
- Strengthens national and strategic security.
2. Challenges to India’s Energy Security
A. High Import Dependence
- Heavy reliance on imported crude increases exposure to global price shocks.
B. Geopolitical Risks
- Conflicts in West Asia and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz threaten supply chains.
C. Exchange Rate Volatility
- Depreciation of the Indian Rupee raises the effective cost of crude imports.
D. Limited Domestic Production
- Stagnant domestic exploration has widened the demand-supply gap.
E. Transition Challenges
- High dependence on fossil fuels despite rapid renewable energy expansion.
3. Government Initiatives
- Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) at Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru and Padur.
- National Green Hydrogen Mission.
- Ethanol Blending Programme (E20).
- National Biofuel Policy.
- Expansion of solar, wind and electric mobility.
- Diversification of crude imports through partnerships with Russia, the UAE, the USA and other suppliers.
4. Way Forward
- Expand Strategic Petroleum Reserve capacity.
- Accelerate renewable energy and green hydrogen deployment.
- Promote domestic exploration under HELP.
- Improve energy efficiency across transport and industry.
- Diversify import sources and strengthen international energy partnerships.
- Develop advanced battery storage and smart grid infrastructure.
Conclusion
Energy security is no longer confined to securing oil supplies; it encompasses diversification, resilience, affordability and sustainability. By balancing conventional energy security with a clean energy transition, India can strengthen its economic resilience, fulfil its climate commitments, and move towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
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