APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (12/01/2026)
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 12 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.
✨ APSC CCE Prelims Crash Course, 2026
🛰️ LACHIT-1 Satellite Launch: Northeast India’s Entry into Space Technology
Regional Innovation | Disaster Communication | Space Ecosystem
📘 GS Paper III (Mains): Science & Technology | Disaster Management | Infrastructure
📘 GS Paper II (Mains): Governance | Role of Institutions | Capacity Building
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Science & Technology Initiatives in Assam
📘 GS Prelims: ISRO | PSLV | Satellite Communication | Amateur Radio
TG@Assam_Tribune (12-01-2026)
🔹 Introduction
On 12 January 2026, Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU) launched LACHIT-1, the first satellite from Northeast India, aboard ISRO’s PSLV-C62. Named after Lachit Borphukan, the satellite symbolises regional pride and marks a major milestone in decentralising India’s space ecosystem, with strong applications in disaster communication and student-led innovation.
🔑 Key Points from the Newspaper
| Aspect | Details |
| Satellite Name | LACHIT-1 |
| Institution | Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU) |
| Launch Vehicle | PSLV-C62 (ISRO) |
| Programme | Dhruva Space’s Polar Access-1 |
| Type | Amateur radio, store-and-forward satellite |
| Participants | 50+ students & faculty from NE States |
| Application | Disaster communication, emergency response |
| Ground Station | VHF/UHF ground station operated by ADBU |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle)
ISRO’s reliable launch vehicle for small and medium satellites
Amateur Radio Satellites
Used for communication, education, and disaster resilience
Store-and-Forward Technology
Messages stored onboard and transmitted when ground station is accessible
Disaster Communication
Acts as fallback during floods, landslides, and network outages
Private Space Participation
Dhruva Space reflects India’s growing private space ecosystem
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of LACHIT-1
1. Regional Inclusion in Space Sector
Integrates Northeast India into national space capability
2. Student-Led Innovation
Hands-on experience in satellite design, testing, and operations
3. Disaster Management Utility
Critical during floods and landslides common in Assam
4. Capacity Building
Develops local expertise in satellite engineering and operations
5. Atmanirbhar Bharat in Space
Strengthens academia–industry–ISRO collaboration
B. Relevance for Assam & Northeast
| Dimension | Importance |
| Geography | Remote, flood-prone, connectivity-challenged |
| Governance | Reliable communication during emergencies |
| Education | STEM skill development |
| Economy | Boosts innovation and start-up ecosystem |
| Identity | Symbol of regional scientific confidence |
C. Challenges
Limited funding for sustained university-led space missions
Need for long-term institutional support
Integration with disaster management authorities
Scaling from experimental to operational use
D. Way Forward
Institutionalise University Space Programmes
Dedicated funding and research grants
Integrate with SDMA & NDMA
Use satellite communication during disasters
Promote NE Space Innovation Hubs
Link academia, start-ups, and ISRO
Skill & Curriculum Expansion
Satellite technology and space applications in higher education
🧭 Conclusion
The launch of LACHIT-1 marks a transformational moment for Assam and the Northeast, proving that advanced space technology is no longer confined to traditional centres. By linking regional innovation with disaster resilience and national space goals, LACHIT-1 exemplifies how inclusive science policy can strengthen both development and national capability.
Assam Records Lowest Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): Public Health Progress, Governance Reforms & Remaining Gaps
📘 GS Paper II (Mains): Governance | Health | Social Justice
📘 GS Paper III (Mains): Human Development | Inclusive Growth
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Public Health | Women & Child Development
📘 GS Prelims: Maternal Health | MMR | NHM | Assam-specific Current Affairs
(Topic chosen strictly from the headline of The Assam Tribune, 12 January 2026, reporting that Assam has achieved its lowest-ever Maternal Mortality Ratio.)
🔹 Introduction
Assam has recorded its lowest Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in recent years, marking a significant public health achievement for a State that historically struggled with high maternal deaths. As reported in The Assam Tribune, this improvement reflects the impact of targeted health interventions, institutional delivery expansion, and improved maternal care services under both State and national programmes.
🔑 Key Points from the Newspaper
| Aspect | Details |
| Indicator | Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) |
| Trend | Lowest-ever recorded for Assam |
| Measurement | Maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births |
| Major Contributors | Institutional deliveries, ANC coverage |
| Key Institutions | Health Department, NHM |
| Significance | Improvement in women’s health outcomes |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)
Number of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births
SDG 3.1
Reduce global MMR to below 70 by 2030
National Health Mission (NHM)
Umbrella programme for maternal and child health
Institutional Delivery
Delivery in health facilities with skilled personnel
High-Risk Pregnancy
Requires specialised antenatal and delivery care
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Declining MMR in Assam
1. Public Health Milestone
Indicates better access to maternal healthcare
2. Gender & Social Equity
Reflects improved focus on women’s health
3. Governance Effectiveness
Outcome-based success of health schemes
4. Human Development
Contributes to improved HDI and demographic outcomes
B. Key Factors Behind Improvement
| Factor | Explanation |
| Institutional Deliveries | Increased coverage under JSY |
| Skilled Birth Attendance | Trained ANMs and doctors |
| Antenatal Care (ANC) | Early registration and monitoring |
| Emergency Obstetric Care | Better referral and transport |
| Health Infrastructure | Strengthened PHCs and CHCs |
C. Major Government Initiatives
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
Free Ambulance Services (108/102)
High-Risk Pregnancy Tracking
D. Persisting Challenges
Regional disparities in hill and remote areas
Shortage of specialists in rural facilities
Anaemia and malnutrition among women
Delays in referral during obstetric emergencies
E. Way Forward
Strengthen Primary Healthcare
Focus on quality ANC and nutrition
Address Regional Inequalities
Mobile health units in remote areas
Human Resource Augmentation
Specialists, midwives, and nurses
Continuum of Care
From adolescence to postnatal period
Data-Driven Monitoring
District-level MMR tracking and audits
🧭 Conclusion
Assam’s achievement of its lowest MMR demonstrates that focused governance, institutional delivery promotion, and health system strengthening can yield tangible outcomes. However, sustaining and further improving maternal health requires addressing last-mile gaps, regional inequities, and quality of care, ensuring that every pregnancy is safe and dignified.
Unregulated Sand Mining in Assam Rivers: Environmental Degradation, Flood Risks & Governance Gaps
📘 GS Paper III (Mains): Environment | Disaster Management | Infrastructure
📘 GS Paper II (Mains): Governance | Regulation | Rule of Law
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Rivers | Floods | Natural Resource Management
📘 GS Prelims: Sand Mining | River Ecology | Environmental Regulations
(Topic chosen strictly from the newspaper headline/lead highlighting concerns over illegal/unregulated sand mining from Assam’s rivers, The Assam Tribune, 12 January 2026.)
🔹 Introduction
Unregulated and illegal sand mining from Assam’s rivers, particularly the Brahmaputra and its tributaries, has emerged as a serious environmental and governance concern. As reported in The Assam Tribune, indiscriminate extraction has intensified riverbank erosion, habitat destruction, and flood vulnerability, while exposing weaknesses in regulatory enforcement and inter-departmental coordination.
🔑 Key Points from the Newspaper
| Aspect | Details |
| Resource | River sand |
| Affected Rivers | Brahmaputra and tributaries |
| Nature of Issue | Illegal/unregulated mining |
| Impacts | Erosion, ecological damage, flood risk |
| Governance Gap | Weak monitoring and enforcement |
| Stakeholders | Local communities, contractors, administration |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Sand Mining
Extraction of sand from riverbeds and floodplains
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Mandatory for mining projects beyond thresholds
Sustainable Sand Mining Guidelines
Issued by MoEFCC
River Morphology
Sand regulates flow, sediment balance, and channel stability
Illegal Mining
Linked to localised “sand mafias” and revenue loss
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Why Unregulated Sand Mining Is a Serious Issue
1. Environmental Degradation
Riverbed deepening and bank instability
2. Flood Risk Amplification
Altered river flow increases erosion and flood damage
3. Biodiversity Loss
Destruction of aquatic habitats and breeding grounds
4. Livelihood Impact
Affects fishing and agriculture along riverbanks
B. Causes of the Problem
| Cause | Explanation |
| Construction Boom | Rising demand for sand |
| Weak Enforcement | Limited monitoring capacity |
| Illegal Operations | Mining beyond permitted limits |
| Poor Coordination | Multiple agencies with overlapping roles |
| Community Complicity | Livelihood dependence in some areas |
C. Existing Regulatory Framework
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957
MoEFCC Sustainable Sand Mining Guidelines
District Survey Reports (DSR)
EIA Notification, 2006
NGT directives on sand mining
D. Gaps & Challenges
Inadequate river-wise carrying capacity assessment
Limited use of technology for monitoring
Political and local pressures
Weak penal deterrence
E. Way Forward
Scientific Mining Plans
River-specific carrying capacity studies
Technology-Based Monitoring
Drones, satellite imagery, GPS tracking
Institutional Coordination
Revenue, environment, police, and local bodies
Community Involvement
Alternative livelihoods and vigilance committees
Strict Enforcement
Penalties, seizure, and fast-track prosecutions
🧭 Conclusion
Unregulated sand mining in Assam is a classic case of short-term economic gain undermining long-term ecological security. Addressing the issue requires science-based regulation, strong enforcement, and community participation, ensuring that river resources are managed sustainably while safeguarding Assam’s fragile floodplain ecology.
Assam Government Pushes Sports Infrastructure Development: Youth Empowerment, Social Inclusion & Governance Outcomes
📘 GS Paper II (Mains): Governance | Social Sector | Role of State
📘 GS Paper III (Mains): Human Capital | Employment | Infrastructure
📘 GS Paper V (Assam): Sports Policy | Youth Development | Social Change
📘 GS Prelims: Sports Infrastructure | Khelo India | Assam-specific Current Affairs
(Topic chosen strictly from the newspaper headline/lead highlighting the Assam government’s renewed focus on sports infrastructure and talent development, The Assam Tribune, 12 January 2026.)
🔹 Introduction
The Assam government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and grassroots talent development, recognising sports as a critical instrument for youth empowerment, social inclusion, and human capital formation. As reported in The Assam Tribune, the State aims to leverage sports to channel youth energy positively while enhancing Assam’s national sporting footprint.
🔑 Key Points from the Newspaper
| Aspect | Details |
| Policy Focus | Sports infrastructure expansion |
| Target Group | Youth and grassroots athletes |
| Infrastructure | Stadiums, training centres, academies |
| Government Role | Funding, policy support, talent scouting |
| Broader Objective | Social inclusion and employment |
| Linked Initiatives | National sports schemes |
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Sports Infrastructure
Physical facilities such as stadiums, tracks, academies
Khelo India Programme
National initiative for grassroots sports development
Sports Authority of India (SAI)
Apex body for sports promotion
Talent Identification
Early spotting and nurturing of athletes
Sports as Soft Power
Enhances national and regional identity
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance of Sports Infrastructure Development
1. Youth Engagement
Provides positive avenues for energy and aspiration
2. Social Inclusion
Empowers rural, tribal, and economically weaker sections
3. Employment Generation
Coaches, trainers, event management, allied services
4. Health & Well-being
Promotes physical fitness and mental health
5. Regional Representation
Enhances Assam’s presence in national and international sports
B. Key Challenges in Assam’s Sports Ecosystem
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Uneven distribution across districts |
| Talent Migration | Athletes move to other States for facilities |
| Limited Coaching | Shortage of trained professionals |
| Funding Constraints | Maintenance and operational costs |
| Rural Access | Limited exposure at grassroots level |
C. Government Measures
Stadium and sports complex development
Support under Khelo India
Scholarships and incentives for athletes
Hosting national and regional sporting events
D. Way Forward
District-Level Sports Hubs
Ensure equitable access across regions
Professional Coaching Ecosystem
Training and certification of coaches
School–Sports Integration
Early exposure and talent identification
Public–Private Partnerships
CSR and sports management expertise
Sports–Education Balance
Dual-career pathways for athletes
🧭 Conclusion
Investment in sports infrastructure is an investment in Assam’s youth, social cohesion, and human capital. By moving beyond event-centric development to a systemic, grassroots-focused sports ecosystem, Assam can harness sports as a powerful tool for inclusive growth, health, and national integration.bility in Assam.uilding in a rapidly modernising society.
APSC Prelims MCQs
Topic 1: LACHIT-1 Satellite Launch (Assam Don Bosco University)
Q1. LACHIT-1 satellite is significant because it is:
A. India’s first defence satellite
B. Northeast India’s first satellite built by a university
C. Assam’s first weather satellite
D. ISRO’s largest communication satellite
Correct Answer: B
Q2. LACHIT-1 is best described as a:
A. Remote sensing satellite
B. Navigation satellite
C. Amateur radio store-and-forward satellite
D. Military surveillance satellite
Correct Answer: C
Q3. Which of the following is a key application of LACHIT-1?
A. Precision agriculture
B. Missile guidance
C. Disaster communication during floods and emergencies
D. Oceanographic mapping
Correct Answer: C
Topic 2: Assam Achieves Lowest-Ever Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)
Q4. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is defined as the number of maternal deaths per:
A. 1,000 live births
B. 10,000 live births
C. 1,00,000 live births
D. 10,00,000 live births
Correct Answer: C
Q5. Reduction in MMR is a direct indicator of improvement in:
A. Child nutrition only
B. Women’s reproductive health services
C. Old-age healthcare
D. Communicable disease control
Correct Answer: B
Q6. Which of the following schemes directly promotes institutional deliveries in India?
A. Mission Indradhanush
B. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
C. Ayushman Bharat
D. POSHAN Abhiyaan
Correct Answer: B
Topic 3: Unregulated Sand Mining in Assam Rivers
Q7. Illegal sand mining in riverbeds is most harmful because it:
A. Increases soil fertility
B. Stabilises riverbanks
C. Alters river morphology and increases flood risk
D. Improves groundwater recharge
Correct Answer: C
Q8. The primary central legislation governing mining activities in India is the:
A. Environment Protection Act, 1986
B. Forest Conservation Act, 1980
C. Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957
D. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Correct Answer: C
Q9. District Survey Reports (DSRs) are prepared mainly to:
A. Identify wildlife corridors
B. Assess river pollution
C. Determine sustainable sand mining potential
D. Fix irrigation water pricing
Correct Answer: C
Topic 4: Sports Infrastructure Development in Assam
Q10. Investment in sports infrastructure primarily contributes to:
A. Industrial growth only
B. Youth empowerment and social inclusion
C. Agricultural productivity
D. Defence preparedness
Correct Answer: B
Q11. Which national programme focuses on grassroots sports development in India?
A. Fit India Mission
B. Khelo India Programme
C. TOPS Scheme
D. National Skill Development Mission
Correct Answer: B
Q12. Development of sports infrastructure is most closely linked with which aspect of human development?
A. Cultural homogenisation
B. Health, discipline, and employment generation
C. Urban housing
D. Fiscal consolidation
Correct Answer:B
APSC Mains Practice Question
GS Mains Question
“The launch of LACHIT-1 satellite marks a significant step towards decentralisation of India’s space ecosystem.”
Discuss its relevance for disaster management and regional capacity building, particularly in Northeast India.
Model Answer
Introduction
The successful launch of LACHIT-1, the first satellite developed by a university from Northeast India, represents a milestone in inclusive space development. Built by Assam Don Bosco University and launched aboard ISRO’s PSLV, the satellite highlights how academic institutions can contribute to technology, governance, and disaster resilience.
Relevance for Disaster Management
- Reliable Communication:
LACHIT-1’s store-and-forward capability can provide emergency communication during floods and landslides when terrestrial networks fail. - Regional Suitability:
Assam’s flood-prone geography makes satellite-based backup communication crucial for early response and coordination. - Cost-Effective Solution:
Small satellites offer affordable disaster-support infrastructure for States.
Role in Regional Capacity Building
- Decentralisation of Space Ecosystem:
Breaks concentration of space technology in a few metropolitan centres. - Student-Led Innovation:
Provides hands-on exposure in satellite design, operations, and data handling. - STEM Ecosystem Development:
Encourages local talent, start-ups, and research in advanced technologies. - Atmanirbhar Bharat:
Strengthens academia–industry–ISRO collaboration at the regional level.
Challenges
- Limited funding continuity for university missions
- Integration with formal disaster management authorities
- Scaling from experimental to operational use
Way Forward
- Institutional funding support for university satellites
- Integration with State Disaster Management Authorities
- Creation of Northeast space innovation hubs
Conclusion
LACHIT-1 demonstrates that regional institutions can meaningfully contribute to national technological goals. By linking space innovation with disaster resilience and capacity building, it sets a replicable model for inclusive, decentralised, and development-oriented space governance in India.
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