APSC MCQs / APSC Prelims Practice Questions based on Assam Tribune (Daily) – 28/06/2025

1. What is a Blowout Preventer (BOP) commonly used for?

A. Controlling refinery emissions
B. Preventing underwater corrosion in oil rigs
C. Monitoring gas storage pressure
D. Sealing and controlling oil/gas well pressure during drilling ✅

🧠 Explanation:
A Blowout Preventer (BOP) is a crucial safety device used to seal, control, and monitor pressure in oil and gas wells to prevent uncontrolled release, i.e., blowouts.

2. Which of the following districts in Assam are known for major ONGC oil and gas operations?

1. Sivasagar
2. Dibrugarh
3. Tinsukia
4. Barpeta

Select the correct code:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only ✅
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. All of the above

🧠 Explanation:
Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, and Tinsukia are major hydrocarbon hubs. Barpeta is not associated with ONGC’s oil/gas extraction.

3. The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in Guwahati has recently been designated as:

A. North East’s medical college accreditation body
B. Regional nodal center for Ayurveda research
C. Zonal pharma R&D and innovation hub ✅
D. Emergency drug distribution center for NE

🧠 Explanation:
NIPER Guwahati was officially named the zonal innovation hub for pharmaceutical R&D under the revamped National Pharmaceutical Mission (2025).

4. Which of the following statements about the National Pharmaceutical Mission (NPM) is/are correct?

1. It promotes indigenous drug discovery and development.
2. It is implemented by the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
3. It aims to reduce India’s import dependence on bulk drugs.

Select the correct answer:
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3 ✅

🧠 Explanation:
All three are objectives of the National Pharmaceutical Mission, including promotion of innovation, drug security, and local manufacturing capacity.

5. Which of the following Supreme Court judgments held that the “right to a speedy trial” is a fundamental right under Article 21?

A. A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras
B. K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India
C. Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar ✅
D. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India

🧠 Explanation:
In Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar (1979), the Supreme Court ruled that speedy trial is an essential part of Article 21 – the Right to Life and Personal Liberty.

6. The India Justice Report evaluates Indian states based on which of the following pillars?

1. Police
2. Judiciary
3. Prosecution
4. Prisons

Select the correct code:
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4 ✅
D. 2 and 4 only

🧠 Explanation:
The India Justice Report, released by Tata Trusts and partners, ranks states on the performance of four pillars: police, judiciary, prosecution, and prisons.