Today’s APSC Current Affairs questions cover important topics from Indian Polity, Census and Governance, Northeast India’s international border management, Assamese literature and cinema, and Assam’s natural-gas infrastructure.
The five key topics are the Zonal Councils and North Eastern Council, Census 2027, India–Myanmar Free Movement Regime (FMR), Gonga Chilonir Pakhi, and ONGC’s Khoraghat GGS-1 gas evacuation facilities in Golaghat district.
Question 1: Zonal Councils and North Eastern Council – Statutory Basis, Chairman and Northeast India
Consider the following statements regarding the Zonal Councils:
- The Zonal Councils are statutory bodies established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
- The Union Home Minister is the Chairman of all five Zonal Councils.
- The North Eastern Council was established in 1972 under the North Eastern Council Act, 1972 as a separate council for the North-Eastern region.
Which of the statements given above is incorrect?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. 3 only
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: D — None of the Above
Explanation
All three statements are correct.
The Zonal Councils are statutory bodies, rather than constitutional bodies. Five Zonal Councils were created under Part III of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. The Ministry of Home Affairs confirms that the five councils are the Northern, Central, Eastern, Western and Southern Zonal Councils.
The Union Home Minister serves as Chairman of the five Zonal Councils, while the Chief Ministers of the States concerned participate in their respective councils.
What is the Purpose of Zonal Councils?
The councils provide a forum for cooperation and consultation between the Centre and States as well as among States.
They help discuss issues relating to:
- Inter-State cooperation
- Centre-State relations
- Regional economic development
- Border and inter-State issues
- Infrastructure and connectivity
- Social and economic planning
They are essentially advisory bodies intended to foster cooperative federalism.
What About the North-Eastern States?
The North-Eastern states are dealt with separately through the North Eastern Council (NEC), created under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971, which came into existence in 1972.
The MHA specifically notes that the North-Eastern States are not grouped under the five Zonal Councils for this purpose and that their special issues are looked after by the NEC.
Key Facts for APSC & UPSC
- Zonal Councils: Statutory bodies
- Law: States Reorganisation Act, 1956
- Number of Zonal Councils: Five
- Chairman: Union Home Minister
- Nature: Advisory
- Northeast: Separate institutional mechanism through the NEC
- NEC: North Eastern Council
- Headquarters of NEC: Shillong
Question 2: Census 2027 – India’s First Digital Census and Caste Enumeration
Consider the following statements regarding India’s Census 2027:
- The Census will be conducted in two phases, comprising House-listing and Housing Census followed by Population Enumeration.
- The 2027 Census will be India’s first digital Census, with features such as self-enumeration, mobile-based data collection and real-time monitoring.
- It will be the first nationwide caste-based enumeration since 1931.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three statements are correct.
Census 2027 represents a major transformation in the manner in which India’s population Census will be conducted.
Two-Phase Census: The exercise will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will comprise the Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO), which collects information relating to housing conditions, household amenities and assets. The second phase will comprise Population Enumeration (PE), which collects demographic, socio-economic, cultural and other information relating to individuals.
India’s First Digital Census: Census 2027 will be India’s first digital Census. Important technological features include mobile applications for enumeration, digital collection of data, online self-enumeration, digital monitoring systems and faster processing of Census information.
The introduction of self-enumeration will provide citizens with an additional method of furnishing Census information, while field enumeration will continue to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Caste Enumeration: Caste will also be enumerated as part of the Population Enumeration phase. The exercise is significant because 1931 remains the historical reference point for the last comprehensive nationwide caste enumeration.
Important Census 2027 Facts: The reference date for most of India will be 1 March 2027, with a different earlier reference date for specified snow-bound areas. The Census will follow the Houselisting and Housing Census → Population Enumeration sequence. It will be India’s first digital Census, will provide a self-enumeration facility, and will include caste enumeration.
Why is the Census Important? Census data provides a fundamental statistical base for public-policy formulation, welfare planning, resource allocation, demographic analysis, urban and rural planning, socio-economic development and administrative decision-making.
Key Facts for APSC & UPSC: The Census is conducted under the Census Act, 1948, read with the Census Rules, 1990.
APSC Prelims Alert: Remember the combination — Census 2027 = Two Phases + First Digital Census + Caste Enumeration.
Question 3: India–Myanmar Free Movement Regime (FMR) – 16-km Framework and the 2018 Agreement
Consider the following statements regarding the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar:
- The FMR permitted members of eligible border communities to cross up to 16 km on either side of the India–Myanmar border.
- Under the earlier framework, a border pass could remain valid for one year, with a stay of up to two weeks per visit.
- The FMR was introduced for the first time only in 2020 to strengthen historical, cultural and social ties between trans-border communities.
Which of the statements given above is incorrect?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. 3 only
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: C — Statement 3
Explanation: Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statements 1 and 2 describe the earlier FMR framework along the India–Myanmar border. The regime permitted eligible residents of border communities to move within 16 km on either side of the international boundary.
Important Clarification on 2018: Free movement between communities living along the India–Myanmar frontier did not begin for the first time in 2018. Traditional cross-border movement among ethnically and socially connected communities existed much earlier.
In 2018, India and Myanmar concluded an Agreement on Land Border Crossing, which provided a formal bilateral framework for regulating and harmonising existing cross-border movement.
Therefore, aspirants should understand the distinction: traditional cross-border movement existed earlier, while 2018 marked an important formal bilateral framework governing such movement.
Subsequent Development: In February 2024, the Union Government announced its decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime and recommended its immediate suspension, citing concerns relating to national security and the demographic situation in border states.
The chronological sequence is therefore important: Traditional cross-border movement → 2018 Land Border Crossing Agreement → 2024 decision to scrap/suspend FMR.
India–Myanmar Border: Four Indian states share an international border with Myanmar — Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.
Significance of the FMR: The arrangement reflected the unique socio-cultural geography of the India–Myanmar frontier, where related ethnic and tribal communities live on both sides of the border. It facilitated family interaction, traditional social ties, local movement and people-to-people contact.
At the same time, concerns emerged regarding illegal migration, insurgent movement, narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling and border security.
Key Facts for APSC: The earlier FMR framework was associated with a 16-km movement limit. The 2018 Land Border Crossing Agreement formalised regulation of cross-border movement. In 2024, the Government announced the decision to scrap/suspend the FMR. The principal border-guarding force along the India–Myanmar frontier is the Assam Rifles.
APSC Northeast Focus: FMR is particularly important for topics relating to Northeast India’s border management, ethnic linkages, internal security and India–Myanmar relations.
Question 4: Gonga Chilonir Pakhi – Lakshminandan Bora, Padum Barua and Assamese Cinema
Consider the following statements regarding Gonga Chilonir Pakhi:
- Gonga Chilonir Pakhi was released in 1976 and was based on Lakshminandan Bora’s novel of the same name.
- The film centres on Basanti, a young widow who confronts loneliness and rigid social expectations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Both statements are correct.
Gonga Chilonir Pakhi is an important work in the history of Assamese cinema. The film was released in 1976, directed by Padum Barua, and adapted from the novel of the same name written by Lakshminandan Bora. The narrative centres on the character Basanti.
The film is particularly remembered for its realistic portrayal of Assamese society and its treatment of complex social issues.
Story and Themes: Basanti is a young woman whose life changes dramatically after the death of her husband. The narrative explores widowhood, loneliness, gender inequality, social restrictions, individual aspirations, patriarchal expectations and rural Assamese society.
Her aspirations for a different life come into conflict with the rigid social conventions surrounding her.
About Lakshminandan Bora: Lakshminandan Bora was one of Assam’s prominent literary figures and contributed significantly to Assamese literature through novels, short stories and other literary works. Gonga Chilonir Pakhiremains one of his widely recognised works.
About Padum Barua: Padum Barua’s Gonga Chilonir Pakhi is remembered for its realistic treatment, rural social setting, visual style and humanistic portrayal of its characters.
Why is it Important for APSC? The topic connects current affairs with Assamese literature, the history of Assamese cinema, important Assamese authors, literary adaptations and social themes in Assam’s cultural history.
Key Facts for APSC: Gonga Chilonir Pakhi was released in 1976, directed by Padum Barua, based on a novel by Lakshminandan Bora, and centres on Basanti.
APSC Prelims Alert: Remember the combination — Lakshminandan Bora → Gonga Chilonir Pakhi → Padum Barua → 1976.
Question 5: Khoraghat GGS-1 – ONGC Gas Evacuation Facility in Golaghat and North East Gas Grid
With reference to Khoraghat GGS-1, consider the following statements:
- Khoraghat GGS-1 is located in Jorhat district of Assam.
- It is associated with gas evacuation facilities commissioned by ONGC.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: B — Statement 2 Only
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect, while Statement 2 is correct.
Khoraghat GGS-1 is located in Golaghat district of Assam, not Jorhat district.
ONGC commissioned gas-evacuation facilities at Khoraghat Group Gathering Station-1 (GGS-1) in August 2026. The facility enables surplus associated natural gas from the Upper Assam Shelf to be processed and evacuated through the North East Gas Grid (NEGG).
Why is Khoraghat GGS-1 Important? Better gas-evacuation infrastructure can improve the utilisation of natural gas produced from ONGC’s fields in Upper Assam. It can help reduce wastage and flaring of associated natural gas, improve utilisation of domestic gas resources, strengthen regional energy infrastructure, improve natural-gas availability and support industries and economic activity in Northeast India.
North East Gas Grid: The North East Gas Grid (NEGG) is an important natural-gas pipeline network designed to improve gas connectivity across Northeast India. It is being developed by Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) and seeks to create an interconnected gas infrastructure for the region.
Associated Natural Gas: Associated natural gas refers to natural gas occurring together with crude oil in an oil reservoir. Efficient collection and transportation of associated gas can reduce flaring, improve energy utilisation and generate greater economic value from hydrocarbon production.
Key Facts for APSC: Khoraghat GGS-1 – Golaghat district; ONGC – Oil and Natural Gas Corporation; GGS – Group Gathering Station; Gas source – Upper Assam Shelf; Network – North East Gas Grid; NEGG developer – Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited.
APSC Assam Economy Link: This development connects current affairs with Assam’s petroleum and natural-gas sector, energy infrastructure and the economic geography of Upper Assam.
Quick Revision – 20 August 2026: Zonal Councils are five statutory councils created under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 and chaired by the Union Home Minister. Census 2027 will be India’s first digital Census, conducted in two phases and including caste enumeration. The India–Myanmar FMR involved an earlier 16-km framework, the 2018 Land Border Crossing Agreement, and the Government’s 2024 decision to scrap/suspend the regime. Gonga Chilonir Pakhi is a 1976 Assamese film directed by Padum Barua and adapted from Lakshminandan Bora’s novel. Khoraghat GGS-1 is an ONGC gas-evacuation facility in Golaghat district linked with the North East Gas Grid.
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