All questions of Contemporary South Asia for Grade 12 Exam

Muslim is not a religion .it is islam lol

Ltte is a Tamil people group in shreelanka it is a very aggressive violent group in shreelanka .there is a big controversy between sinhili and Ltte in shreelanka

India's Nuclear Explosion in Pokhran in 1998

Introduction:
India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974, but it was considered a peaceful nuclear explosion. However, India's second nuclear test in Pokhran in 1998 was a significant moment in India's nuclear history.

The Event:
On May 11, 1998, India conducted five nuclear explosions at the Indian Army's Pokhran Test Range in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. These tests were carried out under the code name "Operation Shakti."

The Decision:
The decision to conduct the tests was made by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who had ordered the preparations for the tests in April 1998. The tests were conducted despite international pressure and warnings from other countries, including the United States.

The Results:
The tests were successful, with the yield being higher than expected. India became the sixth country in the world to possess nuclear weapons, after the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom.

The Response:
The tests were met with international condemnation and led to economic sanctions being imposed on India by several countries, including the United States. However, India defended its decision to conduct the tests, stating that it was necessary for its national security.

Conclusion:
The 1998 nuclear tests in Pokhran marked a significant moment in India's nuclear history. It demonstrated India's capability to develop and possess nuclear weapons and also highlighted the country's determination to protect its national security.

Mdp

See, In Sri Lanka there was a major conflict on ethnicity that is who will dominate in Sri Lanka.
Basically Sinhalas was in majority so it dominated and behaved ruthless with Tamils that migrated from India called Indian Tamils.
There was confrontational between Sinhalas and LTTE. So to save own citizens 'Tamils' in Sri Lanka, India sent its forces to settle dispute in 1987 but LTTE itself opposed Indian Govt. not to interrupt in their internal affairs. So later India sent its Peace Keeping Force in 1989 to pulled out of Sri Lanka

Overview of SAARC
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union in South Asia. It aims to promote economic and regional integration.
Member Countries
SAARC comprises eight member countries:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- India
- Maldives
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
Formation and Purpose
- SAARC was established on December 8, 1985, in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- The primary objectives are to enhance regional cooperation in various sectors such as economic development, social progress, and cultural exchange.
Significance of Membership
- The inclusion of eight countries allows SAARC to address regional issues collectively.
- It serves as a platform for member nations to collaborate on mutual interests, such as trade, security, and environmental challenges.
Conclusion
The correct answer to the question regarding the number of countries in SAARC is option 'C' - Eight. This membership plays a crucial role in fostering cooperation and development across the South Asian region.

After Pakistan framed its first constitution in 1956, General Ayub Khan took over the administration of the country.

Below is a detailed explanation of how General Ayub Khan came to power and assumed control of the administration of Pakistan:

Background:
- Pakistan gained independence from British rule in 1947 and initially functioned as a dominion within the Commonwealth.
- Muhammad Ali Jinnah, also known as Quaid-e-Azam, served as Pakistan's first Governor-General until his death in 1948.
- After Jinnah's death, Liaquat Ali Khan became the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Election of Constituent Assembly:
- In 1954, the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan was elected to draft the country's constitution.
- However, due to political instability and disagreements among various political parties, the process of constitution-making faced numerous challenges and delays.

Adoption of the First Constitution:
- Finally, on March 23, 1956, Pakistan adopted its first constitution, which declared the country an Islamic Republic.
- The constitution provided for a parliamentary form of government with a President as the Head of State and a Prime Minister as the Head of Government.

Assumption of Power by General Ayub Khan:
- Despite the adoption of the constitution, political instability and ineffectiveness of the civilian government continued to plague the country.
- In 1958, General Ayub Khan, who was serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army, seized power in a military coup.
- Ayub Khan dissolved the Constituent Assembly, suspended the constitution, and imposed martial law in the country.
- He established a new governing body called the Supreme Council, with himself as the President.
- General Ayub Khan's administration introduced a new constitution in 1962, which established a presidential system of government.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D' - General Ayub Khan.

India is the only country in the region that has experienced democracy other than Pakistan

India and Pakistan share a border and a history of British colonial rule. Both countries gained independence in 1947, but their paths diverged significantly in the years that followed. While Pakistan has struggled with authoritarianism, military coups, and political instability, India has established itself as the world's largest democracy.

India's democratic history

India adopted a Constitution in 1950, which established a parliamentary system of government and guaranteed fundamental rights to its citizens. Since then, India has held regular elections, with the first general election taking place in 1951-52. Today, India is a federal republic with a multi-party system, where power is divided between the central government and the states.

India's democracy has not been without its challenges, including corruption, caste politics, and religious tensions. However, India has managed to maintain a relatively stable democratic system, with peaceful transfers of power between different political parties through elections.

Other countries in the region

In contrast to India, Pakistan has experienced a tumultuous political history, marked by periods of military rule and political instability. Bangladesh, which was formerly part of Pakistan, has also faced political turmoil since gaining independence in 1971. Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka have all experienced political instability and violence in recent decades.

Conclusion

In summary, India is the only country in the region that has experienced democracy other than Pakistan. Despite its challenges, India has managed to maintain a relatively stable democratic system, which is a testament to the resilience of its democratic institutions and the commitment of its citizens to democratic values.

Indian Peacekeeping Force in Sri Lanka
The Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) was deployed in Sri Lanka from 1987 to 1990 as part of the Indian government's efforts to mediate the ongoing conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebel group. The IPKF's primary objective was to enforce the terms of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord signed between the two governments in July 1987.

Deployment and Objectives
- The conflict in Sri Lanka was rooted in ethnic tensions between the majority Sinhalese community and the Tamil minority, who felt marginalized and discriminated against.
- The LTTE, a militant group fighting for an independent Tamil state, had been involved in an armed insurgency against the Sri Lankan government since 1983.
- In an attempt to bring peace to the island nation, the Indian government intervened and deployed the IPKF in Sri Lanka in accordance with the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord.

Operations and Challenges
- The IPKF's mission was to disarm the LTTE and other militant groups, maintain law and order, and facilitate the return of normalcy in the conflict-affected areas.
- However, the IPKF faced numerous challenges during its deployment, including hostile encounters with LTTE fighters, non-cooperation from the Tamil population, and political complexities within Sri Lanka.
- The LTTE, which initially welcomed the IPKF's arrival, soon turned against them due to disagreements over the implementation of the accord.
- The IPKF was drawn into intense combat operations against the LTTE, resulting in casualties on both sides and strained relations between the Indian forces and the local population.

Withdrawal of the IPKF
- As the conflict escalated and the IPKF faced mounting challenges, public opinion in India began to turn against the deployment.
- The assassination of Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991 further complicated the situation.
- In June 1990, the newly elected Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa requested the withdrawal of the IPKF, citing its inability to fulfill its objectives and the negative impact it had on Sri Lankan sovereignty.
- The IPKF officially pulled out of Sri Lanka in March 1990, marking the end of its intervention in the conflict.

Conclusion
The Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) was deployed in Sri Lanka from 1987 to 1990 as part of the Indian government's efforts to mediate the conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE rebel group. However, due to various challenges and changing political dynamics, the IPKF was eventually withdrawn from Sri Lanka in 1990.

The Acceptance of Demand for Democratic Constitution in Nepal

The king of Nepal accepted the demand for a new democratic constitution in the year 1990. This was a significant event in the history of Nepal as it marked the end of the absolute monarchy system and the beginning of a new era of democracy in the country.

Background

Before 1990, Nepal was ruled by an absolute monarchy system where the king had all the power and authority. The political parties were banned, and there was no freedom of speech or expression. The people of Nepal were unhappy with this system and demanded a change.

The Movement for Democracy

In the late 1980s, a movement for democracy started in Nepal, led by various political parties and civil society organizations. The people demanded the restoration of democracy and the drafting of a new constitution that would ensure the protection of human rights and the rule of law.

The King's Response

In response to the demands of the people, King Birendra announced on April 6, 1990, that a new constitution would be drafted, and a multiparty democracy would be established in Nepal. This announcement was a significant turning point in the history of Nepal, as it marked the end of the absolute monarchy system.

The New Constitution

A new constitution was drafted, which established a constitutional monarchy system in Nepal. The king remained as the head of state, but his powers were limited, and a Prime Minister was appointed to lead the government. The constitution also ensured the protection of fundamental human rights and the rule of law.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the king of Nepal accepted the demand for a new democratic constitution in 1990, which marked the end of the absolute monarchy system and the beginning of a new era of democracy in the country. The new constitution ensured the protection of human rights and the rule of law and established a constitutional monarchy system in Nepal.