Test: Designated SAARC Years - UPSC MCQ

SAARC was established on December 8, 1985, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with the signing of the SAARC Charter by the seven founding member countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

As of 2021, there are eight member countries in SAARC: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) is not a member of SAARC. SAARC is exclusively composed of South Asian countries.

The first designated SAARC Year was observed in 2010, which was declared as the "Year of Climate Change and Food Security" to address environmental and food-related challenges in the region.

SAARC's main objectives include promoting cultural exchange and economic cooperation among its member nations, as stated in its Charter.

The headquarters of SAARC is located in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.

India is the largest country in terms of land area among the SAARC member nations.

The designated SAARC Year in 2013 aimed to promote "Water Cooperation" to address water-related challenges and foster collaboration in managing water resources within the region.

India has the highest population among the SAARC member countries.

The SAARC Charter Day is observed on April 26 every year to commemorate the signing of the SAARC Charter in 1985.

English is the primary language for communication and official work within SAARC.

The SAARC Summit, which is the highest decision-making body of SAARC, is held at least once every three years.

As of 2021, the Secretary-General of SAARC is from Nepal. The Secretary-General is appointed for a three-year term.

Bhutan is often referred to as the "Land of Thunder Dragon" due to the presence of dramatic thunderstorms in the region.

SAARC was formed based on the model of the European Union, with the aim of promoting regional cooperation and integration.

The SAARC Food Bank was established to address issues of food security and malnutrition in member nations by facilitating the distribution of food grains during emergencies.

The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme allows certain categories of citizens, including government officials, journalists, and students, to travel visa-free within the region for up to 30 days.

The first female Secretary-General of SAARC was from Sri Lanka. She took office in 2011.

The designated SAARC Year in 2016 aimed to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the South Asian region.

Nepal hosted SAARC's first-ever virtual summit in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented physical gatherings.