Test: Contemporary Centres of Power- 1 - UPSC MCQ

• The assertion that the establishment of the European Union in 1992 was a direct result of the disintegration of the USSR is true.
• The collapse of the Soviet Union allowed for greater political cooperation and integration among European nations, contributing to the formation of the EU.
• The reason that the Cold War fostered economic and political cooperation among European nations after World War II is also true.
• The geopolitical tensions of the Cold War led to various forms of collaboration among Western European countries, paving the way for future integration.
• Although both statements are true, the reason does not directly explain the assertion.
• The EU's establishment was influenced more by the end of the Cold War and the dynamics that followed the USSR's disintegration rather than the Cold War itself.
• Thus, the assertion is true, the reason is true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

• Statement I is true as the European Union was indeed established in 1992 following the end of the Cold War and the disintegration of the USSR, which facilitated greater political and economic integration among European nations.
• Statement II is false. While ASEAN was founded in 1967, its primary objectives were to promote economic growth, social progress, and regional stability rather than specifically military cooperation. Therefore, only statement I is true.

• Statement i is correct. ASEAN was formed as an alternative to the Non-Aligned Movement.
• Statement ii is incorrect. The European Union was officially formed in 1992, not 1949.
• Statement iii is correct. Deng Xiaoping introduced the Open Door Policy in China in 1978.
• Statement iv is correct. The Congress dominated the first three general elections in India.

- The Assertion is true, as the Open Door Policy indeed led to increased foreign investments and enhanced production in China.

- The Reason is false because the Open Door Policy was designed to open China to global markets, not to isolate it.

- Therefore, the Reason does not provide a correct explanation for the Assertion, making Option C the correct choice.

• The adoption of India’s Constitution took place on January 26, 1950 (1-b).
• ASEAN was formed in 1967 (2-c).
• The first general election in India occurred in 1952 (3-a).
• The Chinese takeover of Tibet happened in 1950 (4-d).

ASEAN was established in 1967 by five countries of south east Asian region — Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand — by signing the Bangkok Declaration. One of objective of ASEAN was to accelerate economic growth and through that ‘social progress and cultural development’.

ASEAN is a geo-political and economic organisation of 10 countries located in Southeast Asia. It was formed on August 8, 1967.

• The Constitution of India was adopted in 1950.
• China took over Tibet in 1950.
• The first General Election in India happened in 1952.
• ASEAN was formed in 1967.

• Japan is the second largest contributor to the regular budget of the United Nations (UN).
• The UN's regular budget is financed by contributions from its member states, based on a scale of assessments determined by the General Assembly.
• The scale is reviewed every three years and is intended to reflect the relative capacities of member states to pay.
• As of 2021, the United States is the largest contributor to the regular budget of the UN, providing 22% of the total budget.
• Japan is the second largest contributor, providing approximately 9.68% of the total budget.
• China, India, and Britain are also among the top 10 contributors, but not as high as Japan in terms of percentage.
• The contributions of China are around 7.92%, India is around 7.39%, and Britain is around 7.16%.
• Thus, Japan remains the second largest contributor to the regular budget of the UN.

• Statement i is incorrect: The European Union was formed with broader objectives beyond the Cold War, focusing on economic and political integration rather than solely a military alliance.
• Statement ii is correct: ASEAN was indeed established as a cooperative alternative to existing movements, focusing on regional peace and economic collaboration.
• Statement iii is correct: China's economic reforms started in 1978, focusing on attracting foreign investments and establishing special economic zones.
• Statement iv is correct: The visit of Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to China in 1988 significantly improved relations between the two countries, particularly after the 1962 conflict.