Test: Contemporary South Asia- 2 - UPSC MCQ

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) consists of eight member countries. These countries are:

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• India
• Maldives
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka

SAARC was established in 1985 to promote economic and regional integration. Afghanistan became the eighth member in 2007, making the total number of member countries eight.
Therefore, Correct Answer- Option C

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2018 Elections in Bhutan

• Winner: The MDP (Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa) party won the 2018 elections in Bhutan.
• Background: Elections in Bhutan occur every five years. In 2018, the MDP party gained a majority, marking a significant shift in power.
• Campaign: The MDP focused on economic development, social welfare, and good governance, which appealed to voters.
• Voter Turnout: High voter turnout indicated strong public engagement in the democratic process.
• Outcome: The MDP's victory highlighted Bhutan's commitment to democracy and peaceful transitions of power.

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

Reasons for General Ayub Khan's takeover:

• Political instability: The political climate was unstable, prompting General Ayub Khan to restore order.
• Military experience: His strong military background made him a suitable leader for the administration.

Actions taken by General Ayub Khan:

• Martial law: He imposed martial law to maintain control and stability.
• Economic reforms: Various reforms were introduced to enhance the economy.
• Development projects: He initiated projects to modernise and improve Pakistan's infrastructure.

Legacy of General Ayub Khan:

• Authoritarian rule: His regime faced criticism for being authoritarian and suppressing dissent.
• Economic progress: Despite criticism, his tenure saw some economic advancements.
• Political impact: His rule significantly influenced Pakistan's political landscape, shaping future developments.

• Ayub Khan was elected as President of Pakistan in 1958.
• After Ayub Khan's resignation in 1969, General Yahya Khan became President and Chief Martial Law Administrator.
• His rule coincided with significant events, including the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and the creation of Bangladesh.
• General Yahya Khan's regime ended in 1971, after which he transferred power to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto following the General Elections of 1970.

• Sheikh Mujib: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, also known as Sheikh Mujib, was the founding leader of the Awami League and played a crucial role in the independence movement of Bangladesh.

Acceptance of Demand: The king of Nepal accepted the demand for a new democratic constitution in 1990, following a strong pro-democracy movement.

However, the democratic governments that followed faced challenges:

• The Maoists gained influence across Nepal, advocating for armed resistance against the monarchy.
• This led to violent conflicts between Maoist guerrillas and the king's armed forces.
• In 2002, the king abolished parliament, ending even the limited democracy in place.

In April 2006, widespread protests forced the king to restore the House of Representatives, which had been dissolved in 2002. This largely non-violent movement was led by:

• The Seven Party Alliance (SPA)
• The Maoists
• Social activists

In 2008, Nepal transitioned to a democratic republic, abolishing the monarchy. A new constitution was adopted in 2015.

The popular struggle for autonomy was led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Key points include:

• He demanded fair representation and political power for the Bengali people.
• In the 1970 elections, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujib, won all seats in East Pakistan.
• Despite this victory, the West Pakistani government refused to convene the assembly.
• Sheikh Mujib was arrested, leading to widespread unrest.
• The military regime under General Yahya Khan attempted to suppress the movement.

This repression resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with thousands killed and many fleeing to India. The Indian government supported the independence movement, leading to a war in December 1971.

The conflict ended with the surrender of Pakistani forces and the establishment of Bangladesh as an independent nation.

The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) withdrew from Sri Lanka in 1989. This decision came after a challenging period of involvement, where the IPKF aimed to stabilise relations between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil population.

• The presence of Indian troops was controversial among Sri Lankans, who viewed it as interference in their internal affairs.
• Despite the IPKF's efforts, the situation in Sri Lanka remained violent and unresolved.
• International mediators, particularly from Scandinavian countries like Norway and Iceland, attempted to facilitate negotiations between the conflicting parties.
• The armed conflict eventually concluded with the defeat of the LTTE in 2009.
• Following the conflict, Sri Lanka experienced significant economic growth and improvements in human development.

India conducted a nuclear explosion in Pokhran in 1998.

This event marked a significant moment in India's military history and its position as a nuclear power. Key points include:

• The explosion was part of India's nuclear programme, which aimed to enhance national security.
• It prompted Pakistan to respond with its own nuclear tests shortly after.
• This development shifted the military dynamics in South Asia, reducing the likelihood of full-scale wars.
• However, tensions between India and Pakistan remain due to ongoing suspicions and strategic competition.

The South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) was signed in 2004 during the 12th SAARC Summit held in Islamabad. It aims to create a free trade zone across South Asia.

Key points about SAFTA:

• It came into effect on 1 January 2006.
• SAFTA seeks to lower trade tariffs among member countries.
• It aims to enhance economic cooperation and political stability in the region.