Important Questions: Contemporary Centres of Power | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Write two achievements of ASEAN.
Ans:

• ASEAN economy is the fastest growing economy in the world.
• Scope of activities of ASEAN is very wide. It wants its members to excel and develop in all fields.

Q2: State any two features of the European Union that make it an influential organisation.
Ans: There are two features of the European Union that make it an influential organisation:

• The European Union has economic, political, diplomatic and military influence.
• Britain and France hold permanent seats in the UN Security Council.

Q3: Why was ASEAN established.
Ans: ASEAN was established to accelerate economic growth and through that social progress and cultural development.

Q4: What is meant by ‘ASEAN Way’?
Ans: ‘ASEAN Way’ is a form of interaction among ASEAN members that is informal and cooperative.

Q5: What were the objectives of founding the European Union?
Ans: The main objective of founding the European Union was to establish an economic and political organisation of the European States.

Q6: Name any two founder member states of ASEAN.
Ans:

• Indonesia
• Malaysia.

Q7: What does the logo on the ASEAN flag symbolise?
Ans: The Logo on the ASEAN flag symbolises the ten Southeast Asian Countries bound together in friendship and solidarity. The circle symbolises the unity of ASEAN.

Q8: Since the end of the Cold War, there have been significant changes in India-China relations. Identify anyone such change.
Ans: Since the end of the Cold War, India-China relations now have a strategic as well as an economic dimension.

Q9: What is meant by ‘ASEAN WAT?
Ans: ‘ASEAN WAY’ is an interaction that is informal, confrontationist and cooperative to promote supernational structures in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Q10: Correct the following statement and rewrite ASEAN stands for Association of South East African Nations.
Or
What does ASEAN stand for?
Ans: ASEAN stands for Association of South East Asian Nations.

Q11: In which year the European Union was established?
Ans: 1992

Q12:  What is the common currency of the EU?
Ans: EURO

Q13: Name any two older members of the EU.
Ans: Austria and Denmark

Q14: Name any two new members of the EU.
Ans: Estonia and Poland.

Q15: What does the circle with golden stars on the European Union flag stand for?
Ans: The circle with golden stars on the European Union flag stands for solidarity and harmony between the people of Europe.

Q16: Mention the major challenges faced in Europe after the Second World War.
Ans: 

• Shattered many assumptions and structures on which European states maintained their relations.
• The European states confronted the ruin of economies and the destruction on which Europe had been founded.

Q17: What is the European Union?
Ans: European Union is a group of European capitalist countries established in 1992 for a common goal of foreign and security policy, cooperation and home affairs.

Q18: What was the Marshall Plan?
Ans: Marshall Plan was introduced by America to provide financial help for the revival of the European economy.

Q19: Name two countries of the European Union who opposed America’s Iraq invasion.
Ans: Germany and France.

Q20: What is the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)?
Ans: ASEAN Regional Forum was established in 1994 to carry out coordination and foreign policy among ASEAN members.

Q21: What is the significance of the ASEAN flag?
Ans: In the ASEAN logo, the ten stellar of paddy (rice) represent the ten South East Asian countries bound together in friendship and solidarity. The circle symbolizes the unity of ASEAN.

Q22: When did China get independence?
Ans: 1949

Q23: What is SEZs (Special Economic Zones)?
Ans: Special Economic Zones are created to set up their own enterprises by foreign investors.

Q24: Mention the three pillars formed in ASEAN.
Ans: 

• The ASEAN Security Community
  
• The ASEAN Economic Community
• The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

Q25: Which four common symbols make the European Union look like a nation-state?
Ans: The European Union has its own flag, anthem, founding date, and currency.

Q26: Mention any two steps taken by China to improve its economy.
Ans: 

• Special Economic Zones (SEZs) were created to invite foreign investors to set up their own enterprises.
• The privatization of agriculture and industry in 1982 and 1998.

Q27: Mention the agreements signed between India and ASEAN.
Ans: 

• India signed Free Trade Areas (FTAs) with two ASEAN members, Singapore and Thailand.
• India is trying to sign on FTA with ASEAN itself.

Q28: What are the odds which limit the ability of the EU?
Ans: European Union is a supernational organization but in many areas, its member states have their own foreign relations and defense policies that are often at odds as: 

• British Prime Minister Tony Blair supported the US’s Iraq invasion and many new members made US-led ‘coalition of willing’ while Germany and France opposed it.
• Denmark and Sweden have resisted the Maastricht treaty and the adoption of the Euro.

Q29: “The European Union is a nation state more than an Economic Union”. Justify the statement. 
Ans: The European Union has now started to act more like a nation-state because:

• European Union has its own flag, anthem, founding date, and the common currency.
• European Union bears common foreign and security policy.
• The EU has made efforts to expand areas of cooperation while acquiring new members, especially from Soviet bloc.

Q30: How can we say that ASEAN is an economic association?
Ans: To more extent, it can be said that ASEAN is an economic association:

• ASEAN Economic Community aims to create open market and production based activities within ASEAN states.
• ASEAN has created Free Trade Areas (FTAs) for investment, labor, and services.
• The current economic strength of ASEAN as a trading and investment partner to the growing Asian economies as India and China make this attractive proposition.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q31: In which four ways did the new economic policy of China benefit its: economy?
Ans:

• The Chinese economy, including both industry and agriculture, grew at a faster rate.
• China became a member of W.T.O. in 2001.
• China emerged as an economic superpower in Asia.
• China has become the most important destination for foreign direct investment anywhere in the world.

Q32: Mention any four significant: changes in Indo-China relations that have taken place after the Cold War.
Ans: After the end of Cold-War there were following significant changes which took place in Indo-China relations:

• Both countries have improved their relation not only in politics but also in the economic field also. Their relations now have a strategic as well as economic dimension. India and China have adopted international economic institution like the “World Trade Organisation’.
• Both governments have agreed to contain conflicts and maintain ‘peace and tranquillity’ on borders.
• China and India have also signed agreements on cultural exchange and co-operation in science and technology. They mutually opened four border posts for trade.
• Since 1999, Indo-China trade is growing 30% per year.

Q33: How has the European Union evolved over time from an economic union to an increasingly political one?
Ans: European Union is a very strong organisation of European countries. European Union is also called the European Common Market or European Common Community. The European Union is the world’s largest economy with a GDP of more than $12 trillion in 2005. Within a short period of time, it became a very powerful economic and political organisation. It has its own parliament, own flag, anthem and its own currency. The E.U. also exercises political and diplomatic influence.

Q34: Describe any four long-term implication of the conflict of 1962 between India and China.
Ans: Following are the long term implications of the conflict of 1962 between India and China.

• By waging war in 1962, China was able to capture thousands of miles of Indian territory, which is still under its possession.
• It ended the diplomatic relations between India and China from 1962-1976.
• No Indian Prime-minister made any tour to China till 1988.
• China too adopted a hostile attitude during the Indo Pak war, but relations started improving since the time of Indira Gandhi.

Q35: Explain the New Economic Policy of China since 1978.
Ans:

• In 1978, Deng Xiaoping adopted the ‘Open Door’ policy and economic reforms in China.
• China started privatisation in the agricultural sector in 1982.
• China started privatisation in the industrial sector in 1998.
• Trade barriers were removed from the Special Economic Zone where foreign investors could set up their enterprises.

Q36: How has the European Union evolved over time from an economic union to an increasingly political one? 
Ans: The European Union has evolved over time from an economic union to an increasingly political one. The EU has started to act more as a nation state. While the attempts to have a constitution for the EU have failed, it has its own flag, anthem, founding date, and currency. It also has some form of a common foreign and security policy in its dealings with other nations. The European Union has tried to expand areas of cooperation while acquiring new members, especially from the erstwhile Soviet bloc. The process has not proved easy, for people in many countries are not very enthusiastic in giving the EU powers that were exercised by the government of their country. There are also reservations about including some new countries within the European Union.

Q37: Explain the political, diplomatic influence of the European Union as a supernational organization.
Ans: Political and Diplomatic Influences:

• Two members of the EU — Britain, and France hold permanent seats in the Security Council to influence the UN policies.
• The EU also includes various non-permanent members of the UNSC.
• The European Union plays an influential role in diplomacy and negotiations except for the military force i. e. the EU’s dialogue with China on human rights and environmental degradation is remarkable.

Q38: What led to the evolution of the EU from an economic union to an increasingly political one?
Ans: The European Union has now started to act more like a nation-state because:

•  European Union has its own flag, anthem, founding date, and the common currency.
• European Union bears common foreign and security policy.
• The EU has made efforts to expand areas of cooperation while acquiring new members, especially from Soviet bloc.

Q39: What are the objectives behind the formation of ASEAN?
Ans: The objectives behind the formation of ASEAN are as follows:

• Territorial disputes should not escalate into armed confrontations.
• To accelerate economic growth through social progress and cultural development.
• To promote regional peace and stability based on the rule of law and the principles of the United Nations ; charter.
• To establish a Dispute Settlement Mechanism to resolve economic disputes.
• To create Free Trade Areas for investment, labor and services.

Q40: Describe any four significant characteristics of ASEAN.
Ans: 

• To create a common market and production based activities within the ASEAN States.
• To aid social and economic development.
• To resolve economic disputes, the existing dispute settlement mechanism has been improved.
• Free Trade Areas for investment, labor, and services have also been created.

Q41: What role has been played by the European Union in solving the problems of the European countries?
Ans: 

• The EU functions as an important bloc in an international organization like the World Trade Organisation to intervene in economic areas.
• The EU has expanded areas of cooperation while acquiring new members, especially from Soviet bloc.
• The EU has an influential role in the UN policies because its two members—Britain and France hold permanent seats in the UN Security Council.
  
• The EU is influential in the areas of diplomacy, economic investments, and negotiation.

Q42: Why India and China both view themselves as rising powers in global politics in spite of tensions between them? Substantiate your answer by giving any four events that have brought cordiality in their relationship.
Ans: Due to Indian initiatives, Indo-China relations improved. In 1954, India signed famous Panchsheel starting a new era of Indo-China friendship. But after 1957 some contentious issues had arisen between them:

• Tibet Problem
• Border Issues
• Chinese Attack in 1962
• Chinese Assistance to Pakistan.
  

Gradually, both countries came together to develop harmonious relations between themselves:

• Attempt to normalize relations were restored by exchange of ambassadors.
• Joint Working Group was set up by both the countries to resolve the border dispute.
• Both of them committed to reducing the forces on the Indo-China border.
• Indian and Chinese leadership and official visits with great frequency.
•  Increasing transportation and communication links, common economic interests and global concerns.

Q43: Why was the European Union founded? What were its objectives and significance?
Ans: The European Union was founded in 1992 for a common foreign and security policy, cooperation on justice and home affairs and to create a single currency. 
Objectives:

• The circle of gold stars on the flag stands for solidarity and harmony between the European Union States.
• To expand areas of co-operation while acquiring new members especially from Soviet bloc.

Q44: Why ASEAN was established?
Ans: ASEAN is the regional association to provide a political forum to discuss political and security concerns:

• Before and during the Second World War, the southeastern region of Asia suffered the economic and political consequences of repeated colonialism, both European and Japanese
•  At the end of the war, it confronted problems of nation-building, the progress of poverty and economic backwardness and the pressure to align with one great power or another during the cold war.

Q45: “China has emerged as the third alternative to world power”. Examine.
Ans: China emerged as the third alternative to world power since its economic reforms of 1978 as China has been the fastest growing economy since the reforms first began there:

• China is projected to overtake the US as the world’s largest economy by 2040.
• Its economic integration into the region makes it drive of East Asian growth.
• Its strength of economy are population, landmass, resources, regional location, political influence, added to its power.

Q46: How did China end its political and economic isolation?
Ans: China had adopted the Soviet model of an economy. Despite development, China faced an economic crisis as industrial production was not growing fast, international trade was minimal. Under these situations, some major policy decisions were taken:

• China established relations with the US in 1972.
• China proposed four areas of modernization as agriculture, industry, science, and technology in 1973.
• Open door policy was introduced to generate higher productivity by an investment of capital and technology from abroad.
• Privatization of agriculture and industry in 1982 and 1998.
• China set Special Economic Zones to remove trade barriers.

Q47: “Chinese economy has been recognized at the global level”. Justify.
Ans: China has introduced an open market economy which is moving China towards global economy due to the following facts:

• The integration of Chinese-economy and interdependencies has enabled China to have considerable influence with its trade partners.
• The open door policy has stabilized the ASEAN economy.
• China’s outward looking for investment and aid policies in Latin America and Africa are protecting China as a global player.

Q48: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:
ASEAN was and still remains principally an economic association. While the ASEAN region as a whole is a much smaller economy compared to the US the EU, and Japan, its economy is growing much faster than all these. This accounts for the growth in its influence both in the region and beyond. The objectives of the ASEAN Economic Community are to create a common market and production base within the ASEAN States and to aid social and economic development in the region. The Economic Community would also like to improve the existing ASEAN Dispute Settlement Mechanism to resolve economic disputes. ASEAN has focused on creating a Free Trade Area (FTA) for investment, labor, and services. The US and China have already moved fast to negotiate FTAs with ASEAN.
(i) What is the objective of the ASEAN Economic Community?
(ii) Why did ASEAN establish Free Trade Areas (FTAs)?
(iii) How ASEAN Economic Community would resolve economic disputes?
(iv) Which countries have already moved fast to negotiate FTAs with ASEAN and why?
Ans:
(i) To create a common market and production based activities within ASEAN states itself and to aid social and economic development.
(ii) Free Trade Areas have been established for investment, labor and services.
(iii) By improving the existing ASEAN Dispute Settlement Mechanism.
(iv) ASEAN is rapidly growing into areas of the regional organization with its Vision 2020.

Q49: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:
The conflict of 1962, in which India suffered military reverses, had long-term implications for India-China relations. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were downgraded until 1976. Thereafter, relations between the two countries began to improve slowly. After the change in China’s political leadership from the mid to late 1970s, China’s policy became more pragmatic and less ideological. So it was prepared to, put off the settlement of contentious issues while improving relations with India. A series of talks to resolve the border issue were also initiated in 1981.
(i) Why did India suffer military reverses as a result of the conflict of 1962?
(ii) When did the relations between India and China begin to improve?
(iii) What was the change in the policy of China in the seventies?
(iv) Which efforts were made to resolve the border issues between India and China?
Ans:
(i) Due to territorial claims principally in Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin region of Ladakh.
(ii) From the mid to late 1970s.
(iii) China’s policy became more pragmatic and less ideological in the seventies.
(iv)
(a) It prepared to put off settlements of contentious issues.
(b) A series of talks to resolve the border issues were initiated in 1981.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q50: Analyse the basis of the projection of China to overtake the U.S. as the world’s largest economy by 2040.
Ans: 

• After the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1990, it looked, as if, the world has become unipolar. But in reality, it is not so. China is growing as a great power. In the economic sphere, China’s economy is growing very fast. It is projected to overtake the U.S. as the world’s largest economy by 2040.
• After the inception of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the Soviet model of planned and State-controlled economy was followed. But in 1970, the Chinese leadership took major policy decisions i.e., China ended its political and economic isolation with the establishment of relations with the United States. In 1972, Premier Zhou Enlai proposed the four modernisation i.e., agriculture, industry, science and technology and military in 1973. By 1978, then-leader Deng Xiaoping adopted the ‘Open Door Policy’ and economic reforms in China. China’s economic success since 1978 has been linked to its rise as a great power.
• China followed its own path in introducing a market economy. The privatisation of agriculture in 1982 was followed by the privatisation of industry in 1998. Trade barriers were removed in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) where foreign investors could set up enterprises. Past-Mao China established an all-time global record in doubling per capita output between 1977 and 1987. According to the World Bank’s purchasing power parity (PPP) estimated, China with 1994, GDP of just under $ 8.3 trillion has become the second-largest economy in the world, after the United States.
• According to a Rand study, China’s GDP will reach $11.3 trillion by the year 2010 as compared to $10.7 trillion for the United States. China has large foreign exchange reserves and in a position to make big investments in other countries. China is a member of the World Trade Organisation. The country plans to deepen its integration into the world economy and shape the future world economic order. It is estimated that China’s economy would become the largest economy in the world by the end of 2040.
  
  

Q51: Describe the aims and achievements of the Association of South East-Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Ans: The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok. The Bangkok (Thailand) Declaration was signed by five original member countries of this region: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined the Association on January 8, 1984. On July 28, 1995, Vietnam became the seventh member of ASEAN. Laos and Myanmar were admitted into ASEAN on July 20, 1997.
Aims of ASEAN: Main aims of ASEAN are as follows:

• To accelerate the economic growth of the member countries.
• To promote the social and cultural development of the region through co-operative programmes.
• To safeguard the political and economic stability of the region against big power rivalry.
• To promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia.
• To strengthen co-operation with other developing countries.

Activities and Achievements of ASEAN

• ASEAN was established as an economic Association of South East Asian Region in 1967 and even now it is an economic association. ASEAN summits were not held regularly. But the meetings of the ministers of member countries are held annually. ASEAN is not a military alliance. The communique issued at the end of the second summit held in 1977 declared that ASEAN was neither a military bloc nor did it have any desire to become one in future. At the second summit, the leaders stressed the desire to have peaceful and mutually beneficial relations with all countries of the region. They stressed in particular that they do not want to take a side in the Indo-China conflict.
• The ASEAN includes about 8% of the world’s population and in 2003 it had a combined G.D.P. of about $8,700 billion. By 2003, ASEAN had several agreements and by these agreements, member countries promised to uphold peace, neutrality, cooperation, non-interference and respect for sovereign rights. The ASEAN has focused on creating a Free Trade Area (F.T.A.) for investment, labour and service. The U.S. and China have already moved fast to negotiate FTAs with ASEAN. After joining of India and China as dialogue partners to ASEAN, the ASEAN had successfully challenged the economic and political power centres of the world.
• On December 20, 2012, India and the 10 Asian nations resolved to strengthen bilateral cooperation to ensure maritime security and freedom of navigation in the disputed sea in accordance with the international law. India and ASEAN also finalised free trade agreement in services and investment. At present, ASEAN is developing as an important and useful agency of regional co-operation for development among the member countries.
  
  

Q52: ‘The European Union has economic, political and diplomatic, and military influence’. Substantiate the statement.
Ans: European Union (EU) is a very strong regional organisation of European countries. It plays an important role in world politics. European Union is also called the European Common Market or European Common Community. Within a short period, it became a very powerful economic and political regional organisation. In fact, it has become a supranational organisation. European Union has its own parliament, own flag, anthem and its own currency. Headquarter of the European Union is in Brussels (Belgium). E.U.’s official languages include Bulgarian, Danish, Dutch, Italian, Romanian, Spanish, Polish, Swedish, etc.

• The E.U. as the biggest Economy. The E.U. is the world’s biggest economy with a GDP of more than $12 trillion in 2003, slightly larger than that of the United States. Its currency, the Euro is now in a position to pose a threat to the dominance of the U.S. dollar. Its share of world trade is three times larger than that of the United States allowing it to be more assertive in trade disputes with the U.S. and China. Due to its economic power, it exercises a great influence over its neighbours as well as over Asia and Africa. It also functions as an important bloc in the international economic organisation such as WTO.
• The E.U. as Political and Diplomatic Influence. The E.U. also exercises political and diplomatic influence. France is permanent members of the Security Council of U.N. Several members of E.U. are non-permanent members of the Security Council. Thus, E.U. exercises a great influence on the policies of the U.N. as well as on the U.S.
• The E.U. Military Influence. The E.U. combined armed forces are the second largest in the world.
• Thus, E.U. is a supernational organisation and can intervene in the economic, political and social matters of the world.

Limitations of E.U:
However, there are certain limitations of E.U.

• European Union has failed to adopt a common constitution. Prime Minister Churchill’s dream of the United States of Europe could not become a reality.
• The member states also have their own foreign and defence policies which are sometimes at odds with each other. For example, Germany and France opposed the United States decision to invade Iraq.

On Dec. 13, 2007 head of states and government of the European Union member states signed the Lisbass Treaty which they hope can make decision-making more efficient. The Lisbass Treaty has provided far-reaching changes in E.U. institutions and decision-making mechanisms. It created the post of a long-term president of the European Council. E.U. member states had one year to ratify the treaty. It came into force as planned in January 2009.

Q53: Evaluate any three major factors responsible for making the European Union a political force from; being an economic force.
Ans:

•  European Union (EU) is a very strong regional organisation of European countries. It plays an important role in world politics. European Union is also called. European Common Market or European Common Community.
• The two World Wars within a very short duration inflicted very heavy losses upon European countries. During six years of the Second World War, European countries suffered heavy economic, material and manpower losses. The Second World War shattered many of the assumptions and structures on which the European states had based their relations.
• After the Second World War majority of the European leaders were convinced that their relations should be reconstructed. They were compelled to find out solutions from the European perspective and ultimately formed an organisation known as the European Union. European Union is a very strong organisation of European countries. European Union is also called the European Common Market or European Common Community. The European Union is the world’s largest economy with a GDP of more than $12 trillion in 2005. 
• Within a short period of time, it became a very powerful economic and political organisation. It has its own parliament, own flag, anthem and its own currency. The E.U. also exercises political and diplomatic influence.
  
  

Q54: Examine the changing Indo-China relations.
Ans: India-China relations have been marked by complexity, including periods of cooperation, competition, and occasional conflict. Over the years, several key factors have influenced the changing dynamics of their relationship:

Historical Context:

• 1962 Sino-Indian War: The war over disputed territories led to deep mistrust between the two countries. The border issue remains unresolved, with occasional military standoffs in regions like Doklam in 2017.
• Normalization of Relations: Diplomatic relations were re-established in the late 1970s, leading to a period of thawing tensions and increased economic cooperation.

Economic Cooperation:

• Trade and Investments: Both countries are significant trading partners. China is one of India's largest trading partners, although trade imbalances and market access issues have been contentious.
• Economic Competition: India and China have economic competition in various sectors, including technology, infrastructure, and manufacturing. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by China, which includes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through Pakistan-administered Kashmir, has been a point of contention.

Strategic Competition:

• Military Modernization: Both countries have engaged in military modernization efforts, including the development of advanced weaponry and military infrastructure along their borders.
• Geopolitical Influence: China's increasing influence in South Asia, particularly its relationship with Pakistan, has been a concern for India. India's growing partnerships with countries like the United States and Japan are perceived as a counterbalance.

Diplomatic Initiatives and Dialogues:

• Wuhan and Chennai Summits: Informal summits between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wuhan (2018) and Chennai (2019) aimed to improve bilateral relations and enhance strategic communication.
• BRICS and SCO: Both India and China are members of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), where they engage in multilateral diplomatic efforts.

Environmental and Climate Cooperation:

• Climate Change Initiatives: Both countries have cooperated on climate change issues, aligning their positions on international agreements like the Paris Agreement and engaging in joint initiatives for sustainable development.

COVID-19 Pandemic:

• Pandemic Responses: The pandemic initially strained relations due to border tensions. However, both countries cooperated in the distribution of vaccines and shared experiences related to pandemic management.

Current Challenges:

• Border Disputes: Ongoing border disputes, especially in regions like Ladakh, continue to strain relations, leading to occasional military standoffs and tensions.
• Divergent Interests: India's interests in the Indian Ocean and China's expanding naval presence in the region raise concerns about maritime security and potential future competition.

In conclusion, India-China relations are characterized by a complex interplay of cooperation, competition, and regional geopolitics. While economic ties remain robust, unresolved border disputes and strategic divergences pose challenges to building a stable and mutually beneficial relationship. Ongoing dialogue, diplomatic initiatives, and efforts to manage differences are essential to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Q55: “China has been fastest growing economy since the reform first began there” justify.
Ans: 

• In 1970 the Chinese leadership took major policy decisions i.e., China ended its political and economic isolation with the establishment of relations with the United States in 1972. Premier Zhou Enlai proposed the four modernization i.e., agriculture, industry, science and technology and military in 1973. By 1978, then-leader Deng Xiaoping adopted ‘Open Door Policy’ and economic reforms in China. China’s economic success since 1978 has been linked to its rise as a great power.
• China followed its own path in introducing a market economy. The privatisation of agriculture in 1982 was followed by the privatisation of industry in 1998. Trade barriers were removed in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) where foreign investors could set up enterprises. Past-Mao China established an all-time global record in doubling per capita output between 1977 and 1987. According to the World Bank’s purchasing power parity (PPP) estimated, china with 1994 GDP of just under 8.3 trillion has become the second-largest economy in the world, after the United States. Now China is growing as great power. In the economic sphere, China’s economy is growing very fast. It is projected to overtake the U.S. as the world’s largest economy by 2040.
  
  

Q56: Describe India-China relations from 1947 to 1962.
Ans: 

• India’s Policy of Contentment crossed limits when India gave its extra-territorial rights enjoyed in Tibet, to China by signing a trade-agreement on 29th April 1954. Both the countries at the time of agreement expressed their faith in the principles of Panchsheel. These principles were elaborated in 1953 at the Bandung Conference. The Chinese Prime Minister Chou-En-Lai visited India in 1954 and Pt. Nehru also went to China.
• Chinese invasion over India: China attacked both the Western and Eastern sectors of the Indian Border on 20th Oct. 1962. The Chinese soldiers overpowered the military posts till Indian forces balanced themselves after this sudden attack China declared a unilateral ceasefire on 21st Nov. By waging a war. China was able to capture thousands of miles of Indian area which is still in its possession.
  
  

Q57: How did China rise to be an economic superpower? Assess.
Ans: China had adopted the Soviet model of the economy. Despite development, China faced an economic crisis as industrial production was not growing fast, international trade was minimal. Under these situations, some major policy decisions were taken:

• China established relations with the US in 1972.
• China proposed four areas of modernization as agriculture, industry, science, and technology in 1973.
• Open door policy was introduced to generate higher productivity by an investment of capital and technology from abroad.
• Privatization of agriculture and industry in 1982 and 1998.
• China set Special Economic Zones to remove trade barriers.
• The integration of the Chinese economy and inter-dependencies has enabled China to have considerable influence with its trade partners.
• The open door policy has stabilized the ASEAN economy.
• China’s outward looking for investment and aid policies in Latin America and Africa are projecting China as a global player.

Q58: Why is the EU considered a highly influential regional organization in the economic, political and military fields?
Ans: 

1. Economic Influence:

• Three times larger share in World trade than the US.
• Its currency Euro can pose a threat to the dominance of the US Dollar.
• The EU functions as an important bloc in the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
  

2. Political Influence:

• Two members of the EU, Britain, and France hold permanent seats in the Security Council to influence UN policies.
• The EU also includes various non-permanent members of UNSC.
• The European Union plays an influential role in diplomacy and negotiations except for military force i.e. the EU’s dialogue with China on Human Rights and environmental degradation is remarkable.

3. Military Influence:

• The EU’s combined armed forces are the second largest in the world.
• Its total military expenditure is second to the US.
• Its two important members— Britain and France also experience nuclear arsenals of 550 nuclear warheads.
• The EU is the world’s second most important source of space and communication technology.

Q59: Discuss Indo-China relations.
Ans: The relations with China experienced friendly gestures from India as India signed popular ‘Panchsheel’ to develop Indo-China relations in 1954 and advocated China’s membership to the United Nations still, after 1957, various contentious issues arose in Indo-China relations:

• In 1962, military conflict over a border dispute of MacMohan Line resulted in an unwarranted claim by China which lies now in Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin regions of Ladakh.
• Differences arose from Chinese take over of Tibet in 1950 which was protested by India against China.
• After Panchsheel, attack by China on India in 1962, to occupy larger territories of India, created a humiliation.
• China’s assistance to Pakistan’s nuclear programme also created differences.
• China’s military relations with Bangladesh and Myanmar were viewed as hostile to Indian interests.

All the above-mentioned differences/ disputes could be resolved for greater cooperation.

• Both the countries should make some more efforts to revive the harmonious attitude between themselves.
• Both the countries should move hand-in-hand to fight against terrorism, nuclear race and economic disparities.
• Both countries should develop a mutual understanding and respect.
• Hence, both of them have signed agreements on cultural exchange and cooperation in science and technology.

Q60: On a political outline map of world locate and label the following and symbolize them as indicated:
1. An older member of the EU between Portugal and France. Symbolize (A)
2. An older member near Belgium and the Netherlands. Symbolize (B)
3. The four new members of the EU. Symbolize 1, 2, 3, 4.
4. Four old members of the EU. Symbolize 5, 6, 7, 8.
Ans:
1. Spain
2. Germany
3. (1) Estonia (2) Poland (3) Hungary (4) Lithuania
4. (5) Finland (6) Denmark (7) Austria (8) Ireland