Important Questions: Contemporary South Asia | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What does SAFTA stand for?
Ans: SAFTA stands for ‘South Asian Free Trade Area’. A free trade area means that trading among the countries of South Asia should be free from taxes and custom restrictions.

Q2: Mention two conditions of Shimla agreement.
Ans: Two important conditions of the Shimla Agreement were as given above:

• Both countries are resolved to solve their conflicts and confrontations through bilateral peaceful talks.
• Both countries will not use force against each other’s territorial integrity.

Q3: Mention any one area each of co-operation and disagreement between India and Bangladesh.
Ans:

• Area of Co-operation. Bus service, Train service and commerce and trade between the two countries.
• Area of Disagreement. Chakma Refugees is an area of disagreement between the two countries.

Q4: Where was the first SAARC Summit held?
Ans: First SAARC Summit was held at Dhaka in December 1985.

Q5: Mention the names of the countries which entered into Free Trade Agreement in Dec. 1998.
Ans: India and Sri Lanka.

Q6: Which countries signed the Farakka Treaty?
Ans: India and Bangladesh.

Q7: Write the name of two observer states of SAARC.
Ans: China and Japan.

Q8: Which two countries of the South Asian region in your opinion have retained their democratic tradition since Independence?
Ans: India and Sri Lanka have retained their democratic tradition since independence.

Q9: The South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) was signed by the members of in the year?
Ans:  SAARC, 2004.

Q10: Whose mediation resolved the Indus River water dispute between India and Pakistan? 
Ans:  The World Bank.

Q11: How long did East and West Pakistan remain together?
Ans: From 1947 to 1971.

Q12: What was the reason for the formation of SAARC?
Ans: The states of South Asia recognised cooperation and friendly relations among themselves which gave birth to the formation of SAARC for mutual trust and understanding among its member states.

Q13: What is the full form of SAARC?
Ans: SAARC: South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation.

Q14: Mention present status of Sri Lanka.
Ans: Sri Lanka has maintained a democratic political system alongwith a considerable economic growth i.e. Sri Lanka is one of the first developing countries to control population growth rate, liberalised economy and bears highest per capita Gross Domestic Product despite ongoing conflicts.

Q15: What does the MDP stand for?
Ans: MDP stands for Maldivian Democratic Party.

Q16: Who took the command over Pakistan after its first constitution was framed?
Ans: General Ayub Khan.

Q17:  What does SPA stand for?
Ans: SPA stands for Seven Party Alliance to protest against monarchy in Nepal.

Q18: What was the former name of Sri Lanka?
Ans: Ceylon.

Q19:  Mention changes that occurred in Maldives.
Ans: 

• Transformed into a republic with a presidential form of government in 1968.
• In June 2005, parliament voted unanimously to introduce multi¬party system.
• Democracy strengthened after 2005 elections.

Q20: What is meant by Geo-politics?
Ans: Geo-politics refers togetherness of countries who are bound with each other geographically and their interests are also interlinked politically and economically.

Q21: What do you mean by South Asia?
Ans: South Asia signifies a group of seven countries i.e. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the Maldives who stand for diversity in every sense but still constitute one geo¬political space.

Q22: How did LTTE emerge?
Ans: LTTE emerged 1983 onwards on the negligence of Tamil interest by Sri Lanka government. Hence, ‘Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam’ (LTTE) took birth demanding a seperate state for Tamil in Sri Lanka.

Q23: What does SAFTA stand for?
Ans: SAFTA: South Asian Free Trade Area Agreement.

Q24: Mention the names of member states of SAARC.
Ans: India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Maldives.

Q25: Mention any two objectives of SAARC.
Ans: 1. To provide an integrated programme for regional development.
 2. To accelerate economic growth, social progress in the region.

Q26:  “Democracy in South Asia has expanded the global imagination of democracy”. Do you agree? Justify. 
Ans: The various countries in South Asia have experienced mixed record of democracies and the people also share an aspiration for democracy to be flourished not only in rich or developed countries but in developing and underdeveloped countries also which can be drawn from the examples of Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Maldives, because:

• Every ordinary citizen, rich or poor belonging to different religions view the idea of democracy positively and support the institutions of representative democracy.
•  They prefer democracy over any other form of democracy and think that democracy is suitable for their country.

Q27: Explain the problems that India have with Pakistan.
Ans: India have following problems with Pakistan:

• The problem of Kashmir on the issues of Pak occupied Kashmir (Pok) and Line of Control (LOC). India claims Kashmir to be its integral part and Pakistan refuses to accept it. Hence, wars took place in 1965 and 1971, but issue remained unsettled.
• Problems over starting issues like control of Siachin glacier and over acquisition of arms involved both the states acquiring nuclear weapons and missiles to deliver such arms against each other in 1990s.
• Pakistan government has been blamed for using a strategy of low key violence by helping Kashmiri militants with arms, training, money and protection to carry out terrorist strikes against India.
• Pak’s spy agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) is alleged to involve in various anti India campaigns.

Q28: “Military rule and democracy are the two sides of a coin in Pakistan”. Examine the statement.
Ans: Military rule and democracy co-exist or are the two sides of a coin can be examined with the following facts:

• After the implementation of first constitution in Pakistan, General Ayub Khan took the command, but was overthrown by military general Yahya Khan due to dissatisfaction of rule.
• Again in 1971, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto formed an elected government which was later removed by General Zia-ul- Haq in 1977.
• 1982 onwards, pro-democracy movements took place resulting an elected democratic government in 1988 under leadership of Benazir Bhutto, replaced by Nawaz Sharif.
• Nawaz Sharif was again removed by General Pervez Musharraf in 1999 and in 2005, he got himself elected as president but was later dethroned by the court.

Q29: What is Indus River Water Treaty? Mention its significance also.
Ans: India and Pakistan signed Indus River Water Treaty by the mediation of the world bank in 1960 over the issue of sharing of rivers of the Indus basin. This treaty has been survived despite many military conflicts between these two countries.

Q30: Why did India help Bangladesh to get independence and how?
Ans: Bangladesh was created by the support of India because:

• West Pakistan did not allow Awami League, an East Pakistani Party to form government despite winning all the seats.
• East Pakistanis rebelled against and were suppressed by the army of West Pakistan, resulting large scale migration into India.
• This created huge refugee problem for India.
• Hence, India supported the demand of East Pakistanis financially and militarily.
• In December 1971, a war took place between India and Pakistan and ended with the surrender of Pakistani forces by forming Bangladesh as an independent country.

Q31: Mention some points of agreement between India and Nepal.
Ans: India and Nepal enjoy the following agreements:

• Allow their citizens to travel and work without visas and passport.
• India is the largest aid giver to Nepal to provide financial and technical assistance in areas of trade, scientific cooperation, common natural resources and electricity generation.

Q32: Mention the features of SAFTA.
Ans: South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) was signed by SAARC members in 2004 with the following features:

• Formation of Free Trade Zone for whole south Asia.
• To sustain mutual trade and cooperation among SAARC members.

Q33:  Mention some other conflicts in South Asia except with that of India.
Ans:

• Nepal and Bhutan as well as Bangladesh and Myanmar have disagreement over the migration of ethnic Nepalese into Bhutan and Rohingyas into Myanmar
• Bangladesh and Nepal bear some differences over the future of Himalayan river water.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q34: What are the major differences between the SAARC and the European Union as an alternative centre of power?
Ans: The following are the major differences between the SAARC and the European Union.

• European Union is a very strong regional organisation of European countries whereas SAARC is a South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation.
• European Union was established on 7th February 1992 under the Treaty of Maastricht whereas SAARC was formally inaugurated in December 1985.
• European Union consists of 27 members whereas SAARC consists of 8 members.
• European Union is a very powerful economic and political regional organisation. But SAARC’s main objective is to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development.

Q35: Why have the United States and other Western countries encouraged the military authoritarian rule in the past in Pakistan? Explain any two reasons.
Ans: The U.S.A and other Western countries encouraged the military authoritarian rule in the past in Pakistan because:

• The U.S.A. and other Western countries are very much concern about global terrorism.
• The U.S.A and other Western countries also concern about Pakistan’s nuclear weapons might fall into the hands of terrorist groups.

Q36: Identify the factors that contributed to Pakistan’s failure in building a stable democracy?
Ans: Following are the factors that contributed to Pakistan’s failure in building a stable democracy:

• The absence of international support for a democratic rule in Pakistan has encouraged military dominance.
• The U.S. and other countries also supported military rule in Pakistan for their own interest.
• Pakistan’s anti-India stand has made the pre-military group more powerful.
• Since 1947, most of the time Pakistan remains under the military rule.

Q37: Highlight any four issues of tension between India and Bangladesh.
Ans:

• India and Bangladesh have differences over the sharing of the Ganga and Brahmaputra river waters.
• India has been unhappy with Bangladesh denial of illegal immigration to India.
• Bangladesh continues its supports to anti- Indian fundamentalist group.
• Bangladesh refused to allow Indian troops to move through its territory to northeastern India.

Q38: Why do the people in the SAARC: ‘countries share the aspiration for:: democracy?
Ans:

• Democracy is successfully established in various countries of South Asia such as India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
• People of South Asia prefer Democratic system than any other system of administration.
• People of South Asia of different communities, religions and castes prefer Democracy.
• Different surveys of South Asia prove the support as well as the favour of people of South Asia for Democracy.

Q39: Despite the mixed record of democratic experience, the people of all the countries of South Asia share the aspiration of democracy.
Ans: The various countries in South Asia have experienced mixed record of democracies and the people also share an aspiration for democracy to be flourished not only in rich or developed countries but in developing and underdeveloped countries also which can be drawn from the examples of Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Maldives, because:

• Every ordinary citizen, rich or poor and belonging to different religions view the idea of democracy positively and support the institutions of representative democracy.
• They prefer democracy over any other form of democracy and think that democracy is suitable for their country.

Q40: Describe any two major issues of conflicts between India and Pakistan leading to the war of 1971.
Ans: The 1947-48 war resulted in the division of the province into Pakistan occupied Kashmir (Pok) and the Indian province of Jammu and Kashmir divided by the Line of Control (LOC). Pakistan claims Kashmir to be its part but India presumes it to be its integral part. Hence, these conflicts led to war in 1971 and India won but the issues remain unsettled.

Q41: Describe any four consequences of Bangladesh war of 1971.
Ans: 

• India supported the demand of East Pakistan financially and militarily.
• The war of 1971 made Pakistani forces to surrender in East Pakistan.
• Bangladesh was formed as an independent country.
• Bangladesh drafted its constitution declaring faith in secularism, democracy and socialism.

Q42: Explain India’s changing relationship with Pakistan.
Ans: Although Indo-Pakistan relations seem to be story of endemic conflict and violence, there have been a series of efforts to manage tensions and build peace under the various agreements:

• Agreed to undertake confidence building measures to reduce the risk of war.
• Social activists and prominent personalities have collaborated to create an atmosphere of friendship.
• Leaders have met at summits to create better understanding.
• Bus routes have been opened up between these two countries.
• Trade between the two parts of Punjab has increased substantially in the last five years.
• Visas have been given more easily. Despite above mentioned agreements and initiatives, we cannot be sure that both the countries are well on their way to friendship, still some areas of conflict exist there to be sorted out.

Q43: Highlight any two issues of cooperation as well as confrontation each between India and Bangladesh.
Or
Explain any two points of conflict between India and Bangladesh.
Ans: 
Co-operation:

•  Economic relations have been improved considerably in last ten years.
•  Bangladesh is the part of India’s ‘Look East’ policy to link up South East Asia via Myanmar.
•  Both the countries have cooperated regularly on the issues of disaster management and environment.

Confrontation:

•  Bear differences over several issues including the sharing of Ganga and Brahmaputra river water.
•  India is unhappy on the issues of denial of illegal immigration, refusal to allow Indian troops and not to export natural gas to India.

Q44: What is meant by SAARC? How can peace and cooperation be enhanced through it?
Ans: SAARC stands for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation for mutual trust and understanding among states of South Asia.

Role of SAARC:

•  SAARC is a regional initiative among South Asian states to evolve cooperation since 1985 onwards.
  
• It consists of seven member’s to encourage mutual harmony and understanding.
• SAARC has initiated SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Agreement) to form free trade zones for whole South Asia for collective economic security.
• SAARC has projected on economic development of its member states to reduce their dependencies on the non-regional powers.

Q45: Name the countries included in South Asia. How can peace and cooperation be enhanced in this region?
Ans: Countries included in South Asia are India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives. South Asian countries are diverse in every sense, still constitute one geo¬political space by enhancing peace and cooperation in the following way:

• People in all these countries share an aspiration of fair democracy.
• South Asian members recognise the importance of cooperation and friendly relations among themselves.
• SAARC is the regional initiative to evolve cooperation among member states.
• SAARC members have signed South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) to free trade for the whole of south Asia.

Q46: How was democracy restored in Nepal over monarchy? Explain 
Ans: Nepal was a Hindu kingdom in the past and then a constitutional monarchy in the modern period for many years: 

• Throughout this period, the political parties and common people wanted to establish democracy, but the king retained full control with the help of army and restricted expansion of democracy.
• The king accepted new democratic constitution in 1990 due. to pro-democracy movement but again in 2007, due to triangular conflict of monarchists, democrats and maoists, king abolished the parliament.
• A massive countrywide pro¬democracy protest took place and achieved first major victory to force king to restore the house of representatives.
• But Nepal’s transition to democracy is not complete. It is moving towards the framing of constituent assembly to France and its constitution.

Q47: Why did India and Nepal experience differences between themselves?
Ans: India and Nepal experience differences between themselves due to the following reasons-

• Indian government expressed displeasure at the warm relationship between Nepal and China.
• India is unhappy on inaction of Nepal government against anti-Indian elements.
• The Maoist movement in Nepal is a security threat to India giving rise to Naxalite groups in various states of India from Bihar in the North to Andhra Pradesh in the South.

Q48: Mention some features of Indo-Bhutan relationship.
Ans: India does not have any major conflict with the Bhutanese government.

• The efforts made by Bhutanese monarch to weed out the gurillas and militants from north-eastern India that operate in the country have been helpful to India.
• India is involved in big hydroelectric projects in Bhutan and remains the Himalayan Kingdom’s biggest source of development aid.

Q49: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:
Pakistan and Bangladesh have experienced both civilian and military rulers, with Bangladesh remaining democracy, in the Post Cold War period. Pakistan began the post cold war period with successive democratic governments under Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif respectively. But it suffered a military coup in 1999 and-has been run by a military regime since then. Till 2006, Nepal was a constitutional monarchy with the danger of the king taking over executive powers. In 2006, a successful uprising led to restoration of democracy and reduced the king to a nominal position, from the experience of Bangladesh and Nepal, we can say that democracy is becoming an accepted norm in the entire region of South Asia.
(i) How did Pakistan begin with Post Cold War period?
(ii) Mention two reasons for the aspiration of democracy in South Asia.
(iii) Why these findings are significant?
Ans:
(i) Pakistan began with post cold war period with successive democratic government under Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.
(ii) Ordinary citizens rich or poor or belonging to different religions or institutions view democracy more suitable and support them.
(iii) Because it was earlier believed that democracy could flourish and find support only in prosperous countries of the world.

Q50: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:
No region exists in a vacuum. It is influenced by outside powers and events, no matter how much it may try to insulate itself from non-regional powers. China and the United States remain key players in South Asian politics. Sino-Indian relations have improved significantly in the last ten years, but China’s strategic partnership with Pakistan remains a major irritant. The demands of development and globalisation have brought the two Asian giants closer and their economic ties have multiplied rapidly since 1991.
(i) Which two countries have been referred to as outside powers?
(ii) Which are the two Asian giants and why they have been called so?
(iii) China’s strategic partnership with Pakistan is a major irritant for which country and why?
Ans:
(i) The US and China.
(ii) India and China, because both of them have been considered as rising economic powers in the world.
(iii) India, because China has been seen as a contributor to Pakistan’s nuclear programme.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q51: Analyse the differences in the relationship between India and Bangladesh.
Ans: The relationship between India and Bangladesh has experienced significant changes and developments since Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan in 1971. While both countries share historical, cultural, and geographical ties, there have been differences and complexities in their relationship, which can be analyzed in several dimensions:

Historical Background:

• Independence and Liberation War: India played a significant role in supporting Bangladesh during its Liberation War in 1971. The shared history of the struggle for independence created a strong bond between the two nations.

Border Issues and Connectivity:

• Land and Maritime Boundaries: India and Bangladesh have resolved long-standing border disputes, including the land boundary agreement in 2015, which resulted in the exchange of territories, bringing a sense of finality to contentious border issues.
• Water Sharing: Disputes over water-sharing of common rivers, particularly the Teesta River, have been a source of tension. The lack of a comprehensive water-sharing agreement has led to occasional disputes.

Economic Cooperation:

• Trade and Economic Integration: India is one of Bangladesh's major trading partners, and economic ties have strengthened over the years. Both countries have cooperated in various economic sectors, fostering mutual growth and development.
• Infrastructure Projects: India has been involved in various infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, including the construction of bridges, roads, and power plants, contributing to the country's development.

Cultural and People-to-People Ties:

• Shared Cultural Heritage: India and Bangladesh share cultural affinities, including language, literature, music, and traditions. Cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts have strengthened the social fabric between the two nations.
• Migration and Refugee Issues: Cross-border migration and refugee issues have occasionally strained relations, leading to concerns related to illegal immigration and border security.

Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation:

• Joint Counterterrorism Efforts: Both countries have cooperated closely in counterterrorism initiatives, sharing intelligence and collaborating to combat extremist threats.
• Security Challenges: While the overall security cooperation is robust, occasional incidents along the border and concerns regarding smuggling and illegal activities remain challenges.

Rohingya Refugee Crisis:

• Humanitarian Crisis: The influx of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar into Bangladesh created a humanitarian crisis. India has supported Bangladesh in managing the refugee situation, providing aid and humanitarian assistance.

Geopolitical Alignments:

• India's Neighbors Policy: India's efforts to enhance relations with its neighbors have positively impacted its relationship with Bangladesh. India's emphasis on the 'Neighborhood First' policy has contributed to improved ties.
• China's Influence: Both India and Bangladesh have engaged with China in various economic and infrastructure projects. China's growing influence in the region has implications for the dynamics of India-Bangladesh relations.

In conclusion, while India and Bangladesh share historical and cultural ties, challenges such as border disputes, water-sharing issues, and occasional security concerns have influenced their relationship. Despite differences, both countries have made efforts to enhance cooperation in various sectors, fostering a multifaceted relationship that continues to evolve based on shared interests and mutual respect. Ongoing dialogue and collaboration are essential to addressing differences and building a stable, cooperative relationship between the two nations.

Q52: Discuss the main issues of conflicts and co-operation in the relationship between India and Nepal.
Ans: The relationship between India and Nepal has been historically complex, marked by a blend of cultural, religious, and economic ties, as well as periodic tensions and conflicts. Several key issues have shaped the dynamics of this relationship, leading to both cooperation and conflicts:

• Historical and Cultural Ties: India and Nepal share deep-rooted historical, cultural, and religious ties. Both countries have strong people-to-people connections due to the movement of people, trade, and intermarriages over centuries. Hinduism is a major religion in both nations, further strengthening their cultural affinity.
• Border Disputes: The border disputes have been a significant cause of tension. Both countries have disputes regarding the demarcation of their border, with issues arising from the interpretation of the riverine boundary outlined in the Sugauli Treaty of 1815-16. Disputes have led to occasional diplomatic spats and strained the relationship.
• Water Resources: Nepal, with its extensive river systems, is a vital source of water for India. India has expressed concerns over dam construction in Nepal, fearing potential impacts on downstream water flow. The issue of water sharing has been a point of contention, though cooperative agreements have also been signed.
• Economic Interests: India is Nepal’s largest trading partner and a significant source of foreign investment. Economic cooperation has been a driving force, with trade, transit, and investment agreements forming essential aspects of their relationship. However, economic disparities and imbalances have occasionally led to disputes.
• Political Interference: Nepal has often accused India of political interference, especially during times of political instability. Nepali leaders have at times expressed concerns about India's perceived involvement in their internal affairs, leading to strained political relations.
• Geopolitical Factors: Both countries are geographically sandwiched between regional powers, which influences their diplomatic relations. Nepal has sought to balance its ties between India and China, which sometimes causes concerns in India regarding Nepal's alignment with its strategic rivals.
• Security Concerns: India and Nepal share security concerns, particularly related to cross-border terrorism and trafficking. Cooperation in counterterrorism and intelligence sharing has been an area of mutual interest, strengthening security ties between the two nations.
• Bilateral Agreements and Cooperation: Despite the challenges, India and Nepal have signed various bilateral agreements covering trade, transit, energy cooperation, and cultural exchanges. These agreements reflect the willingness of both countries to cooperate and resolve differences through dialogue.
• People-to-People Ties: Strong people-to-people connections, including familial relationships and cultural exchanges, serve as a foundation for cooperation. These ties often act as a buffer during times of political strain.

Q53: Examine any three major areas of conflict between India and Pakistan.
Ans: Following are the major areas of conflict between India and Pakistan:

• Kashmir Problem: Kashmir is a major issue of dispute between India and Pakistan. Before Independence, Jammu and Kashmir were one of the 565 princely states, ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh. On October 20, 1947, several thousand tribesmen armed with machine guns, mortars, etc., attacked the frontiers of the state. These tribesmen were aided by Pakistan. On 26 October, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession and Indian troops dashed to Kashmir. Pakistan refused to recognise this accession and the war continued for 14 months. On January 1, 1948, India lodged a complaint with U.N. Security Council and on January 5, 1949 ceasefire was announced by both the countries. In September 1965, Pakistan forces attacked India. Indian forces gave them a crushing defeat. A U.N. Security Council resolution adopted on Sept. 20, 1965, called for a ceasefire. Pakistan again attacked India on 3rd Dec. 1971 and after the war, the Shimla Agreement was signed between the two countries. Kashmir problem still continues to exist. On 5-6 August 2019, Article 370 was abrogated from the Indian Constitution and nowadays India’s stand is that POK will be the centre point of India-Pakistan dialogue.
• Terrorist activities by Pakistan in India: Another important conflict is the terrorist activities, which Pakistani government encourage and train and help the militants by arms training and money to carry out terrorist strikes in India. Its spy agency ISI is alleged to be involved in India’s north-east operating secretly through Bangladesh and Nepal. Terrorist activities on India’s sea-shore, Pathankot attack, 26/11 Bombay Taj attack, attack in Uri and Pulwama attack are the few examples of it.
• Violation of Shimla pact and Lahore pact: Pakistan, often violate the terms and conditions of Shimla pact and Lahore Samjotha and thus increase the tension between two nations.

Q54: Assess the positive and negative aspects of India’s relations with Bangladesh.
Ans: Bangladesh was a part of Pakistan from 1947 to 1971. It consisted of the partitioned areas of Bengal and Assam from British India. The people of this region resented the domination of Western Pakistan and the imposition of Urdu language. Soon after the partition, they began protests against the unfair treatment meted out to the Bengali culture and language. They demanded autonomy for the eastern region. But the government dominated by the West Pakistan leadership refused their demand. The Pakistan army tried to suppress the mass movement of the Bengali people. Thousands were killed by the Pakistan army. This led a large scale migration into India, creating a huge refugee problem for India. The government of India supported the demand of the people of East Pakistan for their independence and helped them financially and militarily. This resulted in a war between India and Pakistan in December 1971 that ended in surrender of the Pakistan forces in East Pakistan and the formation of Bangladesh as an independent country.

Q55: How is the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) a major regional initiative by South Asian States to evolve co-operation through multilateral means? Assess.
Ans: Role of SAARC can be identified in the following ways:

• ‘South Asia Association for Regional Co-operation’ (SAARC) is a regional initiative among South Asian States to evolve cooperation since 1985 onwards.
• It consists of seven members to encourage mutual harmony and understanding.
• SAARC has initiated SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Agreement) to form free trade zones for whole South Asia for collective economic security.
• SAARC has projected economic development of its member states to reduce their dependencies on the non-regional powers.

South Asian free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) was signed by SAARC members in 2004 with the following features:

• Formation of free trade zone for whole South Asia.
• To lower trade tarrifs by 20%.
• To sustain mutual trade and cooperation among SAARC members.

Q56: Like India why could democracy not take roots in Pakistan despite the fact that both the countries share a common part?
Or
Explain the factors responsible for Pak’s failure in building a stable democracy.
Or
Describe any two pro-democracy factors present in Pakistan which can pave the way for establishing a lasting democratic setup over there?
Or
“Since 1947 Pakistan has been experimenting with democratic system and the military rule”. In the light of above statement explain any two reasons why democratic system has not been stable there?
Ans: The following factors are responsible for Pakistan’s failure in building a stable democracy:

• The lack of genuine international support for a democratic rule in Pakistan has encouraged to military to continue its dominance. The US and other countries have also supported military rule due to fulfilling their own interests.
• Pakistan’s conflict with India has made paramilitary groups more powerful which have often said that political parties and democracy in Pakistan are flawed, that Pakistan’s security would be harmed by selfish minded parties and chaotic democracy, hence army stay in power is justified.
• The social dominance of military, clergy, and owning aristocracy has led to frequent overthrow of elected governments and the establishing of military governments.
• Global Islamic Terrorism and their apprehension that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal might fall into hands
   of these terrorist groups, the military regime in Pakistan was seen as the protector of western interests in West Asia and South Asia.

The two pro-democracy factors present in Pakistan that can pave the way for establishing a lasting democratic set up over there are:

• Pakistan bears a courageous and entirely free press.
• Pakistan enjoys strong human rights movement.

Q57: What are the major differences between SAARC and European Union as an alternative centres of poor?
Ans: 

• The European Union bears economic political-diplomatic and military influence all over the region and its closest neighbours whereas SAARC is limited towards its South Asian Region only.
• The member states of European Union are maximum from among the developed countries while SAARC members are from among least developed countries (LOCs)
• The EU behaves like a nation state by having its own anthem and currency but SARRC does not enjoy these.
• The EU performance as an important bloc in international economic organisations such as WTO but SAARC has initiated SAFTA only to cooperate economically among its member states.

Q58: Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:
(i) What does the cartoon represent?
(ii) What does the equations speak about?
(iii) “I’m always good at calculations”. What does this represent?
Ans:
(i) Dual role of Pakistan’s ruler Pervez Musharraf as the president and as army General.
(ii) These equations speak about dominance of one person militarily more rather than only president.
(iii) It shows the nation that Musharraf wants to command the country militarily and administratively both to strengthen his power because president’s survival is not easy without military support.

Q59: Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:
(i) What does the cartoon represent?
(ii) Which animals do represent Sinhala and LTTE?
(iii) What does Sri Lankan leadership speak in the cartoon?
Ans:
(i) Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict between LTTE and Sinhala.
(ii) Sinhala by Lion, LTTE by Tiger.
(iii) Sri Lankan leadership is supposed to balance both Sinhala hardliners and Tamil militants while negotiating peace.

Q60: On a political outline map of world locate and label the following and symbolise them as indicated:
1. A landlocked country with multi-party competition.
2. Centrally located and shares borders with most South Asian Countries.
3. Earlier the island had Sultan as head, now its a republic.
4. A landlocked country with a monarchy.
5. Country, where military has prevailed over democracy
Ans:
1. Bhutan
2. India
3. Maldives
4. Nepal
5. Pakistan