Contemporary South Asia Revision Notes | NCERT Video Summary: Class 6 to Class 12 (English) - UPSC PDF Download

Overview

Contemporary South Asia refers to the current socio-political, economic, and cultural landscape of the region comprising countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives. It explores various issues such as regional conflicts, economic development, social inequalities, cultural diversity, and political dynamics within and between these nations. This section likely delves into the complexities and challenges facing South Asian countries as they navigate modernization, globalization, and regional cooperation efforts.

IMPORTANT FACTS TO KNOW

1. South Asia comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, showcasing immense diversity within a shared geopolitical space.
2. Despite varied experiences with democracy, there is a common aspiration for democratic governance across these countries, evident in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives.
3. Post-Cold War, Pakistan saw democratic governments followed by military rule in 1999, while Nepal restored democracy after successful uprisings in 2006. India, Sri Lanka, and even Maldives have operated democratic systems with certain limitations.
4. In Pakistan, military rule and democracy have alternated; General Ayub Khan assumed power after the first constitution but was eventually overthrown. General Zia-Ul-Haq ousted an elected government in 1977.
5. Pro-democracy protests led to the establishment of democratic governments in Pakistan, notably under Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif in 1988. However, military intervention, as seen with General Pervez Musharraf, persisted.
6. Bangladesh's formation stemmed from tensions with West Pakistan, leading to Indian support for East Pakistan's independence in 1971.
7. Bangladesh's history includes a shift from a presidential setup to representative democracy since 1991, marked by military interventions and political assassinations.
8. Nepal transitioned from a Hindu Kingdom to a constitutional monarchy, witnessing democratic struggles and demands for a constituent assembly.
9. Sri Lanka faced ethnic conflict between Sinhalese and Tamils, with LTTE demanding a separate Tamil state from 1983, triggering Indian intervention and ongoing tensions.
10. Sri Lanka has sustained a democratic system despite conflicts, achieving economic growth and population control, remaining one of the highest per capita GDP nations.

11. India-Pakistan conflicts, primarily concerning Pak Occupied Kashmir (POK) and Line of Control (LOC), have resulted in wars in 1947-48, 1965, and 1971. Other disputes include control of the Siachin glacier, arms acquisition, and river water sharing.
12. Mutual suspicion between India and Pakistan persists due to alleged Pakistani support for Kashmiri militants and India's perceived interference in Sindh and Baluchistan.
13. India and Bangladesh have disagreements over river water sharing, illegal immigration, support for anti-Indian elements, and natural gas export refusal, impacting India's 'Look East' Policy.
14. India and Nepal's differences involve Nepal's ties with China and inaction against anti-Indian elements like Maoists. Despite this, they signed trade and friendship treaties in 2005 and 2006, promoting economic and citizen-friendly ties.
15. India-Bhutan relations are mostly harmonious, focusing on tackling militants in India's North-east and collaborating on hydroelectric projects, a significant source of Bhutan's development aid.
16. India supports Maldives in its economy, tourism, and fisheries, responding promptly to crises like the 1988 attack by Tamil mercenaries.
17. Despite conflicts, South Asian states prioritize cooperation, leading to the formation of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in 1982. SAARC members signed the South Asian Free Trade Agreements (SAFTA) to establish a regional free trade zone.

WORDS THAT MATTER

1. Geo-Politics: Refers to the interlinked political and economic interests among geographically connected countries.
2. Bilateral Talks: Direct discussions between two countries without third-party mediation.
3. Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF): Deployed by India in Sri Lanka to support Tamil demands for recognition.
4. Seven Party Alliance (SPA): A coalition of seven parties in Nepal advocating for the end of monarchy.
5. SAARC: South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, comprising seven member states, fostering mutual trust and understanding.
6. SAFTA: South Asia Free Trade Area Agreement, facilitating duty-free trade among member states.
7. LTTE: Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka, advocating for a separate Tamil state.

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