UPSC International Relations – Chapter 3: Neighbourhood First and SAARC (20 MCQs)

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UPSC International Relations – Chapter 3: Neighbourhood First and SAARC (20 MCQs) – 20 questions, subject: International Relations. Every question has the correct answer with a one-line explanation; tap "Show Answer". Free practice for TNPSC, UPSC, SSC, Bank and RRB exams – Shanmugam IAS Academy, Coimbatore.

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1.  

The SAARC Charter was signed at Dhaka in:

Correct Answer: A [1985]

Explanation:

8 December 1985.

2.  

The SAARC Secretariat is located at:

Correct Answer: C [Kathmandu]

Explanation:

since 1987.

3.  

The eighth member of SAARC, admitted in 2007, is:

Correct Answer: A [Afghanistan]

Explanation:

Afghanistan joined the seven founding members in 2007, becoming SAARC's eighth member.

4.  

Which one of the following is NOT an observer of SAARC?

Correct Answer: D [Russia]

Explanation:

not an observer.

5.  

The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) came into force in:

Correct Answer: A [2006]

Explanation:

1 January 2006.

6.  

The 19th SAARC summit, which was not held in 2016, was to take place at:

Correct Answer: C [Islamabad]

Explanation:

Pakistan was to host the 19th summit at Islamabad in November 2016; it was called off after several members declined.

7.  

The SAARC Development Fund has its secretariat at:

Correct Answer: D [Thimphu]

Explanation:

The SAARC Development Fund's secretariat is located at Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

8.  

Which SAARC member stayed out of the South Asia Satellite launched by India in 2017?

Correct Answer: D [Pakistan]

Explanation:

Pakistan declined to join the South Asia Satellite (GSAT-9) that India launched in May 2017 for its neighbours.

9.  

The Motihari–Amlekhganj petroleum pipeline connects India with:

Correct Answer: B [Nepal]

Explanation:

2019.

10.  

Consider the following statements about SAARC:
1. Decisions are taken on the basis of unanimity.
2. Bilateral and contentious issues are excluded from its deliberations.
3. The Charter allows a member to be expelled by a majority vote.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: B [1 and 2 only]

Explanation:

The Charter requires unanimity and excludes bilateral and contentious issues, but it contains no provision for expelling a member.

11.  

Assertion (A): No SAARC summit has been held since 2014.
Reason (R): India–Pakistan tensions and the rule of unanimity have blocked SAARC's working.

Correct Answer: A [Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A]

Explanation:

India–Pakistan hostility, with the unanimity rule letting one member block decisions, is why no summit has met since 2014.

12.  

Leaders of which grouping were invited to the swearing-in of the Indian Prime Minister in 2019?

Correct Answer: B [BIMSTEC]

Explanation:

In May 2019 India invited the leaders of the BIMSTEC member countries to the Prime Minister's swearing-in ceremony.

13.  

The BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement was signed in 2015 at:

Correct Answer: D [Thimphu]

Explanation:

Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal signed the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement at Thimphu on 15 June 2015.

14.  

The South Asian University is located at:

Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]

Explanation:

The South Asian University, set up by the SAARC members, is located in New Delhi and began classes in 2010.

15.  

The Hambantota port, leased to a Chinese company for 99 years in 2017, is in:

Correct Answer: C [Sri Lanka]

Explanation:

Hambantota is on Sri Lanka's southern coast; its port was leased to China Merchants Port Holdings for 99 years in 2017.

16.  

India proposed the SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund in:

Correct Answer: B [2020]

Explanation:

March 2020.

17.  

Arrange the following in chronological order:
1. SAFTA comes into force
2. The SAARC Charter is signed
3. SAPTA is signed
4. The South Asia Satellite is launched
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: C [2-3-1-4]

Explanation:

1985, 1993, 2006, 2017.

18.  

The idea of a South Asian regional organisation was first proposed in 1980 by the leader of:

Correct Answer: C [Bangladesh]

Explanation:

President Ziaur Rahman.

19.  

The Akhaura–Agartala rail link, opened in 2023, connects India with:

Correct Answer: B [Bangladesh]

Explanation:

Akhaura is in Bangladesh and Agartala is the capital of Tripura, so the rail link connects India with Bangladesh.

20.  

India's Neighbourhood First approach was signalled by inviting SAARC leaders to the Prime Minister's swearing-in in:

Correct Answer: B [2014]

Explanation:

May 2014.

➤ Full notes, maps, tables, a reason for every option and Mains PYQs – U14 · International Relations (UPSC book, ₹249): www.shanmugamiasacademy.in/study-materials/upsc-international-relations

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