Class 12 Political Science (Contemporary World Politics) Chapter 3 Contemporary South Asia

Key Concept: Treaty Identification

a) Indus Waters Treaty

[Solution Description] The Indus Waters Treaty is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank. It was signed in 1960 and deals with the use of waters from the Indus River System.

Key Concept: India’s Bilateral Agreements

c) Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka

[Solution Description] India has bilateral trade agreements with Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka within the context of SAFTA.

Key Concept: Key Players

b) Tamil mercenaries from Sri Lanka

[Solution Description] The coup attempt in the Maldives in 1988 was carried out by Tamil mercenaries from Sri Lanka. They sought to overthrow the existing government, leading to an emergency request for help from India.

Key Concept: Political System Type

b) Sri Lanka

[Solution Description]

Among South Asian countries, India has consistently operated as a democracy since it gained independence in 1947. It adopted a parliamentary system based on universal adult suffrage.

Key Concept: Cooperation Areas

b) Hydroelectric projects

[Solution Description] The area of hydroelectric projects is a significant aspect of cooperation between India and Nepal, as both countries have jointly worked on various hydroelectric power initiatives to harness the energy potential of shared river systems.

Key Concept: Economic Agreements

c) SAFTA

[Solution Description] The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) is an agreement aimed at reducing tariffs and trade barriers among the member countries of SAARC to promote free trade within the region.

Key Concept: SAARC Challenges

b) Political differences

[Solution Description] The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has faced numerous challenges since its inception. One of the primary obstacles is political differences among member countries, which hinder collaboration and decision-making. These political tensions often prevent effective implementation of regional policies and initiatives.

Key Concept: Geographical Concerns

d) Himalayas

[Solution Description] The Himalayas are a critical geographical feature influencing India-Nepal relations, as they form a natural border and impact trade routes, climate, and bilateral interactions.

Key Concept: Cross-border Terrorism Complexity, Second-order Thinking

c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.

[Solution Description] The assertion is true as cross-border terrorism exacerbates tensions and complicates negotiations over Kashmir by adding another layer of distrust and hostility. However, the reason is false because increased military expenditure typically burdens an economy rather than strengthening it. Military spending often diverts resources from other crucial sectors like education and healthcare, potentially leading to economic strain.

Key Concept: Arms Race Dynamics

c) Nuclear deterrence

[Solution Description]

The concept of nuclear deterrence played a significant role in maintaining the balance of power between India and Pakistan post-1998. Both countries conducted nuclear tests in that year, with India testing at Pokhran and Pakistan at Chagai Hills. The possession of nuclear weapons is believed to have deterred both nations from engaging in large-scale conflicts due to the threat of mutual destruction.

Key Concept: India-Sri Lanka Relations

b) Tsunami

[Solution Description] The 2004 tsunami significantly improved relations between India and Sri Lanka when India promptly provided humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts. This assistance not only helped Sri Lanka recover but also strengthened bilateral ties by demonstrating India’s commitment to being a supportive neighbor in times of crisis.

Key Concept: Country Relations

d) Bangladesh

[Solution Description] India signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Bangladesh to strengthen their bilateral relations concerning energy development and peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Key Concept: Key Figures

d) Zia-ul-Haq

[Solution Description] General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq became the Chief Martial Law Administrator after deposing Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto through a military coup in 1977.

Key Concept: Basic Relations

b) Hydroelectric Power

[Solution Description] India and Bhutan have frequently signed agreements focusing on cooperation in the field of hydroelectric power due to Bhutan’s vast water resources and India’s energy needs, which enhances mutual strategic and economic interests.

Key Concept: Policy Analysis, Long-term Sustainability

b) Environmental policies for climate resilience

[Solution Description] The long-term sustainability of India’s hydroelectric projects in Bhutan faces several policy challenges. These include maintaining cooperative relations between the two nations amidst changing political landscapes, addressing environmental concerns like climate change that may alter water availability, ensuring continuous investment for maintenance and technological upgrades, and balancing energy needs with ecological conservation efforts. Policies must adapt to these dynamic factors to ensure enduring project success.

Key Concept: Governmental Structure

d) Democratic republic

[Solution Description] In 2008, following the abolition of the monarchy, Nepal officially became a democratic republic. The change marked a significant shift from its prior status as a constitutional monarchy.

Key Concept: Date Identification

d) 1998

[Solution Description] Both India and Pakistan conducted their nuclear tests in the year 1998. India’s tests were conducted in Pokhran, while Pakistan’s were conducted in Chagai Hills.

Key Concept: Post-Conflict Economic Development

b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is NOT the correct explanation of Assertion.

[Solution Description]

Assertion and Reason are connected through the fact that Sri Lanka’s economic policies, including liberalization, positively impacted its economic growth. However, while both statements hold true independently, the reason provided does not sufficiently explain why the assertion is valid in the context of overall post-conflict economic growth; there are additional factors involved in the process.

Key Concept: River Disputes

d) Ganga and Brahmaputra

[Solution Description] The river-sharing disputes between India and Bangladesh mainly involve the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. These rivers flow through both countries, which often leads to discussions regarding water allocation.

Key Concept: Role of LTTE and Tamil Eelam

b) An independent Tamil Eelam

[Solution Description] The LTTE, a militant organization, primarily demanded an independent state called Tamil Eelam for the Tamil people in Sri Lanka. This demand arose from discrimination faced by Tamils and aimed to establish autonomy for the Tamil-majority areas.

Key Concept: SAARC Formation

b) 1985

[Solution Description] The SAARC, an initiative aimed at promoting economic and regional integration, was established in 1985.

Key Concept: Conflict Identification

a) LTTE

[Solution Description] The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was the main militant organization involved in the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. They demanded a separate Tamil state, leading to prolonged conflict within the country.

Key Concept: Basic Political Systems

c) Pakistan

[Solution Description] The syllabus states that South Asia is characterized by diverse political systems including democracies and military regimes. Pakistan is known for having had periods of both democratic governance and military rule.

Key Concept: Ethnic Conflict

b) Facilitated negotiations between conflicting parties.

[Solution Description] International actors played a vital role in mediating peace talks and providing humanitarian aid during ethnic conflicts in Sri Lanka. Various countries influenced the peace process through their diplomatic efforts and support for conflict resolution initiatives.

Key Concept: Key Figures

c) Sheikh Mujib-ur Rahman

[Solution Description] Sheikh Mujib-ur Rahman is widely recognized as the founding father of Bangladesh. He led the country to independence through his leadership during the independence movement against West Pakistan’s control.

Key Concept: Conflict Causes

b) Location on the Line of Control

[Solution Description] The primary cause of the conflict over the Siachen Glacier is strategic military control. The glacier’s location on the Line of Control makes it a strategic point for both nations, as control over it provides a vantage point in the region.

Key Concept: Future Prospects, Economic Policies

d) It promotes an even playing field for all industries.

[Solution Description] Full implementation of the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) aims to reduce tariffs and promote free trade among member countries. For India, this could mean both opportunities and challenges: increased market access and competitiveness for Indian industries versus potential threats from cheaper imports affecting local businesses. Analyzing these factors, the most balanced option reflects both possibilities.

Key Concept: Strategic Issues

d) Siachen Glacier

[Solution Description] The Siachen Glacier has been a significant point of conflict due to its strategic importance. It lies at the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas and holds the distinction of being the world’s highest battlefield. Controlling this area allows for strategic military advantage, making it a contentious issue between India and Pakistan.