India-China Relations & LAC — Set 8

Correct Answer: C. 2014

India's Act East Policy was announced by PM Modi at the East Asia Summit in Myanmar in November 2014, replacing the earlier 'Look East Policy' (1991). It emphasizes active engagement with ASEAN, East Asia, and the broader Indo-Pacific. The policy is partly a strategic response to China's growing influence in the region.

Correct Answer: B. Pangong Tso Lake

The Kailash Range heights captured by India in August 2020 overlook the south bank of Pangong Tso lake. This gave India dominant tactical positions and negated Chinese advantages on the north bank (Finger area). China agreed to disengage from Pangong Tso in February 2021, partly because of the leverage India gained from these heights.

Correct Answer: B. India-China (Himalayan) border

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is primarily responsible for guarding India's 3,488 km border with China. It was established in 1962 after the Sino-Indian War. ITBP personnel are specially trained for high-altitude operations and are the first responders to Chinese incursions.

Correct Answer: B. China's incremental land grabs through small steps individually below the threshold of war

'Salami Slicing' describes China's strategy of making incremental encroachments in disputed areas — each individual step too small to justify a military response, but cumulatively resulting in significant territorial gains. This has been observed in the South China Sea and along the LAC. India's capture of Kailash Range heights in 2020 was partly a counter to this strategy.

Correct Answer: B. 1,126 km

Arunachal Pradesh shares the longest border with China, approximately 1,126 km of the LAC. The state is also the most disputed with China claiming it as 'South Tibet.' India's infrastructure development in Arunachal Pradesh — roads, tunnels, bridges — has been prioritized as a strategic imperative.

Correct Answer: B. 1960

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) was established on May 7, 1960. It was formed in response to the need for strategic border road infrastructure after Chinese road building in Aksai Chin was discovered. BRO has been instrumental in building infrastructure in border areas with China, including the DSDBO road in Ladakh.

Correct Answer: B. Tawang from Assam, bypassing the Sela Pass

The Sela Tunnel (completed 2024) provides strategic road connectivity to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh from Assam, bypassing the Sela Pass (13,700 feet). It significantly reduces travel time and enables year-round connectivity to Tawang, which China claims as part of 'South Tibet.'

Correct Answer: B. Belt and Road Initiative

BRI stands for Belt and Road Initiative, China's massive global infrastructure and investment program announced by President Xi Jinping in 2013. It consists of the Silk Road Economic Belt (overland routes) and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. India is the most significant major nation to consistently oppose BRI due to the CPEC component.

Correct Answer: B. Patrol Point

'PP' refers to Patrol Points — designated points along the LAC that both Indian and Chinese forces patrol up to. There are 65+ Patrol Points along the LAC. The 2020 standoff involved friction at PP-14 (Galwan), PP-15 (Hot Springs/Gogra), PP-17A (Gogra), and the Depsang area. Patrol Points at Depsang (PPs 10-13) were the most contested.

Correct Answer: B. 33% (45 km of 134 km total)

The correct answer is '33% (45 km of 134 km total)'. Pangong Tso lake is approximately 134 km long. About 45 km (approximately 33%) lies in Indian-controlled territory while the remaining approximately 89 km (approximately 67%) is in Chinese-controlled territory. The lake is a saline lake at approximately 14,270 feet elevation. The Fingers area on the north bank has been a major dispute point.