India & Neighbours (Nepal, BD, SL) — Set 5
International Relations · भारत और पड़ोसी देश · Questions 41–50 of 140
The India-Nepal open border is unique in South Asia. Which concept best describes the people-to-people movement under the 1950 Treaty?
Correct Answer: D. Bilateral free movement area
The India-Nepal 1950 treaty creates a bilateral free movement area where citizens of both countries can travel, work, live, and own property in each other's countries without visa or passport requirements. This is often popularly described as 'roti-beti ka rishta' (relationship of food and marriage) symbolising deep social and cultural integration. No other two South Asian countries share such an arrangement.
Bangladesh's Padma Bridge, completed in 2022, connects which regions?
Correct Answer: C. Southwest Bangladesh to Dhaka
The Padma Bridge connects the southwestern districts of Bangladesh (including Faridpur, Khulna, Barisal, and Jessore divisions) to Dhaka, cutting travel time by several hours. The 6.15 km bridge spans the Padma River and is designed as a dual-purpose structure carrying both road and rail traffic. It is expected to add significantly to Bangladesh's GDP by integrating the less-developed southwest with the rest of the country.
The Maldives consists of approximately how many islands, making it strategically important in the Indian Ocean?
Correct Answer: C. 1200
The correct answer is '1200'. The Maldives consists of approximately 1,200 islands (of which about 200 are inhabited) spread across the central Indian Ocean. Its strategic location astride major Indian Ocean shipping lanes makes it vitally important from a geo-strategic perspective. India considers Maldives part of its primary maritime neighbourhood and has been concerned about Chinese and Pakistani influence in the island nation.
Which agreement formally defines the strategic relationship between India and Bhutan in external affairs?
Correct Answer: B. India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty 2007
The India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty of 2007 defines the strategic relationship between the two countries, with both pledging not to allow their territories to be used against each other's security interests. Unlike the 1949 treaty, the 2007 version treats Bhutan as a sovereign equal in external affairs. The treaty also commits both countries to a close, cooperative relationship on matters of peace and stability in the region.
India's assistance to Sri Lanka during the 2022 crisis was termed as 'Neighbourhood First' policy in action. When did India formally announce this policy?
Correct Answer: B. 2014 under Narendra Modi
The 'Neighbourhood First' policy was formally emphasised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after assuming office in 2014, when he invited all SAARC leaders to his swearing-in ceremony. The policy prioritises close engagement with India's immediate neighbours as a cornerstone of India's foreign policy. India's rapid financial and material assistance to Sri Lanka during the 2022 economic crisis was seen as a practical demonstration of this policy.
The Punatsangchhu-I and Punatsangchhu-II hydropower projects in Bhutan are built on which river?
Correct Answer: C. Punatsangchhu (Puna Tsang)
The Punatsangchhu-I (1200 MW) and Punatsangchhu-II (1020 MW) hydropower projects in Bhutan are built on the Punatsangchhu River (also called Puna Tsang Chhu). Both are run-of-the-river projects being developed with Indian financial and technical assistance. Punatsangchhu-I has faced significant geological challenges including slope stability issues, delaying its completion.
The term 'chicken's neck' refers to which strategic corridor that India was particularly concerned about during the Doklam standoff?
Correct Answer: B. Siliguri Corridor connecting Northeast India to the mainland
The 'Chicken's Neck' or Siliguri Corridor is a narrow strip of land in West Bengal that connects India's northeastern states to the rest of the country. It is only about 22 km wide at its narrowest point. During the Doklam standoff in 2017, India was concerned that Chinese road construction near Doklam could threaten this strategically critical corridor.
Bangladesh was originally called East Pakistan. It declared independence in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 1971
Bangladesh declared independence on March 26, 1971, after West Pakistan's military launched Operation Searchlight against Bengali nationalists in Dhaka. The Liberation War of 1971 involved India directly from December 3, 1971, culminating in Pakistani forces' surrender on December 16, 1971. India recognised Bangladesh as a sovereign nation on December 6, 1971, making it one of the first countries to do so.
Which Indian military official was the Supreme Commander of Indian forces during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War?
Correct Answer: B. General Sam Manekshaw
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw (then General) was the Chief of Army Staff and Supreme Commander of Indian forces during the 1971 war. His meticulous planning and insistence on fighting the war only after monsoon season (when India would have tactical advantages) are credited for the decisive victory. Manekshaw was later elevated to the rank of Field Marshal, one of only two officers to hold this rank in independent India's history.
The 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord was signed between Rajiv Gandhi and which Sri Lankan President?
Correct Answer: B. J.R. Jayewardene
The 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord was signed between Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President J.R. Jayewardene (Junius Richard Jayewardene) on July 29, 1987 in Colombo. The accord provided for a ceasefire between the Sri Lankan military and Tamil militant groups, with India guaranteeing peace through the IPKF. The accord was controversial in both countries — in Sri Lanka for conceding to India, and in India for the subsequent IPKF casualties.