India & Neighbours (Nepal, BD, SL) — Set 6
International Relations · भारत और पड़ोसी देश · Questions 51–60 of 140
India's economic assistance to Maldives primarily includes which types of support?
Correct Answer: B. Infrastructure projects, budget support, currency swap, food aid
India's economic assistance to Maldives includes a wide range of support including infrastructure development (housing, airports, hospitals), budget support through grants and loans, currency swap arrangements for foreign exchange stability, and food aid. India is also the largest source of tourists to Maldives and provides medical evacuation services. This comprehensive assistance makes India indispensable to Maldivian economic stability.
Which Nepal-India bilateral mechanism meets regularly at the highest levels to review cooperation?
Correct Answer: A. Joint Commission
The Nepal-India Joint Commission, co-chaired by the Foreign Ministers of both countries, is the apex bilateral mechanism for reviewing all aspects of the relationship. Below it are various sub-commissions and working groups dealing with specific sectors like power, trade, water resources, and border management. Regular meetings at multiple levels ensure sustained engagement between the two neighbours.
In 2023, Maldives controversy involved India after its new president asked India to withdraw what from Maldives?
Correct Answer: B. Indian military personnel operating helicopters and aircraft
The 2023 controversy involved Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu asking India to withdraw Indian military personnel who operated two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft gifted by India for maritime surveillance and medical evacuation. India had stationed around 77 military personnel in Maldives for operating this aviation equipment. Muizzu demanded their replacement by civilian personnel, and India eventually complied while maintaining the aviation assets in Maldives.
Bangladesh's war of liberation in 1971 was also influenced by Pakistan's crackdown on Bengali speakers following which language movement?
Correct Answer: A. Bengali Language Movement of 1952
The Bengali Language Movement of 1952 was a defining moment in the history of Bangladesh, when students in Dhaka protested against Pakistan's imposition of Urdu as the sole national language. The movement, where students were killed on February 21, 1952, became the catalyst for Bengali nationalism. This date is now observed as International Mother Language Day worldwide, recognised by UNESCO in 1999.
The Koshi River Agreement between India and Nepal, which relates to flood management and irrigation, was signed in:
Correct Answer: B. 1959
The Koshi River Agreement between India and Nepal was signed in 1959, covering the construction and management of the Koshi Barrage in Nepal near the Indian border. The agreement allows India to construct and maintain the barrage for flood control and irrigation in Bihar. The Koshi River, known as the 'Sorrow of Bihar', frequently causes devastating floods, making this agreement crucial for eastern India's flood management.
India ratified the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh in which year through a constitutional amendment?
Correct Answer: C. 2015
India ratified the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh in 2015 through the 100th Constitutional Amendment Act, which was necessary to cede Indian territory (the enclaves) to Bangladesh. The amendment was passed with rare political consensus in India, with both the ruling BJP and opposition Congress supporting it. The LBA came into force on July 31, 2015, finally resolving the enclave issue that had persisted since the 1947 partition.
The Mangdechhu Hydropower Project (720 MW) in Bhutan was inaugurated in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 2019
The Mangdechhu Hydropower Project (720 MW) in Bhutan was inaugurated in August 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering. Built on the Mangdechhu River in central Bhutan with Indian financial assistance, it is one of the flagship India-Bhutan energy cooperation projects. The project exports the majority of its electricity to India, contributing to Bhutan's revenue from hydropower exports.
India's assistance to Nepal after the devastating 2015 earthquake was an example of which diplomatic concept?
Correct Answer: C. Disaster Diplomacy
India's rapid and massive assistance to Nepal after the April 2015 earthquake (7.8 magnitude, killing nearly 9,000 people) is an example of 'disaster diplomacy,' where countries leverage humanitarian assistance to strengthen bilateral ties. India launched 'Operation Maitri' and was the first country to respond, sending rescue teams, medical supplies, helicopters, and relief material. The response was seen as a positive moment in what was otherwise a period of strained India-Nepal relations.
Sri Lanka's 2022 economic crisis was primarily caused by:
Correct Answer: A. COVID-19 tourism collapse, foreign debt burden, and policy failures including organic farming experiment
Sri Lanka's 2022 economic crisis was caused by a combination of factors including the collapse of tourism revenue due to COVID-19, the burden of foreign debt (particularly from China for infrastructure projects), and a catastrophic organic farming experiment ordered by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that destroyed agricultural output. Forex reserves depleted to dangerously low levels, leading to shortages of fuel, medicines, and food. India stepped in with $4 billion in assistance as Sri Lanka faced its worst crisis since independence.
The Maldives archipelago is located in which ocean?
Correct Answer: B. Indian Ocean (central)
The Maldives is located in the central Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It sits along critical maritime shipping lanes connecting the Middle East and Persian Gulf to Southeast Asia and the Far East. Its strategic location makes it important not just for India but also for China, the US, and other major maritime powers engaged in Indian Ocean strategy.