India & Neighbours (Nepal, BD, SL) — Set 7
International Relations · भारत और पड़ोसी देश · Questions 61–70 of 140
Which Nepal-India water treaty project, once completed, would be the largest hydropower project in South Asia?
Correct Answer: B. Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project
The Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project, to be built on the Mahakali River between India and Nepal, would have an installed capacity of around 5,040 MW, making it potentially the largest hydropower project in South Asia. It was envisioned under the 1996 Mahakali Treaty but has faced significant delays due to cost-sharing disputes and technical disagreements. Both sides have reaffirmed commitment to the project multiple times without achieving a final agreement.
Bangladesh's Liberation War of 1971 resulted in the surrender of Pakistani troops on:
Correct Answer: C. December 16, 1971
The Pakistani forces in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) surrendered on December 16, 1971, with General A.A.K. Niazi signing the Instrument of Surrender in Dhaka. This date is celebrated as Victory Day (Bijoy Dibosh) in Bangladesh and as Vijay Diwas in India. The surrender, involving 93,000 Pakistani soldiers, was one of the largest military surrenders since World War II.
India, Nepal, and Bhutan all participate in which sub-regional initiative focused on hydropower trade?
Correct Answer: C. Cross-Border Electricity Trade (CBET) under SAARC
Cross-Border Electricity Trade (CBET) under SAARC arrangements allows India, Nepal, and Bhutan to trade electricity across borders, with India as the dominant buyer of Bhutanese and Nepali hydropower. SAARC has worked on frameworks for regional electricity interconnection and trade. India has bilateral agreements with both Nepal and Bhutan for power trade, and these are progressively being expanded.
The island of Katchatheevu was ceded by India to Sri Lanka in which year, causing a recurring political issue?
Correct Answer: B. 1974
The island of Katchatheevu was ceded to Sri Lanka by India in 1974 under an agreement signed by Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Sirimavo Bandaranaike. The cession remains controversial in Tamil Nadu, as Indian fishermen had traditionally used the island for rest and drying nets. The issue resurfaces periodically in Indian domestic politics, with demands to reclaim Katchatheevu or provide Indian fishermen guaranteed access.
India's 'Act East' policy, relevant to Bangladesh connectivity, was launched by:
Correct Answer: B. Narendra Modi rebranding 'Look East' as 'Act East' in 2014
India's 'Act East' policy was the rebranding by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the earlier 'Look East' policy (initiated in 1991 by P.V. Narasimha Rao) into a more action-oriented framework. Announced at the ASEAN Summit in Myanmar in 2014, 'Act East' emphasises greater economic, strategic, and cultural engagement with Southeast Asia, with Bangladesh playing a crucial role as a connectivity hub between India's northeast and Southeast Asia.
Nepal's Madhesi community primarily lives in which geographical region of Nepal?
Correct Answer: B. Terai plains bordering India
Nepal's Madhesi community primarily inhabits the Terai plains, the flat lowland region of Nepal bordering the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The Madhesis have strong ethnic, cultural, and family ties with people across the border in India. The 2015 Nepal constitution's perceived neglect of Madhesi representation in the federal structure led to a major blockade at the Nepal-India border that strained bilateral relations.
India's total operational border with Bangladesh is approximately:
Correct Answer: C. 4,156 km
India shares a border of approximately 4,156 km with Bangladesh, making it the fifth-longest land border in the world. The border passes through West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. Border management has been a complex issue involving smuggling, illegal migration, and the earlier challenge of enclaves (now resolved through the 2015 Land Boundary Agreement).
Which Indian missile system developed jointly with Russia is also used by the Indian Navy and Army and was considered for export to the Philippines?
Correct Answer: C. BrahMos
BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India (DRDO) and Russia (NPO Mashinostroyenia), named after Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers. It is used by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force and travels at nearly three times the speed of sound. India completed a landmark defence export deal to supply BrahMos missiles to the Philippines in 2022, marking India's entry into major defence exports.
The Rohingya are a Muslim minority group from which country who have fled to Bangladesh in large numbers?
Correct Answer: C. Myanmar
The Rohingya are a predominantly Muslim minority from Myanmar's Rakhine (Arakan) State, who have faced decades of discrimination, statelessness, and persecution by the Myanmar military and Buddhist nationalist groups. The 2017 military crackdown drove over 700,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh in a few months. The UN described the violence as bearing the hallmarks of genocide, and repatriation efforts have made little progress.
The India-Nepal bilateral trade balance generally favours which country?
Correct Answer: B. India
India is Nepal's largest trading partner, but the bilateral trade balance significantly favours India, with Nepal importing far more from India than it exports. Nepal's main exports to India include processed food, handicrafts, and some agricultural products, while India exports a wide range of manufactured goods, petroleum products, and machinery. This trade imbalance is a recurring concern for Nepal and a point of discussion in bilateral trade negotiations.