India & Neighbours (Nepal, BD, SL) — Set 9
International Relations · भारत और पड़ोसी देश · Questions 81–90 of 140
The Kosi River Agreement between India and Nepal primarily serves the purpose of:
Correct Answer: B. Flood management in Bihar and irrigation
The Koshi River Agreement (1959) primarily serves the purpose of flood management in Bihar and irrigation in both Nepal Terai and Bihar. The Koshi Barrage was built to control the river known as the 'Sorrow of Bihar' due to its devastating floods. The agreement has provisions for sharing irrigation water and managing flood flows, though Nepal has periodically sought revision of the terms which it views as unfavorable.
Bhutan is the only country in the world to measure national progress by which unique index?
Correct Answer: B. Gross National Happiness (GNH)
Bhutan is the only country in the world that officially measures national progress through Gross National Happiness (GNH) rather than purely GDP or economic indicators. GNH considers sustainable development, preservation of cultural values, environmental conservation, and good governance as pillars of national wellbeing. This philosophy was introduced by the fourth Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) Jigme Singye Wangchuck in the 1970s.
The India-Bangladesh Treaty of Friendship was signed in 1972. What was the duration of this treaty?
Correct Answer: C. 25 years
The India-Bangladesh Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Peace, signed on March 19, 1972, had a duration of 25 years (valid until 1997). After its expiry, both countries allowed it to lapse rather than renewing it, as the formal treaty framework was no longer seen as necessary with evolving bilateral relations. India and Bangladesh have continued to maintain close ties through multiple other agreements and bilateral mechanisms.
Operation Maitri launched by India in 2015 was a humanitarian response to which disaster?
Correct Answer: C. Nepal earthquake
Operation Maitri was the humanitarian relief and rescue operation launched by India in April 2015 in response to the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal (magnitude 7.8), killing nearly 9,000 people and injuring thousands more. India was the first country to respond, airlifting rescue teams, medical supplies, food, and relief material. The operation was a major demonstration of India's rapid humanitarian response capability and the 'Neighbourhood First' policy in action.
India's concern about Chinese presence in Maldives stems partly from Maldives' position near which strategic waterway?
Correct Answer: B. Eight Degree Channel and major Indian Ocean shipping lanes
Maldives is located near the Eight Degree Channel and astride critical Indian Ocean shipping lanes that carry a significant portion of global trade and India's energy imports. Chinese presence in Maldives, through infrastructure projects and political influence, could potentially allow China to monitor or interfere with Indian Ocean maritime activity. India's strategic concern is part of the broader 'String of Pearls' theory about Chinese encirclement through Indian Ocean ports.
Nepal's Gautam Buddha International Airport is located in which city associated with the Buddha's birthplace?
Correct Answer: C. Lumbini
Gautam Buddha International Airport is located in Bhairahawa, near Lumbini in Nepal — the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha). The airport was built with Chinese financing and became operational in 2022, though it has struggled to attract international airlines. Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major pilgrimage destination, making the airport strategically important for tourism.
The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) that India signed with Pakistan was brokered by which international body?
Correct Answer: B. World Bank
The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 between India and Pakistan was brokered by the World Bank, which also signed the treaty as a guarantor. The treaty allocates the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan and the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India. It has survived multiple wars between the two countries and is often called one of the most successful international water-sharing agreements.
India's approach to the Rohingya refugees issue has been different from Bangladesh's in that India:
Correct Answer: C. Treats Rohingya as illegal immigrants and has deported some
Unlike Bangladesh which houses over a million Rohingya refugees in camps, India treats Rohingya in India as illegal immigrants rather than refugees. India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, so it has no legal obligation to grant refugee status. Indian authorities have deported Rohingya to Myanmar and detained them, a stance that has drawn criticism from human rights organisations.
The concept of 'connectivity as a driver of prosperity' in South Asia is most associated with which multilateral grouping?
Correct Answer: C. BBIN
The BBIN (Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal) Motor Vehicles Agreement and sub-regional framework specifically focus on connectivity as a driver of prosperity in the eastern South Asian subregion. BBIN countries have been working on passenger and cargo vehicle movement across borders, integrated check posts, and multi-modal transport links. India has increasingly preferred sub-regional connectivity initiatives like BBIN over SAARC which is stalled due to India-Pakistan tensions.
Bhutan is landlocked and depends on India for access to the sea. Which Indian port is most used by Bhutan for overseas trade?
Correct Answer: C. Kolkata Port (Haldia)
Bhutan primarily uses Kolkata Port (and its extension at Haldia) in West Bengal for its overseas maritime trade, as it is the nearest Indian sea port to Bhutan. India provides transit facilities to Bhutan for this trade under their bilateral agreements. Bangladesh has also offered transit facilities to Bhutan through its Mongla and Chittagong ports as part of regional connectivity efforts.