SAARC & ASEAN — Set 3
World Organizations · SAARC और ASEAN · Questions 21–30 of 60
What do the ten stalks of paddy (rice) on the ASEAN emblem represent?
Correct Answer: D. Ten member states
The correct answer is 'Ten member states'. The ten stalks represent the dream of the ASEAN founding fathers for an ASEAN comprising all ten countries in Southeast Asia. The stalks are bound together to symbolize friendship and solidarity. Rice is used as the symbol because it is the staple crop of the region.
Which SAARC body is responsible for providing long-term finance for regional projects?
Correct Answer: A. SAARC Development Fund
The SAARC Development Fund (SDF) is based in Thimphu, Bhutan. It supports regional cooperation through project-based funding in social, economic, and infrastructure windows. It was inaugurated during the 16th SAARC summit.
Which of these is a 'Sectoral Dialogue Partner' of SAARC?
Correct Answer: D. None of these
The correct answer is 'None of these'. SAARC has 'Observers' like the USA, Japan, and the EU, but it does not officially use the term 'Sectoral Dialogue Partner'. In contrast, ASEAN has a highly developed system of Dialogue Partners. SAARC observer states are invited to attend the opening and closing sessions of summits.
Which country hosted the 18th and most recent (as of 2024) successfully held SAARC summit in 2014?
Correct Answer: D. Nepal
The 18th SAARC Summit was held in Kathmandu, Nepal, in November 2014. Since then, scheduled summits have been postponed or cancelled due to regional tensions. Nepal remains the current chair of SAARC until the next summit is convened.
The ASEAN Charter, which gave the group a legal personality, came into force in which year?
Correct Answer: D. 2008
The ASEAN Charter was signed in 2007 and became a legally binding agreement in December 2008. It transformed ASEAN into a rules-based organization with a clear legal framework. The charter also formally established the goal of an ASEAN Community.
Which language is the working language of ASEAN?
Correct Answer: C. English
English is designated as the sole working language of ASEAN under Article 34 of the ASEAN Charter. This allows for smooth communication among officials from the ten diverse member nations. It is used for all official documents, meetings, and summits.
The SAARC Disaster Management Centre (SDMC) is located in which country?
Correct Answer: A. India
The correct answer is 'India'. The interim SDMC was initially set up in New Delhi at the National Institute of Disaster Management. It provides policy advice and facilitates capacity building for disaster risk reduction. It is a vital institution for a region highly prone to natural calamities.
Which ASEAN member state is a sultanate?
Correct Answer: D. Brunei
Brunei Darussalam is an absolute monarchy led by the Sultan. It joined ASEAN in 1984, becoming the group's sixth member. Brunei is known for its vast oil and gas reserves, making it one of the wealthiest nations in the region.
The 'Bali Concord II' signed in 2003 led to the creation of the?
Correct Answer: B. ASEAN Community
The Bali Concord II established the roadmap for an ASEAN Community built on three pillars. These pillars are political-security, economic, and socio-cultural communities. It aimed to achieve deep regional integration by the year 2020 (later moved to 2015).
Which SAARC member has the smallest land area?
Correct Answer: B. Maldives
Maldives is the smallest country in Asia by both land area and population. It consists of a chain of about 1,200 small coral islands. The nation is a founding member of SAARC and has hosted several summits.