SAARC & ASEAN — Set 4
World Organizations · SAARC और ASEAN · Questions 31–40 of 60
The ZOPFAN declaration (1971) by ASEAN members stands for Zone of Peace, Freedom and ________.?
Correct Answer: B. Neutrality
The correct answer is 'Neutrality'. The declaration committed ASEAN to keeping Southeast Asia 'free from any form or manner of interference by outside Powers'. It was signed in Kuala Lumpur during the height of the Cold War. It remains a fundamental principle of ASEAN's regional security policy.
Which SAARC nation is known as the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon'?
Correct Answer: A. Bhutan
Bhutan is referred to as 'Druk Yul' in the local language, meaning Land of the Thunder Dragon. It is a Himalayan kingdom that joined SAARC as a founding member in 1985. Thimphu, its capital, hosts several SAARC regional centers.
The ASEAN Plus Three (APT) forum includes ASEAN members and which other three countries?
Correct Answer: B. China, Japan, South Korea
The correct answer is 'China, Japan, South Korea'. APT was established in 1997 to coordinate cooperation between ASEAN and the major East Asian economies. It focuses on financial stability, energy security, and disaster management. This forum was instrumental in creating the Chiang Mai Initiative for currency swaps.
Who was the first woman to serve as the Secretary-General of SAARC?
Correct Answer: A. Fathimath Dhiyana Saeed
Fathimath Dhiyana Saeed of the Maldives took office in 2011 as the tenth Secretary-General. She was the first woman to hold the top administrative post in SAARC history. She had previously served as the Attorney General of the Maldives.
Which city is the headquarters of the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC)?
Correct Answer: B. Dhaka
SAC is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and was the first regional center established by SAARC. It works on the exchange of information and technology in the field of agriculture. Its goal is to promote food security and sustainable farming in South Asia.
The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) was formally established at the end of which year?
Correct Answer: C. 2015
The AEC was officially launched on 31 December 2015 to create a single market and production base. It allows for the free flow of goods, services, investment, and skilled labor. It is one of the most ambitious economic integration projects in the developing world.
Which country's suspension from ASEAN meetings occurred recently due to internal political instability?
Correct Answer: B. Myanmar
Myanmar's military leadership has been excluded from high-level ASEAN summits since late 2021. This was due to the failure to implement the 'Five-Point Consensus' plan for peace. ASEAN typically maintains a non-interference policy but made an exception in this case.
Which SAARC regional center is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka?
Correct Answer: A. SAARC Cultural Centre
The SAARC Cultural Centre is based in Colombo and promotes regional cooperation through arts and culture. It organizes festivals, workshops, and exhibitions involving artists from all eight member states. It aims to preserve the shared cultural heritage of South Asia.
The East Asia Summit (EAS) is a forum led by?
Correct Answer: B. ASEAN
The EAS is an annual meeting of leaders from 18 countries, with ASEAN playing the central role. It includes major global powers and is a premier forum for strategic dialogue in Asia. India has been a founding member of the EAS since 2005.
In SAARC, the Council of Ministers consists of the ________ of the member states.?
Correct Answer: B. Foreign Ministers
The Council of Ministers is the second-highest decision-making body in SAARC. They meet at least twice a year to formulate policies and review the progress of cooperation. The Heads of State themselves meet at the annual SAARC Summit.