SAARC & ASEAN — Set 6

Correct Answer: B. Afghanistan

Afghanistan became the eighth member of SAARC during the 14th summit in New Delhi. It is the only member that has joined since the group was established. This move was intended to better integrate Central and South Asian politics.

Correct Answer: A. Association of South East Asian Nations

ASEAN stands for the Association of South East Asian Nations. It is a regional organization that promotes economic, political, and security cooperation. It represents over 600 million people across the region.

Correct Answer: C. Bangkok

ASEAN was established with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration, also known as the Bangkok Declaration. The foreign ministers of the five founding nations met in Thailand's capital to sign it. This agreement laid the foundation for regional solidarity.

Correct Answer: B. SAFTA

SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area) was signed in 2004 and came into force in 2006. It aims to reduce trade barriers and tariffs between member states. It succeeded the earlier South Asian Preferential Trade Arrangement (SAPTA).

Correct Answer: C. India

India is a strategic partner of ASEAN but is not a member of the organization. ASEAN is strictly for countries located in Southeast Asia. India participates in the ASEAN-India summits and the East Asia Summit.

Correct Answer: C. Nepal

Nepal has held the chairmanship since the last summit in 2014. The chair usually rotates annually among members in alphabetical order. However, since no new summit has been held, Nepal continues to hold the position.

Correct Answer: B. Paddy (Rice)

The ASEAN flag features ten stalks of paddy (rice) in the center. This represents the solidarity and agricultural roots of the ten Southeast Asian nations. Rice is the primary staple food for the entire ASEAN community.

Correct Answer: C. Dhaka

The first SAARC summit was hosted in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 1985. It was here that the leaders of the seven founding nations officially signed the charter. Bangladesh played a key role in the early conceptualization of the group.

Correct Answer: A. The ASEAN Way

The 'ASEAN Way' is the organization's unique diplomatic style based on consensus and non-interference. It prioritizes quiet diplomacy and respect for the sovereignty of each member state. This principle has helped maintain peace among diverse political systems.

Correct Answer: B. SAARC

India is one of the founding members of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation). It is the largest member of this South Asian group. India is not an ASEAN member but a major dialogue partner.