Section A
[1 Marks]
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(A) Tajikistan
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(B) Kazakhstan
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(C) Uzbekistan
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(D) Azerbaijan
Explanation: The correct answer is Tajikistan, as stated in the provided context, which specifically mentions that Tajikistan experienced a civil war that lasted for ten years until 2001.
[1 Marks]
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(A) Alliance Building
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(B) Confidence Building
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(C) Arms control
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(D) Balance of Power
Explanation: The correct answer is 'Confidence Building' because the context explicitly defines confidence building as a process where countries share ideas and information with their rivals, informing each other about military intentions and plans to avoid misunderstandings that could lead to conflict.
[1 Marks]
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(A) W. Bengal
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(B) Tripura
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(C) Manipur
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(D) Kerala
Explanation: The correct answer is Kerala. According to the context, the Communist Party won a significant number of seats in the 1957 assembly elections in Kerala, securing 60 out of 126 seats and forming a government for the first time through democratic elections. This event marked a historical moment as it was the first instance in the world where a communist party came to power through such a method.
[1 Marks]
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(A) S.L. Shakdhar
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(B) Sukumar Sen
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(C) R.K. Trivedi
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(D) K.V.K. Sundaram
Explanation: The correct answer is Sukumar Sen, as stated in the provided context that he became the first Chief Election Commissioner when the Election Commission of India was established in January 1950.
[1 Marks]
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(A) 1950
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(B) 1960
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(C) 1962
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(D) 1954
Explanation: The correct answer is 1950, as the context explicitly states that China annexed Tibet in 1950, which removed a historical buffer between India and China.
[1 Marks]
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(A) British
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(B) French
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(C) Dutch
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(D) Portuguese
Explanation: The correct answer is 'Dutch' because India, under Nehru's leadership, actively supported Indonesia's struggle for freedom from Dutch colonial rule. This is specifically mentioned in the context where it states that India convened an international conference in 1949 to help Indonesia achieve its independence.
[1 Marks]
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(A) Manipur
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(B) Assam
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(C) Nagaland
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(D) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation: The correct answer is Assam. The provided context explains that the Karbis community, along with the Dimasas, has been granted autonomy under District Councils while remaining in Assam, indicating that they are primarily located in this state.
Section B
[1 Marks]
Answer: The region of India referred to as the 'Seven Sisters' consists of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, and Meghalaya. This designation highlights the unique cultural and geographical diversity of these northeastern states. Additionally, Sikkim is considered the 'Brother' to these states, completing the region's representation. This combination of states has significant cultural and social distinctiveness, enhancing India’s diversity.
[1 Marks]
Answer: The 'People’s March' to the Parliament in 1975 was led by Jayaprakash Narayan, commonly known as JP. He mobilized a significant number of citizens and various non-Congress opposition parties, uniting them against the issues of rising prices, food scarcity, unemployment, and corruption. This march marked one of the largest political rallies in the history of the capital, showcasing widespread public dissatisfaction with the government's policies.
[1 Marks]
Answer: The two states that witnessed student agitations against rising food prices in 1974 were Gujarat and Bihar. In Gujarat, the agitation began in January 1974, focusing on the rising prices of food grains and corruption. Similarly, in Bihar, students protested in March 1974 against the economic hardships, including food scarcity and unemployment. These movements marked significant student unrest during that period, showcasing widespread dissatisfaction with the prevailing political and economic conditions.
[1 Marks]
Answer: In 1974, student agitations against rising food prices were prominent in Gujarat and Bihar. In Gujarat, students initiated protests in January to address the escalating prices of food grains and corruption. Following this, in March, students in Bihar joined the movement to contest widespread food scarcity, unemployment, and corruption. Both movements reflected the broader dissatisfaction with economic conditions across India during that time.
[1 Marks]
Answer: The party that secured the second most Lok Sabha seats in India's first general elections in 1952 was the Indian National Congress. Although many opposition parties garnered a significant percentage of votes across the country, the first-past-the-post electoral system meant that they could not convert those votes into a proportional number of seats. Thus, the Congress maintained its dominance by winning a vast majority of seats despite other parties having substantial voter support.
[1 Marks]
Answer: The first general elections in India were held in 1952. The Election Commission of India was established in January 1950, and preparations began for these historic elections. They represented a significant milestone in India's democratic journey, as 17 crore eligible voters participated. Observers noted this unprecedented scale of electoral activity, marking India's elections as the largest democratic exercise in the world.
[1 Marks]
Answer: The regional organization associated with Southeast Asian nations is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Established to promote economic growth, political stability, and cultural cooperation among member countries, ASEAN emphasizes principles of non-interference and respect for national sovereignty. It facilitates dialogue both among its ten member states and with external partners to enhance regional peace and security. The organization plays a vital role in addressing collective regional challenges.
Section C
[6 Marks]
Answer: The European Union (EU) is an influential regional organisation due to several key factors. First, its substantial economic power is exemplified by a projected GDP of approximately $19.35 trillion in 2024, positioning it as a significant player in global trade. Second, the EU's common currency, the euro, enhances its economic stability and competitiveness, challenging the dominance of the US dollar. Third, the EU's political and diplomatic influence is evident through its active participation in international organisations like the WTO and in global diplomatic relations. Lastly, the EU's shared foreign and security policies fortify its collective stance, enabling it to project military influence and maintain regional stability. This combination of economic, political, and military strengths contributes to the EU’s role as a major alternative power in a multipolar world.
[6 Marks]
Answer: Regional organisations play a vital role in enhancing cooperation and development among member countries. Firstly, one key objective is to foster economic integration, allowing member states to create a seamless trading environment that boosts regional economies and enhances global competitiveness. Secondly, these organisations aim to ensure regional stability and security by promoting dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution among nations. Thirdly, they facilitate cultural exchange, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation on social issues, which is critical in today’s globalized world. Lastly, regional organisations often act as a collective voice for member states in international forums, ensuring that their interests are represented and their concerns addressed on a global scale. This multifaceted approach not only supports the development of member countries but also contributes to a more stable and cooperative international environment.
[6 Marks]
Answer: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) currently consists of fifteen members: five permanent members (the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom) and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. This structure heavily favors the interests of these five permanent members, failing to adequately represent modern geopolitical realities and neglecting the voices of emerging powers and developing nations. Suggested reforms include expanding the number of permanent members to include countries such as India, Brazil, and Germany, reflecting their significant economic and political influence. Furthermore, reforms advocate for enhanced representation from Africa and Latin America, thereby ensuring a more equitable balance of power. These changes aim to align the UNSC's structure with the contemporary global political landscape, ensuring that its decisions reflect a broader array of values and interests. The challenge lies in reaching consensus among member states on the criteria and number of new members.
[6 Marks]
Answer: The end of the Cold War brought significant transformations in world politics. Firstly, the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to the dissolution of the Second World and the withdrawal of socialist regimes in Eastern Europe, fundamentally altering the global power dynamics. Secondly, the United States emerged as the unipolar superpower, establishing a dominance that reshaped international relations and led to concerns about unchecked American power. Thirdly, the role of the United Nations evolved, with increased expectations for it to manage global peace and security in a new context dominated by the US. Lastly, there was a growing emphasis on promoting democracy and capitalism worldwide, as nations began transitioning from authoritarian regimes to more democratic governance structures, influenced by Western ideals. These changes set the stage for a new era of global politics marked by both opportunities and challenges.
[6 Marks]
Answer: The partition of British India in 1947 led to several significant consequences. Firstly, it caused massive displacement, with millions of people forced to migrate across the newly drawn borders, leading to one of the largest human migrations in history. Secondly, the violence that erupted resulted in extensive communal riots, leaving hundreds of thousands dead and many more injured, creating a legacy of mistrust between communities. Thirdly, the partition necessitated the urgent integration of numerous princely states into the Indian Union, a complex process that required careful negotiation and intervention. Finally, the partition profoundly impacted the notion of secularism in India, as the violent religious nature of partition raised concerns about communal harmony and the protection of minority rights in the new nation-states.
[6 Marks]
Answer: The partition of British India in 1947 was fraught with numerous challenges. Firstly, the division was based on religious majorities, leading to significant violence and communal riots. As communities were forced to relocate, millions faced persecution and loss of life. Secondly, the bifurcation of provinces like Punjab and Bengal was highly contentious due to overlapping populations, resulting in many individuals discovering they were now minorities in their own homes. Lastly, the integration of princely states posed a complex issue, as many princely rulers were reluctant to join either India or Pakistan, creating further instability. These problems not only caused immediate suffering but also had lasting effects on both nations.
[6 Marks]
Answer: In recent years, several key issues have garnered broad consensus among the political parties in India, highlighting a collective approach to pressing national concerns. Firstly, the need for economic reform has gained traction among major parties. This includes an agreement on liberalizing the economy to boost growth and compete globally. Secondly, there is an emerging consensus on the importance of national unity and integrity, particularly in addressing regional demands and autonomy movements, especially in Northeast India. Lastly, most parties concur on the significance of social justice, especially in addressing the needs and aspirations of marginalized communities. Such political agreements not only reflect a commitment to democratic processes but also ensure the stability and progress of the nation amidst diversities.
[6 Marks]
Answer: Coalition governments in India since 1989 have brought several benefits to the political landscape. Firstly, they promote inclusivity by allowing diverse regional parties to participate in governance, which ensures representation of varied interests and perspectives in decision-making processes. Secondly, coalition governments foster stability through consensus-building, as they require cooperation and negotiation among different parties, helping to smoothen contentious issues. Finally, they enhance accountability, as these governments must cater to the needs of multiple stakeholders, leading to more diligent governance. This multi-party approach can mitigate the dominance of a single party and encourage collaborative politics, leading to policies that better reflect the multifaceted needs of India's diverse population.