⭐ SECTION A — VERY SHORT ANSWERS (ENGLISH) — WITH EXPLANATIONS

3(i)

Question:

When was ASEAN established and by signing which declaration?

✔ Correct Answer: ASEAN was established in 1967 by signing the Bangkok Declaration.

Explanation:

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was formed in 1967 to promote regional peace and cooperation. The Bangkok Declaration is its founding document.

3(ii)

Question:

Why is the EU’s capacity limited in foreign and defence matters? Give one reason.

✔ Correct Answer: Because member states do not want to surrender their national sovereignty.

Explanation:

EU nations prefer to keep control over decisions involving military, defence, and foreign relations, which limits the EU’s authority in these areas.

3(iii)

Question:

Name one country where Indian citizens can travel without passport and visa.

✔ Correct Answer: Nepal (or Bhutan).

Explanation:

India has special agreements with Nepal and Bhutan, allowing citizens to travel freely without passports/visas due to historically close relations.

3(iv)

Question:

Write the full name of SAARC.

✔ Correct Answer: South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

Explanation:

SAARC is an intergovernmental organisation founded to promote regional collaboration among South Asian countries.

3(v)

Question:

When is United Nations Day celebrated?

✔ Correct Answer: 24 October.

Explanation:

UN Day marks the anniversary of the UN Charter coming into force on 24 October 1945, celebrated globally.

3(vi)

Question:

Write the full name of EVM.

✔ Correct Answer: Electronic Voting Machine.

Explanation:

EVMs are used in Indian elections to ensure faster, more reliable electronic voting.

3(vii)

Question:

Why was the first general election challenging? Give any two reasons.

✔ Correct Answers:

1. Most voters were illiterate.

2. There was lack of administrative and electoral experience.

Explanation:

India had never held an election of such massive scale. Illiteracy and limited infrastructure made the 1952 election especially challenging for the Election Commission.

3(viii)

Question:

Write about the two main models of development before India at independence.

✔ Correct Answer:

1. Capitalist model (USA-style)

2. Socialist model (USSR-style)

Explanation:

India had to choose between free-market capitalism and state-controlled socialism as guiding development strategies.

3(ix)

Question:

Where did India get the idea of Five-Year Planning from?

✔ Correct Answer: Soviet Union (USSR).

Explanation:

India adopted the centralized planning model inspired by USSR’s Five-Year Plans.

3(x)

Question:

Under which Article did Jammu and Kashmir have special status?

✔ Correct Answer: Article 370.

Explanation:

Article 370 granted Jammu & Kashmir autonomy over internal matters until it was removed in 2019.

3(xi)

Question:

What is meant by ‘Bahujan’ in Bahujan Samaj Party?

✔ Correct Answer: “Majority of the people” (SC, ST, OBC, minorities).

Explanation:

Bahujan refers to the socially oppressed majority communities whose upliftment is the aim of BSP.

3(xii)

Question:

Which commission recommended reservation for Other Backward Classes?

✔ Correct Answer: Mandal Commission.

Explanation:

The Mandal Commission (1980) identified OBCs and recommended 27% reservation, implemented in 1990.