⭐ SECTION B — SHORT ANSWERS (50 WORDS EACH)
(Questions 4 to 13)
4) “Relations between the Soviet Union and India have always been cordial.” Give any two examples.
✔ Answer:
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The Soviet Union supported India during the Bangladesh Liberation War (1971).
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The USSR helped India in industrial development, including steel plants and defence cooperation.
Explanation (50 words):
India and the USSR shared strong friendship. During the 1971 Bangladesh crisis, the USSR supported India politically and militarily. It also assisted in setting up major industrial projects like Bhilai steel plant, and supplied defence equipment. These examples show long-standing trust and cooperation between the two nations.
5) Write any two consequences of the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
✔ Answer:
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End of the Cold War.
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Emergence of 15 independent countries, including Russia, Ukraine, etc.
Explanation (50 words):
The breakup of the USSR in 1991 ended bipolar world politics and the Cold War era. It created 15 new independent republics, reducing Russia’s global influence. International power shifted toward the United States, leading to unipolarity. This also weakened socialist ideology and changed global economic and security systems.
6) Write a short note on India–Maldives relations.
✔ Answer:
India and Maldives share close ties based on geography, security cooperation, and economic partnership.
Explanation (50 words):
The Maldives lies close to India’s southern coast, making it important for India’s maritime security. India has assisted Maldives through military training, disaster relief, and development projects. Operation Cactus (1988), where India saved the Maldivian government from a coup, strengthened trust and demonstrated deep strategic partnership.
7) “The issue of ownership of Antarctica is controversial.” Explain.
✔ Answer:
Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, preventing any single country from claiming ownership.
Explanation (50 words):
Antarctica has no permanent population and is rich in resources, but the Antarctic Treaty (1959) restricts military activity, mining, and territorial claims. Many nations want access to its minerals and strategic location. Because no country can own it and several nations want influence, its ownership remains a global controversy.
8) Which ideology did Jana Sangh emphasize on?
✔ Answer: Cultural nationalism (भारतीय सांस्कृतिक राष्ट्रवाद)
Explanation (50 words):
The Bharatiya Jana Sangh promoted the idea of cultural nationalism, arguing that India’s identity is rooted in Hindu cultural traditions. It opposed special status to any community and emphasized one nation, one culture, and one law. This ideology later shaped the political philosophy of the BJP.
9) Comment on ‘Aaya Ram – Gaya Ram’ in Indian politics.
✔ Answer: It refers to frequent political defections by legislators.
Explanation (50 words):
‘Aaya Ram – Gaya Ram’ became famous after a Haryana MLA changed parties three times in 1967. It symbolizes instability caused by frequent defections for personal gain. This created mistrust in politics and led to the Anti-Defection Law (1985) to prevent such unethical switching of parties.
10) What is meant by Privy Purse?
✔ Answer: Financial allowances given to former princely states.
Explanation (50 words):
After independence, princely rulers agreed to join India in exchange for guaranteed yearly payments called Privy Purse. It compensated them for surrendering their power. However, in 1971, the government abolished privy purses to promote equality and end the special privileges of royal families.
11) Why did the students of Gujarat protest in 1974?
✔ Answer: Due to rising corruption and price rise.
Explanation (50 words):
In 1974, Gujarat students started a movement against corruption in public institutions and increasing prices of essential goods. The agitation grew into a statewide anti-government protest known as the Nav Nirman Movement, eventually leading to the dismissal of the state government.
12) Write any two points of the Rajiv–Longowal Agreement (1985).
✔ Answer:
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Transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab.
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Setting up a tribunal to settle water disputes.
Explanation (50 words):
The Rajiv–Longowal Accord sought peace in Punjab. It promised Chandigarh’s transfer to Punjab and fair settlement of river water disputes through a tribunal. It also planned compensation for victims of violence and withdrawal of excess military presence. The agreement aimed at restoring normalcy in the state.
13) Why did coalition politics continue after 1989?
✔ Answer: No single party secured a majority.
Explanation (50 words):
After 1989, national politics became fragmented as the Congress lost dominance and regional parties grew stronger. No party could win a clear majority, making coalition governments the only option. Social and regional diversity also encouraged alliances among multiple parties to form stable governments.