⭐ SECTION C — LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (ENGLISH, ~100 words)

14) Give a brief account of ASEAN’s achievements and express your opinion on its relevance.

✔ Answer (~100 words):

ASEAN, established in 1967, has played a major role in promoting peace, regional cooperation, and economic integration among Southeast Asian nations. It successfully reduced conflicts in the region and encouraged dialogue through forums like the ASEAN Regional Forum. Its economic success includes creating a large market and attracting global investment by promoting free trade and regional connectivity. ASEAN has also cooperated on issues like disaster management, cultural exchange, and combating terrorism.
In today’s world, ASEAN remains highly relevant as it provides stability in the Asia–Pacific, balances major powers like China and the U.S., and acts as a strong regional bloc promoting shared growth.

OR (Alternative Question)

What efforts did China make to strengthen its economy?

✔ Answer (~100 words):

China strengthened its economy mainly through economic reforms introduced in 1978 under Deng Xiaoping. It shifted from a closed socialist system to a market-oriented economy, encouraged private enterprise, and welcomed foreign investment. China created Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to attract global manufacturing. It modernized agriculture, increased industrial production, and focused on export-led growth. China invested heavily in infrastructure such as transport, energy, and technology, making it the “world’s factory.”
As a result, China grew rapidly, lifted millions out of poverty, and became the world’s second-largest economy, influencing global trade and politics.

15) Why is it necessary to worry about the environment at the global level?

✔ Answer (~100 words):

The environment is a global concern because problems like climate change, ozone depletion, deforestation, and pollution affect all countries equally. No nation can solve these challenges alone. Rising temperatures, melting glaciers, irregular monsoons, and extreme weather threaten food security, water supply, and human health. Industrial activities in one region pollute the air and oceans worldwide. Biodiversity loss reduces natural balance and affects ecosystems. Therefore, global cooperation is essential to create international agreements, control emissions, promote sustainable development, and protect future generations from environmental disasters. Environmental protection is now both a global responsibility and a shared necessity.

OR (Alternative Question)

Discuss the main issues covered under the Kyoto Protocol.

✔ Answer (~100 words):

The Kyoto Protocol (1997) is an international agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to fight global warming. It required industrialized countries to reduce emissions by specific targets, recognizing their historical responsibility for pollution. The protocol emphasized reducing carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide levels. It introduced mechanisms such as Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), carbon trading, and joint implementation to help countries meet targets efficiently. Developing countries had no mandatory targets but were encouraged to adopt sustainable practices. Kyoto marked a major step in global climate action by establishing legally binding commitments for emission reduction.

16) Write any three economic effects of globalization.

✔ Answer (~100 words):

Globalization has brought major economic changes. First, it increased the mobility of goods, services, and capital, leading to more trade and economic growth. Second, multinational companies entered developing countries, creating jobs and bringing advanced technology. Third, it increased competition, improving product quality and reducing prices. However, globalization also widened income inequality, as benefits were unevenly distributed. It made economies more interconnected, so economic crises in one country affect others. Overall, globalization accelerated economic development but also created challenges like dependency on global markets and the decline of local industries.

OR (Alternative Question)

Explain the cultural impacts of globalization.

✔ Answer (~100 words):

Globalization has led to increased cultural exchange across countries. It spread global trends in food, fashion, music, films, and lifestyle. People now consume products from various cultures, leading to greater interconnectedness. It also promoted values such as democracy, human rights, and gender equality. However, globalization has also created fears of cultural homogenization, where local traditions and languages may decline due to the dominance of Western culture. Youth tend to adopt global lifestyles, sometimes weakening traditional practices. Despite this, cultural globalization encourages diversity, understanding, and dialogue among different societies.

17) Write a short note on India–China relations.

✔ Answer (~100 words):

India–China relations are a mix of cooperation and conflict. Both countries are ancient civilizations and major Asian powers sharing a long border. They cooperate through trade, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. However, border disputes, especially the 1962 war and tensions in Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh, have strained ties. Trade between the two nations has grown, but India faces a large trade deficit. Dialogue mechanisms exist to manage border issues and maintain peace, yet mistrust continues. Overall, the relationship is complex, balancing economic cooperation with strategic competition.

OR (Alternative Question)

Write a short note on India’s nuclear policy.

✔ Answer (~100 words):

India’s nuclear policy is based on peaceful uses of nuclear energy and maintaining minimum credible deterrence. India follows a No First Use (NFU) policy, promising not to use nuclear weapons unless attacked first. India conducted nuclear tests in 1974 and 1998 to ensure national security. It supports global disarmament but rejects discriminatory treaties like the NPT and CTBT because they divide the world into nuclear and non-nuclear powers. India advocates responsible nuclear behavior and aims to prevent nuclear weapons from reaching terrorists or unstable regimes.