Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that
follow:
The South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) is a major regional initiative by the South Asian states to evolve co-operation through multilateral means. It began in 1985. Unfortunately due to persisting political differences, SAARC has not had much success. SAARC members signed the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) in 2002 which promised the formation of a free trade zone for the whole of South Asia.
Question: 1
Which one of the following South Asian countries is not a founder member of South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC)?
Show Hint
To remember the 8 members of SAARC, think of the acronym MBBS PAIN: Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Nepal. Note that Afghanistan (A) was the only non-founding member added later (2007).
The external power that affects the South Asian Countries the most is:
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When analyzing external forces in South Asian politics, think of the Cold War legacy and military aid. The USA's active role as a security guarantor, major trade partner, and economic donor makes it the most influential external superpower in the subcontinent.
The major objective of South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation is:
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Remember that SAARC is primarily an intergovernmental platform for socio-economic cooperation, not a political union. Due to political disputes, it focuses heavily on non-political fields like agriculture, trade, and cultural exchanges.
to become a contemporary centre of power in the World.
to establish a common currency for the regional organisation for its economic development.
to solve all regional conflicts without interference of external powers.
to co-operate member states for economic growth, social progress and cultural development through multilateral means.
Show Solution
The Correct Option isD
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Question: 4
Which one of the following is NOT a core objective of South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA)?
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Unlike the European Union, which developed a highly integrated single market and a common currency (Euro), South Asian integration through SAFTA is limited strictly to reducing tariffs and barriers to trade, retaining separate national monetary systems and currencies.