New Centers of Power Class 12 MCQs Questions with Answers
Question 1.
European Union is a major alternate political and economic power centre in the unipolar world led by US. Consider the following statements about origin of EU. Which of the following is/are not correct?
(i) European integration after 1947 was aided by the Cold War.
(ii) Under the Marshall Plan, the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) was established in 1948 to channel aid to the east European states.
(iii) The Council of Europe was established in 1948, which was another step forward in political cooperation.
(iv) All of the above
(A) (i) only
(B) (ii) and (iii) only
(C) (i) and (iii) only
(D) All of the above
Answer:
(D) All of the above
Question 2.
Consider the following statements comparing US and European Union and choose the correct one/s.
(i) The EU is the world’s biggest economy with a GDP slightly larger than that of the United States.
(ii) EU’s share of world trade is three times larger that of United States.
(iii) Militarily, the EU’s combined armed forces are the largest in the world with US in the second position.
(iv) All of the above
(A) (i) and (ii) only
(B) (ii) and (iii) only
(C) (i) and (iii) only
(D) None of these
Answer:
(D) None of these
Question 3.
The Council of Europe was established in:
(A) 1949
(B) 1959
(C) 1969
(D) 1979 B
Answer:
(A) 1949
Explanation:
The Council of Europe is an international organization founded in the wake of World War 11 to uphold human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe. lounded in 1949, it has 47 member states.
Question 4.
Consider the following statement about ASEAN and choose the incorrect one/s.
(i) ASEAN Community comprises of three pillars, namely, the ASEAN Military Community, the ASEAN Economic Community and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.
(ii) The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which was established in 1994, is the organisation that carries out coordination of security and foreign policy.
(A) (i) only
(B) (ii) only
(C) Both (i) and (ii)
(D) Neither (i) nor (ii)
Answer:
(A) (i) only
Explanation:
The ASEAN Community 2015 is a community of opportunities under three community pillars: Political- Security Community, Economic Community, and Socio-Cultural Community.
Question 5.
SAARC is a major regional initiative by the :
(A) South Asian states
(B) American states
(C) Economic organisation
(D) Military organisation
Answer:
(A) South Asian states
Explanation:
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an economic and political organization of eight countries in South Asia. It was established in 1985 when the 1 leads of Stale of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka formally adopted the charter.
Question 6.
Which one of the following statements related to the Indo- China war (1962) is correct?
(A) China could not cross the line of control.
(B) The Soviet Union remained neutral during the conflict.
(C) The Soviet Union helped China against India.
(D) The Chinese forces did not withdraw their troops back to earlier position.
Answer:
(B) The Soviet Union remained neutral during the conflict.
Question 7.
Indo- Russian relations strengthened after the signing of Treaty of Peace and Friendship in:
(A) 1951
(B) 1961
(C) 1971
(D) 1981
Answer:
(C) 1971
Explanation:
The Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Co-operation between the USSR and India concluded in August 1971 has become an important factor in strengthening international peace, security and co-operation.
Question 8.
The key to growing India -Israel ties are:
(A) defence
(B) religion
(C) trade
(D) politics
Answer:
(A) defence
Explanation:
India has signed a secretive $200 million deal for assorted Israeli materiel, similar to innumerable defence-related procurements it has previously sourced from Tel Aviv following the establishment of formal bilateral diplomatic relations between the two countries in earlv 1992.
Question 9.
Relationship between India and Russia are rooted in mutual:
(A) suspense
(B) cooperation
(C) hatred
(D) competition
Answer:
(B) cooperation
Explanation:
Russia and India both term this relationship as a “Special and Privileged strategic partnership”. Iraditionallv, the Indo- Russian strategic partnership has been built on five major components: politics, defence, civil nuclear energy, anti-terrorism cooperation and space.
Question 10.
India and China were the great powers in Asia before the advent of:
(A) Western imperialism
(B) Eastern imperialism
(C) Southern explorers
(D) Northern wanderer
Answer:
(A) Western imperialism
Question 11.
Rajiv Gandhi’s visit to China in took place in December:
(A) 1966
(B) 1977
(C) 1988
(D) 1999
Answer:
(C) 1988
Explanation:
The five-day visit of Rajiv Gandhi in December 1988 was one of the biggest events in the history of Asian relations in a quarter of a centurv.
Question 12.
China and India were involved in a border conflict in:
(A) 1962
(B) 1972
(C) 1982
(D) 1992
Answer:
(A) 1962
Explanation:
China and India disputed over | Himalayan border which was the main cause of the Sino Indian War in 1962.
Question 13.
What was “Marshall Plan”?
(A) to revive European economy
(B) to provide Europe with military assistance
(C) to unite Europe and US
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(A) to revive European economy
Explanation:
America extended massive financial help for reviving Europe’s economv under’Marshall Plan’.
Question 14.
When OEEC was established?
(A) 1947
(B) 1949
(C) 1948
(D) 1950
Answer:
(C) 1948
Question 15.
Which two members of Europe hold the permanent seats on the UN Security Council?
(A) Sweden, France
(B) Germany, Italy
(C) Lithuania, Netherlands
(D) Britain and France
Answer:
(D) Britain and France
Question 16.
What is the currency of European Union?
(A) Pound
(B) Dollar
(C) Euro
(D) Ruble
Answer:
(C) Euro
Explanation: The Euro is the official currency for 19 of the 27 EU member countries,
Question 17.
Which declaration was signed with AESAN came into existence?
(A) Singapore Treaty
(B) Bangkok Declaration
(C) AESAN Declaration
(D) Warsaw Pact
Answer:
(B) Bangkok Declaration
Question 18.
Where was the SAARC established?
(A) Delhi
(B) Kathmandu
(C) Lahore
(D) Dhaka
Answer:
(D) Dhaka
Question 19.
Which one of the following is not the member of SAARC?
(A) Afghanistan
(B) Bangladesh
(C) US
(D) Bhutan
Answer:
(C) US
Question 20.
Where and when was BRIC founded?
(A) 2005, Russia
(B) 2006, Russia
(C) 2006, India
(D) 2007, Russia
Answer:
(B) 2006, Russia
Question 21.
Why BRIC turned into BRICS?
(A) South Africa was included later
(B) Somalia was included later
(C) “S” stands for South Asian Alliance
(D) None of the above
Answer:
(A) South Africa was included later
Explanation:
BRICS started in 2001 as BRIC, a acronym coined by Goldman Sachs for Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa was added in 2010.
Question 22.
When did Jawahar Lai Nehru visit Russia?
(A) June 1960
(B) July 1955
(C) August 1955
(D) May 1950
Answer:
(B) July 1955
Question 23.
During which Five Year Plan, Soviet Union helped India in setting up industries?
(A) Second
(B) Fifth
(C) First
(D) None of the above
Answer:
(A) Second
Explanation:
During India’s second Five Year Plan, of the sixteen heavy industry projects set up, eight were initiated with the help of the Soviet Union. This included the establishment of the world famous Bombay.
Question 24.
Which of the following is one of the founding members of SAARC?
(A) Bangladesh
(B) Japan
(C) Russia
(D) US
Answer:
(A) Bangladesh
Explanation:
The member states are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The SAARC was founded by seven states in 1985.
Question 25.
India and Israel established full diplomatic relations in …………..
(A) 1990
(B) 1993
(C) 1998
(D) 1992
Answer:
(D) 1992
Explanation:
India and Israel established full diplomatic relations in 1992 and since then the bilateral relationship between the two countries has blossomed at the economic, military, agricultural and political levels.
Question 26.
When did China takeover Tibet?
(A) 1951
(B) 1950
(C) 1949
(D) 1956
Answer:
(B) 1950
Question 27.
What were the areas of dispute between India and China in 1962 conflict?
(A) Jammu and Kashmir
(B) Western Kashmir
(C) West Bengal
(D) Arunachal Pradesh and in the Aksai Chin region of Ladakh
Answer:
(D) Arunachal Pradesh and in the Aksai Chin region of Ladakh
Explanation:
China and India were involved in a border conflict in 1962 over competing territorial claims principally in Arunachal Pradesh and in the Aksai Chin region of Ladakh.
Question 28
Since 1962, until when the relations of both the countries (India and China) downgraded?
(A) 1976
(B) 1988
(C) 1990
(D) 2021
Answer:
(A) 1976
Explanation:
The conflict of I%2, in which I India suffered military reverses, had long-term implications for India-China relations. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were downgraded until N76. Thereafter, relations between the two countries began to improve slowly.
Question 29
What is the contribution of India in the growth of trade since 1999?
(A) 50%
(B) 20%
(C) 10%
(D) 30%
Answer:
(D) 30%
Assertion And Reason Based Mcqs
Directions: In the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Mark the correct choice as:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Assertion and Reason Based MCQs
Question 1.
Assertion: OEEC became a forum where the western European states began to cooperate on trade and economic issues.
Reason: The US also created a new collective security structure under NATO.
Answer:
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation:
The OEEC negotiated a multilateral agreement on intra-European payments. That was followed, in 1949, by a trade liberalization scheme. While NATO’s essential and enduring purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by political and military meAnswer:
Question 2.
Assertion: The EU has started to act more as a dictator state.
Reason: It also has some form of a common foreign and security policy in its dealings with other nations.
Answer:
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Explanation:
EuropeanUnion isaninternational organization consisting of European countries, which was formed in 1993. It came into force after the signing of the Maastricht Treaty by 28 countries. The Maastricht Treaty is also known as the Treaty of the European Union (TEU). It never acts as a dictator, rather it facilitates and promotes peace and the well-being of F.U citizens.
Question 3.
Assertion: With some of the fastest growing economies in the world, ASEAN broadened its objectives beyond the economic and social spheres.
Reason: In 2003, ASEAN moved along the path of the EU by agreeing to establish an ASEAN Community comprising three pillars, namely, the ASEAN Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of iaw in the relationship among g countries.
Answer:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Exptanation:
The ASEAN Declaration states that the aims and purposes of the Assodation are: (I) to accelerate economic growth. soaal progress and cultural development in the region and (ii) to promote regional peace and
Question 4.
Assertion: AESAN was develop to pose a military and economic threat to EU.
Reason: The objectives of ASEAN were primarily to accelerate economic growth and through that ‘economic and cultural development’.
Answer:
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Explanation:
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was formed in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand to accelerate economic growth and through that ‘social progress and cultural development’.
Question 5.
Assertion: The ASEAN security community was based on the conviction that outstanding territorial disputes should not escalate into armed confrontation.
Reason: By 2003, ASEAN had several agreements in place by which member states promised to uphold peace, neutrality, cooperation, non-interference, and respect for national differences and sovereign rights.
Answer:
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation:
In 2003, ASEAN moved along the path of the by agreeing to establish an f ASEAN Community comprising three pillars, namely, the ASEAN Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community and the ASEAN J Socio-Cultural Community.
Question 6.
Assertion: ASEAN’s economy is larger than that of the EU and the US.
Reason: ASEAN was and still remains principally an economic association.
Answer:
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Explanation:
The ASEAN region as a whole is a much smaller economy compared to the US, the EU, and Japan, its economy is owing much faster than all these.
Question 7.
Assertion: China had considerable influence and control on the periphery of its borders based on its unique tributary system.
Reason: At different times in China’s long history of dynastic rule, Mongolia, Korea, parts of Indo-China, and Tibet accepted China’s authority.
Answer:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation:
China often claims that the countries on its vicinity belong to them. The reason behind this claim is the history of China’s dynastic rule over the parts of these areas.
Question 8.
Assertion: The conflict of 1962, in which India suffered military reverses, had long-term implications for India-China relations.
Reason: After India regained its independence from Britain, and China expelled the foreign powers, there was hope that both would come together to shape the future of the developing world and of Asia particularly.
Answer:
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation:
There was an expectation from the both sides that India – China relations would improve, and it worked for some time. But, soon China’s ambitions grew and her eyes were on the areas of Ladakh. As a result, both the countries entered in direct war in 1962. Since then, j there is no remarkable improvement in their relations.
Question 9.
Assertion: China’s policy became more friendly and ideological towards India after 1962.
Reason: Since 1962, India and China’s relations deteriorated beyond expectations.
Answer:
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Explanation:
Ever since 1962 war, China never initiated any concrete steps to improve its relations with India. Both the countries entered into tensions regarding the issue over their borders. China keeps on claiming the territories of Ladakh.
Case-Based MCQs
I. Study the cartoon carefully and give the answers to the question that follows:
Question 1.
Which organization walks on a tight rope in the above picture?
(A) AESAN
(B) SAARC
(C) UN
(D) NATO
Answer:
(A) AESAN
Explanation:
AESAN is an intergovernmental organization of ten Southeast Asian countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Question 2.
Why is it difficult to maintain balance in the contemporary world?
(A) Amid the ego and clashes between the powerful nation it becomes difficult to maintain balance.
(B) Amid the cooperation among the nation it becomes difficult to maintain balance.
(C) Because weaker nations don’t know how to deal with international issue.
(D) Because of the increasing economic differences it becomes difficult to maintain balance.
Answer:
(A) Amid the ego and clashes between the powerful nation it becomes difficult to maintain balance.
Question 3.
Write any one challenge this organization is facing?
(A) less and weaker members
(B) too many members that it cannot accommodate
(C) lack of a custodian that can keep the association going
(D) none of the above
Answer:
(C) lack of a custodian that can keep the association going
Explanation:
Unlike the European Union, ASEAN has no custodian responsible for keeping this 10-nation bloc going. The association lacks strong institutions to ensure the success of the implementation of its collective decisions.
Question 4.
Name the countries that are causing instability to the above organization and why?
(A) India and Pakistan, as both are the enemy nations
(B) China and USA, both the countries are not enjoying good relations with each other
(C) France and China, as they don’t want to see the members of this organization become powerful
(D) Sri Lanka and India, as both are having rivalry to succeed as the leader of Asia
Answer:
(B) China and USA, both the countries are not enjoying good relations with each other
II. Read the following paragraph and answer the questions that follow:
Under the Marshall Plan, the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) was established in 1948 to channel aid to the west European states. It became a forum where the western European states began to cooperate on trade and economic issues. The Council of Europe, established in 1949, was another step forward in political cooperation. The process of economic integration of European capitalist countries proceeded step by step (see Time-line of European Integration) leading to the formation of the European Economic Community in 1957.
This process acquired a political dimension with the creation of the European Parliament. The collapse of the Soviet bloc put Europe on a fast track and resulted in the establishment of the European Union in 1992. The foundation was thus laid for a common foreign and security policy, cooperation on justice and home affairs, and the creation of a single currency. The European Union has evolved over time from an economic union to an increasingly political one. The EU has started to act more as a nation state.
While the attempts to have a Constitution for the EU have failed, it has its own flag, anthem, founding date, and currency. The EU has economic, political and diplomatic, and military influence. The EU is the world’s second biggest economy with a GDP of more than $17 trillion in 2016, next to that of the United States of America. Its currency, the euro, can pose a threat to the dominance of the US dollar. Its share of world trade is much larger than that of the United States allowing it to be more assertive in trade disputes with the US and China. Its economic power gives it influence over its closest neighbours as well as in Asia and Africa.
Question 1.
The OEEC was established in:
(A) 1949
(B) 1947
(C) 1948
(D) 1946
Answer:
(C) 1948
Explanation:
The Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OELC) came into being on 16 April 1948. The organisation was created to allocate and distribute Marshall Plan aid and to plan for and effect a European Recovery Programme (ERP) for the countries of Western Europe.
Question 2.
After OEEC, what was another sLep forward to achieve political cooperation in Europe?
(A) Marshall plan
(B) The Council of Europe
(C) Formation of EU
(D) All the above
Answer:
(B) The Council of Europe
Question 3.
When was European Union formed?
(A) 1992
(B) 1990
(C) 1991
(D) 1993
Answer:
(A) 1992
Explanation:
The European Union is set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between neighbours, which culminated in the Second World War. As of 1950, the European Coal and Steel Community begins to unite European countries economically and politically in order to secure lasting peace. It was formed in the vear 1992.
Question 4.
What was the GDP of European Union in 2016?
(A) $17.5 trillion
(B) $18 trillion
(C) $17.3 trillion
(D) $17 trillion
Answer:
(D) $17 trillion
III. Read the following paragraph and answer the questions that follow:
ASEAN was established in 1967 by five countries of this region – Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand -by signing the Bangkok Declaration. The objectives of ASEAN were primarily to accelerate economic growth and through that ‘social progress and cultural development’.
A secondary objective was to promote regional peace and stability based on the rule of law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Over the years, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Myanmar (Burma) and Cambodia joined ASEAN taking its strength to ten. With some of the fastest growing economies in the world, ASEAN broadened its objectives beyond the economic and social spheres.
In 2003, ASEAN moved along the path of the EU by agreeing to establish an ASEAN Community comprising three pillars, namely, the ASEAN Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which was established in 1994, is the organisation that carries out coordination of security and foreign policy.
Question 1.
In 1967, when AESAN was established, which countries were its members?
(A) Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Brunei
(B) Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand
(C) Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei and Vietnam
(D) Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines
Answer:
(A) Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Brunei
Explanation:
ASEAN was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok bv Ihe five original member countries: Indonesia, Malaysia,
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Brunei.
Question 2.
What was the objective of ASEAN?
(A) To achieve political and military stability
(B) To achieve economic development and flexibility in trade
(C) To accelerate economic growth and through that ‘social progress and cultural development’.
(D) None of the above
Answer:
(C) To accelerate economic growth and through that ‘social progress and cultural development’.
Explanation:
ASEAN, was to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development and to promote peace and security in Southeast Asia.
Question 3.
When did ASEAN start moving along the path of EU?
(A) in 2004
(B) in 2003
(C) in 2007
(D) in 2000
Answer:
(B) in 2003
Explanation:
In 2003, ASEAN moved along the path of the European Union by agreeing to establish an ASEAN community comprising three pillars.
Question 4.
When the ARF was established?
(A) 1990
(B) 1991
(C) 1995
(D) 1994
Answer:
(D) 1994
Explanation:
ASEAN Regional Forum was established in 1994. The main objectives of ARE was to accelerate economic growth and through that achieve social progress and cultural development.
IV. Read the following paragraph and answer the questions that follow:
On 1 April, 1950, India became the first non-socialist bloc country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. Prime Minister Nehru visited China in October 1954. While, the India-China border conflict in 1962 was a serious setback to ties, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s landmark visit in 1988 began a phase of improvement in bilateral relations.
In 1993, the signing of an Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the India-China Border Areas during Prime Minister Narasimha Rao’s visit reflected the growing stability and substance in bilateral ties.
Cumulative outcomes of the recent high level visits have been transformational for our ties. During Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s visit in 2003, India and China signed a Declaration on Principles for Relations and Comprehensive Cooperation and also mutually decided to appoint Special Representatives (SRs) to explore the framework of a boundary settlement from the political perspective.
During the April 2005 visit of Premier Wen Jiabao, the two sides established a Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, while the signing of an agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles, signalled the successful conclusion of the first phase of SR Talks.
Question 1.
When did India and China establish their diplomatic relations?
(A) 1944
(B) 1948
(C) 1950
(D) 1952
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation:
On April 1, 1950, China and India established diplomatic relations. India was the first non-socialist country to establish relations with the People’s Republic of China. “Hindi Chini Bhai Rhai” has become a catchphrasc from that time and a much-told storv in the history of bilateral exchanges.
Question 2.
Whose visit in 1988 began a phase of improvement in bilateral relations?
(A) PM Rajiv Gandhi
(B) PM Narsimha Rao
(C) PM Nehru
(D) PM Atal Bihari Vajpeyi
Answer:
(A) PM Rajiv Gandhi
Question 3.
When did India and China sign a Declaration on Principles for Relations and Comprehensive Cooperation?
(A) 2002
(B) 2000
(C) 1999
(D) 2003
Answer:
(D) 2003
Question 4.
Who visited India in 2005 for the first phase of SR Talks?
(A) Premier Wen Jiabao
(B) Premier Li Keqiang
(C) Both the above
(D) None of the above
Answer:
(A) Premier Wen Jiabao
Explanation:
During the April 2005 visit of Premier Wen Jiabao, the two sides established a Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, while the signing of an agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles, signalled the successful conclusion of the first phase of SR Talks.