Answer key
1. Which was the first Soviet Republic to declare its independence from Soviet Russia?
Answer: a) Lithuania.
2. The Berlin Wall fell in _________.
Answer: (a) November 1989.
3. The Chechens are:
Answer: (d) Muslim ethnic group.
4. Which of the following countries is NOT considered one of the contemporary centres of power?
Answer: c) Brazil.
5. Which of the following countries is NOT considered one of the contemporary centres of power?
Answer: d) South Africa.
6. The concept of "Pax Americana" refers to:
Answer: a) American military dominance worldwide.
7. The primary focus of the BRICS group of countries is:
Answer: To promote economic cooperation and development among member countries.
8. The USSR came into being after the Socialist Revolution in Russia in the year:
Answer: 1922.
9. The Russian Revolution in 1917 was led by:
Answer: Vladimir Lenin.
Very Short Answers
1. Write any two achievements of ASEAN.
Answer:
o Promoted economic cooperation.
o Worked on regional peace and security.
2. Name any two new members of the EU.
Answer:
o Croatia.
o Romania.
3. Mention the name of the Eastern alliance led by the Soviet Union.
Answer: Warsaw Pact.
4. Name the prime minister of the USSR who invited India and Pakistan in 1966 in Tashkent.
Answer: Alexei Kosygin.
Short Answers
1. Discuss the economic relationship between India and the Soviet Union during the Cold War era.
Answer:
o The Soviet Union was a key trade partner for India during the Cold War.
o India imported machinery, technology, and defense equipment from the USSR, while
exporting agricultural products, textiles, and raw materials.
o The Soviet Union also supported India in terms of aid and development projects.
2. Highlight features of the old system of social welfare that got destroyed due to shock therapy.
Answer:
o The old social welfare system was characterized by state-provided healthcare,
education, and pensions.
o Shock therapy, which involved rapid economic reforms, led to cuts in social services
and an increase in poverty and unemployment, as the state reduced its role in
providing social security.
3. What are the objectives behind the formation of ASEAN?
Answer:
o To promote economic cooperation and development among Southeast Asian
nations.
o To ensure regional peace and security.
o To increase political stability and collaboration in various sectors like education and
trade.
4. What are the objectives behind the formation of ASEAN? (Repeated question, same answer as
above)
Answer:
o To promote economic cooperation and development among Southeast Asian
nations.
o To ensure regional peace and security.
o To increase political stability and collaboration in various sectors like education and
trade.
Long Answers
1. Describe the factors that make most of the former Soviet Republics prone to conflicts and
threats.
Answer:
o Ethnic diversity: Many former Soviet republics have diverse ethnic groups, which can
lead to tensions and conflicts over resources and power.
o Territorial disputes: There are unresolved territorial issues, such as between
Armenia and Azerbaijan.
o Economic instability: These nations often have unstable economies, which can lead
to social unrest and make them vulnerable to external threats.
o Influence of foreign powers: The intervention of countries like Russia and NATO can
cause further instability.
2. Discuss Indo-China relations.
Answer:
o Political relations: India and China share a complex relationship, marked by both
cooperation and rivalry. They are major players in Asia's geopolitical landscape.
o Border disputes: The two countries have unresolved border issues, leading to
tensions such as the 1962 war.
o Economic ties: China and India have strong trade relations, but there are concerns
over China's trade practices and its growing influence in the region.
o Strategic interests: India is cautious of China's growing influence in neighbouring
countries and the Indian Ocean region.
OR
Why is the EU considered a highly influential regional organization in the economic, political, and
military fields?
Answer:
o Economic Influence: The EU is one of the largest economic entities in the world, with
a single market and a strong currency (the Euro).
o Political Influence: The EU sets policies and agreements on human rights, trade, and
climate change, which have global impacts.
o Military Influence: Although it does not have its own military, the EU has influence
through NATO and its capacity to impose sanctions or mediate in global conflicts.
