Question

Read the passage and choose the most appropriate answer for the questions given below:

No region exists in a vacuum. It is influenced by outside powers and events no matter how much it may try to insulate itself from non-regional powers. Some countries remain key players in South Asian politics. Sino-Indian relations have improved significantly in the last ten years, but China’s strategic partnership with Pakistan remains a major irritant. The demands of development and globalization have brought the two Asian giants closer and their economic ties have multiplied rapidly since 1991.

1. Which two countries have been referred to as ‘Outside powers’?
   1. India and China 
   2. China and Pakistan
   3. USA and China 
   4. India and USA
2. Name the two Asian giants.
   1. USA and China
   2. Russia and India
   3. India and China
   4. India and USA
3. Which one of the following countries is NOT a South Asian Country?
   1. Maldives 
   2. Nepal 
   3. Japan 
   4. Bhutan
4. Which one of the following countries is NOT a member of SAARC?
   1. Nepal
   2. India
   3. China
   4. Pakistan

Answer 1

1. USA and China 
2. India and China
3. Japan
4. China’s strategic partnership with Pakistan is a major irritant for India because it is causing problems in the normalisation of diplomatic relations between the two countries.