1. Look-East Policy and North-East India:
Look-East policy which was launched in 1992, helped to connect the land locked North-East-India with the outer world. This policy helped to improve the economic condition of the North-Eastern states.
2. India at the Beijing Olympics:
India participated in the Beijing 01ympics-2008. India’s Abhinav Bindra created history by winnings Gold medal for 10 meters Air Rifle Mens Events. Sushil Kumar won bronze medal in the 66 category freestyle wrestling and Vijender Kumar secured India’s first boxing medal.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
3. India’s role in Afghanistan Today:
India has undertaken partnership with the Afghan government projects in a wide range of sector like, hydro-electricity, road, agriculture, industry, telecommunication etc.
Biscuits are distributed to 1.4 million schoolchildren every day under the school feeding programme, administrered through the World Food Programme (VSD 100 million)
4. India’s Ocean Development Policy:
ADVERTISEMENTS:
The main thrust of India’s Ocean Development Policy is on optimal utilisation of living resources, exploitation of non-living resources, harnessing of renewable ocean energy resources as well as collection/processing of polymetalic nodules
5. Major hurdles in Indo-Pak ties:
i. Terrorism
ii. Jammu and Kashmir
ADVERTISEMENTS:
iii. Sir Creek unsolved
iv. Siachen Glacier
6. India-Nigeria: Abuja Declaration
i. Energy Cooperation
ADVERTISEMENTS:
ii. Cooperation in Information and Communication technology
iii. Agricultural extension services
7. India-Bangladesh Border Road cum Fencing
i.To restrict the movement of “Chagma refugees” into Indian Territory.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
ii. To beef-up the Security in the border by increasing border patrolling to control crimes like drug trafficking, terrorism and activities of insurgent groups.
8. India’s L.C.A (Tejas)
i. India’s third generation light Combat aircraft.
ii. Made of advanced carbon composites to reduce weight
ADVERTISEMENTS:
iii. Fly-by-wire system
iv. ‘Astra’ air-to-air Missile will be loaded into it.
v. Will use indigenously made ‘Karer’ engine
9. Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas
i. Celebrated on January 9 of every year (to Comrrienorate the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa).
ii. It is organized to renew the bondage between PIOS+NRIS towards the nation.
10. Council for Promotion of Oversees Employment (CPOE)
The Council for Promotion of Oversees Employment (CPOE) performs the following functions:
i. Study, monitor, research and analyze employment potential in the world manpower market.
ii. Initiate, institute and monitor skill development programmes and standardize skill certification, by coordinating with concerned agencies/organization in government and private sector.
11. Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Scheme
i. Person enrolled under the scheme need not get visa to enter India.
ii. He gets the right to acquire property and settle in India.
iii. But not entitled to Right to vote and Right to occupy constitutional post
12. Indian Diaspora in Singapore
i. Indian Diaspora is the second largest diaspora in Singapore next to Chinese.
ii. Indian Diaspora meagerly compress Tamils in Singapore. Hence Tamil is declared .as one of the official languages of Singapore.
13. Indian Diaspora and Bollywood
i. Bollywood films released throughout the world, demonstrates the presence of Indian diaspora.
ii. India International Film Festival in Singapore & Dubai Film Festival manifests the Indian culture and renews the ties between Indian diaspora and Bollywood.
iii. Many Bollywood films are funded by NRI’s
14. SAFTA
South Asian Free Trade Agreement includes a unanimous free-trade among all South Asian countries improving the trade among SAARC countries.
15. India and East Asia Summit (EAS)
East Asia Summit (at Cebu, 2007) comprises of six countries including India except the ASEAN nations. India can improve its economic and trade relation through EAS.
16. Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (S.C.O.)
Established in 2001 it is an organisation of six nations – Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyztan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan for mutual cooperation in economic, cultural and defence sectors.
17. Panchsheel in India’s Foreign Policy
Panchsheel’s principles of mutual coexistence and international peace have been pillars of Indian Foreign Policy since beginning.
18. Relevance of NAM
Non-Aligned Movement will remain relevant due to various military organisations and weapons of mass destruction, poverty and exploitative system at the international level, especially in the current uni-polar world.
19. Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana, 2006
Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana is a scheme for the welfare of the new Indians and other tribal Indians who are living abroad. The provisions of insurance regarding death, accident, etc. are guaranteed by this scheme.
20. Indian All Women Contingent to Liberia
Under the United Nation’s Mission a rapid action forces, trained Women Battalions had been established in Libaria in 2006.
21. Madheshis in Nepal
Madheshis in Nepal are the people of Indian origin who live in Nepal. In recent times, Madheshis are being attacked by the Maoist terrorists.
22. Know India Programme (IKP)
Know India Programme (KIP) – It is a programme to introduce India’s culture, rituals, tourist spots etc. to foreigners.
23. Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs – The Union Ministry in charge of the issues related to overseas Indians/like their trips to India and investments by them in India.
24. Simla Agreement
The Simla Treaty, popularly known as the Simla Pact or the Simla Agreement, was signed between India and Pakistan on July 2, 1972. The treaty followed from the war between the two nations in the previous year that had led to the independence of East Pakistan as Bangladesh.
25. Indo-Israel Cooperation in the field of agriculture
India-Israel cooperation in the field of agriculture has been extensive. Israeli side has completed a Demonstration Farm project in PUSA at a cost of US$ 2 million. During PM Sharon’s visit it was agreed to establish a Joint Committee on Agriculture. India also accepted the Israeli offer to do another joint agriculture project.
26. Indo-US military cooperation
Indo-US military collaboration began in January 1992 during the P.V. Narasimha Rao government. The Indo-US Military Cooperation Agreement was signed in 1995. This agreement, the first of its kind, provided for officers of the Indian armed forces being sent to the United States for training programmes, staff exchanges and joint exercises.
27. Indo-US military cooperation
Indo-US military collaboration began in January 1992 during the P.V. Narasimha Rao government. The Indo-US Military Cooperation Agreement was signed in 1995. This agreement, the first of its kind, provided for officers of the Indian armed forces being sent to the United States for training programmes, staff exchanges and joint exercises.
28. Contribution of the NRIs to GCC countries
Presence of 3.5 million Indian workers in the region, are of vital interest to India. India’s economic linkages with the GCC have increased steadily.
29. Future of Indians in Fiji
Since the revolt against Indian origin former Prime Minister Manohar Choudhary, the future of Indians in Fiji looks blink. Indians properties are the only target of Fijian. That is why Indians are flying from there.
30. Indian’s in the House of Lords, UK
Due to the contribution of British Indians, a numbers of them have .been elected or nominated in the House of Lords, like Swaraj Paul, Dholakia.
31. Contribution of Indian’s in Silicon Valley
Indian software engineers have contributed a lot in Silicon Valley of USA. Software revolution of Silicon Valley is due to Indian software engineers.
32. Exodus of persons of Indian origin from Uganda
Indian origins were the main target of the people of Uganda. Even the government supported them, that is why Indians are flying elsewhere from Uganda.
33. The Panchsheel Pact:
The treaks of ‘Panchsheel’ was signed in 1954 between India and China which mainly refers to noninterferences, mutual respect for territorial integrity creating conducive atmosphere, friendship and resolving conflict with negotiation.
34. India-Israel Cooperation:
The key area of cooperation between India and Israel are, terroris, micro satellite, economic relation, phalcon deal, space cooperation, nuclear proliferation etc.
35. European Union’s Trade Restrictions against India:
The European Union has imposed restriction against the health and sanitary goods, packaging and labelling, anti-doping and anti- subsidy test.
36. Weak-spots in India-Nepal Relations.
Some of the weak point between India and Nepal relation are Maoist or MCC insurgency and water problem. Recently Mahakali treaty has been signed to cement the problem.
37. Hot Line between Islamabad and New Delhi:
It refers to the highest level, especially at foreign secretary, talk between India and Pakistan. Earlier the talk was between the heads of the state of the two countries.
38. Categorize the People of Indian Origin (PIO):
According to the NRI Affairs Ministry, the term Person of Indian Origin (PIO) in applied to a foreign citizen of Indian origin or descent. Technically, he/she would belong to one of the following three categories:
i. A person who, at any time, has held an Indian passport;
ii. Anyone, either of whose parents or any of whose grandparents or great grandparents were born in and were permanently residing in India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935.
iii. The spouse of a citizen of India or a person of Indian origin covered in the above two categories of PIOs.
39. Point out the difference between the Jewish. Diaspora and the Indian Diaspora:
The term “Diaspora” originated from the Greek language and referred to the dispersal of population through colonisation. The term acquired a sinister meaning when it referred to the dispersion of the Jews, Africans and Armenians. For these people diaspora meant a collective banishment, a traumatic exile of the people from their original homeland by force. Today the term implies a positive relationship between migrants’ homelands and their places of work and settlement.
In the Indian context, emigration was for the purposes of trade and the propagation of religion but in the case of Jewish Diaspora, it was a traumatic exile of people from their homeland by force.
In the context of Jewish Diaspora, the Jews in exile after Nebuchadfiezzar’s Babylonian conquests in 597 BC’ and 587 BC who were scattered “in-exile” all over because of the absence of a homeland
40. What is known as reverse migration?
Thousands of foreign workers who left their native country in search of better opportunity and they settle in the foreign country. But, at the time of recession, the organisations, who hired them, quickly returned them to their countries. This is known as ‘reverse migration”.
41. Why was January 9 chosen to observe the NRI (Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas) Day?
January 9 was chosen for the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas because on this day Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa to lead India’s struggle for freedom.
42. Discuss the importance of the Agra Summit on Indo-Pakistan relations.
After the Agra Summit, both the Nations came closer and Delhi to Lahore bus service was started between the two.
43. What has been the nature of “Track II diplomay” between India and Pakistan?
As part of track II diplomacy nongovernment representatives from India visited Islamabad. In response, Pakistani representatives visited India.
44. Discuss the major irritants to Indo- Bangladesh relations.
Export of Bangladesh’s gas to India, review of the 30-year Ganga Water Treaty, Border dispute and transit facilities are the major irritants to Indo-Bangladesh relations.
45. Discuss India’s policy towards international terrorism.
India’s policy towards international terrorism should be fought under the UN mandate.
46. In what sense is Indo-Nepal cooperation important for both countries’ national security?
It will prevent the misuse of their open border by torrorists, criminals and other undesirable elements.
47. Under what conditions are NRIs permitted to remit deposits in India in any currency of their choice?
Under the non-resident bank account/deposit schemes, especially while opening the account, NRI are permitted to remit deposits in India in any currency of their choice.
48. How can NRIs be attracted to invest in India?
NRIs should be offered higher interest rates on such deposits as compared with the international market rates and the exchange risk provision to the banks concerned.
49. What is the significance of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas in modern India?
Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is organised for the people of Indian origin living in foreign countries considering -their importance in the development of the economy. For this, dual citizenship is given to them and allowed to have sense of Indianess in them.
50. In what ways did Idi Amin make life difficult for the people of Indian origin in his country?
A onetime heavy weight boxing champion and soldier in the British colonial army, Mr. Amin seized power on January 25, 1971, overthrowing Milton Obote while he was abroad.
Idi Amin was the nemesis of the rich and flourishing Asians in the country. In 1972, he expelled virtually the entire 80,000 Asian population, including about 50,000 Indians, saying he has been ordered by God to do so in a dream.
51. What is “Brain-drain”?
Moving away of intellectuals from a country to another one is termed as “Brain-drain”. Scientists, doctors and technology experts generally go to other prominent countries for better life and earn huge sums of money. This Brain-drain deprives a country of its genius and capabilities.
52. Explain India’s stand on LTTE.
India has appreciated the current ceasefire and peace process but is stiff upon extradition and conviction of Prabhakaran and banning LTTE.
53. What does ‘Gujral doctrine’ stand for?
Gujral doctrine comprehensively meant improvement in relation with the small neighbours and countries of S.E. Asia both strategically and economically with preferences to them
54. How does India benefit from good neighbourly relations with Bangladesh?
Bangaladesh apart from being a good market for Indian products and prospective gas suplier, helps in curtailing insurgency and cross border trafficking.
55. What do you know about ‘Pinaka’?
Pinaka is a multibarrel rocket launcher. It is a mobile system with 12 solid propellent rockets capable of delivering saturation fire. Range of 39 km.
56. Explain India’s ‘No first Use’ policy in context of Nuclear Weapons.
It means India will use nuclear weapons as retaliatory instrument against any state or entity which resorts to nuclear coercion against India
57. What are the problems NRIs have to face if they decide to settle in India?
NRIs may face the infrastructural bottlenecks, cultural dilemma, beauraucratic hazards and work-culture difference in India.
58. What was India Millennium Deposit Scheme?
Millenium Deposit scheme was started by SBI for channelling FDI in India and enticing NRIs for investment.
59. What has been the impact of Gulf remittances on India’s economy?
Gulf remittance has caused economic growth and growth of social institution apart from providing employment and wage to thousands of Indian specially Keralites.
60. Name the nodal agency to deal with issues relating to Indians abroad and explain its main task.
India investment centre in the model agency for authentic information and assistance investment, collaboration and joint venture.
61. What is distinction between ‘Non Resident Indian’ and ‘People of India origin’?
A nonresident Indian is one who does not qualify for stay in India for a period of 182 days or more or for a period of sixty days or more and has also been in India within the preceding four years for a period of 365 days or more.
A person is called PIO if he at anytime held an Indian passport or he or either of his parents or any of his grand parents was an Indian and a permanent resident in undivided Indian at anytime.
62. What is India’s ‘Look East Policy’?
Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia and other SEA and East Asian countries have become integral to India’s new Look-East policy whit was initiated by Narsimha Rao Government in the early Nineties. India has given paramount importance as much to its economic interests as to its national security and strategic imperatives.
63. What do you understand by ‘G15’?
G-15 is an organisation of 19 non- aligned developing countries. It was established in September 1989 at Belgrade-Yugoslavia. The secretariat of G-15 is in Geneva but its headquarter is rotated to the country belonging to the Chairman of the group.
64. Explain the problem of infiltration in eastern parts of India.
Basically, in the eastern part of India, infiltration occurred from three countries – Bangladesh, Burma (Myanmar) and Bhutan. Due to this infilteration the ethnic composition of our eastern part has changed substantially and created an atmosphere of hostilities. Cultural unity, porous border, insurgency and poverty have contributed to infiltration.
65. Why does India object to Kashmir being treated as a ‘disputed territory’?
India feels that Kashmir is an integral part of India and acceded as per the intrument of accession.
66. What is the significance of Pyrdiwah and Boraibari in Indo-Bangladesh relations?
India acknowledges that Pyrdiwah belongs to Bangladesh and Bangladesh acknowledges that Boraibari is Indian territory but India controls Pyrdiwah and Bangladesh holds Boraibari. This adverse position of land is vital to settle Indo-Bangladesh border dispute.
67. In what fields have N.R.I.’s excelled in the developed countries?
NRI have excelled in information technology, medical, engineering, academic and trade & commerce. We have the examples of Lord Swaraj Paul, L.M. Mittal, Hinduja Brothers, Salman Rushidie, N.C. Choudhary, V.S. Naipaul, Prof. Amartya Sen, etc.
68. In which specialities Indians are most wanted abroad?
The specialities for which Indians are most wanted abroad are information technologies, medical, engineering, teaching, plumber and labour, scientific research, etc.
69. What efforts are being made by Indian Government to look after NRI’s?
Indian government has made many efforts to look after NRI’s like relaxation in stay period, special treatment in investment in different fields, special treatment in interest payment, PIO benefits etc.
70. What is the contribution of the NRI’s to India’s development?
NRI’s have not only contributed in economic liberalisation by investing in India but they also play important role as pressure groups in international fora and in upgrading bilateral relations between various countries.
71. Why do NRI’s retain their emotional attachment to India?
The first and foremost cause of their emotional attachment to India is that they belong to India. The cultural aspects are so deeply rooted in their mind that abroad they consider themselves to be alien that is why they visit India time and again.