Roll No.
Q.P. Code 59/1/1
Political Science
CBSE Class XII Board Examination 2025 — with answers
Time allowed: 3 hoursMaximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
- The paper has 30 questions in five sections (A to E); all of them must be answered.
- Section A: Q1–12, multiple choice questions, 1 mark each.
- Section B: Q13–18, short answer questions, 2 marks each (about 50–60 words).
- Section C: Q19–23, short answer questions, 4 marks each (about 100–120 words).
- Section D: Q24–26, passage-, map- and cartoon-based questions, 4 marks each.
- Section E: Q27–30, long answer questions, 6 marks each (about 170–180 words).
- There is no overall choice, but some questions offer an internal choice (OR); answer only one of them.
SECTION A
Multiple choice questions: Q1–12 carry 1 mark each.
1.
Consider two statements about Nepal.
Statement I: In the past Nepal was a Hindu kingdom, and in modern times it remained a constitutional monarchy for many years.
Statement II: Pro-democracy forces won their first big victory in 2006, when the king had to restore the House of Representatives.
Choose the correct option.
Statement I: In the past Nepal was a Hindu kingdom, and in modern times it remained a constitutional monarchy for many years.
Statement II: Pro-democracy forces won their first big victory in 2006, when the king had to restore the House of Representatives.
Choose the correct option.
- (A) Both Statement I and Statement II are true
- (B) Both Statement I and Statement II are false
- (C) Statement I is true, but Statement II is false
- (D) Statement I is false, but Statement II is true
Answer
(A) Both statements are true.
Statement I: Nepal was a Hindu kingdom and later a constitutional monarchy for a long time — true.
Statement II: After country-wide protests in 2006 the king was forced to restore the House of Representatives that he had dissolved in 2002 — this was the first major win of the pro-democracy movement — true.
So both are correct.
Statement II: After country-wide protests in 2006 the king was forced to restore the House of Representatives that he had dissolved in 2002 — this was the first major win of the pro-democracy movement — true.
So both are correct.
1
2.
After the Cold War, which event suddenly drew the whole world's attention to the South Asian region?
- (A) The Bangladesh War of 1971
- (B) The ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka
- (C) India and Pakistan both becoming nuclear powers
- (D) The Kargil conflict between India and Pakistan
Answer
(C) India and Pakistan both became nuclear powers.
In 1998 India and Pakistan conducted nuclear tests one after the other. Two hostile neighbours with nuclear weapons made South Asia a global security concern almost overnight.
The 1971 war happened during the Cold War, and Kargil (1999) came after the tests — the tests were the trigger.
The 1971 war happened during the Cold War, and Kargil (1999) came after the tests — the tests were the trigger.
1
3.
Match Column A with Column B.
Column A: I. Human Rights Watch; II. International Monetary Fund; III. World Health Organisation; IV. General Assembly
Column B: i. An organ of the UN; ii. An agency of the UN; iii. An international body that oversees financial institutions; iv. An international NGO
Column A: I. Human Rights Watch; II. International Monetary Fund; III. World Health Organisation; IV. General Assembly
Column B: i. An organ of the UN; ii. An agency of the UN; iii. An international body that oversees financial institutions; iv. An international NGO
- (A) I-iii, II-i, III-iv, IV-ii
- (B) I-iv, II-i, III-iii, IV-ii
- (C) I-iv, II-iii, III-ii, IV-i
- (D) I-ii, II-iv, III-iii, IV-i
Answer
(C) I-iv, II-iii, III-ii, IV-i
Human Rights Watch is a non-governmental international organisation → iv.
IMF oversees financial institutions and regulations at the international level → iii.
WHO is a specialised agency of the UN → ii.
The General Assembly is one of the principal organs of the UN → i.
IMF oversees financial institutions and regulations at the international level → iii.
WHO is a specialised agency of the UN → ii.
The General Assembly is one of the principal organs of the UN → i.
1
4.
Put these organisations in the order in which they were set up (earliest first):
I. World Trade Organisation
II. World Bank
III. International Atomic Energy Agency
IV. United Nations Organisation
I. World Trade Organisation
II. World Bank
III. International Atomic Energy Agency
IV. United Nations Organisation
- (A) I, II, III, IV
- (B) II, IV, III, I
- (C) IV, I, III, II
- (D) III, I, II, IV
Answer
(B) II, IV, III, I
World Bank – created at Bretton Woods, 1944.
UN – October 1945.
IAEA – 1957.
WTO – 1995 (successor of GATT).
Order: II → IV → III → I.
UN – October 1945.
IAEA – 1957.
WTO – 1995 (successor of GATT).
Order: II → IV → III → I.
1
5.
What name is given to the institutional arrangements meant to protect economically weak people from the harmful effects of globalisation?
- (A) Welfare measures
- (B) Social safety nets
- (C) Economic liberalisation
- (D) Voluntary services
Answer
(B) Social safety nets
Economists who worry about globalisation's costs say institutional safeguards — 'social safety nets' — must be created so that the poor and economically weak are not hurt by it.
1
6.
Assertion (A): The arrival and growing role of multinational companies everywhere reduces the ability of governments to take decisions on their own.
Reason (R): The state still carries out its essential functions and deliberately withdraws only from the areas it chooses to leave.
Reason (R): The state still carries out its essential functions and deliberately withdraws only from the areas it chooses to leave.
- (A) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
- (B) Both A and R are correct, but R is not the correct explanation of A
- (C) A is incorrect, but R is correct
- (D) A is correct, but R is incorrect
Answer
(B) Both true, but R does not explain A.
A is a true political consequence of globalisation: MNCs reduce the capacity of governments to decide on their own.
R is also true — the NCERT point that state sovereignty is not fully lost; the state still performs core functions (law and order, security) and withdraws by choice.
But R is a counter-point that limits A, it does not explain why MNCs reduce state capacity. Hence (B).
R is also true — the NCERT point that state sovereignty is not fully lost; the state still performs core functions (law and order, security) and withdraws by choice.
But R is a counter-point that limits A, it does not explain why MNCs reduce state capacity. Hence (B).
1
7.
Which of the following is NOT an objective of NITI Aayog?
- (A) To give critical directional and strategic input to India's development process
- (B) To act as a think tank for the government at the centre and in the states
- (C) To arrange funds for carrying out development programmes
- (D) To end slow and tardy implementation of policies
Answer
(C) Arranging funds for development programmes.
NITI Aayog (set up in 2015 in place of the Planning Commission) is a policy think tank: it gives strategic direction, advises the centre and states and pushes faster implementation.
Unlike the old Planning Commission it has no power to allocate funds, so (C) is not its objective.
Unlike the old Planning Commission it has no power to allocate funds, so (C) is not its objective.
1
8.
Which statement correctly describes the left-wing view on planning and the economy?
- (A) The Left supports a free-market economy
- (B) They support government policies that benefit the poor sections
- (C) They do not want unnecessary government intervention in the economy
- (D) They advocate progressive policies
Answer
(B) They support government policies for the benefit of the poor.
'Left' refers to those who favour the poor and downtrodden and support government action for their welfare.
Free markets and minimal state intervention (A, C) are right-wing positions.
The marking scheme accepts (B) as the answer.
Free markets and minimal state intervention (A, C) are right-wing positions.
The marking scheme accepts (B) as the answer.
1
9.
What was the main reason behind the split in the Congress Party in 1969?
- (A) A change in the ideology of the Congress Party
- (B) The dominance of the Congress Syndicate
- (C) Differences among the opposition parties
- (D) The opposition parties coming together
Answer
(B) Dominance of the Congress Syndicate.
The Syndicate — a group of powerful Congress organisational leaders — tried to control Indira Gandhi. The clash came to a head in the 1969 Presidential election (Sanjeeva Reddy vs V.V. Giri), after which the party split into Congress (O) and Congress (R).
1
10.
Pick the pair that is matched INCORRECTLY.
- (A) Lal Bahadur Shastri – Jai Jawan Jai Kisan
- (B) Indira Gandhi – Garibi Hatao
- (C) Syndicate – a group of powerful opposition leaders against Indira Gandhi
- (D) Grand Alliance – formed by all non-Congress parties
Answer
(C) Syndicate is wrongly described.
The Syndicate was a group of powerful leaders INSIDE the Congress (Kamaraj, S.K. Patil, Atulya Ghosh, S. Nijalingappa, N. Sanjeeva Reddy), not opposition leaders.
The other pairs are correct: Shastri gave 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan', Indira Gandhi gave 'Garibi Hatao' (1971), and the Grand Alliance of 1971 was an anti-Congress (R) front of non-communist, non-Congress (R) parties.
The other pairs are correct: Shastri gave 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan', Indira Gandhi gave 'Garibi Hatao' (1971), and the Grand Alliance of 1971 was an anti-Congress (R) front of non-communist, non-Congress (R) parties.
1
11.
By what name is the BJP-led alliance of 2019 known?
- (A) United Progressive Alliance
- (B) United Front
- (C) National Democratic Alliance
- (D) Democratic Coalition
Answer
(C) National Democratic Alliance (NDA)
The BJP has led the NDA coalition since 1998; it won the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. UPA is the Congress-led alliance; the United Front was the 1996 coalition.
1
12.
Who headed the central government after the Lok Sabha elections of 1999?
- (A) P.V. Narasimha Rao
- (B) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- (C) Manmohan Singh
- (D) H.D. Deve Gowda
Answer
(B) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
The BJP-led NDA won the 1999 election and Vajpayee became Prime Minister, serving a full term till 2004.
1
SECTION B
Short answer questions: Q13–18 carry 2 marks each.
13.
After the break-up of the Soviet Union, can 'shock therapy' be called the best way of moving from an authoritarian socialist system to a liberal capitalist system? Explain.
Answer
Either view accepted with reasons; e.g. No — it ruined the economies: industries sold cheaply, rouble crashed, inflation and poverty rose.
The answer may be 'Yes' or 'No'; marks go for the argument.
No (stronger view): shock therapy was a sudden, total switch imposed by the World Bank and IMF. About 90% of Russian industry was sold to private buyers at throw-away prices ('the largest garage sale in history'), the rouble collapsed, inflation wiped out savings, the welfare system was dismantled, and a mafia-like oligarchy emerged with rising inequality.
Yes: a quick break with state control removed the old system completely, opened the economy to the world and brought these states into the global capitalist economy faster.
Tip: state your stand clearly, then give at least two supporting points.
No (stronger view): shock therapy was a sudden, total switch imposed by the World Bank and IMF. About 90% of Russian industry was sold to private buyers at throw-away prices ('the largest garage sale in history'), the rouble collapsed, inflation wiped out savings, the welfare system was dismantled, and a mafia-like oligarchy emerged with rising inequality.
Yes: a quick break with state control removed the old system completely, opened the economy to the world and brought these states into the global capitalist economy faster.
Tip: state your stand clearly, then give at least two supporting points.
2
14.
Explain any two main causes of globalisation.
Answer
Advances in technology (communication, transport) and the role of international institutions (IMF, World Bank, WTO) / spread of liberal capitalist ideas.
1. Technology: the telegraph, telephone, microchip and internet made it possible to move ideas, capital and goods across the world quickly and cheaply.
2. Better transport links shrink distance and make trade easier.
3. Awareness of world interconnectedness — events in one place affect others.
4. Spread of the market-oriented (liberal capitalist) ideology, pushed by IMF, World Bank and WTO, which integrate countries into the world economy.
Any two, explained.
2. Better transport links shrink distance and make trade easier.
3. Awareness of world interconnectedness — events in one place affect others.
4. Spread of the market-oriented (liberal capitalist) ideology, pushed by IMF, World Bank and WTO, which integrate countries into the world economy.
Any two, explained.
2
15.
Explain the two goals of the national movement that everyone agreed on and which were achieved after independence.
Answer
(1) Running the country through democratic government; (2) development for the good of all — equality and upliftment of the weaker sections (social justice).
The freedom struggle had a broad consensus that after independence:
1. India would be run democratically — universal adult franchise, elected government, rights of citizens; this was achieved through the Constitution and the first general elections of 1952.
2. The government would work for the good of the whole society, especially the poor and socially disadvantaged groups — equality without discrimination and social justice (reservations, abolition of untouchability, planned development).
1. India would be run democratically — universal adult franchise, elected government, rights of citizens; this was achieved through the Constitution and the first general elections of 1952.
2. The government would work for the good of the whole society, especially the poor and socially disadvantaged groups — equality without discrimination and social justice (reservations, abolition of untouchability, planned development).
2
16.
Name any four global commons.
Answer
Earth's atmosphere, Antarctica, the ocean floor (high seas), outer space.
Global commons are areas outside the sovereign control of any single state, which therefore need common governance by the international community: the Earth's atmosphere, Antarctica, the ocean floor/high seas and outer space. ½ mark each.
2
17.
Describe the serious economic crisis India faced before the fourth general elections of 1967.
Answer
Monsoon failure and drought, fall in farm output, food shortage, depleted foreign exchange, fall in industry and exports, high defence spending after 1962 and 1965 wars.
1. Successive failures of the monsoon led to widespread drought.
2. Agricultural production declined and there was a serious food shortage.
3. Foreign exchange reserves were depleted; industrial production and exports dropped.
4. Military expenditure rose sharply because of the wars with China (1962) and Pakistan (1965); resources were diverted from development.
(The rupee was also devalued in 1966 and prices rose, causing popular unrest.)
2. Agricultural production declined and there was a serious food shortage.
3. Foreign exchange reserves were depleted; industrial production and exports dropped.
4. Military expenditure rose sharply because of the wars with China (1962) and Pakistan (1965); resources were diverted from development.
(The rupee was also devalued in 1966 and prices rose, causing popular unrest.)
2
18.
Justify the statement: "Regionalism is not as dangerous as communalism."
Answer
Regional demands seek development/autonomy for a region within the nation and can be settled democratically; communalism divides people by religion, spreads hatred and serves one community.
1. Regional movements usually raise demands for the development, autonomy or identity of a region within the Indian Union; democracy can accommodate them through negotiation, as with many states in India.
2. Communalism places one religious community against others, is based on hatred and sectional self-interest, and threatens national unity and secularism itself.
Hence regionalism is less dangerous.
2. Communalism places one religious community against others, is based on hatred and sectional self-interest, and threatens national unity and secularism itself.
Hence regionalism is less dangerous.
2
SECTION C
Short answer questions: Q19–23 carry 4 marks each.
19.
Explain any four reasons for the economic stagnation of the Soviet Union.
Answer
Heavy spending on nuclear/military arsenal; spending on satellite states; lag in technology and infrastructure; Afghanistan invasion; low productivity, shortages; bureaucratic, unaccountable system.
1. Most resources went into building and maintaining nuclear and military arsenals to compete with the USA.
2. Large sums were spent on developing the satellite states of Eastern Europe and the Central Asian republics.
3. The USSR fell far behind the West in technology and infrastructure (transport, power).
4. The invasion of Afghanistan (1979) put further strain on the economy.
5. Wages rose but productivity and technology did not keep pace; consumer goods were scarce and food had to be imported.
6. The system became bureaucratic and authoritarian, not answerable to the people.
Any four, 1 mark each.
2. Large sums were spent on developing the satellite states of Eastern Europe and the Central Asian republics.
3. The USSR fell far behind the West in technology and infrastructure (transport, power).
4. The invasion of Afghanistan (1979) put further strain on the economy.
5. Wages rose but productivity and technology did not keep pace; consumer goods were scarce and food had to be imported.
6. The system became bureaucratic and authoritarian, not answerable to the people.
Any four, 1 mark each.
4
20.
Assess how SAARC is a major initiative of South Asian states to build co-operation through multilateral means.
Answer
Set up in 1985 by seven (now eight) South Asian states; promotes harmony and economic co-operation; SAFTA (2004) to lower tariffs and create a free-trade area; reduces dependence on outside powers — though neighbours fear Indian domination.
1. SAARC was formed in 1985 by the South Asian states to evolve co-operation through multilateral means.
2. It brought the member countries together to promote mutual understanding despite their political differences.
3. It launched SAFTA (signed 2004, in force 2006) to lower trade tariffs and make South Asia a free-trade zone.
4. Economic development of members through regional trade reduces their dependence on non-regional powers.
5. Limits: some neighbours fear SAFTA lets India 'invade' their markets; India believes freer trade brings benefits to all and helps political co-operation.
Conclusion: despite slow progress, SAARC is the main platform for regional co-operation.
2. It brought the member countries together to promote mutual understanding despite their political differences.
3. It launched SAFTA (signed 2004, in force 2006) to lower trade tariffs and make South Asia a free-trade zone.
4. Economic development of members through regional trade reduces their dependence on non-regional powers.
5. Limits: some neighbours fear SAFTA lets India 'invade' their markets; India believes freer trade brings benefits to all and helps political co-operation.
Conclusion: despite slow progress, SAARC is the main platform for regional co-operation.
OR
"Though the record of democracy in South Asian countries is mixed, their people share the wish for democracy." Justify with two suitable arguments.
Answer
Surveys show widespread support for democracy in all South Asian countries; ordinary people prefer democracy and back representative institutions; people of Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, etc. have chosen democracy.
1. Large surveys (State of Democracy in South Asia) found widespread support for democracy in all five big countries of the region.
2. Ordinary citizens, rich and poor, of all religions, view democracy positively and support institutions of representative democracy; they think democracy suits their country.
3. Practical proof: Nepal ended monarchy, Bangladesh and Pakistan returned to elected rule after military phases, Bhutan became a constitutional monarchy and Maldives moved to multi-party democracy.
Any two, well explained (2 marks each).
2. Ordinary citizens, rich and poor, of all religions, view democracy positively and support institutions of representative democracy; they think democracy suits their country.
3. Practical proof: Nepal ended monarchy, Bangladesh and Pakistan returned to elected rule after military phases, Bhutan became a constitutional monarchy and Maldives moved to multi-party democracy.
Any two, well explained (2 marks each).
4
21.
Suggest any four steps that the Government of India can take to control pollution and protect the environment.
Answer
Large tree-plantation drives; clean fuel and ban on polluting vehicles; rules to cut industrial pollution; promote renewable energy and energy conservation; use natural gas/clean-coal technology.
1. Run large plantation/afforestation drives.
2. Enforce clean-fuel norms for vehicles and phase out polluting vehicles.
3. Make and enforce policies to reduce pollution from industries (effluent treatment, emission limits).
4. Make maximum use of renewable energy (solar, wind) and promote energy conservation.
5. Switch to natural gas and clean-coal technology.
Any four, 1 mark each.
2. Enforce clean-fuel norms for vehicles and phase out polluting vehicles.
3. Make and enforce policies to reduce pollution from industries (effluent treatment, emission limits).
4. Make maximum use of renewable energy (solar, wind) and promote energy conservation.
5. Switch to natural gas and clean-coal technology.
Any four, 1 mark each.
4
22.
"The dominance of one party did not harm the essence of Indian democracy." Justify with any two arguments.
Answer
Congress dominance came through free and fair elections, unlike one-party rule in China/Cuba; democratic institutions and multi-party competition continued (e.g. CPI won Kerala in 1957).
1. India's one-party dominance was different from that of China, Cuba or Mexico, where other parties were banned or elections were not free; in India it arose under democratic conditions.
2. The Congress always held free, fair and regular elections, and democratic institutions were maintained.
3. Many parties contested every election; opposition existed and could win — the CPI formed the government in Kerala in 1957 while Congress ruled at the centre.
4. The Congress itself was a coalition of diverse groups and accommodated many views.
Any two, 2 marks each.
2. The Congress always held free, fair and regular elections, and democratic institutions were maintained.
3. Many parties contested every election; opposition existed and could win — the CPI formed the government in Kerala in 1957 while Congress ruled at the centre.
4. The Congress itself was a coalition of diverse groups and accommodated many views.
Any two, 2 marks each.
4
23.
Describe the role played by Jayaprakash Narayan in national politics in India.
Answer
Led the Bihar movement (1974) on condition it stay non-violent and spread nationwide; demanded dismissal of the Bihar Congress govt; gave the call for 'Total Revolution'; led the 1975 march to Parliament; opposed the Emergency and became the symbol of democracy's restoration; united opposition (Janata Party).
1. In 1974 students of Bihar invited JP to lead their movement; he agreed on the condition that it would stay non-violent and not be limited to Bihar.
2. People from all walks of life joined at his call; he demanded the dismissal of the Congress government in Bihar and called for 'Total Revolution' in social, economic and political spheres.
3. In 1975 he led a people's march to Parliament, one of the biggest rallies ever in Delhi.
4. He opposed the Emergency, was jailed, and became the symbol of the fight to restore democracy; most non-Congress parties rallied behind him, leading to the Janata Party victory of 1977.
Evaluated as a whole.
2. People from all walks of life joined at his call; he demanded the dismissal of the Congress government in Bihar and called for 'Total Revolution' in social, economic and political spheres.
3. In 1975 he led a people's march to Parliament, one of the biggest rallies ever in Delhi.
4. He opposed the Emergency, was jailed, and became the symbol of the fight to restore democracy; most non-Congress parties rallied behind him, leading to the Janata Party victory of 1977.
Evaluated as a whole.
OR
Describe any two reasons why the Janata Party won the Lok Sabha elections of 1977.
Answer
Election turned into a referendum on the Emergency ('Save Democracy'); excesses like detentions, censorship, forced sterilisation; opposition united so anti-Congress votes did not split; north Indian middle classes/backward castes moved away from Congress.
1. The Janata Party made the election a referendum on the Emergency, with the slogan 'Save democracy'.
2. It highlighted the excesses — preventive detention, press censorship, forced sterilisation, demolitions — and the non-democratic character of Congress rule, which turned public opinion.
3. The Janata Party was a coalition of opposition parties, so non-Congress votes were not divided.
4. Middle classes and backward castes in north India were drifting away from the Congress, and Janata became their platform.
Any two, 2 marks each.
2. It highlighted the excesses — preventive detention, press censorship, forced sterilisation, demolitions — and the non-democratic character of Congress rule, which turned public opinion.
3. The Janata Party was a coalition of opposition parties, so non-Congress votes were not divided.
4. Middle classes and backward castes in north India were drifting away from the Congress, and Janata became their platform.
Any two, 2 marks each.
4
SECTION D
Passage, map and cartoon based questions: Q24–26 carry 4 marks each.
24.
Source summary: The passage says India chose a democratic way of handling its diversity. Democracy lets regional aspirations be expressed politically without treating them as anti-national, lets parties appeal to people on regional identity and problems, and ensures that regional issues get attention in policy-making.
(i) Which decade in India is regarded as the period when demands for regional autonomy grew? (A) 1960s (B) 1970s (C) 1980s (D) 1990s
(ii) Which type of diversity is dominant in India? (A) Social (B) Political (C) Cultural (D) Regional
(iii) How does democracy handle regional problems? (A) Through regular negotiations (B) Through strong steps (C) Through elections (D) Through economic measures
(iv) Which of these joined the Indian Union in 1975? (A) Goa (B) Sikkim (C) Puducherry (D) An island
(i) Which decade in India is regarded as the period when demands for regional autonomy grew? (A) 1960s (B) 1970s (C) 1980s (D) 1990s
(ii) Which type of diversity is dominant in India? (A) Social (B) Political (C) Cultural (D) Regional
(iii) How does democracy handle regional problems? (A) Through regular negotiations (B) Through strong steps (C) Through elections (D) Through economic measures
(iv) Which of these joined the Indian Union in 1975? (A) Goa (B) Sikkim (C) Puducherry (D) An island
Answer
(i) (C) 1980s; (ii) (A) Social diversity; (iii) (A) Through regular negotiations; (iv) (B) Sikkim
(i) The 1980s saw major autonomy movements — Punjab, Assam, Mizoram, Jammu & Kashmir — so it is called the period of regional aspirations and their accommodation.
(ii) The marking scheme takes social diversity (religion, caste, language, culture of people) as the dominant form.
(iii) Democracy settles regional demands through dialogue and negotiation (e.g. Punjab, Mizoram, Assam accords), not force.
(iv) Sikkim became the 22nd state of India in 1975 after a referendum.
(ii) The marking scheme takes social diversity (religion, caste, language, culture of people) as the dominant form.
(iii) Democracy settles regional demands through dialogue and negotiation (e.g. Punjab, Mizoram, Assam accords), not force.
(iv) Sikkim became the 22nd state of India in 1975 after a referendum.
4
25.
On an outline political map of India four states are marked: A – in the north-west, just below Jammu & Kashmir (Punjab area); B – in the south-east, on the Bay of Bengal coast (Andhra region); C – the northernmost state at the top of the map; D – in east-central India, east of Madhya Pradesh. Identify them using the clues and write serial number, letter and state name:
(i) The princely state whose ruler resisted merger with India.
(ii) The state most affected by the partition of the country.
(iii) The state carved out of Madhya Pradesh.
(iv) The state formed in 1952.
(i) The princely state whose ruler resisted merger with India.
(ii) The state most affected by the partition of the country.
(iii) The state carved out of Madhya Pradesh.
(iv) The state formed in 1952.
Answer
(i) C – Jammu and Kashmir; (ii) A – Punjab; (iii) D – Chhattisgarh; (iv) B – Andhra Pradesh
(i) Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu & Kashmir wanted to stay independent and signed the Instrument of Accession only after the tribal invasion of October 1947 → C.
(ii) Punjab (and Bengal) bore the worst of partition violence and migration; on this map it is A.
(iii) Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in 2000 → D.
(iv) After Potti Sriramulu's fast unto death, the government announced Andhra state in December 1952 (the first linguistic state) → B.
Note: official answer for (iv) is Andhra Pradesh.
(ii) Punjab (and Bengal) bore the worst of partition violence and migration; on this map it is A.
(iii) Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in 2000 → D.
(iv) After Potti Sriramulu's fast unto death, the government announced Andhra state in December 1952 (the first linguistic state) → B.
Note: official answer for (iv) is Andhra Pradesh.
4
26.
Cartoon (described): A smiling American leader holds a small UN emblem with an olive branch in his right hand, while his left hand is a huge clawed fist marked 'WAR'. The captions read roughly 'If the right one doesn't get you ... then the left one will.'
(i) What does the cartoon show? (A) Influence of UNO on the world (B) Influence of USA on UNO (C) Relevance of UNO (D) Influence of USA on the world
(ii) What message does it give? (A) If the UN fails, the US can control the world by its military power (B) Economic superiority of the US (C) Veto power of the permanent members (D) The US is the largest contributor to the UN
(iii) Why is this cartoon not so relevant today? (A) The UN has become more powerful (B) Many new powerful international organisations have emerged (C) Countries have no faith in the UN (D) Many new centres of power have now emerged
(iv) What is the main aim of the UNO? (A) To build economic ties among developed nations (B) To promote international peace and co-operation (C) To eradicate terrorism (D) To promote health care
(i) What does the cartoon show? (A) Influence of UNO on the world (B) Influence of USA on UNO (C) Relevance of UNO (D) Influence of USA on the world
(ii) What message does it give? (A) If the UN fails, the US can control the world by its military power (B) Economic superiority of the US (C) Veto power of the permanent members (D) The US is the largest contributor to the UN
(iii) Why is this cartoon not so relevant today? (A) The UN has become more powerful (B) Many new powerful international organisations have emerged (C) Countries have no faith in the UN (D) Many new centres of power have now emerged
(iv) What is the main aim of the UNO? (A) To build economic ties among developed nations (B) To promote international peace and co-operation (C) To eradicate terrorism (D) To promote health care
Answer
(i) (B) Influence of USA on UNO; (ii) (A); (iii) (D) New centres of power have emerged; (iv) (B) International peace and co-operation
(i) The US leader holds the UN in one hand — the UN appears as a tool in American hands.
(ii) The other hand is the war fist: if the UN route (peace) does not work, the US will use its military might.
(iii) The unipolar world of the 1990s–2000s has changed; China, EU, India, Russia, etc. are new centres of power, so one country cannot dominate so easily.
(iv) The UN was founded (1945) to maintain international peace and security and to promote co-operation among states.
(ii) The other hand is the war fist: if the UN route (peace) does not work, the US will use its military might.
(iii) The unipolar world of the 1990s–2000s has changed; China, EU, India, Russia, etc. are new centres of power, so one country cannot dominate so easily.
(iv) The UN was founded (1945) to maintain international peace and security and to promote co-operation among states.
4
SECTION E
Long answer questions: Q27–30 carry 6 marks each.
27.
Explain any two disputed issues between India and China, and suggest any two measures to resolve them for better co-operation.
Answer
Issues: border dispute (Aksai Chin, Arunachal/NEFA) and 1962 war; China's annexation of Tibet and asylum to the Dalai Lama; China's close ties with Pakistan.
Measures: settle the border through negotiations; regular high-level bilateral talks; better transport and communication links; more trade and economic collaboration.
Measures: settle the border through negotiations; regular high-level bilateral talks; better transport and communication links; more trade and economic collaboration.
Issues (1½ marks each):
1. Boundary dispute — China claims Aksai Chin (Ladakh) and parts of Arunachal Pradesh; it led to the 1962 war in which China occupied Aksai Chin and advanced in NEFA.
2. Tibet — China took control in 1950; the Dalai Lama got asylum in India in 1959, which China resented.
3. China's close strategic and military help to Pakistan.
Measures (1½ marks each):
1. Resolve the border question peacefully through negotiations and confidence-building measures.
2. Regular bilateral talks between leaders and diplomats.
3. More transport and communication links and people-to-people contact.
4. Expand trade and economic collaboration (both are big emerging economies).
1. Boundary dispute — China claims Aksai Chin (Ladakh) and parts of Arunachal Pradesh; it led to the 1962 war in which China occupied Aksai Chin and advanced in NEFA.
2. Tibet — China took control in 1950; the Dalai Lama got asylum in India in 1959, which China resented.
3. China's close strategic and military help to Pakistan.
Measures (1½ marks each):
1. Resolve the border question peacefully through negotiations and confidence-building measures.
2. Regular bilateral talks between leaders and diplomats.
3. More transport and communication links and people-to-people contact.
4. Expand trade and economic collaboration (both are big emerging economies).
OR
ASEAN decided to build an ASEAN Community resting on three pillars. Explain the importance of these three pillars.
Answer
ASEAN Security Community – disputes not to turn into armed conflict (ARF); ASEAN Economic Community – common market and production base, development; ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community – shared identity, people-to-people co-operation.
In 2003 ASEAN decided to form an ASEAN Community with three pillars:
1. ASEAN Security Community: based on the belief that territorial disputes must not escalate into armed confrontation; members agreed to peace, neutrality and non-interference. The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF, 1994) coordinates security and foreign policy.
2. ASEAN Economic Community: aims at a common market and production base within ASEAN, social and economic development, and better mechanisms to settle economic disputes; it promotes FTAs with other countries.
3. ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community: builds a shared regional identity, cultural exchange and co-operation in education, health, environment, etc.
Together they make ASEAN the only regional body in Asia offering a political forum where Asian countries and major powers can discuss issues.
1. ASEAN Security Community: based on the belief that territorial disputes must not escalate into armed confrontation; members agreed to peace, neutrality and non-interference. The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF, 1994) coordinates security and foreign policy.
2. ASEAN Economic Community: aims at a common market and production base within ASEAN, social and economic development, and better mechanisms to settle economic disputes; it promotes FTAs with other countries.
3. ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community: builds a shared regional identity, cultural exchange and co-operation in education, health, environment, etc.
Together they make ASEAN the only regional body in Asia offering a political forum where Asian countries and major powers can discuss issues.
6
28.
Explain any three security challenges faced by the newly independent countries of Asia and Africa after the Second World War.
Answer
Fear of being dragged into Cold War hot wars; possible attacks by former colonial powers; military conflicts with neighbours; internal separatist movements; terrorism from across borders; poverty and social injustice.
1. As members of Cold War alliances they feared being drawn into wars for the superpowers; most Cold War 'hot wars' were fought in the Third World.
2. Some feared attack by their former colonial rulers and had to prepare against imperial wars.
3. They faced military conflict with neighbouring countries over borders and territory.
4. Internal threats — separatist movements wanting independence — were often bigger than external ones; sometimes neighbours helped these movements.
5. Cross-border terrorism, plus non-military problems like poverty, high population and discrimination.
Any three, 2 marks each.
2. Some feared attack by their former colonial rulers and had to prepare against imperial wars.
3. They faced military conflict with neighbouring countries over borders and territory.
4. Internal threats — separatist movements wanting independence — were often bigger than external ones; sometimes neighbours helped these movements.
5. Cross-border terrorism, plus non-military problems like poverty, high population and discrimination.
Any three, 2 marks each.
OR
Explain any three differences between the traditional and the non-traditional ideas of security.
Answer
Threat: military/war vs. wider threats to human life (disease, hunger, disaster, terrorism). Referent: the state vs. all people/humankind. Means: deterrence, defence, balance of power, alliances vs. human/global security through co-operation.
1. Nature of threat: traditional security sees the greatest danger as military threats — war or military action by another country. Non-traditional security includes a wide range of threats to human existence: epidemics, natural disasters, hunger, terrorism, migration.
2. Referent (what is secured): traditional — the state, its territory and institutions; non-traditional — individuals, communities and all of humankind (human security and global security).
3. Components/means: traditional — deterrence, defence, balance of power, alliance building; violence is limited by disarmament, arms control and confidence-building. Non-traditional — cooperative security among states, NGOs and international organisations.
Any three, 2 marks each.
2. Referent (what is secured): traditional — the state, its territory and institutions; non-traditional — individuals, communities and all of humankind (human security and global security).
3. Components/means: traditional — deterrence, defence, balance of power, alliance building; violence is limited by disarmament, arms control and confidence-building. Non-traditional — cooperative security among states, NGOs and international organisations.
Any three, 2 marks each.
6
29.
"The foreign policy of independent India pursued the dream of a peaceful world." Support with three suitable arguments.
Answer
Non-alignment and staying out of NATO/Warsaw Pact; reducing Cold War tensions and sending troops to UN peacekeeping; supporting decolonisation and Afro-Asian unity (Asian Relations Conference 1947, Indonesia 1949, Bandung 1955); opposing racism/apartheid.
1. Non-alignment: India kept away from the military blocs (NATO, SEATO, Warsaw Pact) and tried to reduce Cold War tensions.
2. Support to the UN: India backed the UN and contributed troops to UN peacekeeping operations.
3. Afro-Asian solidarity and decolonisation: Asian Relations Conference (March 1947), a 1949 conference supporting Indonesia's freedom from the Dutch, Bandung Conference (1955) which led to NAM.
4. Firm opposition to racism, especially apartheid in South Africa.
Any three, 2 marks each.
2. Support to the UN: India backed the UN and contributed troops to UN peacekeeping operations.
3. Afro-Asian solidarity and decolonisation: Asian Relations Conference (March 1947), a 1949 conference supporting Indonesia's freedom from the Dutch, Bandung Conference (1955) which led to NAM.
4. Firm opposition to racism, especially apartheid in South Africa.
Any three, 2 marks each.
OR
"India played an important role in building Afro-Asian unity." Support with three suitable examples.
Answer
Nehru's advocacy of Asian unity; Asian Relations Conference, March 1947; 1949 conference for Indonesia's freedom; support for decolonisation and opposition to apartheid; Bandung Conference 1955 → NAM.
1. Nehru was a strong champion of Asian (and African) unity.
2. India convened the Asian Relations Conference in March 1947, even before independence.
3. India worked for Indonesia's early freedom from Dutch rule by holding an international conference in 1949.
4. India strongly supported decolonisation and opposed racism, especially apartheid in South Africa.
5. The Afro-Asian Conference at Bandung (1955) marked the peak of India's engagement with newly independent nations and led to the Non-Aligned Movement.
Any three, 2 marks each.
2. India convened the Asian Relations Conference in March 1947, even before independence.
3. India worked for Indonesia's early freedom from Dutch rule by holding an international conference in 1949.
4. India strongly supported decolonisation and opposed racism, especially apartheid in South Africa.
5. The Afro-Asian Conference at Bandung (1955) marked the peak of India's engagement with newly independent nations and led to the Non-Aligned Movement.
Any three, 2 marks each.
6
30.
Describe any three major developments in Indian politics in the last decade of the 20th century (the 1990s).
Answer
End of Congress dominance and era of coalitions; Mandal issue/OBC politics (1990); new economic policy (1991); Ayodhya – demolition of the disputed structure (1992); assassination of Rajiv Gandhi (1991).
1. Decline of the Congress system and the start of coalition politics — no party won a majority from 1989; National Front, United Front and NDA governments followed.
2. Mandal issue: in 1990 the National Front government implemented the Mandal Commission's 27% OBC reservation, leading to agitations and the rise of OBC-based politics.
3. New Economic Policy (1991): liberalisation and structural adjustment changed India's economic direction.
4. Ayodhya dispute — demolition of the disputed structure in December 1992, which strengthened communal politics and the rise of the BJP.
5. Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991 and change of Congress leadership (P.V. Narasimha Rao).
Any three explained, 2 marks each.
2. Mandal issue: in 1990 the National Front government implemented the Mandal Commission's 27% OBC reservation, leading to agitations and the rise of OBC-based politics.
3. New Economic Policy (1991): liberalisation and structural adjustment changed India's economic direction.
4. Ayodhya dispute — demolition of the disputed structure in December 1992, which strengthened communal politics and the rise of the BJP.
5. Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991 and change of Congress leadership (P.V. Narasimha Rao).
Any three explained, 2 marks each.
OR
Describe any three recommendations of the Mandal Commission for solving the problems of the Other Backward Classes.
Answer
'Backward classes' to mean backward castes; 27% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for OBCs; land reforms and other measures to improve OBC conditions.
The Second Backward Classes Commission (chaired by B.P. Mandal, report 1980):
1. Said 'backward classes' should be understood as 'backward castes', since many castes besides SCs were also treated as low in the caste hierarchy.
2. Recommended 27% reservation of seats in educational institutions and government jobs for these groups.
3. Recommended land reforms and other steps to improve the economic and social condition of OBCs.
(The National Front government implemented the job-reservation part in August 1990.)
2 marks each.
1. Said 'backward classes' should be understood as 'backward castes', since many castes besides SCs were also treated as low in the caste hierarchy.
2. Recommended 27% reservation of seats in educational institutions and government jobs for these groups.
3. Recommended land reforms and other steps to improve the economic and social condition of OBCs.
(The National Front government implemented the job-reservation part in August 1990.)
2 marks each.
6
— END —
Questions restated from the CBSE Class XII Board Examination 2025 (set 59/1/1) for practice. Reading passages and map items are described, not reproduced.