Comprehension
One of the most important challenges for Indian diplomacy in the subcontinent is to persuade its neighbours that India is an opportunity, not a threat. Far from feeling in any way besieged by India, they should be able to see it as offering access to a vast market and to a dynamic, growing economy which would provide their own economies with far greater opportunities than more distant partners (or even their own domestic markets) could provide. This would go beyond economic benefits: as David Malone argues, “Economic cooperation represents the easiest ‘sell’ to various constituencies within the countries of the region. Were this to prove successful, cooperation on more divisive and sensitive issues, such as terrorism, separatism, insurgency, religious fundamentalism, and ethnic strife, could be attempted with greater chances of success.” Winds of change are blowing in South Asia. There is a definite consolidation of democracy in all the countries of the region, every one of which has held elections within the last three years. Some of our neighbours have made significant strides in surmounting internal conflict and others are in the process of doing so. If India has to fulfil its potential in the world, we have no choice but to live in peace with our neighbours, in mutual security, harmony and cooperation. Just as Nehru left Robert Frost’s immortal lines “Miles to go before I sleep” on his bedside table when he died, Shastri kept some lines of the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak, on his desk. When translated into English they read: “O Nanak! Be tiny like the grass, for other plants will wither away, but grass will remain ever green.” Shastri was seen by many Indians of exalted ambition as a tiny man, but he had the mind and heart of a giant. His vision of peaceful coexistence with our neighbours, through adopting the demeanour, the modesty and the freshness of grass, may well be the best way for India to ensure that its dreams remain evergreen in its own backyard
Question: 1
As per the passage, which of the following is a challenge for India?
As per the passage, which of the following is a challenge for India?
Updated On: Jul 17, 2024
- To develop an intimidating surrounding for its neighbours.
- To manifest India as a land of opportunities.
- To restrict access to economic activities to its neighbours.
- To propagate the practice of threatening neighbours for greater opportunities.
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The correct Answer is (B): To manifest India as a land of opportunities.
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Question: 2
“If India has to fulfil its potential in the world, we have no choice but to live in peace with our neighbours, in mutual security, harmony and cooperation.” In the context of the statement, which of the following strengthens the author’s opinion?
“If India has to fulfil its potential in the world, we have no choice but to live in peace with our neighbours, in mutual security, harmony and cooperation.” In the context of the statement, which of the following strengthens the author’s opinion?
Updated On: Aug 15, 2024
- Peace and prosperity cannot work in consonance.
- India should assert its might over its neighbours.
- Peaceful coexistence with neighbours is the key to India’s stellar growth
- India can offer myriad opportunities for its neighbours by working in seclusion.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The correct Answer is (C):Peaceful coexistence with neighbours is the key to India’s stellar growth
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Question: 3
Which of the following is the central theme of the above passage?
Which of the following is the central theme of the above passage?
Updated On: Jul 17, 2024
- The objective of attaining peaceful co-existence and cooperation with the neighbours.
- The dominance of India on its neighbouring countries.
- Emergence of India as a global power
- Prioritising the economic opportunities for India.
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The correct Answer is (A): The objective of attaining peaceful co-existence and cooperation with the neighbours.
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Question: 4
Which of the following is correct expression of the author’s opinion as stated in passage?
Which of the following is correct expression of the author’s opinion as stated in passage?
Updated On: Aug 7, 2024
- India should strive for greater economic integration which should be politically and administratively feasible.
- India can see borders as barriers, and border areas as buffer zones but not as gateways of opportunity.
- India’s stellar economic growth is thwarting her own opportunities.
- It is not in India’s interest to be generous to neighbouring countries
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The Correct Option is A
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The correct Answer is (A):India should strive for greater economic integration which should be politically and administratively feasible.
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Question: 5
Which of the following can be inferred from the above passage?
Which of the following can be inferred from the above passage?
Updated On: Aug 21, 2024
- There is no nexus between cooperative existence and economic growth of a nation.
- Unless India’s region becomes more self-centred, India is unlikely to develop into more than a regional power.
- India can only become a great power if it works in isolation to achieve the desired goals.
- India cannot aspire to be a great power without the cooperation of neighbou
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The correct Answer is (D):India cannot aspire to be a great power without the cooperation of neighbou
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[Extracted with edits from "Education" by Swami Vivekananda]- CLAT - 2025
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(Extracted with edits from "An Astrologer's Day" by R.K. Narayan)- CLAT - 2025
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