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Question

Which one of the following statements isnotcorrect in respect of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2017 General Knowledge Previous Year Paper (05-Feb-2017)
The correct answer is

China is the only country with an Observer status in SAARC.

Understanding SAARC and its Key Facts

The question asks us to identify the statement that is not correct regarding the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Let's analyze each statement provided in the options:

Analyzing SAARC Statements

Statement 1: Its Headquarters is located in Kathmandu.

SAARC is an intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union of states in South Asia. Its permanent secretariat, which serves as its headquarters, was established in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 16 January 1987. Therefore, this statement is correct.

Statement 2: China is the only country with an Observer status in SAARC.

SAARC has several countries and organizations with Observer status. While China is indeed one of the observers, it is certainly not the only one. As of 2023, the observer states of SAARC include:

  • Australia
  • China
  • European Union
  • Iran
  • Japan
  • Mauritius
  • Myanmar
  • South Korea
  • United States of America

Since China is not the only country with Observer status, this statement is incorrect.

Statement 3: The First SAARC Summit was held in Dhaka.

The first SAARC Summit took place on December 7-8, 1985, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This summit officially launched the organization with its charter being adopted. Therefore, this statement is correct.

Statement 4: The Eighteenth SAARC Summit was held in Nepal.

The Eighteenth SAARC Summit was held on November 26-27, 2014, in Kathmandu, Nepal. This marked the third time Nepal hosted the summit. Therefore, this statement is correct.

Based on the analysis, the only statement that is not correct is Statement 2.

Conclusion on the Incorrect SAARC Statement

The statement that "China is the only country with an Observer status in SAARC" is incorrect because SAARC has multiple observer states, including Australia, China, the European Union, Iran, Japan, Mauritius, Myanmar, South Korea, and the United States of America.

The final answer is <strong>China is the only country with an Observer status in SAARC.</strong>

Revision Table: Key SAARC Facts

Aspect Details
Full Form South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
Headquarters Kathmandu, Nepal
Established 8 December 1985
Founding Members Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Current Members 8 (Afghanistan added in 2007)
First Summit Dhaka, Bangladesh (1985)
18th Summit Kathmandu, Nepal (2014)

Additional Information on SAARC

SAARC was established with the aim of promoting regional integration and cooperation among the countries of South Asia. Its objectives include promoting the welfare of the peoples of South Asia, accelerating economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region, and strengthening collective self-reliance. SAARC provides a platform for the people of South Asia to work together in a spirit of friendship, trust, and understanding. It covers various areas of cooperation, such as agriculture, rural development, health, education, science and technology, transport, and communication.

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