About this quiz
Nepal's foreign policy and relations, ASEAN and EU.
This Lok Sewa practice set has 51 multiple-choice questions (Subject: General Knowledge · For: Nayab Subba, Kharidar, Section Officer · Level: Medium). Take the quiz above first; after that, use the study list below to revise every question with its correct answer and a short explanation.
Study list: all 51 questions with answers and explanations
Nepal's foreign policy principles are given in which Article of the Constitution?
- A) Article 51 ✔
- B) Article 76
- C) Article 242
- D) Article 16
Why: Article 51 (policies of the State) includes Nepal's international relations policy: an independent foreign policy based on the UN Charter, non-alignment, Panchsheel, international law and world peace.
Which is a basis of Nepal's foreign policy?
- A) Non-alignment ✔
- B) Military alliance with one bloc
- C) Isolation
- D) Colonial expansion
Why: Nepal follows non-alignment: it does not join military blocs and keeps friendly ties with all countries. This, together with Panchsheel, is the base of its foreign policy.
Panchsheel refers to:
- A) Five principles of peaceful coexistence ✔
- B) Five rivers
- C) Five provinces
- D) Five-year plans
Why: Panchsheel means the five principles of peaceful coexistence, first set out by India and China in 1954 and adopted by Nepal as a basis of its foreign relations.
Which is one of the Panchsheel principles?
- A) Non-interference in internal affairs ✔
- B) Military occupation
- C) Unequal treaties
- D) Trade blockade
Why: The five Panchsheel principles are mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.
Nepal joined the United Nations on:
- A) 14 December 1955 ✔
- B) 24 October 1945
- C) 1 August 1955
- D) 17 June 1947
Why: Nepal became a UN member on 14 December 1955. 24 October 1945 is the date the UN itself was founded.
Nepal is a founding member of:
- A) The Non-Aligned Movement ✔
- B) NATO
- C) ASEAN
- D) The EU
Why: Nepal is a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), started at the Belgrade summit in 1961. Nepal is not part of NATO, ASEAN or the EU.
The first country to establish diplomatic relations with Nepal was:
- A) United Kingdom ✔
- B) India
- C) USA
- D) China
Why: The United Kingdom was the first country to have formal relations with Nepal, from 1816 after the Treaty of Sugauli, when a British Resident was posted in Kathmandu.
Nepal–UK diplomatic relations began in:
- A) 1816 ✔
- B) 1923
- C) 1947
- D) 1955
Why: Nepal–UK relations date from 1816, when the Treaty of Sugauli was ratified and a British Resident came to Kathmandu. It is Nepal's oldest diplomatic relationship.
Which treaty recognised Nepal's independence?
- A) 1923 Nepal–Britain Treaty of Friendship ✔
- B) Treaty of Sugauli
- C) 1950 Treaty
- D) Treaty of Betrawati
Why: The Nepal–Britain Treaty of Friendship of 21 December 1923 formally recognised Nepal as a fully independent and sovereign country.
Recruitment of Gurkhas to British and Indian armies is under the:
- A) 1947 tripartite agreement ✔
- B) 1950 treaty
- C) MCC Compact
- D) BRI
Why: Gurkha recruitment into the British and Indian armies is governed by the Tripartite Agreement of 1947 between Nepal, India and the UK, signed at India's independence.
Nepal–USA diplomatic relations were established on:
- A) 25 April 1947 ✔
- B) 17 June 1947
- C) 1 August 1955
- D) 1 September 1956
Why: Nepal and the USA established diplomatic relations on 25 April 1947, a few weeks before Nepal–India relations (17 June 1947).
MCC Compact grant from the USA is mainly for:
- A) Electricity transmission and roads ✔
- B) Army bases
- C) Mining
- D) Space research
Why: The MCC (Millennium Challenge Corporation) Compact is a US grant mainly for electricity transmission lines and road maintenance, to support economic growth.
The MCC Compact was ratified by Nepal's Parliament in:
- A) 2022 ✔
- B) 2017
- C) 2015
- D) 2010
Why: Nepal's House of Representatives ratified the MCC Compact in February 2022, with an interpretive declaration, after years of political debate.
The MCC Compact grant size was about:
- A) USD 500 million ✔
- B) USD 5 million
- C) USD 50 billion
- D) USD 1 trillion
Why: The US grant under the MCC Compact is about USD 500 million, with Nepal adding its own contribution for the projects.
Nepal–India diplomatic relations were established on:
- A) 17 June 1947 ✔
- B) 25 April 1947
- C) 1 August 1955
- D) 14 December 1955
Why: Nepal and India established diplomatic relations on 17 June 1947, just before India's independence. 25 April 1947 is the date for the USA.
The Nepal–India Treaty of Peace and Friendship was signed in:
- A) 1950 ✔
- B) 1923
- C) 1965
- D) 1990
Why: The Nepal–India Treaty of Peace and Friendship was signed in 1950 (31 July). It allows open borders and national treatment for each other's citizens; Nepal has long sought its review.
Nepal's largest trade partner is:
- A) India ✔
- B) Japan
- C) USA
- D) UK
Why: India is Nepal's largest trade partner by far, taking most of Nepal's exports and supplying most imports, and almost all third-country trade transits through India.
Which areas are disputed between Nepal and India?
- A) Kalapani, Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura ✔
- B) Rasuwagadhi, Tatopani
- C) Lumbini, Kapilvastu
- D) Rara, Phoksundo
Why: Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura in the north-west are disputed with India. The dispute is about where the Mahakali river, the border set by Sugauli, starts.
Nepal published its new map including Kalapani region in:
- A) 2077 BS (2020) ✔
- B) 2063 BS
- C) 2047 BS
- D) 2081 BS
Why: Nepal published a new political map including Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura in 2077 BS (2020 AD), and the Constitution's second amendment added it to the coat of arms.
Nepal–China diplomatic relations were established on:
- A) 1 August 1955 ✔
- B) 17 June 1947
- C) 1 September 1956
- D) 1816
Why: Nepal and China established diplomatic relations on 1 August 1955. Nepal follows the One China policy.
The Nepal–China boundary was settled by the boundary treaty of:
- A) 1961 ✔
- B) 1950
- C) 1923
- D) 2017
Why: The Nepal–China boundary was settled by the Boundary Treaty of 1961, and pillars were placed along the border after joint surveys.
Nepal signed the BRI MoU with China in:
- A) 2017 ✔
- B) 2010
- C) 2022
- D) 2005
Why: Nepal signed the Belt and Road Initiative framework MoU with China in May 2017, aiming at cross-border connectivity such as roads, railways and transmission lines.
BRI stands for:
- A) Belt and Road Initiative ✔
- B) Bank of Regional Investment
- C) Border and Road Infrastructure
- D) British Relations Institute
Why: BRI is China's Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013 to build infrastructure and trade links across Asia, Africa and Europe.
Main trade points between Nepal and China include:
- A) Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani ✔
- B) Birgunj and Bhairahawa
- C) Kakarbhitta and Mahendranagar
- D) Nepalgunj and Biratnagar
Why: Rasuwagadhi–Kerung and Tatopani–Khasa are the main trade points with China. Birgunj, Bhairahawa and Kakarbhitta are border points with India.
Nepal–Japan diplomatic relations began on:
- A) 1 September 1956 ✔
- B) 1 August 1955
- C) 17 June 1947
- D) 25 April 1947
Why: Nepal and Japan established diplomatic relations on 1 September 1956. Japan has long been one of Nepal's biggest development partners.
The Sindhuli Road (BP Highway) was built with help from:
- A) Japan ✔
- B) USA
- C) UK
- D) EU
Why: The Sindhuli Road (B.P. Koirala Highway), linking Kathmandu valley with the eastern Terai, was built with Japanese grant assistance.
JICA is the development agency of:
- A) Japan ✔
- B) India
- C) China
- D) USA
Why: JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) delivers Japan's aid in Nepal, in areas such as roads, water supply, education and disaster resilience.
USAID is the development agency of:
- A) USA ✔
- B) UK
- C) Japan
- D) EU
Why: USAID (United States Agency for International Development) has delivered US aid in Nepal in areas such as health, agriculture and governance.
ASEAN was founded on:
- A) 8 August 1967 ✔
- B) 8 December 1985
- C) 24 October 1945
- D) 1 November 1993
Why: ASEAN was founded on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok. 8 December 1985 is SAARC's founding date, and 24 October 1945 is the UN's.
ASEAN was founded by the:
- A) Bangkok Declaration ✔
- B) Maastricht Treaty
- C) Rome Treaty
- D) Dhaka Declaration
Why: ASEAN was created by the Bangkok Declaration of 1967. The Maastricht Treaty created the EU, and the Dhaka Declaration is linked to SAARC.
The ASEAN secretariat is in:
- A) Jakarta ✔
- B) Bangkok
- C) Manila
- D) Kathmandu
Why: The ASEAN Secretariat is in Jakarta, Indonesia. Remember: SAARC's secretariat is in Kathmandu, and BIMSTEC's is in Dhaka.
Which is a founding member of ASEAN?
- A) Indonesia ✔
- B) Vietnam
- C) Myanmar
- D) Cambodia
Why: The five founding members were Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia joined later.
The 11th member of ASEAN (2025) is:
- A) Timor-Leste ✔
- B) Bangladesh
- C) Nepal
- D) Sri Lanka
Why: Timor-Leste was admitted as ASEAN's 11th member in 2025, the first expansion since Cambodia joined in 1999.
Is Nepal a member of ASEAN?
- A) No ✔
- B) Yes, founding member
- C) Yes, since 2000
- D) Observer as full member
Why: Nepal is not a member of ASEAN, which is for Southeast Asian countries. Nepal's regional groups are SAARC and BIMSTEC.
ASEAN stands for:
- A) Association of Southeast Asian Nations ✔
- B) Asian Society of Economic Nations
- C) All South East Asian Network
- D) Association of South Asian Economies
Why: ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a regional group for economic, political and security cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The EU was formed by the:
- A) Maastricht Treaty (1992) ✔
- B) Bangkok Declaration
- C) Treaty of Sugauli
- D) Dhaka Charter
Why: The European Union was formed by the Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992. It built on earlier European communities, such as those created by the Treaty of Rome (1957).
The Maastricht Treaty came into force in:
- A) 1993 ✔
- B) 1967
- C) 2002
- D) 2020
Why: The Maastricht Treaty came into force on 1 November 1993, the date the European Union formally came into being.
The EU headquarters is in:
- A) Brussels ✔
- B) Paris
- C) Berlin
- D) Geneva
Why: The main EU institutions are in Brussels, Belgium, which is why Brussels is called the EU's capital.
The European Parliament also meets in:
- A) Strasbourg ✔
- B) Rome
- C) Madrid
- D) London
Why: The European Parliament holds its main plenary sessions in Strasbourg, France, and also works in Brussels and Luxembourg.
How many member countries does the EU have after Brexit?
- A) 27 ✔
- B) 28
- C) 25
- D) 15
Why: The EU has 27 member countries since the United Kingdom left. Before Brexit it had 28.
The UK left the EU in:
- A) 2020 ✔
- B) 2016
- C) 2010
- D) 2024
Why: The UK voted to leave in 2016, but Brexit took legal effect on 31 January 2020.
The common currency of many EU members is the:
- A) Euro ✔
- B) Pound
- C) Dollar
- D) Franc
Why: The euro is the common currency of the eurozone, used by most but not all EU members.
Travel without border checks among most EU countries is under the:
- A) Schengen Area ✔
- B) Maastricht Zone
- C) Euro Zone only
- D) NATO
Why: The Schengen Area allows travel without border checks among most EU countries and a few others, such as Switzerland and Norway.
Nepali goods like carpets reach the EU mainly through:
- A) Trade preferences for least developed countries ✔
- B) Military agreements
- C) ASEAN membership
- D) SAARC rules
Why: As a least developed country, Nepal gets duty-free, quota-free access to the EU under the 'Everything But Arms' scheme, which helps exports like carpets and pashmina.
Nepal shares borders with India on the:
- A) East, south and west ✔
- B) North only
- C) North and east
- D) No side
Why: India borders Nepal on the east, south and west, and China (Tibet) on the north. Nepal is landlocked between these two neighbours.
Nepal shares its northern border with:
- A) China ✔
- B) India
- C) Bhutan
- D) Bangladesh
Why: Nepal's northern border is with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, along the Himalaya.
Transit for Nepal's sea trade mainly passes through:
- A) Indian ports ✔
- B) Chinese ports only
- C) Bangladesh only
- D) No port
Why: As a landlocked country, Nepal's sea trade mainly passes through Indian ports such as Kolkata/Haldia and Visakhapatnam, under transit agreements with India.
The Treaty of Sugauli was signed with:
- A) The British East India Company ✔
- B) China
- C) USA
- D) Japan
Why: The Treaty of Sugauli was signed with the British East India Company after the Anglo-Nepal War. It was signed in 1815 and ratified in 1816.
Nepal's foreign policy aims to protect:
- A) Sovereignty and national interest ✔
- B) Only trade of one country
- C) Military expansion
- D) Colonial rule
Why: The main aim of Nepal's foreign policy is to protect sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and national interest, while building friendly ties with all.
The Non-Aligned Movement was founded in:
- A) 1961 ✔
- B) 1945
- C) 1985
- D) 1999
Why: The Non-Aligned Movement was founded at the Belgrade summit in 1961, during the Cold War, by countries that did not want to join either bloc. Nepal was a founding member.
Which is a major issue in Nepal–India relations?
- A) Trade deficit and border disputes ✔
- B) No trade
- C) Shared currency union
- D) Military alliance
Why: Major issues include Nepal's large trade deficit with India, the border disputes (Kalapani–Lipulekh–Limpiyadhura and Susta) and the review of the 1950 treaty.