Question 68 from UPSC CSE 2022 - Current Affairs

Question

Consider the following pairs:
1. Chad - Setting up of a permanent military base by China.
2. Guinea - Suspension of Constitution and Government by the military.
3. Lebanon - Severe and prolonged economic depression.
4. Tunisia - Suspension of Parliament by the President.
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Only three pairs

Strategy: - Identify recent high-profile political and economic events for each country.
- Eliminate the incorrect China-Chad military base claim, noting China's base plans focused on Equatorial Guinea, not Chad.
- Confirm the remaining pairs (Guinea's coup, Lebanon's economic crisis, Tunisia's parliament suspension) are consistent with recent global developments.

Key Info: ## Chad and China
No official or credible reports as of 2021-2022 indicate that China has established or is setting up a permanent military base in Chad. China's overseas base initiative--especially under its Belt and Road ambitions--has included Djibouti (East Africa, established 2017) and rumors regarding a new Atlantic base in Equatorial Guinea, not Chad.

## Guinea
On September 5, 2021, the military, led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, staged a coup. This involved detaining President Alpha Condé, suspending the constitution, and dissolving the government and institutions. The African Union suspended Guinea, and the coup received widespread condemnation.

## Lebanon
Since 2019, Lebanon has faced one of the worst economic and financial crises in modern history. The Lebanese pound lost over 90% of its value. The World Bank and IMF characterized this depression as among the world's most severe since the mid-19th century, involving hyperinflation, banking collapse, and youth emigration, with significant social and economic fallout.

## Tunisia
In July 2021, President Kais Saied suspended Parliament and dismissed the Prime Minister and cabinet, citing Article 80 of Tunisia's Constitution. These actions followed public unrest stemming from economic and public health crises. The suspension was later extended, and in March 2022, Parliament was dissolved, consolidating executive powers.

Answer

Option A: Only one pair

Answer

Option B: Only two pairs

Answer

Option D: All four pairs