Correct Option
The correct matches between the new names of countries (List-I) and their old names (List-II) are as follows:
- A. Benin was formerly known as Dahomey (5). It was renamed in 1975, adopting the name after the Bight of Benin.
- B. Belize was previously called British Honduras (4). It officially adopted the name Belize in 1973, achieving full independence from the United Kingdom in 1981.
- C. Botswana was known as Bechuanaland (3). It was renamed upon gaining independence from British rule in 1966.
- D. Malawi's former name was Nyasaland (1). It was renamed upon independence from British rule in 1964.
Therefore, the correct combination is A-5, B-4, C-3, D-1.
Incorrect Options
- Option 1 (A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4) is incorrect as it contains multiple mismatches, such as Benin (A) incorrectly paired with Bechuanaland (3) and Belize (B) with Nyasaland (1).
- Option 3 (A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1) is incorrect due to mismatches like Benin (A) with Bechuanaland (3) and Botswana (C) with Basutoland (2).
- Option 4 (A-5, B-1, C-3, D-4) is incorrect as it incorrectly pairs Belize (B) with Nyasaland (1) and Malawi (D) with British Honduras (4).