UPSC PSIR Optional 2020 — Question Paper
The complete paper as UPSC set it, Paper I and Paper II. Tap a question to open its own page — the flow snapshot showing how the answer moves, and the handwritten answer.
Comment on the following in 150 words: (50 marks)
aPost Colonial theory of the state10 marksAnswer →bEquality of opportunity10 marksAnswer →cLiberalism as a revolutionary idea10 marksAnswer →dAmbedkar’s view on constitutionalism10 marksAnswer →eMachiavelli’s secularism10 marksAnswer →
aMake a comparative assessment of Greek perspective of Justice with the Rawlsian concept of justice.20 marksAnswer →bRepresentative democracy…..means the people as a body must be able to control the general direction of government policy. (J.S.MILL). Comment15 marksAnswer →cAssess the significance of right to property in political theory.15 marksAnswer →
aExplicate the ideological components of Gandhism20 marksAnswer →bExamine the nature and meaning of power15 marksAnswer →cExplain the sources of ancient Indian political thought.15 marksAnswer →
aTrace the evolution of western political thought from ancient to contemporary period.20 marksAnswer →bDiscuss the significance of a normative approach to political theory.15 marksAnswer →cDiscuss Karl Marx’s concept of class.15 marksAnswer →
Answer the following in 150 words: (50 marks)
aRole of Socialists in Indian national movement.10 marksAnswer →bIndian constitution maker’s concern on social inequality.10 marksAnswer →cRight to constitutional remedies in India10 marksAnswer →dJudicial overreach in India10 marksAnswer →eMechanism for settling inter-state disputes10 marksAnswer →
aExamine the role and functioning of the election commission of India and the comptroller and Auditor General in last two decades.20 marksAnswer →bTrace the role of militant and revolutionary movements in Indian national movement.15 marksAnswer →cTo what extent has 73rd and 74th amendments of the Indian constitution enhanced women’s empowerment?15 marksAnswer →
aDoes the functioning of the federalism in India tend to make it appear as a unitary state in practice.20 marksAnswer →bHas the thrust of government tilted towards executive in contemporary Indian politics? Give your arguments.15 marksAnswer →c‘liberalisation of Indian economy has not been accompanied with adequate reforms’ comment.15 marksAnswer →
Answer the following in 150 words: (50 marks)
cHas the increased participation of the underprivileged in the political process of the developing societies strengthened democracy or created political chaos and conflict? Comment.10 marksAnswer →dCritically examine the impact of the process of globalization from the perspective of the countries of the global south.10 marksAnswer →eWhat are the core assumptions of idealism as an approach to study international relations? Explain its continuing relevance in peace building.10 marksAnswer →
aDiscuss the ways to strengthen the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to enable it to address the challenges faced by the developing countries.20 marksAnswer →bCritically evaluate the role of the United States of America in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute settlement mechanism and its implications for the future of the WTO.15 marksAnswer →cExplain the significance and importance of the demand raised by the developing countries for a New International Economic Order (NIEO). Are they likely to achieve their objectives of the NIEO in foreseeable future.15 marksAnswer →
aDiscuss the significance and urgency of the UN Security Council reforms. Explain the relevance of the reforms proposals made by the UN Secretary- General Antonio Guterres for the developing countries.20 marksAnswer →bCritically analyse the role of ASEAN in the promotion of regional peace and security through economic cooperation and trade.15 marksAnswer →cExamine the role of the United Nations Framework convention on climate change (UNFCCC) and other major efforts by the UN to address the global environmental crisis.15 marksAnswer →
Answer the following in 150 words: (50 marks)
cAnalyze the impact of Hydro politics on Indo Bangladesh relations.10 marksAnswer →dDiscuss the future prospects of Indo-Nepal relations in the context of the recent publication of new Nepalese map wrongly claiming Indian territory.10 marksAnswer →eHow does cross border terrorism impede the achievements of peace and security in South Asia?10 marksAnswer →
bWhat are the notable features of the recently concluded part or the acquisition and cross- servicing agreement (ACSA) between India and Japan? How is it likely to address the security concerns of India?15 marksAnswer →cDiscuss the significance of Indo-US strategic partnership and its implications for India’s security and national defence.15 marksAnswer →
aExplain the defence and foreign policy of India to address the challenges emerging out of the current India-China standoff at the Line of Actual control (LAC).20 marksAnswer →bExplain the importance of India’s claim for a permanent seat in the United Security Council.15 marksAnswer →cDiscuss the efficacy of India’s ‘no first use’ policy (nuclear weapons) in the context of the evolving strategic challenges from its neighbours.15 marksAnswer →
a“The war in Afghanistan is crucial from the point of view of India’s national security. If the Americans withdraw and jihadis emerge with a sense of triumphalism, India will face increasing onslaught of terrorism”. Comment20 marksAnswer →bIdentify the key sectors of cooperation between India and Israel since 2014. Examine their significance in strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries.15 marksAnswer →cCritically examine the role of India in shaping the emerging world order.15 marksAnswer →