PAPER – 1
Q1. Comment on the following in 150 words: (50 marks)
- Resurgence of political theory.
- Pluralist theory of the State.
- End of Ideology debate
- Deliberative democracy.
- K. Gandhi’s concept of Swaraj.
Q2.
- Explain Aristotle’s critique of Plato’s Idealism. (20)
- Examine communitarian perspectives on justice. (15)
- Compare negative and positive concepts of liberty. (15)
Q3.
- According to Gramsci, ‘hegemony is primarily based on the organisation of consent.’ Comment. (20)
- Kautilya’s views on the elements of the State. (15)
- Distinguish between liberal feminism and radical feminism. (15)
Q4.
- Critically examine Hannah Arendt’s conceptual triad of labour, work and action. (20)
- Discuss the doctrine of ‘rights as trumps’. (15)
- What is the contemporary relevance of Marxism? (15)
Q5. Answer the following in 150 words: (50 marks)
- Unity and integrity of India was perhaps the single uppermost factor in the minds of the Constitution makers. Comment.
- Dalit perspective on Indian national movement. Discuss.
- Despite constitutional mandate the Inter-State Council has not come of age. Discuss.
- Political decentralization has not been matched by administrative decentralization at the grass roots level. Explain
- Write short note on the significance of Chipko Movement.
Q6.
- National movement in India was anti-imperialist and increasingly radical in its socio-economic and political programmes. Discuss. (20)
- What has been the political fallout of the Green Revolution in India? Explain. (15)
- The changing socio-economic profile of our legislators does not augur well for the health of Indian democracy. Comment. (15)
Q7.
- Development has overshadowed the influence of caste in electoral behaviour in recent elections. Discuss. (20)
- The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India enhances the accountability of the Government and serves as the watchdog of the finances of the Government. Explain. (15)
- Discuss, in brief, the role of the National Commission for women. Do you think it is a toothless organization? (15)
Q8.
- “The basic structure doctrine is implicit in the Indian Constitution; the Supreme Court has only given it an explicit form.” Comment. (20)
- Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has emerged as the most powerful institution in India. Discuss. (15)
- Comment on the relevance of the Directive Principles of State Policy in an era of liberalization and globalization. (15)
PAPER – 2
Q1. Answer the following in about 150 words: (50 marks)
- Discuss the utility of Nuclear Deterrence Theory in the context of the recent standoff between India and Pakistan.
- Write a brief note on the 17th NAM Summit in Venezuela.
- In what way does the predominance of the USA in the UN funding affect its decision-making?
- Evaluate the role of BIMSTEC in multi-sectoral technical and economic cooperation.?
- Do you think that sustainable development goals are really attainable by 2030?
Q2.
- Examine the significance of the comparative method in political analysis. Discuss its limitations. (20)
- Explain the reasons for low voter turnout in democratic countries with suitable examples. (15)
- Evaluate the role of the International Court of Justice in inter-State disputes. (15)
Q3.
- Explain the relevance of the Marxist approach in the context of globalization. (20)
- Identify the benefits of a multi-polar world. (15)
- Discuss the importance of personal data protection in the context of human rights. (15)
Q4.
- How are the rising powers challenging the USA and Western dominance in the IMF and the World Bank? (20)
- Write an essay on ‘New Social Movements’ in developing countries. (15)
- Is democracy promotion in developing countries a feasible idea? (15)
Q5. Answer the following in about 150 words: (50 marks)
- Examine the role of ‘parliamentary diplomacy’ in India’s foreign policy.
- Compare and contrast Non-alignment 1.0 with Non-alignment 2.0.
- How is India pursuing her foreign policy objectives through the IBSA Dialogue Forum (India, Brazil and South Africa)?
- How is India responding to the idea of Indo-Pacific?
- The growing closeness between India and Israel will strengthen the cause of Palestine.” Comment.
Q6.
- Describe briefly China’s ‘One Belt One Road (OBOR)’ Initiative and analyze India’s major concerns. (20)
- What are the current issues in Brahmaputra River water sharing between India and China? (15)
- Analyze the recent trends in India’s role in the UN peacekeeping operations. (15)
Q7.
- Examine the increasing significance of maritime security in India’s foreign policy. (20)
- Write a brief note on India’s interests in West Asia. (15)
- How is the current standoff between the USA and Iran affecting India’s energy security? (15)
Q8.
- Evaluate India’s vision of a new world order. (20)
- Critically examine India’s position on South China Sea Dispute. (15)
- Given the recent developments in the region, do you think that there is a need to change India’s ‘No First Use (NFU)’ nuclear policy? (15)