UPSC PSIR Optional 2022 — 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.
Write on the following in 150 words: (50 marks)
bCultural Relativism10 marksAnswer →c“Revolution in Permanence”10 marksAnswer →dBases of Power10 marksAnswer →eLocke’s Social Contract10 marksAnswer →
b“Equality of estates caused equality of power, and equality of power is liberty.” Comment.15 marksAnswer →cElitist theory of democracy denies the possibility of democracy as ‘rule of the people’. Elucidate.15 marksAnswer →
aExamine the liberal theory of State in contemporary politics.20 marksAnswer →bHuman Rights are complex and contested social practice that organises relations between individuals, society and the State. Comment.15 marksAnswer →cIndividualism is inherent in Hobbes’ absolutist ideology. Comment.15 marksAnswer →
aAmbedkar’s idea of social justice leads to ‘egalitarian justice’ as compared to Rawls’ justice as fairness’ which aims at the notion of ‘pure procedural justice’. Comment.20 marksAnswer →b“The Panchayats with Gram Sabhas should be so organised as to identify the resources locally available for the development in agricultural and industrial sectors.” Examine the statement in the context of Gram Swaraj.15 marksAnswer →cExamine the entitlement theory of justice.15 marksAnswer →
Answer the following in about 150 words (50 marks)
bThe Preamble of the Indian Constitution reflects itself as a ‘social contract’. Elucidate.10 marksAnswer →cLegislative Council is a house without any effective powers. Comment.10 marksAnswer →dHow far is the National Commission for Backward Classes an empowered body? Assess its role in the context of rising demand for backwardness among dominant communities.10 marksAnswer →eHigh concentration of economic activities and consumption patterns in post-liberalisation period has led to the failure of environmental movements in India. Elucidate.10 marksAnswer →
aExamine the unique features of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. Do you think this Amendment would contribute in achieving the goal of empowerment of marginalised sections of the society?20 marksAnswer →bThe Speaker represents the freedom and dignity of the House. Examine.15 marksAnswer →
aEthnicity is the underlying cause which poses a great challenge in the resolution of the problems in the North-East region of India. Comment.20 marksAnswer →bThe making of the Indian Constitution is described as an attempt towards ‘social revolution’. Comment.15 marksAnswer →cHow far is it correct that the regional parties have strengthened Indian democracy and federal system? Substantiate your answer with suitable examples.15 marksAnswer →
Answer the following in about 150 words: (50 marks)
aDiscuss the main limitations of the comparative method to the study of Political Science.10 marksAnswer →bWhat are the main challenges faced by the developing countries in the era of globalisation?10 marksAnswer →cDiscuss the commonalities between the Marxist and Realist approach to the study of International Politics.10 marksAnswer →dBipolar structure of the world is more stable than the multipolar one. Comment.10 marksAnswer →
aHow has the electoral democracy augmented the participation of people in the democratic process?20 marksAnswer →bDiscuss the role of social movements in strengthening the democratic processes in developing societies.15 marksAnswer →cDescribe the composition of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Discuss its voluntary jurisdiction.15 marksAnswer →
bDiscuss the conceptual dimensions of collective security.15 marksAnswer →cDiscuss the efficacy of global conventions to combat international terrorism.15 marksAnswer →
Answer the following in about 150 words: (50 marks)
aPeaceful co-existence remains the cornerstone of India’s foreign policy. Comment.10 marksAnswer →bDiscuss the ways and means to realise greater economic co-operation among the Member States of South Asia.10 marksAnswer →cDiscuss the steps required to realise ‘hydro-co-operation’ between India and Bangladesh.10 marksAnswer →dExplain the significance of Basic Exchange and Co-operation Agreement (BECA) for Indo-US strategic relations.10 marksAnswer →eDiscuss the role of public diplomacy in the enhancement of India’s global standing.10 marksAnswer →
aDiscuss the relevance of the demand for New International Economic Order (NIEO) in the present era of globalisation.20 marksAnswer →bCritically examine the major factors responsible for a turnaround in the trajectory of India’s foreign policy in the post-cold war period.15 marksAnswer →cDiscuss the reasons behind India’s refusal to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPТ).15 marksAnswer →
aWhat are the main drivers of India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership?20 marksAnswer →bWhat are the implications of ‘Look-East’ Policy on the north-eastern region of India?15 marksAnswer →cExplain the factors which justify India’s claim for a permanent seat at the UN security council.15 marksAnswer →
aHow does India-Israel bilateral ties reflect the autonomy of India’s foreign policy choices?20 marksAnswer →bDiscuss the consequences of illegal cross-border migration in India’s north-eastern region.15 marksAnswer →cDiscuss India’s vision of a New World order in the 21st century.15 marksAnswer →