UPSC PSIR Optional 2023 — 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 about 150 words: (50 marks)
bMulticultural perspective on rights10 marksAnswer →cState of Nature as State of War (Hobbes)10 marksAnswer →dFoucault’s concept of power10 marksAnswer →
aSuccess of contemporary democracies lies in the State limiting its own power. Explain.20 marksAnswer →bRawls’ idea of the liberal self’ is too individualistic. Explain, in this context, the communitarian critique of Rawls’ theory of justice.15 marksAnswer →c‘Credo of Relevance’ in post-behaviouralism advocates the importance of action science. Analyze.15 marksAnswer →
aFascism displays an ambivalent stance towards parliamentary Democracу. Explain.20 marksAnswer →bAffirmative Action Policies draw as much strong criticism as strong support. Analyze this statement in the context of equality.15 marksAnswer →cEurocentrism is both the target and the motive force of the post-colonial political theory. Discuss.15 marksAnswer →
aBuddhist thought on Dhamma facilitates the emancipation of political action. Explain.20 marksAnswer →bThe legal subordination of one sex to another is wrong in itself, and now one of the chief hindrances to human development.” (J. S. Mill). Comment.15 marksAnswer →cSri Aurobindo’s idea of Swaraj has deep significance in the Indian social, political and cultural history. Analyze.15 marksAnswer →
Comment on the following in about 150 words: (50 marks)
aImprint of the British Constitution on the Indian Constitution10 marksAnswer →bEnvironmentalism of the poor10 marksAnswer →cFunctions of District Planning Committee10 marksAnswer →dSatyagraha and Indian Nationalism10 marksAnswer →eNational Commission for Minorities10 marksAnswer →
aDiscuss the major provisions of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act. Do you think that the Act remains an ‘unfulfilled dream’? Argue your case.20 marksAnswer →bHow does NITI Aayog as a ‘policy think tank with shared vision’ visualize the reorganization of planning in India? Justify your answer.15 marksAnswer →
aDoes the actual working of Indian federalism conform to the centralizing tendencies in Indian polity? Give reasons for your answer.20 marksAnswer →bThe main goal of the Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution is to generate civic responsibility among the citizens. Explain.15 marksAnswer →cAmbedkar’s clarion call, “Educate, Agitate and Organize”, strategizes the Dalit movement towards achieving civil liberty. Discuss.15 marksAnswer →
aThe rise of caste politics is to be attributed to both regional aspirations and electoral manifestations. Comment.20 marksAnswer →bThe decade 1989–1999 has created an epochal shift in the Indian party system at the national level. Identify the major national trends in the party system during this era.15 marksAnswer →cDo you agree that over the years the Supreme Court has become a forum for policy evolution? Justify your answer.15 marksAnswer →
Answer the following in about 150 words: (50 marks)
aWhat are the crucial functions of empirical political theory in Comparative Politics?10 marksAnswer →bWhat are the difficulties faced by a political theorist in comparing the States?10 marksAnswer →
eDiscuss the structure and functions of UN Security Council.10 marksAnswer →
aDiscuss the relevance of the normative ethos of the Non-Aligned Movement in magnifying India’s soft power in pursuit of her national interest.20 marksAnswer →bIn what ways does the functionalist approach in international relations help in maintaining peace and order in global politics?15 marksAnswer →
bAccount for the rise of European Union as a highly influential regional organisation.15 marksAnswer →cNarrate the various ways in which rapid environmental degradation is posing a serious threat to human security. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.15 marksAnswer →
aCritically examine the impact of Globalisation on the developing countries of the world.20 marksAnswer →bWhat do you mean by offensive and defensive realism?15 marksAnswer →cDiscuss the various constraints on American hegemony today. Which of these are likely to become more prominent in the future?15 marksAnswer →
Answer the following in about 150 words: (50 marks)
aExplain the major features of India’s Foreign Policy in the 21st century.10 marksAnswer →bWhat are the reasons for lack of ‘regionness’ in South Asia?10 marksAnswer →
dWhy do ethnic conflicts and insurgencies continue to remain major impediments to regional co-operation in South Asia?10 marksAnswer →eWhat diplomatic steps has India taken to articulate the interests of the Global South in International Politics?10 marksAnswer →
aArms trade, economic ties and congruent geo-political interests are no longer the three pillars of India – Russia relationship in the emerging strategic context. Comment.20 marksAnswer →bDiscuss the importance of India’s role in UN peacekeeping operations as a ground for its claim to a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.15 marksAnswer →cQuadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) performs an important role in India’s strategic balancing act to withstand the dominance of China in Asia. Discuss.15 marksAnswer →
a“India’s Nuclear policy is deeply influenced by its cultural beliefs and the pragmatic approach of its foreign policy.” Discuss.20 marksAnswer →bWhat steps has India taken to regain its foothold in Afghanistan since the Taliban has taken over the country in August 2021?15 marksAnswer →cWhat are the challenges and limitations in India – Iran relations?15 marksAnswer →
bDiscuss the significance of “West Asia Quad” in the light of India’s Look West’ policy.15 marksAnswer →cDiscuss the major drivers of India’s interests in Africa.15 marksAnswer →