UPSC PSIR Optional 2024 — 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 approximately 150 words on each of the following. (10×5=50)
bPluralist theory of the State.10 marksAnswer →cLocke’s views on Revolution.10 marksAnswer →dDecline of Liberalism.10 marksAnswer →eLinkage between Power and Hegemony.10 marksAnswer →
aElucidate the meanings inherent in the term ‘political’ with appropriate illustrations.20 marksAnswer →b“Marxism is a political theory of action demanding strict compliance with its core principles.” Comment.15 marksAnswer →c“The nature of the relationship between equality of democratic citizenship and liberty of citizens is influenced by economic equality.” Comment.15 marksAnswer →
a“The debate on human rights is caught between the limitations of both universalism and cultural relativism.” Comment.20 marksAnswer →bDeliberative democracy seeks to promote democratic decision-making about public issues among citizens. Discuss.15 marksAnswer →cDharmashastra presents a duty-centric worldview for individuals and communities. Comment.15 marksAnswer →
aLegitimacy adds positive value to political authority and obligation. Discuss.20 marksAnswer →bCritically examine Plato’s Theory of Forms.15 marksAnswer →cManabendra Nath Roy’s political thought highlighted the humanistic aspects of Marxism. Discuss.15 marksAnswer →
Write approximately 150 words on each of the following. (10×5=50)
aConstitutional morality in the Indian Constitution.10 marksAnswer →bObjective Resolution of the Constituent Assembly.10 marksAnswer →
dRelevance of the Legislative Council.10 marksAnswer →eWomen’s role in the anti-arrack movement.10 marksAnswer →
bExplain the structure and functions of the National Commission for Women (NCW).15 marksAnswer →cThe legacy of the Planning Commission still has a bearing on India’s development policies. Discuss.15 marksAnswer →
aDiscuss the contribution of the Dalit struggle to establishing egalitarianism in Indian society during the freedom movement.20 marksAnswer →bThe blueprint of Gram Swaraj is the key to understanding the Gandhian perspective on planning. Discuss.15 marksAnswer →
aDiscuss the role of environmental movements in shaping environmental governance in India.20 marksAnswer →b“Relative deprivation is a major source of ethnic conflict.” Elaborate with relevant examples.15 marksAnswer →cGram Sabha in the Panchayati Raj system is a forum that expresses the collective wisdom, aspirations and will of the people. Comment.15 marksAnswer →
Answer the following in about 150 words each. (10×5=50)
aDiscuss the interpretive approach to the study of comparative politics.10 marksAnswer →bExplain the central tenets of World-Systems Theory.10 marksAnswer →
dExplain the facets of the idealist approach to the study of International Relations (IR). Comment on its contemporary relevance.10 marksAnswer →e“The changing global order and ongoing regional conflicts, with global powers taking sides, have jeopardised progress made towards disarmament.” Comment.10 marksAnswer →
a“Deglobalisation is displacing globalisation.” Comment.20 marksAnswer →bWhat are the distinctive features of the post-modern state in advanced capitalist economies? Analyse.15 marksAnswer →cWhat were the limitations of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)? How did its replacement by the USMCA (United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement) address them? Explain.15 marksAnswer →
aDiscuss major recent social movements related to the bodily/physical rights of women in various countries.20 marksAnswer →bCritically examine the role of political parties in sustaining and stabilising democracies in developing societies.15 marksAnswer →cDo you agree that the USA uses NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) as a traditional strategic tool to perpetuate its hegemony?15 marksAnswer →
bThe return of trade barriers and economic sanctions has diminished the spirit of GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade). In this context, discuss factors contributing to the decline of the WTO (World Trade Organization) in recent times.15 marksAnswer →cDo you agree that the EU (European Union) has thus far been the most successful experiment in regional integration? Account for its successes and some recent challenges.15 marksAnswer →
Answer the following in about 150 words each. (10×5=50)
a“India must strive to become a semi-permanent member of the UNSC (United Nations Security Council), rather than a permanent member without the right to veto.” Comment.10 marksAnswer →bBhutan has historically been India’s ally, but China–Bhutan border issues have become a security concern for India. Discuss.10 marksAnswer →c“Nothing is going to move within WTO negotiations unless India is on board.” Discuss the main reasons behind India’s increased clout in the WTO.10 marksAnswer →dDiscuss the rationale behind replacing the “Asia-Pacific” strategy with the term “Indo-Pacific” strategy.10 marksAnswer →eDespite deep ties, India–Sri Lanka relations have seen strains due to China’s growing influence in Sri Lanka through investments and economic dominance. Analyse.10 marksAnswer →
aDiscuss the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) in light of India’s increased focus on other regional groupings like ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).20 marksAnswer →bCritically examine India’s persistent refusal to sign the NPT (Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons) despite being recognised as a de facto nuclear power.15 marksAnswer →c“India and the USA have become such strong strategic partners that they need not become formal allies.” Comment.15 marksAnswer →