Embarking on the journey of cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination requires a strategic and comprehensive approach, especially when it comes to choosing optional subjects. Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) has emerged as a popular choice among aspirants, and within this vast subject, the ‘Rights’ section holds significant importance. In this blog series, we delve into the past decade’s UPSC Mains examinations (2013-2023) to dissect the questions posed under the PSIR optional topic of Rights. By analyzing the evolution of questions over the years, we aim to provide invaluable insights to UPSC aspirants who are gearing up for this challenging examination. Understanding the trends and patterns of previous year questions not only helps aspirants refine their preparation but also enhances their ability to tackle the dynamic and diverse dimensions of Rights in the context of political science.
As we navigate through the maze of UPSC examinations, it becomes evident that a meticulous understanding of Rights is crucial for success. The questions posed by the UPSC demand not just factual knowledge but also a nuanced understanding of theoretical frameworks, contemporary issues, and the ability to critically analyze various aspects related to rights. This blog series endeavors to be a guiding beacon for PSIR optional aspirants, offering a comprehensive analysis of the questions asked by UPSC in the past years.
Rights – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains PSIR Optional)
Meaning and theories; different kinds of rights; Concept of Human Rights
1. Discuss the evolution of the theories of human rights from natural rights to collective and environmental rights. (2002)
2. “Human rights are basic moral guarantees that people in all countries and cultures possess, simply because they are people”. Explain the statement. (2008)
3. Explain as to why Jeremy Bentham dismisses the theory of natural rights as ‘nonsense upon stilts.’ (2009)
4. Critically examine the cultural relativist approach to human rights. (2010)
5. Examine the multi -. cultural perspectives on rights. (2012)
6. Analyse the relation between natural rights and human rights. (2013)
7. Explain Berlin’s notion of value pluralism. (2013)
8. Comment in 150 words: Idea of Natural Rights. (2015)
9. “The implementation of human rights is regarded as a matter of changing the conduct of States.” Comment. (2016)
10. What do you understand by Multiculturalism 7 Discuss Bhikhu Parekh’s views on Multiculturalism. (2017)
11. What do you understand by three generations of Human Rights? (2018)
12. Discuss the doctrine of ‘rights as trumps’. (2019)
13. Assess the significance of right to property in political theory. (2020)
14. Can there be universal conception of human rights? Give your arguments. (2021)
15. Human Rights are complex and contested social practice that organises relations between individuals, society and the State. Comment.(2022)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are fundamental rights?
A: Fundamental rights are basic human rights guaranteed by the constitution of a country, often enshrined in a Bill of Rights or a similar legal document. These rights typically include freedoms such as the right to equality, freedom of speech, right to life and personal liberty, and protection against discrimination.
Q: How do human rights differ from legal rights?
A: Human rights are inherent to all individuals by virtue of being human, universally applicable and independent of any legal framework. Legal rights, on the other hand, are granted and protected by specific laws within a particular jurisdiction. While human rights serve as a moral and ethical foundation, legal rights are enforceable through the legal system of a country.
Q: What is the significance of civil rights in a society?
A: Civil rights encompass a range of liberties related to individual freedoms, such as the right to privacy, freedom of speech, and the right to a fair trial. These rights play a crucial role in fostering a democratic and just society, ensuring that individuals are protected from arbitrary government actions and can actively participate in civic life.
Q: Can rights ever be restricted or limited?
A: Yes, under certain circumstances, rights can be restricted for the greater good of society. This is often done through legal mechanisms to balance individual freedoms with the needs of the community or national security. However, such restrictions must be proportionate, reasonable, and subject to legal scrutiny.
Q: How do economic and social rights differ from civil and political rights?
A: Economic and social rights focus on ensuring individuals’ well-being by addressing issues such as education, healthcare, and employment. In contrast, civil and political rights pertain to individual freedoms and participation in the political process. While all rights are interconnected, they represent different dimensions of a comprehensive human rights framework.
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