The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Main Examination is a rigorous and comprehensive assessment that plays a pivotal role in selecting candidates for various prestigious civil services in India. The Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) optional paper in the UPSC Mains examination is particularly significant, testing candidates’ understanding of political theories, governance structures, and global affairs. The UPSC Mains 2019 PSIR Optional Previous Year Paper serves as a valuable resource for aspirants preparing for the exam, offering insights into the examination pattern, question trends, and the depth of knowledge required. Analyzing and mastering this paper is crucial for candidates aiming to excel in the PSIR optional subject and, by extension, enhance their overall performance in the UPSC Main Examination.
Paper – 1
Section – A
Q1. Comment on the following in about 150 words each: (10×5=50 Marks)
- (a) According to Sri Aurobindo, Swaraj is a necessary condition for India to accomplish its destined goal.
- (b) Neo-liberal perspective of State
- (c) Post-modernism
- (d) Eco-feminism
- (e) Hobbesian notion of Political Obligation
Q2.
- (a) Rawls’ theory of justice is both contractual and distributive. Examine. (20 Marks)
- (b) Everywhere, inequality is a cause of revolution – Aristotle. Comment. (15 Marks)
- (c) Define Socialism. Discuss the salient features of Fabian Socialism. (15 Marks)
Q3.
- (a) What do you understand by Multiculturalism? Discuss Bhikhu Parekh’s view on Multiculturalism. (20 Marks)
- (b) Deliberative democracy does not have its salience without participation and participatory democracy does not have its credence without deliberations. Comment. (15 Marks)
- (c) Differentiate between Freedom and Liberty. Discuss Marx’s notion of freedom. (15 Marks)
Q4.
- (a) Political democracy could not last unless social democracy lay at its base – B.R. Ambedkar. Comment. (20 Marks)
- (b) Write a brief note on The End of History debate. (15 Marks)
- (c) What do you understand by the notion of Statecraft? Discuss the theory of statecraft as given by Kautilya. (15 Marks)
Section – B
Q5. Comment on the following in about 150 words each: (10×5=50 Marks)
- (a) The success of Mahatma Gandhi lay in transforming both political and non-political movements into a unified nationalist movement.
- (b) Right to privacy is an intrinsic part of the right to life.
- (c) Indian federation has moved from cooperative federation to competitive federation.
- (d) State subvention/funding may be an effective instrument in strengthening electoral democracy in India.
- (e) In the post-liberalization era, Indian politics is moving from ascriptive politics to developmental politics.
Q6.
- (a) Differentiate parliamentary supremacy from parliamentary sovereignty. Would you consider the Indian Parliament as a Sovereign Parliament? Examine. (20 Marks)
- (b) Has the 73rd Constitutional Amendment empowered women in panchayats in India? Discuss. (15 Marks)
- (c) Religion is still an important factor in Indian politics. Discuss. (15 Marks)
Q7.
- (a) India has moved from a ‘one-party dominant system’ to a ‘one-party led coalition’. Discuss. (20 Marks)
- (b) How is the President of India elected? Outline the salient characteristics of the electoral college of the Indian President. (15 Marks)
- (c) Examine the role of the National Commission for Minorities in preserving, promoting and protecting the rights of minorities in India. (15 Marks)
Q8.
- (a) Judiciary has acquired the role of both, a legislature and an executive in recent years. Examine with suitable examples. (20 Marks)
- (b) What do you understand by Green Revolution? Do you think that a Second Green Revolution is needed to adequately address the agrarian challenges in contemporary India? Examine. (15 Marks)
- (c) Differentiate Moderate Nationalism from Extremist/Militant Nationalism in terms of their objectives and means. (15 Marks)
Paper – 2
Section – A
Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (10×5=50 Marks)
- (a) Explain the Political-Sociological Approach in the field of comparative politics and discuss its limitations.
- (b) Critically examine the Globalisation in the past 25 years from the perspectives of the Western world.
- (c) Examine the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) movement: in developed societies and how it is affecting the political participation in developing societies.
- (d) American President: Donald Trump’s proposal to withdraw from the ‘NAFTA’ would bring unforeseen consequences to the regionalisation of world politics. Elaborate.
- (e) Give an assessment of the Feminist critique of contemporary global issues.
Q2.
- (a) Is the Realist Approach the best method to understand International Relations? Examine this in the context or Classical Realism. (20 Marks)
- (b) How has the development of Global capitalism changed the nature of socialist economies and developing societies? (15 Marks)
- (c) Discuss the changing nature of modem state with reference to transnational actors. (15 Marks)
Q3.
- (a) “The development or advanced missile technology and nuclear threat by North Korea has challenged the American hegemony in South-East Asia.” Evaluate the above statement in the context of recent developments in the region. (20 Marks)
- (b) Do you endorse the view that the end of Bipolarity and the rise of multiple regional organisations has made Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) more or less irrelevant? (15 Marks)
- (c) Do you agree with the view that despite the limitations in the functioning of the UN, it has distinguished and unique achievements to its credit? (15 Marks)
Q4.
- (a) The recent move of USA to withdraw from the Paris climate Agreement is a setback in the consensus achieved on protecting the world environment. In this context, assess the future prospective on climate control. (20 Marks)
- (b) How has ‘BREXIT’ affected the regionalisation process initiated by European Union and what could be its likely impacts in the regionalisation process of world politics? (15 Marks)
- (c) Examine the World System Approach as developed by Emmanuel Wallerstein. (15 Marks)
Section – B
Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (10×5=50 Marks)
- (a) Examine the Indian National Movement and Geographical location of India as determinants of India’s foreign policy.
- (b) What are the impediments of the developments of South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)?
- (c) “The treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship between India and Bhutan needs to be revised with more pragmatic, realistic obligations and responsibilities.” Comment.
- (d) “India has been the largest and consistent country contributing to the UN peacekeepers worldwide.” Examine India’s role in this perspective.
- (e) Has the recent Indo-Israeli relationships given a new dynamics to India’s stand on Palestinian’s statehood?
Q6.
- (a) Suggest measures so that India’s partnership with Africa becomes a true symbol of South- South Cooperation, delivering clear-cut economic and political dividends to both side of the equation. (20 Marks)
- (b) “Despite the difference between India and Pakistan on various issues, Indus Water Treaty has stood the test of time.” In the light of this statements, discuss the recent developments over the issue. (15 Marks)
- (c) Analyse the stalled progress of Doha Round of WTO negotiations over the differences between the developed and the developing countries. (15 Marks)
Q7.
- (a) How is the “Belt and Road Initiative” of China going to affect India-China relationship? (20 Marks)
- (b) The recent difference between India and Russia are the result of misconceptions than fact. Elucidate. (15 Marks)
- (c) ‘Uniting for Census’ also known as ‘Coffee Club’ has opposed the claims of India and other countries over permanent membership of the UN Security Council. Point out their major objections. (15 Marks)
Q8.
- (a) The natural behaviour of India and the United States is likely to serve each other’s interests.Hence, a deliberate strategy of dovetailing their efforts will obviously benefit both. Elaborate. (20 Marks)
- (b) Do you subscribe to the idea that in the new evolving Asian dynamics, Japan and India have not only moved closer in economic cooperation but also in strategic partnership? (15 Marks)
- (c) The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has failed to achieve the ultimate objective of Global Nuclear Department. Discuss the deficiency in the provision of NPT. (15 Marks)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How important is conceptual clarity in the PSIR optional paper?
A: Conceptual clarity is crucial in the PSIR optional paper. UPSC tends to focus on candidates’ understanding of political theories, international relations concepts, and their ability to apply these to real-world scenarios. A clear and precise expression of ideas is highly valued.
Q: How can one effectively manage time while answering PSIR optional questions in UPSC Mains?
A: Time management is key in the PSIR optional paper. Candidates should allocate time wisely, giving sufficient time to each question based on its marks weightage. It’s advisable to begin with questions you are most confident about to secure those marks and then move on to more challenging ones.
Q: Are contemporary issues important in the PSIR optional paper, or should the focus be on traditional topics?
A: The PSIR optional paper usually includes a mix of questions covering both traditional and contemporary topics. Candidates should be well-versed in classical political theories and international relations concepts while also staying updated on current affairs and their implications for political and international dynamics.
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