{"id":18907,"date":"2023-12-08T12:49:12","date_gmt":"2023-12-08T12:49:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=18907"},"modified":"2023-12-08T12:49:15","modified_gmt":"2023-12-08T12:49:15","slug":"political-science-and-international-relations-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-main-rights-2013-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/political-science-and-international-relations-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-main-rights-2013-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Political Science and International Relations Optional Topic &#8211; Wise Previous Year Questions in UPSC Main: Rights (2013-2023)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-support-program-with-test-series\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"300\" data-id=\"47045\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bannner-1600-x-1600-2400-x-1392-px-1280-x-300-px-1024x300.png\" alt=\"PSP 2025\" class=\"wp-image-47045\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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 &#8216;Rights&#8217; section holds significant importance. In this blog series, we delve into the past decade&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f506692b182\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f506692b182\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/political-science-and-international-relations-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-main-rights-2013-2023\/#Rights_%E2%80%93_Previous_Year_Questions_UPSC_CSE_Mains_PSIR_Optional\" title=\"Rights &#8211; Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains PSIR Optional)\">Rights &#8211; Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains PSIR Optional)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/political-science-and-international-relations-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-main-rights-2013-2023\/#Meaning_and_theories_different_kinds_of_rights_Concept_of_Human_Rights\" title=\"Meaning and theories; different kinds of rights; Concept of Human Rights\">Meaning and theories; different kinds of rights; Concept of Human Rights<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/political-science-and-international-relations-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-main-rights-2013-2023\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/political-science-and-international-relations-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-main-rights-2013-2023\/#Q_What_are_fundamental_rights\" title=\"Q: What are fundamental rights?\">Q: What are fundamental rights?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/political-science-and-international-relations-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-main-rights-2013-2023\/#Q_How_do_human_rights_differ_from_legal_rights\" title=\"Q: How do human rights differ from legal rights?\">Q: How do human rights differ from legal rights?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/political-science-and-international-relations-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-main-rights-2013-2023\/#Q_What_is_the_significance_of_civil_rights_in_a_society\" title=\"Q: What is the significance of civil rights in a society?\">Q: What is the significance of civil rights in a society?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/political-science-and-international-relations-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-main-rights-2013-2023\/#Q_Can_rights_ever_be_restricted_or_limited\" title=\"Q: Can rights ever be restricted or limited?\">Q: Can rights ever be restricted or limited?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/political-science-and-international-relations-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-main-rights-2013-2023\/#Q_How_do_economic_and_social_rights_differ_from_civil_and_political_rights\" title=\"Q: How do economic and social rights differ from civil and political rights?\">Q: How do economic and social rights differ from civil and political rights?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/political-science-and-international-relations-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-main-rights-2013-2023\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/political-science-and-international-relations-optional-topic-wise-previous-year-questions-in-upsc-main-rights-2013-2023\/#Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\" title=\"Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here\">Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rights_%E2%80%93_Previous_Year_Questions_UPSC_CSE_Mains_PSIR_Optional\"><\/span><strong><strong>Rights<\/strong> &#8211; Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains PSIR Optional)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Meaning_and_theories_different_kinds_of_rights_Concept_of_Human_Rights\"><\/span><strong><em>Meaning and theories; different kinds of rights; Concept of Human Rights<\/em><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>1. Discuss the evolution of the theories of human rights from natural rights to collective and environmental rights. <strong>(2002)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. &#8220;Human rights are basic moral guarantees that people in all countries and cultures possess, simply because they are people&#8221;. Explain the statement. <strong>(2008)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. Explain as to why Jeremy Bentham dismisses the theory of natural rights as &#8216;nonsense upon stilts.&#8217; <strong>(2009)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4. Critically examine the cultural relativist approach to human rights. <strong>(2010)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5. Examine the multi -. cultural perspectives on rights. <strong>(2012)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>6. Analyse the relation between natural rights and human rights. <strong>(2013)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>7. Explain Berlin&#8217;s notion of value pluralism. <strong>(2013)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>8. Comment in 150 words: Idea of Natural Rights. <strong>(2015)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>9. &#8220;The implementation of human rights is regarded as a matter of changing the conduct of States.&#8221; Comment. <strong>(2016)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>10. What do you understand by Multiculturalism 7 Discuss Bhikhu Parekh&#8217;s views on Multiculturalism. <strong>(2017)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>11. What do you understand by three generations of Human Rights? <strong>(2018)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>12. Discuss the doctrine of &#8216;rights as trumps&#8217;. <strong>(2019)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>13. Assess the significance of right to property in political theory. <strong>(2020)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>14. Can there be universal conception of human rights? Give your arguments. <strong>(2021)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>15.\u00a0Human Rights are complex and contested social practice that organises relations between individuals, society and the State. Comment.(2022)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_What_are_fundamental_rights\"><\/span>Q: <strong>What are fundamental rights?<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_How_do_human_rights_differ_from_legal_rights\"><\/span>Q: <strong>How do human rights differ from legal rights?<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_What_is_the_significance_of_civil_rights_in_a_society\"><\/span>Q: <strong>What is the significance of civil rights in a society?<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Can_rights_ever_be_restricted_or_limited\"><\/span>Q: <strong>Can rights ever be restricted or limited?<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_How_do_economic_and_social_rights_differ_from_civil_and_political_rights\"><\/span>Q: <strong>How do economic and social rights differ from civil and political rights?<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Economic and social rights focus on ensuring individuals&#8217; 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1. Learn through Videos &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3vOD8sU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3Q9z2nF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>3. Daily Newsletter &#8211; Get all your Current Affairs Covered &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3bE2y5J\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>4. Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\"><\/span>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ShabbirsEduKemyforIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>(PSIR) has emerged as a popular choice among aspirants, and within this vast subject, the &#8216;Rights&#8217; section holds significant importance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":18908,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[201],"tags":[142,202,833,232,145,140],"class_list":["post-18907","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-psir-optional","tag-previous_year_questions","tag-psir-optional","tag-rights","tag-upsc","tag-upsc-mains-question-paper","tag-upsc_preparation_strategy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18907","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18907"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18907\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18909,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18907\/revisions\/18909"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18908"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18907"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18907"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18907"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}