UPSC PSIR Previous Year Question Papers holds significant importance within the UPSC examination. Analyzing UPSC PSIR Previous Year Question Papers is important as it offers insights into Exam Pattern, Question trends. It helps candidates understand the weightage of topics, refine their preparation strategy, and identify areas of focus.
With PSIR Optional consisting of two papers worth 500 marks out of a total of 2025 marks, these previous year papers become crucial for achieving success in the UPSC main exams. By comprehending the PSIR Optional Syllabus and actively working through these Previous Year Question Papers, aspirants can gain valuable insights into time management and identifying the specific topics to concentrate on.
In this article, you will discover UPSC PSIR Previous Year Question Papers along with a detailed topic-wise analysis.
PSIR Paper 1 Topic-Wise Marks Distribution
| Topic | Sub Topic | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Political Theory and Indian Politics |
Political Theory – Meaning and Approach |
0 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
15 |
10 |
40 |
|
Theories of the State |
10 |
0 |
60 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
25 |
30 |
10 |
40 |
|
|
Justice |
30 |
20 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
25 |
15 |
0 |
20 |
15 |
|
|
Equality |
0 |
15 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
15 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
15 |
|
|
Rights |
35 |
10 |
10 |
40 |
15 |
20 |
15 |
15 |
25 |
15 |
|
|
Democracy |
0 |
25 |
10 |
15 |
35 |
25 |
20 |
0 |
15 |
15 |
|
|
Concept of Power |
15 |
15 |
15 |
10 |
0 |
15 |
0 |
15 |
15 |
0 |
|
|
Political Ideologies |
35 |
35 |
20 |
70 |
70 |
10 |
40 |
30 |
40 |
0 |
|
|
Indian Political Thought |
50 |
25 |
0 |
45 |
25 |
15 |
0 |
25 |
35 |
35 |
|
|
Western Political Thought |
10 |
45 |
50 |
0 |
15 |
45 |
75 |
65 |
35 |
35 |
|
|
Indian Government and Politics |
Indian Nationalism: (a) Political strategies of India's Freedom Struggle |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
15 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
|
Indian Nationalism: (b) Perspectives on Indian National Movement |
10 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
30 |
20 |
10 |
0 |
|
|
Making of the Indian Constitution |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
15 |
|
|
Salient Features of the Indian Constitution |
45 |
25 |
25 |
25 |
10 |
0 |
35 |
20 |
40 |
40 |
|
|
Principal Organs of the Government |
40 |
15 |
20 |
0 |
55 |
35 |
15 |
25 |
30 |
25 |
|
|
Grassroots Democracy |
15 |
15 |
20 |
20 |
15 |
30 |
10 |
15 |
15 |
20 |
|
|
Statutory Institutions/Commissions |
0 |
30 |
10 |
30 |
25 |
0 |
30 |
20 |
20 |
10 |
|
|
Federalism |
20 |
0 |
50 |
35 |
10 |
40 |
10 |
30 |
15 |
15 |
|
|
Planning and Economic Development |
10 |
0 |
35 |
40 |
25 |
0 |
15 |
15 |
15 |
0 |
|
|
Caste, Religion and Ethnicity in Indian Politics |
20 |
10 |
0 |
25 |
15 |
15 |
20 |
15 |
0 |
20 |
|
|
Party System |
15 |
65 |
30 |
15 |
20 |
25 |
15 |
20 |
20 |
35 |
|
|
Social Movements |
25 |
40 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
35 |
10 |
15 |
15 |
10 |
PSIR Paper 1 Topic-Wise PYQs
| Topic | Sub Topic | Questions |
|---|---|---|
|
Political Theory and Indian Politics |
Political Theory – Meaning and Approach |
Q. Systems Approach. (10 Marks / 2022)
Q. Cultural Relativism. (10 Marks / 2022)
Q. "Revolution in Permanence". (10 Marks / 2022)
Q. Bases of Power. (10 Marks / 2022)
Q. Equality of outcome as a political idea. (10 Marks / 2021)
Q. Discuss the significance of a normative approach to Political theory. (15 Marks / 2020)
Q. Comment on: Resurgence of political theory. 10M (2019)
Q. Comment on: Decline of Political Theory 10M (2018)
Q. Comment on: The Post-Behavioural Approach. 10M (2016)
Q. Comment on: "Political theory is not an escape mechanism but an arduous calling." (John Plamanetz) 10M (2014)
Q. Difference between normative and empirical theories of politics. 10M (2012)
Q. Examine the significance of the behavioural revolution in politics. 30M (2011)
Q. Comment on: Political Theory is, quite simply, mans attempt to consciously understand and solve the problems of his group life and organization. It is the disciplined investigation of political problems. Not only to show what a political practice is, but also to show what it means. In showing what a practice means, or what it ought to mean, political theory can alter what it is (Sabine) 20M (2009)
Q. Explain the changing analytical perspectives in the development of political theory. 60M (2008)
Q. What is the nature of the crisis in political theory? Suggest remedies to overcome it. 60M (2004)
Q. Examine the arguments in the Normative vs. Empirical debate in the study of political theory. 60M (2002)
Q. Comment on: Relevance of contextualist approach to the study of political theory. 20M (2001)
Q. Post-behaviouralism is not a negation of the behavioural revolution but only its corrective. How does it seeks to raise the status of the discipline of political Science? 60M (2000) |
|
Theories of the State |
Q. Factors like community, culture and nation weaken the hegemony of neoliberalism today. Discuss. (20 Marks/2022)
Q. Examine the liberal theory of State in contemporary politics. (20 Marks/2022)
Q. Tools of legitimation of the State. (10 Marks/2021)
Q. Make a comparative assessment of the Greek perspective of Justice with the Rawlsian concept of Justice. (20 Marks/2020)
Q. Post colonial theory of the state. (10 Marks/2020)
Q. Comment on: Pluralist theory of the State. 10M (2019)
Q. Discuss Kautilya's views on the elements of the State. 15M (2019)
Q. Critically examine the neo-liberal theory of State. 20M (2018)
Q. Comment on: Neo-liberal perspective of State. 10M (2017)
Q. Comment on: Hobbesian notion of Political Obligation. 10M (2017)
Q. Comment on: Gandhi’s Views on State. 10M (2015)
Q. Examine the challenges to sovereignty of the State in the contemporary world. 20M (2015)
Q. Discuss the key features of pre-Marxist socialist theory. 15M (2015)
Q. Discuss the relationship between base and superstructure in Marxist theory. 15M (2015)
Q. Comment on: "Covenants without swords are but words and of no strength to secure a man at all." (Hobbes) 10M (2013)
Q. Analyse, as per Kautilya, the Saptanga theory of the state. 15M (2013)
Q. What is meant by ‘relative autonomy’ of State in Marxist analysis? 20M (2012)
Q. Comment on: “The worth of a State, Is the worth of individuals composing it.” (J. S. Mill) 20M (2011)
Q. Comment on: Hobbies as an individualist. 20M (2011)
Q. Make an assessment of the post-colonial understanding of State. 30M (2011)
Q. Evaluate Mark's instrumentalist approach to the State. 30M (2010)
Q. Do you think that the modern nation - state has been declining in the wake of globalization? Justify your answer. 30M (2010)
Q. Critically examine Hamza Alavis Formulation of the over developed state. 60M (2009)
Q. Comment on: In the happiness of his subjects lies the kings happiness in their welfare of his welfare (Kautilya). 20M (2007)
Q. Comment on: state is the result of the irreconcilability of class antagonism (Lenin). 20M (2007)
Q. Comment on: Because the society is federal, the authority must also be federal (Laski). 20M (2007)
Q. Comment on: THE GENERAL WILL is not so much the will of the State as the will for the State. (MacIver) 20M (2006)
Q. Comment on: Impact of Globalisation on State Sovereignty. 20M (2006)
Q. Comment on: The discovery of Sovereign in a federal state is an impossible adventure (Laski). 20M (2005)
Q. The root of politics, according to Marx, does not lie in the state; it lies in the social conditions underlying this institution, that is, in the material conditions of life as reflected through the mode of production. Comment. 60M (2005)
Q. Comment on: As soon as a nation appoints representatives, it is no longer free, it no longer exists (Rousseau). 20M (2004)
Q. Comment on: Will, not force, is the basis of the state (T H Green). 20M (2002)
Q. Comment on: Polyarchy. 20M (2001)
Q. Critically examine Marxist theory of the state with reference to the dictatorship of the proletariat. 60M (2001)
Q. Comment on: I give the name to every state that is governed by laws, no matter what the form of its administration (Rousseau). 20M (2000)
Q. Comment on: State is a march of God on the Earth (Hegel). 20M (2000) |
|
|
Justice |
Q. Examine the entitlement theory of justice. (15 Marks/2022)
Q. How has Rawls enriched the idea of justice in liberalism? (20 Marks/2021)
Q. Examine communitarian perspectives on justice. 15M (2019)
Q. Comment on: Distributive Justice. 10M (2018)
Q. Analyse John Rawis justification of discrimination to achieve the goals of Justice. 15M (2018)
Q. Rawls' theory of justice is both contractual and distributive. Examine. 20M (2017)
Q. Comment on: Difference Principle* in Rawls’ Theory of Justice 10M (2015)
Q. Explicate the conception of justice in the critiques of communitarian theorists. 20M (2014)
Q. Comment on: "Original position". 10M (2013)
Q. Discuss the communitarian critique of liberalism. 20M (2013)
Q. Comment on: Views of Gandhi and Ambedkar on ‘social justice’. 20M (2011)
Q. It is said where there is no law there is no liberty. Give your views on this statement. 30M (2011)
Q. Comment on: 'Veil of ignorance.' 20M (2010)
Q. What is the concept of justice in modern political theory? How is it related to Liberty and Equality? 60M (2004)
Q. To what extent does the Rawlsian goal of achieving social justice depend on an overarching consensus among cultural, religious and ideological groups. 60M (2000) |
|
|
Equality |
Q. "Equality Of estates causes equality of power, and equality of power is liberty." Comment. (15 Marks /2022)
Q. Equality of opportunity. (10 Marks/2020)
Q. Equality means fair treatment rather than equal treatment. Comment. 15M (2018)
Q. Comment on: Affirmative Action. 10M (2016)
Q. Comment on: Aristotle’s Conception of Equality. 10M (2015)
Q. How is liberty a precondition for equality? Explicate the relationship between equality and liberty. 15M (2014)
Q. Difference between equality of opportunity and equality of outcome. 10M (2012)
Q. Why is ‘affirmative action’ important in provision of equal opportunity? 15M (2012)
Q. Comment on: Women has always been mans dependent, If not his slave; the two sexes have never shared the world in equality (Simone de Beauvoir). 20M (2009)
Q. Critically examine the Marxian theory of social stratification 60M (2004) |
|
|
Rights |
Q. Assess the significance of right to property in political theory. (15 Marks/2020)
Q. Affirmative action. (10 Marks/ 2021)
Q. Can there be a universal conception of human rights? Give your arguments. (15 Marks /2021)
Q. Human Rights are complex and contested social practice that organises relations between individuals, society and the State Comment. (15 Marks/2022)
Q. Discuss the doctrine of 'rights as trumps'. 15M (2019)
Q. What do you understand by three generations of Human Rights ? 20M (2018)
Q. Differentiate between Freedom and Liberty. Discus's Marx's notion of freedom. 15M (2017)
Q. Comment on: "How would I and my fellow human beings behave if we were to find ourselves in a state of nature, and what does this behaviour tell us about our innate predispositions ?" (Thomas Hobbes) 10M (2016)
Q. Critically examine John Rawl's argument for democratic equality. 15M (2016)
Q. "The implementation of human rights is regarded as a matter of changing the conduct of States." Comment. 15M (2016)
Q. Comment on: Idea of Natural Rights 10M (2015)
Q. Comment on: "All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility." ( J. S. Mill) 10M (2014)
Q. Analyse the relationship between natural rights and human rights. 20M (2013)
Q. Comment on the assertion of Laslett that Filmer and not Hobbes was the main antagonist of Locke. 15M (2013)
Q. Examine the multi-cultural perspectives on rights. 15M (2012)
Q. ‘Locke is an individualist out and out’. Substantiate this statement. 20M (2012)
Q. Critically examine the cultural relativist approach to human rights. 30M (2010)
Q. Explain as to why Jeremy Bentham dismisses the theory of natural right as nonsense upon stilts. 20M (2009)
Q. Comment on: "The great and chief aim of men's uniting into a Commonwealth and putting themselves under Government is the preservation of property." (Locke) 20M (2008)
Q. Comment on: "Real rights are a result of performance of duty." (Mahatma Gandhi) 20M (2008)
Q. "Human rights are basic moral guarantees that people in all countries and cultures possess, simply because they are people." Explain the statement. 60M (2008)
Q. Comment on: The end of law is not a abolish or restrain but to preserve and enlarge freedom (Locke). 20M (2004)
Q. Comment on: The reason why men enter into civil society is the preservation of their property (Locke). 20M (2003)
Q. Discuss the evaluation of the theories of human rights from natural rights to collective and environmental rights. 60M (2002) |
|
|
Democracy |
Q. Elitist theory of democracy denies the possibility of democracy as 'rule of the people'. Elucidate. (15 Marks/2022)
Q. "Free and fair deliberation is key to the foundation of democracy." Explain. (15 Marks//2021)
Q. Comment on: Deliberative democracy. 10M (2019)
Q. Comment on: M. K. Gandhi's concept of Swaraj. 10M (2019)
Q. Comment on: Substantive Democracy. 10M (2018)
Q. Critically examine Macpherson's views on Democracy. 15M (2018)
Q. Deliberative democracy does not have its salience without participation and participatory democracy does not have its credence without deliberations. Comment. 15M (2017)
Q. Political democracy could not last unless social democracy lay at its base - B.R. Ambedkar. Comment. 20M (2017)
Q. Explicate the features of Representative Democracy. 15M (2016)
Q. Comment on: Difference between Participatory and Deliberative Democracy 10M (2015)
Q. Comment on: "India has thrown up a form of judicial democracy that has no parallel anywhere else, and has nurtured a kind of civil society that is uniquely its own." (Bhikhu Parekh) 10M (2014)
Q. Explicate the features of deliberative democracy. 15M (2014)
Q. Issues of debate in contemporary democratic theory. 10M (2012)
Q. Examine the Participatory Model of Democracy. 30M (2011)
Q. Assess the deliberative theories of democracy. 30M (2010)
Q. Comment on the proposition that liberal constitutionalism precedes liberal democracy. 20M (2009)
Q. Political process in a country is merely the manifestation of political culture. Elucidate 60M (2007)
Q. Democratic theory presupposes self-determination, human rights and social justice. Discuss this with particular reference to M K Gandhi. 60M (2005)
Q. The modern pluralist democracies have posed a great threat to the fabric of nation state. Discuss. 60M (2000) |
|
|
Concept of Power |
Q. Examine the nature and meaning of power. (15 Marks/2020)
Q. "Political ideology is primarily concerned with the allocation and utilization of power." Comment. (15 Marks/2021)
Q. Explain the relationship between power, authority and legitimacy. 15M (2018)
Q. Comment on: Gramsci's concept of Hegemony. 10M (2016)
Q. Distinguish between Power and Authority. 15M (2015)
Q. Examine the conditions that are required for the maintenance of legitimacy in modern societies. 15M (2014)
Q. Explain, as per Gramsci, the distinction between hegemony and domination. 15M (2013)
Q. Distinguish between the concepts of legitimacy and hegemony. 15M (2012)
Q. Attempt a Comparative examination of the views of Marx and Weber on ‘Power’. 30M (2011)
Q. Comment on: "Power flows throughout the system like blood in the capillaries of our body." (Foucault) 20M (2010)
Q. Comment on: Robert Dahls's concept of deformed polyarchy. 20M (2010)
Q. Examine in detail Marx's prescription for ending alienation and reaching the stage of dealienation. 60M (2009)
Q. Comment on: Politics as a power concept 20M (2008)
Q. Critically examine Gramsci's concept of Hegemony. 60M (2008)
Q. Comment on: Constitution as a power map. 20M (2001) |
|
|
Political Ideologies |
Q. Liberalism as a revolutionary idea. (10 Marks/2020)
Q. Explicate the ideological components of Gandhism. (20 Marks/2020)
Q. Feminist critique of the State. (10 Marks/2021)
Q. Marx's concept of 'alienation' is an essential part of the reality in capitalism. Explain. (15 Marks/2021)
Q. Examine the importance of behavioral approach in political theory. What led to its decline? (15 Marks/2021)
Q. Comment on: End of Ideology debate. 10M (2019)
Q. Distinguish between liberal feminism and radical feminism. 15M (2019)
Q. What is the contemporary relevance of Marxism? 15M (2019)
Q. Comment on: "Nothing against the State, nothing over it, nothing beyond it." - Mussolini 10M (2018)
Q. Comment on: Post-modernism. 10M (2017)
Q. Comment on: Eco-feminism. 10M (2017)
Q. Define Socialism. Discuss the salient features of Fabian Socialism. 15M (2017)
Q. What do you understand by Multiculturalism? Discuss Bhikhu Parekh's views on Multiculturalism. 20M (2017)
Q. Write a brief note on The End of History debate. 15M (2017)
Q. "The Political ideology of Globalization is Neo-liberalism." Comment. 20M (2016)
Q. Discuss Feminist theory of the State. 15M (2016)
Q. Discuss Hannah Arendt's analysis of the role of Ideology in modern
Q. Discuss the ‘crisis of legitimacy’ in capitalist societies. (Habermas) 20M (2015)
Q. Comment on the view that socialism in the 21st century may be reborn as anti-capitalism. 20M (2014)
Q. Examine the conception of the State in the ideologies of Fascism and Marxism. 15M (2014)
Q. Discuss in what sense Marx's understanding of state can be considered as materialistic. 15M (2013)
Q. Explain Berlin's notion of value pluralism. 20M (2013)
Q. Difference between Liberal and Radical forms of Feminism. 10M (2012)
Q. Examine the debate on the ‘End of Ideology’. 30M (2011)
Q. Comment on: ' Personal is political.' 20M (2010)
Q. Distinguish between liberal feminism and socialist feminism in detail. 30M (2010)
Q. Comment on: Socialism is a much used hat, whose original shape no one can define (C E M Joad). 20M (2009)
Q. Comment on: "Fascism is the destruction of liberal ideas and institutions in the interest of those who own the instruments of economic power." (Laski) 20M (2008)
Q. Comment on: that the anatomy of this civil society, however, has to be sought in political economy (Marx). 20M (2006)
Q. Do you agree with the view that liberal theories are based on atomism, whereas communitarians have a social thesis? Present your line of argument. 60M (2005)
Q. Explain Plato's communism and compare it with modern communism. 60M (2003)
Q. The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggle (Karl Marx). Comment. 60M (2003)
Q. Defence ideology. Critically examine the End of Ideology Debate. 60M (2001) |
|
|
Indian Political Thought |
Q. "The Panchayats with Gram Sabhas should be so organised as to identify the resources locally available for the development in agricultural and industrial sectors." Examine the statement in the context of Gram Swaraj.
Q. Dr. Ambedkar's idea of social justice leads to egalitarian justice as compared to Rawls' 'justice as fairness' which aims at the notion of "pure procedural justice. Comment. (20 Marks/2022)
Q. Do you think that the Buddhist traditions have lent a greater ethical foundation to ancient Indian political thought? Give your arguments. (20 Marks/2021)
Q. "When a nation becomes devoid of arts and learning, it invites poverty." (Sir Syed Ahmad Khan). In the light of this statement, assess the role of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan as a reformer in modern India. (15 Marks/2021)
Q. Explain the sources of ancient Indian political thought. (15 Marks/2020)
Q. Ambedkar's ideas on constitutionalism. (10 Marks/2020)
Q. Discuss Ambedkar's ideas on annihilation of caste'. 15M (2018)
Q. Comment on: According to Sri Aurobindo, Swaraj is a necessary condition for India to accomplish its destined goal. 10M (2017)
Q. What do you understand by the notion of Statecraft ? Discuss the theory of statecraft as given by Kautilya. 15M (2017)
Q. Comment on: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's idea of state socialism. 10M (2016)
Q. Discuss Sri Aurobindo's views on Cultural Nationalism. 20M (2016)
Q. Examine Gandhi's critique of 'Modernisation'. 15M (2016)
Q. Comment on: "Nationalism is not a mere political programme but a way of life like religion." (Aurobindo Ghose). 10M (2014)
Q. Evaluate the contributions of Buddhist tradition to Indian political thought. 15M (2014)
Q. Comment on: Sri Aurobindo's "Idea of Freedom". 10M (2013)
Q. Comment on: Syed Ahmed Khan as a modernizer. 10M (2013)
Q. Examine Ambedkar's critique of Marxism. 15M (2013)
Q. Examine the significance of Dharma in ancient Indian political thought. 15M (2013)
Q. Comment on the Marxist and Radical Humanist phases of M.N. Roy’s thought. 15M (2012)
Q. Examine the Gandhian idea of village community as an ideal unit of self governance. 20M (2012)
Q. Draw parallels between Arthashastra tradition and the ‘Realist’ tradition represented by Machiavelli. 15M (2012)
Q. Write a note on the Buddhist tradition in Indian political thought. 15M (2012)
Q. Compare and contrast Dharmasastra and Arthasastra with reference to State power. 30M (2010)
Q. Critically examine the Sapta Prakriti of state as envisage by Kautilya. 60M (2007)
Q. Explain Gandhis ideas regarding State and highlight their relationship with modern democracy and principles of anarchism. 60M (2006)
Q. Comment on: Of those (officers) the ways of embezzlement are forty (Kautilya). 20M (2005)
Q. Comment on: Rulership can be successfully carried out (only) with the help of associates: One wheel alone does not turn (Kautilya). 20M (2004)
Q. Comment on: The main political ideas contained in the Manusmriti. 20M (2003)
Q. Comment on: Mandal theory. 20M (2003)
Q. Comment on: The true source of light is duty. If we all discharge our duties, rights will not be far to see (M K Gandhi). 20M (2002)
Q. Analyse M. N Roys ideational journey from Marxism to Radical Humanism. 60M (2002)
Q. Comment on: Validity of the statement that most prominent among Gandhian principles are non-violence, adherence to truth and dignity of labour. 20M (2001)
Q. What are the major components of Modern Indian Political Though? Examine then with reference to Gandhi and M N Roy. 60M (2001) |
|
|
Western Political Thought |
Q. Individualism is inherent in Hobbes' absolutist ideology. Comment. (15 Marks/2022)
Q. Locke's Social Contract. (10 Marks/2022)
Q. J. S. Mill's ideas on women suffrage. (15 Marks/2021)
Q. Explain the Aristotelian view of politics. To what extent do you think it has contributed to the development of modern/day constitutional democracies? (20 Marks/2021)
Q. Representative democracy means the people a body must be able to control the general direction of government policy. (J. S. Mill). Comment. (15 Marks /2020)
Q. Machiavelli's secularism. (10 Marks/2020)
Q. Trace the evolution of Western Political Thought of ancient to contemporary period. (20 Marks/2020)
Q. Discuss Karl Marx's concept of class. (20 Marks/2020)
Q. Explain Aristotle's critique of Plato's Idealism. 20M (2019)
Q. Compare negative and positive concepts of liberty 15M (2019)
Q. According to Gramsci, hegemony is primarily based on the organisation of consent.' Comment 20M (2019)
Q. Critically examine Hannah Arendt's conceptual triad of labour, work and action. 20M (2019)
Q. Comment on: John Stuart Mill is a 'reluctant democrat'. - C. L. Wayper 10M (2018)
Q. John Locke is the father of liberalism. Explain. 20M (2018)
Q. Critically examine Machiavelli's views on religion and politics 15M (2018)
Q. Everywhere, inequality is a cause of revolution- Aristotle. Comment. 15M (2017)
Q. Compare and contrast the views of Kautilya and Machiavelli on Statecraft. 15M (2015)
Q. “Plato was an enemy of the open society.” (Popper) Comment. 20M (2015)
Q. Discuss Gramsci’s notion of ‘organic intellectuals’. 15M (2015)
Q. Comment on: "Power is never the property of an individual; it belongs to a group and remains in existence only so long as the group keeps together." (Hannah Arendt) 10M (2014)
Q. Explain how Machiavelli's application of empirical method to human affairs marks an important stage in the evolution of political science. 20M (2014)
Q. Central to Aristotle's political thought is his classification of the different types of political constitutions in the Politics. Evaluate. 15M (2014)
Q. Comment on: "Personal is political" 10M (2013)
Q. Hannah Arendt’s conception of the ‘political. 10M (2012)
Q. Comment on: “The State is a creation of nature and man is by nature a political animal.” (Aristotle) 20M (2011)
Q. Comment on: Western thought, one might say, has been either platonic or anti platonic but hardly ever non-platonic (Popper). 20M (2009)
Q. Comment on: Platos communism is a supplementary machinery to give effect to and reinforce that spirt which education is create (Nettleship). 20M (2007)
Q. Discuss the importance of Machiavelli in the history of political thought. Is it correct to say that Machiavelis theory is narrowly local and narrowly dated? 60M (2007)
Q. Comment on: State is individual write large (Plato) 20M (2006)
Q. Attempt a critique a Aristotles ideas on slavery 60M (2006)
Q. Comment on: The State is Individual Writ Large (Plato). 20M (2005)
Q. Comment on: The sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number is self protection (J S Mill). 20M (2005)
Q. Comment on: The authority of the master and that of the statements are different from one another (Aristotle). 20M (2004)
Q. Comment on: Machavellis political philosophy was narrowly local and narrowly dated (Sabine) 20M (2003)
Q. Discuss the political philosophy of Hannah Arendt 60M (2003)
Q. Comment on: The polis exists by nature and that it is prior to the individual (Aristotle). 20M (2002) |
|
|
Political Thought |
Q. Compare and contrast Kautilya and Machiavalli on statecraft. 20M (2009) |
|
|
Indian Government and Politics |
Indian Nationalism: (a) Political strategies of India's Freedom Struggle |
Q. Analyse the workers' movement in India in the pre/ Independence period. (10/Marks) 2022
Q. Role of socialist in Indian National Movement. (10 Marks/2020)
Q. Differentiate Moderate Nationalism from Extremist/Militant Nationalism in terms of their objectives and means. 15M (2017)
Q. Comment on: Satyagraha as a Strategy in the Indian National Movement. 10M (2015)
Q. Comment on: Efficacy of Satygraha as moral resistance colonial rule. 10M (2012)
Q. Comment on: Significance of the Civil Disobedience Movement. 20M (2011)
Q. Comment on: "Swaraj is the culmination of Swadeshi and Sarvodaya." 20M (2008)
Q. Comment on: "Swaraj is the culmination of Swadeshi and Sarvodaya." 60M (2007)
Q. Comment on: Views of Jaya Prakash Narayan on Total Revolution. 20M (2005)
Q. Political reforms must precede and not follow social reforms (Tilak). Discuss. 60M (2004)
Q. Comment on: Gandhis concept of Truth and Non-violence. Why was he opposed to modern civilisation? 20M (2003) |
|
Indian Nationalism: (b) Perspectives on Indian National Movement |
Q. Analyze the Marxist perspective of the nature of indian National Movement. (10 Marks /2021)
Q. Trace the role of militant and revolutionary movements in Indian National Movement. (15 Marks/2020)
Q. Dalit perspective on Indian national movement. Discuss. 10M (2019)
Q. National movement in India was anti-imperialist and increasingly radical in its socio-economic and political programmes. Discuss. 20M (2019)
Q. Comment on: Revolt of 1857 is a 'Sepoy Mutiny' or 'First War of Independence' 10M (2018)
Q. Comment on: The success of Mahatma Gandhi lay in transforming both political and non-political movements into a unified nationalist movement. 10M (2017)
Q. Critically examine the Radical Humanist perspective on Indian National Movement. 10M (2016)
Q. Comment on: Marxist understanding of India's freedom movement 10M (2013)
Q. Comment on: Dalit perspective on Indian National Movement 20M (2011)
Q. Comment on: Indian nationalism as depicted in S.N. Banerjee's 'A Nation in the making. 20M (2010)
Q. Comments on: Radical Humanism. 20M (2009) |
|
|
Making of the Indian Constitution |
Q. The making of the Indian Constitution is described as an attempt towards 'social revolution'. Comment. (15 Marks/2022)
Q. "The Constitution makers faced the great task of forging a common national identity in the face of unparalleled social and cultural diversity in India." Comment. (10 Marks/2021)
Q. "The Constitution of India is a product of a historical process, rich with constitutional antecedents." Comment. (10 Marks/2021)
Q. Unity and integrity of India was perhaps the single uppermost factor in the minds of the Constitution makers. Comment. 10M (2019)
Q. Comment on: Indian Constitution is a "Lawyers' Paradise'. - Ivor Jennings 10M (2018)
Q. Discuss the extent to which the Indian Constitution reflects successful reconciliation of alternative perspectives. 25M (2012)
Q. Comment on: "The Constituent Assembly was a one party body in an essentially one party country . The Assembly was the Congress and the Congress was India." (Granville Austin) 20M (2010)
Q. Discuss the dominant external and internal influences in the framing of the Indian Constitution. 60M (2008)
Q. Explain the federal scheme under the Government of India Act, 1935. Why could this scheme not be implemented? 60M (2005)
Q. Comment on: Simon Commission. 20M (2003)
Q. Comment on: Dyarchy under Montague-Chelmsord Reforms. 20M (2002)
Q. Examine the salient features of the Indian Independence Act (1947) relating to the transfer of power. What specific provisions did this Act make for the lapse of paramountcy. 60M (2002)
Q. Critically examine the impact of the national movement on the making of the constitution of India. 60M (2001) |
|
|
Salient Features of the Indian Constitution |
Q. The Doctrine of Basic Structure of the Constitution has enhanced the power of judicial review of the Supreme Court. Examine. (15 Marks/2022)
Q. Discuss the policy initiatives of the Fourteenth Finance Commission aimed towards promoting and strengthening agricultural development in India. (15 Marks/2022)
Q. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution reflects itself as a social contract Elucidate. (10 Marks/2022)
Q. “Constitutionally reconciling the fundamental Rights with the Directive Principles of State Policy has led to frequent amendments of the Constitution and judicial interventions." Comment. (20 Marks/2021)
Q. Mention the founding principles that define India's Constitution. (10 Marks/2021)
Q. Underline the significance of the first constitutional amendment. (10 Marks/2021)
Q. Indian constitution makers' concerns on social inequality. (10 Marks/2020)
Q. Right to constitutional remedies in India. (10 Marks/2020)
Q. "The basic structure doctrine is implícit in the Indian Constitution; the Supreme Court has only given it an explicit form. Comment. 20M (2019)
Q. Comment on the relevance of the Directive Principles of State Policy in an era of liberalization and globalization. 15M (2019)
Q. Comment on: Right to privacy is an intrinsic part of the right to life. 10M (2017)
Q. The purpose uf lltt: 42nd Constitutional Amendment was to make the economican social democracy explicitly visible. 10M (2016)
Q. Discuss the Right to Information and underline challenges being posed before it. 15M (2016)
Q. Comment on: Secularism in the Indian Constitution. 10M (2015)
Q. Discuss the ‘Right to Education' and the concerns raised by it. 15M (2015)
Q. Comment on: Increasingly higher focus on Directive Principles of State Policy 10M (2014)
Q. What are the provisions for constitutional protection of right to freedom of religion and how far have they succeeded in promoting secularism in India? 15M (2014)
Q. Comment on: Significance of the Preamble. 10M (2013)
Q. Analyse the significance of Article 32 of the Indian Constitution. 15M (2013)
Q. Examine the significance of the verdicts of the Supreme Court in the Golaknath and Keshavananda Bharati cases for an understanding of the scope of Article 368 in regard to Fundamental Rights. 20M (2013)
Q. Comment on: Doctrine of Basic Structure of the Indian Constitution. 10M (2012)
Q. Examine the relevance of Directive Principles in the era of liberalisation and globalization. 25M (2012) |
|
|
Principal Organs of the Government |
Q. The Speaker represents the freedom and dignity of the House. Examine. (15 Marks /2022)
Q. Legislative council is a house without any effective powers. Comment. (10 Marks /2022)
Q. The role of the President of India becomes more significant during a minority government and a coalition government. Explain. (15 Marks/2021)
Q. Examine the evolution of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India as a constitutional court. (15 Marks/2021)
Q. Judicial overreach in India. (10/Marks) 2020
Q. Has the thrust of the government tilted towards the executive in contemporary Indian Politics? Give your arguments.(15 Marks/2020)
Q. Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has emerged as the most powerful institution in India. Discuss. 15M (2019)
Q. Whether judicial activism has undermined or strengthened Parliamentary Democracy in India. Discuss. 20M (2018)
Q. Analyse the arguments in favour and against the lateral entry into higher civil services in India. 15M (2018)
Q. Differentiate parliamentary supremacy from parliamentary sovereignty. Would you consider the Indian Parliament as a Sovereign Parliament? Examine. 20M (2017)
Q. How is the President· of India elected? Outline the salient characteristics of the electoral college of the Indian President. 15M (2017)
Q. Judiciary has acquired the role of both, a legislature and an executive in recent years. Examine with suitable examples. 20M (2017)
Q. Discuss the efficacy of judicial review in India. 20M (2015)
Q. Examine the debates on the appointment procedure of judges to the higher judiciary in India. 15M (2014)
Q. Comment on: Decline of Indian Parliament. 10M (2013)
Q. Examine the role of Supreme Court as the final interpreter of the Indian Constitution. 15M (2013)
Q. Analyse the position of the Prime Minister of India in a coalition regime. 15M (2013)
Q. Comment on: Judicial activism and social change. 10M (2012)
Q. Comment on: the principle of collective responsibility a la the cabinet system of Government, has eroded in the context of emergence of coalitions governments in India. 20M (2010)
Q. Critically examine the arguments being advanced for review of the present system of appointment of judges to the higher judiciary of the country. 30M (2009)
Q. Explain the concept of judicial activism and examine its impact on the relationship between executive and judiciary in India. 60M (2007)
Q. Critically examine the role and contribution of Indias bureaucracy in nation building. 60M (2006)
Q. Comment on: Public interests litigation. 20M (2004)
Q. Comment on: The debate over judicial activism in India. 20M (2001)
Q. Comment on: Concept of committed bureaucracy 20M (2001)
Q. Indian democracy began with the unique advantages of an efficient civil service and a well organized political party yet its record is dismal. What are the causes for such poor performance 60M (2001)
Q. Comment on: Corruption in Administration in India and its impact on socioeconomic reconstruction. 20M (2000)
Q. Critically evaluate Webers ideas on Bureaucracy and highlight the significance of the Weberian model from India’s point of view. 60M (2000)
Q. The role of Indian Prime Ministers in the federal system was always controversial. Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer with apt examples 60M (2000) |
|
|
Grassroots Democracy |
Q. Examine the unique features of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. Do you think this Amendment would contribute in achieving the goal of empowerment of marginalized sections of the society? (20 Marks/2022)
Q. Do you think that despite having significant limitations the Panchayati Raj Institutions have strengthened the process of democratic decentralization? Give your views. (15 Marks/ 2021)
Q. To what extent has 73rd and 74th amendments of the Indian Constitution enhanced women's empowerment? (15 Marks/2020)
Q. Political decentralization has not been matched by administrative decentralization at the grass roots level. Explain 10M (2019)
Q. Comment on: Panchayat Raj is an effective instrument for women empowerment. 10M (2018)
Q. Examine the provisions of Panchayat Extension Services Act (PESA), 1996. 20M (2018)
Q. Has the 73rd Constitutional Amendment empowered women m panchayats in India? Discuss. 15M (2017)
Q. The goal of Good governance will be achieved only by strengthening the grass root level democracy. 20M (2016)
Q. Examine the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodics in deepening of democracy in India. 20M (2015)
Q. Explain how the participation of women impacted the functioning of rural local bodies in India. 15M (2014)
Q. Examine the changing structure of Panchayati Raj institutions with special reference to the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act. 15M (2013)
Q. Comment on: The corelation between democracy and development in India. 20M (2008)
Q. Comment on: The panchayati Raj institutions and district administration should develop a new relationship for achieving the goal of good governance. 20M (2007)
Q. Discuss how far the grass root democratic institutions have remained successful in accelerating the process of rural development after 73rd constitutional amendment. 60M (2007)
Q. Highlight the impact of 73rd Constitutional Amendment on the working of the Panchyati Raj institutions in India. 60M (2006)
Q. Comment on: Role of Gram Sabha under the Constitution (Seventy third-Amendment) Act, 1992 20M (2005)
Q. Bring out the common and unique features of the 73rd and the 74th amendments to the Constitution of India. Do you think that these amendments would contribute to the achievement of gender and social justice at the grass root level. 60M (2002) |
|
|
Statutory Institutions/Commissions |
Q. How far is the National Commission for Backward Classes an empowered body? Assess its role in the context of rising demand for backwardness among dominant communities. (10 Marks/2022)
Q. The success of electoral democracy can partly be attributed to the status and role of the Election Commission of India." Explain.(20 Marks/2021)
Q. Examine the role and functioning of the Election Commission of India and the Comptroller and Auditor General in the last two decades. (20 Marks/2020)
Q. Comptroller and Auditor-General of India enhances the accountability of the Government and serves as the watchdog of the finances of the Government. Explain. 15M (2019)
Q. Discuss, in brief, the role of the National Commission for women. Do you think it is a toothless organization?' 15M (2019)
Q. Comment on: State subvention/funding may be an effective instrument in strengthening electoral democracy in India. 10M (2017)
Q. Examine the role of the National Commission for Minorities in preserving, promoting and protecting the rights of minorities in India. 15M (2017)
Q. Examine the objective and role of the National Human Rights Commission. 15M (2016)
Q. Critically examine the provisions made in the Constitution for the protection of Environment. 15M (2016)
Q. Comment on: Structure and Function of NITI Aayog. 10M (2015)
Q. Comment on: The role of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in promoting good governance. 10M (2014)
Q. Discuss the working of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes to curb violence against Dalits. 20M (2014)
Q. Comment on: Role of National Commission for Women in India. 10M (2012)
Q. Comment on: Role of National Commission for Scheduled Castes. 20M (2011)
Q. Make an assessment of the role of the Election Commission of India in the conduct of free and fair elections. 30M (2011)
Q. Assess the effectiveness of the National Human Rights Commission in redressing grievances pertaining to human rights violations in India. 30M (2010)
Q. Comments on: The Functions, duties and powers of the appropriate National Commission as laid down in clauses (5) (8), and (9) of Articles-338 of the constitution. 20M (2009)
Q. Comment on: Revision in the Election Code of Conduct. 20M (2008)
Q. Make an assessment of the composition, functioning and the role of the Election Commission of India in the conduct of free and fair elections. 60M (2005)
Q. Comment on: Union Public Service Commission. 20M (2003)
Q. Comment on: Comptroller and Auditor General of India. 20M (2002) |
|
|
Federalism |
Q. Discuss the composition and functions of the Inter/ State Council. To what extent has this body been successful in achieving its objectives? (15 Marks / 2022)
Q. Do you think that there has been a gradual shift in the basis on which the demands for the creation of new States have been raised in different regions of India? Explain. (15 Marks / 2021)
Q. Does the functioning of the federalism in India tend to make it appear as a unitary state in practice? (20 Marks/2020)
Q. Mechanism for settling inter/state disputes. (10 Marks / 2020)
Q. Despite constitutional mandate the Inter-State Council has not come of age. Discuss. 10M (2019)
Q. Comment on: Implementation of GST and NEET is a major challenge to Indian federalism. 10M (2018)
Q. Do the Lieutenant Governors have more powers than the Governors of the States? Explain. 15M (2018)
Q. Discuss asymmetrical federalism in India. 15M (2018)
Q. Comment on: Indian federation has moved from cooperative federation to competitive federation. 10M (2017)
Q. 'Article 368 does not enable Parliament to alter the basic structure or framework of the Constitution'. 10M (2016)
Q. The philosophy and administration of the distribution of powers between Centre and State is required to be re-assessed. 10M (2016)
Q. Critically examine the role of Governor in recent times. 15M (2016)
Q. Comment on: 99th Amendment of the Indian Constitution 10M (2015)
Q. Comment on: Cooperative Federalism in India. 10M (2015)
Q. Critically analyze the discretionary powers granted to the Governor by the Indian Constitution. 15M (2015)
Q. Identify the contested areas in Centre-State relations in India. 15M (2015)
Q. "Cooperative federalism produces a strong central, or general government, yet it does not necessarily result in weak provincial governments that are largely administrative agencies for central policies. Indian federation has demonstrated this." (Granville Austin) Examine the uniqueness of Indian federalism in the light of the above statement. 20M (2013)
Q. Comment on: Demands for the creation of new States in India. 10M (2012)
Q. Examine the efficacy of available mechanisms for resolving inter-State dispute in India. 25M (2012)
Q. In normal conditions, the Governor is a constitutional executive but in case of constitutional crisis, he can become a powerful and effective executive. Discuss. 30M (2011)
Q. Comment on: Inter- State water disputes. 20M (2010)
Q. Comment on: "Articles 2 and 3 of the Indian Constitution are inconsistent with the spirit of federalism." 20M (2010)
Q. Comments on: Inter State Committee. 20M (2009)
Q. Trace and analyse the co-operation trends in Indian federalism. 60M (2004)
Q. It is generally believed that federalism suffers in the system of centralized planning. Do you agree with this point of view? Would you advocate decentralized governance for India in the context of liberalization since 1991. 60M (2002)
Q. Comment on: Factors for the growth of regionalism in India. 20M (2001)
Q. Comment on: Shared rule to be as important as self rule in explaining the possibility of federal power sharing. 20M (2000)
Q. What are the salient features of Sarkaria Commission Report as regard to federal restructuring in India with special reference to autonomy demand by states. 60M (2000) |
|
|
Planning and Economic Development |
Q. What explains India's modest improvements in social development outcomes even as the rate of growth has accelerated since the initiation of economic reforms? (15 Marks/2021)
Q. Liberalisation of Indian Economy has not been accompanied with adequate reforms'. Comment. (15 Marks/2020)
Q. What has been the political fallout of the Green Revolution in India? Explain. 15M (2019)
Q. Comment on: In the post-liberalization era, Indian politics is moving from ascriptive politics to developmental politics. 10M (2017)
Q. 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. 15M (2017)
Q. Critically examine the politics of Economic growth in India. 20M (2016)
Q. Land reforms have failed in the eradication of rural poverty. Comment. 20M (2016)
Q. In the light of neo-economic policies adopted since 1991, examine the relevance of the term ‘socialist' in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. 20M (2015)
Q. Compare the Nehruvian and Gandhian models of development. 15M (2015)
Q. Comment on: Gandhian perspective of development and its contemporary relevance 10M (2013)
Q. Critically examine Green Revolution as a strategy for sustainable agriculture development. 25M (2012)
Q. Comment on: Economic liberalisation and uneven development among Indian States. 20M (2010)
Q. Do you think that post- 1991 reforms in India mark a significant shift from the Nehruvian model of economic development? Justify your answer. 30M (2010)
Q. Comment on: Nehrus View on socialism. 20M (2007)
Q. Comment on: Decentralized Planning 20M (2006)
Q. Pandit Jawaharlal Nahru comes before us as a great nationalist, Internationalist and Humanist. Discuss. 60M (2003)
Q. Comment on: New Economic Policy (1991). 20M (2002)
Q. Comment on: Impact of disinvestment and privatization on planning in India. 20M (2001) |
|
|
Caste, Religion and Ethnicity in Indian Politics |
Q. Ethnicity is the underlying cause which poses a great challenge in the resolution of the problems in the North/East region of India. Comment. (20 Marks / 2022)
Q. Examine the role of religion in Indian Electoral Politics in the contemporary times. (15 Marks / 2020)
Q. Development has overshadowed the influence of caste in electoral behaviour in recent elections. Discuss. 20M (2019)
Q. Critically examine the ethnic conflicts in North-East India. 15M (2018)
Q. Religion is still an important factor in Indian politics. Discuss. 15M (2017)
Q. Cultural and Regional differences are the enduring bases on which politics is played out in India. 10M (2016)
Q. Comment on the emergence of Backward classes in the Indian Politics. 15M (2016)
Q. Comment on: Relation between ethnicity and democracy in India. 10M (2014)
Q. Explain the phenomenon of ethnic politics in India in recent times. 20M (2013)
Q. Indian politics has influenced caste and caste has influenced Indian politics. 20M (2011)
Q. Secularism in Indian politics is a myth. 20M (2011)
Q. "Minorities are the natural custodians of the secular state." (D.E. Smith). Discuss. 30M (2010)
Q. The OBC politics has challenged the nature of dominant caste politics in the states. Critically examine this statement and bring out your conclusion. 60M (2009)
Q. Examine the effect of caste and community in Indian politics. Do you foresee their continued relevance in the country's politics? 60M (2008)
Q. Comment on: the instability of national policies is due to rising influence of religious politics. 20M (2007)
Q. Comment on: Caste and religion as operative factors with Indian policy. 20M (2000) |
|
|
Party System |
Q. Electoral behaviour of voters is governed more by the social and economic factors than the political factors. Explain. (20 Marks/2022)
Q. How far is it correct that the regional parties have strengthened Indian democracy and federal system? Substantiate your answer with suitable examples. (15 Marks / 2022)
Q. The Indian party system is shaped by a complex interaction of the country's federal structure, electoral system and social cleavages." Explain. (20 Marks/ 2021)
Q. To what extent has the inadequate intra/party democracy affected the functioning of Indian Democracy? (20 Marks / 2020)
Q. The changing socio-economic profile of our legislators does not augur well for the health of Indian democracy. Comment 15M (2019)
Q. Comment on: Political personalities are more significant than political parties in India. 10M (2018)
Q. Explain the increasing role of regional political parties in the national political. 15M (2018)
Q. India has moved from 'one-party dominant system' to 'one-party led coalition'. Discuss. 20M (2017)
Q. Discuss the pattern of Political Parties from one dominant party system to coalition politics in national politics. 15M (2016)
Q. “Identity politics has trumped development politics in India.” Comment. 15M (2015)
Q. Account for the rise of regional political parties and assess their role in contemporary India. 15M (2015)
Q. Comment on: Marginalization of the left ideology in India. 10M (2014)
Q. Discuss the nature of reforms of the electoral process in India and explain the further scope for reforms. 20M (2014)
Q. Explain how pressure groups have been influencing public policy-making with suitable illustrations. 20M (2014)
Q. Account for the changes in the socio-economic profile of legislators during last one decade in India. 15M (2014)
Q. Explain to what extent the concept of "one-party dominance" 20 (W.H. Morris- Jones) model is relevant in Indian politics today. 15M (2013)
Q. Examine the impact of coalition-politics on Indian political system. 25M (2012)
Q. Comment on: Trade union as pressure group in Indian politics. 20M (2011)
Q. It is not constitutional law but political factors that ultimately determine Centre States relations in India. 20M (2011)
Q. Examine the changing pattern of electoral behaviour in India. 30M (2011)
Q. Comment on: Upsurge in political aprticipation among the marginalised communities in the Indian General Elections during the last two decades. 20M (2010)
Q. Comments on: Implication of the use of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) on electoral politics. 20M (2009)
Q. Bring out the changing educational profile of the members of the Lok Sabha over the years, up to the present (15th) Lok Sabha. 30M (2009)
Q. In what ways do pressure groups and movements exert influence in politics? In the Indian political context, discuss the implications of such influence being exerted. 60M (2008)
Q. Discuss whether coalitional politics has led to a different patterns of federalism in India. 60M (2006)
Q. Comment on: Coalition Governments in India at the Centre since 1998. 20M (2005)
Q. How far do regional groupings pose a threat to the stability of Indian political system? 60M (2004)
Q. Identify the major pressure-group in Indian politics and examine their role in it. 60M (2003) |
|
|
Social Movements |
Q. High concentration of economic activities and consumption patterns in post liberalisation period has led to the failure of environmental movements in India. Elucidate. (10 Marks / 2022)
Q. Explain how caste as a social category is also becoming a political category in the democratic politics of India. (15 Marks / 2021)
Q. Examine the nature of the civil liberty movement in India. (15 Marks / 2020)
Q. Write short note on the significance of Chipko Movement. 10M (2019)
Q. Examine the various causes of agrarian crisis in India. 20M (2018)
Q. Critically analyse the environment movement in tuticorn, Tamilnadu. 15M (2018)
Q. Comment on: The dilemmas of the human rights movements in India 10M (2014)
Q. Examine the scope and limitations of women's movements in India. 15M (2014)
Q. Explain how peasant movements promoted nationalist ideas during the struggle for Indian independence. 15M (2014)
Q. Comment on: Compare and contrast Chipko Movement with Narmada Bachao Andolan. 10M (2013)
Q. Point out and comment on the historic importance of the document 'Towards Equality (1974)', for women's movement in India. 15M (2013)
Q. Discuss the impact of environmentalist movement on government policies in recent years. 25M (2012)
Q. In what ways do civil liberties and human rights movements influence the working of Indian democracy? Give your answer with suitable examples. 30M (2010)
Q. The environmental movements have challenged the policy and pattern of economic development in post independent India. Analyze with examples. 60M (2009)
Q. Comment on: Ambedkars Concept of Social Justice. 20M (2006)
Q. Comment on: The Concept of Women Empowerment. 20M (2006)
Q. Comment on: Tribal people movement in the North-East. 20M (2002)
Q. The women activists did not support Quota till 1974. What led to the subsequent change in their stand. 60M (2001)
Q. Comment on: Women empowerment in India and its impact on democracy. 20M (2000) |
PSIR PYQ Paper 2 Topic-Wise Marks Distribution
| Topic | Sub Topic | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Comparative Political Analysis and International Politics |
Comparative Politics |
0 |
0 |
25 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
20 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
|
State in Comparative Perspective |
15 |
0 |
30 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Politics of Representation and Participation |
20 |
10 |
10 |
25 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
30 |
35 |
|
|
Globalisation |
30 |
35 |
25 |
10 |
25 |
15 |
0 |
10 |
15 |
10 |
|
|
Approaches to the Study of International Relations |
35 |
10 |
10 |
40 |
15 |
20 |
15 |
10 |
15 |
30 |
|
|
Key Concepts in International Relations |
30 |
15 |
15 |
55 |
15 |
20 |
0 |
35 |
0 |
25 |
|
|
Changing International Political Order |
70 |
40 |
35 |
45 |
35 |
20 |
15 |
20 |
10 |
30 |
|
|
Evolution of the International Economic System |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
15 |
0 |
20 |
30 |
20 |
20 |
|
|
United Nations |
0 |
30 |
35 |
15 |
15 |
20 |
35 |
20 |
0 |
15 |
|
|
Regionalisation of World Politics |
30 |
20 |
15 |
35 |
25 |
30 |
20 |
15 |
15 |
15 |
|
|
Contemporary Global Concerns |
60 |
10 |
35 |
20 |
40 |
50 |
60 |
25 |
45 |
15 |
|
|
India and the World |
Indian Foreign Policy |
30 |
35 |
35 |
10 |
10 |
30 |
85 |
0 |
25 |
35 |
|
India's Contribution to the Non-Alignment Movement |
0 |
15 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
|
|
India and South Asia |
0 |
15 |
35 |
50 |
55 |
50 |
35 |
60 |
55 |
50 |
|
|
India and the Global South |
0 |
0 |
15 |
15 |
20 |
55 |
10 |
20 |
15 |
20 |
|
|
India and the Global Centres of Power |
10 |
40 |
20 |
35 |
50 |
30 |
0 |
45 |
50 |
30 |
|
|
India and the UN System |
10 |
25 |
20 |
15 |
25 |
15 |
15 |
25 |
25 |
15 |
|
|
India and the Nuclear Question |
10 |
0 |
15 |
10 |
15 |
0 |
0 |
15 |
15 |
15 |
|
|
Recent Developments in Indian Foreign Policy |
0 |
40 |
30 |
20 |
10 |
20 |
55 |
50 |
0 |
35 |
PSIR Paper 2 Topic-Wise PYQs
| Topic | Sub Topic | Questions |
|---|---|---|
|
Comparative Political Analysis and International Politics |
Comparative Politics |
Q. Discuss the main limitations of the comparative method to the study of Political Science. (10 Marks/ 2022)
Q. Discuss the subject matter of comparative politics. Outline the limitations of comparative political analysis. (10 Marks/ 2020)
Q. Discuss the main limitations of the comparative method to the study of Political Science. (10 Marks/ 2022)
Q. Discuss the subject matter of comparative politics. Outline the limitations of comparative political analysis. (10 Marks/ 2020)
Q. Examine the significance of the comparative method in political analysis. Discuss its limitations. 20M (2019)
Q. Describe the changing nature of Comparative Politics. Briefly explain the Political Economy approach to the study of Comparative Politics. 10M (2018)
Q. Explain the Political-Sociological Approach in the field of comparative politics and discuss its limitations. 10M (2017)
Q. Critically examine the Marxist aspect of political economy approach to the study of comparative politics. 10M (2016)
Q. Which are the major approaches of comparative politics ? Explain in brief, the political economy approach to the study of comparative inquiry. 10M (2015)
Q. Discuss David Easton’s model of systems analysis. 15M (2015)
Q. Examining political phenomena through a process of cross-global investigation has become the fundamental function of Comparative Politics.” Discuss. 10M (2012)
Q. Does the perspective of Dependencies Theory offer a robust critique on the nature of mainstream development process taking place in Africa and Latin America? 15M (2012)
Q. Elucidate the transdisciplinary nature of modern comparative politics and identify the modern comparative politics and identify the contributions of political sociologists towards this goal. 20M (2012)
Q. “Structural-functional approach to political analysis focuses more on status quoism, and less on change.” Elucidate 30M (2011)
Q. Explain the uses of systems approach in international relations and examine the relevance of Kaplan's system analysis. 30M (2011)
Q. How is the modern comparative politics--approach different from the traditional legal institutional approach? 20M (2010)
Q. How does comparative political sociology help in understanding of socio -political process of different countries of the world ? 20M (2008)
Q. Examine the relevance of the political economy approach to the study of comparative politics. 20M (2007)
Q. Comment on: International politics, like all politics, is a struggle for power. Comment. 20M (2006)
Q. Comment on: Input-output functions of political system. 20M (2006)
Q. Do you agree with the view that Political culture of a society is highly significant aspect of the Political System? Give reasons in support of your answer. 60M (2006) |
|
State in Comparative Perspective |
Q. Describe the changing nature of the State in the developing societies in the context of inclusive growth in the 21st century. 10M (2018)
Q. "A combination of internal pressures (ethnic and regional forces) and external threats (EU, UN, TNC, global market, etc.) has produced what is commonly referred to as a 'crisis of the nation-state'." Elaborate. 10M (2016)
Q. Do you subscribe to the view that the modern constructs of the State and politics are pre-eminently Eurocentric and not indigenous and appropriate for the analysis of non-western societies ? 10M (2015)
Q. ‘The struggle for democracy has been marked by bitter strife and
Q. 'A minimal State ensures maximum of Individual Liberty.' Examine the concept of Minimal State. 15M (2013)
Q. Is it necessary to evolve a distinct theoretical framework for analysis emergent politics in the developing world? 20M (2009)
Q. Comment on: Rethinking on sovereign state. 20M (2000) |
|
|
Politics of Representation and Participation |
Q. How has electoral democracy augmented the Os participation of people in the democratic process? (20 Marks/2022)
Q. Discuss the role of social movements in strengthening the democratic processes in developing societies. (15 Marks/2022)
Q. "Political parties and pressure groups are sine qua non of democracy." Comment. (10 Marks /2021)
Q. Explain the impact of electoral systems and cleavages in shaping party systems with reference to developing countries. (20 Marks/2021)
Q. Has the increased participation of the underprivileged in the political process of the developing societies strengthened democracy or created political chaos and conflict? Comment. (10 Marks/ 2020)
Q. Comment on the decline of political parties and examine whether new social movements shall be alternative strategy for establishing link between government and society. 10M (2016)
Q. Do interest groups help to promote democracy or to undermine it? Give your opinion. 15M (2016)
Q. What is the difference between Interest Groups and Pressure Groups ? Are the Pressure Groups in India in a position to fully protect or promote the interests of their members ? 10M (2015)
Q. Party system in India is neither western nor indigenous. Explain 10M (2014)
Q. Is the rise of social movement a sign of opening up of popular space in political process or decline of representative politics? Examine. 20M (2013)
Q. How did the struggle for representation increase the level and quality of democracy in the industrial societies? 10M (2012)
Q. Evaluate the nature and distinctions of anomic and associational interest groups in the pressure politics of developing countries. 15M (2012)
Q. Examine the significance of ideological and policy aspects in the structural growth of modern political parties. 15M (2012)
Q. How does functioning of interest groups differ from political parties? Discuss with appropriate examples. 60M (2008) |
|
|
Globalisation |
Q. What are the main challenges faced by the developing countries in the era of globalization? (10 Marks/ 2022)
Q. What is globalisation? Why is there an intense debate about globalisation and its consequences? (15 Marks / 2021)
Q. Critically examine the impact of the process of globalization from the perspective of the countries of the Global South. (10 Marks/ 2020)
Q. "Some feel Multinational Corporations (MNCs) are a vital new road to economic growth, whereas others feel they perpetuate underdevelopment." Discuss. 15M (2018)
Q. Critically examine the Globalisation in the past 25 years from the perspectives of the Western world. 10M (2017)
Q. Discuss the changing nature of modern state with reference to transnational actors. 15M (2017)
Q. Discuss the impact of globalization on the internal functioning of the state. 10M (2016)
Q. Is globalization essentially a process of ‘universalisation’ of capitalist modernity? 10M (2015)
Q. How is it that economic and neo-liberal globalization is being interrogated from inside even in developed countries? What are the economic consequences of such globalization? 15M (2015)
Q. How do you · explain the growmg importance of multi-national corporations (MNCs) and civil society in contemporary international politics? 20M (2014)
Q. What is 'global village'? Elaborate its main characteristics and also the factors that contributed to its growth. 15M (2014)
Q. 'Global commons belong to global society and r equires global attention.' Comment. 10M (2013)
Q. 'Transnational actors have become driving forces of global politics.' Elaborate 20M (2013)
Q. Review the increasing role of Multi National Corporations in the policy making process of developing countries. 10M (2012)
Q. Examine the nature and dynamics of contemporary globalization. 20M (2011)
Q. Critically examine globalisation from a Third World perspective. 30M (2010)
Q. Bring out your perspectives on: The indications of the emergence of a global civil society. 20M (2010)
Q. What are the major critiques of liberal internationalization? 20M (2009)
Q. Elaborate the factors which cause North-South divide in the age of globalisation. 20M (2008)
Q. Comment on: Information Technology as element of national power. 20M (2000)
Q. Liberalization and Globalization are feared by the developing countries, as the Trojan Horses of the developed countries. Elucidate 60M (2000) |
|
|
Approaches to the Study of International Relations |
Q. What is the realist prescription to the States to ensure their survival in an anarchical world? (15 Marks/2022)
Q. Discuss the commonalities between the Marxist and Realist approach to the study of International Politics.
Q. Discuss the emergence of neo/realism and its basic tenets. (15 Marks/2021)
Q. What are the core assumptions of idealism as an approach to study International Relations? Explain its continuing relevance in peace building. (10 Marks/ 2020)
Q. Explain the relevance of the Marxist approach in the context of globalization. 20M (2019)
Q. Bring out the major differences between the Classical Realism of Hans Morgenthau and the Neorealism of Kenneth Waltz. 10M (2018)
Q. Critically examine the Functionlist approach to the study of International Relations. 15M (2018)
Q. Is Realist Approach the best method to understand International Relations? Examine this in the context of Classical Realism. 20M (2017)
Q. Examine the World Systems Approach as developed by Immanuel Wallerstein. 15M (2017)
Q. Critically examine the functional and system approaches to the study of International relations. 10M (2016)
Q. Identify the major differences between the classical realism of Hans J. Morgenthau and the neorealism of Kenneth Waltz. Which approach is best, suited for analysing international relations after the Cold War? 10M (2015)
Q. "The Feminist approach to international politics is biased." Comment 10M (2014)
Q. Who was Mr. 'X' in international politics? Elaborate his approach to foreign policy. 15M (2014)
Q. "Morton A. Kaplan's system theory is contrary to the fundamental precepts of systems approach." Comment. 15M (2014)
Q. Discuss the main factors that have contributed to the gradual transformation of the world from 'Billiard Ball Model' to 'Cobweb Model'. 15M (2014)
Q. Examine major principles of State centric world views. 20M (2013)
Q. How does Marxist approach explain contemporary International Relations? 15M (2013)
Q. Write a note on Intellectual precursors of Realism. 15M (2013)
Q. 'Building ' peace by pieces' is the basis of functionalism.' Elaborate. 15M (2013)
Q. Do you agree that liberal international theories are essentially ‘Eurocentric’ and not necessarily imperialist? 10M (2012)
Q. What are the great debates between ‘classical’ and ‘modern’ realists? Is there any thin line of continuity between these two traditions? 20M (2012)
Q. Examine the post-modernist critique of Realism in international politics. 30M (2010)
Q. Explain how far Deutschs model explains the framework international interdependence. Do you think that the processes of interdependence and integration have grown steadily in the post Cold War Globlisation trajectory? 60M (2009)
Q. How has geo-economics replaced geo-politics in the present International scenario? 20M (2008)
Q. Discuss the realist and neo-realist approaches to the study of International relations. 60M (2008)
Q. Do you agree with the notion that Marxist approach to the study of International relations is largely based on economic reductionism? Give reasons. 60M (2008)
Q. Analyse and evaluate the role of decision-making theory as a tool of foreign policy analysis. 60M (2006)
Q. Comment on: Game Theory for the study of International Politics and its limitations. 20M (2005)
Q. Comment on: Traditional approach and its significance. 20M (2003)
Q. Clearly explain Realist theory to the study of International Politics. 60M (2003)
Q. Comment on: Marxist approach to international politics. 20M (2002) |
|
|
Key Concepts in International Relations |
Q. National Interest is an essentially contested concept. Comment. (10 Marks/2022)
Q. Discuss the conceptual dimensions of collective security. (15 Marks/2022)
Q. Explain the concept of balance of power. What are the various techniques of maintaining balance of power? (20 Marks/2020)
Q. Enumerate the challenges in the operation of the principles related to collective security in the UN Charter. (15 Marks/2020)
Q. How big a role does identity play in determining political participation in the developing countries ? Discuss your answer with suitable illustrations. 10M (2018)
Q. What, according to Joseph Nye, are the major sources of a country's soft power? Discuss its relevance in the contemporary world politics. 10M (2018)
Q. How has the development of Global Capitalism changed the nature of socialist economies and developing societies? 15M (2017)
Q. Why does global human security need to be emphasized along with economic security? Explain with examples. 20M (2016)
Q. Explain the instruments and methods devised for the promotion of national interest. 20M (2016)
Q. "The notion of balance of power is notoriously full of confusion." In the light of this quotation, do you think that the concept of balance of power is relevant? 15M (2016)
Q. Discuss the theory of Nuclear Deterrence. Did Nuclear Deterrence prevent a superpower war ? 15M (2015)
Q. Critically assess the changing nature of the concept of national security. 15M (2014)
Q. 'National Interests are Dynamic'. Identify the dynamic nature of National Interests in the contemporary world politics with suitable examples. 15M (2013)
Q. Collective Security and Collective Defence are the institutional and State mechanisms to sustain the domination of powers that be in international politics.' Elaborate. 15M (2013)
Q. Why is the ‘polarity of power’ thesis less relevant and meaningful in the present architecture of ‘balance of power’? 10M (2012)
Q. What constitutes ‘national security discourses’ ? How far have the IR Feminists questioned how ‘security’ has been problematised ? 15M (2012)
Q. How would you explain the future of ‘Nuclear Deterrence’ ? Do you think that ‘preventive war’ is a good substitute for Nuclear Deterrence ? 15M (2012)
Q. Examine the idea of a ‘balance’ between ‘security’ and ‘liberty’ in modern international politics. Do you think that the liberal international order is more ‘security-friendly’? 15M (2012)
Q. What is comprehensive approach to national security? 30M (2011)
Q. Do you agree with the view that over-widening of the concept of ‘national security’ has made it a more amorphous concept? Discuss. 30M (2011)
Q. Examine the changing nature of security in the recent times. 20M (2010)
Q. Explain the meaning and application of the concept of 'strategic engagement'. 20M (2010)
Q. Bring out your perspectives on: Should National Interest be viewed as a constant category or is it situation-specific. 20M (2010)
Q. Explain the difference between security dilemma and insecurity dilemma. 20M (2008)
Q. Explain the concept of 'hegemonic stability'. 20M (2008)
Q. Define geopolitical and account for its prevalence even in the modern nuclear age. 20M (2007)
Q. Comment on: A well-established system of collective security is a guarantee of world peace. Explain. 20M (2006)
Q. Critically evaluate the nature of capitalist model of development and its usefulness and limitations for developing countries. 60M (2005)
Q. Describe and assess the role and importance of Geopolitical and Geoeconomic factors in the determination of foreign policy of a country. 60M (2005)
Q. Comment on: Sovereign National State and International concern for Human Rights. 20M (2004)
Q. Comment on: Balance of power and its impact on world politics. 20M (2003)
Q. Comment on: Changing nature and dynamics of national security. 20M (2002)
Q. Discuss various elements and limitations of national power. 60M (2002)
Q. Comment on: National interest and national peculiarities: A guide to foreign policy. 20M (2001)
Q. International politics, like all politics is a struggle for power. Comment. 60M (2000) |
|
|
Changing International Political Order |
Q. Bipolar structure of the world is more stable than the multipolar one. Comment. (10 Marks/2022)
Q. Critically examine the rise of People's Republic of China (PRC) as a great power and its implications on Asian Political order. (20 Marks/2022)
Q. "Marxist approach to the study of international relations has lost its relevance in the post/cold war era." Comment. (10 Marks/2021)
Q. Discuss the ways to strengthen the Non/Aligned Movement (NAM) to enable it to address the challenges faced by the developing countries. (20 Marks/2020)
Q. Identify the benefits of a multi-polar world. 15M (2019)
Q. Discuss the significance of Non-Aligned Movement as a unique contribution of the Non-Western world to World Politics. 20M (2018)
Q. "The development of 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. 20M (2017)
Q. 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? 15M (2017)
Q. Discuss the evolution of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Post- Cold War period. 15M (2016)
Q. Examine in brief the rise and fall of the Cold War. 15M (2016)
Q. Discuss the positive and negative impacts of Soviet Union's disintegration on developing nations. 15M (2016)
Q. Discuss the collapse of the Soviet Union and its impact on international politics. 15M (2015)
Q. Vision of a new world order has emerged as the major objective of India’s foreign policy. Discuss the policy initiative taken by India in this regard and the challenges faced by it. 20M (2015)
Q. "Ukraine crisis is a product of power politics and geo-politics." Comment. 10M (2014)
Q. Discuss the grounds for India's opposition to NPT. 10M (2014)
Q. Analyse the drivers of Indo - Russian relations in the post-Cold-War era. 20M (2014)
Q. What roles do norms, taboos and epistemic communities play in the context of nuclear proliferation? 20M (2013)
Q. Identify the major changes in the International Political economy in post Cold War period. 15M (2013)
Q. Highlight the major features of Non-alignment 2.0 document 15M (2013)
Q. Identify the challenges to American hegemony in post Soviet world. 10M (2013)
Q. What does the pace of nuclear proliferation in post Cold War suggest ? 10M (2013)
Q. Assess in detail the prospects of the emergence of a nuclear-weapons-free world. 30M (2010)
Q. Bring out your perspectives on: Plausible aims of the Non-Aligned Movement in the post-Cold War period. 20M (2010)
Q. Examine the comparative advantages of democracy and autocracy in restraining political violence. Do you think that autocratic societies are more prone to political violence? Illustrate your answer with a comparative study of a few societies. 60M (2009)
Q. The Afghanistan Civil War gave the US a long awaited upper hand in South Asia. 20M (2007)
Q. How would you differentiate the post cold war global order from its predecessor? 60M (2007)
Q. Comment on: Relevance of Non-Alignment in Post-Cold war era. 20M (2005)
Q. Comment on: An oligopolistic global system. 20M (2004)
Q. One of the truisms in world politics is that nothing is distributed equally on the face of the globe, not people or their talent, not resources, not even climate, geographic features, technology or air quality. Elucidate. 60M (2004)
Q. Do you think Cold War still exists after the disintegration of the Soviet Union? 60M (2003)
Q. Critically examine the roots of Afghan Civil War. What role the Soviet Union and the United States played in it. 60M (2002)
Q. Comment on: Nature of political process in the Third World. 20M (2001)
Q. Comment on: Cuban Missile as a factor in U. S relationship with the USSR 20M (2001)
Q. Identify some of the major issues challenging the North-South countries. 60M (2001)
Q. The Arab-Israeli conflict is basically a conflict between two resurgent nationalism. 60M (2001)
Q. Comment on: Pan-Americanism. 20M (2000)
Q. Do you agree with the stand that the Non-Alignment Movement needs to be reinvented. 60M (2000) |
|
|
Evolution of the International Economic System |
Q. Explain the significance and importance of the demand raised by the developing countries for a New International Economic Order (NIEO). Are they likely to achieve their objectives of NIEO in the foreseeable future? (15 Marks/2020)
Q. Critically evaluate the role of the United States of America in the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement mechanism and its implications for the future of the WTO. (15 Marks /2020)
Q. "The post/colonial state was thought of as an entity that stood outside and above society as an autonomous agency." Explain. (20 Marks/2021)
Q. Identify and evaluate the reasons for deadlock in the WTO negotiations on fisheries between the developing and developed countries. (20 Marks/ 2022)
Q. How are the rising powers challenging the USA and Western dominance in the IMF and the World Bank? 20M (2019)
Q. Analyse the stalled progress of Doha Round of WTO negotiations over the differences between the developed and the developing countries. 15M (2017)
Q. Sketch the leadership role of India in WTO negotiations. 10M (2013)
Q. Sketch the journey of global political economy from Washington consensus to the present. 10M (2013)
Q. How far institutions like WTO and IMF have influenced Indias political and economic sovereignty? What has been India's response to these? 60M (2005)
Q. Comment on: GATT treaty and developing countries. 20M (2004)
Q. How far the existing international economic order is unjust and hegemonic towards developing countries? 60M (2002)
Q. Comment on: The New International Economic Order. 20M (2000) |
|
|
United Nations |
Q. Describe the composition of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Discuss its voluntary jurisdiction. (15 Marks/2022)
Q. Discuss the significance and urgency of the UN Security Council reforms. Explain the relevance of the reform proposals made by the UN Secretary General António Guterres for the developing countries. (20 Marks/2020)
Q. In what way does the predominance of the USA in the UN funding affect its decision-making? 10M (2019)
Q. Do you think that sustainable development goals are really attainable by 2030? 10M (2019)
Q. Evaluate the role of the International Court of Justice in inter-State disputes. 15M (2019)
Q. Discuss the relevance of UN Security Council Resolution 1825 on the security of women in conflict zones. 20M (2018)
Q. 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? 15M (2017)
Q. Do you endorse that the United Nations needs major changes in its structures and functioning? Suggest the changes for efficient
Q. How far are the world governance mechanisms, dominated by IMF and World Bank, legitimate and relevant ? What measures do you suggest to improve their effectiveness in global governance ? 15M (2015)
Q. Has the reform of the economic and social arrangements of the United Nations been effective ? 20M (2015)
Q. Do you agree that the U.N. has failed to contain transnational terrorism? Elaborate your answer with examples. 10M (2014)
Q. Argue a case for U.N. reform in the context of changing global milieu. 20M (2014)
Q. How far have the UN reform efforts of 2004-05, transformed the concept of ‘Sovereignty’ as a fundamental principle of International Law ? Do you think that UN reform discourse represents a ‘biopolitical reprogramming’ of contemporary sovereignty and global governance? 20M (2012)
Q. How for the efforts to maintain international order in the post-Cold War period by the UN have been successful? 30M (2011)
Q. What are the major impediments to UN Security Council reform? 30M (2011)
Q. Explain the role of non state actors, like IMF, World Bank, European Union and MNCs, in modulating and transforming the broad dynamics of international relations. 60M (2009)
Q. Analyze critically the major changes in the role of United Nations (UN) since the onset of new millennium. 60M (2007)
Q. Comment on: International Court of Justice. 20M (2006)
Q. Few agencies of International co-operation have been more successful in tending to the welfare of humanity than the I.L.O Discuss the organization of activities of the International Labour Organization in the light of the above statement. 60M (2006)
Q. Comment on: UNs peacekeeping role in domestic conflicts. 20M (2004)
Q. Comment on: Main features of WTO. 20M (2003)
Q. Critically examine the protection and enforcement of Human Rights under the U.N. System. 60M (2003)
Q. Comment on: IMF and India's development. 20M (2003)
Q. Comment on: The compulsory jurisdiction clause under the statute of the International Court of Justice. 20M (2001)
Q. Comment on: The U. N General Assembly Millenium Summit (Sept. 2000). 20M (2000) |
|
|
Regionalisation of World Politics |
Q. The Russian/Ukraine crisis has cast a dark shadow on the energy needs of the member states of the European Union (EU). Comment. (15 Marks/2022)
Q. Explain the success of ASEAN as a regional organisation. (15 Marks/2021)
Q. Critically analyze the role of ASEAN in the promotion of regional peace and security through economic cooperation and trade. (15 Marks/ 2020)
Q. Write a brief note on the 17th NAM Summit in Venezuela. 10M (2019)
Q. Evaluate the role of BIMSTEC in multi-sectoral technical and economic cooperation. 10M (2019)
Q. Discuss the consequences of Trump's "America First and Xi's "Chinese Dream" on World Politics. 15M (2018)
Q. "Since its inception the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has failed to deliver on its promises. What initiatives should be taken to reinvigorate the organization? 15M (2018)
Q. American President Donald Trump's proposal to withdraw from the 'NAFTA' would bring unforeseen consequences to the regionalisation of world politics. Elaborate. 10M (2017)
Q. 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? 15M (2017)
Q. "The IMF, World Bank, G-7, GATT and other structures are designed to serve the interests of TNCs, banks and investment firms in a 'new imperial age'." Substantiate with examples of governance of new world order. 20M (2016)
Q. How does the regionalism shape the world politics? Explain with Examples. 15M (2016)
Q. ‘The European Union has become, the most politically influential, economically powerful and demographically diverse regional entity in the world.’ Discuss. 15M (2015)
Q. "Despite so many agreed areas of cooperation, innumerable institutional mechanisms and a permanent secretariat, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has not taken off as a meaningful regional grouping." Discuss. 20M (2014)
Q. Give reasons for Regionalisation of world politics. 15M (2013)
Q. Substantiate APEC as a regional economic and trade arrangement. 15M (2013)
Q. Discuss the different perspectives on global environment that have emerged in the context of the Copenhagen Summit. 30M (2010)
Q. Outline the constraints SAARC is facing to emerge as an effective regional organisation. 20M (2008)
Q. The establishment of South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) has opened the gargets of mutual co-operation among the State of South Asia. In the light of this statement examine Indias role in the South Asian region. 60M (2006)
Q. Analyse the basic goals of Third World movement for global justice. What is the importance of South-South co-operation to achieve these? 60M (2005)
Q. Comment on: Obstacles in the way of SAARCs smooth functioning. 20M (2003)
Q. Comment on: ASEAN as third would model of regional cooperation. 20M (2002) |
|
|
Contemporary Global Concerns |
Q. Critically examine the major factors responsible for the change in the trajectory of India's foreign policy after the Cold War. (15 Marks/2022)
Q. Peaceful co-existence remains the cornerstone of India's foreign policy. Comment. (10 Marks/2022)
Q. Discuss the role of public diplomacy in the enhancement of India's global standing. (10 Marks/2022)
Q. Explain the philosophical foundations of India's foreign policy. (10 Marks/2021)
Q. How do the constituent states influence the foreign policy making process in India? (15 Marks/2021)
Q. Explain the reasons for low voter turnout in democratic countries with suitable examples. 15M (2019)
Q. Discuss the importance of personal data protection in the context of human rights. 15M (2019)
Q. Write an essay on 'New Social Movements' in developing countries. 15M (2019)
Q. Is democracy promotion in developing countries a feasible idea? 15M (2019)
Q. Would you agree that the on-going debates on international environmental politics continue to be marred by a new North-South ideological divide over historical responsibility and developmental mode) ? Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. 15M (2018)
Q. Critically examine the notion of "Asian Values" in the context of the on-going debates on human rights. 20M (2018)
Q. Discuss the implications of the Trump-Kim Singapore summit on the prospects of denuclearisation of the Korean Penisula. 15M (2018)
Q. Examine the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) movement in developed societies and how it is affecting the political participation in developing societies. 10M (2017)
Q. Give an assessment of the Feminist critique of contemporary global issues. 10M (2017)
Q. The recent move of USA to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement is a in the consensus achieved on protecting the world environment. In this context, assess the future prospectives on climate control. 20M (2017)
Q. Examine the main problems and challenges involved in looking after environmental concerns in world politics. 20M (2016)
Q. What are the real objectives of Millennium Development Goals (MDG) ? Do you think that millennium development goals have been able to achieve the desired goals of poverty alleviation and sustainable development? 15M (2015)
Q. Do you endorse that the conventional discourse on human rights has failed to include women’s rights ? Explain in the context of feminist theories. 20M (2015)
Q. In what respect is the new social movement new in nature? Discuss. 10M (2014)
Q. Critically evaluate the approaches of global south towards addressing environment concerns. 15M (2014)
Q. Compare and contrast social movements in advanced industrial and developing societies. 20M (2013)
Q. Compare and contrast Sino-India approaches to global Environmental concerns. 15M (2013)
Q. Identify the role and place of Gender in the global economy. 15M (2013)
Q. State the place of Gender Justice in global political agenda. 10M (2013)
Q. Is ‘terrorism’ an essentially ‘contested’ concept ? What are the different manifestations of ‘terrorism’ as a concept, and as practice? 15M (2012)
Q. “Either terrorism triumphs or civilization triumphs.” Comment on the above statement. 20M (2011)
Q. What is New Social Movement (NSM)? Explain the main challenges of the NSM in the developing countries. 20M (2011)
Q. What is the significance of the increasing global diffusion of nuclear and long range delivery vehicle technology? 20M (2009)
Q. Comment on the contribution of global feminism to the consolidation of global society. 20M (2009)
Q. In What sense has gender justice become an urgent global concern today. 20M (2007)
Q. Development in contemporary discourse has dimension larger than just economic. Bring out the significance of the statement. 60M (2007)
Q. Comment on: Sustainable Development. 20M (2005)
Q. Comment on: Basic issues in movements for Gender Justice. 20M (2005)
Q. Comment on: Human rights and humanitarian intervention. 20M (2002)
Q. Moral claims of today becomes the human rights of tomorrow. Trace the efforts in the international protection of human rights in the twentieth century. 60M (2001)
Q. Comment on: Potentials of Non-conventional energy sources. 20M (2000) |
|
|
India and the World |
Indian Foreign Policy |
Q. Critically examine the major factors responsible for the change in the trajectory of India's foreign policy after the Cold War. (15 Marks/2022)
Q. Peaceful co-existence remains the cornerstone of India's foreign policy. Comment. (10 Marks/2022)
Q. Discuss the role of public diplomacy in the enhancement of India's global standing. (10 Marks/2022)
Q. Explain the philosophical foundations of India's foreign policy. (10 Marks/2021)
Q. How do the constituent states influence the foreign policy making process in India? (15 Marks/2021)
Q. Discuss the utility of Nuclear Deterrence Theory in the context of the recent standoff between India and Pakistan. 10M (2019)
Q. Examine the role of parliamentary diplomacy in India's foreigru policy. 10M (2019)
Q. How is India responding to the idea of Indo-Pacific? 10M (2019)
Q. Examine the increasing significance of maritime security in India's foreign policy. 20M (2019)
Q. Evaluate India's vision of a new world order. 20M (2019)
Q. Given the recent developments in the region, do you think that there is a need to change India's 'No First Use NFU' nuclear policy? 15M (2019)
Q. Do you agree with the view that the Indian Foreign Policy is increasingly being shaped by the Neoliberal outlook? Elaborate. 10M (2018)
Q. "India is often said to have a rich strategic culture. Discuss 10M (2018)
Q. "India's current foreign policy marks significant qualitative shifts from that of the previous regimes." Discuss. 10M (2018)
Q. Examine the Indian National Movement and geographical location of India as determinants of India's foreign policy. 10M (2017)
Q. Which determinant factors play an important role in making India's foreign policy? Illustrate with examples. 10M (2016)
Q. The social structure of a country influences its foreign policy-making. How does the social structure of India impact the course and direction of its foreign policy ? 10M (2015)
Q. How does the Parliament determine and influence the making of India’s foreign policy ? 10M (2015)
Q. ‘Economic interest has emerged as the main component of India’s foreign policy.’ Discuss the statement in the light of India’s initiatives to improve relations with China, Japan and the Central Asian republics. 15M (2015)
Q. "Federal units are critical in the making of India's foreign policy." Examine this statement with reference to the role of West Bengal vis-a-vis Bangladesh. 15M (2014)
Q. The Ministry of External Affairs is losing its importance in the making of India's foreign policy with the parallel rise of the P.M.O. Explain. 20M (2014)
Q. Identify the elements of change in India's foreign policy. 10M (2013)
Q. 'The economic content of India's foreign trade is increasingly growing.' Substantiate the statement with economic diplomatic engagements of India in the last decade. 20M (2013)
Q. What have been the main challenges to India’s foreign policy in the last two decades? Are these essentially ‘concerns’ with domestic politics or ‘strategic’ issues? 20M (2012)
Q. Is it correct to conclude that the ‘Arab Street’ revolutions have radically altered the political power scenario of the West Asian countries? 10M (2012)
Q. How would you describe the contemporary words beyond the language of ‘North/South’ and ‘Developed/Developing’? Is the present transformation driven by domestic compulsion, or external overall crisis of the global economy? 20M (2012)
Q. Is power a zero-sum or variable game in international relations? Can zero sum game explain the mixture of conflict and cooperation of the present dynamics of international relations? 15M (2012)
Q. Assess the scope and importance of setting up the Public Diplomacy Division in the Ministry of External Affairs in strengthening India’s Foreign Policy. 15M (2012)
Q. “Nations and States have become virtually synonymous.” Elucidate 15M (2012)
Q. Explain the role of the Parliament in the shaping of 123 Agreement between India and the US on Civil-nuclear Cooperation 20M (2011)
Q. Explain the statement and elucidate their implications: “India's policy in post- Cold War era is tilted towards pragmatism and wisdom.” 30M (2011)
Q. To what extent is multi-lateralism a reality with regard to India's constructive strategic partnership with Central Asian states? 30M (2011)
Q. Explain the impact of coalition politics on India's Foreign Policy since late 1990s. 30M (2011)
Q. Can Israel be termed a 'natural ally' of India? 20M (2010)
Q. Domestic problems and Historic legacies, apart from other factors, constitute major strains on Indian foreign policy. Discuss this statement with suitable examples. 60M (2009)
Q. Comment on: India's Foreign Policy could have matched with the fast changing international system. 20M (2006)
Q. Diplomacy is not only a technique of foreign policy implementation, but also an instrument by which other techniques-military and economic can be successfully deployed. Discuss the significance of diplomacy in the conduct of foreign relations. 60M (2004)
Q. Discuss, the illustrations, the way decision making is influenced by the external and internal environment as perceived by the decision maker. 60M (2004)
Q. Comment on: Summit Diplomacy. 20M (2000) |
|
India's Contribution to the Non-Alignment Movement |
Q. "Non/alignment was little more than a rational strategy on the part of a materially weak India to maximize its interests with a bipolar distribution of global power." Comment. (20 Marks/2021)
Q. Compare and contrast Non-alignment 1.0 with Non-alignment 10M (2019)
Q. Comment on India's contribution to Non-Alignment Movement and its contemporary relevance. 10M (2016)
Q. ‘Non-alignment’ has been the basic principle of India’s foreign policy since independence. Discuss its relevance in the contemporary context. 10M (2015)
Q. "India's policy of non-alignment has been guided by the genius of the Indian people and their interests." Explain. 15M (2014)
Q. Do you think that Iran’s ‘victory’ in the NAM on the nuclear issue has brought in a new debate on the relevance of the Non-Aligned Movement.? 20M (2012)
Q. Explain the statement and elucidate their implications: “India's policy of non alignment was based on both idealist and realist calculations.” 30M (2011)
Q. Was there any domestic socio-political basis for India to pursue the policy of non alignment. 20M (2007)
Q. Comment on: Give a critical estimate of Indias role in the Non-Aligned Movement 20M (2006)
Q. Comment on: India as leader of Non-Aligned movement. 20M (2005)
Q. Critically examine the view that in the Post-Cold War era India policy of nonalignment has become irrelevant. 60M (2003)
Q. Discuss Indias contribution to the growth and development of the Non-Aligned Movement. 60M (2002)
Q. Has the Non-Alignment Movement lost its relevance in the present day situation? And how India has evolved its foreign policy goals to the changing international scenario? 60M (2001) |
|
|
India and South Asia |
Q. Discuss the ways and means to realize greater economic co/operation among the Member States of South Asia. (10 Marks/2022)
Q. Discuss the steps required to realise 'hydro cooperation' between India and Bangladesh. (10 Marks/2022)
Q. What are the implications of the 'Look/East' Policy on the north/eastern region of India. (15 Marks/2022)
Q. Discuss the consequences of illegal cross/border migration in India's north/eastern region. (15 Marks/2022)
Q. Write a brief analysis of the ethnic conflicts and cross/border migrations along India/Myanmar and India/Bangladesh borders. (15 Marks/2021)
Q. How does the recent takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban impact India's strategic interests? (10 Marks/2021)
Q. Why is South Asia considered as the world's politically and economically least integrated region? Explain. (20 Marks/2021)
Q. Discuss the strategic implications of India's 'Look East Policy' transforming into 'Act East Policy'. (10 Marks/2021)
Q. Explain the defence and foreign policy options of India to address the challenges emerging out of the current India/China standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). (20 Marks/2020)
Q. How does cross border terrorism impede the achievements of peace and security in SouthAsia? (10 Marks/2020)
Q. Analyze the impact of hydropolitics on Indo/ Bangladesh relations. (10 Marks/2020)
Q. Discuss the future prospects of Indo/Nepal relations in the context of the recent publication of new Nepalese map wrongly claiming Indian territory. (10 Marks/2020)
Q. Outline the reasons of low volume of trade in the SAARC region. (10 Marks/2020)
Q. Describe briefly China's One Belt One Road (OBOR)' Initiative and analyze India's major concerns. 20M (2019)
Q. What are the current issues in Brahmaputra River water sharing between India and China? 15M (2019)
Q. Evaluate India's stand on the recent Rohingya refugee issue. 10M (2018)
Q. Analyse the significance of India's Look East Policy in the light of concerns of the indigenous peoples of North-east India. 10M (2018)
Q. "India's Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) is a major initiative in the area of South-South Cooperation, Discuss. 15M (2018)
Q. Critically assess the evolving convergence of India and China in the areas of trade and environment. 15M (2018)
Q. What are the impediments in the development of South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)? 10M (2017)
Q. "The Treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship between India and Bhutan needs to be revised with more pragmatic, realistic obligations and responsibilities." Comment. 10M (2017)
Q. "Despite the differences between India and Pakistan on various issues, Indus Water Treaty has stood the test of times." In the light of this statement, discuss the recent developments over this issue. 15M (2017)
Q. How is the 'Belt and Road Initiative' of China going to affect India-China relations? 20M (2017)
Q. Illustrate the main causes of tension between India and China. Suggest the possibilities of improving relationship. 10M (2016)
Q. "Sometimes we visualize that SAARC's efforts come to halt because of various impediments to regional cooperation." Elaborate with reasonable examples of impediments. 10M (2016)
Q. What are the hopes and aspirations of 'Look East Policy' of India? Explain. 15M (2016)
Q. Discuss the shift of India's foreign policy towards Pakistan in the light of Pathankot incident. 15M (2016)
Q. Identify the constraints/challenges to the regional cooperation in South Asia. 10M (2015)
Q. Ethnic conflicts and insurgencies in North-East India can be better managed by improving relations with the neighbouring countries. Substantiate the statement with suitable examples. 10M (2015)
Q. River water disputes are emerging as a major source of irritation between India and its neighbours. Identify the sources of conflicts and suggest the remedial measures. 15M (2015)
Q. "Some of the major changes that occurred in India's policy after the Sino - India war in 1962 were within the larger framework of continuity." Discuss. 15M (2014)
Q. Illustrate the issue of illegal cross-border migration in South Asia and its impact on regional alliances and bilateral relations. 10M (2012)
Q. Is there any linkage between a shift in China’s relations with Japan to a perceived shift in her relations with India? Examine in the light of China’s socalled ‘antiencirclement struggle’ 10M (2012)
Q. Comment on the essential elements of India’s foreign policy that are required to secure energy and security in the Indian Ocean region. 10M (2012)
Q. “Despite the potentialities, India’s ‘Look East Policy’ requires a major course correction”. Discuss. 20M (2012)
Q. What are the political and environmental contexts of the Siachen Glacier conflict? Comment on the possibility of environmental peace-keeping and collaborative arrangements being worked out with Pakistan on this aspects. 15M (2012)
Q. Do you think that India should sign a treaty with China on water-sharing of Brahmaputra River, similar to what she did with Nepal and other neighboring states? 20M (2011)
Q. Explain the major flaws in India's ‘Look East Policy’ Is it possible to steer and implement the policy successfully in views of China's emergence as a hightech power in Asia-Pacific? 30M (2011)
Q. Discuss the implications of ethnicity and nation-building in South Asia, and their impact in the relations of states within South Asia. 30M (2011)
Q. Would it be to India's benefit if it were to pursue a more serious relationship with SouthEast Asia? Critically evaluate 30M (2010)
Q. Do you think that Indias Look East policy would help a common Asian market, unlike European common market. 20M (2009)
Q. In the context of developments on the nuclear weapons front in the neighbourhood, do you think that any change in India s defence strategy is indicated? 20M (2009)
Q. Examine Indias role in strategic terms with regard to the land-locked countries in South Asia. With regard to Nepal, to what extent has the involvement of major posers such as China, the US and the EU impacted India s strategic interests. 60M (2009)
Q. The relationship between India and China is characterised by high levels of conflict and cooperation.' Comment. 20M (2008)
Q. What are the motivations for India's Look East Policy? 20M (2007)
Q. Identify the persistent points of frictions between India and Bangladesh at present. 20M (2007)
Q. Critically review the progress of India-Pakistan peace process since Kargil War. 60M (2007)
Q. Domestic turmoil in neighbouring South Asian countries often constitutes a strain on Indian Foreign policy. Discuss with illustration. 60M (2007)
Q. Comment on: India's interest in ASEAN. 20M (2005)
Q. Explain the importance and limitations of recent Confidence Building measures in Indo-Pak relations. 60M (2005)
Q. Comment on: China one China policy. 20M (2004)
Q. Comment on: Political and legal status of C.I.S 20M (2004)
Q. Regional cooperation makes sense only in the event of there being, at least as the bottom line, a degree of ideological cohesion and/or economic dependence. The SAARC members have neither. 60M (2004)
Q. Comment on: Impact of Sino-Indian conflict of 1962 on International Politics. 20M (2003)
Q. Comment on: Indias role in the independence of Bangladesh. 20M (2003)
Q. Comment on: Look Eat policy of India. 20M (2002)
Q. Comment on: Role and consequences of IPKF in Sri Lanka. 20M (2002)
Q. Examine the recent developments in Sino-Indian relations. 60M (2002)
Q. Comment on: SAARC: Problems and Prospects. 20M (2001)
Q. Indo-Pak relationship veers around the peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue. Critically evaluate various alternatives for its solution. 60M (2000) |
|
|
India and the Global South |
Q. Discuss the relevance of the demand for New International Economic Order (NIEO) in the present era of globalisation. (20 Marks/2022)
Q. Identify the drivers of India's new interest in Africa. (15 Marks/2021)
Q. How do the guiding principles of India/Africa relations seek to enhance harmony and mutual cooperation between India and Africa? (20 Marks/2020)
Q. How is India pursuing her foreign policy objectives through the IBSA Dialogue Forum (India, Brazil and South Africa)? 10M (2019)
Q. India's coalitional diplomacy within the WTO has earned it wide appreciation. What accounts for the success of India's coalitional diplomacy? 20M (2018)
Q. "India's capacity building programmes under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) has earned much goodwill for it in Africa." Discuss. 15M (2018)
Q. Discuss the role of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in promoting India's soft power abroad. 20M (2018)
Q. 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 sides of the equation. 20M (2017)
Q. Explain the concept of the North-South divide and suggest how structural inequalities between the high wage, high investment industrial North and low wage, low investment predominantly rural South can be reduced. 15M (2016)
Q. Discuss the factors for the decline of India’s presence in Latin America. 15M (2015)
Q. Identify Indias contributions and assistance in the process of nation-building in South Africa. 20M (2009)
Q. `The constant breakdown in WTO negotiations suggest too many
Q. Does India's rise as a -major market power in a globalised world mean that it is no longer concerned with the 'new international economic order' that it once championed ? Discuss. 60M (2008)
Q. Give a critical account of Indias rule in the affairs of the Third World countries. 60M (2006)
Q. Comment on: India and Handung Conference: Hope and Reality. 20M (2001) |
|
|
India and the Global Centres of Power |
Q. Explain the significance of Basic Exchange and Co/ operation Agreement (BECA) for Indo/US strategic relations. (10 Marks/2022)
Q. What are the main drivers of India/Japan Strategic and Global Partnership? (20 Marks/2022)
Q. Explain India's relations with the European Union in the context of Brexit. (15 Marks/2021)
Q. Examine the Geo/strategic points of contention in the bilateral relationship between India and China. (15 Marks/2021)
Q. 'Relations between India and Russia are rooted in history, mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation.' Discuss. (20 Marks/2021)
Q. What are the notable features of the recently concluded pact or the Acquisition and Cross/ Servicing Agreement (ACSA) between India and Japan? How is it likely to address the security concerns of India? (15 Marks/2020)
Q. Discuss the significance of Indo/US strategic partnership and its implications for India's security and national defence. (15 Marks/2020)
Q. Critically analyze the implications of Sino/American strategic rivalry for the South and South/EastAsian region. (15 Marks/2020)
Q. Discuss the role of Indian diaspora in promoting Indo-US relations. 15M (2018)
Q. Do you agree that the growing assertiveness of China is leading to multilayered Indo-Japan relations ? Comment. 15M (2018)
Q. The recent differences between India and Russia are the result of
Q. 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. 20M (2017)
Q. 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? 15M (2017)
Q. Explain Britain's ouster from EU and bring out its consequences on world economy in general and India in particular. 20M (2016)
Q. Comment on India's growing relationship with USA in the background of constrained relations between India and China. 15M (2016)
Q. Before the year 2000, the Indo-U.S. relationship has been marked more with estrangement than cordiality. Why ? 20M (2015)
Q. "EU - India relations have a long way to go before they can purposely be termed strategic." Discuss. 10M (2014)
Q. Do you agree with the view that the USA is of late willing to treat India as a partner rather than merely a camp-follower? Give reasons for your answer. 10M (2014)
Q. Evaluate the recent changes in Indo -Japan relations. 20M (2014)
Q. Examine the recent developments in India-Japan relationship. 10M (2013)
Q. The effort in restricting illegal migration from Mexico to U.S.A. and Canada has been one major gain for the United States through NAFTA. Comment. 20M (2012)
Q. Examine the nature of the issues currently being debated with the European Union. 30M (2010)
Q. Comment on the recent trends in Russia's foreign policy. 30M (2010)
Q. Examine the trends in India's relations with the European Union. 20M (2007)
Q. Comprehensively examine the major development/trends in Indo-US relations since the early 1990's. Do you visualized the strengthening of ties between the two nations? Substantiate. 60M (2007)
Q. Discuss the present state of Indo-Russian relations. 60M (2006)
Q. Comment on: Emerging areas of co-operation between India and Japan. 20M (2005)
Q. Comment on: US trade relations with Japan. 20M (2004)
Q. Comment on: Areas of cooperation between India and Russia. 20M (2003)
Q. Examine the areas of cooperation and conflict in the Indo-American relations. 60M (2003)
Q. Comment on: India and European Union.. 20M (2002)
Q. Examine Pakistan as a factor in Indo-American relations during the Cold War. 60M (2001) |
|
|
India and the UN System |
Q. Explain the factors which justify India's claim for a permanent seat at the UN security council. (15 Marks/2022)
Q. What measures have been undertaken by the United Nations for its reforms? (10 Marks/2021)
Q. Discuss the 'Sustainable Development Goals' as set by the United Nations. (15 Marks/2021)
Q. Explain the importance of India's claim for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. (15 Marks/2020)
Q. Describe the structure and function of the National Security Council of India. What role does it play in the formulation of Indian foreign policy?
Q. Analyze the recent trends in India's role in the UN peacekeeping operations. 15M (2019)
Q. Discuss the various impediments in India's way to a permanent seat in the Security Council. 15M (2018)
Q. "India has been the largest and consistent country contributing to the UN peacekeepers worldwide." Examine India's role in this perspective. 10M (2017)
Q. Uniting for Consensus' 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. 15M (2017)
Q. Critically analyze China's role in international politics against India's demand for permanent seat in UN Security Council. 15M (2016)
Q. The United Nations completes 70 years of its establishment in 2015. What reforms is India asking for to strengthen the global institutions of governance and why ? 20M (2015)
Q. Is India's quest for a permanent seat in the Security Council a possibility or just a pipedream? Elaborate with reasons. 10M (2014)
Q. Evaluate India's participation in United Nations peace- keeping operations over the years. 15M (2014)
Q. Bring out the objectives of India seeking permanent seat in Security Council. 10M (2013)
Q. Bring out the role played by Indian armed forces in UN peace-keeping efforts in various parts of the world. 20M (2010)
Q. "The UN today is more of a social service organisation than an exclusively security oriented body." Critically examine. 30M (2010)
Q. Bring out India's perspectives and concerns on reform in the UN Security Council. 30M (2010)
Q. Outline India's contribution to UN Peace Keeping activities ? 20M (2008)
Q. Evaluate the role India has played in U. N. Peace-keeping activities and the cause of global disarmament. 60M (2005)
Q. Comment on: India's claim for permanent seat in the UN Security Council. 20M (2002)
Q. Comment on: India and the U. N Peace-keeping Force. 20M (2001)
Q. Is the reforms of the UN and India's claim on the permanent seat in the Security Council is rational and equally justifiable? Elucidate. 60M (2000) |
|
|
India and the Nuclear Question |
Q. Discuss the reasons behind India's refusal to sign the nuclear non/proliferation treaty (NPT). (15 Marks/2022)
Q. Examine the evolution of India's role in the global nuclear order. (15 Marks/2021)
Q. Discuss the efficacy of India's 'no first use' policy (nuclear weapons) in the context of the evolving strategic challenges from its neighbors. (15 Marks/2020)
Q. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has failed to achieve the ultimate objective of Global Nuclear Disarmament. Discuss the deficiency in the provision of NPT. 15M (2017)
Q. Critically analyze India's nuclear policy. 10M (2016)
Q. In 1998, India declared itself as a nuclear weapon state. India refuses to sign, NPT and CTBT. What would be the implications for India’s nuclear - policy in case it signs both the treaties ? 15M (2015)
Q. Is India's Nuclear doctrine a viable one ? 10M (2013)
Q. “While India opposes NPT as discriminatory, it opposes CTBT on the ground of ineffectiveness.” Comment. 20M (2011)
Q. The growth and possession of WMD has seriously undermined international security. Discuss. 60M (2008)
Q. Give a arguments in defence of Indias approach to Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) 60M (2006)
Q. Comment on: India's claim for acceptance as a nuclear power. 20M (2005)
Q. Non-proliferation has now acquired the status of a vested interest with the nuclear weapon state which, in the name of political stability, are trying to perpetuate a global order which will preserve their hegemonic position. Discuss. 60M (2004)
Q. Despite some problems which USA is facing in Asia, it is unlikely that pressure on India over the nuclear issue, Kashmir and missile programme will be released. Discuss. 60M (2004)
Q. Assess the merits of Indias case against signing the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. 60M (2003)
Q. Critical examine Indias objectives to CTBT and NPT. 60M (2002)
Q. Comment on: Indias opposition to the Non Proliferation Treaty: A realist paradigm. 20M (2001)
Q. Explain Indias role in global disarmament. 60M (2001)
Q. Comment on: Peaceful Nuclear Explosions (PNE). 20M (2001) |
|
|
Recent Developments in Indian Foreign Policy |
Q. How does India/Israel bilateral ties reflect the autonomy of India's foreign policy choices? (20 Marks/ 2022)
Q. Discuss India's vision of a New World order in the 21st century. (15 Marks/ 2022)
Q. "The war in Afghanistan is crucial from the point of view of India's national security. If the Americans withdraw and Jihadis emerge with a sense of triumphalism, India will face an increasing onslaught of terrorism." Comment. (20 Marks/2020)
Q. Identify the key sectors of cooperation between India and Israel since 2014. Examine their significance in strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries. (15 Marks/ 2020)
Q. Critically examine the role of India in shaping the emerging world order. (15 Marks/2020)
Q. "The growing closeness between India and Israel will strengthen the cause of Palestine. Comment. 10M (2019)
Q. Write a brief note on India's interests in West Asia. 15M (2019)
Q. How is the current standoff between the USA and Iran affecting India's energy security? 15M (2019)
Q. Critically exatnine India's position on South China Sea Dispute. 15M (2019)
Q. Do you think that India's capacity building role in Afghanistan has shrunk the strategic space for Pakistan there ? Discuss. 20M (2018)
Q. Has the recent Indo-Israeli relationships given a new dynamics to India's stand on Palestinian statehood? 10M (2017)
Q. Explain the socio-economic impacts of arms race and identify the obstacles in the way of disarmament. 20M (2016)
Q. Discuss the realistic foreign policy initiatives taken by India to balance its relations between Israel and the Arab world. 15M (2015)
Q. Discuss the humanitarian role played by India in the crisis-stricken Gulf countries like Yemen and Iraq. 15M (2015)
Q. "Afghanistan is a litmus test· for India's ascendance as a regional and global power." Discuss 10M (2014)
Q. Examine the implications of turmoil in Iraq and West Asia for India's security and foreign policy concerns. 15M (2014)
Q. In the history of foreign policy, seldom have relations between any two nations blossomed as fast as they have in the case of India & Israel. Discuss. 15M (2014) Q. “Human Rights constitute the Third Generation of Rights.” Analyse the range and complex dimension of Human Rights in the globalised era. 10M (2012)
Q. Bring out linkage between environmental degradation and neo-corporatism in the globalised era. 15M (2012)
Q. Examine India's response to the Af-Pak policy of the US. 20M (2010)
Q. Assess the problems being faced by India on account of illegal migration into the country. 30M (2010)
Q. To what extent is Indias policy in regard to Afghanistan dictated by a vision of Global South, rather than compulsions? 20M (2009)
Q. Analyze the basic causes of insurgency and terrorism in two majors areas that are affected in the country. In this regard, to what extent have state policies to counter terrorism been effective in these areas? 60M (2009)
Q. Comment on: India and the emerging International Economic Order. 20M (2006)
Q. Comment on: Oil crisis: Its impact on India's development strategy. 20M (2006)
Q. Comment on: Peace in West Asia. 20M (2004)
Q. Examine the Israel-Arab conflict as a conflict of interest between the USA and the Soviet Union. 60M (2000) |
