UPSC PSIR Optional Paper 1 2021 PYQ

Section a · Q1(a) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

Feminist critique of the State.

Theories of the State

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Section b · Q1(b) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

Affirmative action.

Equality

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Section c · Q1(c) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

Equality of outcome as a political idea.

Equality

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Section d · Q1(d) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

Tools of legitimation of the State.

Political Theory

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Section e · Q1(e) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

J. S. Mill's ideas on women suffrage.

Political Theory

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Section a · Q2(a) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 20 marks · Solution

How has Rawls enriched the idea of justice in liberalism?

Justice

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Section b · Q2(b) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 15 marks · Solution

Examine the importance of behavioural approach in political theory. What led to its decline?

Political Theory

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Section c · Q2(c) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 15 marks · Solution

Can there be universal conception of human rights? Give your arguments

Rights

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Section a · Q3(a) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 20 marks · Solution

Explain the Aristotelian view of politics. To what extent do you think it has contributed to the development of modern-day constitutional democracies?

Federalism

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Section b · Q3(b) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 15 marks · Solution

"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

Indian Political Thought

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Section c · Q3(c) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 15 marks · Solution

"Political ideology is primarily concerned with the allocation and utilization of power." Comment

Concept of power, hegemony, ideology and legitimacy.

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Section a · Q4(a) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 20 marks · Solution

Do you think that the Buddhist traditions have lent greater ethical foundation to the ancient Indian political thought? Give your arguments

Indian Political Thought

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Section b · Q4(b) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 15 marks · Solution

Marx's concept of alienation is an essential part of the reality in capitalism. Explain

Political Theory

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Section c · Q4(c) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 15 marks · Solution

"Free and fair deliberation is key to the foundation of democracy." Explain

Political Theory

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Section a · Q5(a) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

"The Constitution of India is a product of a historical process, rich with constitutional antecedents." Comment.

Indian Nationalism

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Section b · Q5(b) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

"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.

Making of the Indian Constitution

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Section c · Q5(c) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

Mention the founding principles that define India's Constitution.

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution

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Section d · Q5(d) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

Analyze the Marxist perspective of the nature of Indian National Movement.

Indian Nationalism

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Section e · Q5(e) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

Underline the significance of the first constitutional amendment.

Indian Nationalism

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Section a · Q6(a) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 20 marks · Solution

"Constitutionally reconciling the Fundamental Rights with the Directive Principles of State Policy has led to frequent amendments of the Constitution and judicial interventions." Comment

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution

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Section b · Q6(b) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 15 marks · Solution

The role of the President of India becomes more significant during a minority government and a coalition government. Explain

Principal Organs of the Union Government

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Section c · Q6(c) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 15 marks · Solution

Do you think that despite having significant limitations the Panchayati Raj Institutions have strengthened the process of democratic decentralization? Give your views

Indian Nationalism

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Section a · Q7(a) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 20 marks · Solution

"The Indian party system is shaped by a complex interaction of the country's federal structure, electoral system and social cleavages." Explain

Party System

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Section b · Q7(b) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 15 marks · Solution

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

Indian Nationalism

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Section c · Q7(c) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 15 marks · Solution

What explains India's modest improvements in social development outcomes even as the rate of growth has accelerated since the initiation of economic reforms?

Planning and Economic Development

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Section a · Q8(a) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 20 marks · Solution

"The success of electoral democracy can partly be attributed to the status and role of the Election Commission of India." Explain

Statutory Institutions/Commissions

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Section b · Q8(b) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 15 marks · Solution

Examine the evolution of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India as a constitutional court

Principal Organs of the Union Government

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Section c · Q8(c) · UPSC 2021 · PSIR GS 1 · 15 marks · Solution

Explain how caste as a social category is also becoming a political category in the democratic politics of India

Making of the Indian Constitution

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