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PYQs
Thursday, 11 July 2024 9:22 PM

Paper 1 Part A
Political Theory
1. Comment in 150 words: " ... Political theory is not an escape mechanism but an arduous calling." John Plamanetz) (2014)
2. Discuss David Easton's model of systems analysis. (2015)
3. Comment: The Post-Behavioral Approach. (2016)
4. Comment in 150 words: Decline of Political Theory. (2018)
5. Comment: Resurgence of the political theory (150 words) (2019)
6. Discuss the significance of normative approach to Political theory. (2020)
7. Examine the importance of behavioral approach in political theory. What led to its decline? (2021)
8. Systems Approach (2022)
9. Normative approach in Political Science (2023)
10. Decline of political theory (2023)
11. Credo of Relevance' in post-behavioralism advocates the importance of action science. Analyze. (2023)

Theories of State
12. You think that the modern nation-state has been declining in the wake of globalization? Justify your answer. (2010)
13. Discuss in what sense Marx's understanding of state can be considered as materialistic. (2013)
14. Examine the challenges to sovereignty of the State in the contemporary world. (2015)
15. Discuss Feminist theory of the State. (2016)
16. Comment on Neo-liberal perspective of State (150 words) (2017)
17. Critically examine the neo-liberal -theory of State. (2018)
18. Comment: Pluralist theory of the State (150 words) (2019)
19. Comment in 150 words: Post-colonial theory of the state. (2020)
20. Comment in about 150 words: Feminist critique of the State. (2021)
21. Examine the liberal theory of State in contemporary politics. (2022)
22. Eurocentrism is both the target and the motive force of the post-colonial political theory. Discuss. (2023)

Justice
23. Comment in 150 words : "Original position" (2013)
24. Explicate the conception of justice in the critiques of communitarian theorists. (2014)
25. Comment in 150 words·: 'Difference Principle' in Rawls' Theory of Justice. (2015)
26. Critically examine John Rawl's Argument for democratic equality. (2016)
27. Rawls' theory of justice is both contractual and distributive. Examine. (2017)
28. Comment in 150 words: Distributive Justice. (2018)
29. Analyse John Rawls justification of discrimination to achieve the goals of justice. (2018)
30. Examine communitarian perspective on justice. (2019)
31. Make a comparative assessment of Greek perspective of Justice with Rawlsian concept of Justice. (2020)
32. How has Rawls enriched the idea of justice in liberalism? (2021)
33. Examine the entitlement theory of justice.(2022)
34. Dr. Ambedkar's idea of social justice leads to 'egalitarian justice' as compared to Rawl's 'Justice as fairness' which aims at the notion of
'pure procedural justice'. Comment (2022)
35. Rawls' idea of the liberal self is too individualistic. Explain, in this context, the communitarian critique of Rawls' theory of justice. (2023)

Equality
36. Comment on the difference between equality of opportunity and equality of outcome. (150 words) (2012)
37. Why is 'affirmative action' important in provision of equal opportunity? (2012)
38. How is liberty a precondition for equality Explicate the relationship between equality and liberty. (2014)
39. Comment: Affirmative Action. (2016)
40. Differentiate between Freedom and Liberty. Discuss Marx's notion of freedom. (2017)
41. Equality means fair treatment rather than equal treatment. Comment. (2018)
42. Comment in 150 words: Equality of opportunity. (2020)
43. Comment in about 150 words: Affirmative action. (2021)
44. Comment in about 150 words : Equality of outcome as a political idea. (2021)
45. Affirmative Action Policies draw as much strong criticism as strong support. Analyze this statement in the context of equality. (2023)

Liberty
46. Compare negative and positive concepts of liberty. (2019)
47. "Equality of estates caused equality of power, and equality of power is liberty." Comment. (2022)

Rights
48. Analyse the relation between natural rights and human rights. (2013)
49. Explain Berlin's notion of value pluralism. (2013)
50. Comment in 150 words: Idea of Natural Rights. (2015)
51. "The implementation of human rights is regarded as a matter of changing the conduct of States." Comment. (2016)
52. What do you understand by Multiculturalism? Discuss Bhikhu Parekh's views on Multiculturalism. (2017)
53. What do you understand by three generations of Human Rights? (2018)
54. Discuss the doctrine of 'rights as trumps'. (2019)
55. Assess the significance of right to property in political theory. (2020)
56. Can there be universal conception of human rights? Give your arguments. (2021)

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57. Human Rights are complex and contested social practice that organizes relations between individuals, society and the State. Comment.
(2022)
58. Cultural Relativism (2022)
59. Multicultural perspective on rights (2023)

Democracy
60. Comment in 150 words: "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) (2014)
61. Explicate the features of deliberative democracy. (2014)
62. Comment in 150 words: Difference between Participatory and Deliberative Democracy. (2015)
63. Explicate the features of Representative Democracy. (2016)
64. Deliberative democracy does not have its salience without participation and participatory democracy does not have its credence
without deliberations. Comment. (2017)
65. Comment in 150 words Substantive Democracy. (2018)
66. Critically examine Macpherson's views on Democracy. (2018)
67. Comment: Deliberative democracy. (2019)
68. Representative democracy ....... means the people as a body must be able to control the general direction of government policy. (J. S.
Mill). Comment. (2020)
69. "Free and fair deliberation is key to the foundation of democracy." Explain. (2021)
70. Elitist theory of democracy denies the possibility of democracy as rule of the people'. Elucidate. (2022)
71. Success of contemporary democracies lies in the State limiting its own power. Explain. (2023)

Power
72. Comment: "Power · flows throughout the system like blood in the capillaries of our body." (Foucault) (2010)
73. Distinguish between the concepts of legitimacy and hegemony. (2012)
74. Examine the conditions that are required for the maintenance of legitimacy in modern societies. (2014)
75. Distinguish between Power and Authority. (2015)
76. Discuss the 'crisis of legitimacy' in capitalist societies. (Habermas) (2015)
77. Explain the relationship between power, authority and legitimacy. (2018)
78. Examine the nature and meaning of power. (2020)
79. Comment in about 150 words: Tools of legitimation of the State. (2021)
80. Bases of Power (2022)
81. Foucault's concept of power (2023)

Theories of Power and Hegemony: Marxist, Gramsci, Hannah Arendt

82. Comment on Hannah Arendt's conception of the 'political'. (150 words) (2012)
83. Explain, as per Gramsci, the distinction between hegemony and domination. (2012)
84. Comment in 150 words: "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) (2014)
85. Discuss Gramsci' s notion of 'organic intellectuals' (2015)
86. Comment: Gramsci's concept of Hegemony. (2016)
87. Discuss Hannah Arendt's analysis of the role of ideology in modern totalitarian regimes. (2016)
88. According to Gramsci, 'hegemony is primarily based on the organisation of consent'. Comment. (2019)

Political Ideologies
89. Comment in 150 words: "Personal is political" (2013)
90. Discuss the communitarian critique of liberalism. (2013)
91. Comment on the view that socialism in the 21st century may be reborn as anti-capitalism. (2014)
92. Examine the conception of the State in the ideologies of Fascism and Marxism. (2014)
93. Discuss the key features of pre-Marxist socialist theory. (2015)
94. "The Political ideology of Globalization is Nee-Liberalism." Comment. (2016)
95. Comment on Post-modernism (150 words) (2017)
96. Define Socialism. Discuss the salient features of Fabian Socialism. (2017)
97. Comment on Eco-feminism (150 words) (2017)
98. Write a brief note on "The End of History debate". (2017)
99. Comment in 150 words: "Nothing against the State, nothing over it, nothing beyond it." – Mussolini. (2018)
100. John Locke is the father of liberalism. Explain. (2018)
101. Comment: End of Ideology debate. (2019)
102. Distinguish between liberal feminism and radical feminism. (2019)
103. Comment in 150 words Liberalism as a revolutionary idea. (2020)
104. "Political ideology is primarily concerned with the allocation and utilization of power." Comment. (2021)
105. Factors like community, culture and nation weaken the hegemony of neo-liberalism today. Discuss.(2022)
106. "Revolution in Permanence"(2022)
107. Fascism displays an ambivalent stance towards parliamentary democracy. Explain. (2023)
108. "The legal subordination of one sex to another si wrong in itself, and now one of the chief hindrances to human development." (J. S.
Mil). Comment.(2023)

Indian Political Thoughts

109. Compare and contrast Dharmashastra and Arthashastra with reference to State power. (2010)
110. Write a note on the Buddhist tradition in Indian political thought. (2012)
111. Examine the significance of Dharma in ancient Indian political thought. (2013)
112. Analyse, as per Kautilya, the Saptanga theory of the state. (2013)
113. Evaluate the contributions of Buddhist tradition to Indian political thought. (2014)
114. Compare and contrast the views of Kautilya and Machiavelli on Statecraft. (2015)
115. What do you understand by the notion of Statecraft? Discuss the theory of statecraft as given by Kautilya. (2017)
116. Discuss Kautilya views on the elements of the State. (2019)
117. Explain the sources of ancient Indian political thought. (2020)
118. Do you think that the Buddhist traditions have lent greater ethical, foundation to the ancient Indian political thought? Give your
arguments. (2021)
119. Buddhist thought on Dhamma facilitates the emancipation of political action. Explain. (2023)

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120. Comment in 150 words: Syed Ahmed Khan as a modernizer. (2013)

121. "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. (2021)

122. Comment in 150 words: Sri Aurobindo's "idea of freedom" (2013)

123. Comment in 150 words: "Nationalism is not a mere political programme but, a way of life like religion." (Aurobindo Ghose) (2014)
124. Discuss Shri Aurobindo's views on Culture Nationalism. (2016)
125. According to Sri Aurobindo, Swaraj is a necessary condition for India to accomplish its destined goal. Comment. (2017)
126. Sri Aurobindo's idea of Swaraj has deep significance in the Indian social, political and cultural history. Analyze. (2023)

127. Examine the Gandhian idea of village community as an ideal unit of self - governance. (2012)
128. Comment in 150 words: Gandhi's Views on State. (2015)
129. Examine Gandhi's critique of 'Modernisation'. (2016)
130. Comment: M.K. Gandhi's concept of Swaraj. (2019)
131. Explicate the ideological components of Gandhism. (2020)
132. "The Panchayats with Gram Sabha's should be so organized as to identify the resources locally available for the development in
agricultural and industrial sectors." Examine the statement in the context of Gram Swaraj.(2022)

133. Examine Ambedkar's critique of Marxism. (2013)

134. Comment: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's idea of state socialism. (2016)
135. Political democracy could not last unless social democracy lay at its base - B. R. Ambedkar. Comment. (2017)
136. Discuss Ambedkar's ideas on 'annihilation of caste'. (2018)
137. Comment in 150 words: Ambedkar's ideas on constitutionalism. (2020)

138. Comment on Radical Humanism. (2009)

139. Comment on the Marxist and Radical Humanist phases of M. N. Roy's thought. (2012)

Western Political Thought

140. "Plato was an enemy of the open society." (Popper) Comment. (2015)
141. Trace the evolution of Western Political Thought from ancient to contemporary period. (2020)

142. Central to Aristotle's political thought is his classification of the different types of political constitutions in the Politics. Evaluate. (2014)
143. Comment in 150 words: Aristotle's Conception of Equality. (2015)
144. Everywhere, inequality is a cause of revolution - Aristotle. Comment. (2017)
145. Explain Aristotle's critique of Plato's Idealism. (2019)
146. Explain the Aristotelian view of politics. To what extent do you think it has contributed - to the development of modern-day
constitutional democracies? (2021)

147. Explain how Machiavelli's application of empirical method to human affairs marks an important stage in the evolution of political
science. (2014)
148. Critically examine Machiavelli's views on religion and politics. (2018)
149. Comment in 150 words: Machiavelli's secularism. (2020)

150. Comment in 150 words: "Covenants without swords are but words and of no strength to secure a man at all." (Hobbes) (2013)
151. Comment on the assertion of Laslett that Filmer and not Hobbes was the main antagonist of Locke. (2013)
152. Comment: "How would and my fellow human beings behave if we were to find ourselves in a state of nature, and what does this
behaviour tells us about our innate predispositions?" (Thomas Hobbes) (2016)
153. Comment on Hobbesian notion of Political Obligation (150 words) (2017)
154. Individualism is inherent in Hobbes' absolutist ideology. Comment. (2022)
155. State of Nature as State of War (Hobbes) (2023)

156. It is said where there is no law there is no liberty. Give your view on this statement. (2011)
157. 'Locke is an individualist out and out.' Substantiate this statement. (2012)
158. John Locke is the father of liberalism. Explain. (2018)
159. Write on Locke's Social Contract (2022)

160. Comment in 150 words: "All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility." (J. S'. Mill) (2014)
161. Comment in 150 words: John Stuart Mill is a 'reluctant democrat'. - C. L. Wayper (2018)
162. Comment in about 150 words: J.S. Mill's ideas on women suffrage. (2021)

163. Discuss the relationship between base and superstructure in Marxist theory. (2015)
164. Explain Marx's understanding of Human Essence and Alienation. (2016)
165. Discuss Karl Marx's concept of class. (2020)
166. Marx's concept of 'alienation' is an essential part of the reality in capitalism. (2021)

167. According to Gramsci, 'hegemony is primarily based on the organisation of consent.' Comment. 20 marks
168. Explain, as per Gramsci, the distinction between hegemony and domination
169. Discuss Gramsci' s notion of 'organic intellectuals' (2015)
170. Comment: Gramsci's concept of Hegemony. (2016)

171. Discuss Hannah Arendt's analysis of the role of ideology in modern totalitarian regimes. (2016)
172. Critically examine Hannah Arendt's conceptual triad of labour, work and action. (2019)

Paper 1 Part B
Indian Nationalism

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173. Comment: Indian nationalism as depicted in S.N. Banerjea's 'A Nation in the Making'. (2010)
174. Comment on views of Gandhi and Ambedkar on 'social justice'. (2011)
175. Comment: Significance of the Civil Disobedience Movement. (2011)
176. Comment on the efficacy of Satyagraha as moral resistance to colonial rule. (2012)
177. Explain how peasant movements promoted nationalist ideas during the struggle for Indian independence. (2014)
178. Comment in 150 words: Satyagraha as a Strategy in the Indian National Movement. (2015)
179. The success of Mahatma Gandhi lay in transforming both political and non-political movements into a unified nationalist movement.
Comment. (2017)
180. Differentiate Moderate Nationalism from Extremist/Militant Nationalism in terms of their objectives and means. (2017)
181. Comment in 150 words: Revolt of 1857 is a 'Sepoy Mutiny' or 'First War of Independence'. (2018)
182. National movement in India was anti-imperialist and increasingly radical ·in its socio-economic and political programmes. Discuss.
(2019)
183. Trace the role of militant and revolutionary movements in Indian national movement. (2020)
184. Analyze the workers' movement in India in the pre-Independence period.(2022)
185. Satyagraha and Indian Nationalism (2023)

186. Comment: Dalit perspective on Indian National Movement. (2011)

187. Comment in 150 words Marxist understanding of India's freedom movement. (2013)
188. Critically examine the Radical Humanist perspective on Indian National Movement. (2016)
189. Dalit perspective on Indian national movement. Discuss. (2019)
190. Answer in 150 words: Role of Socialists in Indian National Movement. (2020)
191. Analyse the Marxist perspective of the nature of Indian National Movement. (150 words) (2021)
192. Dr. Ambedkar's clarion call, "Educate, Agitate and Organize", strategizes the Dalit movement towards achieving civil liberty. Discuss.
(2023)

Indian Constitution
193. Critically examine and comment: "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) (2010)
194. Unity and integrity of India was perhaps the single uppermost factor in the minds of the Constitution makers. Comment. (2019)
195. Answer in 150 words: Indian Constitution makers' concerns on social inequality. (2020)
196. "The Constitution of India is a product of a historical process, rich with constitutional antecedents." Comment. (150 words) (2021)
197. "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. (150 words) (2021)
198. The making of the Indian Constitution is described as an attempt towards 'social revolution'. Comment.(2022)
199. Imprint of the British Constitution on the Indian Constitution. (2023)
200. The Constitution of India is the 'cornerstone of a nation'. (Granville Austin). Analyze. (2023)

Salient Features
Preamble, FR, FD, DPSP
201. Comment in 150 words: Significance of the Preamble. (2013)
202. Analyse the significance of Article 32 of the Indian Constitution. (2013)
203. 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. (2013)
204. Comment in 150 words: Increasingly higher focus on Directive Principles of State Policy. (2014)
205. What are the provisions for constitutional protection of right to freedom of religion and how far have they succeeded in promoting
secularism in India? (2014)
206. Comment in 150 words: Secularism in the Indian Constitution. (2015)
207. In the light of neo-economic policies adopted since 1991, examine the relevance of the term 'socialist' in the Preamble of the Indian
Constitution. (2015)
208. Discuss the 'Right to Education' and the concerns raised by it. (2015)
209. Critically examine the provisions made in the Constitution for the protection of Environment. (2016)
210. Right to privacy is an intrinsic part of the right to life. Comment. (2017)
211. Comment in 150 words: Indian Constitution is a 'Lawyers' Paradise'. - Ivor Jennings. (2018)
212. Comment on the relevance of the Directive Principles of State Policy in an era of liberalization and globalization. (2019)
213. Answer in 150 words: Right to Constitutional remedies in India. (2020)
214. Mention the founding principles that define India's Constitution. (150 words) (2021)
215. "Constitutionally reconciling the Fundamental Rights with the Directive Principles of State Policy has led to frequent amendments of
the· Constitution and judicial interventions." Comment. (2021)
216. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution reflects itself as a 'social contract'. Elucidate.(2022)
217. The main goal of the Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution is to generate civic responsibility among the citizens. Explain.
(2023)

Parliamentary system
218. Differentiate parliamentary supremacy from parliamentary sovereignty. Would you consider the Indian Parliament as a Sovereign
Parliament, Examine. (2017)

Judicial Review, Amendment Procedures, BSD

219. Comment on Doctrine of Basic Structure of the Indian Constitution. (150 words) (2012)
220. Comment in 150 words: 99th Amendment of the Indian Constitution. (2015)
221. Discuss the efficacy of judicial review in India. (2015)
222. Comment: 'Article 368 does not enable Parliament to alter the basic structure or framework of the Constitution'. (2016)
223. Comment: The purpose ·of the 42nd Constitutional Amendment was to make the economic and social democracy explicitly visible.
(2016)
224. "The basic structure doctrine is implicit in the Indian Constitution; the Supreme Court has only given it an explicit form." Comment.
(2019)
225. Underline the significance of the first constitutional amendment. (150 words) (2021)

Union Government
Executive

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226. Analyse the position of Prime Minister of India in a coalition regime. (2013)
227. How is the President of India: elected? Outline the salient· characteristics of the electoral college of the Indian President. (2017)
228. Analyse the arguments in favour and against the lateral entry into higher civil services in India. (2018)
229. Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has emerged as the most powerful institution in India. Discuss. (2019)
230. Has the thrust of government tilted towards executive in contemporary Indian Politics? Give your arguments. (2020)
231. The role of the President of India becomes more significant during a minority government and a coalition government. Explain. (2021)

Legislature
232. Comment in 150 words: Decline of Indian Parliament (2013)
233. The Speaker represents the freedom and dignity of the House. Examine.(2022)

Judiciary

234. Examine the role of Supreme Court as the final interpreter of the Indian Constitution. (2013)
235. Examine the debates on the appointment procedure of judges to the higher judiciary in India. (2014)
236. Judiciary has acquired the role of both, a legislature and an executive in recent years. Examine with suitable examples. (2017)
237. Whether judicial activism has undermined or strengthened Parliamentary Democracy in India? Discuss. (2018)
238. Answer in 150 words: Judicial overreach in India. (2020)
239. Examine the evolution of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India as a constitutional court. (2021)
240. The Doctrine of Basic Structure of the Constitution has enhanced the power of judicial review of the Supreme Court. Examine.(2022)
241. Do you agree that over the years the Supreme Court has become a forum for policy evolution? Justify your answer. (2023)

State Government
242. Critically analyse the discretionary powers granted to the Governor by the Indian Constitution. (2015)
243. Critically examine the role of Governor in recent times. (2016)
244. Do the lieutenant Governors have more powers than the Governors of the States? Explain. (2018)

Grassroot Democracy
245. Examine the changing structures of Panchayati Raj institutions with special reference to 73rd Constitution Amendment Act. (2013)
246. Explain how the participation of women impacted the functioning of rural local bodies in India. (2014)
247. Examine the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies in deepening of democracy in India. (2015)
248. The goal of Good governance will be achieved only by strengthening the grass root level democracy. (2016)
249. Has the 73rd Constitutional Amendment empowered women in panchayats in India? Discuss. (2017)
250. Comment in 150 words: New Panchayat Raj is an effective instrument for women empowerment. (2018)
251. Examine the provisions of Panchayat Extension Services Act (PESA), 1996. (2018)
252. Political decentralization has not been matched by administrative decentralization at the grass roots level. Explain. (2019)
253. To what extent has 73rd and 74th amendments of the Indian Constitution enhanced women's empowerment? (2020)
254. Do you think that despite having significant limitations the Panchayati Raj Institutions have strengthened the process of democratic
decentralization? Give your views. (2021)
255. 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?(2022)
256. Functions of District Planning Committee (2023)
257. Discuss the major provisions of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act. Do you think that the Act remains an 'unfulfilled dream'?
Argue your case.(2023)

Institutions
258. Comment on Role of National Commission for Women in India. (2012)
259. Comment in 150 words: The role of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in promoting good governance. (2014)
260. Discuss the working of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes to curb violence against Dalits. (2014)
261. Examine the objective and role of the National Human Rights Commission. (2016)
262. Examine the role of the National Commission for Minorities in preserving, promoting and protecting the rights of minorities in India.
(2017)
263. The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India enhances the accountability of the Government and serves as the watchdog of the
finances of the Government. Explain. (2019)
264. Discuss, in brief, the role of the National Commission for Women. Do you think it is a toothless organization? (2019)
265. Examine the role and functioning of the Election Commission of India and the Comptroller and Auditor General in the last two decades.
(2020)
266. "The success of electoral democracy can partly be attributed to the status and role of the Election Commission of India." Explain.
(2021)
267. 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.(2022)
268. Discuss the policy initiatives of the Fourteenth Finance Commission aimed towards promoting and strengthening agricultural
development in India.(2022)
269. National Commission for Minorities (2023)
270. How does NITI Aayog as a 'policy think tank with shared vision' visualize the reorganization of planning in India? Justify your answer.
(2023)

Federalism
271. "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. (2013)
272. Comment in 150 words: Cooperative Federalism in India. (2015)
273. Identify the contested areas in Centre-State relations in India. (2015)
274. Comment: The philosophy and Comment: Economic liberalisation in India administration of the distribution of powers between Centre
and state is required to be re-assessed. (2016)
275. Indian federation has moved from cooperative federation to competitive federation. Comment. (2017)
276. Comment in 150 words: Implementation of GST and NEET is a major challenge to Indian federalism. (2018)
277. Discuss asymmetrical federalism in India. (2019)
278. Despite constitutional mandate, the Inter-State Council has not come of age. Discuss. (2020)

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279. Answer in 150 words: Mechanism for settling inter-state disputes. (2020)
280. Does the functioning of the federalism in India tend to make it appear as a unitary state in practice? (2021)
281. 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. (2021)
282. Discuss the composition and functions of the Inter-State Council. To what extent has this body been successful in achieving its
objectives?(2022)
283. Does the actual working of Indian federalism conform to the centralizing tendencies in Indian polity? Give reasons for your answer.
(2023)

Planning and Economic Development

284. Comment in 150 words: Gandhian perspective of development and its contemporary relevance. (2013)
285. Comment in 150 words: Structure and Function of NITI Aayog. (2015)
286. Compare the Nehruvian and Gandhian models of development. (2015)
287. Critically examine the politics of Economic growth in India. (2016)
288. Land reforms have failed in the eradication of rural poverty. Comment. (2016)
289. In the post-liberalization era, Indian politics is moving from ascriptive politics to developmental politics. Comment. (2017)
290. What do you understand by Green Revolution? Do you think that a Second Green Revolution is needed to adequately address the
agrarian challenge in contemporary India? Examine. (2017)
291. Examine the various causes of agrarian crisis in India. (2018)
292. What has been the political fallout of the Green Revolution in India? Explain. (2019)
293. 'Liberalisation of Indian Economy has not been accompanied with adequate reforms'. Comment. (2020)
294. What explains India's modest improvements in social development outcomes even as the rate of growth has accelerated since the
initiation of economic reforms? (2021)

Indian Politics
295. Critically examine and comment on the assertion in about 200 words: Indian politics has influenced caste and caste has influenced
Indian politics. (2011)
296. Explain the phenomenon of ethnic politics in India in recent times. (2013)
297. Point out and comment on the historic importance of the document "Towards Equality (1974)", for women's movement in India.
(2013)
298. Comment in 150 words: Relation between ethnicity and democracy in India. (2014)
299. Comment: Cultural and Regional differences are the enduring bases on which politics is played out in India. (2016)
300. Comment on the emergence of Backward classes in the Indian politics. (2016)
301. Religion is still an important factor in Indian politics. Discuss. (2017)
302. Critically examine the ethnic conflicts in North-East India. (2018)
303. Development has overshadowed the influence of caste in electoral behaviour in recent elections. Discuss. (2019)
304. Examine the role of religion in Indian Electoral Politics in the contemporary times. (2020)
305. Explain how caste as a social category is also becoming a political category in the democratic politics of India. (2021)
306. Ethnicity is the underlying cause which poses a great challenge in the resolution of the problems in the North-East region of India.
Comment.(2022)
307. The rise of caste politics is to be attributed to both regional aspirations and electoral manifestations. Comment. (2023)

Party System
308. Explain to what extent the concept of "one-party dominance" (W.H. Morris-Jones) model is relevant in Indian politics today. (2013)
309. Comment in 150 words: Marginalization of the left ideology in India. (2014)
310. Discuss the nature of reforms of the electoral process in India and explain the further scope for reforms. (2014)
311. Explain how pressure groups have been influencing public policy-making with suitable illustrations. (2014)
312. Account for the changes in the socio-economic profile of legislators during last one decade in India. (2014)
313. "Identity politics has trumped development politics in India." Comment. (2015)
314. Account for the rise of regional political parties and assess their role in contemporary India. (2015)
315. Discuss the pattern of Political Parties from one dominant party system to coalition politics in national politics. (2016)
316. State subvention/funding may be an effective instrument in strengthening electoral democracy in India. Comment. (2017)
317. India has moved from 'one-party dominant system' to 'one-party led coalition'. Discuss. (2017)
318. Comment in150 words: Political personalities are more significant than political parties in India. (2018)
319. Explain the increasing role of regional political parties in the national politics. (2018)
320. The changing socio-economic profile of legislators does not augur well for the health of Indian democracy. Comment. (2019)
321. To what extent has the inadequate intraparty democracy affected the functioning of Indian Democracy? (2020)
322. "The Indian party system is shaped by a complex interaction of the country's federal structure, electoral system and social cleavages."
Explain. (2021)
323. Electoral behaviour of voters is governed more by the social and economic factors than the political factors. Explain.(2022)
324. How far is it correct that the regional parties have strengthened Indian democracy and federal system? Substantiate your answer with
suitable examples.(2022)
325. The decade 1989-1999 has created an epochal shift in the Indian party system at the national level. Identify the major national trends
in the party system during this era.(2023)

Social Movement
326. Comment in 150 words: Compare and contrast Chipko Movement with Narmada Bachao Andolan. (2013)
327. Comment in 150 words: The dilemmas of the human rights movements in India. (2014)
328. Examine the scope and limitations of women's movements in India. (2014)
329. Discuss the Right to information and underline challenges being posed before it. (2016)
330. Critically analyse the environmentalist movement in Tuticorin, Tamilnadu. (2018)
331. Write short note on significance of the Chipko Movement. (2019)
332. Examine the nature of, the civil liberty movement in India. (2020)
333. High concentration of economic activities and consumption patterns in post- liberalization period has led to the failure of
environmental movements in India. Elucidate.(2022)
334. Environmentalism of the poor (2023)

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Paper 2 Part A
Comparative Politics
335. Elucidate the transdisciplinary nature of modern comparative politics and identify the contributions of political sociologists towards this
goal. (200 words) (2012)
336. Which are the major approaches of comparative politics? Explain in brief, the political economy approach to the study of comparative
inquiry. (2015)
337. Critically examine the Marxist aspect of political economy approach to the study of comparative politics. (2016)
338. Explain the Political-Sociological Approach in the field of comparative politics and discuss its limitations. (2017)
339. Describe the changing nature of Comparative Politics. Briefly explain the Political Economy approach to the study of Comparative
Politics. (2018)
340. Examine the significance of the comparative method in political analysis. Discuss its limitations. (2019)
341. Discuss the subject matter of comparative politics. Outline the limitations of comparative political analysis. (2020)
342. Discuss the political economy approach to the comparative analysis of politics. (150 words) (2021)
343. Discuss the main limitations of the comparative method to the study of Political Science.(2022)
344. What are the crucial functions of empirical political theory in Comparative Politics ? (2023)

State in comparative Perspective

345. "Nations and States have become virtually synonymous." Elucidate. (200 words) (2012)
346. 'A minimal State ensures maximum of Individual Liberty.' Examine the concept of Minimal State. (200 words) (2013)
347. 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? (2015)
348. "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. (2016)
349. Describe the changing nature of the State in the developing societies in the context of inclusive growth in the 21“century. (2018)
350. The modernization thesis asserts that affluence breeds stable democracy. How do you explain the success of India being the world's
largest democracy as an exceptional case? (2021)
351. What are the difficulties faced by a political theorist in comparing the States ? (2023)

Politics of Representation and Participation

352. Compare and contrast social movements in advanced industrial and developing societies. (200 words) (2013)
353. Is the rise of social movements a sign of opening up of popular space in political process or decline of representative politics? Examine.
(200 words) (2013)
354. Party system in India is neither western nor indigenous. Explain. (2014)
355. In what respect is the new social movement new in nature? Discuss. (2014)
356. 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? (2015)
357. Comment on the decline of political parties and examine whether new social movements shall be alternative strategy for establishing
link between government and society. (2016)
358. Do interest groups help to promote democracy or to undermine it? Give your opinion. (2016)
359. Examine the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) movement in developed societies and how it is affecting the political
participation in developing societies. (2017)
360. How big a role does identity play in determining political participation in the developing countries? Discuss your answer with suitable
illustrations. (2018)
361. Explain the reasons for low voter turnout in democratic countries with suitable examples. (2019)
362. Write an essay on 'New Social Movements' in developing countries. (2019)
363. Analyse the contribution of liberal democratic principles in the democratization of Indian polity. (2020)
364. Has the increased participation of the underprivileged in the political process of the developing societies strengthened democracy or
created political chaos and conflict? Comment. (2020)
365. "Political parties and pressure groups are sine qua non of democracy." Comment. (2021)
366. Explain the impact of electoral systems and cleavages in shaping party systems with reference to developing countries. (2021)
367. How has the electoral democracy augmented the participation of people in the democratic process?(2022)
368. Discuss the role of social movements in strengthening the democratic processes in developing societies.(2022)

Globalization
369. What is 'global village'? Elaborate its main characteristics and also the factors that contributed to its growth. (2014)
370. Is globalization essentially a process of 'universalisation' of capitalist modernity? (2015)
371. 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? (2015)
372. Discuss the impact of globalization on the internal functioning of the state. (2016)
373. Critically examine the Globalisation in the past 25 years from the perspective of the Western world. (2017)
374. Critically examine the impact of the process of globalization from the perspective of the countries of the Global South. (2020)
375. What is globalisation? Why is there an intense debate about globalisation and its consequences? (2021)
376. What are the main challenges faced by the developing countries in the era of globalisation? (2022)
377. Critically examine the impact of Globalisation on the developing countries of the world. (2023)

Approaches to study of IR
Realist
378. What are the great debates between 'classical' and 'modern' realists? Is there any thin line of continuity between these two traditions?
(250 words) (2012)
379. Examine major principles of State centric world views. (200 words) (2013)
380. Write a note on Intellectual precursors of Realism. (200 words) (2013)
381. 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? (2015)
382. Is Realist Approach the best method to understand International Relations? Examine this in the context of Classical Realism. (2017)
383. Bring out the major differences between the Classical Realism of Hans Morgenthau and the Neorealism of Kenneth Waltz. (2018)
384. Discuss the emergence of neo-realism and its basic tenets. (2021)
385. What do you mean by offensive and defensive realism? (2023)
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Marxist
386. How does Marxist approach explain contemporary International Relations? (200 words) (2013)
387. Explain the relevance of the Marxist approach in the context of globalization. (2019)
388. "Marxist approach to the study of international relations has lost its relevance in the post-cold war era." Comment. (150 words)
(2021)
389. Discuss the commonalities between the Marxist and Realist approach to the study of International Politics.(2022)

Functionalist and Systems Theory

390. 'Building 'peace by pieces' is the basis of functionalism'. Elaborate. (2013)
391. "Morton A. Kaplan's system theory is contrary to the fundamental precepts of systems approach." Comment. (2014)
392. Critically examine the functional and system approaches to the study of international relations. (2016)
393. Examine the World Systems Approach as developed by Immanuel Wallerstein. (2017)
394. Critically examine the Functionalist approach to the study of International Relations. (2018)
395. In what ways does the functionalist approach in International relations help in maintaining peace and order in global politics? (2023)

Theories of Imperialism/Colonialism/Neo-colonialism/Liberalism/Idealism
396. Do you agree that liberal international theories are essentially 'Eurocentric' and not necessarily imperialist? (150 words) (2012)
397. Discuss the main factors that have contributed to the gradual transformation of the world from 'Billiard Ball Model' to 'Cobweb Model'.
(2014)
398. What, according to Joseph Nye, are the major sources of a country's soft power? Discuss its relevance in the contemporary world
politics. (2018)
399. What are the core assumptions of idealism as an approach to study International Relations? Explain its continuing relevance in peace
building. (2020)
400. "The post-colonial state was thought of an entity that stood outside and above society as an autonomous agency." Explain. (2021)

Key Concepts
National Interest
401. National Interests are Dynamic'. Identify the contemporary world politics with suitable examples. (200 words) (2013)
402. Explain the instruments and methods devised for the promotion of national interest. (2016)
403. National Interest is an essentially contested concept. Comment.(2022)

Security and Power

404. Is 'terrorism' an essentially 'contested' concept? What are the different manifestations of 'terrorism' as a concept, and as practice?
(250 words) (2012)
405. What constitutes 'national security discourses'? How far have the IR Feminists questioned how 'security' has been problematised? (200
words) (2012)
406. 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? (250 words) (2012)
407. Examine the idea of a 'balance' between 'security' and 'liberty' in modern international politics. Do you think the liberal international
order is more 'security - friendly? (250 words) (2012)
408. Critically assess the changing nature of the concept of national security. (2014)

Balance of Power and deterrence

409. Discuss the theory of Nuclear Deterrence. Did Nuclear Deterrence prevent a superpower war? (2015)
410. "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? (2016)
411. Discuss the utility of Nuclear Deterrence Theory in the context of the recent standoff between India and Pakistan. (2019)
412. Identify the benefits of a multi-polar world. (2019)
413. Explain the concept of balance of power. What are the various techniques of maintaining balance of power? (2020)
414. What is the realist prescription to the States to ensure their survival in an anarchical world ?(2022)
415. Bipolar structure of the world is more stable than the multipolar one. Comment.(2022)

Transnational actors and collective security

416. "Transnational actors have become driving forces of global politics." Elaborate. (200 words) (2013)
417. 'Collective Security and Collective Defence are the institutional and State mechanisms to sustain the domination of powers that be in
International politics.' Elaborate. (2013)
418. How do you explain the growing importance of multi-national corporations (MNCs) and civil society in contemporary international
politics? (2014)
419. Discuss the changing nature of modern state with reference to transnational actors. (2017)
420. "Some feel Multinational Corporations (MNCs) are a vital new road to economic growth, whereas others feel they perpetuate under
development." Discuss. (2018)
421. Enumerate the challenges in the operation of the principles related to collective security in the UN Charter. (2020)
422. What is 'complex interdependence'? Discuss the role of transnational actors in the international system. (2021)
423. Discuss the conceptual dimensions of collective security (2022)

World Capitalist economy and globalization

424. How has the development of Global Capitalism changed the nature of socialist economies and developing societies? (2017)

Changing International Political Order

Rise of superpowers; Strategic and ideological Bipolarity, arms race and cold war; Nuclear threat
425. Identify the major changes in the International Political economy in post-Cold War period. (200 words) (2013)
426. What does the pace of nuclear proliferation in post-Cold War suggest? (150 words) (2013)
427. Discuss the evolution of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons in the post-Cold War Period. (2016)
428. Examine in brief the rise and fall of the Cold War. (2016)

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429. "The development of advanced missile Gulf War 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. (2017)
430. Discuss the consequences of Trump's "America First" and Xi's "Chinese Dream" on World Politics. (2018)
431. Critically analyse the implications of Sino American strategic rivalry for the South and South-East Asian region. (2020)
432. Critically examine the rise of People's Republic of China (PRC) as a great power and its implications on Asian Political order.(2022)

Collapse of the Soviet Union; Unipolarity and American hegemony;

433. Identify the challenges to American hegemony in post-Soviet world. (150 words) (2013)
434. Discuss the collapse of the Soviet Union and its impact on international politics. (2015)
435. Discuss the positive and negative impacts of Soviet Union's disintegration on developing nations. (2016)
436. Critically examine the decline of the United States of America as a hegemon and its implications for the changing international political
order. (2021)
437. "Ukraine crisis is a product of power politics and geo-politics." Comment. (2014)
438. Discuss the various constraints on American hegemony today. Which of these are likely to become more prominent in the future ?
(2023)
439.
Non-aligned Movement: Aims and achievements
440. 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? (250 words) (2012)
441. Highlight the major features of Non alignment 2.0 document. (200 words) (2013)
442. 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? (2017)
443. Discuss the significance of Non-Aligned Movement as a unique contribution of the Non-Western world to World Politics. (2018)
444. Write a brief note on the 17th NAM Summit in Venezuela. (2019)
445. Discuss the ways to strengthen the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to enable it to address the challenges faced by the developing
countries. (2020)
446. Discuss the relevance of the normative ethos of the Non-Aligned Movement in magnifying India's soft power in pursuit of her national
interest. (2023)
447. "During the Cold War, the Non-Aligned Movement tried to become a 'Third force' in World Politics, but failed because it was too large
and unwieldy." Discuss. (2023)

Questions from Part-2 India's Contributions and Current Role

448. "India's policy of non-alignment has been guided by the genius of the Indian people and their interests." Explain. (2014)
449. 'Non-alignment' has been the basic principle of India's foreign policy since independence. Discuss its relevance in the contemporary
context. (2015)
450. Comment on India's contribution to Non-Alignment Movement and its contemporary relevance. (2016)
451. Compare and contrast Non-alignment 1.0 with Non-alignment 2.0. (2019)
452. "Non-alignment was little more than a rational strategy on the part of a materially weak India to maximise its interests with a bipolar
distribution of global power." Comment. (2021)

Evolution of International Economic System

453. Sketch the journey of global political economy from Washington consensus to the present. (150 words) (2013)
454. 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. (2016)
455. "The IMF, World Bank, G-7, GATT and other structures are designed to serve the interests of MNCs, Banks and investment firms in a
"New Imperial age'." Substantiate with examples of governance of new world order. (2016)
456. How are the rising powers challenging the USA and Western dominance in the IMF and the World Bank? (2019)
457. 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. (2020)
458. Explain the significance and the 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 foreseeable future? (2020)
459. Identify and evaluate the reasons for deadlock in the WTO negotiations on fisheries between the developing and developed countries.
(2022)

United Nations
460. Do you agree that the U.N. has failed to contain transnational terrorism? Elaborate your answer with examples. (2014)
461. Argue a case for U.N. reform in the context of changing global milieu. (2014)
462. 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? (2015)
463. Has the reform of the economic and social arrangements of the United Nations been effective? (2015)
464. 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? (2015)
465. Do you endorse that the United Nations needs major changes in its structures and functioning? Suggest the changes for efficient
improvements. (2016)
466. 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? (2017)
467. Discuss the relevance of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on the security of women in conflict zones. (2018)
468. In what way does the predominance of the USA in the UN funding affect the decision making? (2019)
469. Do you think that sustainable development goals are really attainable by 2030? (2019)
470. Evaluate the role of the International Court of Justice in inter-State disputes. (2019)
471. Discuss the significance and the urgency of the UN Security Council reforms. Explain the relevance of the reform proposals made by the
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres for the developing countries. (2020)
472. What measures have been undertaken by the United Nations for its reforms? (150 words) (2021)
473. Describe the composition of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Discuss its voluntary jurisdiction. (2022)
474. What is the structure and functions of International Court of Justice ? (2023)
475. Discuss the structure and functions of UN Security Council. (2023)

Regionalization of World Politics

476. Give reasons for Regionalisation of world politics. (200 words) (2013)
477. Substantiate APEC as a regional economic and trade arrangement. (200 words) (2013)

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478. "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. (2014 )
479. 'The European Union has become the most politically influential, economically powerful and demographically diverse regional entity in
the world.' Discuss. (2015)
480. How does the regionalism shape the world politics? Explain with examples. (2016)
481. American President Donald Trump's proposal to withdraw from the 'NAFTA' would bring unforeseen consequences to the
regionalisation of world politics. Elaborate. (2017)
482. 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? (2017)
483. "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. (2018)
484. Evaluate the role of BIMSTEC in multisectoral technical and economic cooperation. (2019)
485. Critically analyse the role of ASEAN in the promotion of regional peace and security through economic cooperation and trade. (2020)
486. Explain the success of ASEAN as a regional organisation. (2021)
487. Russian-Ukraine crisis has cast a dark shadow on the energy needs of the member states of the European Union (EU). Comment.
(2022)
488. Account for the rise of European Union as a highly influential regional organization. (2023)

Contemporary Global Concerns

489. Compare and contrast Sino-India approaches to global Environmental concerns. (200 words) (2013)
490. What roles do norms, taboos and epistemic communities play in the context of nuclear proliferation? (200 words) (2013)
491. State the place of Gender Justice in global political agenda. (150 words) (2013)
492. 'Global commons belong to global society and requires global attention/ Comment. (150 words) (2013)
493. "The Feminist approach to international politics is biased." Comment. (2014)
494. Critically evaluate the approaches of global south towards addressing environment concerns. (2014)
495. 'The struggle for democracy has been marked by bitter strife and tribulations.' Examine the statement, illustrating the cases of
Pakistan, Nepal and Myanmar. (2015)
496. Do you endorse that the conventional discourse on human rights has failed to include women's rights? Explain in the context of
feminist theories. (2015)
497. Why does global human security need to be emphasized along with economic security? Explain with examples. (2016)
498. Examine the main problems and challenges involved in looking after environmental concerns in world politics. (2016)
499. Give an assessment of the Feminist critique of contemporary global issues. (2017)
500. The recent move of USA to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement is a setback in the consensus achieved on protecting the world
environment. In this context, assess the future prospective on climate control. (2017)
501. 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 model? Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. (2018)
502. Critically examine the notion of "Asian Values" in the context of the on-going debates on human rights. (2018)
503. Discuss the implications of the Trump-Kim Singapore Summit on the prospects of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. (2018)
504. Discuss the importance of personal data protection in the context of human rights. (2019)
505. Is democracy promotion in developing countries a feasible idea? (2019)
506. Examine the role of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other major efforts by the UN to
address the global environmental crisis. (2020)
507. Who was Mr. 'X' in international politics? Elaborate his approach to foreign policy. (2014)
508. Discuss the efficacy of global conventions to combat international terrorism.(2022)
509. How does democratic politics construct citizenship ? (2023)
510. How does the regime change and political crisis in Myanmar threaten regional security and peace ? (2023)
511. Narrate the various ways in which rapid environmental degradation is posing a serious threat to human security. Illustrate your answer
with suitable examples. (2023)

Paper 2 Part B
Indian Foreign Policy
512. Identify the elements of change in India's Foreign Policy. (150 words) (2013)
513. The economic content of India's Foreign trade is increasingly growing.' Substantiate the statement with economic diplomatic
engagements of India in the last decade. (200 words) (2013)
514. "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. (2014)
515. 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. (2014)
516. 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? (2015)
517. How does the Parliament determine and influence the making of India's foreign policy? (2015)
518. 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. (2015)
519. Which determinant factors play an important role in making India's foreign policy? Illustrate with examples. (2016)
520. Examine the Indian National Movement and geographical location of India as determinants of India's foreign policy. (2017)
521. Do you agree with the view that the Indian Foreign Policy is increasingly being shaped by the Neoliberal outlook? Elaborate. (2018)
522. "India is often said to have a rich strategic culture." Discuss. (2018)
523. "India's current foreign policy marks significant qualitative shifts from that of the previous regimes." Discuss. (2018)
524. Discuss the role of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in promoting India's soft power abroad. (2018)
525. Examine the role of 'parliamentary diplomacy' in India's foreign policy. (2019)
526. How is India responding to the idea of Indo-Pacific? (2019)
527. Examine the increasing significance of maritime security in India's foreign policy. (2019)
528. Describe the structure and function of the National Security Council of India. What role does it play in the formulation of Indian foreign
policy. (2020)
529. Explain the philosophical foundations of India's foreign policy. (150 words) (2021)
530. How do the constituent states influence the foreign policy making process in India? (2021)
531. Peaceful co-existence remains the cornerstone of India's foreign policy. Comment. (2022)

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532. Discuss the role of public diplomacy in the enhancement of India's global standing.(2022)
533. Critically examine the major factors responsible for a turnaround in the trajectory of India's foreign policy in the post-cold war period.
(2022)
534. Explain the major features of India's Foreign Policy in the 21st century. (2023)
535. What are the external determinants of the Foreign Policy of a State? (2023)

India and South Asia

SAARC
536. Identify the constraints/challenges to the regional cooperation in South Asia. (2015)
537. Sometimes we visualize that SAARC's efforts come to halt because of various impediments to regional cooperation." Elaborate with
reasonable examples of impediment. (2016)
538. Evaluate India's stand on the recent Rohingya refugee issue. (2018)
539. Outline the reasons of low volume of trade in the SAARC region. (2020)
540. Why South Asia is considered as the world's politically and economically least integrated region? Explain. (2021)
541. What are the impediments in the development of South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)? (2017)
542. Discuss the ways and means to realise greater economic co-operation among the Member States of South Asia. (2022)

Pakistan
543. Discuss the shift of India's foreign policy towards Pakistan in light of Pathankot incident. (2016)
544. "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. (2017)

Afghanistan
545. What steps has India taken to regain its foothold in Afghanistan since the Taliban has taken over the country in August 2021? (2023)

Bangladesh
546. Analyse the impact of hydro politics on Indo-Bangladesh relations. (2020)
547. Discuss the steps required to realise 'hydro-co-operation' between India and Bangladesh.(2022)

Nepal
548. Discuss the future prospects of Indo-Nepal relations in the context of the recent publication of new Nepalese map wrongly claiming
Indian territory. (2020)

Bhutan
"The Treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship between India and Bhutan needs to be revised with more pragmatic, realistic obligations
and responsibilities." Comment. (2017)

“Look East” policy

549. What are the hope aspirations of Look East Policy of India? Explain. (2016)
550. Analyse the significance of India's Look East Policy in the light of concerns of the indigenous peoples of North-east India. (2018)
551. Discuss the strategic implications of India's 'Look East Policy' transforming into 'Act East Policy'. (150 words) (2021)
552. What are the implications of 'Look-East' Policy on the north-eastern region of India? (2022)

Border Disputes
553. 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. (2015)
554. 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. (2015)
555. How does cross-border terrorism impede the achievements of peace and security in South Asia? (2020)
556. Write a brief analysis of the ethnic conflicts and cross-border migrations along India Myanmar and India-Bangladesh borders. (2021)
557. Discuss the consequences of illegal cross-border migration in India's northeastern region. (2022)
558. What are the reasons for lack of 'regionness' in South Asia ? (2023)
559. Why do ethnic conflicts and insurgencies continue to remain major impediments to regional co-operation in South Asia ? (2023)

India and Global South

Relations with Africa and Latin America
560. Discuss the factors for the decline of India's presence in Latin America. (2015)
561. 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. (2017)
562. "India's capacity building programmes under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) has earned much goodwill for it in
Africa." Discuss. (2018)
563. "India's Research and Information System for Development Countries" (RIS) is a major initiative in the area of South-South Cooperation.
Discuss. (2018)
564. How is India pursuing her foreign policy objectives through the IBSA Dialogue Forum (India, Brazil and South Africa)? (2019)
565. How do the guiding principles of India-Africa relations seek to enhance harmony and mutual cooperation between India and Africa?
(2020)
566. Identify the drivers of India's new interest in Africa. (2021)
567. Discuss the major drivers of India's interests in Africa. (2023)
568.

NIEO and WTO negotiations

569. Sketch the leadership role of India in WTO negotiations. (150 words) (2013)
570. Analyse the stalled progress of Doha Round of WTO negotiations over the differences between the developed and the developing
countries. (2017)
571. India's coalitional diplomacy with the WTO has earned it wide appreciation. What accounts for the success of India's coalitional
diplomacy? (2018)
572. Explain India's position on the waiver of intellectual property rights on COVID-19 vaccines in WTO. (150 words) (2021)
573. Discuss the relevance of the demand for New International Economic Order (NIEO) in the present era of globalisation.(2022)
574. Why is the compromise reached at WTO regarding the Covid-19 vaccine manufacturing not a Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights
(TRIPS) waiver ? (2023)
575. What diplomatic steps has India taken to articulate the interests of the Global South in International Politics? (2023)

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India and global centers of Power

India -USA
576. 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. (2014)
577. Before the year 2000, the Indo-U.S. relationship has been marked more with estrangement than cordiality. Why? (2015)
578. Comment on India's growing relationship with USA in the background of constrained relations between India and China. (2016)
579. The natural behaviour of India and the United States is likely to serve each other’s interest. Hence, a deliberate strategy of dovetailing
their efforts will obviously benefit both, Elaborate. (2017)
580. Discuss the role of Indian diaspora in promoting Indo-US relations. (2018)
581. Discuss the significance of Indo-US strategic partnership and its implications for India's security and national defence. (2020)
582. Explain the significance of Basic Exchange and Co-operation Agreement (BECA) for Indo-US strategic relations. (2022)

India- EU
583. "EU - India relations have a long way to go before they can purposely be termed strategic." Discuss. (2014)
584. Explain Britain's ouster from EU and bring out its consequences on world economy in general and India in particular. (2016)
585. Explain India's relations with the European Union in the context of Brexit. (2021)

India-Japan
586. Examine the recent developments in India-Japan relationship. (150 words) (2013)
587. Evaluate the recent changes in Indo – Japan relations. (2014)
588. 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? (2017)
589. Do you agree that the growing assertiveness of China is leading to multi-layered Indo-Japan relations? Comment. (2018)
590. 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? (2020)
591. What are the main drivers of India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership? (2022)

India-China
592. "Some of the major changes that occurred in India's foreign policy after the Sino – India war in 1962 were within the larger framework
of continuity." Discuss. (2014)
593. Illustrate the main causes of tension between India and China. Suggest the possibilities of improving relationship. (2016)
594. How is the 'Belt and Road Initiative' of China going to affect India-China relations? (2017)
595. Critically assess the evolving convergence of India and China in the areas of trade and environment. (2018)
596. Describe briefly China's 'One Belt One Road (OBOR)' Initiative and analyse India's major concerns. (2019)
597. What are the current issues in Brahmaputra River water sharing between India and China? (2019)
598. Critically examine India's position on South China Sea Dispute. (2019)
599. 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). (2020)
600. Examine the Geo-strategic points of contention in the bilateral relationship between India and China. (2021)

India-Russia
601. Analyse the drivers of Indo-Russian relations in the post-Cold-War era. (2014)
602. The recent differences between India and Russia are the result of misconceptions than facts. Elucidate. (2017)
603. 'Relations between India and Russia are rooted in history, mutual trust and mutually beneficial co-operations.' Discuss. (2021)
604. Arms trade, economic ties and congruent geo-political interests are no longer the three pillars of India - Russia relationship in the
emerging strategic context. Comment. (2023)

India and UN System

605. Bring out the objectives of India seeking permanent seat in Security Council. (150 words) (2013)
606. Is India's Council quest for permanent seat in the Security Council a possibility or just a pipedream? Elaborate with reasons. (2014)
607. Evaluate India's participation in United Nations peace-keeping operations over the years. (2014)
608. 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? (2015)
609. Critically analyse China's role in international politics against India's demand for permanent seat in UN Security council. (2016)
610. "India has been the largest and consistent country contributing to the UN peacekeepers worldwide." Examine India's role in this
perspective. (2017)
611. '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. (2017)
612. Discuss the various impediments in India's way to a permanent seat in the Security Council. (2018)
613. Analyse the recent trends in India's role in the UN peacekeeping operations. (2019)
614. Explain the importance of India's claim for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. (2020)
615. Discuss the 'Sustainable Development Goals' as set by the United Nations. (2021)
616. Explain the factors which justify India's claim for a permanent seat at the UN security council. (2022)
617. Discuss the importance of India's role in UN peacekeeping operations as a ground for its claim to a permanent seat in the UN Security
Council. (2023)

India and Nuclear Question

618. Is India's nuclear doctrine a viable one? (150 words) (2013)
619. Discuss the grounds for India's opposition to NPT. (2014)
620. 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? (2015)
621. Critically analyse India's nuclear policy. (2016)
622. Explain the socio-economic impacts of arms race and identify the obstacles In the way of disarmament. (2016)
623. 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. (2017)
624. 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?
(2019)
625. Discuss the efficacy of India's 'no first use' policy (nuclear weapons) in the context of the evolving strategic challenges from its
neighbours. (2020)

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626. Examine the evolution of India's role in the global nuclear order. (2021)
627. Discuss the reasons behind India's refusal to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT).(2022)
628. "India's Nuclear policy is deeply influenced by its cultural beliefs and the pragmatic approach of its foreign policy." Discuss. (2023)

Recent Developments
629. Examine the implications of turmoil in Iraq and West Asia for India's security and foreign policy concerns. (2014)
630. "Afghanistan is a litmus test for India's ascendance as a regional and global power." Discuss. (2014)
631. In the history of foreign policy, seldom have relations between any two nations blossomed as fast as they have in the case of India and
Israel. Discuss. (2014)
632. 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. (2015)
633. Discuss the realistic foreign policy initiatives taken by India to balance its relations between Israel & the Arab world. (2015)
634. Discuss the humanitarian role played by India in the crisis - stricken Gulf countries like Yemen and Iraq. (2015)
635. Has the recent Indo-Israeli relationships given a new-dynamics to India's stand on Palestinian statehood? (2017)
636. Do you think that India's capacity building role in Afghanistan has shrunk the strategic space for Pakistan there? Discuss. (2018)
637. The growing closeness between India and Israel will strengthen the cause of Palestine. Comment. (2019)
638. Write a brief note on India's interest in West Asia. (2019)
639. How is the current standoff between the USA and Iran affecting India's energy security? (2019)
640. Evaluate India's vision of a new world order. (2019)
641. "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 increasing onslaught of terrorism." Comment. (2020)
642. Identify the key sectors of cooperation between India and Israel since 2014. Examine their significance in strengthening the bilateral
ties between the two countries. (2020)
643. Critically examine the role of India in shaping the emerging world order. (2020)
644. Discuss the five proposals made by India in the recent COP-26 conference held in Glasgow. (150 words) (2021)
645. Write about the growing significance of QUAD. (150 words) (2021)
646. How does the recent takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban impact India's strategic interests? (150 words) (2021)
647. How does India-Israel bilateral ties reflect the autonomy of India's foreign policy choices ? (2022)
648. Discuss India's vision of a New World order in the 21st century. (2022)
649. Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) performs an important role in India's strategic balancing act to withstand the dominance of
China in Asia. Discuss. (2023)
650. Discuss the significance of "West Asia Quad" in the light of India's Look West' policy. (2023)
651. What are the challenges and limitations in India - Iran relations ? (2023)

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