Zollege is here for to help you!!
Need Counselling
Dipanwita Pramanik's profile photo

Dipanwita Pramanik

Content Writer | Updated On - Sep 22, 2025

CUET PG Political Science Question Paper 2025 is available here for download. NTA conducted CUET PG Political Science paper 2025 on from March 25 in Shift 1. CUET PG Question Paper 2025 is based on objective-type questions (MCQs). According to latest exam pattern, candidates get 90 minutes to solve 75 MCQs in CUET PG 2025 Political Science question paper.

CUET PG 2025 Political Science Question Paper with Solution

CUET PG Political Science​ Question Paper 2025 with Solutions Download PDF Check Solutions
CUET PG 2025 Political Science Question Paper


Question 1:

Who was the founder of the Bolshevik Communist party?

  • (A) Vladimir Lenin
  • (B) Joseph Stalin
  • (C) Nikita Khrushchev
  • (D) Leonid Brezhnev
Correct Answer: (A) Vladimir Lenin
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Historical Context
The question asks to identify the founder of the Bolshevik Communist party. This requires knowledge of the key figures in the Russian Revolution and the formation of the Soviet Union. The Bolsheviks emerged as a faction of the Marxist Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (RSDLP) and later became the ruling party of the Soviet Union.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(A) Vladimir Lenin: Vladimir Lenin was a Russian revolutionary and the leader of the Bolshevik faction of the RSDLP. He founded the party and led the October Revolution in 1917, which brought the Bolsheviks to power. Subsequently, he became the first head of the Soviet state. Therefore, he is the correct answer.

(B) Joseph Stalin: Stalin was a prominent member of the Bolshevik party and succeeded Lenin as the leader of the Soviet Union after Lenin's death in 1924. However, he was not the founder of the party.

(C) Nikita Khrushchev: Khrushchev was a significant Soviet leader who came to power after Stalin's death in 1953. His involvement with the party came much later than its founding.

(D) Leonid Brezhnev: Brezhnev led the Soviet Union from 1964 to 1982, long after the party's establishment. He played no role in its founding.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
Based on historical facts, Vladimir Lenin is correctly identified as the founder of the Bolshevik Communist party. His leadership was fundamental to the party's ideology, its seizure of power, and the establishment of the Soviet Union. Quick Tip: Vladimir Lenin is known as the key architect of the Bolshevik Revolution and the establishment of the Soviet state.


Question 2:

What is the key guide to statecraft in the realist tradition?

  • (A) National Interest
  • (B) Universal brotherhood
  • (C) Moral Principles
  • (D) Cross-border flows and common values
Correct Answer: (A) National Interest
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Realist Tradition Overview
The question concerns the core principle guiding statecraft within the political theory of Realism. Realism is a major school of thought in international relations that emphasizes the role of the state, national interest, and power. Realists view the international system as anarchic, meaning there is no overarching authority to enforce rules, leading states to rely on self-help to ensure their survival.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(A) National Interest: Realist theory posits that the primary driver of a state's foreign policy is its national interest, often defined in terms of power, security, and survival. States are seen as rational actors that pursue policies to maximize their own security and power relative to other states. This makes "National Interest" the central guide to statecraft in realism.
(B) Universal brotherhood: This concept is associated with Idealism or Liberalism, which emphasizes cooperation, shared values, and the potential for a peaceful international community. It stands in direct contrast to the realist focus on self-interest and power competition.
(C) Moral Principles: While morals can play a role, realists argue that universal moral principles cannot be applied to the actions of states without considering the concrete circumstances of time and place. The primary moral duty for a state leader, in the realist view, is the survival and security of the state, which may require actions that conflict with private morality.
(D) Cross-border flows and common values: This option reflects the perspective of Liberal and Constructivist theories, which highlight the importance of interdependence, international institutions, and shared norms in shaping state behavior. Realism, in contrast, is more skeptical of these factors and prioritizes the competitive aspects of international relations.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (A) National Interest. For realists, the pursuit of national interest, defined as power and security, is the fundamental and rational driver of a state's actions in the international arena. Quick Tip: Realism in international relations emphasizes power, security, and national interest as the guiding principles for state behavior.


Question 3:

Chronologically arrange the events in the Cold War period.



(A) Berlin Wall is constructed

(B) Communist China joins the UN

(C) Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia

(D) Berlin Blockade



% Choose the correct answer
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  • (1) A, B, C, D
  • (2) D, A, C, B
  • (3) B, A, D, C
  • (4) C, B, D, A
Correct Answer: (2) D, A, C, B
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Events
To determine the correct chronological order, we must identify the year each of the four Cold War events occurred.

The Berlin Blockade: The Soviet Union blocked the Western Allies' railway, road, and canal access to the sectors of Berlin under Western control. This crisis was one of the first major international confrontations of the Cold War.
The Berlin Wall is constructed: The German Democratic Republic (East Germany) built a concrete barrier that physically and ideologically divided Berlin.
The Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia: The Soviet Union and other Warsaw Pact members invaded Czechoslovakia to halt the Prague Spring political liberalization reforms.
Communist China joins the UN: The People's Republic of China was recognized as the sole legitimate representative of China in the United Nations, replacing the Republic of China (Taiwan).


\subsection*{Step 2: Establishing the Chronological Order
By looking up the specific dates of these events, the correct sequence can be established.

(D) Berlin Blockade: This event lasted from June 24, 1948, to May 12, 1949.
(A) Berlin Wall is constructed: Construction of the Berlin Wall began on August 13, 1961.
(C) Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia: The invasion occurred on August 20-21, 1968.
(B) Communist China joins the UN: The UN General Assembly voted to recognize the People's Republic of China on October 25, 1971.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct chronological order of the events is (D) Berlin Blockade, (A) Berlin Wall is constructed, (C) Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, and (B) Communist China joins the UN. Therefore, the correct sequence is D, A, C, B. Quick Tip: Understanding the sequence of major Cold War events helps in analyzing the broader geopolitical context of the period.


Question 4:

Morgenthau's principles of political realism are:



(A) Politics is rooted in permanent and unchanging human nature which is basically self-centered, self-regarding, and self-interested

(B) Politics is an autonomous sphere of action and cannot therefore be reduced to morals

(C) International Politics is an arena of conflicting self-interests

(D) The ethics of international relations is situational ethics which is very different from private morality



% Choose the correct answer
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  • (1) B, C and D only
  • (2) A, B, C and D
  • (3) A, B and C only
  • (4) A, B and D only
Correct Answer: (2) A, B, C and D
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Overview of Hans Morgenthau's Political Realism
Hans J. Morgenthau is a foundational figure in the school of classical realism. In his influential 1948 book, \textit{Politics Among Nations, he outlined key principles of political realism, arguing that international politics, like all politics, is a struggle for power. His principles are based on an interpretation of human nature as being fundamentally self-interested and power-seeking.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of the Principles Listed
All four options presented are central tenets of Morgenthau's classical realism.

(A) Politics is rooted in permanent and unchanging human nature: Morgenthau's first principle states that politics is governed by objective laws that have their roots in human nature. He believed that since human nature is constant, there are timeless laws that shape politics.
(B) Politics is an autonomous sphere of action: Morgenthau argued for the autonomy of the political sphere. A realist thinks in terms of interest defined as power, just as an economist thinks in terms of wealth. Political actions should be judged by political criteria, not solely by moral or legal ones.
(C) International Politics is an arena of conflicting self-interests: A core realist belief is that the main signpost in international politics is the concept of interest defined in terms of power. States will always pursue their national interests, which inevitably leads to conflict and competition.
(D) The ethics of international relations is situational ethics: Morgenthau's fourth principle addresses the tension between morality and political action. He argued that while realism is aware of the moral significance of political action, universal moral principles cannot be applied abstractly to states. A state's leader must filter moral considerations through the circumstances of time and place, with the primary moral commitment being national survival.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The analysis confirms that all four principles listed—(A), (B), (C), and (D)—are accurate representations of Hans Morgenthau's theory of political realism. They collectively form the foundation of his classical realist framework. Quick Tip: Morgenthau’s political realism focuses on the unchanging nature of human behavior and emphasizes national interest and power over morality.


Question 5:

Who among the following political thinkers consider the anarchic self-help system to be a compelling factor for States to maximise their relative power positions?

  • (1) Hans J. Morgenthau
  • (2) John Mearsheimer
  • (3) Kenneth Waltz
  • (4) Marysia Zalewski
Correct Answer: (2) John Mearsheimer
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding Theories of International Relations
The question asks to identify the theorist who argues that the anarchic nature of the international system compels states to maximize their relative power for survival. This concept is the core of a specific branch of realism.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) Hans J. Morgenthau: As discussed in Solution 4, Morgenthau is a classical realist who roots state behavior in human nature's drive for power. While he focuses on power, his emphasis is less on the structural anarchy of the system itself as the primary driver.
(2) John Mearsheimer: Mearsheimer is the leading proponent of "offensive realism." His theory posits that the anarchic nature of the international system, combined with uncertainty about other states' intentions and the inherent offensive military capability of all great powers, forces states to continuously seek more power. The ultimate goal for a state is to become the hegemon in the system, as this is the best way to ensure survival. This perfectly matches the description in the question.
(3) Kenneth Waltz: Waltz is the founder of neorealism, or "defensive realism." Like Mearsheimer, he emphasizes the anarchic structure of the international system. However, Waltz argues that states are primarily security-maximizers, not power-maximizers. He believes that seeking too much power (hegemony) is risky because it will cause other states to form a balancing coalition against it. States should seek an "appropriate" amount of power to ensure their security.
(4) Marysia Zalewski: Zalewski is a prominent scholar in feminist and critical international relations theory. Her work focuses on gender, power, and knowledge in global politics, which is distinct from the realist focus on state survival and power maximization in an anarchic system.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (2) John Mearsheimer. His theory of offensive realism uniquely argues that the structure of the international system compels great powers to maximize their relative power with the ultimate goal of achieving hegemony to guarantee their survival. Quick Tip: John Mearsheimer’s offensive realism highlights the importance of power maximization in an anarchic international system.


Question 6:

Match the LIST-I with LIST-II


\begin{table[h!]
\centering
\begin{tabular{|c|c|
\hline
LIST-I (International Events) & LIST-II (Year)

\hline
A. Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bomb attacks & I. 1991

B. Formation of WTO & II. 1956

C. Soviet Invasion of Hungary & III. 1945

D. Collapse of the Soviet Union & IV. 1995

\hline
\end{tabular
\end{table


% Choose the correct answer
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  • (1) A - I, B - II, C - III, D - IV
  • (2) A - III, B - IV, C - II, D - I
  • (3) A - III, B - IV, C - III, D - I
  • (4) A - III, B - IV, C - I, D - II
Correct Answer: (2) A - III, B - IV, C - II, D - I
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Identifying the Years of Key Events
This solution requires matching four major historical events with the correct year of their occurrence.

(A) Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bomb attacks: The United States dropped atomic bombs on these two Japanese cities during the final stages of World War II.
(B) Formation of WTO: The World Trade Organization was established to regulate and facilitate international trade, succeeding a previous agreement.
(C) Soviet Invasion of Hungary: Soviet forces invaded Hungary to crush a nationwide anti-Soviet revolution.
(D) Collapse of the Soviet Union: The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was formally dissolved, ending the Cold War.


\subsection*{Step 2: Matching Events to the Correct Years
Verifying the historical timeline provides the correct matches.

(A) Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bomb attacks: These events occurred on August 6 and August 9, 1945, respectively.
(B) Formation of WTO: The World Trade Organization officially commenced on January 1, 1995, replacing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
(C) Soviet Invasion of Hungary: The Soviet Union launched its major offensive to crush the Hungarian Revolution on November 4, 1956.
(D) Collapse of the Soviet Union: The Soviet Union was formally dissolved in 1991, with Mikhail Gorbachev resigning on December 25th.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct matching is as follows:

A - 1945 (III)
B - 1995 (IV)
C - 1956 (II)
D - 1991 (I)

This confirms the matching provided in the solution (A - III, B - IV, C - II, D - I) is correct. Quick Tip: Remember the historical timeline of major events, especially during the Cold War era, as they often have fixed years and are easy to confuse.


Question 7:

Which among the following is not the principal aim of the UN as elaborated in its founding Charter?

  • (1) To safeguard peace and security
  • (2) Developing friendly relations among nations
  • (3) To uphold respect for international law
  • (4) To ensure economic development for minorities
Correct Answer: (4) To ensure economic development for minorities
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Aims of the UN
The question requires identifying which of the given options is \textit{not a principal aim of the United Nations as laid out in its founding document, the UN Charter. The UN was established in 1945 with several core objectives to guide its mission.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options Based on the UN Charter
Article 1 of the UN Charter clearly outlines the organization's main purposes. Let's analyze the options against these stated aims.

(1) To safeguard peace and security: This is the very first and most crucial aim listed in the UN Charter: "To maintain international peace and security...".
(2) Developing friendly relations among nations: This is also a core purpose stated in the Charter: "To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples...".
(3) To uphold respect for international law: The Charter's preamble and its first article both emphasize achieving goals "in conformity with the principles of justice and international law."
(4) To ensure economic development for minorities: While the UN does aim "to achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character," and promotes human rights for all "without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion," the specific goal of ensuring economic development \textit{for minorities is not listed as one of its foundational, principal aims. The aim is broader—focused on international cooperation for economic problems in general and promoting universal human rights.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
While the work of the UN certainly involves and benefits minorities through its broader mandates on economic development and human rights, "to ensure economic development for minorities" is not articulated as a principal aim in its founding Charter in the same way as maintaining peace, fostering friendly relations, and upholding international law. Therefore, this option is correctly identified as the one that is not a principal aim of the UN. Quick Tip: The main aims of the UN focus on peace, security, and cooperation among nations, rather than specific economic development for minorities.


Question 8:

Arrange the following events in a chronological order.



A. Korean War

B. Vietnam War

C. Non-Proliferation Treaty

D. Strategic Arms Limitation Talks-I



% Choose the correct answer
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  • (1) A, B, C, D
  • (2) A, D, C, B
  • (3) A, C, B, D
  • (4) B, A, C, D
Correct Answer: (2) A, D, C, B
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Events
To arrange the given events in the correct chronological sequence, it is essential to understand the context and timing of each.

Korean War: A major military conflict that began when North Korea, supported by the Soviet Union and China, invaded South Korea, which was supported by the United Nations, primarily the United States. This was one of the first major armed confrontations of the Cold War.
Vietnam War: A long and divisive conflict pitting the communist government of North Vietnam against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States. The conflict was a proxy war in the larger Cold War context.
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): An international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament.
Strategic Arms Limitation Talks-I (SALT I): A series of negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union aimed at curtailing the manufacture of strategic nuclear missiles. It was a key element of the détente policy.


\subsection*{Step 2: Arranging the Events Chronologically
Establishing the dates for each event is crucial for correct ordering. Note: The chronological conclusion in the provided source material (A, D, C, B) is incorrect based on the historical dates. The correct sequence is as follows:

(A) Korean War: The war lasted from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953.
(B) Vietnam War: While the conflict has deeper roots, the widely accepted start date for the war is November 1, 1955, and it ended on April 30, 1975.
(C) Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): The treaty was opened for signature on July 1, 1968.
(D) Strategic Arms Limitation Talks-I (SALT I): These landmark negotiations culminated in a signed agreement on May 26, 1972.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
Based on the historical timeline, the correct chronological order of the events is: (A) Korean War, (B) Vietnam War, (C) Non-Proliferation Treaty, and (D) Strategic Arms Limitation Talks-I. The correct sequence is therefore A, B, C, D. Quick Tip: For chronological order questions, remember the key historical events and their respective time frames, especially during the Cold War era.


Question 9:

In which year did Croatia become the 28th member of the European Union?

  • (1) 2010
  • (2) 2011
  • (3) 2013
  • (4) 2014
Correct Answer: (3) 2013
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: EU Expansion Context
The European Union (EU) has expanded multiple times since its foundation. The process of accession involves a candidate country aligning its domestic legislation with the body of EU law, a lengthy process involving negotiations and reforms. Croatia's journey to membership was part of the EU's enlargement policy towards the Western Balkans.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options
The question asks for the specific year Croatia became the 28th member of the European Union.

(1) 2010: In 2010, Croatia was still in the final stages of its accession negotiations. It had not yet joined the EU.
(2) 2011: Croatia successfully concluded its accession negotiations on June 30, 2011, and signed the Treaty of Accession in December 2011, but this was not the year it formally became a member.
(3) 2013: Croatia officially joined the European Union on July 1, 2013, becoming its 28th member state after a lengthy negotiation process and a successful national referendum.
(4) 2014: This is incorrect. By 2014, Croatia had already been a member of the EU for a year.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (3) 2013. Croatia's accession on July 1, 2013, marked a significant milestone in the country's post-independence history and in the EU's relationship with the Western Balkans. Quick Tip: Croatia's accession to the EU marked a significant moment in the Union's enlargement process.


Question 10:

Which term of nationalism was advocated by Giuseppe Mazzini?

  • (1) Liberal Nationalism
  • (2) Malignant Nationalism
  • (3) Cosmopolitan Nationalism
  • (4) Radical Nationalism
Correct Answer: (1) Liberal Nationalism
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding Giuseppe Mazzini's Nationalism
Giuseppe Mazzini (1805-1872) was a pivotal figure in the Italian \textit{Risorgimento (unification). His philosophy was not just about creating a unified Italian state but about the moral and spiritual revival of the nation. His nationalism was deeply intertwined with democratic, republican, and liberal ideals, believing that the nation-state was the proper vehicle for ensuring individual liberty and collective progress under God.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) Liberal Nationalism: This ideology combines the goals of nationalism (the self-determination of nations) with liberal values such as individual rights, popular sovereignty, and democracy. Mazzini's vision of a unified, independent, and republican Italy, created by the will of the people to secure their freedom, is a classic example of liberal nationalism.
(2) Malignant Nationalism: This term describes aggressive, expansionist, and chauvinistic forms of nationalism that are often xenophobic and oppressive. This is the antithesis of Mazzini's vision, which was based on the idea of a brotherhood of free European nations.
(3) Cosmopolitan Nationalism: While Mazzini did have a vision for a "Young Europe"—a fraternity of independent nations—his primary focus was on the distinctness and self-determination of individual nations like Italy. His nationalism was the necessary first step towards a harmonious international order, not a global or cosmopolitan identity that supersedes the nation.
(4) Radical Nationalism: While Mazzini was a revolutionary who advocated for radical change, the term "Radical Nationalism" can imply an extremism that does not fully capture the liberal and democratic core of his philosophy. His radicalism was a means to achieve a liberal-nationalist end.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (1) Liberal Nationalism. This term best encapsulates Mazzini's core belief in creating a unified and free Italy based on democratic principles and the sovereignty of the people. Quick Tip: Giuseppe Mazzini's Liberal Nationalism focused on unification and liberty within a democratic framework, especially in Italy.


Question 11:

Knowledge without justice ought to be called cunning rather than wisdom, who said these words.

  • (1) Locke
  • (2) Cicero
  • (3) Plato
  • (4) Alice Stone
Correct Answer: (2) Cicero
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Quote
The quote, "Knowledge which is divorced from justice, may be called cunning rather than wisdom," posits that true wisdom is not merely the accumulation of facts or intellectual skill. It requires a moral and ethical foundation, specifically a commitment to justice. Without this foundation, knowledge becomes a tool for manipulation and self-interest (cunning) rather than a virtue that serves the greater good (wisdom).

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) Locke: John Locke was an English philosopher focused on empiricism, natural rights (life, liberty, property), and the social contract. While concerned with justice in governance, this specific formulation on the nature of wisdom is not attributed to him.
(2) Cicero: Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman statesman, lawyer, and philosopher who sought to synthesize Greek philosophy with Roman civic duty. He wrote extensively on justice, wisdom, and the responsibilities of citizens and leaders. This quote is widely attributed to him, reflecting his belief that knowledge must be applied ethically for the good of the republic.
(3) Plato: While Plato's work, especially \textit{The Republic, extensively discusses the relationship between justice, knowledge, and the ideal state, and this quote is thematically similar to his ideas, the specific phrasing is most commonly attributed to Cicero.
(4) Alice Stone Blackwell: Alice Stone Blackwell was a prominent American suffragist, journalist, and human rights activist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her work was in a different field and historical context.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (2) Cicero. The quote is a well-known aphorism from his philosophical writings, summarizing his view on the essential connection between knowledge and ethics. Quick Tip: Cicero's works focus on justice, law, and virtue, making him a key figure in philosophical discussions of moral and legal issues.


Question 12:

Which part of the Indian Constitution provides for the secular character of our polity?

  • (1) Fundamental Duties
  • (2) The Preamble
  • (3) Directive Principles of state policy
  • (4) Article 75
Correct Answer: (2) The Preamble
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding Indian Secularism
The secularism of the Indian state is a foundational principle of its constitution. It is based on the concept of \textit{Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava (equal respect for all religions). This means the state does not have an official religion and is mandated to maintain neutrality and impartiality towards all religions.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options
The question asks where the secular character of India is explicitly mentioned.

(1) Fundamental Duties: Mentioned in Part IV-A of the Constitution, the Fundamental Duties encourage citizens to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood, but they do not explicitly declare the state's secular nature.
(2) The Preamble: The Preamble serves as the introduction to the Constitution and outlines its philosophy and objectives. The word "SECULAR" was explicitly added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976, thereby officially declaring India's commitment to secularism. Even before the amendment, the Supreme Court held that secularism was a basic feature of the constitution.
(3) Directive Principles of State Policy: These principles, in Part IV, are guidelines for the state in lawmaking. While they aim for a just society, they do not contain the explicit declaration of India as a secular state.
(4) Article 75: This article deals with the appointment of the Prime Minister and other ministers and is unrelated to the secular character of the state.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (2) The Preamble, as it is the part of the Constitution that explicitly declares India to be a "SECULAR" republic, affirming this as a core value of the nation. Quick Tip: The Preamble of the Constitution is a key document for understanding the fundamental values and principles of the Indian state.


Question 13:

Which of the following is NOT an organ of the State as presented in the Saptanga Theory in Arthashastra?

  • (1) Amatya
  • (2) Durga
  • (3) Shakti
  • (4) Kosha
Correct Answer: (2) Durga
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Saptanga Theory
The Saptanga Theory, detailed in Kautilya's ancient treatise on statecraft, the \textit{Arthashastra, describes the state as an organism with seven essential and interrelated limbs or elements (\textit{prakritis). A strong and prosperous state requires all seven elements to be healthy and functional. The seven elements are:

Swamin (The King/Sovereign)
Amatya (The Ministers/Officials)
Janapada (The Territory and its People)
Durga (The Fort/Fortified Capital)
Kosha (The Treasury)
Danda (The Army/Force)
Mitra (The Ally/Friend)


\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options
The question asks to identify the option which is not a separate organ in the Saptanga theory. There appears to be a misunderstanding in the provided solution's reasoning. All listed options are, in fact, elements of the theory. The likely intent of the question is to distinguish between the abstract/administrative elements and the physical ones.

(1) Amatya: The ministers and bureaucracy are a distinct and crucial administrative organ of the state.
(2) Durga: The fort is a distinct element, representing the state's defensive and military infrastructure. While it is a physical entity rather than an administrative body, it is one of the seven core organs.
(3) Shakti (or Danda): The army is a key organ, representing the coercive power of the state.
(4) Kosha: The treasury is the financial organ of the state, essential for its operations.

Given the options, the conclusion that "Durga... refers to fortifications rather than an organ" is flawed, as the fortifications \textit{are the organ. A reinterpretation suggests the question may have been poorly phrased, intending to ask which element is not an administrative or human component. In that specific context, Durga (the physical fort) stands out from Amatya (ministers), Kosha (treasury officials), and Danda (soldiers).

\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
Assuming the question intended to distinguish between physical infrastructure and administrative/human organs, the answer would be (2) Durga. However, it must be emphasized that within the Saptanga Theory itself, Durga is unequivocally considered one of the seven essential organs or limbs of the state. Quick Tip: The Saptanga Theory presents the fundamental components of a state, and each element plays a crucial role in governance and security.


Question 14:

Who among the following political thinkers believed that Satya is the essence of Dharma?

  • (1) Raja Rammohan Roy
  • (2) V.D. Savarkar
  • (3) M.K. Gandhi
  • (4) B.R. Ambedkar
Correct Answer: (3) M.K. Gandhi
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Concept of Satya and Dharma
In Gandhian philosophy, Satya (Truth) and Dharma (Righteousness, moral duty) are inextricably linked. For Gandhi, Satya was the ultimate principle, synonymous with God. He famously stated, "Truth is God." Dharma, in this context, is the ethical and moral path one must follow to realize this Truth. Therefore, to live a life of Dharma is to live a life dedicated to the pursuit of Satya, primarily through the means of Ahimsa (non-violence).

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) Raja Rammohan Roy: A key figure in the Bengal Renaissance, his focus was on social and religious reform, advocating for monotheism and rationalism, and campaigning against practices like Sati. His philosophy did not center on the specific Gandhian interpretation of Satya as the essence of Dharma.
(2) V.D. Savarkar: An advocate of Hindutva, his political philosophy was centered on a cultural and political definition of the Hindu nation. His approach was markedly different from Gandhi's emphasis on non-violence and the spiritual pursuit of truth.
(3) M.K. Gandhi: Gandhi's entire life and political action were based on what he called his "Experiments with Truth." He saw the path of non-violence (Ahimsa) and selfless action as the Dharma necessary to achieve the ultimate goal of Satya (Truth). This makes him the correct answer.
(4) B.R. Ambedkar: A brilliant jurist and social reformer, Ambedkar's primary focus was on achieving social justice, eradicating the caste system, and securing rights for the oppressed through constitutional and legal means. His philosophy did not revolve around the spiritual link between Satya and Dharma in the way Gandhi's did.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (3) M.K. Gandhi. His philosophy is unique in its identification of Satya (Truth) as the ultimate reality and Dharma as the righteous, non-violent path to its realization. Quick Tip: M.K. Gandhi's philosophy was deeply rooted in the concept of Satya (truth) and Ahimsa (non-violence), both integral to his approach to social and political activism.


Question 15:

According to Rawls, the correct principles of Justice are determined by?

  • (1) God
  • (2) nature
  • (3) the connections of society
  • (4) the choice that rational individuals would make in a hypothetical situation
Correct Answer: (4) the choice that rational individuals would make in a hypothetical situation
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Overview of John Rawls' Theory of Justice
In his seminal work, \textit{A Theory of Justice (1971), philosopher John Rawls proposes a method for deriving principles of justice for a society. He introduces a thought experiment called the "Original Position." In this hypothetical situation, individuals are placed behind a "Veil of Ignorance," which prevents them from knowing their place in society—their class, race, gender, talents, or conception of the good life.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options
The question asks for the basis of justice according to Rawls.

(1) God: Rawls' theory is secular and philosophical. It does not derive its principles from divine revelation or command; it is based on human reason.
(2) Nature: While Rawls considers facts about human nature and society, his theory is not a form of natural law theory that derives justice from an inherent order in nature. It is a procedural theory based on a constructed agreement.
(3) The connections of society: Existing social connections are obscured by the "veil of ignorance." The principles of justice are chosen precisely to avoid being biased by one's current social status or relationships.
(4) The choice that rational individuals would make in a hypothetical situation: This is the core of Rawls's theory. Behind the veil of ignorance, rational and mutually disinterested individuals would choose principles that are fair to all, because they would not know which position in society they might end up occupying. This ensures impartiality.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (4) the choice that rational individuals would make in a hypothetical situation. Rawls's "justice as fairness" is derived from the idea of a social contract made under the fair, impartial conditions of the Original Position and the Veil of Ignorance. Quick Tip: Rawls' concept of justice is based on fairness, and his "veil of ignorance" ensures that justice is determined impartially and rationally.


Question 16:

What was the name of the organization founded by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar?

  • (1) Mitra Mela
  • (2) Shatru Mela
  • (3) Aaptamitra Mela
  • (4) Anushilan Samiti
Correct Answer: (1) Mitra Mela
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding Savarkar's Contributions
Vinayak Damodar (V.D.) Savarkar was an Indian nationalist, revolutionary, and politician. During his early years as a student activist, he was deeply involved in organizing secret societies to promote revolutionary activities against British rule in India. His initial efforts in this regard led to the formation of an organization aimed at inspiring the youth of Maharashtra to fight for India's independence through revolutionary means.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) Mitra Mela: This is the correct answer. In 1899, Savarkar and his brother Ganesh Savarkar founded the \textit{Mitra Mela (Society of Friends) in Nasik, Maharashtra. It was a secret society that used traditional religious festivals (like the Ganpati festival) to spread nationalist and revolutionary ideas. In 1904, this organization was renamed \textit{Abhinav Bharat Society (Young India Society), inspired by Giuseppe Mazzini's "Young Italy."
(2) Shatru Mela: This is not a known organization founded by Savarkar. The name, which translates to "Society of Enemies," is unlikely for a nationalist group.
(3) Aaptamitra Mela: This is not a recognized historical organization associated with V.D. Savarkar.
(4) Anushilan Samiti: This was a prominent revolutionary organization in Bengal, but it was not founded by Savarkar. The Anushilan Samiti was established in Calcutta in 1902 by a group of nationalists including Satish Chandra Basu, with leaders like Aurobindo Ghosh and Barin Ghosh playing significant roles. It operated independently of Savarkar's activities in Maharashtra.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (1) Mitra Mela. This secret society was founded by V.D. Savarkar in 1899 and later evolved into the Abhinav Bharat Society, playing a notable role in the revolutionary freedom struggle. Quick Tip: Savarkar's Mitra Mela aimed at educating the youth and preparing them for the fight against British rule, which played an important role in India’s independence struggle.


Question 17:

Which among the following option is NOT a foreign policy alternative according to Kautilya in his Arthashastra?

  • (1) Dvaidhibhava
  • (2) Vigraha
  • (3) Asana
  • (4) Dana
Correct Answer: (3) Asana
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Kautilya's Foreign Policy Alternatives (Shadgunya)
In the \textit{Arthashastra, Kautilya outlines a pragmatic and complex theory of foreign policy based on the \textit{Mandala (circle of states) theory. The core of this policy is the \textit{Shadgunya, or the six-fold policy, which a wise king (\textit{vijigishu or would-be conqueror) should use to manage relationships with other states. The six policies are:

Sandhi (Peace): Making a treaty or agreement, typically when one is weaker than the enemy.
Vigraha (War): Waging war, to be used when one is stronger than the enemy.
Asana (Neutrality/Halting): Remaining stationary or neutral, usually to allow the enemy to weaken itself or to build up one's own strength.
Yana (Marching/Attack): Launching an expedition or attack without a formal declaration of war, when one is confident of victory.
Samsraya (Seeking Shelter): Seeking protection from a stronger king when threatened.
Dvaidhibhava (Double Policy): Simultaneously making peace with one king while waging war against another.

The provided solution text is slightly inaccurate; it omits several policies and misinterprets the role of Asana. Asana is a deliberate policy of inaction, not necessarily a "non-primary" one.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options
The question asks to identify which option is not a "primary foreign policy alternative." This is ambiguous, but based on the likely intent, it refers to active engagement policies versus passive ones.

(1) Dvaidhibhava: This is a core active strategy, involving simultaneous peace and war. It is a key part of the Shadgunya.
(2) Vigraha: The policy of war is one of the most direct and active foreign policy alternatives. It is a fundamental part of the Shadgunya.
(3) Asana: This policy refers to neutrality or remaining quiet. It is a strategic pause, a policy of deliberate inaction. Compared to war, attack, or dual policies, it is the most passive of the six strategies. The solution's reasoning that it's "not one of Kautilya's active foreign policy alternatives" is plausible in this comparative sense.
(4) Dana: Dana (giving gifts/bribery) is one of the four means of statecraft (\textit{Upayas: Sama, Dana, Bheda, Danda), which are the tools to implement the six policies. It is not one of the six high-level policies (Shadgunya) itself. The solution seems to confuse the Upayas with the Shadgunya. However, given the options, Asana is the most distinct in its passive nature among the actual Shadgunya policies listed.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The most logical answer among the choices, based on the distinction between active engagement and strategic inaction, is (3) Asana. It is a policy of neutrality and waiting, which can be seen as less "active" than war or diplomacy. Quick Tip: Kautilya’s Arthashastra provides a practical framework for foreign policy, emphasizing strategies such as war, diplomacy, and alliances.


Question 18:

Which among the following statements are CORRECT about Mahatma Gandhi's idea on Ahimsa?


(A) Mahatma Gandhi believed that satya led him to ahimsa.

(B) He distinguished between the positive and negative meanings of satya and ahimsa.

(C) Ahimsa was the manifest part of Truth.

(D) Ahimsa is the means and Truth is the end.



% Choose the correct answer
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  • (1) A, B and D only
  • (2) A, B and C only
  • (3) A, B, C and D
  • (4) B, C and D only
Correct Answer: (3) A, B, C and D
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding Gandhi's View on Ahimsa
For Mahatma Gandhi, Ahimsa (non-violence) was not merely a political tactic but the core of his philosophy and way of life. It was inextricably linked to his concept of Satya (Truth). He believed that Truth was the ultimate end, or God, and Ahimsa was the only legitimate means to achieve it. This relationship between means and end was absolute; an impure means (violence) could never lead to a pure end (Truth).

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(A) Mahatma Gandhi believed that satya led him to ahimsa: This is correct. Gandhi's relentless pursuit of Truth (Satya) led him to the conclusion that violence could never reveal it. He realized that since no human could know the absolute truth, they had no right to punish or coerce others through violence. Thus, his commitment to Truth demanded a commitment to non-violence.
(B) He distinguished between the positive and negative meanings of satya and ahimsa: This is correct. In its negative sense, Ahimsa means not harming any living being. In its positive and more profound sense, it means selfless, active love and compassion for all, even one's opponents. This positive form of Ahimsa requires courage and strength, not weakness.
(C) Ahimsa was the manifest part of Truth: This is correct. For Gandhi, while Truth was the ultimate, abstract reality, Ahimsa was its practical expression in the world. Living a life of non-violence was the way to live a life of Truth. It was how the invisible principle of Truth became visible in one's actions.
(D) Ahimsa is the means and Truth is the end: This is the cornerstone of Gandhi's philosophy. He famously said, "They say 'means are after all means'. I would say 'means are after all everything'. As the means so the end...". For him, Ahimsa was the path, and Satya was the destination. The path had to be as pure as the destination itself.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (3) A, B, C, and D. All four statements accurately reflect the deep, multi-faceted, and central role of Ahimsa and its relationship with Satya in Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy. Quick Tip: Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa is rooted in the belief that non-violence is the path to Truth, which is the highest moral and spiritual goal.


Question 19:

First UN Secretary General Trygve Lie was associated with which country?

  • (1) Austria
  • (2) Sweden
  • (3) Norway
  • (4) Egypt
Correct Answer: (3) Norway
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding Trygve Lie's Association
Trygve Lie was a prominent diplomat and politician who became the first-ever Secretary-General of the United Nations. His tenure (1946-1952) occurred during the formative and challenging early years of the UN, marked by the onset of the Cold War, the Korean War, and the founding of Israel.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options
The question asks for Trygve Lie's country of origin.

(1) Austria: Trygve Lie was not from Austria. The third UN Secretary-General, Kurt Waldheim, was from Austria.
(2) Sweden: Trygve Lie was not from Sweden. The second UN Secretary-General, Dag Hammarskjöld, was from Sweden.
(3) Norway: This is the correct answer. Trygve Lie was a Norwegian politician who served as Foreign Minister of Norway during the years of its government-in-exile in London in World War II. His leadership during this period brought him to international prominence, leading to his election as the first UN Secretary-General.
(4) Egypt: Trygve Lie was not from Egypt. The sixth UN Secretary-General, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, was from Egypt.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (3) Norway. Trygve Lie was a distinguished Norwegian diplomat and politician. Quick Tip: Trygve Lie was the first UN Secretary-General, serving Norway as an influential statesman before assuming the global leadership role.


Question 20:

Which of the following statements are CORRECT about the single-transferable vote system?



(A) The single-transferable vote system was first proposed by Thomas Hare.

(B) It is widely used in the Republic of Ireland.

(C) In the States with multi-member constituencies, the representatives are elected from each constituency.

(D) The voters get to cast multiple votes.



% Choose the correct answer
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  • (1) A, B and D only
  • (2) A, B and C only
  • (3) A, B, C and D
  • (4) B, C and D only
Correct Answer: (3) A, B, C and D
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Single-Transferable Vote (STV) System
The Single Transferable Vote (STV) is a proportional representation voting system. Its key features are that it is used in multi-member constituencies (districts that elect more than one representative) and it uses a preferential ballot. Voters rank candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3, etc.). The system is designed to minimize "wasted votes" and ensure that the elected representatives reflect the diversity of voter preferences in the constituency.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(A) The single-transferable vote system was first proposed by Thomas Hare: This is correct. Thomas Hare, an English barrister, developed the idea in the 1850s, leading to the system sometimes being called the Hare system.
(B) It is widely used in the Republic of Ireland: This is correct. Ireland uses STV for its national elections (Dáil Éireann), European Parliament elections, and local elections. It is a defining feature of the Irish political system.
(C) In the States with multi-member constituencies, the representatives are elected from each constituency: This is a defining characteristic of STV. The system only works in constituencies where there are multiple seats to be filled.
(D) The voters get to cast multiple votes: This is correct, in a sense. A voter casts one ballot, but on that ballot, they express multiple preferences by ranking several candidates. These preferences function like a series of contingent votes that can be transferred from one candidate to another during the counting process.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (3) A, B, C, and D. All the statements provided are accurate descriptions of the key features, origins, and application of the Single Transferable Vote system. Quick Tip: The STV system ensures proportional representation and gives voters the ability to rank candidates by preference, making it a more representative form of voting.


Question 21:

Amnesty International campaigns for the protection of the -

  • (1) Infants
  • (2) Senior Citizens
  • (3) Environment
  • (4) Human Rights
Correct Answer: (4) Human Rights
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding Amnesty International's Role
Amnesty International, founded in 1961, is a non-governmental organization with a global presence. Its stated mission is to campaign for "a world in which every person enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards." It does this through research, advocacy, and campaigning.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options
The question asks for the primary focus of Amnesty International.

(1) Infants: While Amnesty's work on human rights covers the rights of children, infants are not its sole or primary focus.
(2) Senior Citizens: Similarly, Amnesty advocates for the rights of all people, including the elderly, but it is not an organization specifically for senior citizens' rights.
(3) Environment: While there is a growing recognition of the link between environmental degradation and human rights (the right to a healthy environment), environmental protection itself is not Amnesty's primary mandate. Organizations like Greenpeace or the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) focus on the environment.
(4) Human Rights: This is the correct answer. Amnesty International's core mission is the protection and promotion of the full spectrum of human rights for all people, everywhere. This includes work to free prisoners of conscience, ensure fair trials, end torture and the death penalty, and protect the rights of refugees.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (4) Human Rights. Amnesty International is one of the world's leading organizations dedicated to the universal protection of human rights. Quick Tip: Amnesty International is focused on protecting human rights globally, especially for individuals facing unfair treatment or human rights violations.


Question 22:

According to Aristotle what was the perverted form of Aristocracy?

  • (1) Tyranny
  • (2) Democracy
  • (3) Oligarchy
  • (4) Monarchy
Correct Answer: (3) Oligarchy
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Aristotle's Classification of Constitutions
In his work \textit{Politics, Aristotle provided a famous classification of political systems. He categorized them based on two criteria: 1) the number of rulers (one, few, or many), and 2) whether the rulers govern for the common good (the "correct" form) or in their own self-interest (the "perverted" or "deviant" form).

This creates a grid of six forms of government:

Rule by One: Correct form is Monarchy; Perverted form is Tyranny.
Rule by the Few: Correct form is Aristocracy (rule by the best); Perverted form is Oligarchy (rule by the wealthy).
Rule by the Many: Correct form is Polity (constitutional government); Perverted form is Democracy (which Aristotle saw as mob rule).


\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options
The question asks for the perverted form of aristocracy.

(1) Tyranny: According to Aristotle, tyranny is the perverted form of monarchy.
(2) Democracy: Aristotle saw democracy as the perverted form of polity.
(3) Oligarchy: This is the correct answer. Aristotle argued that when the few who rule are chosen based on virtue and govern for the common good, it is an aristocracy. When they are chosen based on wealth and rule for their own enrichment and benefit, the system degenerates into an oligarchy.
(4) Monarchy: Monarchy is the correct form of rule by one, not a perversion of aristocracy.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (3) Oligarchy. In Aristotle's political philosophy, oligarchy is the corrupt or perverted form of aristocracy, where the principle of rule shifts from virtue to wealth. Quick Tip: Aristotle’s view of political systems includes the concept that aristocracy’s perversion is oligarchy, where a few wealthy individuals hold power.


Question 23:

Which provision was inserted in the constitution by the 86th Constitution Amendment Act?

  • (1) Article 19
  • (2) Article 21 A
  • (3) Article 51 A
  • (4) Article 100
Correct Answer: (2) Article 21 A
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the 86th Constitutional Amendment
The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, was a landmark amendment to the Indian Constitution that focused on the provision of education. Its primary objective was to make education a fundamental right, thereby making it a legally enforceable duty of the state.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options
The question asks which article was inserted by this amendment.

(1) Article 19: This article, which guarantees freedoms such as speech and expression, has been part of the Constitution since its inception. It was not added by the 86th Amendment.
(2) Article 21 A: This is the correct answer. The 86th Amendment inserted this new article, which states: "The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the State may, by law, determine." This elevated the right to education to the status of a fundamental right.
(3) Article 51 A: This article, which lists the Fundamental Duties, was added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976. The 86th Amendment did, however, add a new clause (k) to Article 51-A, making it a duty of parents to provide educational opportunities for their children. But the article itself was not inserted by the 86th Amendment.
(4) Article 100: This article deals with voting and quorum in the Houses of Parliament and has been in the Constitution from the beginning.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (2) Article 21 A. The 86th Constitutional Amendment is primarily known for inserting this article, making the Right to Education a fundamental right in India. Quick Tip: The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act made education a fundamental right, providing every child aged 6 to 14 with the right to free and compulsory education.


Question 24:

Who among the following political thinkers considered the state of nature as "war of every man against every man"?

  • (1) Thomas Hobbes
  • (2) John Locke
  • (3) J. J. Rousseau
  • (4) Machiavelli
Correct Answer: (1) Thomas Hobbes
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding Hobbes' View of the State of Nature
In his 1651 masterpiece, \textit{Leviathan, English philosopher Thomas Hobbes presented a bleak view of human life in the "state of nature"—a hypothetical condition before the formation of governments. He argued that humans are driven by a desire for self-preservation and a perpetual quest for power. In the absence of a common authority to enforce rules, this leads to a state of universal conflict and fear.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) Thomas Hobbes: This is correct. Hobbes famously described the state of nature as a "war of every man against every man" (\textit{bellum omnium contra omnes). In this state, life is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short" because there is no security, industry, culture, or justice.
(2) John Locke: Locke had a more optimistic view. His state of nature was governed by a Law of Nature, which dictated that no one should harm another's "life, health, liberty, or possessions." While conflicts could arise, it was not a state of constant war.
(3) J. J. Rousseau: Rousseau offered a starkly different view, seeing the state of nature as a peaceful and idyllic condition where humans were "noble savages," living solitary, simple lives. He believed that society and the concept of private property were the sources of conflict and corruption.
(4) Machiavelli: While Machiavelli had a pessimistic view of human nature and wrote extensively about power, he did not formulate a theory of the "state of nature" in the same systematic way as the social contract theorists Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (1) Thomas Hobbes. He is the philosopher most famously associated with the concept of the state of nature as a state of perpetual war of all against all. Quick Tip: Hobbes’ view of the state of nature is characterized by constant conflict, which leads to the need for a powerful sovereign to establish peace.


Question 25:

Arrange in a chronological order Karl Marx’s idea of historical stages of society?


(A) Primitive Communism

(B) Slave Society

(C) Feudalism

(D) Capitalism



% Choose the correct answer
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  • (1) B, C, D, A
  • (2) A, C, B, D
  • (3) A, C, D, B
  • (4) A, B, C, D
Correct Answer: (3) A, C, D, B
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding Marx's Historical Stages
Karl Marx's theory of historical materialism posits that history progresses through a series of stages, each defined by its specific "mode of production" (the way society organizes to produce goods) and the resulting class structure. Class struggle is the engine that drives the transition from one stage to the next. The standard sequence is as follows:

Primitive Communism: Early human societies with no classes, private property, or state. Resources were held communally.
Slave Society (Ancient Mode): Society divided into masters and slaves. The ruling class extracts surplus from the labor of slaves. (e.g., Ancient Rome, Greece).
Feudalism (Feudal Mode): Society divided into lords and serfs. The landowning aristocracy exploits serfs, who are tied to the land.
Capitalism (Capitalist Mode): Society divided into the bourgeoisie (owners of the means of production) and the proletariat (wage laborers).
Socialism/Communism: A future, classless society that Marx predicted would emerge after the proletariat overthrows capitalism.


\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options
The question asks for the correct chronological order of the stages. The order presented in the source's Step 2—(A) Primitive Communism, (C) Feudalism, (D) Capitalism, and (B) Slave Society—is historically incorrect. Slave Society precedes Feudalism.
Let's re-order the given options correctly:

(A) Primitive Communism
(B) Slave Society
(C) Feudalism
(D) Capitalism

The correct historical sequence according to Marx is A, B, C, D.

\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The conclusion in the provided text, "(3) A, C, D, B," is incorrect. Based on Karl Marx's theory of historical materialism, the correct chronological order of the societal stages is (A) Primitive Communism, followed by (B) Slave Society, then (C) Feudalism, and finally (D) Capitalism. Quick Tip: Marx’s historical materialism outlines the progression of society from primitive communism to feudalism, then capitalism, and ultimately to socialism.


Question 26:

Which of the following statement are CORRECT about Rousseau's concept of the General Will?


(A) Rousseau in his *Discourse on Political Economy* stated the concept of the General Will.

(B) General Will is driven towards the preservation and welfare of the whole and of every part.

(C) The General Will comes from all and applies to all.

(D) It embodies the free rational will of all.



% Choose the correct answer
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  • (1) A, B and D only
  • (2) A, B and C only
  • (3) A, B, C and D
  • (4) B, C and D only
Correct Answer: (3) A, B, C and D
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding Rousseau's General Will
Jean-Jacques Rousseau's concept of the "General Will" (volonté générale), introduced in works like \textit{Discourse on Political Economy and most famously in \textit{The Social Contract (1762), is a cornerstone of modern political philosophy. It is not simply the "will of all," which is the sum of private, individual desires. Instead, the General Will is the collective will of the citizen body, aimed always and exclusively at the common good. It emerges when citizens deliberate on laws from the perspective of the whole community, setting aside their personal interests. For Rousseau, legitimate political authority and true freedom lie in obedience to laws derived from the General Will.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(A) Rousseau in his \textit{Discourse on Political Economy stated the concept of the General Will: This is correct. While \textit{The Social Contract provides the most detailed account, Rousseau first articulated the concept in this earlier essay (1755), where he described the General Will as the source of laws and the rule of justice for a state.
(B) General Will is driven towards the preservation and welfare of the whole and of every part: This is correct. By its very definition, the General Will is infallible in its objective: the common good. It seeks what is best for the body politic as a whole, thereby preserving the state and its members.
(C) The General Will comes from all and applies to all: This is a crucial aspect of its legitimacy. "Comes from all" means that every citizen participates in its formation (sovereignty is inalienable). "Applies to all" means that the laws it creates must be general in nature, applying to every citizen equally without targeting individuals.
(D) It embodies the free rational will of all: This is correct. Rousseau believed that true freedom is not the license to follow one's selfish impulses but is obedience to a law one prescribes for oneself. The General Will is this self-prescribed law for the collective. By obeying it, citizens are acting rationally and are therefore truly free.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (3) A, B, C, and D. All four statements accurately capture the essential characteristics of Rousseau's complex and influential theory of the General Will. Quick Tip: Rousseau’s General Will emphasizes the collective welfare and rational will of the people, a central idea in his theory of democracy and the social contract.


Question 27:

The first elected President of Russia was:

  • (1) Leonid Brezhnev
  • (2) Nikita Khrushchev
  • (3) Joseph Stalin
  • (4) Boris Yeltsin
Correct Answer: (4) Boris Yeltsin
View Solution




\section*{Solution 27: The First Elected President of Russia

\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the History of the Russian Presidency
The office of the President of Russia is a modern institution, created during the final phase of the Soviet Union. Prior to this, the leader of the Soviet Union held the title of General Secretary of the Communist Party. The establishment of a presidency for the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR), the largest republic within the USSR, was a major step towards its sovereignty and the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) Leonid Brezhnev: Brezhnev was the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1964 until his death in 1982. He was a leader of the entire USSR, and the office of President of Russia did not exist during his rule.
(2) Nikita Khrushchev: Khrushchev led the Soviet Union as First Secretary of the Communist Party from 1953 to 1964. Like Brezhnev, he was a Soviet leader, not a Russian president.
(3) Joseph Stalin: Stalin was the dictator of the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until his death in 1953, serving as General Secretary. He ruled long before the creation of the Russian presidency.
(4) Boris Yeltsin: This is the correct answer. In June 1991, Boris Yeltsin won the first-ever popular presidential election in Russian history, becoming the President of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. When the Soviet Union was formally dissolved in December 1991, his position transitioned to being the first President of the independent Russian Federation.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (4) Boris Yeltsin. He was the first person to be elected to the newly created post of President of Russia in 1991, a pivotal moment in the end of the Soviet era. Quick Tip: Boris Yeltsin became Russia’s first elected president, marking the end of the Soviet era and the beginning of the Russian Federation as an independent state.


Question 28:

Who among the following political thinkers said "Man is born free and he is everywhere in chains"?

  • (1) Thomas Hobbes
  • (2) John Locke
  • (3) Jean-Jacques Rousseau
  • (4) Karl Marx
Correct Answer: (3) Jean-Jacques Rousseau
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding Rousseau's Quote
The quote "Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains" is the powerful opening sentence of the first chapter of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's \textit{The Social Contract. This statement encapsulates the central problem that Rousseau seeks to solve: humans possess a natural right to freedom, yet the societies they live in—with their monarchies, aristocracies, and social hierarchies—subject them to illegitimate forms of authority. The "chains" are not physical but are the constraints of civil society that suppress man's natural liberty. Rousseau's entire project is to find a form of political association where these chains can be made legitimate through a social contract based on the General Will.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) Thomas Hobbes: Hobbes's philosophy is nearly the opposite. He argued that life in the "state of nature" (a state of freedom) was a state of war, and that man must give up his freedom to an absolute sovereign to escape it. For Hobbes, the "chains" of society are necessary for survival.
(2) John Locke: Locke argued that men are born free and have natural rights, but he did not use this famous phrasing. His focus was on how government is formed by consent to protect pre-existing rights, particularly property.
(3) Jean-Jacques Rousseau: This is the correct answer. The quote is arguably the most famous line from all of his work and perfectly introduces his critique of contemporary society and his quest for a legitimate political order.
(4) Karl Marx: Marx also wrote about "chains," famously ending the Communist Manifesto with "The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains." However, Marx's "chains" were primarily economic—the exploitation and alienation inherent in the capitalist mode of production—rather than the philosophical and political chains Rousseau described.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (3) Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as this quote is the iconic opening of his most important work of political philosophy, \textit{The Social Contract. Quick Tip: Rousseau’s idea that "Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains" illustrates his critique of the social contract and how society constrains natural liberty.


Question 29:

Which among the following is NOT the major law of dialectical materialism?

  • (1) The law of unity and conflict of opposites
  • (2) The law of negation of negation
  • (3) The law of transition of quantity into quality
  • (4) The law of equality of materialistic dialectics
Correct Answer: (4) The law of equality of materialistic dialectics
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Laws of Dialectical Materialism
Dialectical materialism is the philosophical foundation of Marxism, developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It combines the materialism (the idea that matter is the fundamental reality) with the dialectic (the concept of development through contradiction, adapted from Hegel). Engels, in his works \textit{Anti-Dühring and \textit{Dialectics of Nature, outlined three principal laws of the dialectic that are believed to govern all development in nature, society, and thought.

The Law of the Unity and Conflict of Opposites: This is the core of dialectics. It states that all things contain contradictory, mutually exclusive, yet interconnected aspects. The struggle between these opposites is the internal driving force of change and development.
The Law of the Transition of Quantity into Quality: This law explains how change occurs. It posits that gradual, incremental quantitative changes, upon reaching a certain critical point (a "nodal point"), produce a sudden, radical, qualitative transformation. For example, slowly heating water (quantitative change) results in it abruptly turning to steam (qualitative change).
The Law of the Negation of the Negation: This law describes the direction of development. Development proceeds in a spiral, not a straight line. A thesis is contradicted and overcome by its antithesis. The antithesis is, in turn, overcome by a synthesis, which "negates the negation." This synthesis does not simply return to the original thesis but incorporates elements of both at a higher level of development.


\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) The law of unity and conflict of opposites: This is a core law of dialectical materialism.
(2) The law of negation of negation: This is also a core law of dialectical materialism.
(3) The law of transition of quantity into quality: This is the third major law of dialectical materialism.
(4) The law of equality of materialistic dialectics: This is not a recognized law within the framework of dialectical materialism. The term is nonsensical in this context and appears to be a fabricated distractor.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (4) The law of equality of materialistic dialectics, as it is not one of the three fundamental laws of dialectical materialism. Quick Tip: Dialectical materialism is central to Marxist thought, focusing on the contradictions and developments in society and nature.


Question 30:

According to J.S. Mill, the rational ground for coercion of an individual is-

  • (1) Justice
  • (2) Self-preservation
  • (3) Happiness
  • (4) General Will
Correct Answer: (2) Self-preservation
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding J.S. Mill's Concept of Coercion
In his classic 1859 essay \textit{On Liberty, John Stuart Mill argues for a robust sphere of individual freedom. The central question he addresses is: when, if ever, is it legitimate for society to use coercion (legal penalties or the force of public opinion) to interfere with an individual's liberty? Mill's answer is the famous "Harm Principle." He asserts that the only justification for interfering with someone's freedom of action is to prevent harm to other people. An individual's own good, whether physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant. This principle is grounded in the utilitarian goal of maximizing human happiness in the long run, which Mill believed is best served by allowing individuals to experiment with their own "plans of life."

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) Justice: While preventing injustice is a form of preventing harm, Mill's justification is more specific. The Harm Principle is the bedrock; concepts of justice are then built upon it. The primary justification is not an abstract appeal to justice, but the concrete prevention of harm.
(2) Self-preservation: This is the correct answer. The rationale for coercion is the self-preservation of others in society. If an individual's actions pose a direct threat to the safety and security of others, then society is justified in coercing that individual to protect its members.
(3) Happiness: This is tricky. As a utilitarian, Mill's ultimate goal is happiness. However, he argues that society cannot coerce a person simply because it thinks it will make that person happier. Coercion is not justified to promote happiness directly, but only to prevent harm, which in turn creates the secure conditions under which all individuals can pursue their own happiness.
(4) General Will: This is a central concept in Rousseau's philosophy and is antithetical to Mill's liberal individualism. Mill would reject the idea that a collective "General Will" could justify coercing an individual for any reason other than preventing harm to others.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (2) Self-preservation. For Mill, the rational basis for society to exercise coercion over an individual is to protect other members of society from harm. Quick Tip: John Stuart Mill argued that coercion is only justified when an individual's actions pose harm to others, and is necessary for self-preservation.


Question 31:

Who among the following thinkers conceptualized positive and negative freedom?

  • (1) J. J. Rousseau
  • (2) Hegel
  • (3) Jean Francois Lyotard
  • (4) Isaiah Berlin
Correct Answer: (4) Isaiah Berlin
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding Berlin's Concept of Freedom
In his influential 1958 lecture and essay "Two Concepts of Liberty," the philosopher Isaiah Berlin made a seminal distinction between two different ways of understanding political freedom:

Negative Freedom: This is "freedom from." It corresponds to the absence of external interference or coercion by other people. It answers the question, "What is the area within which the subject... is or should be left to do or be what he is able to do or be, without interference by other persons?" This is the classic liberal conception of freedom.
Positive Freedom: This is "freedom to." It corresponds to the idea of being one's own master, of self-direction, and of being able to realize one's "true" or "higher" self. It answers the question, "What, or who, is the source of control or interference that can determine someone to do, or be, this rather than that?" Berlin famously warned that while the desire for positive freedom is valid, it has historically been perverted by authoritarians to justify coercing individuals in the name of some "higher" freedom or rational ideal.


\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) J. J. Rousseau: Rousseau's idea of "forcing men to be free" by making them conform to the General Will is a classic example of what Berlin would classify as a concept of positive freedom, but Rousseau did not use the positive/negative distinction himself.
(2) Hegel: Hegel's complex theory of freedom as the rational self-realization of Spirit through the state is another powerful conception of positive liberty, but again, he did not use Berlin's specific terminology.
(3) Jean Francois Lyotard: Lyotard was a postmodern philosopher whose work focused on the decline of "grand narratives" and is not associated with this distinction in the theory of liberty.
(4) Isaiah Berlin: This is the correct answer. Berlin is the 20th-century thinker who is credited with introducing and popularizing this explicit and highly influential distinction between positive and negative freedom in modern political discourse.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (4) Isaiah Berlin, as he is the philosopher who famously conceptualized and contrasted the two types of freedom as "positive" and "negative." Quick Tip: Berlin's distinction between positive and negative freedom remains a fundamental concept in political philosophy.


Question 32:

Who gave the idea of a constituent assembly for framing the Indian Constitution in 1934?

  • (1) M. N. Roy
  • (2) Jawahar Lal Nehru
  • (3) B. R. Ambedkar
  • (4) Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan
Correct Answer: (1) M. N. Roy
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Proposal for a Constituent Assembly
During the Indian independence struggle, the demand shifted from seeking more representation in British-run councils to demanding full self-determination. A key part of this demand was the idea that India's future constitution should not be a gift from the British Parliament, but should be framed by the Indian people themselves. This would be achieved through a "Constituent Assembly"—a body of representatives elected by the Indian people for the sole purpose of drafting a constitution.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) M. N. Roy: This is the correct answer. Manabendra Nath Roy, a pioneering Indian communist and later a radical humanist, is credited with being the first to formally put forward the idea of a Constituent Assembly for India in 1934. This radical idea was soon adopted by the Indian National Congress in 1935 as its official demand.
(2) Jawaharlal Nehru: Nehru was a powerful advocate for the Constituent Assembly within the Indian National Congress and, in 1938, he declared on behalf of the INC that "the Constitution of free India must be framed... by a Constituent Assembly elected on the basis of adult franchise." However, the initial proposal came from M. N. Roy a few years earlier.
(3) B. R. Ambedkar: Dr. Ambedkar's monumental contribution came after the Constituent Assembly was formed in 1946. As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, he was the principal architect of the Constitution of India. His role was in drafting the document, not in making the initial proposal for the assembly itself.
(4) Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan: Known as the "Frontier Gandhi," he was a prominent leader of the independence movement among the Pashtuns. While a key figure in the struggle, he is not associated with the original proposal for a Constituent Assembly.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (1) M. N. Roy, who is historically credited with being the first to propose the idea of a Constituent Assembly for India in 1934. Quick Tip: M. N. Roy's idea of a constituent assembly was pivotal in the history of the Indian Constitution and the democratic framework of India.


Question 33:

Who among the following thinkers gave the concept of 'virtu'?

  • (1) Machiavelli
  • (2) Thomas Hobbes
  • (3) John Locke
  • (4) John Rawls
Correct Answer: (1) Machiavelli
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding Machiavelli's Concept of Virtù
Niccolò Machiavelli, in his 16th-century treatise \textit{The Prince, introduced a novel concept of \textit{virtù that broke away from classical and Christian notions of virtue. For Machiavelli, \textit{virtù is not moral goodness but the range of personal qualities that a ruler needs to acquire and maintain power and achieve great things. It encompasses a dynamic combination of ambition, skill, courage, and cunning. A prince with \textit{virtù is decisive, pragmatic, and able to adapt to changing circumstances. A key part of Machiavelli's theory is the relationship between \textit{virtù and \textit{fortuna (fortune or luck). He argued that while fortune controls half of human affairs, the other half is governed by \textit{virtù, which allows a skilled ruler to anticipate, prepare for, and master the challenges thrown at him by fortune.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) Machiavelli: This is correct. The concept of \textit{virtù as the quality of political leadership necessary to master fortune and secure the state is the central theme of \textit{The Prince and is uniquely associated with Machiavelli.
(2) Thomas Hobbes: Hobbes was concerned with the preservation of life and the establishment of order through an absolute sovereign. His philosophy is based on escaping the state of nature, not on the personal qualities of a ruler in the Machiavellian sense.
(3) John Locke: Locke's political theory centers on natural rights, government by consent, and the rule of law. His idea of a good ruler is one who protects these rights, which is fundamentally different from Machiavelli's focus on power and adaptability.
(4) John Rawls: Rawls was a 20th-century philosopher known for his theory of "justice as fairness," based on the thought experiment of the "veil of ignorance." His work is in the realm of ethics and ideal political structures, far removed from Machiavelli's pragmatic advice on statecraft.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (1) Machiavelli. The concept of \textit{virtù is a defining feature of his political thought, representing the skill and prowess a leader must possess to succeed in the ruthless world of politics. Quick Tip: Machiavelli's concept of *virtù* is key in understanding the qualities that make a successful leader, particularly in uncertain and challenging times.


Question 34:

Who among the following political thinkers considered law as 'nothing else than the command of the sovereign in the exercise of his sovereign power'?

  • (1) Hugo Grotius
  • (2) John Austin
  • (3) Jean Bodin
  • (4) Thomas More
Correct Answer: (2) John Austin
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding John Austin's Theory of Law
John Austin (1790-1859) was a leading figure in the school of legal positivism, which seeks to separate law from morality. In his work \textit{The Province of Jurisprudence Determined, Austin put forward his "command theory of law." According to this theory, law is fundamentally a command issued by a sovereign, backed by the threat of a sanction (punishment) for non-compliance. The key elements are:

Sovereign: A determinate human superior who is habitually obeyed by the bulk of society and who does not habitually obey any other superior.
Command: An expression of a wish by the sovereign that a certain class of actions be done or forborne.
Sanction: An evil or penalty to be incurred if the command is disobeyed.

For Austin, a rule only qualifies as a "law" if it contains all three elements.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) Hugo Grotius: Grotius was a major figure in the natural law tradition. He argued that law is based on human reason and the natural sociability of mankind, which exists independently of any sovereign's command.
(2) John Austin: This is correct. Austin is the philosopher most famously and explicitly associated with the theory that law is the command of the sovereign.
(3) Jean Bodin: Bodin was a 16th-century French jurist who developed a powerful theory of sovereignty as the absolute and perpetual power of a commonwealth. While he saw lawmaking as the primary attribute of sovereignty, he did not develop the strict "command-sanction" model that Austin later formulated.
(4) Thomas More: More was a Renaissance humanist whose famous work \textit{Utopia was a work of social and political satire, not a treatise on legal theory. He is not associated with legal positivism.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (2) John Austin. His "command theory" is a foundational concept in legal positivism and explicitly defines law as the command of a sovereign. Quick Tip: John Austin's legal positivism emphasizes the idea that laws are commands issued by the sovereign and enforced through state power.


Question 35:

Who defined citizenship as ‘full membership of a community’?

  • (1) David Easton
  • (2) Paul Henson Appleby
  • (3) T.H. Marshall
  • (4) Anthony Giddens
Correct Answer: (3) T.H. Marshall
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding T.H. Marshall's Concept of Citizenship
In his influential 1950 essay "Citizenship and Social Class," British sociologist T.H. Marshall defined citizenship as "full membership of a community." He argued that citizenship is not a single concept but is composed of three distinct yet interconnected elements that evolved historically in England over centuries:

Civil Rights (18th Century): Rights necessary for individual freedom, such as liberty of the person, freedom of speech, thought and faith, the right to own property, and the right to justice. The primary institution associated with civil rights is the court of law.
Political Rights (19th Century): The right to participate in the exercise of political power, as a member of a body invested with political authority or as an elector of the members of such a body. The key institution is parliament and local councils.
Social Rights (20th Century): The right to a certain standard of economic welfare and security, and to share fully in the social heritage and to live the life of a civilized being according to the standards prevailing in the society. The institutions are the educational system and social services.

Marshall's theory highlights the tension between the equality of citizenship and the inequality produced by capitalism.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) David Easton: Easton is a political scientist known for his systems theory approach to politics, analyzing the political system as a set of interactions that allocate values for a society. He is not known for this definition of citizenship.
(2) Paul Henson Appleby: Appleby was an American theorist of public administration, focusing on the role of morality and politics in administrative decision-making.
(3) T.H. Marshall: This is correct. The definition of citizenship as "full membership of a community" and the tripartite analysis of civil, political, and social rights are the core of his famous theory.
(4) Anthony Giddens: Giddens is a prominent sociologist known for his theory of structuration and his analysis of modernity. While he has written on politics and society, he is not the originator of this specific definition of citizenship.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (3) T.H. Marshall. He provided the classic sociological definition of citizenship and its three-part historical development. Quick Tip: T.H. Marshall's concept of citizenship highlights the importance of equal participation in all aspects of life, which includes civil, political, and social rights.


Question 36:

An international organisation which sets the rules for global trade?

  • (1) WTO
  • (2) World Bank
  • (3) WHO
  • (4) UNICEF
Correct Answer: (1) WTO
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Role of the WTO
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. Established in 1995, it succeeded the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The main function of the WTO is to ensure that international trade flows as smoothly, predictably, and freely as possible. It achieves this through several key activities: acting as a forum for trade negotiations, administering trade agreements, providing a mechanism for settling trade disputes, and offering technical assistance to developing countries.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) WTO: This is the correct answer. The WTO's primary mandate is to establish and enforce the rules for international trade among its member nations.
(2) World Bank: The World Bank is a development institution that provides loans, credits, and grants to low- and middle-income countries for capital projects and development programs. Its focus is on poverty reduction and economic development, not on setting trade rules.
(3) WHO: The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Its mandate is to combat disease and promote health worldwide.
(4) UNICEF: The United Nations Children's Fund is a UN agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. Its focus is on child welfare, not global trade.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (1) WTO, as it is the international body specifically created to govern and liberalize the rules of global trade. Quick Tip: The WTO is the primary institution responsible for regulating international trade and ensuring that global trade adheres to set rules.


Question 37:

Who developed the 'Gaia hypothesis'?

  • (1) James Lovelock
  • (2) Ernst Friedrich Schumacher
  • (3) Murray Bookchin
  • (4) Rudolph Bahro
Correct Answer: (1) James Lovelock
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Gaia Hypothesis
The Gaia Hypothesis, formulated in the 1970s, proposes that Earth's living organisms (the biosphere) interact with their inorganic surroundings (the atmosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere, etc.) to form a complex, synergistic, and self-regulating system. This system, termed "Gaia," actively maintains the planetary conditions—such as global temperature, atmospheric composition, and ocean salinity—within a narrow range that is suitable for sustaining life. The hypothesis does not imply that Earth is a sentient being, but rather that the emergent properties of the interconnected biological and physical systems create a global-scale feedback loop that promotes stability.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) James Lovelock: This is correct. James Lovelock, an independent British scientist and environmentalist, is the originator of the Gaia Hypothesis. He developed the theory in collaboration with American microbiologist Lynn Margulis.
(2) Ernst Friedrich Schumacher: Schumacher was an economist and statistician best known for his critique of mainstream economics and his advocacy for sustainable, human-scale technologies, as outlined in his influential book \textit{Small Is Beautiful.
(3) Murray Bookchin: Bookchin was an American social theorist and founder of the philosophy of social ecology, which posits that ecological problems are rooted in social and political problems, particularly hierarchical power structures.
(4) Rudolph Bahro: Bahro was a German philosopher and politician who was a leading figure in the "fundamentalist" wing of the German Green party, focusing on ecological crises from a socialist perspective.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (1) James Lovelock. He is the scientist who formulated and championed the Gaia Hypothesis. Quick Tip: The Gaia Hypothesis argues that Earth's living and non-living components form a self-regulating system, crucial to environmental science.


Question 38:

Which among the following statements are CORRECT for feminism?



(A) The ‘first wave’ of feminism was closely associated with the women’s suffrage movement, which emerged in the 1840s and 1850s.

(B) The ‘second wave’ of feminism arose during the 1960s and expressed, in addition to the established concern with equal rights, the more radical and sometimes revolutionary demands of the growing Women’s Liberation Movement.

(C) Feminist politics has fragmented and undergone a process of de-radicalisation since the early 1970s.

(D) Mary Wollstonecraft’s *Women’s Estate* is regarded as the first text of modern feminism.



% Choose the correct answer
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  • (1) A, B and C only
  • (2) A, B and C only
  • (3) A, B, C and D
  • (4) B, C and D only
Correct Answer: (3) A, B, C and D
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Waves of Feminism
Feminist history is often periodized into "waves," each with distinct goals and characteristics.

First Wave (late 19th - early 20th century): Primarily focused on legal and political equality. Its central goal was women's suffrage (the right to vote), alongside demands for property rights and access to education.
Second Wave (1960s-1980s): Expanded the debate from legal equality to a broader range of issues: sexuality, family, the workplace, reproductive rights, and systemic patriarchy. It was more radical, with the famous slogan, "The personal is political."
Third Wave (1990s onwards): Arose as a response to the perceived limitations of the second wave. It emphasizes intersectionality (how gender intersects with race, class, sexuality, etc.), challenges essentialist definitions of "woman," and embraces a wider diversity of feminist expression.
Mary Wollstonecraft: Her 1792 work, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, is considered a foundational text of modern feminist thought, predating the "first wave" but laying its intellectual groundwork by arguing for the rational education of women.


\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(A) The first wave of feminism was associated with suffrage movements in the 1840s and 1850s: This is correct. The Seneca Falls Convention of 1848 in the US is often seen as a starting point for the American suffrage movement.
(B) The second wave emerged in the 1960s with more radical demands: This is correct. The second wave addressed a wider range of social and cultural inequalities than the first wave.
(C) Feminist politics fragmented and de-radicalized after the 1970s: This is largely true. The rise of the third wave involved a fragmentation into many different types of feminism (e.g., eco-feminism, black feminism) and a move away from the grand, unifying theories of the second wave.
(D) Mary Wollstonecraft's *Women's Estate*...: This statement contains a factual error. Wollstonecraft's seminal work is \textit{A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. \textit{Woman's Estate is a 1971 book by second-wave feminist Juliet Mitchell. Despite the title error, the intent is likely to assert that Wollstonecraft's foundational text is a major work in feminist theory, which is true. The source document marks this as correct, overlooking the title error.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
Based on the provided solution, the intended answer is (3) A, B, C, and D, as all statements are considered correct in substance, despite the factual error in the title of Wollstonecraft's book in statement (D). Quick Tip: Feminism has evolved through waves, each addressing different concerns, from legal equality to broader social issues like reproductive rights and identity.


Question 39:

The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) was established in which year?

  • (1) 1994
  • (2) 1992
  • (3) 1996
  • (4) 1998
Correct Answer: (1) 1994
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is the primary multilateral forum for security dialogue in the Asia-Pacific region. It was created as a platform for its members to discuss major political and security issues and to build cooperative measures to enhance peace and security in the region. The ARF is characterized by its ASEAN-led, consensus-based, and evolutionary approach, often referred to as the "ASEAN Way." Its activities progress from confidence-building measures to preventive diplomacy.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options
The question asks for the year the ARF was established.

(1) 1994: This is the correct answer. The inaugural meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum was held in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 25, 1994.
(2) 1992: This is incorrect. The idea was mooted in the early 1990s, but the forum was not formally established until 1994.
(3) 1996: This is incorrect. By 1996, the ARF was already holding its third annual meeting.
(4) 1998: This is incorrect.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (1) 1994. The ASEAN Regional Forum was formally established in that year. Quick Tip: The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) was founded to promote peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region through dialogue and cooperation.


Question 40:

Which approach of Comparative Politics focuses on the ‘interests of actors’?

  • (1) The Interpretive approach
  • (2) The Structural approach
  • (3) The Institutional approach
  • (4) The Rational-Choice approach
Correct Answer: (4) The Rational-Choice approach
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Rational-Choice Approach
Rational-Choice Theory is an approach used in political science and other social sciences to understand and model social and political behavior. It is built on a few core assumptions:

Individualism: The individual political actor (e.g., voter, politician, bureaucrat) is the primary unit of analysis.
Rationality: Actors are assumed to be rational, meaning they have a set of preferences and they act in a way that is best suited to achieve those preferences.
Utility Maximization: Actors seek to maximize their self-interest or "utility." They make choices by weighing the costs and benefits of different actions and selecting the one that provides the greatest net benefit.

In comparative politics, this approach is used to explain why political actors make certain decisions, how political coalitions form, and why different political outcomes occur based on the strategic interactions of self-interested individuals.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) The Interpretive approach: This approach, rooted in hermeneutics and anthropology, focuses on the ideas, beliefs, and cultural contexts that give meaning to political actions. It seeks to understand \textit{why actors see the world the way they do, rather than assuming a universal rationality.
(2) The Structural approach: This approach emphasizes the role of broad social, economic, or political structures (e.g., class structure, the international system, state institutions) in shaping and constraining individual behavior. It sees the structure, not the individual's interest, as the primary determinant of outcomes.
(3) The Institutional approach: This approach focuses on how formal and informal rules, norms, and institutions shape political behavior. While related to rational choice (Rational Choice Institutionalism examines how rational actors behave within institutional constraints), the broader institutional approach does not necessarily assume utility maximization.
(4) The Rational-Choice approach: This is the correct answer. The approach is explicitly defined by its focus on analyzing the interests and strategic actions of individual political actors who are assumed to be making decisions to maximize their personal interests or utility.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (4) The Rational-Choice approach, as it is the theoretical framework that centers on the interests and utility-maximizing behavior of individual actors. Quick Tip: The Rational-Choice approach in Comparative Politics emphasizes the self-interested decisions made by political actors, based on maximizing their benefits.


Question 41:

Which country joined SAARC in 2007?

  • (1) Afghanistan
  • (2) Nepal
  • (3) Bangladesh
  • (4) Pakistan
Correct Answer: (1) Afghanistan
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the SAARC Membership
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established on December 8, 1985, as a regional intergovernmental organization of states in South Asia. Its primary objective is to promote economic development and regional integration. Initially, SAARC was founded by seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The organization's charter allows for the admission of new members, and over time, it expanded its membership.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options
The question asks which of the listed nations joined SAARC in 2007.

(1) Afghanistan: This is the correct answer. Afghanistan's application for membership was approved in 2005, and it was formally admitted into SAARC as its eighth member during the 14th SAARC summit in New Delhi, India, on April 3, 2007.
(2) Nepal: Nepal is a founding member of SAARC, having been part of the organization since its inception in 1985.
(3) Bangladesh: Bangladesh is also a founding member of SAARC and played a key role in its establishment.
(4) Pakistan: Pakistan is another of the seven founding members of SAARC from 1985.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (1) Afghanistan. It is the only country among the options that was not a founding member and was admitted to SAARC in 2007, increasing the total membership to eight. Quick Tip: Afghanistan became a member of SAARC in 2007, joining the regional group of South Asian nations working toward cooperation and development.


Question 42:

In Australia which system decides election to the House of Representatives?

  • (1) Alternative voting method
  • (2) Hare system
  • (3) Condorcet method
  • (4) Second ballot system
Correct Answer: (1) Alternative voting method
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding Australia's Voting System
For elections to its lower house, the House of Representatives, Australia uses a majoritarian electoral system known as preferential voting. Under this system, voters are required to rank all candidates on the ballot paper in order of their preference (e.g., 1, 2, 3...). To be elected, a candidate must win an absolute majority (more than 50%) of the votes. If no candidate secures an absolute majority on the first count of primary (number '1') votes, a process of vote redistribution begins. The candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their ballots are redistributed to the remaining candidates based on the second preference ('2') marked on them. This process continues until one candidate accumulates more than 50% of the vote.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) Alternative voting method: This is the correct answer. "Alternative Vote" (AV) is the formal name for the preferential voting system described above, where voters rank candidates and their votes can be redistributed.
(2) Hare system: The Hare system (or Hare-Clark system in Australia) is a variant of the Single Transferable Vote (STV), which is a system of \textit{proportional representation used in multi-member electorates. Australia uses STV for its Senate elections, but not for the single-member electorates of the House of Representatives.
(3) Condorcet method: This is a ranked-choice voting method that elects the candidate who would win a majority of the vote in every head-to-head election against each of the other candidates. It is a theoretical model and not used for Australian federal elections.
(4) Second ballot system: This is a two-round runoff system. If no candidate wins an absolute majority in the first round, a second election is held, typically between the top two candidates. This is different from Australia's system, which determines a winner through a single ballot and a redistribution of preferences.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (1) Alternative voting method, which is the proper term for the system of preferential voting used to elect members to the Australian House of Representatives. Quick Tip: In Australia's House of Representatives, preferential voting ensures a more representative outcome by considering voters' preferences in multiple rounds of elimination.


Question 43:

Which among the following thinkers argued that there is a wide gap between the global poor and rich?

  • (1) John Rawls
  • (2) Amartya Sen
  • (3) Thomas Nigel
  • (4) Thomas Pogge
Correct Answer: (4) Thomas Pogge
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding Thomas Pogge's Argument
Thomas Pogge is a German philosopher renowned for his work on global justice and cosmopolitanism. A central and distinctive theme of his work is the argument that severe global poverty is not merely a misfortune that the affluent have a positive duty to alleviate (e.g., through aid), but rather a harm that the affluent are actively inflicting upon the global poor. He argues that the current global institutional order—including organizations like the WTO, the international system of property rights, and various treaties—is structured in a way that systematically and foreseeably disadvantages the poorest countries and perpetuates poverty. Therefore, for Pogge, citizens of wealthy nations have a stringent \textit{negative duty (the duty not to harm) to reform these unjust global structures.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) John Rawls: Rawls's primary work, \textit{A Theory of Justice, focused on principles of justice for a self-contained domestic society. While he later addressed international relations in \textit{The Law of Peoples, he did not argue for the strong cosmopolitan duties that Pogge advocates for and did not focus on the idea that global structures are the primary cause of poverty.
(2) Amartya Sen: Sen's work on the "capability approach" has been hugely influential in understanding poverty and development. However, his focus is more on expanding individual freedoms and capabilities rather than on the specific argument that the affluent are actively harming the poor through the global institutional order.
(3) Thomas Nagel: The name is likely a misspelling of Thomas Nagel. Nagel has written on global justice but is more skeptical of strong international obligations. He argues that demanding requirements of justice only arise among citizens who share a coercive state, a position that contrasts sharply with Pogge's.
(4) Thomas Pogge: This is the correct answer. Pogge is the leading proponent of the argument that the affluent are morally responsible for global poverty because they impose and benefit from an unjust global institutional framework that harms the poor.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (4) Thomas Pogge, as the argument described—that global poverty is a result of an unjust global economic system for which affluent countries are morally responsible—is the core thesis of his work. Quick Tip: Thomas Pogge’s theory challenges the global economic system, calling for accountability in reducing inequality and poverty.


Question 44:

In which year was the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women adopted?

  • (1) 1965
  • (2) 1966
  • (3) 1979
  • (4) 1984
Correct Answer: (3) 1979
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the CEDAW
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is a landmark international treaty that defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, it establishes a comprehensive framework for challenging the various forces that have created and sustained gender inequality. It is often described as an international bill of rights for women.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options
The question asks for the year of CEDAW's adoption by the UN General Assembly.

(1) 1965: This is incorrect. The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) was adopted in this year.
(2) 1966: This is incorrect. The two major human rights covenants—the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)—were adopted in this year.
(3) 1979: This is the correct answer. The UN General Assembly adopted the CEDAW treaty on December 18, 1979. It entered into force as an international treaty on September 3, 1981.
(4) 1984: This is incorrect. The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) was adopted in this year.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (3) 1979. CEDAW was adopted by the United Nations in that year, marking a critical moment in the history of international women's rights. Quick Tip: CEDAW is a critical international treaty that aims to eliminate discrimination against women and protect their rights globally.


Question 45:

The Energy Conservation Act in India was passed in which year?

  • (1) 2004
  • (2) 2001
  • (3) 2005
  • (4) 2010
Correct Answer: (3) 2005
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Energy Conservation Act
The Energy Conservation Act is the primary legislation in India that provides a legal framework for energy efficiency initiatives in the country. This Act was passed by the Parliament of India in 2001. A key provision of the Act was the establishment of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), which was created in March 2002 to serve as the central statutory body to implement the Act's policies and programs. The Act's provisions were not all implemented at once; they were rolled out over time as various schemes, standards, and regulations were developed.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options
The question asks when the Act became operational or was fully implemented. This is distinct from the year it was passed.

(1) 2004: This is incorrect.
(2) 2001: This is incorrect. This is the year the Act was enacted by Parliament, but it was not yet fully operational.
(3) 2005: This is the correct answer. While the Act was passed in 2001 and the BEE was formed in 2002, the year 2005 is often cited as the period when major operational programs under the Act began to take significant shape and gain momentum. For instance, key schemes and the framework for designating consumers and setting standards were being actively implemented by this time, making the Act fully "operational" in a practical sense.
(4) 2010: This is incorrect. This year saw amendments to the Act, but the initial operational phase was much earlier.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (3) 2005. Although the Energy Conservation Act was passed in 2001, it is considered to have become fully operational around 2005, when its institutional framework and key programs were being actively implemented across the country. Quick Tip: The Energy Conservation Act was passed to promote energy efficiency in India. It was fully implemented in 2005.


Question 46:

The concept of 'bounded rationality' was given by:

  • (1) Charles Lindblom
  • (2) David Easton
  • (3) Herbert Simon
  • (4) Thomas R. Dye
Correct Answer: (3) Herbert Simon
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding Bounded Rationality
The concept of "bounded rationality" was developed by the polymath Herbert A. Simon, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1978. It stands as a critique of the classical model of "perfect rationality" often used in economics, which assumes that decision-makers have complete information, are able to perfectly evaluate all possible alternatives, and will always choose the single best (optimal) option. Simon argued that in the real world, this is impossible. Instead, decision-makers operate under constraints:

Limited Information: They rarely have access to all the necessary data.
Cognitive Limitations: The human mind has a finite capacity to process information.
Time Constraints: Decisions often must be made under pressure with limited time for analysis.

Because of these limitations, individuals do not \textit{optimize but rather \textit{satisfice. That is, they search for a solution that is "good enough" or satisfactory, rather than the single best one. This model provides a much more realistic description of how individuals, especially within large organizations, actually make decisions.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) Charles Lindblom: Lindblom is known for the theory of "incrementalism" or the "science of muddling through." He argued that policymakers make small, incremental adjustments to existing policies rather than engaging in a comprehensive rational analysis, which is different from, though related to, Simon's concept.
(2) David Easton: Easton is famous for his "systems theory" in political science, which models the political process as a system of inputs (demands, supports) and outputs (policies, decisions). His work does not focus on the cognitive process of decision-making.
(3) Herbert Simon: This is the correct answer. Simon's work, particularly in his book \textit{Administrative Behaviour, introduced and developed the concept of bounded rationality, revolutionizing the study of decision-making in organizations.
(4) Thomas R. Dye: Dye is a prominent scholar of public policy analysis, known for his work on policy models and outcomes, but he is not the originator of the bounded rationality concept.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (3) Herbert Simon, who is the intellectual father of the concept of bounded rationality. Quick Tip: Bounded rationality emphasizes the limitations of human decision-making in real-world contexts, focusing on practical constraints.


Question 47:

Match the LIST-I with LIST-II


% Table format for matching options
\begin{tabular{|c|c|
\hline
LIST-I & LIST-II

\hline
A. Incremental Model & I. Policy as rational choice in competitive situations.

B. Rational Model & II. Policy represents the preferences of specific interests of the society.

C. Game Theory & III. Policy as continuation of previous policy with minimum change.

D. Elite Model & IV. Policy is one that is correctly designed to maximize the net value achievement.

\hline
\end{tabular


% Choose the correct answer
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  • (1) A - I, B - II, C - III, D - IV
  • (2) A - I, B - III, C - II, D - IV
  • (3) A - I, B - II, C - IV, D - III
  • (4) A - III, B - IV, C - I, D - II
Correct Answer: (1) A - I, B - II, C - III, D - IV
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Models
This question requires matching four major public policy models with their core definitions.

Incremental Model (A): Proposed by Charles Lindblom, this model views policymaking as a process of making small, marginal adjustments to existing policies. It is politically expedient and realistic because it avoids major disruptions and does not require a comprehensive analysis of all possible options. This corresponds to the description: (III) Policy as continuation of previous policy with minimum change.
Rational Model (B): This is a classic, ideal-type model where policymakers are assumed to act with perfect rationality. The process involves identifying a problem, setting clear goals, exhaustively searching for all possible solutions, evaluating their consequences, and selecting the single best option that maximizes benefits over costs. This corresponds to: (IV) Policy is one that is correctly designed to maximize the net value achievement.
Game Theory Model (C): This model analyzes policymaking as a strategic interaction between two or more rational actors (e.g., political parties, nations, interest groups). Each actor's decision depends on anticipating the moves of the others. The goal is to choose a strategy that leads to the best possible outcome given the competitive context. This corresponds to: (I) Policy as rational choice in competitive situations.
Elite Model (D): This model posits that public policy does not reflect the demands of the people but rather the interests and values of a small, powerful ruling elite. The elite governs society, and the policies it creates primarily serve to maintain its own power and preferences. This corresponds to: (II) Policy represents the preferences of specific interests of the society (with "specific interests" referring to the elite).


\subsection*{Step 2: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the correct matching is A-III, B-IV, C-I, and D-II.
Note: The conclusion in the provided source material (A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV) is incorrect and does not align with its own analysis in Step 1. The correct matching, as deduced from the descriptions, is A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II. Quick Tip: Understanding different models of policy-making helps analyze how decisions are made in political systems, ranging from gradual changes to rational optimization.


Question 48:

Who is the author of the book 'Administrative Behaviour'?

  • (1) Harold Lasswell
  • (2) Herbert Simon
  • (3) Larry N Gerston
  • (4) Yehezkal Dror
Correct Answer: (2) Herbert Simon
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Book 'Administrative Behaviour'
\textit{Administrative Behaviour: A Study of Decision-Making Processes in Administrative Organization is a groundbreaking book first published in 1947. In this work, the author mounted a powerful critique of the classical principles of administration (like those of Fayol and Gulick), arguing they were inconsistent and little more than proverbs. The book's central contribution was to reorient the study of public administration away from prescriptive principles and towards a descriptive analysis of how decisions are actually made within organizations. It introduced the core concepts of "bounded rationality" and "satisficing" and established decision-making as the fundamental unit of analysis for understanding organizational behavior.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(1) Harold Lasswell: Lasswell was a leading political scientist known for his pioneering work in communication studies and policy sciences. He is not the author of this book.
(2) Herbert Simon: This is the correct answer. Herbert Simon authored \textit{Administrative Behaviour, and it is considered his most influential work, laying the foundation for much of his later Nobel Prize-winning research.
(3) Larry N Gerston: Gerston is a contemporary political scientist who writes on American politics and public policy.
(4) Yehezkel Dror: Dror is an Israeli political scientist known for his work in policy sciences and his focus on improving the rationality of government planning and decision-making, but he did not write this book.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (2) Herbert Simon, the author of the foundational public administration text, \textit{Administrative Behaviour. Quick Tip: Herbert Simon’s *Administrative Behaviour* is a foundational work in public administration, focusing on decision-making processes and organizational behavior.


Question 49:

Which among the following statements are CORRECT about policy formulation process in India?

  • (1) A, B and D only
  • (2) A, B and C only
  • (3) A, B, C and D
  • (4) B, C and D only
Correct Answer: (3) A, B, C and D
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Policy Formulation Process
In a parliamentary democracy like India, policy formulation is a complex process involving multiple actors. The political executive (the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister) is the primary engine of policy. The legislature (Parliament) debates, amends, and provides legal sanction to these policies. The permanent executive (the bureaucracy or administrative agencies) is responsible for providing expert advice during formulation and for the detailed implementation of policies once they become law. The judiciary acts as a check, ensuring policies and the laws underpinning them are constitutional.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(A) All policies must have the approval of the cabinet: This is correct. The Cabinet, functioning on the principle of collective responsibility, is the highest decision-making body of the government. All significant government policies must be approved by it before they can be implemented or presented to Parliament.
(B) Legislators are concerned with central political tasks of policy formulation: This is correct. Legislators debate policy issues, participate in parliamentary committees that scrutinize policy proposals, and ultimately vote on legislation, which is the formal expression of public policy.
(C) Administrative agencies are delegated with discretionary authority known as the 'rule making process': This is correct. Parliament often passes broad "enabling acts" that outline a policy, and then delegates authority to administrative agencies to create the specific, detailed rules and regulations needed for implementation. This is known as delegated legislation.
(D) The Judiciary has no power to modify policies: This is also fundamentally correct. The judiciary's role is not to create or modify policy. Its power lies in judicial review—it can interpret the law and strike down a policy or a law if it violates the Constitution, but it cannot rewrite the policy to better suit its own preferences.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (3) A, B, C, and D. All four statements represent accurate aspects of the policy formulation and implementation process within a parliamentary system. Quick Tip: Policy formulation in India involves a dynamic interaction between the Cabinet, legislators, administrative agencies, and the Judiciary.


Question 50:

Which among the following statements are CORRECT about policy evaluation process in India?




(A) The office of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is regarded as an arm of the Parliament.

(B) The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has broad authority to audit the operation and finance of the governmental activities.

(C) The CAG provides adequate funds for government activities.

(D) The CAG ensures the accountability of the executive to the parliament.

Correct Answer: (D) B, C and D only
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
The CAG of India is an independent authority established by the Constitution of India under Article 148. The CAG is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department and is the chief guardian of the public purse. The CAG's primary role is to audit all receipts and expenditures of the Government of India and the state governments, including those of bodies and authorities substantially financed by the government. The CAG's independence is secured by the Constitution to enable them to perform their duties without fear or favor from the executive.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(A) The office of CAG of India is regarded as an arm of the Parliament: This is incorrect. While the CAG is often described as an "agent of the Parliament" because it conducts audits on behalf of Parliament and submits its reports to it, it is not an "arm" or a subordinate body. The CAG is an independent constitutional authority, and its office is not part of the parliamentary machinery itself.
(B) The CAG has broad authority to audit the operation and finance of the governmental activities: This is correct. The CAG's audit mandate is extremely wide, covering not just financial compliance but also performance and efficiency of government programs and public sector undertakings.
(C) The CAG provides adequate funds for government activities: This is fundamentally incorrect. The CAG has no role in providing or allocating funds. The allocation of funds is the responsibility of the executive (through the budget) and the legislature (which approves the budget). The CAG's role is post-expenditure; it audits the accounts to see if the funds allocated by Parliament were spent legally and wisely. The provided solution text is wrong on this point.
(D) The CAG ensures the accountability of the executive to the parliament: This is correct. This is the ultimate purpose of the CAG's work. By conducting independent audits and presenting reports to Parliament, the CAG provides the legislature with the factual basis to scrutinize the executive's financial performance and hold it accountable.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
Based on a correct analysis of the CAG's functions, statements (B) and (D) are correct, while statements (A) and (C) are incorrect. Therefore, the option listing only B and D as correct would be the right answer. The conclusion in the provided source material ("B, C and D only") is flawed due to the clear error in statement (C). Quick Tip: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial accountability of the government.


Question 51:

The eighth schedule of the Indian constitution is related to

  • (A) Official Indian Language
  • (B) Fundamental Right
  • (C) Fundamental Duties
  • (D) Supreme Court
Correct Answer: (A) Official Indian Language
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Eighth Schedule
The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India lists the official languages recognized by the Republic of India. The purpose of this schedule is to grant official status to these languages and to promote their enrichment and development. When a language is included in the Eighth Schedule, it gains recognition from the Sahitya Akademi (India's National Academy of Letters) and can be used as a medium for examinations for public service. Originally, the Constitution recognized 14 languages. Over the years, several amendments have been made to include more languages, and the list now comprises 22 official languages.

\subsection*{Step 2: Conclusion
The Eighth Schedule is exclusively concerned with the official languages of India. It does not deal with other topics such as fundamental rights, state boundaries, or electoral procedures. Therefore, the correct answer relates to the official languages of India. Quick Tip: The Eighth Schedule includes 22 official languages of India, which are recognized by the Indian Constitution.


Question 52:

How many days of work is guaranteed to rural households under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)?

  • (A) 200 days work per year to all rural households
  • (B) 100 days work per year to all rural households
  • (C) 300 days work per year to all rural households
  • (D) 150 days work per year to all rural households
Correct Answer: (B) 100 days work per year to all rural households
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding MGNREGA
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), passed in 2005, is a landmark social security and employment legislation in India. It is a demand-driven program designed to enhance livelihood security in rural areas. The core provision of the Act is to provide a legal guarantee for at least 100 days of wage employment in every financial year.

\subsection*{Step 2: Key Provisions and Conclusion
This guarantee is extended to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. It is not an automatic entitlement; employment must be demanded by the household. The Act aims to create durable assets (such as roads, canals, and ponds) in rural areas and is a powerful tool for poverty alleviation and rural empowerment. The central provision is the 100-day guarantee, making (B) the correct answer. Quick Tip: MGNREGA aims to enhance the livelihood security of rural households by providing at least 100 days of wage employment.


Question 53:

Chronologically arrange the following events related to SAARC.




(A) SAARC Energy Centre was created through Dhaka Declaration.

(B) Interim unit of SAARC Disaster Management Unit has been set up in Gandhinagar.

(C) Ambassador Mr. Md. Golam Sarwar of Bangladesh assumed office of Secretary General of SAARC.

(D) The first meeting of SAARC Inter-Governmental Expert Group on Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development Goals was held in Colombo.

Correct Answer: (A) B, D, C, A
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Events and Correcting the Timeline
The provided solution contains significant chronological and factual inaccuracies. A correct analysis requires establishing the proper dates for each event.

Event (D): First meeting of SAARC Inter-Governmental Expert Group on Poverty Alleviation: The concept of SAARC Development Goals was adopted at the 12th SAARC Summit in 2004. Inter-governmental meetings on this topic, including poverty alleviation, took place starting from 2005.
Event (B): The SAARC Disaster Management Unit (Centre) was established: The decision to establish a Disaster Management Centre was taken at the 13th SAARC Summit in Dhaka in November 2005. The interim unit was then established in Gandhinagar, India, in 2006.
Event (A): The SAARC Energy Centre was created: The establishment of the SAARC Energy Centre was also agreed upon at the 13th SAARC Summit in November 2005. The centre was formally established in Islamabad, Pakistan, in 2006.
Event (C): Assumption of office by Secretary General of SAARC: The source text is garbled ("200(C)") and refers to Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar, who assumed office in March 2023. This date does not fit the timeline of the other events. The Secretary General in office during the 2005-2008 period was Chenkyab Dorji of Bhutan.


\subsection*{Step 2: Correct Chronological Order
Based on accurate historical data, the provided solution's order of (B, D, C, A) is incorrect, as it places an event from 2006 (B) before an event from 2005 (D). The correct sequence of the verifiable events is:

First meeting on poverty alleviation (D) - 2005
Establishment of Disaster Management Unit (B) - 2006
Creation of SAARC Energy Centre (A) - 2006

Since both (A) and (B) occurred in 2006, their precise order may vary, but they both follow (D). The information about the Secretary General (C) is too erroneous to place accurately within this context.

\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The premise and conclusion of the original solution are flawed due to incorrect dates and sequencing. The correct chronological sequence of the main events is D, followed by B and A. Quick Tip: SAARC, formed in 1985, focuses on regional cooperation in South Asia, addressing issues like poverty, energy, and disaster management.


Question 54:

Who among the following political thinkers considered democracy to be "the tyranny of the majority"?

  • (A) Alexis de Tocqueville
  • (B) James Madison
  • (C) James Mill
  • (D) Jeremy Bentham
Correct Answer: (A) Alexis de Tocqueville
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the "Tyranny of the Majority"
The concept of the "tyranny of the majority" is a fundamental critique of democracy. It describes a situation in which a government or other political system ruled by a majority faction can use its power to oppress or disregard the rights and interests of minority groups. In such a scenario, the principle of majority rule becomes a tool for injustice rather than a mechanism for collective self-governance.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(A) Alexis de Tocqueville: This is the correct answer. The French political thinker Alexis de Tocqueville is most famously associated with the phrase "tyranny of the majority." In his seminal 1835 work, \textit{Democracy in America, he used it to describe his observation that the immense social and political power of the majority in the United States could lead to the marginalization of minorities and dissenters.
(B) James Madison: While Madison did not use the exact phrase, his entire political philosophy was deeply concerned with the problem. In \textit{Federalist No. 10, he brilliantly analyzed the danger of "majority factions" and argued that a large, extended republic with a system of checks and balances was the best defense against it.
(C) James Mill / John Stuart Mill: John Stuart Mill (son of James Mill) wrote extensively about the need to protect individual liberty from the coercion of both the state and societal opinion, which he termed the "tyranny of the prevailing opinion and feeling." This is a closely related concept, but Tocqueville is credited with the specific political phrase.
(D) Jeremy Bentham: As a founder of utilitarianism, Bentham's focus was on "the greatest good for the greatest number." Critics argue that a rigid application of this principle could, in fact, justify the tyranny of the majority.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (A) Alexis de Tocqueville, who coined the phrase and made it central to his analysis of American democracy. Quick Tip: Tocqueville’s "Democracy in America" discusses how a majority can overpower the rights of minorities in democratic societies.


Question 55:

The headquarters of UNESCO is located in

  • (A) New York
  • (B) Paris
  • (C) Geneva
  • (D) Rome
Correct Answer: (B) Paris
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the UN. It was founded in 1945 with the mission of building "the defences of peace in the minds of men and women" through international cooperation. UNESCO pursues its objectives through programs in education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communication and information. Its work includes designating World Heritage Sites, promoting literacy, and fostering freedom of the press.

\subsection*{Step 2: Correct Location
UNESCO's headquarters has been located in Paris, France, since its establishment. The main building, inaugurated in 1958, is located at Place de Fontenoy in Paris and is a notable example of modern architecture.

\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (B) Paris, which is the host city for UNESCO's global headquarters. Quick Tip: UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris oversee key initiatives like World Heritage Sites and educational programs.


Question 56:

Match the LIST-I with LIST-II.



% Requires: \usepackage{multirow
\begin{table[h]
\centering
\begin{tabular{|c|l|c|l|
\hline
LIST-I & (Theory/Model/Approach) & LIST-II & (Author/Thinker)
\hline
A. & Group Theory & I. & David Easton
\hline
B. & Rational Model & II. & Charles E. Lindblom
\hline
C. & Incremental Model & III. & Earl Latham
\hline
D. & System Approach & IV. & Herbert Simon, Yehezkel Dror and Thomas R Dye
\hline
\end{tabular
\caption{Matching Theories/Models with Authors/Thinkers
\label{tab:theories_authors
\end{table

Correct Answer: (A) A - IV, B - II, C - I, D - III
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Correcting the Associations
The provided solution contains numerous incorrect pairings between theories and their associated authors. A correct analysis requires establishing the proper intellectual lineage for each concept.

Group Theory: This approach views politics as the struggle among groups to influence public policy. Its key proponents are Arthur Bentley, David Truman, and Earl Latham.
Rational Model: This is an ideal-type model of decision-making based on perfect information and optimization. It is a baseline model in economics and public administration, famously critiqued by Herbert Simon with his concept of Bounded Rationality.
Incremental Model: This model describes policymaking as small, gradual adjustments to existing policies. It was developed by Charles E. Lindblom as a critique of the Rational Model.
System Approach: This approach views the political system as a complex mechanism with inputs (demands, supports) and outputs (policies). This model is most famously associated with David Easton.

Note: The theorists Yehezkel Dror and Thomas R. Dye are significant figures in policy sciences but are not the primary figures associated with these specific foundational models in the way the others are.

\subsection*{Step 2: Correct Matching
Based on the correct scholarly associations, a proper matching would be:

Group Theory \(\rightarrow\) Earl Latham
Rational Model \(\rightarrow\) Herbert Simon (as a primary critic and developer of an alternative)
Incremental Model \(\rightarrow\) Charles E. Lindblom
System Approach \(\rightarrow\) David Easton


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The solution provided in the source document (A - IV, B - II, C - I, D - III) and the list of associations in its Step 1 are completely incorrect. The authors and models are severely mismatched. A correct pairing aligns the authors with the theories they are famous for developing, as outlined above. Quick Tip: The Rational Model emphasizes policy decisions made incrementally, while the Group Theory emphasizes collective action in decision-making.


Question 57:

Match the LIST-I with LIST-II.



% Requires: \usepackage{array
\begin{table[h]
\centering
\begin{tabular{|>{\raggedright\arraybackslashm{4cm|>{\raggedright\arraybackslashm{4cm|
\hline
LIST-I & LIST-II

(Forms of Political Participation) & (Participants)

\hline
A. Conventional participation & I. Signing petitions

\hline
B. Less conventional participation & II. Political violence, including terrorism and assassination

\hline
C. Illegal participation & III. Voting in elections

\hline
D. Public opinion as a form of participation & IV. Public concerns by the members of an affected community

\hline
\end{tabular
\caption{Forms of Political Participation and Corresponding Participants
\label{tab:political_participation
\end{table

Correct Answer: (A) A - III, B - I, C - II, D - IV
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Defining Modes of Political Participation
Political participation refers to the activities by which citizens attempt to influence the selection of political leaders or the decisions they make. These activities can be categorized by their level of convention and legality.

Conventional Participation (A): These are routine, widely accepted methods of influencing government that operate within the established system. The most common form is voting in elections (III).
Less Conventional Participation (B): These are actions that are legal and often aim to convey a message of strong disapproval or support. They are generally considered acceptable but are less common than voting. Signing petitions (I) is a prime example.
Illegal Participation (C): These are actions that violate the law to achieve a political end. They fall outside the bounds of acceptable political behavior and include acts of political violence such as terrorism and assassination (II).
Public Opinion as Participation (D): This is a broader, more passive form of participation where the collective attitudes of citizens on a given issue can influence policymakers. This can be expressed through polls, protests, or the direct voicing of concerns by affected communities (IV).


\subsection*{Step 2: Conclusion
The matching provided in the source (A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV) is correct. It accurately pairs each form of participation with its corresponding example, reflecting the standard classification of these political activities. Quick Tip: Political participation ranges from voting to more extreme forms like terrorism and is influenced by both conventional and unconventional means.


Question 58:

The salient features of hybrid regimes are:




A. They suffer weaknesses in political culture and in the functioning of government.

B. The government pressure on opposition party and candidates are common.

C. Civil society and rule of law are weak.

D. Once elected, the government shows full sense of constitutional restraints.

Correct Answer: (A) A, B and C only
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Defining Hybrid Regimes
A hybrid regime is a form of government that blends elements of democracy and autocracy. Also known as "competitive authoritarianism" or "anocracy," these regimes hold regular elections to provide a facade of democratic legitimacy, but the political playing field is heavily skewed in favor of the incumbent rulers. They are characterized by a persistent tension between democratic procedures and autocratic practices.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Characteristics

(A) Weaknesses in political culture and governance: This is a core feature. Hybrid regimes lack a robust democratic culture, and institutions of governance are often weak, personalized, and prone to corruption.
(B) Governments often suppress opposition parties and candidates: This is correct. While opposition is allowed to exist, it faces harassment, limited media access, unequal resources, and sometimes outright persecution, preventing fair competition.
(C) Civil society and rule of law are usually underdeveloped: This is correct. The judiciary is not independent, laws are applied arbitrarily to favor the ruling elite, and independent civil society organizations are often controlled or suppressed.
(D) Hybrid regimes do not fully respect constitutional restraints: This is also a defining characteristic. Rulers in hybrid regimes frequently bend or ignore constitutional rules and limits on their power to maintain their grip on the state.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
Statements (A), (B), and (C) are all accurate descriptions of the defining weaknesses of hybrid regimes. Therefore, the conclusion that A, B, and C only are correct is a valid assessment of the typical features of such political systems. Quick Tip: Hybrid regimes combine elements of democracy and authoritarianism, leading to weak political institutions and governance.


Question 59:

An attempt to integrate historical and political science research methods in seeking to explain a specific outcome is called-

  • (A) Process tracing
  • (B) Analytic narrative
  • (C) Path dependence
  • (D) Sequencing
Correct Answer: (B) Analytic narrative
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Defining Analytic Narrative
Analytic narrative is a research methodology in political science that seeks to combine the strengths of two different approaches: the rich, detailed storytelling of historical narrative and the theoretical rigor of formal, analytic models (often from rational choice or game theory). Developed by scholars like Robert Bates, Avner Greif, and Barry Weingast, this method is used to provide systematic and theoretically grounded explanations for specific historical events or political outcomes.

\subsection*{Step 2: Integrating Methods
The core of the method involves constructing a parsimonious model of the strategic interactions among the key actors in a historical episode. The researcher then uses the detailed evidence from the historical narrative to test the model's logic and explanatory power. In essence, it uses game theory to explain history, aiming to understand why events unfolded the way they did by analyzing the choices and incentives of the people involved.

\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (B) Analytic narrative. It is a distinct methodological approach that involves the systematic integration of formal theoretical models with qualitative, historical case study analysis to explain specific political phenomena. Quick Tip: Analytic narrative combines narrative history with analytic tools to examine complex political outcomes.


Question 60:

Who among the following thinkers highlighted the myths about men being 'just warriors' and women being 'beautiful souls' to be saved?

  • (A) Cynthia Enloe
  • (B) J. Ann Tickner
  • (C) Jean Bethke Elshtain
  • (D) Judith Butler
Correct Answer: (C) Jean Bethke Elshtain
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Introducing Jean Bethke Elshtain
Jean Bethke Elshtain (1941-2013) was a highly influential American political philosopher and feminist theorist. A significant portion of her work explored the complex relationship between gender, politics, war, and ethics.

\subsection*{Step 2: Deconstructing the Myth
In her seminal 1987 book, \textit{Women and War, Elshtain critically examines the deeply entrenched gendered stereotypes that have shaped Western perceptions of conflict. She identifies a central myth:

The 'Just Warrior': This is the idealized male figure who is aggressive, dutiful, and patriotic. He is the protector of the state and is socialized to engage in the public sphere of violence and sacrifice for a just cause.
The 'Beautiful Soul': This is the idealized female figure. She is positioned in the private sphere as nurturing, pacifist, and compassionate. She is the one who needs protection and for whom the warrior fights.

Elshtain argues that this powerful dichotomy has historically been used to justify wars and to exclude women from citizenship and public life, while simultaneously locking men into a rigid and often destructive role.

\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (C) Jean Bethke Elshtain. She is the scholar who famously identified and critiqued the "Just Warrior" versus "Beautiful Soul" dichotomy as a central and problematic myth in the Western narrative of war and gender. Quick Tip: Jean Bethke Elshtain's work challenges traditional gender roles in war and peace discourse.


Question 61:

Who among the following thinkers said, "The nation..... is an imagined political community- imagined; both as, inherently limited and sovereign...."?

  • (A) Benedict Anderson
  • (B) Charles Tilly
  • (C) Eric Hobsbawm
  • (D) Miroslav Hroch
Correct Answer: (A) Benedict Anderson
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding Benedict Anderson's Concept of Nation
Benedict Anderson, in his influential 1983 book \textit{Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism, proposed a groundbreaking definition of the nation. He defined it as an "imagined political community".

Imagined: Anderson argues that a nation is imagined not because it is false or fabricated, but because "the members of even the smallest nation will never know most of their fellow-members, meet them, or even hear of them, yet in the minds of each lives the image of their communion." This sense of belonging is created and sustained through shared experiences, most notably through the consumption of common media like newspapers and novels—a phenomenon he termed "print-capitalism."
Limited: It is imagined as limited because every nation has "finite, if elastic, boundaries, beyond which lie other nations." No nation imagines itself as encompassing all of mankind.
Sovereign: The concept of the nation was born in an age when the Enlightenment and revolutions were destroying the legitimacy of divinely-ordained, hierarchical dynasties. The nation imagines itself as sovereign, a free and self-governing entity.
Community: Regardless of the actual inequality and exploitation that may prevail in each, the nation is always conceived as a deep, horizontal "comradeship."


\subsection*{Step 2: Conclusion
The concept of the nation as an "imagined community" is the central thesis of Benedict Anderson's work, making him the correct answer. Quick Tip: Benedict Anderson's theory of imagined communities explains the formation of national identity and the role of shared experiences.


Question 62:

Which of the following has Veto power in the Security Council?

  • (A) America
  • (B) India
  • (C) Pakistan
  • (D) Brazil
Correct Answer: (A) America
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Veto Power in the Security Council
The United Nations Security Council is the most powerful body within the UN, charged with maintaining international peace and security. It is composed of 15 members:

Five Permanent Members (P5): The People's Republic of China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Ten Non-Permanent Members: Elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.

The defining feature of the Security Council is the veto power held exclusively by the five permanent members. According to Article 27 of the UN Charter, any P5 member can cast a negative vote (a "veto") on a substantive resolution, which prevents the resolution from being adopted, even if it has the required nine affirmative votes from other members.

\subsection*{Step 2: Conclusion
The United States ("America") is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and therefore holds the power of veto. Quick Tip: Veto power allows permanent members of the UN Security Council to block any resolution, making their role critical in international decision-making.


Question 63:

Where was the SAARC established?

  • (A) Delhi
  • (B) Kathmandu
  • (C) Lahore
  • (D) Dhaka
Correct Answer: (B) Kathmandu
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Correcting the Factual Record of SAARC's Establishment
The provided solution contains a significant factual error regarding the founding location of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Founding Summit: The First SAARC Summit, where the organization's charter was officially adopted and signed by the heads of state or government of the seven founding members, was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on December 7-8, 1985.
Secretariat Location: The SAARC Secretariat, which is the organization's administrative body, was established later and is located in Kathmandu, Nepal. The agreement to establish the Secretariat in Kathmandu was made at the second SAARC summit in 1986.

The founding members were Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

\subsection*{Step 2: Conclusion
The question likely sought the location of a key SAARC institution. While the Secretariat is in Kathmandu, the organization itself was formally established in Dhaka. The original solution incorrectly identifies the founding location. Quick Tip: SAARC was formed in Kathmandu with the aim of fostering cooperation between South Asian nations on economic, social, and cultural matters.


Question 64:

Chronologically arrange the following initiatives in monitoring the international environment.




A. United Nations Conference on Human Environment in Stockholm

B. Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer

C. Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC

D. Brundtland Commission Report

Correct Answer: (B) A, B, C, D
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Timeline of Key Environmental Initiatives
The latter half of the 20th century saw the rise of global environmental governance, marked by a series of landmark conferences, reports, and treaties.

United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (1972): Held in Stockholm, Sweden, this was the first major international conference to make the environment a central global issue. It led to the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1985): This convention was a framework agreement that established international cooperation for research and monitoring of the ozone layer. It did not contain legally binding reduction goals but paved the way for the Montreal Protocol.
Brundtland Commission Report (1987): Officially titled "Our Common Future," this report by the World Commission on Environment and Development introduced and popularized the concept of "sustainable development," defined as development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
Kyoto Protocol (1997): Adopted in Kyoto, Japan, this was an international treaty that committed industrialized countries and economies in transition to set internationally binding emission reduction targets for greenhouse gases.


\subsection*{Step 2: Correct Chronological Order
Based on the dates of these initiatives, the correct chronological sequence is:

UN Conference on the Human Environment (1972)
Vienna Convention (1985)
Brundtland Commission Report (1987)
Kyoto Protocol (1997)

Note: The conclusion in the provided source document is confusingly written but appears to intend this correct chronological order. Quick Tip: These international environmental initiatives paved the way for global environmental governance and climate action.


Question 65:

Which of the following Court decisions declared the 'Right to Privacy' to be a fundamental right?

  • (A) K S Puttaswamy vs. Union of India
  • (B) Joseph Shine vs. Union of India
  • (C) National Legal Services Authority vs. Union of India
  • (D) Suresh Kumar Kaushal vs. Naz Foundation
Correct Answer: (A) K S Puttaswamy vs. Union of India
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Right to Privacy Case
In a historic and unanimous decision on August 24, 2017, a nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court of India delivered its verdict in the case of Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) vs. Union of India. This landmark judgment definitively established the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right for Indian citizens. The Court held that privacy is an intrinsic part of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. This ruling overruled previous judgments, such as \textit{M.P. Sharma (1954) and \textit{Kharak Singh (1962), which had held that privacy was not a constitutionally protected right.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(A) K S Puttaswamy vs. Union of India: This is the correct landmark case.
(B) Joseph Shine vs. Union of India: This 2018 case decriminalized adultery (Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code).
(C) National Legal Services Authority vs. Union of India: This 2014 case recognized transgender people as a "third gender" and affirmed their fundamental rights.
(D) Suresh Kumar Koushal vs. Naz Foundation: This 2013 case reinstated Section 377, criminalizing homosexuality, a decision that was later overturned in the \textit{Navtej Singh Johar case (2018).


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (A) K S Puttaswamy vs. Union of India, which is the foundational case establishing the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right in India. Quick Tip: The *K S Puttaswamy* judgment emphasized that privacy is intrinsic to human dignity and autonomy.


Question 66:

Which of the following statements are CORRECT about the Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India?




A. The Original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is dealt with in Article 132 of the Constitution.

B. Under Article 131 of the Constitution, the functions of the Supreme Court are purely federal in character.

C. It is confined to disputes between different units of the federation.

D. The Original Jurisdiction concerns to any dispute between the Government of India and one or more State.

Correct Answer: (D) B, C and D only
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding Original Jurisdiction
"Original Jurisdiction" refers to the power of a court to hear and decide a case for the first time, as opposed to appellate jurisdiction, where a court reviews the decision of a lower court. The Supreme Court of India has a unique and exclusive original jurisdiction under Article 131 of the Constitution. This jurisdiction is federal in nature, meaning it is designed to resolve disputes between the different units of the Indian federation.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(A) Incorrect. Article 132 deals with Appellate jurisdiction...: This statement is correct. Article 132 grants appellate jurisdiction to the Supreme Court in cases involving a substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the Constitution.
(B) Correct. The Original jurisdiction in Article 131 is indeed federal in nature...: This is correct. It deals with disputes between the Centre and States or between States.
(C) Correct. The Original jurisdiction is indeed confined to disputes between different units of the federation...: This is correct. It cannot be invoked by private citizens against the government.
(D) Correct. It applies to any dispute between the Government of India and one or more States: This is a correct description of one of the categories of disputes covered by Article 131.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
Statements B, C, and D accurately describe the scope and nature of the Supreme Court's original jurisdiction under Article 131. Thus, the conclusion that B, C, and D are the correct statements is accurate. Quick Tip: The Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court primarily resolves conflicts between the Centre and States, ensuring federal harmony.


Question 67:

Chronologically arrange the amendments to the Indian Constitution.




A. Added Schedule IX

B. First Schedule was amended to transfer certain territories implementing the Indo-Pakistan agreements.

C. Mizoram was made a State

D. Amended the Preamble

Correct Answer: (B) A, B, D, C
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Chronology of Events
To determine the correct order, we must establish the date of each constitutional event.

Addition of Schedule IX: Schedule IX was added to the Constitution by the First Amendment Act of 1951. This schedule was created to protect land reform laws from judicial review.
Amendment of the First Schedule: This schedule, which lists the States and Union Territories, has been amended numerous times. The very first amendment in 1951 also made changes to it. Any significant territorial transfer, like the Berubari Union, required an amendment (Ninth Amendment, 1960).
Amendment of the Preamble: The Preamble was amended only once by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 to add the words "Socialist," "Secular," and "Integrity."
Mizoram becomes a State: Mizoram, previously a Union Territory, was granted statehood by the State of Mizoram Act, 1986, which came into effect in 1987.


\subsection*{Step 2: Correct Chronological Order
Based on the dates, the correct sequence of these distinct events is:

Addition of Schedule IX (and initial amendment of First Schedule) - 1951
Amendment of the Preamble - 1976
Mizoram made a State - 1987

Note: The provided solution's lettering and conclusion are highly confusing. The correct historical sequence places the events of 1951 first, followed by 1976, and then 1987. Quick Tip: The Indian Constitution has seen several amendments, including changes to schedules and the Preamble, reflecting the evolving political landscape.


Question 68:

Sri Vijayapuram is the capital of which union territory of India?

  • (A) Chandigarh
  • (B) Lakshadweep
  • (C) Puducherry
  • (D) Andaman and Nicobar Island
Correct Answer: (B) Lakshadweep
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Correcting the Factual Record
The provided solution contains a significant factual error. The capital of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep is not "Sri Vijayapuram."

The administrative capital of Lakshadweep, an archipelago of 36 islands in the Arabian Sea, is the city of Kavaratti.


\subsection*{Step 2: Capitals of Other Union Territories
For context, the capitals of other Union Territories mentioned are:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Port Blair
Chandigarh: Chandigarh (serves as its own capital)
Puducherry: Puducherry (Pondicherry)


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct capital of Lakshadweep is Kavaratti. The information in the provided solution is incorrect. Quick Tip: Lakshadweep is the smallest Union Territory of India, and its capital is Sri Vijayapuram.


Question 69:

Who among the following adopted an 'open door' policy?

  • (A) China
  • (B) EU
  • (C) Japan
  • (D) USA
Correct Answer: (D) USA
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Open Door Policy
The Open Door Policy was a major U.S. foreign policy principle for relations with China in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The policy was a response to the "scramble for concessions," where imperial powers like Russia, Japan, Germany, France, and Great Britain were carving out exclusive "spheres of influence" in China. Fearing that American commercial interests would be shut out, U.S. Secretary of State John Hay articulated the policy in a series of diplomatic notes in 1899.

\subsection*{Step 2: Core Tenets of the Policy
The policy called upon all major powers active in China to:

Respect the principle of equal trading and commercial rights for all nations within their spheres of influence.
Uphold China's territorial and administrative integrity.

In essence, the policy was an attempt by the United States to ensure it could trade freely throughout China, even in areas where it did not have a sphere of influence. China itself was the subject of the policy, not its proponent.

\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (D) USA. The Open Door Policy was a cornerstone of American foreign policy toward China for several decades. Quick Tip: The "Open Door Policy" was an essential part of U.S. foreign policy towards China, aimed at promoting free trade and preventing colonial partition.


Question 70:

Arrange the following events related to India-Pakistan relations in a chronological order.




A. Operation Gibraltar

B. Kargil War

C. Karachi Agreement

D. Indus Water Treaty

Correct Answer: (B) A, C, B, D
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Events Chronologically
This question requires placing four major events in the history of India-Pakistan relations in the correct order.

Karachi Agreement (1949): Signed by military representatives of India and Pakistan under the supervision of the UN Commission for India and Pakistan. It established a ceasefire line in Kashmir following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948. This line was later largely converted into the Line of Control (LoC).
Indus Waters Treaty (1960): A water-distribution treaty brokered by the World Bank, which allocated control over the waters of the three "eastern" rivers (Beas, Ravi, Sutlej) to India and the three "western" rivers (Indus, Chenab, Jhelum) to Pakistan.
Operation Gibraltar (1965): A covert military strategy by Pakistan to infiltrate Jammu and Kashmir and instigate a rebellion against Indian rule. The failure of this operation was a key trigger for the full-scale Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.
Kargil War (1999): An armed conflict that took place between May and July 1999 after Pakistani troops and irregulars infiltrated positions on the Indian side of the Line of Control in the Kargil district.


\subsection*{Step 2: Correct Chronological Order
Based on the dates, the correct sequence of events is:

Karachi Agreement (1949)
Indus Waters Treaty (1960)
Operation Gibraltar (1965)
Kargil War (1999)

Note: The provided solution's Step 2 and 3 are highly disorganized and present incorrect information. The order deduced here from the correct dates in its Step 1 is the accurate historical sequence. Quick Tip: The Indus Water Treaty remains a key agreement between India and Pakistan, while conflicts like Kargil War have shaped bilateral relations.


Question 71:

Which provision in the Indian Constitution provides for procedural safeguards against arbitrary arrest and detention?

  • (A) Article 3
  • (B) Article 21
  • (C) Article 22
  • (D) Article 29
Correct Answer: (C) Article 22
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Constitutional Provision
The Indian Constitution provides specific safeguards against the state's power of arrest and detention to protect individual liberty. These are primarily enshrined in the chapter on Fundamental Rights. The question asks to identify the specific article that deals with these protections.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(A) Article 3: This article is part of Part I of the Constitution and deals with the formation of new States and the alteration of areas, boundaries, or names of existing States. It is unrelated to individual rights concerning arrest.
(B) Article 21: This article is the cornerstone of life and liberty, stating that "No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law." While it is the foundational right, the specific procedural safeguards for arrested persons are detailed in another article.
(C) Article 22: This is the correct answer. This article provides specific protections for individuals who are arrested or detained. It has two parts:

Deals with ordinary law (punitive detention) and grants four rights to the arrested person: (i) the right to be informed of the grounds of arrest, (ii) the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner, (iii) the right to be produced before the nearest magistrate within 24 hours of arrest, and (iv) the right to be released after 24 hours unless the magistrate authorizes further detention.
Deals with preventive detention law and provides safeguards for those detained under such laws, including that detention cannot exceed three months unless an advisory board authorizes it.

(D) Article 29: This article, part of the Cultural and Educational Rights, protects the interests of minorities, guaranteeing their right to conserve their distinct language, script, or culture. It is not related to arrest and detention.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (C) Article 22, as it specifically enumerates the procedural safeguards available to a person against arbitrary arrest and detention. Quick Tip: Article 22 ensures that individuals cannot be arbitrarily arrested or detained without legal procedures, which upholds personal liberty.


Question 72:

In which year did the Supreme Court decide that the citizens of India have the Right to Negative Vote by exercising NOTA?

  • (A) 2006
  • (B) 2009
  • (C) 2013
  • (D) 2016
Correct Answer: (C) 2013
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the NOTA Verdict
The "None of the Above" (NOTA) option on electronic voting machines (EVMs) and ballot papers allows a voter to officially register a vote of rejection for all contesting candidates. This option was introduced following a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India. The Court directed the Election Commission of India to provide a NOTA button on voting machines. The verdict was a significant step in electoral reform, aimed at empowering voters to express their dissatisfaction with the available candidates.

\subsection*{Step 2: Identifying the Year and the Case
The Supreme Court of India delivered this historic verdict on September 27, 2013, in the case of \textit{People's Union for Civil Liberties vs. Union of India. The Court reasoned that the right to vote also includes the right \textit{not to vote for any candidate, which is a part of the voter's right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. The Court believed that introducing NOTA would compel political parties to field candidates of better character and integrity.

\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The NOTA option was introduced as a result of the Supreme Court's verdict in 2013. The garbled text "(C) 201(C)" in the original solution is a typo and should correctly read 2013. Quick Tip: The 2013 Supreme Court ruling on NOTA provided voters with the right to reject all candidates, ensuring greater electoral transparency.


Question 73:

Which provision of the Indian Constitution ensures free and fair elections of the Panchayat?

  • (A) Article 243 D
  • (B) Article 243 F
  • (C) Article 243 G
  • (D) Article 243 K
Correct Answer: (D) Article 243 K
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Constitutional Provision for Panchayat Elections
Part IX of the Indian Constitution, inserted by the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992, provides a constitutional framework for Panchayati Raj institutions (local self-government in rural areas). To ensure that elections to these bodies are free and fair, and independent of the state government's control, the Constitution mandates the creation of a specific independent body.

\subsection*{Step 2: Analysis of Options

(A) Article 243 D: This article deals with the reservation of seats in Panchayats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women.
(B) Article 243 F: This article lays down the grounds for disqualification of membership in a Panchayat.
(C) Article 243 G: This article specifies the powers, authority, and responsibilities that state legislatures can endow upon Panchayats.
(D) Article 243 K: This is the correct answer. This article mandates the establishment of a State Election Commission (SEC) for each state. It vests the SEC with the power of "superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to the Panchayats." This ensures the autonomy and fairness of local body elections.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (D) Article 243 K, which is the constitutional provision that ensures free and fair elections to Panchayats through the creation of an independent State Election Commission. Quick Tip: Article 243 K ensures that Panchayat elections are conducted independently by the State Election Commissions, thus ensuring their fairness.


Question 74:

Arrange the following amendments to the Constitution in a chronological order.




A. Incorporation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli as Union Territory

B. Abolition of Election Tribunals

C. Abolition of Privy Purse

D. Reducing the age for voting rights from 21 to 18 years

Correct Answer: (B) A, C, B, D
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Establishing the Correct Chronology
To answer this question, we must determine the year each constitutional event occurred. The analysis in the provided source document is disorganized and contains errors in its final conclusion.

Incorporation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli as a Union Territory: This was achieved through the 10th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1961.
Abolition of the Privy Purse: The special privileges and tax exemptions granted to the rulers of former princely states were abolished by the 26th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1971.
Abolition of Election Tribunals: This was part of the wide-ranging changes made by the 39th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1975, which was passed during the Emergency.
Reduction of the voting age from 21 to 18 years: This was done by the 61st Constitutional Amendment Act of 1988.


\subsection*{Step 2: Arranging the Events in Chronological Order
Based on the correct dates, the historical sequence is as follows:

Incorporation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli (1961)
Abolition of the Privy Purse (1971)
Abolition of Election Tribunals (1975)
Reduction of the voting age (1988)


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The correct chronological order is the incorporation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, followed by the abolition of the privy purse, then the abolition of election tribunals, and finally the reduction of the voting age. The lettering and final sequence (A, C, B, D) provided in the source material's Step 2 and 3 are incorrect and internally inconsistent. Quick Tip: The Indian Constitution has undergone several amendments that reflect changing political and social realities, such as the reduction of the voting age and the abolition of the privy purse.


Question 75:

Which amendment to the Indian Constitution sought to implement economic justice and equality of opportunity assured by the Preamble vide Article 38 (B)?

  • (A) First Amendment Act
  • (B) Forty-second Amendment Act
  • (C) Forty-fourth Amendment Act
  • (D) Sixty-fifth Amendment Act
Correct Answer: (B) Forty-second Amendment Act
View Solution




\subsection*{Step 1: Understanding the Forty-second Amendment Act
The Constitution (Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1976, is one of the most significant and controversial amendments in Indian history. It was enacted by the government of Indira Gandhi during the national Emergency. Due to the vast number of changes it made to the Constitution, it is often referred to as a "mini-Constitution."

\subsection*{Step 2: Key Provisions of the Amendment
The amendment introduced several sweeping changes, including:

Amendment to the Preamble: It added three new words to the Preamble: "Socialist," "Secular," and "Integrity."
Primacy to Directive Principles: It sought to give precedence to the Directive Principles of State Policy over the Fundamental Rights enumerated in Articles 14, 19, and 31.
Fundamental Duties: It added a new Part IV-A to the Constitution, which laid down a code of ten Fundamental Duties for citizens.
Other Changes: It also made changes to the powers of the judiciary, the tenure of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, and the powers of the President.


\subsection*{Step 3: Conclusion
The Act that added the words "Socialist" and "Secular" to the Preamble and introduced a host of other changes is the Forty-second Amendment Act, 1976. Quick Tip: The Forty-second Amendment significantly altered the Indian Constitution, introducing the concepts of socialism and secularism to the Preamble.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

Ask your question

Subscribe To Our News Letter

Get Latest Notification Of Colleges, Exams and News

© 2026 Patronum Web Private Limited