ExamSpark CUET UG
Mock Test 07 Performance Solutions
Subject: Political Science
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the 'Shock Therapy' model adopted by post-Soviet states:
I. It was heavily influenced by the IMF and World Bank.
II. It advocated for a gradual transition from state-controlled to market economy to minimize social costs.
III. It led to the creation of a new 'bourgeoisie' class through the sale of state-owned assets at undervalued prices.
IV. It resulted in the immediate strengthening of democratic institutions across the region.
Which of the following combinations is correct?
Correct Answer: Option B (I, II, and III)
Explanation: While the resolution focused on federalism, in the charged atmosphere of the 1980s, it was misinterpreted and projected by its extremist proponents and critics as a demand for a separate Sikh nation, 'Khalistan'.
* Concept: Regional Aspirations, Federalism, Punjab Crisis
* Type: Application-based
Q2. The Anandpur Sahib Resolution of 1973 became contentious not primarily because of its demands for state autonomy, but because in the subsequent political climate, it was interpreted by some as a:
Correct Answer: Option C (Demand for merging Punjabi-speaking areas of neighbouring states.)
Explanation: While existing P5 members are nuclear powers, advocating for membership *on the basis* of possessing nuclear weapons goes against the spirit of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and is not considered a legitimate criterion for reform. The other options are all widely cited arguments.
* Concept: UN Security Council Reforms
* Type: Application-based (Expected Type)
Q3. If a hypothetical country 'X' wishes to stake a claim for permanent membership in the UN Security Council, which of the following arguments would be LEAST effective in the current framework of reform discussions?
Correct Answer: Option B (Country 'X' has consistently been one of the largest contributors of troops to UN peacekeeping missions.)
Explanation: The term 'Congress System' specifically highlights the paradox of a dominant party that still allowed for internal factionalism and operated within a democratic, multi-party system, unlike a one-party state.
* Concept: Congress System, One-Party Dominance
* Type: Conceptual
Q4. Rajni Kothari's term 'Congress System' is best understood as a system where:
Correct Answer: Option C (The party's structure was based on a top-down command from a single charismatic leader without internal democracy.)
Explanation: This is the core idea of heterogenisation or 'glocalisation'—not a simple replacement (homogenisation) but a creative mixing that produces new, unique outcomes (e.g., 'Bhangra pop', 'Masala-dosa burger').
* Concept: Cultural Consequences of Globalisation
* Type: Conceptual (Tricky)
Q5. The phenomenon of 'cultural heterogenisation' as a consequence of globalisation implies that:
Correct Answer: Option C (Globalisation leads to the intermixing of cultures, creating new and hybrid cultural forms unique to each society.)
Explanation: The Shah Commission heavily criticised the misuse of MISA, subversion of the judiciary, and forced sterilisations. However, power was concentrated in the PM's office, not transferred away from it to the President. The President's role was largely seen as rubber-stamping the PM's decisions.
* Concept: The Crisis of Democratic Order, Shah Commission
* Type: Factual but Tricky
Q6. The Shah Commission, appointed to inquire into the excesses of the Emergency (1975-77), found evidence of widespread misuse of power. Which of the following was NOT a specific finding or criticism highlighted in its report?
Correct Answer: Option B (The subversion of the judiciary through the appointment of committed judges and transfer of High Court judges.)
Explanation: The EU has institutions like the European Parliament and European Court of Justice whose decisions can be binding on member states (supranationalism). ASEAN strictly adheres to the principle of non-interference and national sovereignty (intergovernmentalism).
* Concept: Contemporary Centres of Power, Supranationalism vs. Intergovernmentalism
* Type: Comparative/Analytical
Q7. A key difference in the institutional approach of the European Union (EU) compared to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is that the EU:
Correct Answer: Option B (Has developed supranational institutions to which member states have transferred some of their sovereignty.)
Explanation: The Mandal issue crystallised OBC identity as a potent political force, leading to the rise of parties like the Samajwadi Party, RJD, and JD(U), which challenged the dominance of national parties in the Hindi heartland.
* Concept: Recent Developments in Indian Politics, Mandal Commission
* Type: Consequence-based
Q8. The implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations in 1990 led to a significant political realignment in India. Which statement most accurately describes this shift?
Correct Answer: Option B (It led to the emergence of powerful, regionally-based parties that primarily championed the cause of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).)
Explanation: Non-traditional security threats are those that challenge the state and its people without using conventional military means. Cyber-attacks, pandemics, and terrorism fall into this category, affecting human and national security simultaneously.
* Concept: Security in the Contemporary World, Non-traditional Security
* Type: Application-based (Expected Type)
Q9. A massive cyber-attack originating from an unknown state actor cripples a nation's power grid, banking system, and communication networks, causing widespread panic and economic disruption. In the context of contemporary security studies, this event is best classified as:
Correct Answer: Option B (A non-traditional security threat, as it targets the well-being of individuals and critical infrastructure without direct military force.)
Explanation: In a unipolar/multipolar world, NAM's relevance has shifted from staying out of two blocs to providing a collective voice for developing countries on issues like UN reform, climate justice, and economic development (South-South cooperation).
* Concept: India's External Relations, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
* Type: Evaluative/Conceptual
Q10. In the 21st century, which of the following arguments most strongly supports the continued relevance of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) for countries like India?
Correct Answer: Option B (It serves as a moral force advocating for a more equitable and democratic world order and a platform for South-South cooperation.)
Explanation: This was the core of the IoA. It was a compromise that respected the states' internal sovereignty while integrating them into the Indian Union for crucial national functions.
* Concept: Challenges of Nation Building, Integration of Princely States
* Type: Conceptual (Tricky)
Q11. The 'Instrument of Accession' signed by the princely states with India was based on a crucial principle that differentiated it from a complete merger. This principle was:
Correct Answer: Option C (The accession was a temporary arrangement, subject to a plebiscite in every state after a period of 10 years.)
Explanation: CBDR is the principle that acknowledges that all countries share a responsibility to protect the environment (common), but the level of responsibility is different (differentiated) based on historical contribution to the problem and current capacity.
* Concept: Environment and Natural Resources, Climate Justice
* Type: Application-based
Q12. During a climate change negotiation, the representative of a developing nation argues that while their country will take steps to reduce emissions, the historical responsibility for climate change lies with industrialized nations, who should therefore bear a greater burden. This argument directly invokes the principle of:
Correct Answer: Option C (Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR))
Explanation: After its initial militant phase, the Dalit Panthers movement fragmented, but its legacy continued through a powerful wave of Dalit literature and intellectual activity, which had a long-term impact on consciousness and politics.
* Concept: Rise of Popular Movements, Dalit Panthers
* Type: Analytical
Q13. A significant evolution in the strategy of the Dalit Panthers movement in the late 1970s and 1980s was a shift from:
Correct Answer: Option B (A focus on economic issues to demanding cultural and religious conversion.)
Explanation: This is the most critical reason. Unlike ASEAN, which managed to put aside political differences for economic gain, SAARC has been consistently hostage to the India-Pakistan conflict, preventing meaningful cooperation.
* Concept: Contemporary South Asia, SAARC
* Type: Conceptual (PYQ-based concept)
Q14. The limited success of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is often attributed to the political environment in South Asia. Which factor is considered the most significant structural impediment?
Correct Answer: Option B (The persistence of bilateral conflicts and political mistrust, especially between India and Pakistan, which spill over into the multilateral forum.)
Explanation: This is the most unique aspect of the Bombay Plan. It showed that the Indian private sector was not purely laissez-faire; it understood the need for a "mixed economy" with significant state planning to build a modern industrial base.
* Concept: Politics of Planned Development, Economic Models
* Type: Conceptual/Unique
Q15. The "Bombay Plan" (1944-45), proposed by leading Indian industrialists, was significant in the context of India's development because it showed that:
Correct Answer: Option B (The capitalists themselves envisioned a major role for the state in planning and developing heavy industries and infrastructure.)
Explanation: The slogan was a populist masterstroke. It allowed Indira Gandhi to appeal directly to the masses over the heads of the powerful state-level party bosses (the 'Syndicate') who had challenged her authority.
* Concept: Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System, Populism
* Type: Analytical
Q16. The political strategy behind Indira Gandhi's slogan "Garibi Hatao" (Remove Poverty) in the 1971 elections was to:
Correct Answer: Option A (Fulfill the promises made by the 'Syndicate' faction of the Congress.)
Explanation: The correct sequence is: Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (1979), Fall of the Berlin Wall (Nov 1989), Unification of Germany (Oct 1990), and Disintegration of the USSR (Dec 1991).
* Concept: The End of Bipolarity, Cold War Timeline
* Type: Factual/Chronological
Q17. Arrange the following events in the correct chronological order:
I. Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
II. Unification of Germany
III. Disintegration of the Soviet Union
IV. Fall of the Berlin Wall
Correct Answer: Option B (IV, I, II, III)
Explanation: This is a key analytical point. In 2014 and 2019, the BJP won a majority on its own but still formed the NDA government. This gives the lead party far more power and stability compared to the earlier coalitions (like the United Front) which were true multi-party dependencies.
* Concept: Recent Developments in Indian Politics, Party Systems
* Type: Analytical (Expected Type)
Q18. How did the nature of coalition governments in India qualitatively change in the era post-2014 compared to the 1996-2004 period?
Correct Answer: Option C (The post-2014 era has seen a complete return to one-party rule, with no coalition partners in the government.)
Explanation: Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) are designed to reduce mistrust, and a hotline is a classic example. Disarmament (A) is elimination, not limitation. Alliance Building (B) is forming pacts for security, which NAM opposed. Arms Control (D) is about regulating, not eliminating, weapons.
* Concept: Security in the Contemporary World, Traditional Security
* Type: Conceptual
Q19. Which of the following correctly matches a traditional security policy with its most accurate example?
Correct Answer: Option C (Confidence Building - Establishment of a 'hotline' between the leaders of rival powers)
Explanation: NFU is credible only if a country can survive a first strike and retaliate effectively. This is the essence of 'credible minimum deterrence'—having just enough (minimum) secure capability (credible) to deter an enemy.
* Concept: India's External Relations, India's Nuclear Doctrine
* Type: Conceptual/Strategic
Q20. India's nuclear policy of 'No First Use' (NFU) is strategically linked to its doctrine of 'Credible Minimum Deterrence'. This linkage implies that:
Correct Answer: Option A (India will use nuclear weapons only if its own territorial integrity is violated by conventional forces.)
Explanation: Detailed explanation will be updated shortly.