IGNOU BPSC-110 Solved Question Paper PDF Download

IGNOU BPSC-110 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in Hindi

IGNOU BPSC-110 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in English

Q1. Examine the impact of globalisation on the sovereignty and jurisdiction of state.

Ans. Introduction: Globalisation, the process of rapid integration of economic, political, cultural, and technological ties across the world, has had a profound impact on the traditional notion of the nation-state, particularly its sovereignty and jurisdiction. Sovereignty implies a state’s supreme authority within its territory and its independence from external control. A significant part of the debate on globalisation centres on whether it is eroding state sovereignty or merely transforming its nature. Impact of Globalisation on Sovereignty: 1. Erosion of Economic Sovereignty: One of the most significant impacts of globalisation is in the economic sphere.

• Multinational Corporations (MNCs): Giant MNCs wield economic power greater than the GDP of some small nations. They can influence national economic policies through their decisions about investment, employment, and production, thereby limiting the ability of states to control their own economies.
• Global Financial Markets: The free flow of capital compels governments to adopt policies favourable to investors, lest they face capital flight. This restricts a state’s ability to spend on social welfare or impose stringent regulations.
• International Economic Institutions: Organisations like the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank set rules and conditions on trade, finance, and development that member-states must follow, even if they conflict with their domestic policies.

2. Transformation of Political Sovereignty:

• Inter-Governmental Organisations (IGOs): Organisations like the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) promote collective decision-making, where states have to cede some of their decision-making power for the common good.
• International Law and Treaties: International treaties on human rights, environmental protection, and arms control regulate the behaviour of states. By signing these treaties, states voluntarily limit their jurisdiction.
• Rise of Non-state Actors: International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) like Amnesty International and terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda challenge the authority of states and influence global politics.

3. Impact on Cultural Sovereignty:

The spread of global media, the internet, and popular culture (e.g., Hollywood movies) has led to the dominance of Western, particularly American, cultural values. This process, sometimes called “cultural imperialism,” can challenge local cultures and national identities.

Conclusion:

It would be an exaggeration to say that globalisation has ended state sovereignty. States are still the primary actors in global politics. However, globalisation has certainly transformed the

Westphalian

concept of sovereignty, which was absolute and indivisible. Today, sovereignty is seen as a more shared and relative concept. States can no longer act as “gatekeepers” controlling all flows at their borders. Instead, they must act as mediators between global and local forces. Sovereignty has not been eroded, but it has been

transformed

, where states need to cooperate to address transnational challenges like terrorism, climate change, and pandemics.

Q2. What factors explain the growth of MNCs in the global economy ?

Ans. Introduction: Multinational Corporations (MNCs) are companies that own or control production or service facilities in at least one country other than their home country. The growth of MNCs in the global economy over the past few decades has been phenomenal, and they have become the primary drivers of international trade, investment, and technology transfer. Several factors are responsible for their growth. Factors Responsible for the Growth of MNCs: 1. Technological Advances:

• Transportation Revolution: Containerization, large cargo ships, and air freight have dramatically reduced the cost of shipping goods over long distances.
• Communication Technology: The internet, satellite communications, video conferencing, and mobile phones have made it easier and cheaper for MNCs to coordinate and manage their globally dispersed factories, supply chains, and offices.

2. Economic Liberalisation and Globalisation:

• Reduction of Trade Barriers: The reduction of tariffs and non-tariff barriers through rounds of negotiations under GATT and later the WTO greatly promoted international trade.
• Liberalisation of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): After the 1980s, many developing countries opened their economies to foreign investment. They offered tax breaks and other incentives to attract MNCs.
• Financial Deregulation: The easier movement of capital across borders made it simpler for MNCs to invest abroad and repatriate profits.

3. Search for Markets and Resources:

• Quest for New Markets: As domestic markets in developed countries became saturated, corporations began to seek new customers in the large and untapped consumer populations of developing countries.
• Access to Cheaper Resources: MNCs shift production to developing countries to take advantage of lower labour costs, cheaper raw materials, and less stringent environmental regulations. This helps them reduce their production costs and increase profits.

4. Economies of Scale:

Producing on a global scale allows MNCs to benefit from large-scale production, which reduces the cost per unit. They can maximise their efficiency by locating different stages of the production process in different countries (e.g., design in one country, manufacturing in another, and assembly in a third).

Conclusion:

The growth of MNCs is not the result of a single factor but a complex interplay of

technology

,

political-economic policies (neoliberalism)

, and

corporate strategy

. Technological innovations made global operations possible, while liberalisation policies made them viable. At the same time, the constant corporate drive for new markets, cheaper resources, and greater profits propelled MNCs to expand beyond their borders.

Q3. Write short notes on the following in about 200 words each : (a) Principles guiding the working of WTO (b) Role of the World Bank in international economy

Ans. (a) Principles guiding the working of WTO The World Trade Organisation (WTO) is an international organization that deals with the rules of trade between nations. Its main goal is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably, and freely as possible. The working of the WTO is based on some fundamental principles, which are enshrined in its various agreements:

• Non-discrimination: This principle is expressed in two components:
  • Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN): Under this rule, if a country grants a special trade favour (like a lower tariff) to another country, it must grant the same favour to all other WTO members.
  • National Treatment: This rule stipulates that once foreign goods have entered a market, they must be treated no less favourably than domestically produced goods.
• Freer Trade: The WTO aims to progressively lower trade barriers (like tariffs, quotas) through negotiations.
• Predictability: The WTO encourages member countries to make their trade policies transparent and to “bind” their tariff rates. This creates a stable and predictable trading environment for businesses.
• Promoting Fair Competition: The WTO discourages “unfair” practices such as export subsidies and dumping (selling products at a price below cost).
• Encouraging Development and Economic Reform: The WTO provides developing countries with more time to implement agreements, greater trade opportunities, and technical assistance.

These principles seek to create a more stable, transparent, and fair global trading system.

(b) Role of the World Bank in international economy

The World Bank, established at the Bretton Woods conference in 1944, is a major international financial institution. Its initial purpose was to help rebuild Europe after World War II, but its focus soon shifted to the economic development and poverty reduction of developing countries.

The role of the World Bank is multifaceted:

• Financial Assistance: The World Bank provides low-interest loans, interest-free credits, and grants to developing countries for various projects. These projects are in sectors like education, health, agriculture, infrastructure (roads, electricity), and environmental protection. Its two main institutions are the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) , which lends to middle-income countries, and the International Development Association (IDA) , which provides aid to the poorest countries.
• Technical Assistance and Policy Advice: Besides lending money, the World Bank also provides expertise and technical assistance to member countries. It offers policy advice on good governance, anti-corruption measures, and economic reforms. In the 1980s and 1990s, its role was controversial due to its “Structural Adjustment Programs” (SAPs), which attached conditions of neoliberal reforms to loans.
• Research and Knowledge Sharing: The World Bank conducts extensive research on development issues and publishes data, reports, and analysis, which are a vital resource for policymakers and researchers worldwide.

In essence, the World Bank acts as a major global development financier and knowledge bank, with the overarching goal of reducing global poverty and improving living standards in developing countries.

Q4. What is Paris Climate Agreement ? Explain India’s approach to climate change.

Ans. The Paris Climate Agreement The Paris Climate Agreement, adopted by 196 countries at the Conference of the Parties (COP21) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in December 2015, is a landmark global accord to combat climate change. It is a legally binding international treaty that came into force in 2020. Key Goals and Features of the Agreement:

• Temperature Goal: Its central aim is to keep the global average temperature rise this century to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius .
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Unlike the Kyoto Protocol, which had emission reduction targets only for developed countries, the Paris Agreement adopts a “bottom-up” approach. Each country determines, plans, and regularly reports on its own emission reduction targets, known as NDCs.
• Universality: The agreement applies to all countries, both developed and developing, acknowledging that all must participate in climate action.
• Transparency and Accountability: A robust framework is established for countries to transparently report on their emissions and their progress in implementing their NDCs.
• Global Stocktake: Starting in 2023, and every five years thereafter, parties will collectively assess progress towards achieving the long-term temperature goals.

India’s Approach to Climate Change

India’s approach to climate change is anchored in the principles of development, equity, and common but differentiated responsibilities. India argues that developing countries have the right to fight poverty and improve the living standards of their people, and that developed countries, which have historically emitted the most, should lead climate action and provide financial and technological support to developing nations.

India’s approach and actions can be summarized in the following points:

• Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC): This is the cornerstone of India’s climate diplomacy. India believes that while the responsibility to fight climate change is common, a greater burden must fall on developed countries due to their historical responsibility and greater capability.
• Updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC): India has consistently raised its climate ambitions. As per its updated NDCs (2022), India has committed to:
  • Reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030, from the 2005 level.
  • Achieve about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
  • Create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
• Panchamrit and Net-Zero Target: At COP26 (2021), Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the “Panchamrit” (five nectars), which includes a target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, and set an ambitious target of net-zero emissions by 2070 .
• Emphasis on Renewable Energy: India has invested heavily in solar and wind energy. The launch of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a key global initiative led by India.

Conclusion:

The Paris Agreement provides a crucial framework for global climate action. India is playing a constructive and significant role in this effort, balancing its developmental imperatives with ambitious climate goals and insisting on the principle of climate justice.

Q5. How does India deal with refugees and migrants ?

Ans. Introduction: India has a long and generous tradition of hosting refugees and migrants, but its policy presents a paradox. On one hand, it has provided shelter to millions of refugees, including Tibetans, Sri Lankan Tamils, and Afghans. On the other hand, India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, and it does not have a specific domestic law for refugees. Legal and Policy Framework:

• No Specific Refugee Law: In India, there is no legal distinction between refugees and illegal migrants. All are considered “foreigners” under the Foreigners Act, 1946 . This law gives the central government wide-ranging powers to deport or detain any foreigner.
• Ad-hoc and Case-by-Case Approach: In the absence of a formal legal framework, India’s refugee policy is based on the executive decisions of the government. This results in different refugee groups being treated differently, often influenced by India’s geopolitical interests and its relationship with the country of origin.
• Judicial Intervention: The Indian judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, has played a crucial role in filling this legal void. In several judgments, the court has applied Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) of the Constitution to all persons, including refugees. It has also recognized the principle of non-refoulement , which means that no refugee should be sent back to a country where they face persecution.

Treatment of Different Groups:

• Tibetan Refugees: The Tibetans who came with the Dalai Lama in 1959 were welcomed by India. They have been provided with a well-organized support system, with special settlements, schools, and cultural institutions.
• Sri Lankan Tamils: Fleeing the civil war in the 1980s, Sri Lankan Tamils were given refuge in large numbers, especially in Tamil Nadu. The government runs camps and provides assistance to them.
• Afghans and Others: India has also hosted Afghans fleeing the Soviet invasion and subsequent conflicts. The UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) is active in New Delhi and provides assistance to many refugee groups.
• Rohingya Refugees: India’s stance towards Rohingya refugees from Myanmar has been much more restrictive. The government considers them “illegal immigrants” and a threat to national security. Many Rohingyas have been detained and face deportation, although this has been challenged through judicial intervention.

Conclusion:

India’s refugee policy is a complex mix of generous tradition and legal stringency. The absence of a formal, Parliament-enacted refugee law creates inconsistency and uncertainty in policy. This approach allows India the flexibility to alter its treatment of different groups based on its foreign policy, but it also leaves refugees in a vulnerable and precarious position, entirely dependent on the goodwill of the government.

Q6. Briefly describe the institutions and treaties that are there to control and prohibit the spread of WMDs.

Ans. Introduction: Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) include nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons , capable of causing death and destruction on a vast scale. Preventing the spread (proliferation) of these weapons and ultimately eliminating them has been a major goal for international peace and security. To achieve this, a complex web of treaties, institutions, and control regimes has been developed. Major Institutions and Treaties: 1. Nuclear Weapons Control:

• Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), 1968: This is the cornerstone of the nuclear arms control regime. It has three main pillars:
  1. Non-proliferation: Non-nuclear-weapon states will not acquire nuclear weapons.
  2. Disarmament: The five nuclear-weapon states (US, Russia, UK, France, China) will work towards eliminating their nuclear arsenals.
  3. Peaceful Use: All nations have the right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): This is the UN’s “nuclear watchdog.” Its job is to verify that countries are complying with their NPT commitments and that nuclear material is not being diverted for military purposes.
• Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), 1996: This treaty bans all types of nuclear explosions. However, it has not yet entered into force as some key states like India, Pakistan, and North Korea have not signed or ratified it.

2. Biological and Chemical Weapons Control:

• Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), 1972: This prohibits the development, production, and stockpiling of biological and toxin weapons. Its major weakness is that it lacks a verification agency like the IAEA or OPCW.
• Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), 1993: This imposes a complete ban on the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons. It is one of the most successful disarmament treaties of its kind. To monitor it, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) was established, which conducts inspections and ensures compliance. The OPCW received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013.

3. Export Control Regimes:

These are informal groups of major supplier countries that coordinate to control the export of sensitive technologies and materials to prevent the proliferation of WMDs and their delivery systems (missiles). They include the

Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)

, the

Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)

, and the

Australia Group

(for chemical/biological).

Conclusion:

A robust international regime exists to control the spread of WMDs. These treaties and institutions have had significant success in limiting the number of nuclear-weapon states and destroying vast stockpiles of chemical weapons. However, serious challenges remain, such as non-compliance (e.g., North Korea), non-membership (e.g., India, Pakistan, Israel outside the NPT), and the threat of terrorists acquiring these weapons.

Q7. Write short notes on the following in about 200 words each : (a) Marxist explanation of globalization (b) Hyper-globalists

Ans. (a) Marxist explanation of globalization In the Marxist perspective, globalisation is not a new phenomenon but the latest stage in the development of capitalism . For Marxists, globalisation is essentially the global expansion of capital. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels wrote in the Communist Manifesto in the 19th century that the bourgeoisie has to “nestle everywhere, settle everywhere, establish connections everywhere.” The key elements of the Marxist explanation are:

• Inherent Global Nature of Capitalism: Capitalism constantly seeks new markets, cheaper labour, and raw materials to increase profit. Globalisation is the modern form of this process.
• Exploitation on a Global Scale: Globalisation creates a global division of labour that allows the “core” (developed capitalist countries) to exploit the “periphery” (developing countries). Multinational corporations (MNCs) are the main agents of this exploitation, taking advantage of low wages and weak regulations in developing nations to maximise profits.
• Role of International Institutions: From a Marxist viewpoint, institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) are tools of the dominant capitalist powers. They impose neoliberal policies (privatisation, liberalisation, and deregulation) on developing countries, opening them up further for global capital.
• Increased Inequality: Globalisation exacerbates inequality both between and within nations, as its benefits are unevenly distributed.

In short, Marxists do not see globalisation as a “global village” but as the universalisation of the capitalist mode of production and its inherent exploitative relations.

(b) Hyper-globalists

The hyper-globalist perspective is one of the main viewpoints in the globalisation debate, which believes that contemporary globalisation is an unprecedented and powerful force that is fundamentally transforming the world. According to this view, we are truly moving towards a

“borderless world”

.

The main arguments of the hyper-globalists are:

• The End of the Nation-State: The most controversial claim of the hyper-globalists is that economic globalisation is making the nation-state irrelevant or “hollowing it out.” They argue that global capital, multinational corporations, and global financial markets now have more power than national governments. States are becoming mere “transmission belts” for global economic forces.
• A Single Global Economy: They see the rise of an integrated global economy where production, finance, and trade are organized on a global scale. National economies are merging into this larger global system.
• Emergence of Global Governance: As the power of the nation-state declines, authority is shifting towards global and regional institutions (e.g., EU, WTO), creating a new form of global governance.
• Two Ideologies: The hyper-globalist view is divided into two camps. The neoliberals (e.g., Kenichi Ohmae) celebrate the triumph of the market, seeing it as bringing efficiency and prosperity. In contrast, neo-Marxists also see globalisation as a powerful force, but they view it negatively, as the triumph of a destructive global capitalism.

Critics argue that hyper-globalists underestimate the continued power and relevance of the nation-state and exaggerate the effects of globalisation.

Q8. Write short notes on the following in about 200 words each : (a) Global social movements (b) Terrorism and its core elements

Ans. (a) Global social movements Global Social Movements (GSMs) are transnational networks of individuals and organizations that challenge dominant power structures and advocate for social, political, environmental, or economic change on a global scale. These movements represent a form of “globalization from below,” countering the dominance of state and corporate power. Their main characteristics are:

• Transnational Structure: These movements operate across national borders, linking activists and groups from different countries. They are based on shared concerns and identities.
• Use of Technology: The internet, social media, and mobile phones are crucial tools for communication, mobilization, and information dissemination. These technologies allow activists to coordinate rapidly and at a low cost.
• Focus on Global Issues: GSMs address problems that transcend national boundaries, such as climate change, human rights, trade justice, gender equality, and debt relief.
• Network-based and Decentralized: Many GSMs lack a single, hierarchical leadership. They function as loose, decentralized networks, often referred to as a “movement of movements.”

Examples include the

environmental movement

(e.g., Greenpeace, Fridays for Future), the

human rights movement

(e.g., Amnesty International), the

global justice movement

(which protested against the WTO and IMF), and

transnational feminist movements

. These movements represent the growing role of global civil society and its participation in global politics.

(b) Terrorism and its core elements

Terrorism is a complex and controversial concept with no universally accepted definition. The famous saying “one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter” reflects this definitional problem. However, there is a general consensus in academic and legal circles on the core elements that define terrorism.

The core elements of terrorism are:

• Violence or the Threat of Violence: Terrorism is fundamentally a violent tactic. It is based on inflicting physical harm or threatening to do so.
• Political, Religious, or Ideological Goal: Terrorist violence is not random or purely criminal. It is instrumental, designed to achieve a larger objective, such as changing a government’s policy, liberating a territory, or establishing a particular social order.
• Targeting of Civilians/Non-combatants: This is a key feature of terrorism. Unlike guerrilla warfare, which typically targets military or state symbols, terrorism deliberately targets innocent people to create widespread fear.
• Intention to Create Fear (Psychological Impact): The immediate victims are not always the main target. The real goal is to terrorize a wider audience (e.g., a government or an entire population) and force them to act according to the terrorists’ will. The psychological impact is often far greater than the physical damage.
• Action by Non-state Actors: Although “state terrorism” exists, the term is most commonly applied to clandestine actions by sub-national groups or individuals.

In short, terrorism can be defined as the calculated use of violence or the threat of violence against civilians by non-state actors to attain political, religious, or ideological goals through intimidation and coercion.