UPSC Law Optional, Paper I and II

Public International Law UPSC Law Optional PYQs, Page 5

UPSC Law Optional Public International Law previous year questions 113-141 of 282, arranged for doctrine revision, case-law planning, and answer writing.

282 questions113-141 on this page10 pages

Open searchable repository Law Optional notes

Answer-writing coverage

What this archive covers

sources, treaties, State responsibility, recognition, jurisdiction, the United Nations, use of force, law of the sea, and human rights.

Paper I source PDF Paper II source PDF Related law MCQs

2015Paper IQ6(c)Section B

Question 113

Distinguish between 'Recognition of a State' and 'Recognition of a Government'. Also distinguish between de facto and de jure recognition and explain the concept of collective recognition.

Treaties and State Relations

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2015, Paper I, Q6(c), source page 93.

Direct link to this question

2015Paper IQ7(a)Section B

Question 114

Critically evaluate the international law provisions for protection of the marine environment and the rules governing transit passage.

Jurisdiction, Territory and Sea

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2015, Paper I, Q7(a), source page 93.

Direct link to this question

2015Paper IQ7(b)Section B

Question 115

Discuss the various peaceful means of resolving international disputes under International Law.

Use of Force and Peaceful Settlement

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2015, Paper I, Q7(b), source page 93.

Direct link to this question

2015Paper IQ7(c)Section B

Question 116

Define territorial asylum, explain its major components, and discuss its differences from territorial sovereignty.

Public International Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2015, Paper I, Q7(c), source page 93.

Direct link to this question

2015Paper IQ8(a)Section B

Question 117

Examine the provisions of the UN Charter that enable peacekeeping operations and suggest measures for their improvement.

United Nations and Global Institutions

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2015, Paper I, Q8(a), source page 93.

Direct link to this question

2015Paper IQ8(b)Section B

Question 118

Explain the modern International Law's definition of 'High Sea' and examine the legality of nuclear tests therein.

Jurisdiction, Territory and Sea

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2015, Paper I, Q8(b), source page 93.

Direct link to this question

2015Paper IQ8(c)Section B

Question 119

'In the ultimate analysis, individuals alone are the subjects of International Law.' Discuss the transformation theory and its implications.

Sources, Nature and Theory

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2015, Paper I, Q8(c), source page 93.

Direct link to this question

2014Paper IQ5(a)Section B

Question 120

It is impossible to fix a precise data or period in history to mark the beginning of International Law as it predates recorded history. Critically examine the history, nature, scope and relevance of International Law in Contemporary International Society. 10.

Public International Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q5(a), source page 85.

Direct link to this question

2014Paper IQ5(b)Section B

Question 121

International Law set little or no limitation on the jurisdiction which a particular State may arrogate to itself. Explain the nature and scope of 'State Jurisdiction'. Critically examine the principles of 'State Jurisdiction'. 10.

Jurisdiction, Territory and Sea

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q5(b), source page 85.

Direct link to this question

2014Paper IQ5(c)Section B

Question 122

Recognition confers the legal status of a State under International Law upon the entity seeking recognition. Important legal effects are being derived from recognition. Critically examine the statement. 10.

Treaties and State Relations

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q5(c), source page 85.

Direct link to this question

2014Paper IQ5(d)Section B

Question 123

International Treaties are agreements of contractual character between States or organizations of States and international law. Discuss.

Treaties and State Relations

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q5(d), source page 85.

Direct link to this question

2014Paper IQ5(e)Section B

Question 124

What do you understand by the concept 'Diplomacy Immunity'? What rules are provided under International Law in this respect? Discuss. 10?

Public International Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q5(e), source page 85.

Direct link to this question

2014Paper IQ6(a)Section B

Question 125

Explain the concept of 'International Humanitarian Law'. How can it be achieved? Critically examine the role of The Hague and Geneva Conventions in its development.

Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q6(a), source page 84.

Direct link to this question

2014Paper IQ6(b)Section B

Question 126

'In several respect the TRIPS Agreement goes beyond the traditional GATT approach and further develops the 'law of International Trade'. Examine the important achievement of the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). 15.

Public International Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q6(b), source page 84.

Direct link to this question

2014Paper IQ6(c)Section B

Question 127

What is 'fishery zone'? How it is different from 'Exclusive Economic Zone'? Do you agree with the statement that 'a coastal state has a special interest in the maintenance of the productivity of the living resources in any area of the high seas adjacent to its resources in any area of the high seas adjacent to its territorial sea'? Elucidate. 15?

Jurisdiction, Territory and Sea

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q6(c), source page 84.

Direct link to this question

2014Paper IQ7(a)Section B

Question 128

What are the objectives, structure and functioning of World Trade Organization? Does signing and ratifying WTO undermine the Parliamentary Autonomy of India? Discuss. 20?

United Nations and Global Institutions

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q7(a), source page 84.

Direct link to this question

2014Paper IQ7(b)Section B

Question 129

Trace the development of International Law relating to sovereignty over air-space. Critically examine the scope of legal control of use and abuse of outer space. 15.

Public International Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q7(b), source page 84.

Direct link to this question

2014Paper IQ7(c)Section B

Question 130

Define intervention and mention the grounds under which it is justified. Also throw light on the violations of the doctrine of intervention in present times.

Public International Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q7(c), source page 84.

Direct link to this question

2014Paper IQ8(a)Section B

Question 131

Define the concept of 'opposability' in the context of the relationship between International Law and Municipal Law. How is it relevant?

Treaties and State Relations

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q8(a), source page 86.

Direct link to this question

2014Paper IQ8(b)Section B

Question 132

What is the importance and meaning of 'Base Line' under UN convention of Law of Sea 1982? How is it determined? 15?

Jurisdiction, Territory and Sea

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q8(b), source page 86.

Direct link to this question

2013Paper IQ5(a)Section B

Question 133

"Due to increasing penetration of international legal rules within the domestic systems, the distinction maintained between two autonomous zone of international and municipal law has been somewhat blurred." Explain with special reference to Indian practice. How international legal rules emanating from customs and treaties, influence the actions of domestic agencies? 10.

Treaties and State Relations

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2013, Paper I, Q5(a), source page 78.

Direct link to this question

2013Paper IQ5(c)Section B

Question 134

Explain the right and duties of coastal state over continental shelf, exclusive economic zone and high seas as defined under the provisions of UN Convention on law of Sea (III), 1982. 10.

Jurisdiction, Territory and Sea

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2013, Paper I, Q5(c), source page 78.

Direct link to this question

2013Paper IQ5(d)Section B

Question 135

The Arbitration Commission of European Conference on Yugoslavia emphasized in opinion no. 2 that "it is well established that whatever the circumstances, the right to self-determination must not involve change to existing frontiers at the time of independence (Uti possidetis juris) except where the states concerned agree otherwise." 10.

Use of Force and Peaceful Settlement

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2013, Paper I, Q5(d), source page 78.

Direct link to this question

2013Paper IQ5(e)Section B

Question 136

State are not under a duty to recognize a nationality acquired by a person who has no genuine link or connection with the naturalizing state." In the light of above statement, explain the concept of 'nationality' and its acquisition with the help of suitable instances. 10.

Public International Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2013, Paper I, Q5(e), source page 78.

Direct link to this question

2013Paper IQ6(a)Section B

Question 137

The substance of customary law must be looked into primarily in actual practice and 'opinio juris' of the States." In the light of above statement and by referring to case law, explain the interplay between objective and subjective elements in acceptance of a particular custom as a source of international law. 25.

Sources, Nature and Theory

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2013, Paper I, Q6(a), source page 78.

Direct link to this question

2013Paper IQ6(b)Section B

Question 138

States are subject to a duty under International Law to recognize a new State fulfilling the legal requirements of Statehold, but the existence of such a duty is not borne out by the weight of precedents and practices of States. The decision of a State in according or withholding recognition is a matter of vital policy that each State is entitled to take by itself." Reconcile and argue which of these two statements (extreme views) regarding recognition of a State given by Lauterpacht (obligatory) and by Podesta Costa (Facultative) is more appropriate, with the help of instances in regard to de facto and de jure recognition. 25.

Treaties and State Relations

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2013, Paper I, Q6(b), source page 78.

Direct link to this question

2013Paper IQ7(a)Section B

Question 139

The concepts of 'necessity' and 'proportionality' are the heart of self-defence in International Law. Explain, the light of UN Charter and recent trend of extending these to 'pre-emptive' or 'anticipatory' self-defence due to 'the imminence of attacks and advancement in armaments'. 25.

Public International Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2013, Paper I, Q7(a), source page 78.

Direct link to this question

2013Paper IQ7(b)Section B

Question 140

A group of three men (L, M and N) citizens of country A, posing as officers of premier investigating agency of A, rob a huge jewelry shop and then flee away to country, B where they are granted asylum. Government of A, requests B to extradite L, M and N in terms of extradition treaty between them. B declines. A sends spies to B who abduct L, M and N and who produce them before the Court in A. 'B' approaches ICJ against use of force by 'A'. Prepare (i) A brief of arguments for A, (ii) A brief of argument for B, (iii) Opinion of the Court. 25.

United Nations and Global InstitutionsTreaties and State RelationsUse of Force and Peaceful Settlement

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2013, Paper I, Q7(b), source page 78.

Direct link to this question

2013Paper IQ8(a)Section B

Question 141

Chapter VI of UN Charter is devoted to peaceful settlement of International Disputes. Discuss the methods mentioned and explain the role of Security Council and General Assembly in this regard, and the role such settlement plays in obviating the need to resort to Chapter VII measures. 25.

United Nations and Global Institutions

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2013, Paper I, Q8(a), source page 78.

Direct link to this question

What this archive covers

Distinguish between 'Recognition of a State' and 'Recognition of a Government'. Also distinguish between de facto and de jure recognition and explain the concept of collective recognition.

Critically evaluate the international law provisions for protection of the marine environment and the rules governing transit passage.

Discuss the various peaceful means of resolving international disputes under International Law.

Define territorial asylum, explain its major components, and discuss its differences from territorial sovereignty.

Examine the provisions of the UN Charter that enable peacekeeping operations and suggest measures for their improvement.

Explain the modern International Law's definition of 'High Sea' and examine the legality of nuclear tests therein.

'In the ultimate analysis, individuals alone are the subjects of International Law.' Discuss the transformation theory and its implications.

It is impossible to fix a precise data or period in history to mark the beginning of International Law as it predates recorded history. Critically examine the history, nature, scope and relevance of International Law in Contemporary International Society. 10.

International Law set little or no limitation on the jurisdiction which a particular State may arrogate to itself. Explain the nature and scope of 'State Jurisdiction'. Critically examine the principles of 'State Jurisdiction'. 10.

Recognition confers the legal status of a State under International Law upon the entity seeking recognition. Important legal effects are being derived from recognition. Critically examine the statement. 10.

International Treaties are agreements of contractual character between States or organizations of States and international law. Discuss.

What do you understand by the concept 'Diplomacy Immunity'? What rules are provided under International Law in this respect? Discuss. 10?

Explain the concept of 'International Humanitarian Law'. How can it be achieved? Critically examine the role of The Hague and Geneva Conventions in its development.

'In several respect the TRIPS Agreement goes beyond the traditional GATT approach and further develops the 'law of International Trade'. Examine the important achievement of the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). 15.

What are the objectives, structure and functioning of World Trade Organization? Does signing and ratifying WTO undermine the Parliamentary Autonomy of India? Discuss. 20?

Trace the development of International Law relating to sovereignty over air-space. Critically examine the scope of legal control of use and abuse of outer space. 15.

Define intervention and mention the grounds under which it is justified. Also throw light on the violations of the doctrine of intervention in present times.

Define the concept of 'opposability' in the context of the relationship between International Law and Municipal Law. How is it relevant?

What is the importance and meaning of 'Base Line' under UN convention of Law of Sea 1982? How is it determined? 15?

Explain the right and duties of coastal state over continental shelf, exclusive economic zone and high seas as defined under the provisions of UN Convention on law of Sea (III), 1982. 10.

State are not under a duty to recognize a nationality acquired by a person who has no genuine link or connection with the naturalizing state." In the light of above statement, explain the concept of 'nationality' and its acquisition with the help of suitable instances. 10.

The concepts of 'necessity' and 'proportionality' are the heart of self-defence in International Law. Explain, the light of UN Charter and recent trend of extending these to 'pre-emptive' or 'anticipatory' self-defence due to 'the imminence of attacks and advancement in armaments'. 25.

Chapter VI of UN Charter is devoted to peaceful settlement of International Disputes. Discuss the methods mentioned and explain the role of Security Council and General Assembly in this regard, and the role such settlement plays in obviating the need to resort to Chapter VII measures. 25.

Other Law Optional subjects