Test: Citizenship - UPSC MCQ

Let's analyze each statement to determine its accuracy:

1. The Indian Constitution provides for both single and dual citizenship.

- This statement is incorrect. The Indian Constitution provides for single citizenship only. Unlike federal countries such as the USA and Switzerland, India does not have a provision for dual citizenship. Hence, this statement is false.

2. Article 6 of the Constitution deals with the rights of citizenship of certain persons who have migrated to India from Pakistan.

- This statement is correct. Article 6 specifically addresses the rights of citizenship for individuals who migrated to India from Pakistan, detailing the conditions under which they would be considered citizens of India at the commencement of the Constitution.

3. Article 9 states that no person shall be a citizen of India if they have voluntarily acquired the citizenship of any foreign State.

- This statement is correct. Article 9 explicitly mentions that a person will not be deemed a citizen of India if they have voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a foreign state.

Given the analysis, Statements 2 and 3 are correct, while Statement 1 is incorrect.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C.

• Statement 1 is incorrect. Citizenship by naturalization requires a person to have resided in India for a continuous period of at least 12 years immediately before making an application, not 5 years.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. Citizenship by the incorporation of territory is not automatically granted to all residents of a new territory. It requires a specific act of parliament to determine the conditions for citizenship.
• Statement 3 is correct. A person born outside India on or after January 26, 1950, is an Indian citizen by descent if either parent is an Indian citizen at the time of their birth.

Therefore, the correct answer is C: 2 and 3 Only.

1. By Birth - Correct. A person born in India on or after January 26, 1950, with at least one parent being an Indian citizen is correctly matched.

2. By Descent - Incorrect. According to the Indian Citizenship Act, a person born outside India on or after January 26, 1950, is a citizen by descent if either of the parents is an Indian citizen at the time of that person's birth, not the grandparent.

3. By Registration - Correct. This is correctly matched as a person of Indian origin who has been ordinarily resident in India for  7years before applying can acquire citizenship through registration.

4. By Naturalization - Incorrect. While it is true that one of the conditions for naturalization includes residing in India for at least 12 months before applying, the complete requirement for naturalization involves additional qualifications such as renouncing previous citizenship, good character, and knowledge of an Indian language.

Hence, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched, making the correct answer Option B: Only two pairs.

In 1958, an armed uprising took place in Tibet against China’s occupation. This was suppressed by the Chinese forces. Sensing that the situation had become worse, in 1959, the Dalai Lama crossed over into the Indian border and sought asylum which was granted. A large number of Tibetans also sought refuge in India.

The 1951 Geneva Convention was the main international instrument on refugee laws and provides for the rights of refugees and duties of states towards refugees.

- T.H. Marshall's concept of citizenship includes three key components:
- Civil Rights: These are rights necessary for individual freedom, such as freedom of speech, the right to fair trial, and property rights.
- Political Rights: These involve participation in the exercise of political power, such as voting and running for public office.
- Social Rights: These ensure individuals have access to welfare and economic security, including education and healthcare.
- Thus, the correct answer is A: Civil, Political, and Social Rights.

Black people in South Africa gained equal citizenship rights in the early 1990s. This was marked by the end of the apartheid system and the establishment of a democratic government.

• The transition to a new political era began with the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990.
• The first fully democratic elections were held in 1994, enabling all citizens, regardless of race, to vote.

This period marked a significant milestone in South Africa's history, ensuring equal rights for all its citizens.

- The French Revolution of 1789 is the event most associated with the early assertion of sovereignty and democratic rights.
- It marked the overthrow of the absolute monarchy in France and led to the establishment of a republic.
- Key principles included liberty, equality, and fraternity.
- The revolution inspired democratic movements worldwide by promoting the idea that sovereignty belongs to the people, not monarchs.
- It initiated significant social, political, and economic changes that influenced modern democratic systems.

- The correct answer is C: Equal citizenship for diverse groups without discrimination.

- The Indian Constitution aims to:
- Ensure equality and non-discrimination among its citizens, regardless of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
- Promote unity in diversity, respecting the multicultural fabric of the nation.
- Uphold the fundamental rights of all individuals, providing them with equal opportunities and protection under the law.

- This approach reflects India's commitment to inclusivity and democratic values.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated to honour the contributions of the Overseas Indian Community to India's development. This celebration takes place on January 9 each year.