Preparing for the UPSC Prelims requires a meticulous approach, especially when tackling the vast and intricate domain of Indian Polity and Governance. Among its multifaceted dimensions, understanding the structure and dynamics of the Union and its Territories, along with the nuances of Citizenship, holds paramount importance. These topics not only form the bedrock of the Indian constitutional framework but also serve as the cornerstone for comprehending the country’s administrative, legal, and political landscape. Delving into UPSC Prelims Topic Wise Questions concerning Indian Polity and Governance, particularly on Union and its Territories and Citizenship, demands a strategic blend of conceptual clarity, analytical acumen, and a keen awareness of contemporary developments. This introductory exploration sets the stage for an in-depth journey into these pivotal subjects, essential for aspirants navigating the challenging terrain of the Civil Services Examination.
Q1. A British citizen staying in India cannot claim Right to
(a) freedom of trade and profession
(b) equality before the law
(c) protection of life and personal liberty
(d) freedom of religion
Ans. (a)
A British national residing in India cannot assert the right to freedom of trade and profession as stipulated in Article 19 of the Constitution, as this privilege is reserved solely for Indian citizens. Fundamental Rights safeguarded under Articles 15, 16, 19, 29, and 30 are exclusive to Indian citizens and not applicable to foreigners. However, other Fundamental Rights outlined in Articles 14, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 are accessible to both citizens and foreigners, barring enemy aliens.
Q2. Which one of the following statements is incorrect? (2000)
(a) Goa attained full statehood in 1987
(b) Diu is an island in the Gulf of Khambhat
(c) Daman and Diu were separated from Goa by the 56th Amendment of the Constitution of India
(d) Dadra and Nagar Haveli were under French colonial rule till 1954 .
Ans. (d)
Statement (d) suggesting that Dadra and Nagar Haveli were under French colonial rule until 1954 is inaccurate. They were actually under Portuguese colonial rule until their liberation in 1954. Goa, on the other hand, was under Portuguese control until it achieved full statehood in 1987. Daman and Diu were separated from Goa through the 56th Amendment of the Indian Constitution. Diu, located on an island in the Gulf of Khambhat, was part of this separation. India took control of Daman and Diu from the Portuguese through a police action in 1961.
Q3. If a new state of the Indian Union is to be created which one of the following Schedules of Constitution must be amended? (2001)
(a) Ist
(b) 2nd
(c) 3rd
(d) 5th
Ans. (a)
To establish a new state within the Indian Union, an amendment to the 1st Schedule of the Constitution is imperative. This schedule delineates the states, Union Territories, and their respective territorial boundaries.
Q4. Which one of the following Schedules of the Indian Constitution lists the names of states and specifies their territories? (2003)
(a) Ist
(b) 2nd
(c) 3rd
(d) 4th
Ans. (a)
The inaugural segment of the Indian Constitution, Schedule 1, enumerates the states and Union Territories, delineating their respective territories. Schedule 2, on the other hand, encompasses stipulations concerning the remunerations, salaries, and other entitlements for positions such as the President, Governors, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Supreme Court Judges, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), among others.
Q5. Which one of the following is the correct chrono- logical order of the formation of the following states as full states of the Indian Union? (2007)
(a) Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Haryana
(b) Nagaland , Haryana, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh
(c) Sikkim, Haryana, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh
(d) Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Haryana
Ans. (b)
Here’s a revised version for clarity:
The correct chronological sequence of the formation of the following states as full members of the Indian Union is Nagaland, Haryana, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Below is a table listing the formation years of some of these states:
| States | Formation Years |
|---|---|
| 1. Nagaland | 1962 |
| 2. Haryana | 1966 |
| 3. Sikkim | 1975 |
| 4. Arunachal Pradesh | 1986 |
Q6. With reference to India, statements. consider the following (2021)
1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile.
2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.
3. A foreigner once granted the citizenship can not be deprived of it under any circumstances.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 3
Ans. (a)
Statement (1) in India, we uphold the principle of single citizenship, meaning an individual can possess only one citizenship, unlike the concept of dual citizenship. In contrast, the USA allows individuals to hold citizenship from both the US and another country simultaneously, such as the UK. Additionally, an individual can only claim one domicile within India at any given time.
Statements (2) and (3) are inaccurate. In India, any citizen, whether by birth or naturalization, is eligible to ascend to the position of Head of State, specifically the President. Furthermore, citizenship in India is not an irrevocable status; individuals, once granted citizenship, can have it revoked if they obtained it through fraudulent means, demonstrate disloyalty to the Constitution, willingly acquire citizenship from another nation, or engage in similar acts contrary to national interests.
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