Category Civics

What is the new Citizenship Act all about?

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, sought to amend the Citizenship Act of 1955 to make illegal immigrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan eligible for Indian citizenship. The Bill was first introduced in 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government, but was passed only in the Lok Sabha. The Bill lapsed as it could not be passed in the Rajya Sabha then.

It was again introduced by Home Minister Amit Shah in December 2019 in Parliament. Despite heated debates over certain aspects of the Bill, it was passed by both Houses. Following this, the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019, was sent to President Ram Nath Kovind for his assent. After his assent, it because an Act on December 12.

Meanwhile, the Act sparked massive protests in Assam and other northeastern states. Thousands of people poured onto the streets defying curfew. Army troops were deployed. Police firing and violence crippled the states.

The Act was vociferously opposed by citizens and civil society groups and politicians from across the parties because of its communal nature.

The Indian Union Muslim League moved the Supreme Court challenging the Act.

 

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Why is political party funding?

Political party funding is the means which a party raises money for its functioning and campaigns. Party members, individual supporters, organisations which support a party or its ideologies or which could benefit from the party’s victory, contribute to this funding. Political parties can also receive foreign funds.

Parties need money to reach voters, to advertise in print, electronic and social media, to pay party workers and to organise election rallies. (in the 2019 general election, a staggering Rs 55,000-60,000 crore was spent by the political parties on election-related activities, according to a study by the Centre for Media Studies (CMS), a not-for-profit multi-disciplinary development research think-tank. The Bharatiya Janata Party spent about 45% of this total amount!).

 

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Does Nigeria have a history of military dictatorships?

           Nigeria has been home to a number of ancient and indigenous kingdoms and states over the millennia. However, the modern state of Nigeria largely dates back to the British colonial rule that started in the 19th century; its present territory took shape with the merging of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and Northern Nigeria in 1914.

          Nigeria became independent in 1960 and in 1963; the country adopted a republican constitution. The country also underwent military dictatorships; Nigerians witnessed bloodshed and violence by various groups. This continued until 1999; that was when a stable democracy came to power.   

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Why did the French launch Operation Serval?

          The mystical place Timbuktu is very famous. The famous trading region is situated in modern day Mali. Mali was once part of the three great pre-colonial Sudanic empires: Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.

          France seized control of Mali in the late 19th century and made it a part of French Sudan. In 1959, French Sudan joined with Senegal and became known as the Mali Federation, though later Senegal withdrew from the federation.

          An armed conflict broke out in northern Mali in 2012; Tuareg rebels took control of a territory called Azawad. The issue was worsened by the involvement of the military. The French military launched Operation Serval in this context.

          Within a month after its launch in January 2013, Malian and French forces recaptured most of the north.

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How did Botswana get its name?

           Botswana is named after its dominant ethnic group, the Tswana. Botswana is Africa’s oldest and longest continuous multi-party democracy.

          The country held its first general elections based on the 1965 constitution that granted universal suffrage and it gained independence on 30 September 1966. Till then, Botswana was a British protectorate known as Bechuanaland.

         Seretse Khama, a leader in the independence movement became the first President following the elections. He was re-elected twice. The eleventh election was the most recent which was held on 24 October 2014. Though one of the poorest and least developed countries, Botswana was largely stable.

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Is Morocco the only monarchy in North Africa?

          Africa is the homeland of many empires and kingdoms who practised powerful monarchical rule. Today Morocco is the only monarchy in North Africa; it is a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament. It is also the fifth largest economy in Africa.

         King Idris founded the first Moroccan state in 788 AD. Since then, the country has been ruled by a series of independent dynasties. Morocco reached the heights of glory under the Almoravid and Almohad dynasties. The Alaouite dynasty came to power in 1631 and rules to this day.

          Morocco was under French protection from 1912 to 1956. Sultan Mohammed became the king during this period. In 1961, he was succeeded by his son, Hassan II. He ruled for 38 years and played a prominent role in the search for peace in the Middle East. Ironically, he also ruthlessly suppressed domestic opposition.

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