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The Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles and Fundamental Duties of India are sections of the Constitution of India, that prescribe the fundamental obligations of the State to the citizens, and the duties of the citizens with respect to the State. These sections comprise a constitutional bill of rights, guidelines for government policy-making, and the behaviour and conduct of citizens. These sections are considered vital elements of the constitution, which was developed between 1947 and 1949 by the Constituent Assembly of India. The Fundamental Rights are defined as the basic human rights of all citizens. The Directive Principles of State Policy are guidelines for the framing of laws by the government. The Fundamental Duties are defined as the moral obligations of all citizens to help to promote a spirit of patriotism and to uphold the unity of India. Like the Directive Principles, they are not legally enforceable. (more...)

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December 12: Independence Day in Kenya (1963).

• 1531 - The Apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin saw the Blessed Virgin Mary outside of modern-day Mexico City.
• 1897 - Belo Horizonte, the first planned city of Brazil, was inaugurated.
• 1901 - Guglielmo Marconi (pictured) received the first trans-Atlantic radio signal, from Poldhu Wireless Station in Cornwall, England to Cabot Tower in St. John's, Newfoundland.
• 1915 - President Yuan Shikai of the Republic of China reinstated the monarchy and declared himself Emperor.
• 1964 - Jomo Kenyatta became the first President of the Republic of Kenya.

• Recent days: December 11 – December 10 – December 9

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