Which of the following is NOT listed as a Fundamental Duty of citizens in the Constitution of India under Article 51A?

Introduction / Context:
Fundamental Duties in the Constitution of India were introduced to remind citizens that rights come with responsibilities. These duties are listed in Article 51A and cover respect for national symbols, protection of unity and integrity, promotion of harmony, safeguarding public property and the environment, and a few other obligations. This question asks you to distinguish between what is a Fundamental Duty and what is a separate constitutional provision, thus testing your detailed knowledge of Article 51A and related Articles.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The question lists four activities or principles and asks which one is not a Fundamental Duty.
Options include abiding by the Constitution and respecting the national flag, promoting harmony and brotherhood, upholding and protecting sovereignty, and abolition of titles except military and academic titles.
It is assumed that you know that Fundamental Duties are primarily listed in Article 51A, while abolition of titles is covered elsewhere in the Constitution.

Concept / Approach:
Article 51A contains a list of eleven Fundamental Duties (after the 86th Amendment) that every citizen is expected to observe. These duties include respecting the Constitution, the National Flag and the National Anthem; protecting sovereignty, unity and integrity; promoting harmony; protecting the environment; and performing other civic responsibilities. By contrast, the abolition of titles except military and academic distinctions is provided in Article 18 as part of the Right to Equality, not as a Fundamental Duty. The correct approach is to identify which option belongs to Article 18 rather than Article 51A.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Check option A: "To abide by the Constitution and respect the National Flag." This is directly part of Article 51A clause (a), which requires citizens to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals, the National Flag and the National Anthem. So this is a Fundamental Duty. Step 2: Check option B: "To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood." Article 51A clause (e) asks citizens to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood among all people of India, so this is also a Fundamental Duty. Step 3: Check option C: "To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India." Article 51A clause (c) explicitly states this as a Fundamental Duty. Therefore, this option is also a Fundamental Duty. Step 4: Check option D: "Abolition of titles except military and academic titles." This principle is found in Article 18, which abolishes titles like Rai Bahadur and prevents the state from conferring titles except for academic and military distinctions. It is not framed as a Fundamental Duty of citizens but as a constitutional prohibition and right linked with equality. Step 5: Thus, option D is not a Fundamental Duty, while the others are clearly listed under Article 51A.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick look at any summary of Fundamental Duties will show references to respect for national symbols, protection of sovereignty, promotion of harmony, preservation of cultural heritage, environmental protection and so on. Abolition of titles, however, appears when Fundamental Rights are discussed, particularly under the Right to Equality. This cross check confirms that only the statement regarding abolition of titles falls outside the scope of Fundamental Duties.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
To abide by the Constitution and respect the National Flag: This is a direct quotation from Article 51A and therefore is definitely a Fundamental Duty. To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood: Promoting harmony and renouncing practices derogatory to the dignity of women are clearly stated duties in Article 51A. To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India: Safeguarding sovereignty and unity is a key Fundamental Duty, especially relevant for national security and unity.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes mix up substantive rights and prohibitions in the Fundamental Rights chapter with the citizen duties listed later. Because abolition of titles is often memorised along with other equality provisions, some learners think it might also be a duty. To avoid confusion, link abolition of titles with Article 18 and the Right to Equality, and remember that Fundamental Duties are grouped under Article 51A and generally start with phrases like "to uphold", "to protect", "to promote" or "to safeguard".

Final Answer:
The statement that is not a Fundamental Duty under Article 51A is abolition of titles except military and academic titles.