India - Political Free MCQ Practice Test with solutions, UPSC Oxford ATLAS

The state of Jammu and Kashmir was officially bifurcated into two Union Territories on October 31st, 2019, with the creation of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

After the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, India has 8 Union Territories. Here is the breakdown:

• Jammu and Kashmir became a Union Territory.
• Ladakh was separated and also became a Union Territory.
• The remaining Union Territories include:
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands
  • Chandigarh
  • Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
  • Delhi
  • Lakshadweep
  • Puducherry

The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir will have a legislature similar to Puducherry.

The Union Territory of Puducherry has a legislature. Here are some key points:

• Puducherry is unique among Union Territories as it has its own legislative assembly.
• This allows for a degree of self-governance and decision-making in local matters.
• Other Union Territories like Ladakh, Chandigarh, and Lakshadweep do not have a legislative assembly.

After the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, India has 28 states.

Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu were merged into a single Union Territory.

The special status of Jammu and Kashmir was withdrawn under Article 370.

The Union Territory of Ladakh comprises the districts of Kargil and Leh.

Chandigarh is a Union Territory in India where the central government directly controls law and order.

• This means the police and other security services are managed by the central authorities, not by a local government.
• Chandigarh serves as the capital of two states, Punjab and Haryana, but remains under central administration.

- Ladakh is the largest union territory in India in terms of area.
- Key Points:
- Ladakh was established as a separate union territory on October, 2019, after the bifurcation of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir.
- It is known for its vast and rugged terrain, covering an area of approximately 59,146 square kilometers.
- Ladakh is located in the northern part of India, sharing international borders with China and Pakistan.
- Comparisons:
- Chandigarh and Puducherry are much smaller in area compared to Ladakh.
- Jammu and Kashmir, while larger as a state, is now divided into two union territories, with Ladakh being the larger one.