Question

How many states and union territories are there in India?

• A. \(28/8\)
• B. \(28/9\)
• C. \(29/7\)
• D. \(75\)

Hint:

Current GK Fact: \[ \boxed{\text{India } = 28 \text{ States } + 8 \text{ Union Territories}} \] A common mistake is choosing \(29/7\), which was applicable before the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir and subsequent administrative changes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: India is a Union of States as described in Article 1 of the Constitution of India. The administrative divisions of the country consist of:
• States
• Union Territories (UTs) States have their own elected governments and enjoy a greater degree of autonomy, whereas Union Territories are administered directly by the Central Government, although some UTs have elected legislatures with limited powers. The number of states and union territories has changed several times after independence due to reorganization, creation of new states, and changes in administrative status.

Step 1: Recall the present political division of India
At present, India consists of: \[ 28 \text{ States} \] and \[ 8 \text{ Union Territories} \] This became effective after the reorganization of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 and the merger of Dadra and Nagar Haveli with Daman and Diu in 2020.

Step 2: Understand why other options are incorrect
Option (B): \[ 28/9 \] This would imply 28 states and 9 union territories. This was not the administrative structure after the merger of Dadra and Nagar Haveli with Daman and Diu. Hence, this option is incorrect. Option (C): \[ 29/7 \] India previously had 29 states before the reorganization involving Jammu and Kashmir. However, this is no longer the current structure. Therefore, this option is incorrect. Option (D): \[ 75 \] This number does not represent either the number of states or the combined number of states and union territories. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Step 3: Verify the total administrative units
The total number of administrative units at the highest level is: \[ 28 + 8 = 36 \] Thus, the correct breakup is: \[ 28 \text{ States and } 8 \text{ Union Territories} \] Final Conclusion: India currently has \[ \boxed{28 \text{ States and } 8 \text{ Union Territories}} \] Therefore, the correct option is \[ \boxed{(A)} \]