Explanations:The administrative division of India is a fundamental aspect of its federal structure. India is divided into states and union territories, each with its own governance structure. The states are governed by their respective state governments, while the union territories are directly governed by the central government through an administrator appointed by the President of India.
As of the latest administrative changes, India has 28 states and 9 union territories. This division is a result of various political and administrative decisions over the years. The number of states and union territories has changed due to the formation of new states and the reclassification of some territories.
For example, the state of Telangana was formed in 2014 from the northern part of Andhra Pradesh, increasing the number of states to 29. However, the number of states was later reduced to 28 when the state of Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. This change also increased the number of union territories from 7 to 9.
Understanding the current administrative division of India is crucial for students preparing for competitive exams, as questions related to the number of states and union territories often appear in general knowledge sections. It is important to stay updated with the latest changes in the administrative structure of the country.