Explanation: India is a federal union comprising 28 states and 8 Union Territories. Union Territories are governed directly by the Union Government, and each has its own administrative structure. The Union Territories are distinct from the states in that they do not have a state government but are instead administered by a Lieutenant Governor appointed by the President of India.
Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, is one of the Union Territories of India. It is located on the southeastern coast of India and is composed of four districts: Puducherry, Karaikal, Yanam, and Mahe. The capital of Puducherry is Pondicherry, which is also the largest city in the Union Territory. The name change from Pondicherry to Puducherry was officially made in 2006, but the capital retains the name Pondicherry. This can be a source of confusion for students who are not aware of the name change.
The other Union Territories mentioned in the options are also important to understand:
- Lakshadweep is a group of islands in the Laccadive Sea, and its capital is Kavaratti.
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of islands in the Bay of Bengal, and its capital is Port Blair.
- Chandigarh is a city and Union Territory, and its capital is also Chandigarh.
Understanding the names and capitals of Union Territories is crucial for students preparing for competitive examinations such as the UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL, and State PSC Exams. It is important to be aware of the historical changes in names and to correctly match each Union Territory with its capital.