Explanation: Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu are two Union Territories of India that were merged into a single Union Territory named Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu in 2019. This merger was part of a broader administrative restructuring of Union Territories in India, aimed at streamlining governance and improving administrative efficiency.
Dadra and Nagar Haveli, located in the western part of India, was a small Union Territory with a total area of about 491 square kilometers. It was surrounded by the state of Gujarat and the state of Maharashtra. Daman and Diu, also located in the western part of India, comprised two separate territories: Daman, which is a coastal enclave, and Diu, an island off the coast of Gujarat. The total area of Daman and Diu is about 112 square kilometers.
The merger of these two territories was announced by the Indian government in 2019, and it came into effect on January 26, 2020. The new Union Territory, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, is governed by a Lieutenant Governor appointed by the President of India. The merger was intended to consolidate the administration of these territories, reduce administrative costs, and improve governance.
It is important to note that this merger is distinct from other Union Territories in India, such as Chandigarh, which is the capital of both Punjab and Haryana, and Pondicherry, which is located on the east coast of India. These territories have not been merged with Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
Understanding the merger of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu is crucial for students of Indian geography and politics, as it reflects the ongoing administrative changes and governance strategies in the country. This knowledge is particularly relevant for those preparing for competitive examinations such as the UPSC Civil Services and State PSC Exams, where questions on Union Territories and their administrative structures are common.