📚 Part of: Ancient Trade And Indus Valley Civilization Mcqs

Which Indian Union Territories are island groups? (Select all that apply)

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Correct Answer: D) Only (A) & (B).

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, State PSC Exams, Bank PO Exams, SSC Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

Union Territories in India are administrative divisions that are directly governed by the Union Government. Some of these territories are island groups, which means they consist of multiple islands. The two Union Territories that are island groups are Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing Union Territories with states.
  • Not knowing the geographical location of Union Territories.
  • Assuming Chandigarh is an island group.
Explanation:

In the context of Indian geography and administrative divisions, Union Territories are unique in that they are directly governed by the Union Government, unlike states which have their own elected governments. Among the Union Territories, some are island groups, which means they consist of multiple islands.

Andaman and Nicobar is one such Union Territory. It is located in the Bay of Bengal and comprises 572 islands, of which only 38 are inhabited. The islands are known for their rich biodiversity, including unique flora and fauna, and are a popular tourist destination. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are strategically important for India due to their location near the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Lakshadweep is another Union Territory that is an island group. It is located in the Arabian Sea and consists of 36 coral atolls, with only 10 inhabited islands. The islands are known for their pristine beaches and coral reefs, making them a significant tourist destination. The economy of Lakshadweep is largely dependent on fishing, coir production, and tourism.

Chandigarh, on the other hand, is a Union Territory but not an island group. It is a city and union territory located in northern India, bordering the states of Punjab and Haryana. Chandigarh is known for its modern architecture and is the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. It is not an island group and does not consist of multiple islands.

Therefore, the correct answer is (D) Only (A) & (B), as Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep are the only Union Territories that are island groups. Understanding the geographical and administrative characteristics of Union Territories is crucial for comprehending the diversity and complexity of India's territorial divisions.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Andaman and Nicobar is correct. It is a Union Territory and is an island group located in the Bay of Bengal. It comprises 572 islands, of which only 38 are inhabited. The islands are known for their rich biodiversity and unique geographical features.
  • Option B: Lakshadweep is correct. It is a Union Territory and is an island group located in the Arabian Sea. It consists of 36 coral atolls, with only 10 inhabited islands. The islands are known for their pristine beaches and coral reefs.
  • Option C: Chandigarh is incorrect. It is a Union Territory but not an island group. Chandigarh is a city and union territory located in northern India, bordering the states of Punjab and Haryana. It is known for its modern architecture and is the capital of both Punjab and Haryana.
  • Option D: This option is correct. It correctly identifies Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep as the only Union Territories that are island groups. Chandigarh, being a city and not an island group, is excluded from this list.

Mnemonic: AND-LAK: Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep

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