Part of: Jammu And Kashmir Gk set 7

Which union territory has different capitals for winter and summer?

Category: Jammu And Kashmir Gk

Hint: Consider the climatic conditions and administrative arrangements of the region.

Correct Answer: C) Jammu and Kashmir.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The concept of having different capitals for winter and summer is unique to Jammu and Kashmir, a union territory of India. This arrangement is primarily due to the extreme climatic conditions that the region experiences. Srinagar, located in the Kashmir Valley, is the summer capital, while Jammu, situated in the Jammu region, serves as the winter capital.

The Kashmir Valley experiences heavy snowfall and cold temperatures during the winter months, making it difficult for the government to function effectively. Therefore, the administrative capital shifts to Jammu, which has a more moderate climate. In the summer, when the weather in the Kashmir Valley becomes more pleasant, the capital shifts back to Srinagar.

This arrangement is a practical solution to the challenges posed by the region's climate. It ensures that the government can continue to function efficiently and provide services to the people throughout the year. The decision to have different capitals for different seasons is based on the need to maintain administrative continuity and ensure that the government can operate effectively in both the harsh winter and the mild summer conditions.

It is important to note that this arrangement is specific to Jammu and Kashmir and is not a common practice among other union territories or states in India. Other union territories, such as Puducherry and Ladakh, have a single capital that serves all administrative purposes throughout the year.

Understanding the reasons behind this unique arrangement helps in appreciating the practical considerations that go into administrative decisions. It also highlights the importance of adapting to local conditions and ensuring that governance is effective and responsive to the needs of the people.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Delhi is the capital of India and does not have different capitals for winter and summer. It is a common misconception that Delhi might have different capitals due to its large size and diverse climate, but it does not.
  • Option B: Puducherry is a union territory but does not have different capitals for winter and summer. It has a single capital, Puducherry, which serves all administrative purposes throughout the year.
  • Option C: Jammu and Kashmir is the correct answer. It has Srinagar as the summer capital and Jammu as the winter capital due to the extreme climatic conditions in the region. This arrangement ensures that the government can function effectively in both seasons.
  • Option D: Ladakh is a union territory but does not have different capitals for winter and summer. It has a single capital, Leh, which serves all administrative purposes throughout the year.

Mnemonic: J&K, J for Jammu in winter, S for Srinagar in summer.

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