Union Territory Merger Explained

The question asks to identify the pair of Union Territories (UTs) that were merged to form a single UT in the year 2020. Let's examine the options based on historical administrative changes in India.

Administrative Changes in 2020

In 2020, a significant administrative decision was made regarding the Union Territories of India. The Government of India decided to merge two specific UTs to streamline administration and reduce redundancy.

Merger Details

• Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu: These two Union Territories were officially merged into a single Union Territory named Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. The merger came into effect from January 26, 2020. This consolidation aimed to improve governance efficiency and better utilize resources across the combined territory.

Analysis of Other Options

• Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep: These are two distinct Union Territories located in different geographical regions (Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, respectively) and have remained separate entities.
• Chandigarh and Puducherry: Chandigarh serves as the capital for both Punjab and Haryana and is a UT. Puducherry is another UT located in the southern part of India. These two UTs have always been administered separately.
• Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh: In 2019, the state of Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. This was a bifurcation of a state, not a merger of two existing UTs into one single UT.

Conclusion

Based on the administrative changes implemented in 2020, the pair of Union Territories that were merged to form a single Indian Union Territory is Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.