Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the total number of states in India at the present time.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The number of states in India has changed over time due to various reorganizations. Let's trace the recent changes:
- Until 2014, India had 28 states.
- On 2 June 2014, the state of Telangana was created by bifurcating Andhra Pradesh. This increased the total number of states to 29. Option (B) was correct during this period (2014-2019).
- On 31 October 2019, the state of Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into two separate Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. This was done through the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
- This act reduced the number of states from 29 back to 28.
Therefore, as of the present day, India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories.
Step 3: Final Answer
At present, there are 28 states in India.