Context:

The government of Karnataka notified the formation of a new district called Vijayanagara, bifurcating the district of Ballari. With Vijayanagara, the state now has 31 districts.

The Vijayanagara district

• Named after the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, the new district was carved out from Ballari under the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964.
• It is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage sites – Hampi and VirupakshaTemple.
• Vijayanagara has six taluks – Hosapete, Kudligi, Hagaribommanahalli, Kotturu, Hoovina Hadagali, and Harapanahalli.
• Hosapete is its headquarters.

Formation of a new district

The Centre’s permission is not required by the state government whereas the formation of a new state (Article 3 of Constitution) is under the purview of Parliament.