Correct Option
The correct option is (a).
Explanation
India’s geographical extent is defined by its specific latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates. While the angular extent in degrees is approximately equal for both latitude and longitude, the actual linear distances differ due to the curvature of the Earth and the convergence of longitudes towards the poles.
Statement 1 is Correct
The North-South extent of India, measured from Indira Col in Ladakh to Kanniyakumari (Cape Comorin), is 3,214 km.
Statement 2 is Incorrect
The East-West extent of India, measured from Sir Creek in Gujarat to Walong in Arunachal Pradesh, is 2,933 km, not 3,500 km.
Statement 3 is Incorrect
The latitudinal extent of India is approximately from 8°4' N to 37°6' N (difference of ~29°2'). The longitudinal extent is approximately from 68°7' E to 97°25' E (difference of ~29°18'). Thus, the longitudinal extent is slightly greater than or roughly equal to the latitudinal extent in degrees. The statement claiming the latitudinal extent is greater is factually wrong.
Key Takeaway
Although India’s latitudinal and longitudinal extents are both approximately 30 degrees, the North-South distance (3,214 km) is significantly longer than the East-West distance (2,933 km) because the distance between longitudes decreases as one moves from the equator towards the poles.