Consider the following statements regarding the implications of India's longitudinal extent: 1. The sun rises in the north-eastern states about two hours earlier than in Jaisalmer. 2. The local mean time in Dibrugarh is different from that in Jaisalmer due to the longitudinal difference. 3. The USA has seven time zones due to its vast east-to-west extent. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is A. Explanation The longitudinal extent of a country determines the variation in local time across its territory. Since the Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours, it covers 15° of longitude in one hour, or 1° every four minutes. - Statement 1 is Correct: India spans approximately 30° of longitude (from 68°7'E to 97°25'E). Applying the calculation of 4 minutes per degree, a 30° difference results in a time lag of approximately 120 minutes, or two hours. Consequently, the sun rises about two hours earlier in the easternmost parts (Arunachal Pradesh) compared to the westernmost parts (Jaisalmer, Rajasthan). - Statement 2 is Correct: Local Mean Time (LMT) is determined by the position of the sun relative to a specific meridian. Because Dibrugarh (Assam) and Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) are located at different longitudes, their local mean times differ. While India uses a single Indian Standard Time (IST) based on the 82°30'E meridian to maintain uniformity, the actual solar time varies across these locations. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: While it is true that countries with vast longitudinal extents often adopt multiple time zones, the USA (including its territories and Hawaii/Alaska) actually has six standard time zones: Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaska, and Hawaii-Aleutian. Some sources may cite different numbers depending on the inclusion of uninhabited territories, but the standard count for the mainland and major states is not seven. More importantly, Russia is the primary example of a country with a vast extent having 11 time zones. Key Takeaway: A longitudinal difference of approximately 1° results in a 4-minute difference in local mean time; India's ~30° extent creates a 2-hour solar time gap between its eastern and western extremities.

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 1: India - Location

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the implications of India's longitudinal extent:

The sun rises in the north-eastern states about two hours earlier than in Jaisalmer.
The local mean time in Dibrugarh is different from that in Jaisalmer due to the longitudinal difference.
The USA has seven time zones due to its vast east-to-west extent.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is A.

Explanation

The longitudinal extent of a country determines the variation in local time across its territory. Since the Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours, it covers 15° of longitude in one hour, or 1° every four minutes.

Statement 1 is Correct: India spans approximately 30° of longitude (from 68°7'E to 97°25'E). Applying the calculation of 4 minutes per degree, a 30° difference results in a time lag of approximately 120 minutes, or two hours. Consequently, the sun rises about two hours earlier in the easternmost parts (Arunachal Pradesh) compared to the westernmost parts (Jaisalmer, Rajasthan).
Statement 2 is Correct: Local Mean Time (LMT) is determined by the position of the sun relative to a specific meridian. Because Dibrugarh (Assam) and Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) are located at different longitudes, their local mean times differ. While India uses a single Indian Standard Time (IST) based on the 82°30'E meridian to maintain uniformity, the actual solar time varies across these locations.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: While it is true that countries with vast longitudinal extents often adopt multiple time zones, the USA (including its territories and Hawaii/Alaska) actually has six standard time zones: Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaska, and Hawaii-Aleutian. Some sources may cite different numbers depending on the inclusion of uninhabited territories, but the standard count for the mainland and major states is not seven. More importantly, Russia is the primary example of a country with a vast extent having 11 time zones.

Key Takeaway: A longitudinal difference of approximately 1° results in a 4-minute difference in local mean time; India's ~30° extent creates a 2-hour solar time gap between its eastern and western extremities.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: India - Location

Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Ocean: 1. India is located in the south-central part of Asia, bordering the Indian Ocean. 2. The Bay of Bengal is the only arm of the Indian Ocean. 3. Sri Lanka is located in the Indian Ocean. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the latitudinal and longitudinal extent of India, consider the following statements: 1. The actual distance measured from the north to south extremity is shorter than that from east to west. 2. The distance between two longitudes decreases towards the poles, whereas the distance between two latitudes remains the same everywhere. 3. The latitudinal and longitudinal extent of India are roughly about 45 degrees each. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Standard Time (IST): 1. The Standard Meridian of India is 82°30' E. 2. The standard meridian is selected in multiples of 15° of longitude to facilitate a general understanding among countries. 3. Indian Standard Time is ahead of Greenwich Mean Time by 5 hours and 30 minutes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

With reference to India's territorial limits and measurements, consider the following statements: 1. India’s territorial limit extends towards the sea up to 12 statute miles from the coast. 2. One nautical mile is longer than one statute mile. 3. The southern boundary of India extends up to 6°45' N latitude in the Bay of Bengal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the size and geography of India: 1. The mainland coastline of India is 7,517 km long. 2. India accounts for 2.4 % of the world’s land surface area. 3. India is the fifth largest country in the world. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

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The correct option is A.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Correct: India spans approximately 30° of longitude (from 68°7'E to 97°25'E). Applying the calculation of 4 minutes per degree, a 30° difference results in a time lag of approximately 120 minutes, or two hours. Consequently, the sun rises about two hours earlier in the easternmost parts (Arunachal Pradesh) compared to the westernmost parts (Jaisalmer, Rajasthan).
Statement 2 is Correct: Local Mean Time (LMT) is determined by the position of the sun relative to a specific meridian. Because Dibrugarh (Assam) and Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) are located at different longitudes, their local mean times differ. While India uses a single Indian Standard Time (IST) based on the 82°30'E meridian to maintain uniformity, the actual solar time varies across these locations.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: While it is true that countries with vast longitudinal extents often adopt multiple time zones, the USA (including its territories and Hawaii/Alaska) actually has six standard time zones: Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaska, and Hawaii-Aleutian. Some sources may cite different numbers depending on the inclusion of uninhabited territories, but the standard count for the mainland and major states is not seven. More importantly, Russia is the primary example of a country with a vast extent having 11 time zones.