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.