The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The implications of India's vast longitudinal extent on local solar time versus the administrative standard time. India spans approximately 30 degrees of longitude from its western to eastern extremities.
Statement 1: Correct
India extends from approximately 68°7'E longitude in Gujarat to 97°25'E longitude in Arunachal Pradesh. The Earth rotates 1° in 4 minutes. The longitudinal difference of roughly 30° results in a time gap of approximately 120 minutes (30° × 4 minutes = 2 hours). Consequently, the sun rises two hours earlier in Arunachal Pradesh compared to Gujarat.
Statement 2: Incorrect
To prevent administrative confusion caused by local time differences, India follows a single standard time zone based on the Indian Standard Meridian (82°30'E), which passes through Mirzapur. Therefore, watches throughout the country-whether in Arunachal Pradesh or Gujarat-are set to Indian Standard Time (IST) and display the exact same time.
Key Takeaway:
While there is a physical 2-hour difference in local solar time (sunrise and sunset) between eastern and western India, the standard time shown on clocks is uniform across the entire country.