2 hours
Explanation
Local time is determined by the longitudinal position of a place relative to the Prime Meridian. The Earth rotates 360 degrees in approximately 24 hours, which implies a rotation of 15 degrees per hour or 1 degree every 4 minutes. Consequently, the longitudinal extent of a country determines the time difference between its extreme points.
Analysis:
- Longitudinal Extent of India: India extends from approximately 68°7' E in the west (Gujarat) to 97°25' E in the east (Arunachal Pradesh).
- Calculation of Difference: The difference between these two longitudes is approximately 29°18', which is roughly 30°.
- Time Conversion: Since 1 degree of longitude corresponds to a time difference of 4 minutes:
30° × 4 minutes = 120 minutes.
120 minutes = 2 hours.
Thus, there is a time lag of approximately two hours between the westernmost point (Ghuar Mota, Gujarat) and the easternmost point (Kibithu, Arunachal Pradesh) of India.
Key Takeaway:
The longitudinal span of India is approximately 30°, resulting in a time difference of about 2 hours between its eastern and western extremities. To maintain a uniform time across the country, the time along the Standard Meridian of India (82°30' E) is taken as the standard time.