Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 336

Why is a time lag of two hours from Gujarat to Arunachal pradedh?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the longitudinal span of India.

Correct Answer: A) Because of India's east-west extent.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The time lag of two hours between Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh is a result of the longitudinal span of India. India extends from approximately 68°E to 97°E longitude, covering a significant portion of the Earth's surface. As the Earth rotates on its axis, different longitudes experience daylight at different times. This rotation causes the time difference between the eastern and western parts of the country.

Time zones are established to standardize time across regions. In India, the time difference is calculated based on the longitudinal extent of the country. The time difference between two longitudes is determined by the number of degrees of longitude between them. Since the Earth rotates 360 degrees in 24 hours, each degree of longitude corresponds to a time difference of 4 minutes. Therefore, the longitudinal span of India results in a time difference of approximately two hours between the easternmost and westernmost parts of the country.

It is important to note that the time difference is not influenced by the north-south extent of the country, the proximity to oceans, or the overall size of the landmass. These factors do not affect the rotation of the Earth or the way time zones are established. The time difference is solely based on the longitudinal span of the country, which is why the correct answer is "Because of India's east-west extent."

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. The time lag of two hours between Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh is due to the longitudinal span of India from west to east. As the Earth rotates, different longitudes experience daylight at different times, leading to the time difference.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The north-south extent of India does not significantly affect the time difference between different states. Time zones are primarily determined by longitudinal differences, not latitudinal ones.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. The proximity to oceans does not influence the time difference between different parts of India. Time zones are based on longitudinal differences, not geographical features like oceans.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The size of the landmass itself does not determine the time difference. The time difference is due to the longitudinal span of the country, not the overall size of the landmass.

Mnemonic: East to West, Time Spreads

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