Test: India- Size And Location- 2 - UPSC MCQ

The time of Arunachal Pradesh is Two hours ahead of Jaisalmer.
By the way, watches show the very time as the time that is going through Mirzapur in UP (Uttar Pradesh) (82 30' E) along "the Standard Meridian of India" is the "standard time" for the country all in all.
The watches show the "standard time" in Jaisalmer and Arunachal Pradesh and in all pieces of the country as the equivalent "standard time" was taken on for the whole country. Hence, the correct answer is that the time of Arunachal Pradesh is two hours ahead of Jaisalmer.

Sri Lanka is separated from India by a narrow channel of sea formed by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar.

Myanmar and Bangladesh are in the east of India, Sri lanka at south.

Explanation:
The time lag of two hours from Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh is due to India's east-west extent. Here's why:
1. India's geography: India is a vast country with a considerable east-west extent. It stretches over 2,933 kilometers from Gujarat in the west to Arunachal Pradesh in the east.
2. Time zones: India is divided into multiple time zones to account for the country's size. The standard time in India is based on the Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC+5:30. However, due to the large east-west extent, there is a time difference between different regions of the country.
3. Time lag: The time lag of two hours from Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh is a result of the time zones. Arunachal Pradesh is located in the far northeast of India, closer to the International Date Line. As a result, it is two hours ahead of Gujarat, which is in the western part of India.
4. Time zone boundaries: The time zone boundaries in India are not strictly aligned with state boundaries. Instead, they are adjusted to ensure that the time difference is consistent within a particular region. This is why neighboring states may have different time zones.
In conclusion, the two-hour time lag from Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh is due to India's east-west extent, which necessitates the use of multiple time zones to maintain consistent time differences across the country.

Country Sharing Land Boundaries with India in the West:
India shares land boundaries with several countries in different directions. In the west, India shares its border with Pakistan. Here is a detailed explanation:
India's Western Border:
- The western border of India stretches from the northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir to the westernmost state of Gujarat.
- This border spans approximately 2,912 kilometers.
India's Border with Pakistan:
- India shares a land border of around 3,323 kilometers with Pakistan.
- The border is characterized by the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, which serves as the de facto border between the two countries.
- The border then extends southward, forming the international boundary between India and Pakistan.
- The westernmost point of this border lies near the town of Sir Creek in Gujarat.
Importance of India-Pakistan Border:
- The India-Pakistan border is of significant strategic importance due to the historical and ongoing conflicts between the two countries.
- Several border disputes and conflicts have occurred along this border, including the Kashmir conflict.
Other Borders in the West:
- Apart from Pakistan, India shares its western borders with other neighboring countries.
- In the northwest, India shares a small border with Afghanistan, which is separated by Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
- In the north, India shares its border with China in the region of Jammu and Kashmir.
Therefore, the correct answer is D: Pakistan. India shares its land boundaries with Pakistan in the west.

The peninsular situation, central location, and Indian landmass helped India to establish close contacts with West Asia, Africa, and Europe from the west coast and with southeast and east Asia from the east coast. The Indian landmass has a focal area in East and West Asia. India is toward the south expansion of the Asian mainland. The trans-Indian Ocean courses, which associate the nations of Europe in the West with East Asia, give an important focal area to India. The Deccan peninsula juts into the Indian Ocean, helping India to lay out close contact with West Asia, Africa, and Europe from the Western coast and South-East and East Asia from the Eastern coast. No other nation has a long shore on the Indian Ocean as India has. In this way, India's prominent situation in the Indian Ocean legitimises the naming of a sea after it.
 

Country larger than India in terms of land area:

 

• Russia

 

Explanation:

 

India is the seventh-largest country in the world by land area. However, there are countries that are larger than India in terms of land area:

 

• Russia: Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning over two continents (Europe and Asia). It has a land area of approximately 17.1 million square kilometers, making it larger than India.


• New Zealand: New Zealand is smaller than India, with a land area of about 268,000 square kilometers.


• South Africa: South Africa is also smaller than India, with a land area of around 1.2 million square kilometers.


• Great Britain: Great Britain, which includes England, Scotland, and Wales, is significantly smaller than India. Its land area is approximately 229,000 square kilometers.

Therefore, out of the given options, only Russia is larger than India in terms of land area.

 

At 22°N latitude, India begins to taper towards South. The shape of India does begin to taper into a triangular shape. It extends into the Indian ocean and divides the ocean into two seas; the Arabian Sea to the West and the Bay of Bengal to the East.

Tropic of Cancer passes through the following 8 states of India: Gujarat, Rajasthan, MP, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram.

Suez Canal
The Suez Canal is the canal that shortened the distance between India and Europe. Here is a detailed explanation of why the Suez Canal is the correct answer:
Importance of the Suez Canal
- The Suez Canal is an artificial waterway connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.
- It provides a direct route between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, bypassing the need for ships to navigate around the entire African continent.
- Before the construction of the Suez Canal, ships traveling between India and Europe had to go around the Cape of Good Hope, which added a significant amount of time and distance to the journey.
Advantages of the Suez Canal
- Shorter distance: The Suez Canal reduced the distance between India and Europe by approximately 7,000 kilometers (4,300 miles), making it a much more efficient and faster route for trade and travel.
- Time-saving: By taking the Suez Canal route, ships can save days or even weeks in travel time compared to the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope.
- Cost-effective: The shorter distance and time savings provided by the Suez Canal also result in cost savings for shipping companies, as they can reduce fuel consumption and operational expenses.
Impact on Trade
- The Suez Canal has had a significant impact on international trade, particularly between India and Europe.
- It has facilitated the growth of trade by providing a quicker and more convenient route for ships transporting goods between the two regions.
- The canal has also played a crucial role in the development of global supply chains, enabling faster delivery of goods and reducing logistical challenges.
In conclusion, the Suez Canal is the canal that shortened the distance between India and Europe. Its construction has had a profound impact on international trade, providing a more efficient and cost-effective route for ships traveling between the two regions.

Indian states that share a border with Nepal are - Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, West Bengal, and Bihar. The border was formed after the Treaty of Sugauly, 1816 between Nepal and the British Raj.
The state-wise length of borders are given below: 

• ​ Uttrakhand: 251 km
•  Uttar Pradesh: 551 km
•  Sikkim: 99 km          
•  West Bengal: 100 km
•  Bihar: 726 km

How did spices, muslin, and other merchandise were taken from India to different countries in ancient times?
- Through various passes across the mountains:
- The Silk Road: Merchants traveled along the Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting China, India, and the Mediterranean region. This allowed for the transportation of goods across various mountain passes, such as the Khyber Pass and the Karakoram Pass.
- The Hindu Kush Pass: This pass connected India with Central Asia and the Middle East, providing a route for the trade of spices and other commodities.
- The Malabar Coast Route: Merchants from the Roman Empire and the Arab world sailed along the Malabar Coast, which provided access to the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. This maritime route facilitated the transportation of goods to different countries.
- Through oceans:
- Maritime Trade: India had a flourishing maritime trade network with ancient civilizations like Rome, Egypt, and China. Merchants used ships to transport spices, muslin, and other merchandise across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal. Ports like Kollam, Calicut, and Surat played significant roles in this trade.
- None of the above:
- This option is incorrect as both land and sea routes were utilized in ancient times for the transportation of spices, muslin, and other merchandise from India to different countries.

• Kavaratti is not the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• The actual capital is Port Blair, which is located on the Andaman Islands.
• Kavaratti is the capital of the Lakshadweep Islands, a separate union territory in India.
• Port Blair serves as the administrative and political center for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• This distinction is important for understanding the geography and governance of India's territories.

Answer:
The correct answer is A: Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Explanation:
The island group of Andaman and Nicobar Islands lies to the south-east of India. Let's break down the options and examine each one:
A: Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
- This island group is located in the Bay of Bengal and comprises a total of 572 islands, out of which only 38 are inhabited.
- It is known for its stunning beaches, pristine coral reefs, and rich biodiversity.
B: Lakshadweep:
- Lakshadweep is a group of islands located in the Arabian Sea.
- It consists of 36 islands, out of which only 10 are inhabited.
- The islands are known for their clear turquoise waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life.
C: Daman and Diu:
- Daman and Diu are located on the western coast of India, near Gujarat.
- They are not island groups, but rather a union territory consisting of two separate areas, Daman and Diu, which are connected by a bridge.
D: All the above:
- This option is incorrect as Daman and Diu is not an island group and is located on the western coast of India, while the other options are island groups located to the south-east.
In conclusion, the correct answer is A: Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Explanation:
Introduction:
Goa is a state located in the western part of India. It is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Portuguese colonial architecture. In this question, we are asked to determine whether Goa is the smallest state in India or not.
Evidence:
To answer this question, we need to consider the size of Goa in comparison to the other states in India. Here are some key points to consider:
- Goa covers an area of approximately 3,702 square kilometers.
- It is bordered by Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south.
- Goa has a coastline that stretches along the Arabian Sea.
Comparison:
To determine whether Goa is the smallest state in India, we need to compare its size with the other states. Here are some important facts:
- India is divided into 28 states and 8 union territories.
- Sikkim is the smallest state in India, covering an area of approximately 7,096 square kilometers.
- Goa is smaller than Sikkim in terms of land area.
Conclusion:
Based on the comparison, we can conclude that the statement "Goa is the smallest state in India" is False. Sikkim holds the title for being the smallest state in India.