Test: India - Location - 1 - UPSC MCQ

Statement I is incorrect. The Tropic of Cancer does not pass through the southernmost point of India; it passes through the middle of the country.

Statement II is correct. Indian Standard Time (IST) is indeed based on the 82°30' E longitude.

• The standard meridian of India is 82°30' E longitude.
  This statement is correct. 82°30' E is the standard meridian of India, passing through Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh.

• India’s coastline is the longest in the world.
   This statement is incorrect. India has a coastline of about 7,516.6 km, but it is not the longest in the world. The longest coastline belongs to Canada.

• The southernmost point of India is Kanniyakumari.
   This statement is incorrect. The southernmost point of mainland India is Kanniyakumari, but the actual southernmost point of the entire territory of India is Indira Point, located in the Nicobar Islands.

• India extends from 6°45' N latitude to 37°6' N latitude.
   This statement is correct. India’s latitudinal extent is indeed from 6°45' N (southernmost point: Indira Point) to 37°6' N (northernmost point in Jammu and Kashmir).

• Statement i is correct as India’s vast latitudinal extent does lead to diverse climatic conditions.
• Statement ii is correct because the distance between longitudes indeed decreases towards the poles.
• Statement iii is correct since the easternmost point of India experiences sunrise earlier than the westernmost point.
• Statement iv is incorrect as the Indian Standard Time (IST) is based on the 82°30' E longitude, not 68°7' E.

- The Himalayas were formed millions of years ago due to tectonic activity.

- The Ganga River system developed as a result of the geographical and hydrological processes following the formation of the Himalayas.

- The recognition of India's varied ecosystems came with the study of its diverse geography and climate.

- The establishment of Indian Standard Time was a much later development in the context of timekeeping and standardization.

India is located in the southern part of the Asian continent. It shares its land borders with seven countries on three sides - Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.

- The Himalayas serve as natural barriers to the north of India.

- The Thar Desert is known for its unique ecosystem and biodiversity, though it is a harsh environment.

- The Ganga River is one of India's most significant and extensive river systems.

- The Indian Ocean borders the southern part of India, contributing to its extensive coastline.

- Statement i is correct as it accurately describes the distance from north to south (3,214 km) and east to west (2,933 km).

- Statement ii is incorrect because the southernmost point of India, Kanniyakumari, is located at approximately 8°04' N latitude, not 6°45' N.

- Statement iii is correct since the standard meridian of India is indeed 82°30' E, which is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of GMT.

- Statement iv is correct as India spans both tropical and sub-tropical regions.

Thus, the correct statements are i, iii, and iv, making Option A the correct answer.

India’s longitudinal extent, ranging from 68°7' E to 97°25' E, causes a significant time difference between its easternmost and westernmost points, nearly two hours. This challenge is mitigated by adopting 82°30' E as the standard meridian.

• The assertion is correct; India's geographical location indeed leads to a wide range of climatic conditions due to its size and positioning between the tropics and the temperate zones.
• The reason is also correct. The significant latitudinal extent does contribute to varying ecosystems and weather patterns across different regions of India.
• The reason effectively explains the assertion, as it highlights the role of latitude in creating climatic diversity, which aligns with the assertion about India's geographical influence on climate. Therefore, both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

The Assertion is correct because India indeed shares its borders with Pakistan, Nepal, and Bhutan, among others." - "The Reason is also correct as India's geographical location facilitates maritime connections with its neighbors through the Indian Ocean." - "However, the Reason does not directly explain the Assertion regarding land borders. The maritime links do not account for the land borders with Pakistan, Nepal, and Bhutan." - "Therefore, both the Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion, and the correct answer is Option 2