Which is the easternmost longitude of India?
- AOption (a)
\( 82^\circ 25' E \)
- BOption (b)
\( 97^\circ 25' E \)
- COption (c)
\( 91^\circ 25' E \)
- DOption (d)
\( 87^\circ 25' E \)
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Correct answer
\( 97^\circ 25' E \)
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is 97° 25' E.
Key Points
- The easternmost longitude of India is 97° 25' E, which is located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
- This geographical point lies near the village of Vijaynagar in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, close to the Indo-Myanmar border.
- India's longitudinal extent ranges from 68° 7' E in the west to 97° 25' E in the east, covering a vast expanse of approximately 29° of longitude.
- The easternmost part of India is significant for its geographical and geopolitical importance due to its proximity to neighboring countries like Myanmar and China.
- The location marks the region where the first rays of the sun fall in India, symbolizing the start of a new day for the country.
Additional Information
- Geographical Extent of India:
- India is the 7th largest country in the world, covering an area of 3.28 million square kilometers.
- Its latitudinal extent is from 8° 4' N to 37° 6' N, while the longitudinal extent spans from 68° 7' E to 97° 25' E.
- This vast geographical range results in a time difference of nearly 2 hours between the easternmost and westernmost parts of India.
- Significance of Longitudinal Extent:
- The longitudinal extent of India determines the Indian Standard Time (IST), which is based on the longitude of 82° 30' E.
- IST is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
- Arunachal Pradesh:
- Arunachal Pradesh is known as the "Land of the Rising Sun" due to its location in the easternmost part of India.
- The state is bordered by China to the north, Myanmar to the east, and Bhutan to the west.
- It is a strategically important region, with the McMahon Line serving as the boundary between India and China.
- Neighboring Countries:
- The easternmost part of India shares its border with Myanmar, contributing to cross-border trade and cultural exchanges.
- India shares an international border with six neighboring countries: Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Important Points
- Time Zones:
- Despite the vast longitudinal extent, India follows a single time zone, Indian Standard Time (IST), to maintain uniformity across the country.
- There has been a long-standing debate about introducing a second time zone for the northeastern states to align with their natural daylight hours.
- India's Borders:
- India's total land border measures approximately 15,106 kilometers, while its coastline stretches around 7,516 kilometers.
- The country shares the longest border with Bangladesh (4,096 km) and the shortest border with Afghanistan (106 km).
- Geopolitical Importance:
- The easternmost region of India plays a crucial role in India's Look East Policy, which aims to strengthen economic and strategic relations with Southeast Asian countries.
- The region is rich in biodiversity and natural resources, making it vital for India's ecological and economic sustainability.