Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Distinguish between:
Page 1 of 4
in front of the Sun, it is considered noon time at that longitude and this
noon time is considered as local time of that longitude.
d. Thus, the local time is decided by the noon time.
2) The local time at Greenwich is considered to be the International
Standard Time.
Ans:
a. Countries located on different longitudes have different local times.
b. Thus, for international coordination between countries, the local time at
Greenwich (Greenwich Mean Time) in England is considered to be the
international standard time.
c. The difference in standard times of various countries is calculated with
reference to GMT.
d. For example, if it is noon at Greenwich, the Indian standard time
would be 5.30 p.m.
3) The standard time of India has been decided by the local time at 82° 30' E
longitude.
Ans:
a. The longitudinal extent of India is from 68°7’E to 97°25’E.
b. The Indian Standard Time (IST) has been decided according to the 82°
30' E longitude which passes through Mirzapur (near Allahabad,Uttar
Pradesh). i.e. through the middle of the country with reference to its
longitudinal extent.
c. When the sun is directly overhead on this longitude, then it is assumed
that it is 12 noon everywhere in India.
d. There is no difference of more than one hour between the local time at
82° 30' E and other places in the country.
e. Hence, the standard time of India has been decided by the local time at
82° 30' E longitude.
(Please note the map given above is only for reference and not a part of the
answer.)
III. Answer the following:
1) What is the latitudinal and longitudinal expanse of India?
Ans: India is located between 8°4′ N and 37°6’N latitudes and 68°7’E
and 97°25’E longitudes.
2) What will happen if there are different local times within a country
because of longitudinal differences?
Ans:
a. If there are different local times within a country because of
longitudinal differences,then there will be a lack of synchronization in
the routine activities in the country.
b. If each one follows their local time, discrepancies emerge in carrying
out daily business in the country.
3) How did the people in the olden days calculate time?
Ans: Natural events and instruments like Ghatikapaatra (a bowl with a
minute hole at its base which would float in a large water filled vessel.),
sand timer,sundials, candle, etc. were used to tell time.
*********************************************************
Page 3 of 4