Which of the following meridian is the standard meridian of India?

Correct option is A

​Correct Answer:(a) 82°30′ East​

The 82°30′ East longitude is the standard meridian of India. It was chosen as the reference longitude to set the Indian Standard Time (IST), which is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). This longitude passes through Mirzapur, near Allahabad (Prayagraj), in Uttar Pradesh.

Why 82°30′ East Was Chosen:

1. Centrally Located: It passes approximately through the center of India, making it a convenient reference for the entire country.
2. Unified Time Zone: India, despite its large geographical spread, has a single time zone to maintain uniformity.
3. Offset from GMT: 82°30′ East corresponds to a time offset of 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of GMT.

Information Booster:

● The Earth is divided into 24 time zones, each spanning 15° of longitude.
● The Standard Meridian of a country is generally chosen near its central longitude.
● India spans longitudes from approximately 68°7′ East (Gujarat) to 97°25′ East (Arunachal Pradesh).
● A single time zone simplifies administrative and commercial activities across the country