UPSC Prelims 2000 Q6: Geography – Astronomy & Earth - Sun System
Along
which one of the following meridians did India experience the first light of the sunrise of the new
millennium?
- (a) 2° 30′ W
- (b) 82° 30′ E
- (c) 92° 30′ W
- (d) 92° 30′ E
Answer: (d) 92° 30′ E
Explanation
Meridian where India saw the first sunrise of the new millennium
| Meridian | What lies there |
|---|---|
| 92° 30′ E | Close to Katchal Island, Nicobar group — India's first millennium sunrise (1 January 2000) |
| 82° 30′ E | Indian Standard Time meridian (near Mirzapur / Prayagraj) |
| 2° 30′ W | West Africa and western Europe — not in India |
| 92° 30′ W | Central America — not in India |
The sun rises first in the east, so India's first sunrise of the millennium had to be seen on its eastern edge.
Katchal Island in the Nicobar group, at about 93° E, was named the first place in India to see the sunrise on 1 January 2000.
Of the options, only 92° 30′ E lies at India's eastern end; 82° 30′ E is the IST meridian, and the two western meridians are outside India.
Answer: (d) 92° 30′ E.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. 2° 30′ W passes through West Africa and Europe, outside India.
- (b) Incorrect. 82° 30′ E is the Indian Standard Time meridian, well west of India's eastern edge.
- (c) Incorrect. 92° 30′ W passes through the Americas.
- (d) CORRECT. 92° 30′ E lies at India's eastern end, near Katchal in the Nicobars.
Key point
India spans about 68° 7′ E to 97° 25′ E, a gap of nearly two hours of local time.
Remember
Millennium sunrise: Katchal Island, Nicobar, about 93° E.
Common mistakes
- Choosing 82° 30′ E because it is India's standard meridian.
- Mixing up east and west longitudes.
- Forgetting that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are India's easternmost sea territory.
Exam tip
Sun rises in the east → look for India's easternmost meridian.
Sources
- NCERT Class IX — Geography (Contemporary India I), chapter 'India: Size and Location'
- Survey of India — Map of India (extent in longitude and the 82° 30′ E standard meridian)