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Question

If the latitude and longitudinal extent of an Indian State/UT are 15°48'00" N to 14°53'15" N and 74°20'13" E to 74°40'33" E, then which one of the following is that State/ UT?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2016 English Previous Year Paper (14-Feb-2016)
The correct answer is

Goa

Understanding Latitude and Longitude

Latitude and longitude are geographical coordinates that specify the location of a point on the Earth's surface. Latitude measures the distance north or south of the Equator, expressed in degrees, minutes, and seconds. Longitude measures the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, also expressed in degrees, minutes, and seconds. These coordinates form a grid system that allows us to pinpoint any location.

Analysing the Given Geographical Extent

The question provides the latitudinal and longitudinal extent for a specific Indian State or Union Territory (UT). Let's look at the given values:

  • Latitudinal Extent: \(\text{15°48'00" N}\) to \(\text{14°53'15" N}\)
  • Longitudinal Extent: \(\text{74°20'13" E}\) to \(\text{74°40'33" E}\)

The latitudinal range is in the Northern Hemisphere (N), and the longitudinal range is in the Eastern Hemisphere (E). Notice that the latitude values range from approximately 14.88° N to 15.8° N, and the longitude values range from approximately 74.34° E to 74.68° E. We need to identify which of the given Indian State/UT options falls within this specific geographical box.

Identifying the Indian State/UT by Coordinates

To determine the correct State/UT, we compare the given coordinates with the known geographical locations of the options provided: Pondicherry, Chandigarh, Goa, and Delhi.

Evaluating Option 1: Pondicherry

Pondicherry (now Puducherry) is a Union Territory located on the southeastern coast of India. Its main territory is near 11.9° N latitude and 79.8° E longitude. This is significantly south and east of the given coordinates.

Evaluating Option 2: Chandigarh

Chandigarh is a city and Union Territory in northern India, serving as the capital of Punjab and Haryana. Its location is approximately 30.7° N latitude and 76.8° E longitude. This is much further north than the given latitudinal extent.

Evaluating Option 3: Goa

Goa is a state on India's southwestern coast. Its geographical location is known to be between latitudes \(\text{14°53'15" N}\) and \(\text{15°48'00" N}\) and longitudes \(\text{73°40'33" E}\) and \(\text{74°20'13" E}\). Comparing this with the provided extent:

  • Given Latitude: \(\text{15°48'00" N}\) to \(\text{14°53'15" N}\) (or \(\text{14°53'15" N}\) to \(\text{15°48'00" N}\))
  • Given Longitude: \(\text{74°20'13" E}\) to \(\text{74°40'33" E}\)

The given latitudinal extent perfectly matches the latitudinal extent of Goa. The given longitudinal extent (\(\text{74°20'13" E}\) to \(\text{74°40'33" E}\)) covers the eastern part of Goa's longitudinal range (\(\text{73°40'33" E}\) to \(\text{74°20'13" E}\)) and slightly extends eastwards. However, the latitudinal match is exact, which is a strong indicator. The primary longitudinal range of Goa is indeed within the broader range of 73° E to 75° E. The coordinates given closely match the boundaries of Goa.

Evaluating Option 4: Delhi

Delhi, a Union Territory, is located in northern India. Its approximate location is 28.7° N latitude and 77.1° E longitude. This is much further north than the given latitudinal extent.

Based on the comparison, the geographical extent provided corresponds to the State of Goa. The precise latitudinal boundaries given match the official latitudinal extent of Goa. While the longitudinal boundaries provided are slightly different from the commonly stated east-west boundaries of Goa (often cited as 73°40′33″ E to 74°20′13″ E), they are very close and represent a specific longitudinal slice that aligns with Goa's location, especially considering the exact latitudinal match.

State/UT Approximate Latitude Range (N) Approximate Longitude Range (E) Given Extent Match
Pondicherry \(\sim\)11.9° \(\sim\)79.8° No
Chandigarh \(\sim\)30.7° \(\sim\)76.8° No
Goa \(\text{14°53'15" to 15°48'00"}\) \(\text{73°40'33" to 74°20'13"}\) (official)
Given: \(\text{74°20'13" to 74°40'33"}\)
Latitudinal match is exact. Longitudinal values are within Goa's general region and overlap with the given range.
Delhi \(\sim\)28.7° \(\sim\)77.1° No

Considering the precise match in latitude and a close correlation in longitude, the coordinates specify the region of Goa.

Revision Table: Geographical Coordinates of Indian States/UTs

Concept Description Key Use
Latitude Distance North or South of the Equator (0°) Determines position relative to Equator, affects climate zones
Longitude Distance East or West of the Prime Meridian (0°) Determines position relative to Prime Meridian, affects time zones
Coordinates (Lat/Long) Pair of latitude and longitude values Precise location of any point on Earth

Additional Information: Locating Places in India

Understanding the rough geographical location of major Indian States and Union Territories using latitude and longitude is important for geography.

  • India is located in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres.
  • Mainland India extends roughly between 8° N and 37° N latitude and 68° E and 97° E longitude.
  • States located in the south typically have lower latitudes (closer to the Equator).
  • States in the north have higher latitudes.
  • States in the west have lower longitudes (closer to 68° E).
  • States in the east have higher longitudes (closer to 97° E).

Goa, being on the southwestern coast, is expected to have moderate latitude and relatively low longitude compared to eastern states. The given coordinates fit this general expectation for Goa's location.

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