Anadyr and Nome — date difference and IDL — UPSC Prelims PYQ...

Consider the following statements:

1. Anadyr in Siberia and Nome in Alaska are a few kilometres from each other, but when people are waking up and getting set for breakfast in these cities, it would be different days.
2. When it is Monday in Anadyr, it is Tuesday in Nome.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. Neither I nor II

Explanation

Statement I is correct

• Anadyr (Russia) and Nome (Alaska, USA) are geographically close, separated by the Bering Strait. However, they lie on opposite sides of the International Date Line (IDL). Anadyr is in UTC+12, while Nome is in UTC−9. This results in a 21-hour time difference, so even if it’s morning in both places, it’s different calendar days.

Statement II is incorrect

• When it is Monday in Anadyr, it is still Sunday in Nome, due to the large time difference and the placement of the International Date Line.

Answer: (a) I only; Difficulty Level: Easy