Why Does the USA Have Different Time Zones Compared to India?

Discover the reasons behind the time differences between the USA and India, influenced by Earth's rotation and multiple time zones.

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Time differences between the USA and India are due to Earth’s rotation and its division into 24 time zones. Each zone represents 15 degrees of longitude. India is 5.5 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+5:30), while the USA spans multiple zones from UTC-5 to UTC-10. These differences ensure that noon is approximately when the sun is at its highest point in the sky for different locations.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the time difference between the USA and India? India is 5.5 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time, while the USA spans several time zones, from UTC-5 to UTC-10.
  2. How do time zones work? Time zones are based on the Earth's rotation, with each zone representing 15 degrees of longitude, leading to varying local times.
  3. Why do countries have different time zones? Countries have different time zones to align local time with the position of the sun in the sky, enabling noon to coincide with the sun’s highest point.
  4. What is Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)? Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the time standard used across the world, serving as the basis for timekeeping of all time zones.