Legal & Institutional Framework

• Notified under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
• Key institutions involved: CSIR-NPL, ISRO and legal metrology laboratories.

Objective

• Establish Indian Standard Time (IST) as the common reference time for time-dependent systems and legal, administrative, commercial and official purposes.
• Part of the “One Nation, One Time” initiative.

Problem Addressed

• Different critical systems may rely on different time sources/synchronisation mechanisms, creating discrepancies in timestamps.
• Important for banking, telecommunications, power grids, transport, digital networks and government systems.

IST & Time Zone

• Does not create a new time zone or change IST.
• IST remains UTC+5:30.
• Focus is on uniform and accurate dissemination/synchronisation of IST.

Indian Timing Infrastructure

• Promotes dissemination of IST through Indian timing sources, including NavIC.
• Aims to reduce dependence on foreign satellite-based timing sources for critical infrastructure.

Technology

• White Rabbit Technology enables high-precision time and frequency synchronisation.
• An IST dissemination demonstration network using this technology was established at RRSL, Bengaluru.

Strategic Significance

• Enhances technological and strategic autonomy in critical timing infrastructure.
• Provides a reliable common time reference for critical infrastructure and digital systems.

Implementation

• Rules come into force 180 days after publication in the Official Gazette, allowing stakeholders time for technical transition.