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All About Indian Standard Time UPSC CSE

Indian Standard Time

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Summary of Indian Standard Time

Currently, India has a single time zone, which is determined by the longitude that passes through 82°33′E. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research- National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) which is India’s national timekeeper calculates that switching to two time zones might save the nation 20 million kWh of energy annually. The two time zones would be IST-I for the majority of the country and IST-II for northeastern India. These time zones would be one hour apart. The sun rises and sets considerably sooner in the westernmost region of India than it does in the easternmost region due to the roughly two-hour time difference between them. With the exception of those who reside in the Northeast, where the sun sets well before 4 p.m. in the winter and rises around 4 a.m. in the summer, the majority of Indians are not overly concerned about Indian Standard Time (IST).

A National Physical Laboratory research paper suggests that India could save over 20 million kWh of energy annually by switching to two time zones. This would allow better use of daylight hours in the eastern part of the country, synchronize business hours with sunrise and dusk times, and promote natural cycles. This would also lead to increased productivity and happiness, as Assamese tea gardens operate on "Chaibagaan time," one hour ahead of India Standard Time. This would also reduce India's carbon footprint, bolstering its commitment to climate change.

Circadian rhythm, a 24-hour cycle, regulates our bodies' physiological processes by determining when to eat, sleep, and wake up. Temperature and sunlight affect this cycle, affecting alertness and sleepiness. The 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine was awarded to Hall, Rosbash, and Young for their research on circadian rhythm molecular mechanisms.

India is a vast, diverse nation with a vast amount of land. Indian Standard Time (IST) is the only time zone that is used throughout the whole nation; it is UTC+5:30. This indicates that Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is five hours and thirty minutes ahead of India. Given the size of the country, India may have been in multiple zones. However, because of its past, culture, and practical requirements, it only has a one-time standard.

Background of Indian Standard Time

India's time zones were first established in 1884 during the British Raj, following three major time zones - Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras Time. Indian Standard Time (IST) was established in 1906 to provide a single point of reference for the country, ensuring a consistent time zone across the country. India switched to a single time zone to simplify communication, public authority, and travel. This decision made it easier to coordinate train plans, broadcast messages, and managerial tasks. India continued to use IST even after becoming autonomous to maintain the organization and prevent the country from having multiple time zones. IST is used throughout India and Sri Lanka, being 5:30 hours ahead of UTC.

Introduction of Indian Standard Time

Indian Standard Time (IST) is the only time zone that is used throughout the whole nation; it is UTC+5:30. This indicates that IST is five hours and thirty minutes ahead Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Given the size of the country, India can have multiple zones. However, because of its past, culture, and practical requirements, it only has a one-time standard.

Single time zone challenges

About Circadian Rhythm:

  • The 24-hour cycle known as the circadian rhythm regulates numerous physiological processes in our bodies by telling them when to eat, sleep, and wake up.
  • Temperature and sunlight have an impact on one's internal body clock, which controls how alert and invigorated or sleepy one feels.
  • The 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine was awarded to Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young for their research on the molecular mechanisms governing circadian rhythm.

Advantage of Two time Zone

Disadvantage of Two Time Zone

Alternatives to Two-Time-Zoning

Conclusion of Indian Standard Time

Indian Standard Time (IST) provides a single time reference in India, simplifying operations. It also provides a common sense of time, making communication, trade, and daily activities easier.

Researchers from the National Institute of Advanced Studies in Bangalore and Scientists at the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) have proposed that the International Standard Time (IST) be advanced by 30 minutes to be six hours ahead of Universal Coordinated Time. This proposal merits serious consideration.

As a result, the point of reckoning will be moved from 82.5 degrees east to 90 degrees east, falling at a longitude that runs parallel to the border between West Bengal and Assam.

That ought to satisfy North East India’s request in part and prevent complaints from northwest India regarding possible consequences related to late sunrise times resulting from an advance of one full hour.

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