GS 1 – GEOGRAPHY
Time Zone: IST (UTC+05:30) was adopted in 1906 and standardized post-independence at 82°30’E near Mirzapur.
Key Provisions:
- Exclusive Use of IST: Mandates IST for all official and commercial activities.
- Time-Synchronisation Systems: Establish mechanisms to ensure precise and secure timekeeping.
Importance of Standard Timekeeping:
- Sectors Benefited: Banking, telecommunications, defence, and emerging technologies like 5G and IoT.
- National Efficiency: Uniform timing improves infrastructure reliability.
Challenges:
- Geographical Discrepancies: Eastern and western regions experience significant time differences.
- Resistance to Multiple Time Zones: Concerns over unity and operational complexities persist.
Future Prospects:
- Multiple Time Zones: Proposals for Eastern India Time (EIT) are under review.
- Collaborations: Partnerships with ISRO and the National Physical Laboratory aim to improve IST implementation.