Key Points
- Objective: Create a single, standardised time reference across India.
- The rules will come into force 180 days after their publication in the Official Gazette and form part of the broader One Nation, One Time initiative.
- Coverage: Banking, stock markets, digital payments, telecommunications, power systems, transportation and digital governance.
- Need: Reduce dependence on foreign satellite-based time sources and strengthen India's own time-dissemination infrastructure.
- Technology: A White Rabbit Technology-based IST Dissemination Demonstration Network was commissioned at the Regional Reference Standard Laboratory, Bengaluru, in July 2026.
- The network successfully demonstrated secure IST transmission between RRSL Bengaluru and NSE Chennai.
- Key organisations involved: CSIR-NPL, ISRO, SEBI, NSE and BSNL.
- The framework is expected to improve accuracy, reliability and synchronisation of time-sensitive digital and financial systems.
Question:
Q1. Which department notified the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026?a) Department of Telecommunications
b) Department of Science and Technology
c) Department of Consumer Affairs
d) Department of Financial Services
Answer: c) The rules were notified by the Department of Consumer Affairs to standardise the use of Indian Standard Time across official and commercial systems in India.
