New rules mandate Indian Standard Time as the single national reference. These rules will come into force 180 days after their official gazette publication. The move aims to synchronize digital and technology-based systems across India. It also reduces dependence on foreign satellite-based time sources. A pilot demonstration network is currently testing this initiative.

NEW DELHI: From March next year, all entities in India will be required to use Indian Standard Time (IST) for legal, commercial, digital and administrative activities, with govt…

India's government has introduced new rules mandating Indian Standard Time (IST) as the sole official time reference, with a 180-day compliance period for implementation.