Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: India is moving towards a unified and ultra-precise time system, “one nation, one time,” using its indigenous Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) satellite network. This initiative, spearheaded by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and supported by ISRO, will soon replace dependency on GPS satellites for time synchronization, ensuring accuracy to the millisecond.
The reference time, currently tied to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) via GPS satellites, will now be provided by NavIC. A central lab in Faridabad will receive time signals from NavIC, disseminating them through optic fiber links to regional centers in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati, each equipped with atomic clocks.
What Is An Atomic Clock?
An atomic clock, renowned for its unparalleled precision, operates using the resonance frequencies of atoms. These clocks are so accurate that they lose just one second every 100 million years, making them a cornerstone for time-sensitive systems.
Project Progress And Timeline
Most of the groundwork for the Time Dissemination Project has been completed, with atomic clocks installed in key centers. The NavIC link with NPL Faridabad has undergone successful testing. The next phase involves aligning clocks across centers to account for data transmission delays via optic fiber.
Benefits Of The Project
This project enhances national security and reduces reliance on foreign systems by creating India’s own precise and reliable time distribution network. Former Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh highlighted its significance for critical sectors such as:
• Power grids: Ensures synchronized operations and stability.
• Telecommunications: Boosts efficiency and reliability.
• Banking: Supports precise time-stamped transactions.
• Defence and transportation: Improves operational accuracy and resilience against cyber threats.
Transition To A Unified Time System
The Consumer Affairs Department has issued draft rules mandating Indian Standard Time (IST) as the sole time reference for legal, administrative, and commercial documents. Exceptions will be allowed for specialized fields like astronomy and navigation, subject to prior government approval. Non-compliance with the rules will attract penalties.
