India plans to shift from GPS-based time to NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) for determining Indian Standard Time (IST), aiming for complete self-reliance in timekeeping.
The initiative was conceived after the Kargil war when India faced challenges getting precise location data from foreign satellites, highlighting the strategic importance of independent navigation systems.
Five centers with atomic clocks will be established - Faridabad as the main hub connected to NavIC, with regional centers in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati.
Atomic clocks, known for losing just one second every 100 million years, will ensure ultra-precise timekeeping across the nation.
Digital devices like smartphones, laptops, and watches will transition from GPS-based timing to atomic clock synchronization through Indian infrastructure.
The draft rules mandate IST as the sole time reference for all sectors including commerce, transport, public administration, and financial operations.
Special permissions will be required for using alternative time references like GMT, limited to specific fields such as astronomy and scientific research.
The initiative aims to enhance cybersecurity by reducing dependence on foreign time sources currently used by telecom and internet service providers.
Public feedback on the draft rules is being accepted until February 14, 2025, through the Department of Consumer Affairs website.
The system will provide time accuracy down to milliseconds and microseconds, crucial for critical sectors like power grids, telecommunications, and banking.