Bengaluru, July 19: Union Minister Prahlad Joshi inaugurated the Indian Standard Time (IST) broadcast demonstration network based on ‘White Rabbit Technology’ at the Regional Reference Standard Laboratory on Saturday.
This demonstration network utilizes Precision Time Protocol (PTP) and helps securely disseminate Indian Standard Time linked to UTC (NPLI).
According to a statement from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, this network provides highly accurate, secure, and robust time synchronization services for critical sectors such as banking and financial markets, telecom, power systems, transport, digital governance, and other essential infrastructures.
The network was developed collaboratively by the Department of Consumer Affairs, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Prahlad Joshi emphasized that the accurate and secure dissemination of Indian Standard Time is emerging as a vital digital public infrastructure for the country. He stated that a reliable national time source will enhance consumer protection, facilitate fair trade, improve cybersecurity, boost the credibility of financial markets, and strengthen digital governance.
The minister also mentioned that the Department of Consumer Affairs successfully completed the verification of secure dissemination of Indian Standard Time between RRSI Bengaluru and NSE Chennai using this technology, in collaboration with CSIR-NPL, ISRO, SEBI, National Stock Exchange (NSE), BSNL, and other relevant entities.
Joshi visited ISRO in Bengaluru and reviewed the progress of the ‘Indian Standard Time Dissemination Project’ being carried out with the cooperation of CSIR-NPL, ISRO, and other associated organizations. He assessed the facilities developed for the dissemination of Indian Standard Time and interacted with the scientists and engineers involved in the project. He praised ISRO’s contribution to creating a secure and robust time dissemination infrastructure developed within the country.
The minister also commended the collaboration between the Department of Consumer Affairs, CSIR-NPL, and ISRO in advancing the government’s ‘One Nation, One Time’ initiative.
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