While I was browsing some national news, I came across an interesting piece on a scientific proposal made by a group of scientists in India. They have suggested pushing the Indian Standard Time (IST, viz GMT +5:30) by half-an-hour to six hours ahead of GMT. The main benefit of this measure, as the scientists suggest, is a saving of upto 16 per cent on peak load energy.
It’s an interesting hypothesis. As the study concludes that the time shift would also bring the country in conformity with 95 per cent regions of the world which use integral hours, help reduce traffic fatalities and injuries, reduce street crime and result in stoppage of fewer sporting events. I wonder how easy (or hard) would such a change be considering the world-wide economic and social impact of it. Moreover, would the Indian government even consider examining it?