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Context

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Vikramaditya Vedic Clock in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
• The clock is mounted on an 85-foot tower within Jantar Mantar in Ujjain.

Details

Indian 'Panchang' Based Timepiece

• The clock is based on the Indian ‘panchang’ (almanack), offering a unique timekeeping system.
• It provides information on planetary positions, Muhurat, astrological calculations, and more.
• Additionally, it indicates Indian Standard Time (IST) and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Historical Significance of Ujjain

• Ujjain is historically significant for time calculation, with the standard time of the world determined from Ujjain 300 years ago.
• The city is considered a center for time calculation, and the Tropic of Cancer passes through it.

Features of the Vedic Clock

• The clock not only indicates time but also provides details such as moon position, Parva, Shubhshubh Muhurat, Ghati, Nakshatra, and more.
• It aims to restore the tradition of Indian time calculation based on astronomical theories.

Operational Details

• The Vedic clock operates by calculating time from one sunrise to another, dividing the period into 30 parts, where each hour consists of 48 minutes according to ISD.
• It starts at 0:00 with the sunrise and functions for 30 hours.

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

• Greenwich Mean Time is the mean solar time at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. It serves as the benchmark for timekeeping

Origin:

• GMT was established in the 19th century when the Royal Observatory was designated as the prime meridian (0° longitude), dividing the Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres.

Time Zone:

• GMT is often used synonymously with Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), although there are slight differences between the two.
• GMT is primarily observed in the United Kingdom during the winter months, while British Summer Time (BST) is used during the summer.

Role in Timekeeping:

• GMT serves as the reference point for coordinating time across different time zones worldwide.
• It's commonly used in aviation, maritime navigation, and international telecommunications to establish a universal standard for timekeeping.

Conversion:

• GMT is converted to local time in various regions by adding or subtracting the appropriate number of hours, based on their time zone relative to Greenwich.
• For example, Eastern Standard Time (EST) is GMT-5, meaning it's five hours behind GMT.

Importance:

• GMT is of historical significance as the standard timekeeping reference established by the International Meridian Conference in 1884.
• It's crucial for global communication, ensuring consistency in schedules, appointments, and international transactions.

Modern Usage:

• While GMT remains relevant, it has been largely replaced by Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is more accurately regulated by atomic clocks.
• However, GMT still holds significance in various fields, especially in historical contexts and traditional timekeeping practices.

Conclusion

With its unique features and historical significance, the clock stands as a symbol of India's rich cultural heritage and scientific advancements.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. The inauguration of the Vikramaditya Vedic Clock marks a significant step towards reviving India's traditional timekeeping methods. Discuss. (150 words)