India operates on Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC+5:30. To find what time it is in India now, you need to add 5 hours and 30 minutes to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). India does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time remains consistent throughout the year.

India does not observe Daylight Saving Time. The country remains on IST, UTC+5:30, throughout the year.

The UTC+5:30 distinction stems from historical decisions made during British colonial rule to establish a single standard time for administrative convenience. Geographically, the nation spans a wide longitudinal range, and the chosen standard meridian (82.5 degrees east) is roughly central, providing a balanced equilibrium for the entire nation. This half-hour offset is a compromise that accommodates the vast country's needs while maintaining administrative simplicity.

IST is unique and is 30 minutes ahead of Pakistan Standard Time (PST, UTC+5) and 15 minutes behind Nepal Time (NPT, UTC+5:45).

Major industries:

Information Technology (IT) and Services: A global leader in software services, outsourcing, and technology innovation; key hubs in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune.

Agriculture: Major sector producing rice, wheat, cotton, and spices; the nation is one of the largest global producers of food grains and cash crops.

Manufacturing: Includes automobiles, electronics, and textiles; part of the government's 'Make in India' initiative to boost domestic production.

Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology: Known as the 'Pharmacy of the World,' the ntion is a major producer of generic drugs and vaccines.

Tourism: Significant industry with cultural, natural, and heritage tourism; popular destinations include the Taj Mahal, Kerala backwaters, and Himalayas.

Renewable Energy: Growing sector focusing on solar and wind power; The country is one of the leading countries in solar energy production.

National holidays:

Republic Day: Celebrated on January 26th; marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950.

Independence Day: Celebrated on August 15th; commemorates India’s independence from British rule in 1947.

Gandhi Jayanti: Celebrated on October 2nd; honors Mahatma Gandhi's birthday and his contributions to the country's independence movement.

Holi: Observed in March; the festival of colors, celebrating the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.

Diwali: Celebrated in October or November; the festival of lights, marking the victory of light over darkness.

Eid al-Fitr: Date varies based on the lunar calendar; celebrated by the Muslim community to mark the end of Ramadan.

Christmas Day: Celebrated on December 25th; a public holiday for Christians across the country.

Raksha Bandhan: Observed in August; celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters with the tying of a protective thread.

Navratri/Dussehra: Celebrated in October; a festival that culminates in Dussehra, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Makar Sankranti: Celebrated on January 14th; a harvest festival marking the transition of the sun into the zodiac of Capricorn.