India uses India Standard Time (IST), which is UTC+5:30 hours.

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, India 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 in India:

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; India 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,' India 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; India is one of the leading countries in solar energy production.

National holidays in India:

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 India'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.