What is 'White Rabbit' Technology? Know All About India's New Network Under One Nation One Time Initiative
India has launched a 'White Rabbit' precision timing network to secure Indian Standard Time. The project, involving CSIR-NPL and ISRO, aims to reduce dependence on foreign timing sources and provide highly accurate synchronisation for critical sectors like banking, telecom, and power grids.
The Indian government has officially commissioned a demonstration network utilising "White Rabbit" precision timing technology to provide a secure and tamper-resistant national time signal. This initiative aims to bolster the country’s digital infrastructure while significantly reducing reliance on foreign timing sources for critical national systems.
As per a report by Moneycontrol, the network was launched at the Regional Reference Standard Laboratory (RRSL) in Bengaluru. The project is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Consumer Affairs, the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Can Data Centres Lead to Water Crisis? Know How Much Water Data Centres Consume Every Day.
Enhancing Critical Infrastructure Synchronisation
The system disseminates Indian Standard Time, which is traceable to the national time-keeping authority, UTC (NPLI). By employing Precision Time Protocol-based White Rabbit technology, the network provides highly accurate synchronisation for essential sectors including banking, telecommunications, power grids, transportation, and digital governance.
A verification test for secure time transmission has already been successfully completed between the Bengaluru laboratory and the National Stock Exchange’s facility in Chennai. This test involved coordination with key stakeholders such as the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and state-run telecommunications operator BSNL.
Strengthening Digital Self-Reliance
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has emphasised that establishing a trusted, indigenous national time source is vital for bolstering consumer protection, supporting fair trade, and strengthening cyber resilience. The project is a key component of the government's "One Nation, One Time" initiative and its broader "Viksit Bharat" vision for technological self-reliance. Thane Amazon Data Centre Protest: Balkum Residents Rally Against Proposed 53-Acre Project (Watch Video).
Department of Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare noted that the initiative, alongside ongoing reforms to legal metrology rules, is designed to enhance consumer confidence and ease business operations across the country. By securing its own timing infrastructure, India aims to position itself as a global leader in precision time dissemination.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 18, 2026 09:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
