Daylight Saving Time is called DST in short.
The United States of America is going to once again introduce Daylight Saving Time law in its country. A bill has been brought regarding this. Approval is yet to be received from the Senate. Its name is being called Sunshine Protection Act. Opposition to this proposed bill has also started in different parts of the country. Arguments are being given in its favor and against. In America, this law has already been implemented once and then withdrawn. If approved by the Senate, it will be presented to the public as law with President Trump’s signature.
Let us understand what is Daylight Saving Time? Why was there a need for this in America? Why is there protest? Why is this law not applicable in India?
What is Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight Saving Time is called DST in short. This means changing the clock time to make better use of daylight. This arrangement generally occurs in countries where there is a large difference in the length of the day in summer and winter. When summer begins, the clock is moved forward one hour. This is called spring forward. This provides one hour more light in the evening. As soon as winter arrives, the clock is turned back one hour. This is called fall back.
It is worth noting that DST does not change the actual time of sunrise or sunset. Only people’s daily routine and clock time are changed. The goal is to make more use of evening light rather than morning light.
History of Daylight Saving Time in America It is related to the war period. photo: pexels
Why was this system started?
The idea of daylight saving time is not new. It has long been argued that it gets light very early in the morning in summer. Many people are sleeping at that time. If the clock goes ahead by one hour, the same light can be used in the evening. Many countries adopted this system during the First World War. Energy saving was a big objective at that time. It was believed that electricity consumption would reduce due to more natural light in the evening. It was adopted in many places even during the Second World War. The history of DST in the United States is linked to wartime, energy policy, and public convenience.
How is DST implemented in the US?
Daylight saving time applies in most parts of America. There the clocks are usually set one hour ahead in March. In November they are moved back one hour. There are many time zones in America. Therefore, the effect of DST is different in different states and cities. Some states and regions have distanced themselves from this system. The state of Hawaii remains on standard time throughout the year. Most of Arizona does not follow DST. There are geographical and climatic reasons behind this. There, extra evening sunlight in summer is not considered very useful.
What is the new bill in America?
There has been a long-running debate in America about daylight saving time. People have a big complaint that changing the clock twice a year is troublesome. This affects the schedule of sleep, work, school, flights and digital systems. On this issue, a bill named Sunscreen Protection Act has been moved forward in America. Its main objective is to end the system of changing clocks twice a year.
There has been a long-running debate in America about daylight saving time. photo: pexels
According to the bill, daylight saving time can be made permanent for the whole year. On July 15, 2026, the US House of Representatives passed this bill by 117 votes against 308. This is an important step, but the bill has not yet become law. It also needs the approval of the US Senate. After that, it will become law only after getting the signature of the President.
What do supporters of the bill say?
Supporters say that changing the clock frequently is unnecessary. This affects the biological clock of people. Especially in March, sleeping one hour less becomes difficult for many people. Supporters say permanent DST will provide more light in the evenings. People will be able to go out after work. Markets, sports, restaurants and tourism can benefit. Children and families may also get the opportunity to spend time outside in the evening.
Some supporters also link it to road safety and lifestyle. They argue that having lighting during the evening rush hour can reduce the risk of accidents. Supporters also say that mobile, computer, banking systems and travel services require additional management during time changes. This complexity can be reduced by a permanent time arrangement.
Why is the bill being opposed?
Opponents say that due to permanent DST, it can remain dark for a long time in the morning in winter. This problem may be more prevalent in North American states. Children can go to school in the dark. People going to work may also have to face darkness in the morning.
A section of health experts consider permanent standard time better. His argument is that natural morning sunlight is essential for the body’s biological clock. This can have a positive effect on sleep, alertness and mental health. The US experimented with permanent DST in the 1970s, but dissatisfaction with dark winter mornings grew. Later this arrangement was withdrawn. Today’s debate is not just about changing the clock. The real question is which time should be adopted throughout the year, permanent DST or permanent standard time?
Daylight saving time is not applicable in India. photo: pexels
Does DST really save electricity?
The energy saving argument in favor of DST is a very old one. Earlier, electricity was used more for lighting in homes. Therefore, electricity was expected to be saved by increasing evening light. But today the situation has changed. Now air conditioners, heaters, TV, computers and other appliances consume a major share of electricity. In some places, lighting electricity can be saved due to more light in the evening, but in summer people can run AC for longer hours. This may greatly reduce or in some cases even increase the overall energy savings. Therefore, in the modern era, DST is not considered only as a power saving policy. It has now become an issue related to lifestyle, health, convenience and local weather.
Why is Daylight Saving Time not implemented in India?
Daylight saving time is not applicable in India. The country uses the same time standard throughout the year. This is called Indian Standard Time. The biggest reason for DST not being implemented in India is geographical location. India is relatively close to the equator. Here there is not much difference in the duration of day and night throughout the year. Sunrise and sunset times vary between summer and winter, but not as much as in Europe, Canada, or the northern parts of the United States. The length of daylight in India is limited. Therefore, moving the clock forward or backward by one hour is unlikely to yield much benefit.
Why is there a time zone in India?
The expanse of India is quite vast from east to west. Therefore in North-East India the sun rises earlier than in Western India. Despite this, there is only one time zone in the country. A single time zone makes it easier to operate administration, railways, airlines, banking, examinations, TV broadcasting and digital networks. If the clock has to be changed frequently, this system can become more complicated. In a large and diverse country like India, changing times can affect millions of people. Schools, offices, factories, hospitals, transport and online services will have to make new timetables.
Has DST ever been considered in India?
There has been discussion on better use of time in India. This issue arises especially in the context of North-Eastern states. There is light early in the morning. Many people say that local working time can be started early, but the solution is not in DST. Offices, schools or industries can change their working hours as per local need. This also maintains the national time standard and allows use of natural morning light.
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