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What is Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the primary time standard accepted by almost all the countries to keep their clock accurate.

UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) is calculated based on the following.

International Atomic Time (TAI): International Atomic Time (TAI) is calculated from different highly precise atomic clocks maintained worldwide. International Atomic Time (TAI) is highly precise. international Atomic Time (TAI) is always maintained highly precise and synchronized using atomic clocks kept all over the world.

UT1: UT1 is the principal form of Universal Time. UT1 is calculated based on Earth's rotation. UT1 is the solar time at 0° longitude (prime meridian), calculated using astronomical techniques. UT1 is used to calculate the length of a single day in earth. UT1 is also called as astronomical or solar time.

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) time is based on the 0° longitude meridian (prime meridian), also known as the Greenwich meridian.

prime-meridian.jpg

The Standard Time zones of different countries of the world use Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) as the reference.

For example; The time zone in India is called as Indian Standard Time (IST). Indian Standard Time (IST) is UTC+5:30. The meaning of UTC+5:30 is that, Indian Standard Time (IST) is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). If the current time at Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is 1:00, then the current time at Indian Standard Time (IST) time zone is 6:30.