Why in news?

• Lebanon was thrown into mass confusion after its government at the last minute delayed the start of daylight saving time by a month.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Daylight Saving Time
• News Summary

What is daylight saving time (DST)?

• According to Norway-based Time and Date, DST is the practice of setting the clocks forward one hour from the standard time during the summer and back again in the autumn.
• This is done to make better use of natural daylight as it extends daylight into the evening.
• India does not follow daylight saving time as countries near the Equator do not experience high variations in daytime hours between seasons.

Why Daylight Saving Time practiced by countries?

• To save energy
  • DST involves resetting clocks ahead by an hour in spring, and behind by an hour in autumn.
  • Hence, those in favour of DST argue that it means a longer evening daytime.
  • Individuals will complete their daily work routines an hour earlier, and that extra hour of daylight means — or is supposed to mean — a lower consumption of energy.
    • In April 1916, during World War I, Germany and Austria introduced DST to minimise the use of artificial lighting.
• Economic benefits
• Longer daylight hours may encourage people to spend more time outside, which can have positive effects on local economies, such as increased sales for retailers and restaurants.
• Improved public safety
  • With more daylight hours in the evening, there may be fewer accidents and crimes committed in the dark.

What is the problem with Daylight Saving Time?

• Disruption of sleep patterns
  • The time change associated with DST can disrupt people's sleep patterns and circadian rhythms, leading to negative health effects.
• Increased energy consumption
  • Some studies suggest that the energy savings associated with DST are minimal or non-existent, and that the time change can actually increase energy consumption in certain regions.
• Inconsistencies across time zones
  • DST is not universally adopted, which can lead to confusion and inconsistencies across different time zones.
  • This can cause problems for businesses, travel, and communication.
• Other negatives
  • Different studies found a higher rate of workplace injuries after the switch, leading to lost days of work; a slight drop in stock market performance etc.

News Summary: Daylight Saving Time

What happened in Lebanon?

• Lebanon usually sets its clocks forward an hour on the last Sunday in March.
• However, this year, its caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said that the clocks would be reset on April 21.
• The confusion was created as some institutions, including Christian churches, reset their clocks despite Mikati’s decision.
• Thus, airlines, cell phone operators, schools, workplaces, etc., are no longer following the same time.