BIPM to stop issuing leap seconds by May 2027 to avoid negative risks
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· IT, AI, semiconductors & computing· Prelims·
Time synchronization and systemic risks: a relevant GS3 Science & Technology topic.
Why in news
BIPM announced it will stop issuing leap seconds to adjust Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) starting May 2027 to avoid risks from a potential negative leap second by 2029.
Background
The International Bureau of Weights and Measurements (BIPM) will cease leap second adjustments for UTC in May 2027. Since 1972, 32 leap seconds were added to align atomic clocks with Universal Time (UT1).
Facts for Prelims
- S&TBIPM: International Bureau of Weights and Measurements
- Fact32 leap seconds have been added to UTC since 1972
- S&TUTC: Coordinated Universal Time
- S&TUT1: Universal Time
- S&TNIST: US National Institute of Standards and Technology
Prelims practice question
How many leap seconds have been added to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) since 1972?
- (a)40
- (b)12
- (c)32
- (d)24
Show answer
Answer: (c) 32 — The note states that 32 leap seconds were added to UTC since 1972 to align atomic clocks with UT1.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the technical and systemic implications of transitioning away from leap second adjustments in global timekeeping and synchronization systems.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Systemic risk: Potential for software malfunctions and synchronization errors in high-frequency trading and telecommunications
- Standardization conflict: Balancing the precision of atomic clocks with the rotation of the Earth (UT1)
Keywords: Time Synchronization · Atomic Clocks · Standardization · Systemic Risk · Infrastructure
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.