During the international conference 'Mahakal: The Master of Time' held in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan proposed the establishment of 'Mahakal Standard Time' (MST) to replace Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). He emphasized that Ujjain, where the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer intersect, was historically significant for time calculations. Pradhan noted the need to restore India's scientific pride and highlighted the importance of strengthening the Science Centre and Planetarium in Ujjain to inspire future generations. He also discussed the integration of education with Indian languages and cultures to better equip students in a competitive global environment. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav supported this initiative, stating that Ujjain has been a center for timekeeping and astronomy since ancient times, and emphasized the accuracy of the Indian time measurement system based on natural phenomena. The local government is committed to developing Ujjain as a dual hub for religious and scientific pursuits, with a new Science Centre inaugurated at a cost of ₹15 crore (approximately $1.8 million USD).