India becomes 4th nation to get IMO nod for navigation satellite system

India has become the fourth country in the world to have its independent regional navigation satellite system recognised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) as a part of the World Wide Radio Navigation System (WWRNS).

Context

• India has become the fourth country in the world to have its independent regional navigation satellite system recognised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) as a part of the World Wide Radio Navigation System (WWRNS).

Which are the other countries to get recognition?

• The other three countries that have its navigation systems recognised by the IMO are the US, Russia and China.

What isIndian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) :NavIC?

• The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System(IRNSS) was designed to provide accurate position information services to assist in the navigation of ships in Indian Ocean waters.
• It is an independent regional navigation satellite system.
• The IRNSS will be used to assist in the navigation of ships in ocean waters within the area of approximately 1,500 km from the Indian boundary.
• It is also a significant achievement towards the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative of the Union government.

What are its applications?

• Terrestrial, Aerial and Marine Navigation
• Disaster Management
• Vehicle tracking and fleet management
• Integration with mobile phones
• Precise Timing
• Mapping and Geodetic data capture
• Terrestrial navigation aid for hikers and travellers
• Visual and voice navigation for drivers