Answer: 

Introduction:

The Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System [IRNSS] is also known as NavIC, developed to provide India with its own independent navigation system that is not dependent on foreign systems like GPS. It is a sophisticated satellite-based navigation system designed to provide accurate and reliable location information for users on the ground.

Body:

Need of the IRNSS:

• To provide India with its own independent navigation system that is not dependent on foreign systems like GPS.
• To provide accurate and reliable navigation services for civilian and military applications in India and the surrounding regions.
• To provide more precise location and timing information for various applications, including transportation, agriculture, disaster management, and national security.
• To enhance the security and sovereignty of India by providing an encrypted navigation signal for use by the military.
• To support the development of indigenous technology and expertise in the field of space technology.
• To contribute to the overall progress and development of India’s space program.
• To increase India’s self-reliance in the area of space technology.
• To provide a platform for scientific and technological research and development.

Role of IRNSS in Navigation:

• IRNSS provides accurate and reliable location information for users on the ground, which is necessary for navigation in various applications.
• It provides real-time information on location, velocity, and time, which can be used to calculate the best route to a destination.
• IRNSS is designed to provide navigation services with an accuracy of up to 20 meters, which is much better than the accuracy provided by GPS.
• It can provide navigation services in areas where GPS signals are weak or unavailable. The system is highly reliable, and its signal is not subject to jamming or interference.
• IRNSS provides an encrypted navigation signal for use by the military, which is not available on GPS.
• The system is cost-effective, and its use is not subject to any licensing fees or restrictions.
• It can help in better transportation, logistics and promote ease of doing in business.
• It has wide-ranging applications in transportation, agriculture, disaster management, and national security.
• In April 2019, the government made IRNSS- based vehicle trackers mandatory for all commercial vehicles in the country in accordance with the Nirbhaya case verdict.

Conclusion:

IRNSS is a critical technological development for India as it enhances the efficiency, safety, and security of navigation-based applications. By providing accurate and reliable location information, IRNSS contributes significantly to the progress and development of India’s space program, and its use has wide-ranging applications in transportation, agriculture, disaster management, and national security.

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