Why in the news?

• IRNSS is recognised by International Maritime Organisation (IMO) as a part of the World Wide Radio Navigation System (WWRNS)
• Thus, India became the fourth country in the world to have its independent regional navigation satellite system.
• Merchant vessels in Indian waters can use IRNSS systems rather than US-owned GPS systems.

What is IRNSS?

• IRNSS is an independent regional navigation satellite system being developed by India. It is designed and executed by ISRO to provide accurate position information service to users in India as well as the region extending up to 1500 km from its boundary, which is its primary service area.
• IRNSS will provide two types of services, namely, Standard Positioning Service (SPS) which is provided to all the users and Restricted Service (RS), which is an encrypted service provided only to the authorised users. 
• The IRNSS System is expected to provide a position accuracy of better than 20 m in the primary service area.

Some applications of IRNSS are:

1. Terrestrial, Aerial and Marine Navigation
2. Disaster Management
3. Vehicle tracking and fleet management
4. Integration with mobile phones
5. Precise Timing
6. Mapping and Geodetic data capture
7. Terrestrial navigation aid for hikers and travellers
8. Visual and voice navigation for drivers

International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

• The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations which is responsible for measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and to prevent pollution from ships. 
• There are multiple committees which look after the work of IMO. Maritime Safety committee of IMO has recognised IRNSS as a part of world wide radio navigation system (WWRNS).
• With this IRNSS of India becomes equal to GPS of USA, GLONASS of Russia and BeiDou of China.

Shortcomings of IRNSS

• Unlike GPS and other systems global navigation systems, IRNSS is still a regional navigation system.

References:

1. https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/default.aspx
2. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-is-irnss-regional-navigation-satellite-system-7060146/
3. https://www.isro.gov.in/irnss-programme