With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements : 1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits. 2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders. 3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) None

Stories on this topic

• How exposed is India to foreign technology, from satellites and cloud to arms? 22 October 2026

  IRNSS is now NavIC; in 2026 only three of its satellites were working, below the four needed for standalone positioning.

  Facts from this story you can cite
  • Only three NavIC satellites (IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1I, NVS-01) were providing signals in July 2026; at least four are needed for standalone positioning.
  • India's licensed satellite broadband providers are Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb's Indian arm and Jio Satellite Communications, all using foreign-controlled constellations.
  • SIPRI (March 2026): India was the second-largest arms importer in 2021-25 with 8.2% of global imports; Russia supplied 40% of India's imports, down from 70% in 2011-15.
• Explained: Why NVS-03 matters for restoring NavIC, India's own navigation system 30 October 2026

  The story gives the current NavIC design and coverage, the exact facts this question tests.

  Facts from this story you can cite
  • NVS-03 was scheduled for launch on GSLV-F18, the 20th GSLV flight, at 11:51 pm on 30 October 2026 from Sriharikota's Second Launch Pad.
  • NVS-03 carries an indigenous atomic clock with procured clocks and adds an L1 signal to NavIC's existing L5 and S signals.
  • Only three NavIC satellites (IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1I and NVS-01) are working; at least four are needed for standalone positioning.

Where it sits in the syllabus

• Prelims: General science

  General Science.

• Prelims: Current events

  Current events of national and international importance.

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