🧷 Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk

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📌 The Question:

GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?

I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.
III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) I, II and III
(b) II and III only
(c) I only
(d) I and II only

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✅ Answer:

(d) I and II only

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🧑‍🏫 Authentic Classroom Explanation:

GAGAN is India’s Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS), jointly implemented by ISRO and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to improve the performance of GPS over Indian airspace.

🔹 Statement I — Correct ✅

GAGAN enhances accuracy, integrity, continuity, and availability of GPS signals.

• Improves positional accuracy from ~20 m to 1–2 m
• Provides integrity alerts critical for safety-of-life applications, especially aviation

🔹 Statement II — Correct ✅

By offering uniform navigation accuracy across Indian airspace, GAGAN enables:

• Precision approaches at airports
• Reduced separation between aircraft
• Safer and more efficient air traffic management

🔹 Statement III — Incorrect ❌

Though aviation is the primary beneficiary, GAGAN is not limited to aviation.
It also supports:

• Road and rail navigation
• Maritime navigation
• Surveying & mapping
• Agriculture (precision farming)
• Disaster management & search-and-rescue

📌 Hence, Statements I and II only are correct.

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🔍 Curiosity Raiser:

Did you know? ✈️
With GAGAN, aircraft can land without ground-based landing systems even in poor visibility — a game-changer for regional airports.

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🧠 Enrichment Notes (Prelims Edge):

• GAGAN = Indian SBAS
• US → WAAS | Europe → EGNOS | Japan → MSAS
• Uses geostationary satellites + ground reference stations
• Key UPSC trigger words: accuracy, integrity, safety-of-life

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🪔 IAS Monk Whisper:

“Navigation is not about knowing where you are — it is about knowing how safely you got there.”