The Nabhmitra application

·       The Nabhmitra application, a significant advancement by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, leverages ISRO’s indigenous transponder technology to address critical safety challenges for fishermen, particularly during adverse weather conditions like cyclones.

·       With the Vessel Communication and Support System, Nabhmitra enables real-time tracking of vessel positions, speed, and course, allowing authorities to guide vessels back to shore efficiently.

·       Before this system, authorities relied on Very High Frequency (VHF) radio waves and phone calls, which were unreliable beyond certain distances and in areas without mobile network coverage.

·       Nabhmitra’s two-way communication surpasses these limitations, offering connectivity even in remote waters, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

·       Implemented through ISRO's commercial arm, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), this system ensures fishermen's safety by maintaining contact during emergencies and improving resource management at sea.

·       This initiative highlights the importance of integrating space technology into traditional sectors, fostering safer practices in fisheries through innovation.

MCQs for Practice

1.     Which of the following statements regarding the Nabhmitra application is correct?
(a) It is an initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
(b) It uses Very High Frequency (VHF) radio waves to track vessel positions.
(c) It enables real-time tracking of vessels, even beyond mobile network coverage.
(d) It was developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

Answer: (c) It enables real-time tracking of vessels, even beyond mobile network coverage.

2.     The Nabhmitra application was developed by which of the following organizations?
(a) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
(b) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
(c) National Informatics Centre (NIC)
(d) Ministry of Home Affairs

Answer: (b) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

3.     What is the primary purpose of the Nabhmitra application?
(a) To track migratory patterns of marine life
(b) To assist fishermen in navigation and safety during adverse weather conditions
(c) To monitor pollution levels in the sea
(d) To facilitate foreign vessel identification

Answer: (b) To assist fishermen in navigation and safety during adverse weather conditions

4.     Which of the following correctly describes the communication capabilities of the Nabhmitra system?
(a) It uses only one-way communication from authorities to vessels.
(b) It allows two-way communication, even beyond mobile coverage.
(c) It relies solely on cellular networks for tracking.
(d) It uses satellite communication but only for commercial cargo vessels.

Answer: (b) It allows two-way communication, even beyond mobile coverage.

5.     The implementation of the Nabhmitra application is being carried out by which of the following entities?
(a) NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO
(b) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
(c) National Maritime Board
(d) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

Answer: (a) NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO