Context:
Indian Air Force (IAF) unveiled a new Ensign for the force, as it marked its 91st anniversary.
What is Ensign?
An Ensign is a national flag which is displayed on ships and aircraft, often with the special insignia of a branch or unit of the armed forces.
About IAF new Ensign:
- Air Force crest in the top right corner with national symbol, the Ashoka lion, on the top with the words ‘Satyameva Jayete’ in Devanagari below it.
- A Himalayan eagle, with its wings spread, has a ring in light blue colour encircling it with words “Indian Air Force”.
- The existing motto of the IAF “Touching the sky with Glory” taken from Bhagavad Gita will remain on the ensign.
Related Information
- Last year (2022), Prime Minister unveiled the new Ensign (flag) of the Indian Navy.
- Old Ensign of Indian Navy – Carries the Saint George’s Cross with the Tricolour in the canton (top left corner of flag).
What is Saint George’s cross?
- The red cross on a white background is known as the Saint George’s Cross and is named after a Christian Warrior Saint who is believed to have been a crusader during the third crusade.
New Ensign –
- Features the national emblem (encircled by an octagonal shield and sitting atop an anchor) with the Tricolour on the upper canton (top left corner of the flag).
- Octagonal shape – To represent 8 directions, symbolising the multi-directional reach and multi-dimensional operational capability of the Indian Navy.
- Beneath the anchor is the Navy’s motto ‘Sam No Varunah’ (Oh Varuna, be auspicious to us).
- The golden border surrounding the national emblem draws inspiration from the seal of Indian emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and depicts steadfastness.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and canalcum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Devaraya I
(b) Mallikarjuna
(c) Vira Vijaya
(d) Virupaksha
Answer: (a)
