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State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF)

Why in News?
Recently, the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance released an amount of Rs. 7,532 crores to 22 State Governments for the respective State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF).

State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF)

• Each State has established a State Disaster Response Fund under Section 48 (1) (a) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
• SDRF serves as the primary fund available to State Governments for responding to officially notified disasters.

Funding Contribution

• The Central Government contributes 75% of the SDRF for general States and 90% for North-East and Himalayan States.
• The annual Central contribution is disbursed in two equal installments, following the recommendation of the Finance Commission.

Release of Funds

• Guidelines require the utilization certificate of the previous installment and a report on the activities carried out from SDRF before releasing funds.
• However, due to the urgency of the situation, these requirements were waived during the recent fund disbursement.

Utilization of Funds

• SDRF funds are designated for immediate relief to victims affected by various calamities such as cyclones, droughts, earthquakes, fires, floods, tsunamis, hailstorms, landslides, avalanches, cloud bursts, pest attacks, frost, and cold waves.

Allocation Criteria

• The allocation of SDRF funds to States is based on multiple factors, including past expenditure, geographical area, population, and the disaster risk index.
• These factors reflect the institutional capacity, risk exposure, and hazard vulnerability of each State.

SAGAR SAMPARK

Why in News?
Recently, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways inaugurated the indigenous Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS) ‘SAGAR SAMPARK.

About SAGAR SAMPARK

• SAGAR SAMPARK is an indigenous Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS).

Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS)

• DGNSS is a terrestrial-based enhancement system that corrects errors and inaccuracies in the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), enabling more accurate positioning information.
• SAGAR SAMPARK serves as a DGNSS.

Transmitting Corrections

• SAGAR SAMPARK is capable of transmitting corrections of GPS and GLONASS, two widely used global navigation satellite systems.

Assisting Director General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL)

• SAGAR SAMPARK is implemented at six locations to support the Director General of Lighthouses and Lightships in providing radio aids to ships for marine navigation.

Benefits for Marine Navigation

• The system offers accurate information to ships, ensuring safe navigation and reducing the risk of collisions, groundings, and accidents in port and harbor areas.
• It enables the safe and efficient movement of vessels.

Improved GPS Positioning Accuracy

• SAGAR SAMPARK significantly enhances the accuracy of GPS positioning.
• It reduces errors caused by atmospheric inferences, satellite clock drift, and other factors.
• The system has improved the error correction accuracy from 5 to 10 meters to less than 5 meters for 100 Nautical Miles (NM) from Indian coastlines.