Indian Navy’s new ensign

Facts for Prelims

Indian Navy’s new ensign

News: In a bid to do away the “colonial past”, the Saint George’s Cross has been removed from the Indian Navy’s new flag. Instead, it now features the national emblem with the Tricolor on the upper canton.

About:
• The national emblem is encompassed by an octagonal shield and sits atop an anchor. Beneath it is the Navy’s motto ‘Sam No Varunah’.
• The golden border surrounding the national emblem draws inspiration from the seal of Indian emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and depicts steadfastness.
• The octagonal shape of the national emblem has been designed to represent eight directions, symbolizing the multi-directional reach and multi-dimensional operational capability of the Indian Navy.
• The new ensign is a successor to the pre-Independence ensign of the Indian Navy, featuring the Saint George’s Cross on a white background with the Tricolor in the canton.