Question- The headquarters of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) is located in-
(a) Vienna
(b) St. Petersburg
(c) St. Germainen Laye
(d) Paris
Answer: (c)
Related facts:
- On October 11, 2017, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister has given its approval for International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) to change its status from Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to Inter-Governmental Organization (IGO).
- It will bring IALA at par with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO).
- The IALA, having headquarters at St. Germainen Laye (France) was established in 1957 under French law.
- This organization is governed by a General Assembly having 83 National members.
- In this there is a council working as an executive system.
- The number of members in the IALA Council is 24.
- India is one of the council members represented through the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), Ministry of Shipping.
- DGLL establishes and maintains Aids to Navigation in general waters along coast of India including A&N and Lakshadweep group of islands, as per Lighthouse Act 1927.
- In its Xll session held in La Coruna, Spain in May 2014, International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) General Assembly adopted a resolution stating its firm belief that the status of IALA from NGO to IGO will best facilitate lALA’s aims in the 21st century.
Reference:
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintHindiRelease.aspx?relid=67618
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=171614
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/cabinet-approves-change-of-status-for-marine-body-iala/articleshow/61040673.cms
https://www.uia.org/s/or/en/1100046316
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Association_of_Marine_Aids_to_Na