UPSC Prelims 2009 Q8: Science & Technology – Defence Technology
Consider the following statements:
1. INS Sindhughosh is an aircraft carrier.
2. INS Viraat is a submarine.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Checking two claims about INS Sindhughosh and INS Viraat
These are two distinctly different types of Indian naval vessels, often confused.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. INS Sindhughosh is an aircraft carrier | Incorrect | INS Sindhughosh is actually a submarine (Kilo-class), not an aircraft carrier |
| 2. INS Viraat is a submarine | Incorrect | INS Viraat is actually an aircraft carrier, not a submarine |
Correct vessel identities:
| Vessel | Actual type |
|---|---|
| INS Sindhughosh | Submarine (Kilo-class) |
| INS Viraat | Aircraft carrier |
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. INS Sindhughosh is a submarine, NOT an aircraft carrier, so statement 1 is false.
- (b) Incorrect. INS Viraat is an aircraft carrier, NOT a submarine, so statement 2 is false.
- (c) Incorrect. Both statements are reversed/wrong, so 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) CORRECT. Both statements swap the actual vessel types — Sindhughosh is a submarine, Viraat is an aircraft carrier.
Key point
INS Sindhughosh is actually a SUBMARINE (not an aircraft carrier), and INS Viraat is actually an AIRCRAFT CARRIER (not a submarine) — both statements in this question have the vessel types reversed.
Remember
INS Sindhughosh: a submarine. INS Viraat: an aircraft carrier — the opposite of what this question's statements claim.
Common mistakes
- Swapping the actual vessel types of Sindhughosh and Viraat.
- Not knowing INS Sindhughosh's identity as a Kilo-class submarine.
- Confusing INS Viraat's aircraft-carrier role with a submarine.
Exam tip
INS Sindhughosh = submarine. INS Viraat = aircraft carrier. Keep these two distinct Indian naval vessel types straight.
Sources
- Indian Navy — fleet composition and vessel classifications
- Ministry of Defence, Government of India — Annual Report 2008–09 (Indian Navy)