UPSC Prelims 2016 Q46: Science & Technology – Defence Technology
Which one of the following is the best description of 'INS Astradharini', that was in the news
recently?
- (a) Amphibious warfare ship
- (b) Nuclear - powered submarine
- (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
- (d) Nuclear - powered aircraft carrier
Answer: (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
Explanation
INS Astradharini
INS Astradharini is India's first indigenously built torpedo launch and recovery vessel.
It was commissioned at Visakhapatnam in October 2015.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Role | Launches and recovers torpedoes during trials of underwater weapons |
| Hull | Catamaran (twin hull), which needs less power |
| Designed by | NSTL (DRDO), Shoft Shipyard and IIT Kharagpur |
| Replaced | Astravahini, decommissioned in 2015 |
The options checked:
| Option | Indian example |
|---|---|
| (a) Amphibious warfare ship | INS Jalashwa |
| (b) Nuclear-powered submarine | INS Arihant |
| (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel | INS Astradharini |
| (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier | India has none |
Answer: (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. India's amphibious warfare ship is INS Jalashwa, not Astradharini.
- (b) Incorrect. The nuclear-powered submarine is INS Arihant.
- (c) CORRECT. INS Astradharini is a torpedo launch and recovery vessel.
- (d) Incorrect. India has no nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
Key point
INS Astradharini (2015): indigenous torpedo launch and recovery vessel; catamaran hull; built with NSTL (DRDO), Shoft Shipyard and IIT Kharagpur.
Remember
INS Astradharini = torpedo launch and recovery vessel.
Common mistakes
- Guessing a warship from the word 'Astra' (weapon).
- Confusing Astradharini with INS Arihant, the nuclear submarine.
- Thinking India operates a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
Exam tip
Astra-dharini = 'carrier of weapons': a support vessel for torpedo trials.
Sources
- Press Information Bureau — INS Astradharini commissioned (6 October 2015)
- Defence Research and Development Organisation — Naval Science and Technological Laboratory