Which one of the following is the best description of 'INS Astradharini', that was in the news recen

Q: What is UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2016 UPSC Prelims Current Affairs paper.

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To prepare for UPSC Prelims Current Affairs, practice previous year questions (PYQs), understand concepts thoroughly, and solve mock tests regularly. This 2016 question covers Defence Technology – Missiles, DRDO & Weapons Systems topic.

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This UPSC Prelims 2016 Current Affairs question has a medium difficulty level.

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Question

Which one of the following is the best description of 'INS Astradharini', that was in the news recently?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: C — Torpedo launch and recovery vesselSolution:INS Astradharini is India's first indigenously designed and built Torpedo Launch and Recovery Vessel (TLRV). Commissioned in 2015, it was designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) at Visakhapatnam. The vessel's primary role is to support underwater weapons testing — it launches torpedoes during trials, tracks their performance, and recovers them after the test run. This is essential for the development and testing of India's naval underwater weapons systems, including the SMART (Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo) and conventional torpedoes. INS Astradharini represents India's growing capability in indigenous naval weapons testing infrastructure.Why other options are incorrect:Option A (Amphibious warfare ship): Amphibious ships are designed to transport and land troops and vehicles on shores — like INS Jalashwa. INS Astradharini has a completely different role.Option B (Nuclear-powered submarine): India's nuclear-powered submarines are INS Arihant (ballistic missile) and INS Chakra (leased from Russia). INS Astradharini is a surface vessel, not a submarine.Option D (Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier): India currently operates INS Vikrant (conventionally powered) and INS Vikramaditya (conventionally powered) — nuclear aircraft carriers are not in India's current fleet or near-term plans.Key Concept: INS Astradharini is significant as it was reported to be about 95% indigenously designed — demonstrating India's growing naval shipbuilding capability. The DRDO and Indian Navy use TLRV vessels for testing: Varunastra heavyweight torpedo (India's first indigenously developed heavyweight torpedo); SHYENA lightweight torpedo; SMART (Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo) system — a unique capability combining missile and torpedo. India's submarine fleet includes both conventional (Kalvari-class French Scorpene) and nuclear (Arihant-class INS Arihant, INS Arighat). Visakhapatnam (Vizag) is India's primary naval base and home to Eastern Naval Command.

Which one of the following is the best description of 'INS Astradharini', that was in the news recently?

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Which one of the following is the best description of 'INS Astradharini', that was in the news recently?

Master UPSC Prelims with Our Test Series

Frequently Asked Questions