Change set
Pick exam & year, then Go.
Question map
The term 'IndARC', sometimes seen in the news, is the name of
Explanation
IndARC is India's first sub-surface moored observatory deployed in the polar waters of the Arctic.[2] This underwater moored observatory "IndARC" was established in the region with the purpose of finding linkages between the Arctic weather parameters and the south-west monsoon.[3]
It is not a radar system for defense purposes (Option A is incorrect), nor is it a satellite for Indian Ocean Rim countries (Option B is incorrect). It is also not located in the Antarctic region (Option C is incorrect), but rather in the Arctic region. The observatory represents India's scientific efforts to understand Arctic oceanographic and atmospheric conditions and their potential impact on Indian monsoon patterns, making it an important tool for climate research and weather forecasting.
Sources- [1] https://cms.rajyasabha.nic.in/UploadedFiles/Debates/OfficialDebatesDatewise/Floor/240/F21.07.2016.pdf
- [2] https://cms.rajyasabha.nic.in/UploadedFiles/Debates/OfficialDebatesDatewise/Floor/240/F21.07.2016.pdf
- [3] https://capssindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Stuti-Banerjee-Ankita-Dutta_The-Changing-Arctic-and-Indias-Strategy-2-1-23.pdf
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis is a classic 'Term in News' question derived purely from Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) press releases or The Hindu science page (2014-15). Standard static books fail here. The key is tracking India's 'Firsts' in scientific deployments (Polar, Space, Deep Ocean).
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"(iv) Deployment of IndARC, India’s first sub-surface moored observatory in the polar waters of Arctic."
Why this source?
- The passage identifies IndARC as a sub-surface moored observatory, not a radar system.
- It frames IndARC in the context of ocean observation systems and scientific deployment (Arctic), not defence induction.
- The passage identifies IndARC as a sub-surface moored observatory, not a radar system.
- It frames IndARC in the context of ocean observation systems and scientific deployment (Arctic), not defence induction.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 12: Transport, Communications and Trade > Phase I: 1960–70 > p. 55
Strength: 4/5
“Thiruvananthapuram in south Kerala. Subsequently, India developed indigenous technology of sounding rockets called Rohini Family of sounding rockets. Recognising the need for indigenous technology, and possibility of future instability in the supply of parts and technology, the Indian space programme endeavoured to indigenise every material supply route, mechanism, and technology. As the Indian Rohini Programme continued to launch sounding rockets of greater size and complexity, the space programme expanded and was eventually given its own government department, separate from the department of Atomic Energy. In 1969, the India Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was created and finally the Department of Space was established in 1972.”
Why relevant
Describes a deliberate national policy and practice of indigenising technology and supply routes (example: Rohini sounding rockets and ISRO creation).
How to extend
A student could infer that India has institutional experience and policy precedent for developing indigenous high-technology systems (like radars) and then check defence procurement or manufacturer records for IndARC.
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 38: Developments under Nehru’s Leadership (1947-64) > Progress of Science and Technology > p. 647
Strength: 4/5
“In August 1956, India's first nuclear reactor in Trombay (Asia's first also), became critical. ● In 1962, the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), together with a Rocket Launching Facility at Thumba (TERLS), was established. ● Steps were taken to increase India's capacity in production of defence equipment. ● A change over to decimal coinage and a metric system of weights and measures, in line with international standards, was made in phases between 1955 and 1962.”
Why relevant
Explicitly states that steps were taken to increase India's capacity in production of defence equipment.
How to extend
Use this as a basis to investigate whether radar systems (such as IndARC) are listed among domestically produced defence equipments or manufacturers in government/DRDO publications.
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > War and Liberation of East Pakistan > p. 695
Strength: 3/5
“It must be pointed out here that India had modernised its armed forces, besides starting indigenous weapons manufacture. The Pakistani military was no match for the Indian forces. There was a further handicap that the Pakistanis were working under – the low morale of its forces due to the civil unrest and defection of Bengali personnel and the stress of having to fight people of their own country. It has been pointed out that Yahya Khan's strategy was difficult to understand. If Chinese help was anticipated, it did not come;”
Why relevant
Notes that India had started indigenous weapons manufacture and modernised its armed forces (historical pattern of domestic defence production).
How to extend
Combine this pattern with contemporary defence industry sources to see if IndARC appears as a domestically manufactured radar inducted into the forces.
INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > Satellite Communication > p. 84
Strength: 3/5
“The IRS satellite system became operational with the launching of IRS-IA in March 1988 from Vaikanour in Russia. India has also developed her own Launching Vehicle PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle). These satellites collect data in several spectral bands and transmit them to the ground stations for various uses. The National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) at Hyderabad provides facilities for acquisition of data and its processing. These are very useful in the management of natural resources. • EXERCISES 1. Choose the right answers of the following from the given options. • (i) In how many zones has the Indian Railways system been divided? • (a) 9 (c) 17 • (b) 12 (d) 14• (ii) On which river and between which two places does the National Water Way No.”
Why relevant
Gives an example of India developing complex indigenous space systems (IRS satellites, PSLV), showing technical capability to build advanced electronic systems.
How to extend
A student could reasonably extend technological capability from indigenous space electronics to potential indigenous radar development and then search defence technology catalogs or manufacturer announcements for IndARC.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > UNION LIST (LIST-I) > p. 708
Strength: 3/5
“t UNION LIST (LIST-I) • 1. Defence of India • 2. Naval, military and air forces; any other armed forces of the Union • 2A. Deployment of any armed force of the Union in any state in aid of the civil power • 3. Cantonment areas and local self-govern. ment in such areas • 4. Naval, military and air force works • 5. Arms, firearms, ammunition, and explosives • 6. Atomic energy and mineral resources necessary for its production • 7. Defence industries • 8. Central Bureau of Intelligence and investigation • 23. National highways • 24. Shipping and navigation on national waterways • 25.”
Why relevant
Lists 'Defence industries' under Union List, implying central policy and institutional responsibility over defence production.
How to extend
This suggests checking central government/Ministry of Defence sources or official procurement/indigenisation programs to confirm whether IndARC was developed and inducted indigenously.
Describes a deliberate national policy and practice of indigenising technology and supply routes (example: Rohini sounding rockets and ISRO creation).
A student could infer that India has institutional experience and policy precedent for developing indigenous high-technology systems (like radars) and then check defence procurement or manufacturer records for IndARC.
Explicitly states that steps were taken to increase India's capacity in production of defence equipment.
Use this as a basis to investigate whether radar systems (such as IndARC) are listed among domestically produced defence equipments or manufacturers in government/DRDO publications.
Notes that India had started indigenous weapons manufacture and modernised its armed forces (historical pattern of domestic defence production).
Combine this pattern with contemporary defence industry sources to see if IndARC appears as a domestically manufactured radar inducted into the forces.
Gives an example of India developing complex indigenous space systems (IRS satellites, PSLV), showing technical capability to build advanced electronic systems.
A student could reasonably extend technological capability from indigenous space electronics to potential indigenous radar development and then search defence technology catalogs or manufacturer announcements for IndARC.
Lists 'Defence industries' under Union List, implying central policy and institutional responsibility over defence production.
This suggests checking central government/Ministry of Defence sources or official procurement/indigenisation programs to confirm whether IndARC was developed and inducted indigenously.
This tab shows concrete study steps: what to underline in books, how to map current affairs, and how to prepare for similar questions.
Login with Google to unlock study guidance.
Discover the small, exam-centric ideas hidden in this question and where they appear in your books and notes.
Login with Google to unlock micro-concepts.
Access hidden traps, elimination shortcuts, and Mains connections that give you an edge on every question.
Login with Google to unlock The Vault.
SIMILAR QUESTIONS
What is "Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)", sometimes seen in the news ?
The term 'M-STRIPES' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of