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Which one of the following is the best description of 'INS Astradharini', that was in the news recently?
Explanation
INS Astradharini is the first indigenously-designed and built torpedo launch and recovery vessel commissioned by the Indian Navy.[1] It was commissioned into the Indian Navy by Vice Admiral Satish Soni.[2] This vessel represents a significant achievement in India's indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities, as it was both designed and built in India. The vessel's primary function is to launch and recover torpedoes, making it a specialized platform for torpedo testing and training operations. Therefore, option C - "Torpedo launch and recovery vessel" - is the correct description. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they describe entirely different types of naval vessels with different purposes and capabilities.
Sources- [1] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ins-astradharini-first-india-made-torpedo-launch-vessel-commissioned-by-indian-navy-1229095
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis is a classic 'Defence in News' question targeting specific indigenous milestones. It penalizes aspirants who only focus on high-profile assets (Aircraft Carriers/Submarines) and ignore the 'Enablers' (Support/Auxiliary vessels). If a ship is 'First of its kind' or 'Indigenously built', it is high-yield.
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
"The Indian Navy today commissioned the first indigenously-designed and built torpedo launch and recovery vessel INS Astradharini here today."
Why this source?
- Explicitly names INS Astradharini as a 'torpedo launch and recovery vessel'.
- States it was the first indigenously-designed and built vessel of this type commissioned into the Indian Navy.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"An indigenously built Torpedo Launch and Recovery Vessel INS Astradharini, was commissioned into the Indian Navy by Vice Admiral Satish Soni."
Why this source?
- Describes INS Astradharini as an 'indigenously built Torpedo Launch and Recovery Vessel'.
- Confirms commissioning into the Indian Navy, supporting identification of vessel type.
- Explicitly names INS Astradharini as a 'torpedo launch and recovery vessel'.
- States it was the first indigenously-designed and built vessel of this type commissioned into the Indian Navy.
- Describes INS Astradharini as an 'indigenously built Torpedo Launch and Recovery Vessel'.
- Confirms commissioning into the Indian Navy, supporting identification of vessel type.
Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 30: World Communications > OCEAN TRANSPORT > p. 306
Strength: 5/5
“There are also some specially constructed vessels designed for specific cargoes only. They are referred to as industrial carriers. They are the ocean specialists, not jacks-of-all-trade like the tramps. They include the oil tankers that carry only petroleum, the self-unloading colliers that ship coal, the banana carriers and grain ships. Last but not least are the coastal shipping vessels that ply between the coastal harbours and river ports, close to the shores. They carry the more bulky goods which are not sent by rail. For example, vessels from Singapore sail to Port Kelang, Butterworth and Bangkok. They compete with the inland roads and railways for carriage of the local products.”
Why relevant
Describes that there exist specially constructed vessels designed for specific tasks (industrial carriers, coastal vessels) — i.e., ship types are often purpose-built.
How to extend
A student can use this rule to infer INS Astradharini is likely a purpose-built specialist (not a general cargo or passenger ship) and check news for terms like 'research', 'trial', or 'survey' which name such specialist vessels.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 15: Infrastructure > SHIPPING CORPORATION OF INDIA > p. 462
Strength: 4/5
“• It is a government PSU with headquarters in Mumbai. \bullet• Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) was established in 1961 and is presently the largest Indian shipping company.• The main function of SCI is to manage and operate national and international lines vessels.• SCI provides cruise liner and passenger services, bulk carrier and tanker services, and even offshore services.• GOI gave Navratna status to SCI in 2008”
Why relevant
Notes that Indian maritime organisations (Shipping Corporation of India) provide offshore services and operate diverse vessel classes beyond cargo/passenger types.
How to extend
Use knowledge that the Indian Navy also operates offshore/auxiliary vessels; search for Astradharini in contexts of offshore trials, support, or auxiliary roles to narrow type.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 14: Service Sector > PORT AND SHIPPING SERVICES > p. 433
Strength: 3/5
“• As of January 2021, the total number of ships owned by Indian companies (1453) increased by around 40 per cent (1040 in 2010). • Initially, India had 13 major ports. However, Port Blair which was notified as a major port in 2010 has been removed of that status recently. Thus, India has 12 major ports as on March 2021 out of which Paradip, Chennai, Vishakhapatnam, Kandla (now Deendayal Port) and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) are the ports with highest cargo capacities. *Note: The time that is taken between the arrival of a vessel/ship and its departure is referred to as the Turnaround Time (TAT).”
Why relevant
Mentions the variety of ships owned/operated by Indian entities (cruise liners, passenger, bulk carriers, tankers) implying classification by role is common.
How to extend
A student can eliminate common commercial types (tankers, bulk carriers) and focus on naval-specific categories (warship, patrol craft, research/auxiliary) when judging Astradharini.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 12: Transport, Communications and Trade > Ports > p. 19
Strength: 3/5
“India's largest container port is Jawaharlal Nehru Port. Located at the Elephanta Island, it handles vessels having draught upto 12.50 m.• 4. Kandla: Located at the head of the Gulf of Kutch, Kandla seaport was developed after Independence to take up the place of Karachi which went”
Why relevant
Describes port capabilities and that vessels differ in draught and function, indicating physical and operational features help identify vessel class.
How to extend
Combine with a map or port of registry to see where Astradharini operated; small-draught operations suggest survey/auxiliary/coastal types rather than deep-draught ocean tankers.
Describes that there exist specially constructed vessels designed for specific tasks (industrial carriers, coastal vessels) — i.e., ship types are often purpose-built.
A student can use this rule to infer INS Astradharini is likely a purpose-built specialist (not a general cargo or passenger ship) and check news for terms like 'research', 'trial', or 'survey' which name such specialist vessels.
Notes that Indian maritime organisations (Shipping Corporation of India) provide offshore services and operate diverse vessel classes beyond cargo/passenger types.
Use knowledge that the Indian Navy also operates offshore/auxiliary vessels; search for Astradharini in contexts of offshore trials, support, or auxiliary roles to narrow type.
Mentions the variety of ships owned/operated by Indian entities (cruise liners, passenger, bulk carriers, tankers) implying classification by role is common.
A student can eliminate common commercial types (tankers, bulk carriers) and focus on naval-specific categories (warship, patrol craft, research/auxiliary) when judging Astradharini.
Describes port capabilities and that vessels differ in draught and function, indicating physical and operational features help identify vessel class.
Combine with a map or port of registry to see where Astradharini operated; small-draught operations suggest survey/auxiliary/coastal types rather than deep-draught ocean tankers.
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