Question map
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
Full viewThis 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.
- 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.
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.
- [THE VERDICT]: Sitter for newspaper readers; Bouncer for static-only students. Source: PIB/The Hindu (Oct 2015 coverage of commissioning).
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Defence Technology > Indigenisation > Naval Assets > Special Purpose Vessels (Auxiliary Fleet).
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: INS Dhruv (Missile Tracking), INS Anvesh (Floating Test Range), INS Sandhayak (Survey Vessel), INS Makar (Catamaran Survey), Varunastra (Heavyweight Torpedo), Maareech (Anti-Torpedo Decoy System).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not stop at 'Warships'. The pattern shows UPSC loves 'Scientific/Support' vessels (e.g., Sagar Nidhi, Astradharini). Always map the vessel name to its specific functional role (Survey, Recovery, Tracking).
Determining the class/type of a naval or civilian vessel requires familiarity with specialised vessel categories (tankers, coastal vessels, self-unloading carriers) described in the references.
UPS C questions often ask about vessel functions or classifications (e.g., patrol craft vs. survey ships vs. tankers). Mastery helps identify vessel roles from short descriptions and links to trade/defence contexts. Learn by mapping common vessel types to their primary functions and typical users (navy, commercial, offshore).
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 30: World Communications > OCEAN TRANSPORT > p. 306
The evidence contrasts inland waterways and coastal shipping with broader ocean transport — important when classifying a vessel as inland/coastal/ocean-going.
Questions may require distinguishing coastal/inland craft (shallow draft, local routes) from ocean-going vessels (deep draft, long-range). Understanding navigational domains aids in elimination in multiple-choice and in short-answer explanations. Study by comparing vessel designs and operational areas.
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 15: Infrastructure > Inland Water Transport > p. 459
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 30: World Communications > OCEAN TRANSPORT > p. 306
Knowing what services organisations provide (bulk carrier, tanker, offshore services) helps infer vessel types and operational purposes when a ship is reported in news.
UPSC may link institutional roles (PSUs, navies, port authorities) with types of vessels they operate or regulate. Useful for questions on maritime infrastructure and defence-commercial interfaces. Prepare by reviewing major agencies, their vessel fleets, and service categories.
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 15: Infrastructure > SHIPPING CORPORATION OF INDIA > p. 462
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 14: Service Sector > PORT AND SHIPPING SERVICES > p. 433
INS Dhruv (VC 11184): India's first nuclear missile tracking ship. Like Astradharini, it is a special mission vessel. Also, 'INS Anvesh', a floating test range for missile defence systems.
The 'Headline Magnitude' Test: Nuclear-powered submarines (Option B) and Aircraft Carriers (Option D) are massive geopolitical assets; their induction would be front-page news for weeks (e.g., Arihant, Vikrant). If the name sounds vaguely familiar but not 'earth-shattering', it is likely a support vessel (Option C). Also, Etymology: 'Astra' (Weapon) + 'Dharini' (Holder/Keeper) -> Fits 'Recovery Vessel' logic.
GS-3 (Security & Indigenisation): Astradharini is not just a ship; it represents 'Self-Reliance in Testing Infrastructure'. You cannot develop indigenous torpedoes (like Varunastra) without indigenous recovery vessels to retrieve them after test firing.