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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.
- 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.
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