UPSC Prelims 2016 · Question 71 of 98
UPSC Prelims 2016 question on INS Astradharini Torpedo Recovery Vessel
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2016
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectScience and Technology
- TopicDefence Technology
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeDirect
Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharani’, that was in the news recently?
Show answer
Answer: C. Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
Verdict
The answer is a torpedo launch and recovery vessel. INS Astradharini is a TLRV.
Analysis
INS Astradharini is India's first almost entirely indigenously designed and built torpedo launch and recovery vessel, used to conduct trials of underwater weapons and to recover them afterwards. The name itself points to the function, since astra means weapon or missile and dharini means bearer or holder. An amphibious warfare ship, a nuclear powered submarine and a nuclear powered aircraft carrier are all far larger and more prominent classes of vessel and none was commissioned under this name.
Source
The Hindu report on the commissioning of INS Astradharini.
How to crack it
Decode the Sanskrit in Indian naval ship names, because they are chosen descriptively. Astradharini means weapon bearer, which points to a weapons trials role rather than to a combat platform. Similar readings work across the fleet, as with Vikrant meaning courageous and Arihant meaning slayer of enemies. Note also the scale test: India commissions very few nuclear powered vessels and each is widely reported, so an unfamiliar name is unlikely to be one of them.
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