Why in the News?

Indian Navy commissioned INS Nistar, the country’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV).

[pib] INS Nistar Diving Support Vessel

About INS Nistar:

Project Origin: First of two Diving Support Vessels (DSVs) ordered by the Navy in 2018.
Developer: Built by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd with input from 120 Indian MSMEs.
Commissioning: Inducted at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
Legacy Name: Named after the Soviet-origin INS Nistar (1971–1989).
Indigenization: Over 80% indigenous content, in line with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Sister Ship: INS Nipun, launched in 2022, will join soon.

Rescue Depth: Supports diving and submarine rescue operations up to 300 metres.
Rescue Equipment: Equipped with ROVs, Hyperbaric Lifeboats, and Diving Chambers.
DSRV Role: Functions as mothership for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles.
Size: 120 metres long with a displacement of ~10,500 tonnes.
Endurance: Can stay at sea for over 60 days.
Utility Gear: Fitted with a 15-tonne subsea crane and helipad facilities.
Medical Support: Includes OT, ICU, hospital beds, and hyperbaric treatment units.

Submarine Rescue: Provides independent submarine rescue capability.
Operational Autonomy: Ends reliance on leased rescue platforms.
Strategic Status: Places India among 12 countries with full submarine rescue capability.
Regional Role: Strengthens India’s position as Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean.

[UPSC 2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

Options: (a) Amphibious warfare ship (b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel* (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier