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Type: Prelims Only

  • Places in news: Strait of Hormuz

    Why in the News?

    Iran’s Parliament has approved a motion to block the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns worldwide.

    Strait of Hormuz

    About the Strait of Hormuz:

    • Geographic Location: The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and eventually to the Arabian Sea.
    • Dimensions: It is about 167 km long and 33 km wide at its narrowest, making it one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints.
    • Bordering Countries: The strait lies between Iran (north) and Oman (south), with nearby cities such as Bandar Abbas, Khasab, and Dubai.
    • Shipping Lanes: It contains designated lanes just 3 km wide in each direction to manage heavy oil tanker traffic.
    • Key Islands: Important islands include Qeshm, Hormuz, and Hengam (controlled by Iran) and disputed ones like Abu Musa and the Tunbs, claimed by both Iran and the UAE.
    • Naval Depth Advantage: Waters near the Musandam Peninsula reach depths over 650 feet, ideal for deep-draft oil tankers.
    • Security Risks: Due to its narrowness, the strait is vulnerable to disruption from mining, military action, or cyber interference.
    • Historical Tensions: It has witnessed frequent maritime tensions, especially during Iran–West conflicts but has never been fully blocked.

    Its significance:

    • Global Oil Flow: Over 20 million barrels of crude oil per day pass through the strait, accounting for 25% of seaborne oil trade and 20% of global consumption.
    • Gas Exports: It is vital for LNG exports, especially from Qatar, reaching markets across the globe.
    • Asian Dependence: Countries like India, China, Japan, and South Korea import 69% of the oil that flows through the strait.
    • Market Sensitivity: Any disruption can spike global oil prices, increasing fuel and commodity costs worldwide.
    • Limited Alternatives: Overland pipelines like Saudi Arabia’s East-West (5 million bpd) and UAE’s Habshan-Fujairah (1.8 million bpd) offer only partial alternatives.

    Implications of Blockade:

    • Shipping Costs: During geopolitical tensions, insurance and freight charges for using the strait surge significantly.
    • India’s Vulnerability: India relies heavily on the region for oil imports, so instability could raise inflation, disrupt energy supplies, and impact the trade balance.
    • Strategic Response: A full blockade could trigger direct military action, particularly from the US 5th Fleet based in Bahrain.
    • Mutual Economic Impact: Disruption would affect both exporters and importers, including Iran and its major customer, China.
    [UPSC 2010] Which one of the following can one come across if one travels through the Strait of Malacca?

    Options: (a) Bali (b) Brunei (c) Java (d) Singapore*

     

  • Induction of INS Tamal

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Tamal, a stealth multi-role frigate and the last warship commissioned outside India, on July 1, 2025, at Kaliningrad, Russia.

    About INS Tamal:

    • Overview: It is the 8th Krivak-class and 2nd Tushil-class stealth frigate from Russia.
    • Last to be imported: Final Indian Navy ship to be commissioned abroad, under the 2016 India-Russia IGA.
    • Built at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad; sister ship INS Tushil was commissioned in Dec 2024; designed by Severnoye Bureau; overseen by the Indian Navy.
    • Etymology: Name inspired by a mythical sword of Indra; mascot blends Jambavant and Eurasian Brown Bear.
    • Motto: “Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya” – Victorious Always, Everytime.

    Important Features:

    • Indigenous components: It uses Indian-made parts in 26% of its systems, including those from companies like BEL and Tata.
    • Stealth capacity: It has radar, sonar, and electronic systems to detect enemy ships and submarines.
    • Patrol features: It can carry helicopters that help in sea patrol and rescue missions.
    • Size: It is 125 metres long, weighs about 3,900 tonnes, and can move very fast, over 30 knots.
    • Digital warfare: It has modern control systems that allow all its weapons and sensors to work together.
    [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

     

  • Integrating Rare Donor Registry of India with e-Rakt Kosh

    Why in the News?

    The ICMR has launched the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI). The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is further planning to integrate the RDRI with the e-Rakt Kosh Digital platform.

    What are Rare Blood Types?

    • Rare blood groups are defined by the absence of high-frequency antigens (HFAs) or negative combinations of multiple common antigens.
    • In India, examples include Bombay (hh), P-null, Rh-null, and rare profiles like S-s-U-.

    About the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI):

    • Launch: It was launched by the ICMR–National Institute of Immunohaematology (NIIH) in collaboration with four regional medical institutes.
    • Purpose: It aims to address the shortage of rare blood types such as Bombay (hh), Rh-null, and P-Null, critical for patients with thalassemia, haemophilia, and sickle cell disease.
    • Uniqueness: Over 4,000 donors have been screened using multiplex PCR, suited for Indian genetic diversity, and catalogued using 300+ rare blood markers.
    • Rare Phenotypes Tracked: The registry focuses on rare phenotypes defined by the absence of high-frequency antigens; already 170 Bombay group donors have been identified.
    • Key Features:
      • DNA-Based Testing: Molecular assays are used for accurate donor typing, enabling a centralised national database accessible through a dedicated web portal.
      • Integration with e-Rakt Kosh: RDRI is designed to be integrated with e-Rakt Kosh, enabling cross-platform donor search and matching by medical professionals nationwide.
      • Real-Time Support: The platform allows secure data access, real-time requisitions, and timely transfusion support for patients requiring rare blood types.
      • Global Linkages: The initiative aims to connect with International Rare Donor Panels and develop a frozen rare blood inventory to ensure long-term availability.
    • Challenges: Key challenges include low awareness, shortage of trained personnel, and lack of antibody screening at decentralised blood banks.

    What is E-Rakt Kosh?

    • Overview: e-Rakt Kosh is a national digital platform developed by C-DAC under the National Health Mission, launched in 2016.
    • Real-Time Information: It offers live updates on blood availability, donor records, and donation camp details across India via a centralised interface.
    • National Coverage: The system covers over 3,800 blood centres across 29 states and 8 Union Territories, integrated with UMANG, e-Hospital, and the National Health Portal.
    • Notable features include:
      • Donor Safety and Tagging: It maintains traceable donor databases, including health history and rare blood group tagging, ensuring safe and verified transfusions.
      • Inventory Monitoring: e-Rakt Kosh manages stock levels, tracks expired units, and ensures safe disposal, thereby improving quality control.
      • Camp Management: It facilitates registration and scheduling of blood donation camps, sends alerts for shortages, and streamlines resource planning.
      • Critical Access Role: Once integrated with RDRI, it will allow direct access to rare blood group data, crucial during emergency transfusions.
      • Transparency and Logistics: The system enhances transparency, strengthens blood logistics, and improves communication between blood banks, hospitals, and donor groups.
    [UPSC 2001] A man whose blood group is not known meets with a serious accident and needs blood transfusion immediately. Which one of the blood groups mentioned below and readily available in the hospital will be safe for transfusion?

    Options: (a) O, Rh- * (b) O, Rh+ (c) AB, Rh- (d) AB, Rh+

     

  • 11th International Yoga Day

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister led the celebrations for the 11th International Day of Yoga on 21st June.

    About International Day of Yoga:

    • Celebration: The International Day of Yoga is observed annually on June 21 across the world since 2015, following a UN resolution in 2014.
    • Proposed by India at UN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea during his UN address in September 2014, highlighting yoga’s global relevance.
    • UN Recognition: The resolution was introduced by India’s Permanent Representative and was adopted without a vote, supported by 177 countries.
    • First Observance: The first celebration was held on June 21, 2015, with events in cities like New York, Paris, Beijing, and New Delhi.
    • Purpose of the Day: The day recognizes Yoga’s health benefits, including physical fitness, stress relief, and spiritual well-being.

    Back2Basics: Yoga

    • Origin: Yoga originated in ancient India and is deeply rooted in Indian philosophy, spirituality, and culture.
    • Meaning of Yoga: The word “Yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj”, meaning “to join or unite” the mind, body, and spirit.
    • Historical References:
      • Rig Veda and Upanishads: Yoga-like practices are mentioned in the Rig Veda (c. 1500 BCE) and further developed in the Upanishads (800–400 BCE).
      • Patanjali’s Contribution: Sage Patanjali, considered the father of classical yoga, compiled the Yoga Sutras around the 2nd century BCE, outlining a systematic philosophy.
    • Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga (Yoga Sutras)
      1. Yama – Ethical principles (e.g., non-violence, truth).
      2. Niyama – Personal observances (e.g., cleanliness, contentment).
      3. Asana – Physical postures.
      4. Pranayama – Breath control.
      5. Pratyahara – Withdrawal of senses.
      6. Dharana – Concentration.
      7. Dhyana – Meditation.
      8. Samadhi – State of spiritual absorption or self-realization.
    • Schools and Styles of Yoga:
      • Multiple Traditions: Yoga is practiced in various schools, each with distinct methods and focus.
      • Popular Styles: These include Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kundalini, Bikram, and Yin Yoga, catering to both beginners and advanced practitioners.

    Why was 21st June chosen for this day?

    • The date of June 21 was chosen because it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolising spiritual significance across various cultures.
    • In Hindu mythology, this day marks the transition to Dakshinayana and is associated with the first yogi, Shiva, who began teaching yoga to humanity.

    Tap to read more about Summer Solstice (June 21).

     

    [2014] Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?

    (a) Mimamsa and Vedanta

    (b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika

    (c) Lokayata and Kapalika

    (d) Sankhya and Yoga

     

  • [pib] Estimates Committee of Parliament

    Why in the news?

    The Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurated the National Conference of Estimates Committees of Parliament and State/UT Legislative Bodies in Mumbai.

    About the Estimates Committee:

    • Overview: The Estimates Committee is one of the 3 major financial standing committees of Parliament, along with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU).
    • Objective: It examines the budgetary estimates of ministries and departments and works to enhance economy, efficiency, and accountability in public expenditure.
    • Other name: Known as the “Continuous Economy Committee” because of its ongoing scrutiny of how public money is spent.
    • Legal Basis: The committee functions under Rule 310 of the Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.
    • History: It was set up in 1950, based on a suggestion by then Finance Minister John Mathai.
    • Composition and Tenure:
      • Lok Sabha Exclusive: The committee has 30 members, all from the Lok Sabha; there is NO representation from the Rajya Sabha.
      • Election and Chairperson: Members are elected annually through proportional representation using a single transferable vote, and the Speaker appoints the Chairperson, typically from the ruling party.
      • Ministers are NOT eligible: If a member becomes a minister, he/she automatically vacate the seat on the committee.
      • Term Limit: Each member serves for a one-year term.

    Key Functions and Powers:

    • Scrutiny of Estimates: It reviews the budget estimates to suggest ways to reduce expenditure without affecting policy outcomes.
    • Suggesting Reforms: It recommends alternative administrative practices to minimise waste and improve efficiency.
    • Project Review: It undertakes study visits and reviews the implementation status of major public sector projects.
    • Report Submission: The committee submits detailed reports and suggestions to the Lok Sabha, which may lead to policy or format changes.
    • Follow-Up Mechanism: Ministries are required to submit Action Taken Reports (ATRs) on the committee’s recommendations.
    • Jurisdictional Limits: The committee CANNOT examine PSUs, as this role belongs exclusively to the Committee on Public Undertakings.
    [UPSC 2014] Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament?

    Options: (a) The committee on Public Accounts. (b) The committee on Estimates* (c) The Committee on Public Undertakings (d) The committee on Petition

     

  • Quantum 5G Fixed Wireless Access Broadband

    Why in the News?

    BSNL announced the soft launch of Quantum 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) broadband in Hyderabad.

    About Quantum 5G FWA:

    • Overviews: It is India’s first SIM-less, fixed wireless access broadband service.
    • Development: It delivers fibre-like internet over 5G radio and was developed entirely by Indian vendors under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
    • How does it work?
      • Customers are provided with a CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) device that connects wirelessly to the nearest BSNL 5G base station.
      • The CPE auto-authenticates without requiring a SIM card, using Direct-to-Device technology.
      • Internet is delivered over the air, eliminating the need for trenching or fibre installation.
      • The service currently reaches 85% of Hyderabad households using BSNL’s existing tower infrastructure.

    Key Features:

    • Indigenous: Includes core network, RAN, and CPE, all developed by Indian vendors.
    • High Performance: Achieves up to 980 Mbps download, 140 Mbps upload, and <10 ms latency—ideal for streaming, gaming, and remote work.
    • Quick Setup: Customers can self-install the device with no need for physical fibre connections.
    • Enterprise Capability: Supports network slicing and Service Level Agreement (SLA)-backed links for MSMEs and industrial clusters.
    • Strategic Vision: Positions BSNL as a leader in next-generation broadband and enhances rural and urban connectivity.
    [UPSC 2019] With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?

    1. LTE ‘is commonly marketed as 3G, and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.

    2. LTE is data-only technology, and VoLTE is voice-only technology.

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2*

     

  • India’s First Epigraphical reference to Halley’s Comet found in Vijayanagar Period

    Why in the News?

    The first Indian inscriptional reference to Halley’s Comet has been discovered on a copper plate dated 1456 CE, from the Vijayanagar Period.

    What does the inscription say?

    • The inscription was found on a copper plate dated June 28, 1456 CE, during the Vijayanagar Empire, preserved at the Sri Mallikarjunaswamy temple in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh.
    • Written in Sanskrit using the Nagari script, it describes the sighting of a comet (dhūmaketu) and a meteor shower, which coincide with the documented appearance of Halley’s Comet that year.
    • The inscription records a village grant made by King Mallikarjuna of Vijayanagar to a Vedic scholar named Limgaṇarya from Kaḍiyalapura (likely present-day Kaḍiyapulanka, Kadapa district).
    • The grant’s purpose is explicitly mentioned: “to mitigate the great calamity believed to arise due to the appearance of a comet and meteor shower”—a reference to traditional beliefs of such celestial events being inauspicious.
    • The Sanskrit phrase “Prakāśyāya mahōtpāta śāntyartham dattavān vibhuḥ” translates to “this grant was made in order to pacify the calamities that may arise due to the illuminating comets and meteor shower upon the king and his kingdom.”
    • Though dhūmaketus (comets) are referenced in ancient Indian astronomical texts, this is the earliest inscriptional record linking a comet to a specific historical date and royal response.

    Tap to read more about the Vijayanagara Empire.

    About Halley’s Comet:

    • Periodicity: It is one of the most famous periodic comets, visible from Earth approximately once every 76 years.
    • Behind its name: It is named after the English astronomer Edmond Halley, who correctly predicted its return in 1758 using Newton’s laws of motion.
    • Early observations: The comet has been recorded by observers around the world for over 2,000 years, including in Babylonian, Chinese, and mediaeval European sources.
    • Latest appearance: Halley’s Comet last appeared in 1986 and is expected to return in 2061.
    • Visibility: It is visible to the naked eye and appears as a bright streak of light with a glowing tail, caused by solar radiation vaporising its icy surface.
    • Significance: Its 1456 CE appearance was especially bright and visible across Europe and Asia, and now, for the first time, it has been identified in an Indian epigraphical record.
    [UPSC 2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?

    1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.

    2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.

    3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only* (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • IIT-D demonstrates Quantum Communication over 1 Km

    Why in the News?

    The Defence Ministry announced a breakthrough as IIT-Delhi and DRDO scientists successfully demonstrated quantum communication over 1 km in free space.

    What is Quantum Communication?

    • It is a new way of sending messages so safely that no one can secretly listen in.
    • It uses the laws of quantum physics, especially something called quantum entanglement, to make sure that if someone tries to spy on your message, you’ll know immediately.
    • In quantum entanglement, two tiny particles (like photons of light) are connected in a mysterious way—whatever happens to one instantly affects the other, even if they’re far apart.
    • Because of this, if someone tries to distort one particle, it changes, and the system knows the message isn’t safe anymore.
    • This makes quantum communication perfect for defence, banking, and sensitive messages that must stay secret.

    Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) – Explained Simply:

    • Imagine you want to lock a box and send it to your friend, but you also want them to have the key—without anyone else being able to copy it.
    • QKD is a special way to share that key safely, using quantum particles instead of metal keys.
    • Two people use entangled particles to create the same secret key, without anyone else knowing it.
    • If someone tries to intercept the key while it’s being shared, the particles will show signs of disturbance, and the system will know to discard it and try again.
    • Once both people have the same key, they can use it to lock and unlock messages using regular encryption tools.
    • QKD doesn’t send the actual message—it just safely shares the key that keeps messages secret.

    What did the IIT-Delhi team achieve?

    • A team led by IIT-Delhi, in collaboration with DRDO, successfully demonstrated entanglement-based quantum communication over 1 km in free space.
    • This was done within the IIT-Delhi campus and marks a key advancement from previous experiments using only optical fibre.
    • The demonstration achieved a secure key rate of 240 bits per second and maintained a quantum bit error rate (QBER) of under 7%, which is considered acceptable for real-world QKD.
    • This capability is a step toward achieving satellite-to-ground quantum communication, enabling encrypted keys to be distributed across vast regions without physical links.

    India’s Quantum Communication Journey So Far:

    • In 2022, Prof. Kanseri’s team first demonstrated quantum communication between Vindhyachal and Prayagraj.
    • In 2023, they expanded this capability to 380 km using standard telecom fibre, achieving a low QBER of 1.48%.
    • By 2024, the team established a QKD link spanning over 100 km of optical fibre, further pushing the reliability and reach of India’s quantum infrastructure.
    • These achievements are part of India’s larger effort under the National Quantum Mission (2023–2031), which has a budget of ₹6,000 crore to support R&D and deployment in quantum computing, sensing, and communication.
    • India now joins an elite group of nations—alongside China and the US—actively building toward a quantum-secure internet, with potential applications in defence, finance, telecom, and cybersecurity.

     

    [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:

    I. It is expected that Majorana 1 chip will enable quantum computing. II. Majorana 1 chip has been introduced by Amazon Web Services (AWS). III. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) I and only I (b) II and III only (c) I and III only* (d) I, II and III

     

  • FASTag Annual Pass Scheme

    Why in the News?

    Union Transport Minister announced a new FASTag-based Annual Pass system for private non-commercial vehicles (cars, jeeps, vans) to ensure smoother travel across National Highways.

    What are FASTags?

    • FASTag is a contactless toll payment system that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to enable automatic toll collection at National Highway toll plazas.
    • Managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), it was launched in 2014 and became mandatory in 2021 for all four-wheeled vehicles.
    • It is a sticker affixed on a vehicle’s windshield, linked to a prepaid wallet or savings account. Toll charges are automatically deducted when the vehicle passes through an electronic toll gate.
    • It enhances convenience, reduces traffic congestion, and promotes digital payments across India’s highway network.
    • As per the Motor Vehicles Rules, FASTags are mandatory for all new four-wheelers and necessary for renewal of fitness certificates and national permits.

    About the FASTag Annual Pass Scheme:

    • Overview: It is a new initiative announced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to provide cost-effective and hassle-free travel for private non-commercial vehicles.
    • Implementation: The pass will be effective from August 15, 2025, and is optional, intended for cars, jeeps, and vans (not for commercial vehicles).
    • Objectives: The scheme is designed to reduce per-trip costs (as low as ₹15/toll) and provide savings of up to ₹7,000 annually for frequent travelers.
    • Benefits: It allows unlimited passage at National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) toll plazas for either:
      • One year, or
      • 200 toll crossings, whichever is earlier.

    Key Features:

    • Eligibility: Applicable only for non-commercial private vehicles with a valid, active FASTag linked to a registered vehicle number.
    • Activation: Can be activated via the Rajmargyatra mobile app or NHAI website with a one-time payment of ₹3,000 for FY 2025–26.
    • Validity: Covers 200 trips or one year and then reverts to regular FASTag mode unless renewed.
    • Trip Count:
      • Point-based plazas: Each pass counts as one trip per crossing.
      • Closed toll systems: Entry and exit combined count as one trip.
    • Transfer Restrictions: The pass is non-transferable and valid only for the vehicle on which the FASTag is registered.
    • Coverage: Valid only at NH and NE toll plazas managed by the Centre. It does not apply to state highway or local toll plazas.
    • Fee Revision: The base fee may be revised annually starting April 1 every year.
    • Existing Users: No need for a new FASTag if one is already affixed and active. The pass can be added on top of the existing tag after eligibility verification.
    [UPSC 2023] With reference to India’s projects on connectivity, consider the following statements:

    1. East-West Corridor under Golden Quadrilateral Project connects Dibrugarh and Surat.

    2. Trilateral Highway connects Moreh in Manipur and Chiang Mai in Thailand via Myanmar.

    3. Bangladesh-China -India -Myanmar Economic Corridor connects Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Kunming in China. How many of the above statements are correct? Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None*

     

  • Navy inducts INS Arnala

    Why in the News?

    INS Arnala, the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), was officially commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.

    About INS Arnala:

    • What is it: INS Arnala is the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command on June 18, 2025, at Visakhapatnam.
    • Behind the name: It is named after the historic Arnala Fort near Vasai, Maharashtra.
    • Development: The vessel was designed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and built in partnership with L&T Shipbuilders under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
    • Project: It marks the beginning of the induction of 16 ASW-SWC class ships, aimed at enhancing India’s shallow water anti-submarine capabilities.

    Key Features:

    • Propulsion: 77.6 metres long; first Indian Navy warship powered by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination.
    • Indigenous Content: Over 80% indigenous systems, with contributions from BEL, L&T, Mahindra Defence, and over 55 MSMEs.
    • Arsenal: Equipped with a single centreline rocket launcher, lightweight torpedoes, anti-torpedo decoys, and mine-laying systems.
    • Sensor Suite: Incorporates Hull-Mounted Sonar (Abhay), Low-Frequency Variable Depth Sonar (LFVDS), and Underwater Acoustic Communication System (UWACS).
    • Multi-role Capability: Designed for ASW operations, Search and Rescue (SAR), low-intensity maritime operations, and subsurface surveillance in shallow coastal waters.

    Significance:

    • Strategic Defence Upgrade: Replaces ageing Abhay-class corvettes and significantly strengthens India’s anti-submarine warfare posture.
    • Enhanced Coastal Security: Ideal for detecting midget submarines and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) in waters less than 30 metres deep, where larger warships struggle to operate.
    • Make-in-India Milestone: Demonstrates India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing and contributes to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
    [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