Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 7 September 2024 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT PDF Download

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
In a notable advancement for India's nuclear deterrence, the Indian Navy welcomed its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arighat, into service last week. The induction ceremony, held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, saw the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who highlighted that this addition strengthens India's nuclear triad and overall deterrence capabilities. Though more advanced than its predecessor, the INS Arighat is part of the Arihant-class submarines, named after the Sanskrit term that translates to 'Destroyer of the Enemy'.
What is an SSBN?
An SSBN (Ship, Submersible, Ballistic, Nuclear), or nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, is a vessel equipped to launch submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) armed with nuclear warheads, serving as a crucial component of a nation's nuclear deterrence.
INS Arighat is an advanced variant of the INS Arihant, the first boat in the Arihant-class series of indigenous nuclear submarines. It will complement INS Arihant, which has been in service since 2009. The construction of INS Arighat began in 2017 at the Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam.
The submarine is reportedly capable of achieving a maximum speed of 12–15 knots (22–28 km/h) on the surface and up to 24 knots (44 km/h) while submerged. It features four launch tubes in its hump, allowing it to carry either four nuclear-capable K-4 SLBMs with a range exceeding 3,500 kilometres or twelve K-15 SLBMs with a range of approximately 750 kilometres.
The K-15 missiles can also be fitted with strategic nuclear warheads, and the submarine will be armed with torpedoes as well. Both INS Arihant and INS Arighat are powered by 83 MW pressurised water reactors, allowing them to remain submerged for extended periods. The Arihant class, meaning "Destroyer of the Enemy" in Sanskrit, represents a significant leap in India's underwater capabilities.
SSN vs SSBN submarines
Nuclear attack submarines (SSNs) are primarily designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship operations, and intelligence gathering. These vessels are equipped with torpedoes and occasionally cruise missiles, but they do not carry ballistic missiles. Their main focus is on tracking and engaging enemy submarines and surface vessels, as well as providing support for land operations through precision strikes using cruise missiles.
Typically smaller and more agile, SSNs (Ship Submersible Nuclear) are optimised for speed and manoeuvrability. They can be powered either by nuclear reactors or conventional diesel-electric systems, making them versatile and capable of performing a wide range of missions, including reconnaissance and special operations support.
[Excerpt from Business Standard "India Commissioned Advanced Nuclear Submarine INS Arighaat" Dated 07/09/24]

Q1: What is the name of India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN)?
(a) INS Arihant
(b) INS Chakra
(c) INS Arighaat
(d) INS Kalvari

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Q2: How does the missile range of INS Arighaat compare to INS Arihant?
(a) Both have the same missile range
(b) INS Arighaat has a range of 750 km, while INS Arihant has a range of 3,500 km
(c) INS Arighaat has a range of 3,500 km, while INS Arihant has a range of 750 km
(d) INS Arighaat has a range of 1,000 km, while INS Arihant has a range of 3,500 km

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Q3: What is a key feature of INS Arighaat that supports India’s goal of becoming more self-reliant in defense technology?
(a) It was completely designed and made in Russia
(b) A large part of it was designed and made in India
(c) It is entirely dependent on imported components
(d) It is the smallest nuclear-powered submarine in the world

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Q4: How does INS Arighaat contribute to India’s national security?
(a) It is mainly used for civilian purposes
(b) It strengthens India’s strategic position and acts as a deterrent against potential threats
(c) It replaces all conventional submarines in the Indian Navy
(d) It is used for training purposes only

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Q5: What is the name of India’s first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN)?
(a) INS Arighaat
(b) INS Kalvari
(c) INS Arihant
(d) INS Vikrant

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