Why in the News?

The second edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama, a global circumnavigation by sailboat was flagged off by Navy Chief at INS Mandovi in Goa.

About Navika Sagar Parikrama:

	Details
Expedition	Navika Sagar Parikrama, a maritime expedition by the Indian Navy, aimed at circumnavigating the globe in a sailboat crewed by *women officers.* Symbolizes women’s empowerment and Indian maritime traditions.
Objective	Promotes women’s empowerment, gender equality, oceanic research, and Indian maritime traditions.
First Edition	Began on September 10, 2017, with an all-women crew of six officers aboard INSV Tarini. Completed on May 21, 2018.
Second Edition	Launched on October 2, 2024, with two women officers, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A., setting sail from INS Mandovi, Goa.
Agencies Involved	Indian Navy: Leading the initiative. National Institute of Oceanography (NIO): Marine research on microplastics and ferrous content. Wildlife Institute of India (WII): Research on large sea mammals. Sagar Defence: Providing drones for documentation. Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL): Supplying meals. Transform Rural India Foundation (TRIF) and Piramal Foundation: Supporting logistics and research.
Route	Divided into five legs with four stopovers: 1. Goa to Fremantle, Australia 2. Fremantle to Lyttleton, New Zealand 3. Lyttleton to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands 4. Port Stanley to Cape Town, South Africa 5. Cape Town to Goa, India

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

(a) Amphibious warfare ship

(b) Nuclear-powered submarine

(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier