UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today’s answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-3 to check your progress. 🚨 The Indian Express UPSC Essentials brings to you the December issue of its monthly magazine. Click Here to read. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at manas.srivastava@indianexpress.com🚨 QUESTION 1 Discuss how NASA's Parker Solar Probe project has advanced our understanding of solar phenomena. How can the data acquired from this mission help to mitigate the effects of space weather on Earth's technological infrastructure? QUESTION 2 Discuss the evolution of fighter jet generations from the mid-twentieth century to the current day, focussing on important technological advancements and their strategic significance for contemporary air forces. General points on the structure of the answers Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. THOUGHT PROCESS You may enrich your answers by some of the following points QUESTION 1: Discuss how NASA's Parker Solar Probe project has advanced our understanding of solar phenomena. How can the data acquired from this mission help to mitigate the effects of space weather on Earth's technological infrastructure? Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — The Parker Solar Probe, launched in 2018, is part of NASA's Living With a Star program, which aims to investigate features of the Sun-Earth system that have a direct impact on life and culture on Earth. — It is equipped with four instrument suites and is intended to study the Sun's upper atmosphere, known as the corona. — NASA scientists recently revealed that the Parker Solar Probe had survived its closest visit to the Sun. The spacecraft resumed normal operations after passing 6.1 million kilometres from the sun's surface. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — The probe, which is the size of a compact vehicle, "also makes critical contributions to forecasting changes in the space environment that affect life and technology on Earth," according to a NASA release. — The Parker Solar Probe is the closest any human-made object has ever been to the Sun. It travelled at a speed of 6,92,000 kilometres per hour and experienced temperatures of up to 1,377 degrees Celsius when it came closest to our star on December 24. The probe lost communication during this time, but the scientists who were running it received a signal on the night of December 26. — "The spaceship is furnished with a cutting-edge heat shield composed of carbon composite foam placed between two carbon plates. The heat barrier is so effective that, even though the front side will get the entire brunt of the Sun's powerful light, reaching 2,500°F (1,371°C), the instruments behind it, in its shade, will remain at a comfortable 85°F (29.4°C), according to a separate NASA report. — The probe pumps one gallon of water through its solar panels to keep it cool; the water absorbs heat and then reflects it into space. How can the data acquired from this mission help to mitigate the effects of space weather on Earth's technological infrastructure? — Scientists hope that as the probe went through the Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona, it collected data that will shed light on some long-standing questions. For example, astronomers hope to solve the enigma of why the corona is so hot - temperatures often approach 1 million to 2 million degrees Celsius there. — The data could also provide insight into the origins of solar winds, which are a constant flow of material fleeing the Sun. A greater knowledge of solar winds is critical since they impact the space environment and life on Earth. — Solar winds are typically deflected by Earth's magnetic field, which acts as a protective shield. Still, particles can interact with atoms and molecules in the atmosphere to produce the northern and southern lights. However, a strong solar wind has the potential to damage electricity grids, satellites, and communication networks. Conclusion: — Over the years, it has completed 21 laps about the Sun, with Venus flybys bringing it closer to our star. — Parker can withstand the Sun's extreme temperatures because advanced thermal engineering safeguards the spacecraft on its perilous trip. The probe's four sensor suites are designed to examine magnetic fields, plasma, and energetic particles, as well as picture the solar wind. (Source: Why Parker Solar Probe completing closest-ever approach to Sun is significant by Alind Chauhan) Points to Ponder Read more about Probe Mission Read about Aditya L1 Related Previous Year Questions Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? (2022) India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space missions. What are the main obstacles to launching a manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Examine critically. (2017) QUESTION 2: Discuss the evolution of fighter jet generations from the mid-twentieth century to the current day, focussing on important technological advancements and their strategic significance for contemporary air forces. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Unverified photographs of what is referred to as a Chinese sixth-generation fighter aircraft have gone viral on social media. This comes just a month after China's Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC) debuted its Baidi White Emperor 'B Type' sixth-generation fighter plane at the Zhuhai Airshow in November. — Several countries, including the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom-Japan-Italy, and France-Germany-Spain, have announced plans to create sixth-generation fighters before fifth-generation fighters become widely available. So far, it is unclear what attributes these fighters will have, other than improved beyond-visual-range capabilities, stealth, processing power, and weapons. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: Generations of the fighter jets — There are currently five generations of fighter jets in active service (or were in the past), with sixth-generation fighters being developed. Here's what each generation includes: First Generation (1943 to 1955) — Fighter jets first debuted in the latter years of World War II. They were speedier than their piston-engined counterparts. — These jets flew largely at subsonic speeds. This was due not just to the limitations of their engines (they lacked afterburners, which provide a sudden increase of thrust), but also to the design of their wings, which were more or less straight and hence aerodynamically inefficient. — First-generation jets also had very primitive avionics and no self-protection features. — Examples: Messerschmitt Me 262, North American 5-86 Sabre, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15, Hawker Hunter Second Generation (1955 to 1970) — Second-generation fighters experienced significant advancements in terms of speed, weapons, and avionics. With the arrival of afterburners and the adoption of swept wings, these aircraft were able to do transonic and supersonic sprints while flying at level altitude. — Second-generation fighters also featured the first fire control radars and semi-active guided missiles. — Examples: Mikoyan MiG-21F, Sukhoi SU-9, Lockheed F-104 Starfighter (interceptors), and Republic F-105 Thunderchief and Sukhoi SU-7B (fighter-bombers) Third Generation (1960 to 1970) — There are four main points of demarcation between the second and third generations of fighter jets - (i) design process; (ii) the aircraft could now carry a much wider range of weaponry, from air-to-ground missiles and laser-guided bombs to air-to-air missiles and guns. (iii) This generation of aircraft was the first to be capable of beyond visual range air-to-air combat, thanks to greatly enhanced fire control radars, guided missiles, and the first tactical electronic warfare equipment. (iv) The engines also experienced significant improvements, including better turbofans. — Examples: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom, Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-23, Hawker Siddeley (later British Aerospace) Harrier. Fourth Generation (1970 to 2000s) — According to any classification, the fourth generation is the longest, indicating that technology has advanced significantly even within the generation. — However, there are a few important developments: (i) Only this generation produced true multi-role aircraft. (ii) This was the first generation of aircraft to incorporate fly-by-wire (FBW) control systems, which use computers to bridge the gap between pilot inputs and the final output on an aircraft's control surfaces (such as the rudder or elevons). (iii) As computers and electronics advanced elsewhere, fighter aircraft became significantly more "high-tech" by current standards. (iv) This was the first generation of fighter aircraft developed with some stealth features. — Examples: Grumman F-14 ‘Tomcat’, General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, McDonnel Douglas (later Boeing) F/A-18 ‘Superhornet’, Sukhoi Su-30, etc. Fifth Generation (2000 onwards) — The most advanced fighter aircraft currently in service, fifth generation aircraft have fully embraced stealth, advanced integrated avionics systems that provide the pilot with a complete picture of the battle space (literally allowing them to look through the airframe), and network capabilities (which allow aircraft to be in constant contact and act in coordination — like a hive mind). — In 2005, the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor became the first fifth-generation aircraft to enter service. Until now, its stealth and long-range fighting skills have been unrivalled; its radar cross-section is comparable to that of a small bird or bug, and its own package of advanced avionics allows it to identify and locate opposing aircraft from large distances. — Computers and onboard software are critical components of a fifth generation fighter jet's capabilities, allowing it to automate or semi-automate various activities and interpret battlefield data at a high level. — Currently, only the United States (F-22 and F-35), Russia (Sukhoi Su-57), and China (Chengdu J-20) have operational fifth-generation aircraft. India is now developing its own fifth-generation aircraft, which is not yet in the prototype level. Conclusion: — Sixth-generation aircraft may be optionally manned, which means they may not need a human in the cockpit to complete their tasks. So far, autonomous drones have been constrained by a variety of issues, including a minor lag in the time it takes for aircraft to respond to directives transmitted from the control centre. — Artificial intelligence integration, as well as developments in compute and networking, have the potential to profoundly transform aerial warfare. — This generation may even feature improved twin cycle engines, allowing aircraft to reach hypersonic speeds when necessary while still being able to cruise efficiently. (Source: Amid reports of sixth-gen Chinese aircraft, what does ‘generation’ mean in the context of fighter jets? by Arjun Sengupta) Points to Ponder Read about Tejas India's development in the fifth-generation aircraft Related Previous Year Question How is the S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? (2021) Previous Mains Answer Practice UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 83) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 82) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 82) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 83) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 82) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 83) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
