Daily Prelims Notes 29 December 2024

December 29, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

29 December 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Why Parker Solar Probe completing closest-ever approach to Sun is significant

Sub : Sci

Sec: Space sector

Context:

The Parker Solar Probe, launched by NASA in 2018, recently achieved a major milestone by surviving its closest-ever approach to the Sun, coming within 1 million kilometres of the solar surface.
To put this into perspective, if the Earth-Sun distance were scaled down to 1 meter, the probe would be just 4 centimetres from the Sun.

Significance of this milestone:

The Parker Solar Probe is the closest any human-made object has ever come to the Sun. Scientists are hoping that as the probe passed through the Sun’s outer atmosphere – the corona, it would have collected data that can give clues about some long-standing questions.

Why is the corona so hot?

The temperatures in the corona reach 1-2 million degrees Celsius, much higher than the surface of the Sun, and this remains one of the biggest mysteries in solar science.

What are the origins of solar winds?

Solar winds are continuous flows of charged particles that stream from the Sun into space. Understanding solar winds is crucial because they can affect satellite communications, power grids, and technological systems on Earth.

Parker Solar Probe:

The Parker Solar Probe is a NASA mission launched in 2018 as part of the Living with a Star program.
The primary objective of the probe is to explore the Sun-Earth system and study aspects that directly affect life and society on Earth, such as solar winds and space weather.
It is designed to make observations of the Sun’s upper atmosphere, known as the corona, and carries four instrument suites.
Over the years, it has completed 21 orbits around the Sun, with flybys of Venus gradually moving closer to our star.

Heat Shield Technology:

Traveling at speeds of 692,000 km/h, the probe endured temperatures up to 1,377°C at its closest approach. Despite this extreme heat, the spacecraft survived due to its advanced heat shield.
The Parker Solar Probe is equipped with a 5-inch-thick carbon-composite heat shield that protects its instruments from the intense heat of the Sun.
The shield is made of carbon foam sandwiched between two carbon plates, ensuring the spacecraft’s instruments stay at 85°F (29.4°C), despite the front side facing temperatures of over 1,371°C.
The spacecraft also uses a water-cooling system to circulate water through its solar panels, helping absorb and radiate the heat away from the spacecraft.

2. What does ‘generation’ mean in the context of fighter jets?

Sub : Sci

Sec: Defence

Context:

Unverified images of what is being termed as a Chinese sixth generation fighter aircraft, named the J-36, have gone viral on social media.

What does ‘generation’ mean:

The concept of “aircraft generations” emerged in the 1990s and applies mainly to fighter jets. Each generation marks a significant leap in fighter jet technology.
There’s no strict definition of what constitutes a generation and these generations serve as a general guideline to compare aircraft technology, not a precise measure of their capabilities.
Generational shifts typically occur when new technological innovations are too significant to be integrated into existing designs through upgrades.
There are currently five generations of fighter jets which are (or were in the past) in active service, with sixth generation jets currently in development.

First Generation (1943 to 1955):

The first generation of fighter jets emerged during the final years of World War II.
Early jet fighters, faster than piston-engine fighters but still subsonic.
Basic avionics, no self-protection systems, and armed with machine guns or cannons.
These aircraft were deployed as interceptors, and could engage in combat within close visual range.
Examples: Messerschmitt Me 262, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15.

Second Generation (1955-1970):

Introduction of afterburners and swept wings allowed second-generation aircraft to achieve transonic and supersonic speeds in level flight.
Fire control radars were introduced, along with the first semi-active radar-guided missiles.
Radar warning receivers were added, paving the way for countermeasure systems.
Examples: MiG-21, Lockheed F-104 Starfighter.

Third Generation (1960 to 1970):

Integrated designs, multi-role capabilities (fighter-bombers and interceptors), beyond-visual-range combat, pulse-doppler radar, and electronic warfare systems.
Aircraft featured more powerful turbofan engines for superior range, manoeuvrability, and sustained supersonic flight.
Examples: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom, MiG-23, Hawker Siddeley Harrier.

Fourth Generation (1970-2000s):

Fly-by-Wire (FBW) Technology: The introduction of FBW systems allowed for greater manoeuvrability and more stable flight at high speeds by using computers to mediate between the pilot’s input and the aircraft’s control surfaces.
The introduction of advanced avionics, including heads-up displays (HUDs) and improved electronic warfare systems.
Stealth (ability to be invisible to radar systems) designs: Composite construction materials, radar absorbent paints etc.
Examples: F-16 Fighting Falcon, Sukhoi Su-30, Dassault Rafale.

Fifth Generation (2000s-present):

Fifth-generation fighter jets are the most advanced aircraft in operation today. They feature stealth technology, integrated systems that give pilots a full view of the battlefield, and networked communication that allows them to act as a coordinated team.
Advanced computer systems help automate many functions, reducing pilot workload and increasing operational effectiveness.
The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, introduced in 2005, was the first of its kind. It remains unmatched in stealth and long-range combat, with a radar signature as small as a bird’s and advanced systems to detect and eliminate enemies before being detected.
Currently, only the US (F-22, F-35), Russia (Sukhoi Su-57), and China (Chengdu J-20) operate fifth-generation fighters.
India is developing its own but is still far from building a prototype.

Sixth Generation (in development):

Speculated Features: May include optionally-manned or unmanned capabilities, hypersonic speeds, advanced AI, directed-energy weapons (e.g., lasers), and possibly suborbital flight.
Potential Examples: Tempest (UK, Italy, Japan), FCAS (Future Combat Air System) (France, Germany, Spain)

3. Lothal: Emerging as a Global Hub for Maritime Heritage

Sub : History

Sec: Ancient History

Why in News

The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, is being developed as a world-class facility under the Sagarmala Programme to showcase India’s maritime heritage.

National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC):

Location: Lothal, Gujarat, a significant site of the Indus Valley Civilization (2400 BCE).
Objective: Showcase India’s maritime legacy through a blend of education and entertainment under the Sagarmala Programme.
The complex will have several innovative features, including the i-recreation, which will recreate Harappan architecture and lifestyle through immersive technology and four theme parks.
It will also house the world’s tallest lighthouse museum, along with 14 galleries, highlighting India’s maritime heritage starting from the Harappan time till today.
Key infrastructure landmarks include:
- INS Nishank: A retired naval vessel displayed for public viewing.
- Lothal Jetty Walkway: Designed to replicate the ancient dockyard.
- Museum Block: A repository for maritime artifacts and educational exhibits.

Lothal:

It is one of the southernmost sites of the Indus Valley Civilisation, situated in the Bhal region in the present-day Gujarat.
Said to be built in 2,200 BC, this port city was a thriving trade centre in ancient times with its trade of beads, gems and ornaments reaching West Asia and Africa.
The port city was discovered after a team of archaeologists led by SR Rao started the search for Harappan civilisation post 1947 in the Saurashtra region.
According to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Lothal had the world’s earliest known dock, connecting the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati River.
In 2014, Lothal was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, however, its application is still pending.
Its heritage value is comparable to many other ancient port-towns around the world, which includes – Xel Ha (Peru), Ostia (Port of Rome) and Carthage (Port of Tunis) in Italy, Hepu in China, Canopus in Egypt, Gabel (Byblos of the Phoenicians), Jaffa in Israel, Ur in Mesopotamia, Hoi An in Vietnam, as per the dossier.
In the region, it can be compared with other Indus port towns of Balakot (Pakistan), Khirasa (in Gujarat’s Kutch) and Kuntasi (in Rajkot).

4. Rising GPS Interference on Aircraft

Sub : Sci

Sec: Awareness in IT, Computer

Why in News

Instances of GPS interference, including spoofing attacks, have surged globally, particularly along India’s borders with Pakistan and Myanmar. This poses significant risks to aviation safety, affecting navigation accuracy and flight operations.

What is GPS Interference and Spoofing?

GPS Interference: Disruption in the accuracy of GPS signals used for navigation.
Spoofing: A cyberattack where false GPS signals are transmitted to mislead navigation systems.
The attacker mimics legitimate GPS signals. Tricks systems into perceiving false locations, speeds, or altitudes.
Impacts: Disruption in navigation accuracy for aircraft and drones. Can trigger erroneous speed or terrain warnings. Used in modern warfare and conflict zones to mislead enemies.
Examples: Frequent along India-Pakistan and India-Myanmar borders. Contributed to aviation incidents, such as the Azerbaijan Airlines crash.
Regions Affected: Identified since September 2023, with new hotspots in 2024, including:
- Northern Iraq (Baghdad area).
- Black Sea region.
- Western Russia and Baltics.
- North and South Korea border areas.
- India-Pakistan and India-Myanmar borders.

Inertial Reference System (IRS):

A self-contained navigation system that provides position, velocity, and orientation without external signals like GPS.
Components:
- Gyroscopes: Measure angular velocity.
- Accelerometers: Track linear acceleration.
- Integrated to calculate the position relative to a known starting point.
Independent of external signals, ensuring reliability in GPS-denied environments. Can operate safely for up to five hours during GPS failure.
Acts as a redundancy mechanism to maintain navigation accuracy.
Ensures aircraft safety during GPS interference or spoofing attacks.

5. Ensuring Affordable and Standardised Private Healthcare in India

Sub : Polity

Sec: Legislation in news

Why in News

The Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (JSA), a coalition of health experts, activists, and public health organisations, has highlighted the urgent need to regulate and standardise private healthcare in India. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the JSA in the Supreme Court seeks enforcement of the Clinical Establishments Act (CEA) of 2010 and the Patients’ Rights Charter to address overcharging and ensure better healthcare access.

Key Issues in Private Healthcare Regulation:

According to the World Bank (2024), 129 million Indians live in extreme poverty, earning less than ₹180 per day.
NITI Aayog estimates that approximately 10 crore people (7% of the population) are pushed into poverty annually due to healthcare costs.
High out-of-pocket healthcare spending disproportionately impacts low-income families, exacerbating financial hardships.
Private healthcare services remain largely unregulated regarding costs, standards of care, and ethical practices.
Patients’ rights are frequently violated, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms.

Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010:

The Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, is a legislative framework established by the Indian Parliament to oversee the registration and regulation of clinical establishments across the country.
Its primary objective is to ensure the provision of minimum standards of facilities and services by these establishments, thereby enhancing public health outcomes.
The Act applies to all types of clinical establishments, including hospitals, maternity homes, nursing homes, dispensaries, clinics, and sanatoriums, whether operated by the public or private sector, except those under the military forces.
It encompasses both therapeutic and diagnostic services, including AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) establishments.
Mandatory registration of all clinical establishments is required to ensure compliance with prescribed minimum standards.
Provisional registration is valid for one year and must be renewed; establishments can also apply for permanent registration. The registration certificate must be prominently displayed within the establishment.
National Council: Responsible for formulating policies and standards for clinical establishments at the national level.
State/Union Territory Councils: Tasked with implementing the Act’s provisions within their respective jurisdictions.
District Registering Authorities: Handle the registration process and maintain records of clinical establishments at the district level.
Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) are provided to ensure uniformity in healthcare delivery.
Establishment of a digital registry at both state and national levels to maintain comprehensive records of all registered clinical establishments.
Operating an unregistered clinical establishment can result in fines, with higher penalties for repeated offenses.
As of now, 12 states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand—have adopted the Act.