UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 43)Subscriber Only

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.

What is Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology? What makes MIRV technology lethal?

What is digital lending? How digital lending is accelerating the transformation of financial services in India?

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.

QUESTION 1: What is Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology? What makes MIRV technology lethal?

Introduction:

— The MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) can target multiple targets that can be hundreds of kilometers apart with a single missile.

— The latest version of Agni-5 of the missile is equipped with what is known as MIRV technology.

— As of now, the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom are known to have MIRV-equipped missiles.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

What makes MIRV technology specially lethal?

— According to the Center for Arms Control and Non-proliferation, In contrast to a traditional missile, which carries one warhead, MIRVs can carry multiple warheads.

— Warheads on MIRVed missiles can be released from the missile at different speeds and in different directions.

— The development of MIRV technology is not easy. The Centre for Arms Control and Non-proliferation stated that it necessitates the use of huge missiles, compact warheads, precise guidance, and a sophisticated mechanism for progressively releasing warheads during flight.

Conclusion:

— The ability to carry multiple warheads on a single missile, called MIRV or Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle, is a technology that originated five decades ago, but is in possession of only a handful of countries — the United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom and France.

— India successfully tested a new-age Agni-5 ballistic missile equipped to carry multiple warheads, each of which is capable of hitting a separate target.

— The test marks a long-awaited upgrade of India’s missile system and significantly enhances its strike capability, including the nuclear option.

(Source: PM Modi announces Mission Divyastra success: What is the Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology by Amitabh Sinha, Mission Divyastra: PM Modi hails first test of Agni-5 with multiple warhead technology by Amrita Nayak Dutta and Amitabh Sinha)

Points to Ponder

DRDO

Other Missiles of DRDO

Agni-5