UPSC Prelims Facts – 11&12 February 2024

UPSC Prelims Facts

Since winter is approached reptiles moves to brumation

  • Brumation – a period of dormancy or slowed activity in reptiles, much like hibernation in mammals.
  • Occurs during colder months, when temperatures drop and food becomes scarce.
  • During brumation, reptiles may retreat to underground burrows, rock crevices or other sheltered areas where temperatures are relatively more stable.
  • Reptiles enter brumation to survive cold climates and endure challenging environmental conditions, until they can re-emerge to feed and reproduce in more favourable climes.

Scientists recently discovered new fungus species in Thrissur

  • New fungus collected from the moist soil – Endemic to Western Ghats
  • Commonly known as “hairy earth tongues” fungus
  • Fungi exhibit club-shaped wide, open, saucer shaped in dark shades of black or brown
  • Significance – Plays a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter –They contribute to the breakdown of dead plant material, helping to recycle nutrients in forest ecosystems.

NBFC-P2P (peer-to-peer) lenders appear to not be in line with RBI regulatory guidelines

  • Financial technology which helps people to lend or borrow money from one another without going through a bank.
  • Borrowers are directly connected to investors through different lending websites.
  • Lenders are individual investors who want to get a better return on their cash savings than they would get from a bank savings account or certificate of deposit.
  • Borrowers seek an alternative to traditional banks or a lower interest rate.

NASA fights air pollution by world’s biggest flying laboratory – Douglas DC-8 jet

  • Aircraft designed for airborne science missions.
  • It can fly for 8 hours at a time, sometimes as low as 15 meters above the ground, to collect air pollution particles for analysis.
  • Provide direct measurements of how much pollution is coming from different sources.
  • It helps to fill gaps, check air quality and improve satellite data interpretation.

A Revolutionary Next-Generation Sequencing Test Redefining Diagnostics in Kerala

  • A next-generation sequencing test detecting infections and antimicrobial resistance genes.
  • It is detected within a mere 24 hours, this kit-cum-software solution is set to redefine diagnostics.
  • It marks a significant milestone in the Kerala’s healthcare sector
  • This innovative solution aids in personalized antibiotic usage, improving patient care and supports combating antimicrobial resistance.

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