UPSC Prelims 2022 (Questions asked from New topics)

Solar storm (solar flare)

1. High-energy electromagnetic radiation from solar flares is absorbed by the ionosphere, and does not reach the surface. 
2. These may interfere with short-wave radio communication. 
3. Solar flares pose no direct danger to humans on Earth. 
4. Majority of the flares are not visible to the naked eye. 
5. It can increase drag on satellites though in low Earth orbit, which can lead to orbital decay over time. 
6. Solar flares lasting longer than 30 minutes are regarded as long duration events.

Quantum Technology

Quantum Entanglement

1. When two atoms are connected, despite being separated. If you change the properties of one of them, the other changes instantly. 
2. Quantum mechanics also says simply observing an atom changes its properties 
3. Quantum protected cipher keys. It detects whether someone has interfered with the transmission of data.

Quantum superposition

1. Theory that subatomic particles exist in multiple states simultaneously. 
2. While digital computers store data as bits (the ones and zeros of binary), quantum computers use qubits that exist as a one, zero or both at the same time. 
3. This superposition state practically allows for incredibly fast simultaneous & parallel calculations.

SaaS

1. Software as a service (SaaS) is a method of software delivery.
2. In this method, the data can be accessed with an internet connection or web browser on any device at any location. 
3. Vendors host and maintain servers and databases.

SaaS products include:

1. Salesforce, Google Workspace apps, Microsoft 365
2. Netflix
3. Zoom etc.

Web 3.0

1. Web 3.0 is a decentralized internet to be run on blockchain technology, which would be different from the versions in use, Web 1.0 and Web 2.0. 
2. In Web3, users will have ownership stakes in platforms and applications unlike now where tech giants control the platforms.  

DNA Barcoding

1. DNA barcoding is a system for fast and accurate species identification. 
2. Used for eukaryotes. 
3. DNA barcoding has many applications in various fields like preserving natural resources, protecting endangered species, controlling agriculture pests, identifying disease vectors, monitoring water quality, authentication of natural health products, and identification of medicinal plants. 
4. Identifying plant leaves even if flowers or fruit are not available.

Lymphocytes

1. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells. 
2. They play a critical role in keeping us healthy. Without them, we can’t survive. 

T cells protect us from infection

1. Without T lymphocytes, also called T cells, every exposure could be life-threatening. 
2. T cells can wipe out infected or cancerous cells. 
3. They also direct the immune response by helping B lymphocytes to eliminate invading pathogens.

B cells create antibodies.

1. B lymphocytes, also called B cells, create a type of protein called an antibody. 
2. These antibodies bind to pathogens or to foreign substances, such as toxins, to neutralize them. 
3. For example, an antibody can bind to a virus, which prevents it from entering a normal cell and causing infection. 
4. B cells can also recruit other cells to help destroy an infected cell.

Probiotics

1. Probiotics are a combination of live beneficial bacteria and yeasts that naturally live in our body that helps keep our body healthy and working well. 
2. We have trillions of microbes on and in our body.

These microbes are a combination of: Bacteria, Fungi (including yeasts), Viruses, Protozoa.

For a microbe to be called a probiotic, it must have several characteristics:

1. Be isolated from a human. 
2. Survive in your intestine after ingestion (being eaten). 
3. Have a proven benefit to you. 
4. Be safely consumed.

Probiotics are also made up of good yeast.

The main job of probiotics, or good bacteria, is to maintain a healthy balance in our body. When we are sick, bad bacteria enters our body and increases in number. This knocks our body out of balance. Good bacteria work to fight off the bad bacteria and restore the balance within our body, making you feel better.

This balancing act is naturally happening in our body all of the time. You don’t actually need to take probiotic supplements to make it happen.

Good bacteria is just a natural part of your body. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fiber every day helps to keep the number of good bacteria at proper levels. 

Certain types of good bacteria can also:

1. Help the body digest food & Keep bad bacteria from getting out of control & making us sick. 
2. Create vitamins. 
3. Help support the cells that line our gut to prevent bad bacteria that we may have consumed (through food or drinks) from entering your blood. 
4. Breakdown & absorb medications.

What are the most common types of probiotic bacteria?

1. Lactobacillus.
2. Bifidobacterium.

Biofilms

1. A biofilm comprises any syntrophic consortium of microorganisms in which cells stick to each other and often also to a surface.
2. Conglomeration of extracellular polysaccharides, proteins, lipids and DNA, metaphorically described as "cities for microbes".
3. Biofilms may form on living or non-living surfaces and can be prevalent in natural, industrial, and hospital settings.
4. Biofilms can form on the teeth of most animals as dental plaque, where they may cause tooth decay and gum disease.
5. A biofilm may also be considered a hydrogel, which is a complex polymer that contains many times its dry weight in water.
6. The biofilm bacteria can share nutrients and are sheltered from harmful factors in the environment, such as desiccation, antibiotics, and a host body's immune system.
7. A biofilm usually begins to form when a free-swimming bacterium attaches to a surface.
8. Biofilms can be found very early in Earth's fossil records.
9. Biofilms are usually found on solid substrates submerged in or exposed to an aqueous solution, although they can form as floating mats on liquid surfaces and also on the surface of leaves, particularly in high humidity climates.
10. Given sufficient resources for growth, a biofilm will quickly grow to be macroscopic (visible to the naked eye).
11. Biofilms can contain many different types of microorganism, e.g. bacteria, archaea, protozoa, fungi and algae; each group performs specialized metabolic functions.

Biorock technology

1. Biorock is a cement-like engineering material formed when a small electric current is passed between underwater metal electrodes placed in seawater. This process can be used to create building materials or to create artificial 'electrified reefs' for the benefit of corals and other sea-life.
2. The material grows rapidly, strengthens with age and is self-repairing whilst power is applied.
3. This process emits carbon dioxide into the atmosphere rather than sequestering it.

Nitrogen fixing plants

1. Pea, Broad bean, Soyabean, Clover and Cowpea
2. Sangu pushpam (butterfly pea flower), fenugreek and agathi keerai