GK Current Affairs - Questions & Answers  - 10 January 2025

Sonobuoy

Welcome to today's GK Current Affairs - Questions & Answers for 10 January 2025. In this edition, we cover a range of topics, including the Miyawaki technique for reforestation, advancements in genome sequencing, the emerging concert economy, and the role of DIPAM in India's economic growth. Additionally, we explore Forex market dynamics, transfection reagents in biotech, the impact of angel investors on startups, the rise of synthetic data factories, the significance of small language models, and the use of sonobuoys in maritime surveillance. Stay updated with these key developments!

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GK Current Affairs - Questions & Answers

Ques. What is the Miyawaki Technique?
Ans. The Miyawaki technique creates dense, fast-growing native forests using layered planting and close spacing. It was named after Dr. Akira Miyawaki a renowned Japanese botanist and ecologist who pioneered the method of afforestation. 

Ques. What is India's largest genome sequencing project?

Ans. GenomeIndia, launched in 2020, decodes India's genetic diversity by sequencing 10,074 genomes from 99 ethnic groups. It creates a secure genetic database at the Indian Biological Data Centre for research and healthcare advancements.

Ques. What is an apocalyptic fire?

Ans. An apocalyptic fire refers to a massive, destructive blaze causing widespread devastation, often symbolizing end-times scenarios. It can result from wildfires, industrial accidents, or fictional depictions, emphasizing catastrophic environmental, social, or existential consequences.

Ques. What are fire hydrants?

Ans. Fire hydrants are essential safety devices that provide water access for firefighting. Installed on streets or buildings, they connect to water mains, enabling firefighters to quickly control fires, ensure public safety, and protect property from damage.

Ques. What is concert economy?

Ans. The concert economy refers to the financial ecosystem surrounding live music events, including ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships, and local business boosts. It supports artists, venues, and industries, contributing significantly to cultural and economic growth globally.

Ques. What is DIPAM?

Ans. DIPAM (Department of Investment and Public Asset Management) oversees India's disinvestment strategy, managing government-owned assets and stakes in public enterprises. It promotes efficient capital utilization, privatization, and revenue generation for economic growth and fiscal consolidation.

Ques. What is NFP and how does it affect the Forex market?

Ans. NFP (Non-Farm Payroll) measures U.S. employment changes, excluding farming jobs. Released monthly, it impacts Forex by influencing USD value. Strong data boosts USD; weak data weakens it, affecting currency pairs globally.

Ques. What is transfection?

Ans. Transfection is the process of introducing foreign genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, into eukaryotic cells. It enables gene expression studies, protein production, and genetic manipulation, playing a crucial role in biotechnology and medical research.

Ques. What are transfection reagents?

Ans. Transfection reagents are substances used to introduce foreign genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, into eukaryotic cells. They facilitate gene expression studies, protein production, and genetic manipulation, crucial for research and biotechnology applications.

Ques. What is a mystery fund?

Ans. A mystery fund refers to a financial pool whose purpose, source, or management is unclear or undisclosed. It can be used in various contexts, such as investments, charitable donations, or secretive corporate reserves.

Ques. Who are angel investors?

Ans. Angel investors are individuals who provide financial backing to startups or early-stage businesses in exchange for equity or debt. They often offer mentorship, guidance, and industry connections, helping companies grow and succeed.

Ques. What are synthetic data factories?

Ans. Synthetic data factories generate artificial datasets using algorithms and simulations, mimicking real-world data without privacy concerns. They support AI and machine learning model training, testing, and validation, enhancing data-driven decision-making across industries.

Ques. What are small language models?

Ans. Small language models are compact AI models designed for natural language processing tasks. They are efficient, requiring less computational power, while still providing strong performance for tasks like text generation, translation, and sentiment analysis.

Ques. What is soapstone?

Ans. Soapstone is also known as talc-schist that is primarily composed of talc (magnesium silicate), with the chemical formula Mg3Si4O10(OH)2. It may also contain chlorite, pyroxenes, and other minerals. It is used in sculptures, countertops, stoves, and industrial applications like insulation.

Ques. What are sonobuoys?

Ans. Sonobuoys are buoyant devices used in maritime environments to detect underwater sounds, such as submarines or marine life. Equipped with hydrophones, they transmit acoustic data to surface vessels for analysis and tracking.

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