GK Current Affairs - Questions & Answers  - 11 January 2025

Himalayan Gaddi Dog

Welcome to the GK Current Affairs Q&A for 11 January 2025! This edition covers a diverse range of topics, including space farming innovations, the EmpowHER Biz initiative, the Gaddi dog breed, health updates, Billy Arjan Singh’s legacy, Dudhwa National Park, the gig economy, Bacopa herbals, algorithms, data science, and the open internet.

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Ques. What is algorithmic bias?

Ans. Algorithmic bias in search engines refers to the situation where search results depend on priorities like paid promotions, advertisers, political influence, censors, biased data, or design choices - suppressing organic or diverse content, making it harder for users to find unbiased, comprehensive information.

Ques Why does food grow better on the moon than on Mars?

Ans. Food may grow better on the Moon than on Mars due to its regolith soil (fragmented bedrock), shorter days, lower gravity, and lack of atmosphere, which simplifies environmental control. Mars' soil contains toxic perchlorates, extreme temperatures, and dust storms.

Ques. What is meant by human capital?
Ans. Human capital refers to individuals' skills, knowledge, experience, and abilities, which contribute to their productivity and economic value. It emphasizes education, training, and health as key investments for societal growth.

Ques. What is the EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki Udaan programme?

Ans. EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki Udaan is a programme that aims to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with essential skills like retail management, digital tools, financial literacy, and business development to thrive in the organised retail sector.

Ques. What is proteomics?

Ans. Proteomics is the large-scale study of proteins, particularly their functions, structures, and interactions within a biological system. It helps understand cellular processes and disease mechanisms and can aid in drug discovery and personalized medicine.

Ques. What is the "genetic big bang?"

Ans. The "genetic big bang" refers to a rapid, significant diversification of species' genetic material, often triggered by environmental changes, mutations, or evolutionary events. It marks a major shift in genetic evolution, leading to new biological forms.

Ques. What is gravitational lensing?

Ans. Gravitational lensing occurs when a massive object, like a galaxy or black hole, bends the light from a more distant object due to its gravitational field, creating distorted, magnified, or multiple images of the distant source.

Ques. Name the dog breed that is recently officially recognized by ICAR-NBAGR?

Ans. The Gaddi dog, also known as the Bhote Kukur or Bhotia dog, is officially recognized by ICAR-NBAGR. Native to the Himalayan region, these dogs are used by Gaddi shepherds of Himachal Pradesh to protect livestock from predators like the Snow Leopard. Fewer than 1,000 Gaddi dogs remain.

Ques. What is open internet?

Ans. Open internet ensures unrestricted access to online content, applications, and services without discrimination. It promotes freedom of expression, innovation, and equal opportunities, while opposing censorship, throttling, or preferential treatment by internet service providers.

Ques. What is genetic medicine?

Ans. Genetic medicine involves using genetic information to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. It includes gene therapy, genetic testing, and personalized medicine, aiming to correct genetic disorders or modify genes to enhance health and treat conditions.

Ques. What is market integration?

Ans. Market integration refers to unifying separate markets into a single system, enabling the free flow of goods, services, and resources. It promotes efficiency, competition, and price stability, benefiting consumers and producers alike. Eg. European Union.

Ques. What are grey zone tactics?

Ans. Grey zone tactics involve ambiguous, non-traditional actions between peace and war, such as cyberattacks, disinformation, and economic coercion. These strategies aim to achieve political or strategic goals without provoking full-scale military conflict.

Ques. What is meant by resident health?

Ans. Resident health focuses on the well-being of individuals living in a specific area, emphasizing access to healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, and environmental factors. It aims to enhance quality of life and prevent community-specific health issues.

Ques. Which is the highest jumping animal?

Ans. The highest-jumping animal is the impala (Aepyceros melampus), a type of antelope. It can leap up to 10 feet (3 meters) high and cover distances of up to 30 feet (9 meters) in a single bound.

Ques. Who is Billy Arjan Singh?

Ans. Billy Arjan Singh was a hunter-turned Indian wildlife conservationist, naturalist, and author, known for his efforts in protecting tigers and other wildlife. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Dudhwa National Park (UP) and promoting conservation awareness.

Ques. What is smart packaging?

Ans. Smart packaging integrates technology into traditional packaging to enhance functionality, such as monitoring freshness, extending shelf life, improving safety, and providing interactive features. It includes active packaging, intelligent sensors, and QR codes for consumer engagement.

Ques.  What is the Stroop effect?

Ans. The Stroop effect is a cognitive phenomenon where it takes longer to name the colour of a word when the word itself spells out a conflicting colour (e.g., the word "red" written in blue ink).

Ques. What are piezoceramics?

Ans. Piezoceramics are materials that generate an electrical charge when subjected to mechanical stress. They are commonly used in sensors, actuators, and transducers, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa. Some examples are quartz, lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT)and Barium Titanate (BaTiO₃).

Ques. What is the gig economy?

Ans. The gig economy is a labour market characterized by short-term, flexible jobs, often facilitated by digital platforms. Workers perform freelance tasks or temporary contracts, offering convenience and autonomy but lacking traditional job security and benefits.

Ques, What is a zero-hour contract?

Ans. A zero-hour contract is an employment agreement where workers are not guaranteed minimum working hours. Employers call them as needed, offering flexibility but often resulting in income instability and lack of job security for employees.

Ques. What is a parade of planets?

Ans. A parade of planets refers to a rare alignment where multiple planets in our solar system appear in the same region of the sky. This event offers a stunning celestial display visible from Earth.

Ques. Name the popular Indian brain-boosting herb?

Ans. Bacopa is gaining global attention for its cognitive benefits that show significant improvements in memory and focus after 12 weeks of daily Bacopa supplementation, as bacosides in it enhance brain function.

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