GK Current Affairs - Questions & Answers  - 18 January 2025

Broken Heart Syndrome

Welcome to the GK Current Affairs - Questions & Answers for 18 January 2025! This edition covers a wide range of topics, including the Kumbh Mela, ISRO's space missions, broken heart syndrome, supercomputers, and Kokborok language movements. We also explore important health issues like anaemia and vitiligo, along with cultural landmarks such as Kalagram. Plus, learned about fur production, genomic advancements, Astronights, and the role of naval civilians. Stay updated with the latest knowledge!

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Ques. Why is Kumbh Mela celebrated?

Ans. "Kumbh" in Sanskrit means pitcher/\or pot. As per the mythology, Dhanvantri (deity of health) spilt amrita at Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik-Trimbakeshwar. It was formalized by Adi Shankaracharya and celebrated every 12th year and became a platform for the freedom struggle and political mobilization.

Ques. What are the black-eyed pea seeds germinated by ISRO in space?

Ans. ISRO successfully germinated black-eyed pea seeds (Vigna unguiculata) in space aboard the PSLV-C37 satellite as part of its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS). This experiment marks a significant achievement in space agriculture.

Ques. What is Broken Heart Syndrome?

Ans. Broken Heart Syndrome, or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a temporary heart condition triggered by extreme stress or emotional events. It mimics heart attack symptoms but involves no blocked arteries, often resolving with proper medical care.

Ques. What is meant by TFLOP?

Ans. TFLOP (Tera Floating Point Operations Per Second) measures a computer's performance, indicating its ability to handle one trillion floating-point calculations per second. It is crucial for evaluating the power of supercomputers and GPUs.

Ques. What is the Kokborok movement?

Ans. Kokborok is a Sino-Tibetan language spoken by the Borok people, officially recognized in 1979. The Twipra Student Federation (TSF) is demanding the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language.

Ques. What are the causes of anaemia?

Ans. Anaemia is caused by iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, and air pollution, which impairs oxygen transport in the blood. These factors lead to fatigue, weakness, and other health complications if untreated.

Ques. What is the purpose of Kalagram in Prayagraj during Mahakumbh 2025?

Ans. Kalagram is a cultural and artistic hub in Prayagraj during Mahakumbh 2025. It is associated with promoting traditional arts, crafts, and heritage. It serves as a platform for artists and artisans, offering exhibitions, workshops, and performances to preserve cultural heritage.

Ques. What are the top countries in terms of computing power?

Ans.   The topmost computing power country is the US, with 172 supercomputers and 6.5 million TFLOPs. Japan, Italy, and Switzerland follow.

Ques. What are the top three fur-producing countries?

Ans. The top three fur-producing countries are China, Russia, and Canada. China leads in mink and fox fur production, Russia specializes in sable fur, and Canada is known for wild fur like beaver and lynx.

Ques. What is GRBhavigyan?

Ans. GRBhavigyan (or Geospatial Resource and Bioinformatics Science) integrates geospatial data with biological and environmental research. It helps in analyzing patterns, resource management, and understanding biodiversity, promoting sustainable development and effective decision-making in agriculture and conservation.

Ques. What is multiomics?

Ans. Multiomics integrates data from multiple "omics" fields—genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics—to comprehensively analyze biological systems. It enables deeper insights into complex diseases, personalized medicine, and systems biology, transforming research and healthcare outcomes.

Ques. What are astronights?

Ans. Astronights refers to events or programs focused on astronomy, often held at observatories or planetariums. These events provide stargazing opportunities, learning about celestial bodies, and engaging with experts in the field of space science.

Ques. What is vitiligo?

Ans. Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition causing loss of pigmentation, resulting in white patches. It occurs when melanocytes are destroyed, possibly due to autoimmune factors. Treatments include topical therapies, light therapy, and depigmentation options.

Ques. Which is the International Year of Camelids?

Ans. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) designated 2024 as the International Year of Camelids (camels, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos) to emphasize the animal's vital role in supporting millions of households across over 90 countries.

Ques. Who are naval civilians?

Ans. Naval civilians are non-military personnel employed by naval forces. They support naval operations through administrative, technical, and logistical roles, contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of naval services while not being part of the armed forces.

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