GK Current Affairs - Questions & Answers - 7 January 2025
GK Current Affairs - Questions & Answers - 7 January 2025
Longest Driverless Metro
Welcome to the GK Current Affairs Questions & Answers for 7 January 2025. This edition covers a wide range of topics, including the concept of female perfection, Schengen, the Orange Line, digital infrastructure, the knowledge economy, Golden Globes 2025, marine fungi, coral babies, quantum advances, and more.
Ans. Sr. Simona Brambilla, an Italian-born religious sister from the Consolata Missionaries, has been appointed by Pope Francis as Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, along with Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime as Pro-Prefect.
Ques. What is the free travel area in Europe?
Ans. The Schengen area is the free travel area in Europe that has abolished internal border control for EU citizens. It is so named after the small village in Luxembourg where the Schengen Agreement and Convention were signed in 1985 and 1990.
Ques. Which is the world's longest driverless train system?
Ans. The Orange Line, Saudi Arabia's longest driverless train system, will connect Riyadh's eastern and western parts, a 41-kilometre stretch from Jeddah Road in the west to the second eastern ring road near the Khashm Al Aan area in the east.
Ques. What is the Battle of Kinmen?
Ans. The Battle of Kinmen (1949) was a pivotal conflict between the Republic of China (ROC) and Communist forces. ROC's victory secured Taiwan's control over Kinmen, preventing Communist expansion during the Chinese Civil War.
Ques. What is the difference between a bear market and a bull market?
Ans. A bear market signifies declining prices and investor pessimism, often during economic downturns. In contrast, a bull market reflects rising prices and optimism, typically driven by economic growth, strong earnings, and positive market sentiment.
Ques. What is the CII 7-point agenda for employment generation?
Ans. The CII 7-point agenda for employment focuses on enhancing skills, promoting entrepreneurship, boosting labour-intensive sectors, reforming labour laws, encouraging startups, increasing investment, and leveraging technology to generate sustainable and inclusive job opportunities in India.
Ques. Who can invest in a Public Provident Fund (PPF)?
Ans. Only Indian residents can invest in a Public Provident Fund (PPF). It is available for individuals, including minors through guardians, but Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) are ineligible.
Ques. Who are returnee entrepreneurs?
Ans. Returnee entrepreneurs are individuals who gain education or work experience abroad and return to their home country to establish businesses. They bring global expertise, innovation, and investments, contributing to local economic growth and job creation.
Ques. What is the status of digital infrastructure in Indian schools?
Ans. The latest UDISE Plus data reveals that only 57.2% of schools in India have functional computers, and just 53.9% have Internet access.
Ques. What is a knowledge economy?
Ans. A knowledge economy is driven by intellectual capabilities, innovation, and information rather than traditional industries. It emphasizes education, research, and technology, fostering economic growth through skilled labour, digital advancements, and knowledge-based services and products.
Ques. What movies won Golden Globes in 2025?
Ans. "The Brutalist" won Best Motion Picture – Drama at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards. Directed by Brady Corbet, the film also earned Adrien Brody Best Actor for his portrayal of architect László Tóth.
Ques. How far back in time can we see in space?
Ans. We can observe light from about 13.8 billion years ago, the time when the universe began with the Big Bang. The Moon’s more distant light arrives from ~1.25 seconds in the past. We see the Sun, 150 million kilometers away, as it was ~8.3 minutes ago.
Ques. Where is the Wheel of Ghosts located?
Ans. The ancient 5000-year-old "Wheel of Ghosts" is the Rujm el-Hiri site located in the Golan Heights near the borders with Syria and Lebanon.. It has long been considered an astronomical observatory.
Ques. What are the marine fungi?
Ans. Marine fungi are fungi that thrive in marine environments, such as oceans and coastal areas. Examples include Halophytophthora (found in salt marshes) and Marine Ascomycetes, which play roles in decomposition and symbiotic relationships with marine organisms.
Ques. What is the role of fruit flies in scientific research?
Ans. Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) are widely used in genetic research due to their short lifespan, simple genetics, and ease of manipulation. They help study inheritance, gene function, behaviour, and disease models, contributing to advancements in biology.
Ques. What is a dwarf planet?
Ans. A dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the Sun, has sufficient mass to maintain a nearly round shape, but has not cleared its orbit of other debris. Examples include Pluto, Eris, and Haumea.
Ques. Who planted the world’s 1st Lab-Grown Coral Babies on the Great Barrier Reef?
Ans. Taronga Conservation Society Australia scientists used cryopreservation techniques to successfully fertilize coral eggs with cryopreserved coral sperm. The cryo-born coral babies are put into“coral cradles” on the Barrier Reef. The Taronga CryDiversity Bank is the world’s largest frozen bio-repository of living coral cells
Ques. What is quantum revolution?
Ans. The quantum revolution refers to advancements in quantum mechanics, transforming technology and science. It includes innovations like quantum computing, quantum cryptography, and quantum sensors, promising breakthroughs in fields such as information processing and secure communication.
Ques. What is metagenomics?
Ans. Metagenomics is the study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples, bypassing the need for culturing organisms. It provides insights into microbial communities, biodiversity, and ecological functions, advancing research in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.
Ques. What is selective silencing?
Ans. Selective silencing refers to the process of inhibiting the expression of specific genes or genetic sequences. It is commonly used in research and therapeutic applications, such as gene therapy, to control gene activity and study functions.
Ques. What are twigstats?
Ans. Twigstats refers to genealogical analysis tools used to trace family lineages and study ancestral connections. It helps map out familial relationships, migration patterns, and historical data across generations.
Ques. What is Net Neutrality?
Ans. Net neutrality ensures that internet service providers treat all traffic equally, preventing prioritization of certain services. It maintains a level playing field, ensuring unrestricted access to information and services without “fast” or “slow” lanes.
Ques. What is the F-T-P approach?
Ans. The Feedstock-Technology-Product (F-T-P) approach is a structured framework that integrates biofuels into various industries. First-generation feedstocks (1G) include molasses, sugarcane syrup, and surplus grains. Second-generation feedstocks (2G) include bagasse, rice straw, and wheat straw. Third-generation feedstocks (3G) include Algal biofuels.
Ques. What is the difference between HMPV and COVID-19?
Ans. HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) and COVID-19 are both respiratory viruses, but HMPV causes mild to moderate respiratory illnesses, while COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, can lead to severe symptoms, including pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. HMPV belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, while COVID-19 belongs to the Coronaviridae family.
Ques. What is ‘Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0?’
Ans. ‘Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0’ aims to empower elected women representatives from tribal communities by enhancing their understanding of constitutional provisions, parliamentary procedures, and governance.
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