Facts In News 23-11-2024

Study on Ovarian cancer 

Syllabus :GS 3/Science and Tech 

In News

A new study from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) reveals that cancer cells adapt their migration patterns based on their microenvironment’s physical and biochemical characteristics. 

About  Ovarian cancer 

• It is a group of diseases that originate in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum. 
• It is a serious disease marked by abnormal cell growth in the ovaries, often with subtle or nonspecific symptoms that make early detection challenging. 
• It is one of the deadliest gynecological cancers, typically diagnosed at advanced stages, which complicates treatment and lowers survival rates. 
• Causes : Genetic, reproductive, and hormonal factors contribute to its development, highlighting the need for effective risk assessment and screening.
• Types of Ovarian Cancer: Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Accounts for over 95% of ovarian cancers.
  • Nonepithelial Ovarian Cancer: Makes up about 5%, including germ cell, sex-cord stromal, and small cell cancers.
  • Histologic Subtypes: Epithelial cancers are further classified into high-grade serous, low-grade serous, clear cell, endometrioid, and mucinous subtypes, each with different diagnostic, management, and patient outcome considerations.

Findings of recent study 

• It was published in the Biophysical Journal and examined two types of ovarian cancer cells, OVCAR-3 (polygonal shape) and SK-OV-3 (elongated spindle shape), on soft and stiff surfaces.
  • On soft surfaces, both cell types moved slowly and randomly. 
  • On stiff surfaces, OVCAR-3 cells were more migratory than expected, displaying a unique “slip” movement pattern where their direction became less coordinated with their shape. 
  • The study sheds light on the mechanisms driving cancer metastasis.

Source: TH

India and Maldives MoU on  use of local currencies

Syllabus :GS 2/IR

In News

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote the use of local currencies in cross-border transactions.

About MoU 

• It encourages the use of the Indian Rupee (INR) and Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) in:

• Current account transactions.
• Permissible capital account transactions.
• Other economic or financial transactions agreed upon by both countries.

• Benefits: Exporters and importers can invoice and settle payments in their respective domestic currencies (INR and MVR).
  • Facilitates trading of the INR-MVR pair in the foreign exchange market.
• Expected Outcomes: Optimized transaction costs and reduced settlement times.
  • Strengthened bilateral cooperation between the RBI and MMA.
  • Enhanced trade and financial integration, boosting economic ties between India and the Maldives.

Source: TH

Bandipur Tiger Reserve

In News

The Karnataka Forest Department has imposed restrictions on the annual jathra (religious fair) of Beladakuppe Sri Mahadeshwaraswamy Temple, located in the core area of Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

About Bandipur Tiger Reserve

• Location :It is situated  in Karnataka
  • It is located in one of India’s most biodiverse regions, within the “5 B Western Ghats Mountains Biogeography Zone.” 
• Border areas  : It is bordered by Mudumalai Tiger Reserve to the south, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to the southwest, and the Kabini Reservoir to the northwest, which separates it from Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.
  •  To the north, the reserve is surrounded by human-influenced landscapes, including villages and agricultural lands.
• Biodiversity: Bandipur is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (5,520 sq. km), India’s first Biosphere Reserve, notified in 1986 under the Man and Biosphere Programme.
  • The Bandipur landscape is recognized as one of India’s Mega Biodiversity Areas, supporting a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
  • Tigers and elephants are key species for ecosystem conservation, acting as flagship and umbrella species for the entire biota.

Source :TH

Central Value Added Tax (CENVAT) 

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy

Context

• The Supreme Court allowed telecom companies to claim Central Value Added Tax (CENVAT) credit for the installation of mobile towers and peripherals like pre-fabricated buildings (PFBs) for which they pay excise duties.

About

• The court ruled that mobile towers and pre-fabricated buildings (PFBs) or shelters fall within the definition of ‘capital goods’ or ‘inputs’ under the CENVAT Rules, 2004.
• Capital goods are tangible assets used in the production of goods or services but are not consumed in the process. They are typically used over a longer term and aid in the delivery of taxable outputs.

What is CENVAT?

• The Central Value Added Tax, is a mechanism under the CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004, which allows manufacturers and service providers to offset their excise duties or service tax liabilities with input tax credits. 
• This system helps reduce the cascading effect of taxes, thereby promoting efficiency in the taxation process.
• Key Features;
  • It applies to excisable goods and services.
  • Tax credits can be claimed for capital goods, inputs, and input services used in the production of goods or provision of services.
  • It ensures that taxes are paid only on the value addition at each stage of production or service delivery.

Source: TH

Rejang Dewa, part of Ngusaba Goreng festival.

Syllabus: GS1/ Culture

Context

• The Rejang Dewa, a sacred Balinese dance, forms a significant part of the Ngusaba Goreng festival.

About

• The Ngusaba Goreng festival, a two-week thanksgiving ritual for a bountiful harvest in Bali. 
• The word Rejang signifies “offering” or “devotion,” while Dewa refers to the divine entities worshiped in Hinduism. 
• The festival primarily involves traditional dances performed by young girls and women.

Significance

• Spiritual Connection: The festival reinforces the Balinese Hindu belief in the interconnection between humans, nature, and the divine.
• Social Cohesion: As a community-centered celebration, it fosters social harmony and collective identity.

Source: TH

Project Veer Gatha

Syllabus: Miscellaneous

Context

• More than 1.76 crore school students from all 36 States and UTs have participated enthusiastically in Project Veer Gatha 4.0. 

About Project Veer Gatha

• The Government had launched Project ‘Veer Gatha’ as part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to celebrate 75th year of Independence. 
• It was launched under the Gallantry Awards Portal (GAP) in 2021, aims to share the courageous acts and life stories of Gallantry Awardees with students to foster patriotism and civic values. 
• Through this initiative, students have created projects in various formats, including poems, essays, paintings, and videos, to honor these gallantry award winners.
• Aligned with the Republic Day celebrations each year, Project Veer Gatha has seen great success with its first three editions.
• Under Project Veer Gatha 4.0, 100 winners will be selected and their felicitation will be done jointly by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Defence during the upcoming Republic Day. Each winner will be awarded a cash prize of Rs. 10,000. 

Source: PIB

Argentina considering leaving the Paris Agreement

Syllabus: GS2/International Groupings

Context

• Argentina is considering withdrawing from the Paris Agreement.

About

• Article 28 of the Paris Agreement lays out the procedure and timeline for a country’s withdrawal from the treaty.
  • Any time after three years from the date on which this Agreement has entered into force for a Party, that Party may withdraw from this Agreement by giving written notification.
  • If Argentina decides to withdraw, it would need to notify the UN and would remain in the agreement for one year. 
• Argentina is South America’s second-largest economy and the world’s 24th-largest emitter of GHGs.
  • It comprises significant fossil fuel resources and exports, with the second-largest reserves of shale gas (a type of natural gas) and the fourth-largest reserves of shale oil worldwide.

Paris Agreement

• It is a legally binding international treaty on climate change, adopted in 2015, at the COP21 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• It aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 
• The Paris Agreement emphasizes nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and encourages all countries to take climate action.
  • Countries must review and update their NDCs every five years to enhance their efforts and increase ambition over time.

Source: IE

Ashtamudi Lake

Syllabus: GS1/Geography

Context

• A recent episode of fish kill in Ashtamudi Lake has once again highlighted the increasing pollution into the lake.

About

• It is located in the Kollam district of Kerala.
• The lake is fed by the major river, Kallada.
• The name “Ashtamudi” means “eight coned” in Malayalam, referring to the shape of the lake, which resembles a set of eight small channels.
• The lake is connected to the Arabian Sea through the Ashtamudi Estuary.
• It is part of the Ashtamudi Wetland, which is a Ramsar Wetland site, recognized in 2002 for its international importance.
• Ashtamudi Lake faces challenges such as pollution, encroachment, and the impact of climate change. 
  • Efforts are being made to preserve its ecological balance through conservation initiatives.

Source: TH