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1. Biomarker

Researchers have recently identified common metabolites across cancer types like pancreatic and glioma cancer, suggesting their potential as universal cancer biomarkers.

  • This offers a non-invasive method for early cancer diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
  • About Biomarker: It is a biological molecule or characteristic that indicates a normal or abnormal process in the body. 

o It can be used to detect disease, monitor treatment, and predict the risk of developing disease. 

Need for Reliable Cancer Biomarkers:

o Aggressive cancers like pancreatic and glioma are often diagnosed late and have poor prognoses.

o Non-invasive biomarkers can address gaps in early cancer detection and treatment strategies.

    • Role of Nano Messengers (Exosomes): Exosomes, carriers of tumour-derived metabolites, provide insights into the tumour microenvironment (TME).
    o They help explore metabolic interactions within tumours, aiding in precise diagnosis and targeted therapies.

    2. NAMASTE Scheme

    Recently, the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment has distributed Sanitation Kits and Ayushman Health Cards to Safai Karamcharis under the Central Government’s National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme.
    • About NAMASTE Scheme: It is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs,
    • Implemented By: The National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC)
    • Period: for three years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2025-26.
    • Objective: To eliminate manual engagement of sanitation workers in hazardous tasks of sewer and septic tank cleaning, ensuring their safety and dignity.
    • Components: Profiling of SSWs → Health Insurance under PM-JAY → Occupational Safety Training → Capital Subsidy → Distribution of PPE → IEC Campaign.

    3. Jhumoir Dance

    Over 8,000 artists from tea garden areas across Assam will perform Jhumoir dance at Jhumoir Binandini event, organized by the Assam government, marks 200 years of the Assam tea industry.

    • About Jhumoir Dance: Traditional dance of the tea tribe communities of Assam, also found in some parts of West Bengal.

    o Usually performed during the autumn season and takes place in open areas like fields or under trees.

    o Young girls primarily perform the dance.

    o Male members accompany them to maintain rhythm, vocals, and play instruments.

    • Music & Instruments: Performed to the beats of Madal (two-headed hand drum).

    o Accompanied by flute and Taals (cymbals) for harmonious music.

    • Dance Movements: Dancers hold each other's waists, moving hands and legs synchronously forward and backward.
    • Themes & Purpose: Incorporates songs and dialogues depicting joy, sorrow, love, and aspirations of common people.
    • Performed for ritual worship, courting, lovemaking, and prayers for rainfall.
    • Historical Significance: Originally a recreational activity during breaks from agricultural work.

    4. Zagros Mountains

    4.A recent study has found that a sinking oceanic slab beneath the Zagros Mountains in northern Iraq is pulling the region downward.

    • The Neotethys oceanic slab, which formed over 66 million years ago, is splitting and sinking into the Earth's mantle, influencing the region's topography.
    • About: The Zagros Mountains are a major mountain range extending from southeastern Turkey to northwestern Iran, with parts in northern Iraq.
    • The sinking of the region is due to plate tectonics, specifically a growing tear in the Neotethys oceanic slab between the Arabian and Eurasian plates. The process is extremely slow and occurs over millions of years.
    • The depression surrounding the Zagros Mountains is deeper than expected, suggesting a significant impact of tectonic plate interactions.
    • By studying rock records, sediments, and deep-earth imaging, researchers confirmed the sinking of the Neotethys slab, which is gradually pulling northern Iraq downward.

    5. Translator Facility

    The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly has become the first in India to introduce a translator facility to enhance legislative proceedings.

    • About: This initiative allows real-time translation of Assembly debates into Awadhi, Braj, Bhojpuri, Bundelkhand, and English.
    • Constitutional Provisions: Article 120 (Language in Parliament) & Eighth Schedule (Recognized Languages).

    o Aimed at improving accessibility and inclusivity in legislative discussions.

    • Official Languages under the Indian Constitution:

    o Article 343(1) states that the official language of the Union shall be Hindi in the Devanagari script.

    o Section 3 of the Official Language Act, 1963 provides for the continuation of English for official purposes of the Union and its use in Parliament.

    o The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists the recognized languages of the Republic of India.

    o Part XVII (Articles 343 to 351) of the Constitution lays down provisions related to the official language of India.

    6. Shri Kalki Dham Temple

    6.Uttar Pradesh Governor has recently attended the first foundation day of Shri Kalki Dham Temple in Sambhal district.

    • About Shri Kalki Dham Temple: It span across a five-acre area.
    • Materials: Similar to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir and Somnath Temple, it will be crafted from distinctive pink-hued stone, excluding the use of steel or iron frames.
    • Architecture: The temple's shikhara (spire) will soar to a height of 108 feet, with its base elevated 11 feet above ground level. Additionally, it will encompass a total of 68 sacred pilgrimage sites.
    • Cultural Context: According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Kalki is anticipated to appear in the future to end the Kali Yuga, a period marked by moral decline, and to restore righteousness, ushering in a new era known as Satya Yuga.

    7. Excise Policy

    The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet recently has approved the Excise Policy for 2025-26, introducing an e-lottery system for the allotment of liquor shops across the state.

    • About the Excise Policy in Uttar Pradesh:
    • E-Lottery System for Allotment: Applicants are permitted to submit only one application with a prescribed non-refundable security deposit.

    o An individual can be allotted a maximum of two shops.

    o The National Informatics Centre (NIC) will conduct the e-lottery in all districts, ensuring a transparent allocation process.

    • Revenue Target: ₹55,000 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26.
    • Promotion of Tourism: Guided tours of breweries and wineries will be introduced to boost tourism.

    o Individuals aged 21 years and above will be eligible to participate in these tours.

    • Support for Fruit Farmers: The policy encourages the establishment of wineries, providing a new market for local fruit farmers and promoting the use of horticultural produce in wine manufacturing.
    • Composite Liquor Shops: The policy proposes the creation of composite liquor shops, merging beer and foreign liquor outlets into a single unit, enhancing consumer convenience.
    • Breaking the Liquor Cartel: The policy aims to dismantle existing monopolies in the liquor trade by not renewing current licenses, thereby paving the way for new entrants into the market.

    8. MSME Promotion Policy

    The Uttar Pradesh Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Promotion Policy 2022 has been instrumental in positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leading state in MSME growth, significantly contributing to employment, exports, and GDP.

    • About Capital Subsidy:

    o Micro, small, and medium enterprises in the Bundelkhand and Purvanchal regions are eligible for capital subsidies of 25%, 20%, and 15%, respectively.

    o In the Madhyanchal and Paschimanchal regions, the subsidies are 20%, 15%, and 10%, respectively.

    o The subsidy is capped at INR 4 crore per unit, with additional benefits for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs.

    • Interest Subsidy: Micro units receive a 50% interest subsidy, payable annually for five years, up to INR 25 lakh per unit.

    o SC/ST and women-led enterprises are eligible for a 60% interest subsidy under the same terms.

    • Infrastructure Interest Subsidy: Industrial parks with a minimum area of 10 acres qualify for a 50% infrastructure interest subsidy, capped at INR 2 crore annually, payable over seven years.
    • Stamp Duty Exemptions: MSMEs are eligible for 100% stamp duty exemption in the Purvanchal and Bundelkhand regions, and 75% in the Madhyanchal and Paschimanchal regions (except Gautam Budh Nagar and Ghaziabad, where it's 50%).
    • Women entrepreneurs receive 100% stamp duty exemption across the state.
    • Quality Improvement Measures: To promote high-quality production, MSMEs are encouraged to attain certifications like ZED, GMP, Hallmark, etc.
    o Financial assistance of up to 75% is provided as reimbursement for obtaining these certifications.

    o This policy aims to foster local entrepreneurship, reduce migration, and ensure inclusive growth, aligning with initiatives like Make in India and the state's One District One Product (ODOP) scheme



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