2nd October 2024

1. BRCA Testing and Breast Cancer Prevention: A Public Health Imperative

Subject: Science
Section: Health

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, bringing attention to the significance of BRCA testing in identifying hereditary risks. The story of actress Angelina Jolie, who underwent preventive surgeries after testing positive for BRCA gene mutations, has brought public awareness to the life-saving potential of genetic testing.

What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in the breast, which can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. The most common types include:

• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: Begins in the milk ducts and spreads to surrounding breast tissue and potentially other parts of the body.
• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: Originates in the lobules (milk-producing glands) and also has the potential to metastasize.

Understanding Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC):
HBOC syndrome occurs due to inherited mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes usually help repair DNA and prevent tumor formation, but mutations impair their function, leading to a higher risk of cancer.

• BRCA Mutation Risks: Women with BRCA mutations face a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer (69-72%) and ovarian cancer (17-44%) by age 80, compared to the general population’s lifetime risk (12% for breast and 1% for ovarian cancer).

Advances in Genetic Testing Technologies:

• Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): NGS has made BRCA testing more affordable and accessible, allowing for rapid sequencing of DNA and identification of mutations across large populations.
• Liquid Biopsy: A revolutionary approach to detecting cancer-associated genetic mutations in blood samples, reducing the need for invasive surgical biopsies.

Preventive Measures for High-Risk Individuals:
For individuals with BRCA mutations, preventive options such as prophylactic mastectomy (breast removal) and oophorectomy (ovary removal) can dramatically lower cancer risks by 90-100%. Other measures include:

• Enhanced Screening: Regular mammograms, MRIs, and pelvic exams.
• Chemoprevention: The use of drugs like tamoxifen or raloxifene to reduce breast cancer risk in high-risk individuals.

Public Health Need for Population-Based Testing in India:
Despite the life-saving potential of BRCA testing, access remains limited in India due to high costs. To improve access, India requires:

• Subsidized Testing Programs: Government-led initiatives could make testing more affordable and widely available.
• Awareness Campaigns: Addressing cultural stigmas and increasing public knowledge about genetic testing can help encourage early detection and preventive care.

Impact on Healthcare Systems:
Early detection through BRCA testing can reduce the financial burden on healthcare systems by preventing advanced cancer cases, ultimately saving lives and resources.

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2. Congo Rebel Group Gets $300,000 Monthly from Seized Mine

Subject: International Relations
Section: Places in News

An armed rebel group, the March 23 Movement (M23), is profiting from the mining industry in eastern Congo. By controlling the Rubaya mining area, M23 generates approximately $300,000 monthly from tantalum, a mineral essential for electronics.

Tantalum and Its Extraction from Coltan:

• Role in Electronics: Tantalum, extracted from coltan ore, is used in manufacturing capacitors found in mobile phones, personal computers, automotive electronics, and digital cameras.
• Global Supply and the Congo Connection: Rubaya alone contributes over 15% of the world’s tantalum supply. Besides Congo, other major sources of coltan include Rwanda, Brazil, and Australia.

The Concept of Blood Minerals:
Similar to “blood diamonds,” blood minerals like tantalum are extracted in conflict zones and linked to human rights abuses, forced labor, and violence:

• Supply Chain Concerns: Global companies, including major tech firms, face increasing pressure to ensure their products are free from conflict minerals.
• Legal Frameworks and Corporate Responsibility: The Dodd-Frank Act in the U.S. requires companies to disclose their use of conflict minerals, aiming to reduce the market for minerals sourced from war-torn areas.

Impact of M23 on the Region:
The M23 group, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, has a history of violent conflict with the Congolese army, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis:

• Forced Displacement: With over 6 million people displaced due to violence, the region remains one of the world’s most challenging humanitarian situations.
• Environmental Degradation: Unregulated mining operations often lead to deforestation, water pollution, and habitat destruction, further harming local communities and ecosystems.

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3. How Israel Took the War to the ‘Axis of Resistance,’ Triggering Iran’s Attack

Subject: International Relations
Section: Places in News

Iran recently fired ballistic missiles at Israel, following a series of Israeli attacks targeting Iranian interests in Syria and allied Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. The unfolding conflict underscores the volatile dynamics within the Iran-led “Axis of Resistance” coalition.

Sequence of Events Leading to Escalation:

• December 2023: Israel killed an IRGC general in Damascus, leading Iran to retaliate with a missile strike on what it called a Mossad base in Iraq.
• April 2024: Israel bombed the Iranian embassy in Damascus, killing several officers. This action, viewed as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty, provoked a major Iranian response.
• July 2024: Israel simultaneously targeted Hezbollah and Hamas leaders in Lebanon and Gaza, respectively. In response, Hezbollah launched over 300 short-range rockets into Israel.

Different Approaches within the Axis of Resistance:

• Iran’s Aggressive Stance: Iran advocates for a unified, assertive response against Israel and backs Hezbollah’s military operations in Lebanon.
• Hezbollah’s Limited Retaliation: While Hezbollah is part of the Axis, it has signaled a preference for contained conflict over full-scale war, aiming to avoid destabilizing Lebanon further.

Axis of Resistance Explained:
The Axis includes Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other groups opposing Israel and U.S. influence in the Middle East. Established to challenge Western influence, the coalition’s activities span several countries:

• Regional Influence: Iran has nurtured alliances with groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and various Shiite militias in Syria and Iraq.
• Strategic Objectives: Iran aims to leverage these alliances to counteract U.S. and Israeli presence in the region, projecting power through asymmetric warfare and proxy conflicts.

Global and Regional Implications:

• Risk of Wider Conflict: The situation threatens to spill over into broader regional warfare, particularly if U.S. allies in the Middle East respond militarily.
• Geopolitical Strain: Israel’s aggressive actions, backed by the U.S., could strain its relations with other Middle Eastern nations, prompting calls for diplomatic intervention to prevent further escalation.

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4. Nearby River Contributes to the Rise of Mount Everest, Says New Study

Subject: Geography
Section: Oceanography

A recent study attributes the accelerated rise of Mount Everest to erosion caused by the nearby Arun River. According to researchers, the erosion process has caused the mountain to grow by 15 to 50 meters more than previously expected over the past 89,000 years.

Understanding the Role of the Arun River:

• Location and Influence: The Arun River, located 75 km from Everest, erodes rock and soil from the mountain’s base, reducing the weight pressing down on the Earth’s crust and facilitating the process known as isostatic rebound.
• Isostatic Rebound: This geological process involves the Earth’s crust rising in response to the reduction in surface weight. When erosion reduces weight, the crust “bounces back,” causing an uplift.

Geological and Historical Context of the Arun River:
The Arun is a transboundary river, originating in Tibet (known locally as Phung Chu or Bum-chu) and forming part of the Koshi river system in Nepal. Its confluence with the Sun Koshi and Tamur rivers forms the Sapta Koshi.

Controversy and Scientific Debate:

• Uncertainties in Dating: Determining the exact timeline of river erosion and merger events remains challenging, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about their impact on Everest’s uplift.
• Alternative Theories: Some geologists question whether river erosion can significantly impact the uplift rate of mountains, citing other factors like tectonic activity as primary drivers of Everest’s growth.

Impact on Neighboring Peaks:
The erosion of the Arun River not only influences Everest but also affects nearby peaks like Lhotse and Makalu, contributing to their uplift as well.

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5. Amid Challenges, China Marks 75 Years of CPC Rule

Subject: International Relations
Section: Places in News

China recently celebrated 75 years of Communist Party rule with minimal fanfare. Facing economic, demographic, and geopolitical challenges, the milestone was marked primarily by a flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square.

Political Structure and Party Control:

• One-Party System: The Communist Party of China (CPC) dominates all aspects of governance, with no tolerance for political opposition. State-controlled media, education, and civil society are used to reinforce party ideology.
• Economic Reforms and Achievements: Since the late 1970s, China’s socialist market economy reforms have driven rapid industrial growth, transforming the country into a global economic powerhouse. However, the current economic slowdown poses a challenge to sustaining this growth.

China’s Expansionist Policies:

• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): China’s global infrastructure and investment strategy, aimed at expanding its influence and securing strategic territories across Asia and beyond.
• Territorial Disputes: China’s claims in the South China Sea and its stance on Taiwan have led to tensions with neighboring countries and the United States.

Current Challenges and Economic Strains:

• Slowing Growth: Economic struggles, including a prolonged property market slump, trade tensions, and an aging population, are testing China’s ability to maintain its growth trajectory.
• Geopolitical Tensions: China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, support for Russia, and territorial ambitions have heightened tensions with countries like Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, and strained U.S.-China relations.

Implications for Global and Regional Stability:

• Military Modernization: China’s investments in its military capabilities, particularly its navy, underscore its readiness to assert claims over contested territories, raising concerns about potential conflicts.
• Global Power Shifts: As China seeks to expand its influence, the international community watches closely, with alliances forming to counterbalance its reach in the Asia-Pacific region.

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6. Sri Lanka’s Economy Marks First Deflation in 39 Years

Subject: Economics
Section: Inflation and Unemployment

Sri Lanka recently recorded deflation for the first time since 1985, with consumer prices dipping to negative 0.5%. This marks a sharp turn for an economy that faced hyperinflation and political instability just two years prior.

The Context of Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis:

• 2022 Crisis: Inflation soared to 69.8% during a severe shortage of food, fuel, and medicines, leading to widespread protests and political turmoil.
• Recovery Measures: The government implemented austerity measures, adjusted interest rates, and secured aid from international organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Understanding Deflation and Its Implications:
Deflation, while increasing purchasing power, can also lead to reduced consumer spending, as people delay purchases in anticipation of further price drops. This can slow economic growth and make debt repayment more difficult:

• Impact on Employment: Deflation may cause businesses to cut production and jobs, contributing to higher unemployment rates.
• Strain on Debt Repayment: With deflation, the real value of debt rises, posing challenges for both individuals and the government in managing debt obligations.

Comparison to India’s Inflation Management:
In contrast, India targets moderate inflation to encourage growth. The Reserve Bank of India aims for a 4% inflation rate, with a tolerance band of +/- 2%.

Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Economic Recovery:

• Diversification Efforts: To reduce reliance on tourism and agriculture, Sri Lanka is investing in technology and renewable energy.
• Structural Reforms: Implementing policy changes and rebuilding trust in institutions remain critical for stabilizing the economy.

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7. How India’s Temples are Run

Subject: Polity
Section: Constitution

India’s temples, particularly Hindu temples, are unique in that many are under state control, leading to debates over religious freedom and autonomy. This contrasts with other religious institutions, such as churches and mosques, which are primarily self-administered.

Current Government Control:

• Scope of Oversight: States like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have laws that allow government departments to administer temples, including managing temple income and expenditures.
• Key State Departments:
  • Tamil Nadu’s HR&CE Department: Oversees over 38,000 temples.
  • Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in Andhra Pradesh: Manages one of the wealthiest religious trusts in India.

Historical Context of State Involvement:

• British Influence: The Religious Endowments Act of 1863 was one of the first laws to give the government control over temples, setting a precedent that continues in various forms.
• Post-Independence Legislation: States enacted their own laws, like the Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act of 1951, allowing extensive state involvement.

Constitutional and Legal Aspects:

• Article 25(2): Permits the government to regulate secular activities associated with religious institutions for social welfare.
• Legal Precedents:
  • Shirur Mutt Case (1954): Upheld the state’s right to regulate temple administration while affirming religious autonomy.
  • Pannalal Bansilal Pitti Case (1996): Rejected the argument for uniform laws across all religions, allowing for religion-specific regulations.

Debates Surrounding Government Control:

• Pro-Control View: Advocates argue that state oversight ensures transparency and prevents mismanagement of temple funds.
• Opposition View: Critics claim that government control infringes on religious freedom and advocate for temples to be free from state administration.

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8. Only 10% of Nations Fulfil Their Biodiversity Commitments Ahead of COP16, Reveals NBSAP Tracker

Subject: Environment
Section: International Conventions

Ahead of the upcoming COP16 Biodiversity Conference, only 10% of countries have met their biodiversity commitments, according to a report from the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAP) tracker.

COP16 and Current Progress on Biodiversity Targets:

• Conference Details: Scheduled for October 21 – November 1, 2024, in Cali, Colombia, COP16 will assess progress on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
• Limited Progress: While 20 countries have updated their NBSAPs, many are behind schedule, and only 33% of countries have set measurable objectives.

About the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF):

• Goals: To halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and to protect 30% of the planet’s lands and waters.
• Key Targets:
  • Reducing the introduction of invasive species by 50%.
  • Mobilizing $200 billion annually for biodiversity-related funding.

Challenges to Achieving GBF Targets:

• Funding Shortages: Lack of financial resources hampers progress, with countries struggling to mobilize the necessary funds for biodiversity protection.
• Integration Across Sectors: Ensuring biodiversity considerations are incorporated into agriculture, forestry, and urban planning is essential but remains challenging.

Role of the NBSAP Tracker:
Developed by the World Wildlife Fund, the NBSAP tracker monitors countries’ progress in aligning their biodiversity plans with GBF goals, promoting transparency and accountability.

Importance of the COP16 for Global Biodiversity:
Dubbed the “Paris moment” for biodiversity, COP16 will play a crucial role in galvanizing global efforts to reverse biodiversity loss, drawing attention to the urgent need for action and cooperation.