News in Short

• Researchers have found through a study that sperm is affected by diet and its results appear rapidly. 
• Many environmental and lifestyle factors, including obesity and related diseasesmay affect sperm quality, such as type 2 diabetes, are well-known risk factors for poor sperm quality.
• Scientists have hypothesized that RNA sperm fragments may engage in epigenetic processes, which increases the motility in sperms.

• The higher level of BMI (Body Mass Index) can improve the chance of survival among certain cancers, suggests new research.
• Cancer researchers found improved responsiveness to the drug in those with a high body mass index (BMI).
• Previous studies have explored a concept called 'obesity paradox' where obesity is associated with increased risks for developing certain cancers.

• Muhammavillage of Alappuzha district in Kerala is all set to become the“first synthetic sanitary pad free village in India”.
• The project has been fashioned by the local body in a bid to tackle the issue of menstrual waste.
• As per the project, the civic body will encourage women to switch to reusable pads made of clothes and menstrual cups.
• As per the project, the panchayat will provide a maximum of four cloth pads and one menstrual cup to all women by collecting a nominal fee.

• Digital transactions made using RuPay credit cards, or UPI QR codes will not face additional charges for merchants or customers from the beginning of next year.
• All shops, business establishments and companies with an annual turnover of ?50 crore or more have been mandated to offer these modes of payment to customers and will be exempted from Merchant Discount Rates.
• The Merchant Discount Rate is the percentage of the digital transaction that a merchant pays to banks. This cost is often passed on to the customer.

• Pejavar Mutt seer Vishwesha Teertha Swami passed away on 29-12-19. He was 88.
• Swami was the head of Sri Pejavara Adokshaja Matha, one of the Ashta Mathas belonging to the Dvaita school of philosophy, founded by Sri Madhvacharya in Udupi, Karnataka.
• The Pejawar seer had also led the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and was one of the influential leaders of Vishwa Hindu Parishad.