Prelims Focus 17th March 2025

Efavirenz Drug for Chikungunya Treatment

In News: Efavirenz, a non-nucleoside reverse 

transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) commonly used in HIV treatment, has shown potential as a repurposed drug for treating Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections. 

• Recent studies, including those by IIT Roorkee and others, have demonstrated that efavirenz can effectively reduce CHIKV replication both in vitro and in animal models, suggesting its potential as an antiviral therapy against this mosquito-borne disease. 
• Efavirenz inhibits viral RNA synthesis early in the replication process and exhibits broad anti-alphavirus activity by also targeting the Sindbis virus. 
• Given its established safety profile and low cost, efavirenz could offer a promising avenue for treating Chikungunya, for which there are currently no approved antiviral treatments. 
• However, further clinical trials are necessary to confirm its efficacy and safety in humans.

Byrnihat- Most Polluted City in the World

In News: Byrnihat, a small industrial town located on the border of Assam and Meghalaya in India, has been identified as the most polluted city in the world according to the World Air Quality Report 2024 by IQAir. 

• The town’s PM2.5 concentration averages 128.2 micrograms per cubic meter, significantly exceeding the World Health Organization’s guideline of 5 µg/m³. 
• This severe pollution is primarily due to the presence of numerous industrial units, including cement factories, distilleries, iron and steel plants, and brick kilns, which emit large amounts of particulate matter.
• The lack of effective pollution control measures and the proximity to major transportation routes further exacerbate the issue. 
• The high pollution levels have severe health implications for local residents, who report respiratory problems and other health issues. 
• In response, authorities have taken steps such as closing non-compliant industrial units and planning stricter pollution controls.

Uniyala Keralensis

In News: Researchers have named the brand new shrub species that’s endemic to southwest India, Uniyala keralensis ( family Asteraceae) after the State of Kerala.

• Uniyala keralensis is a “small to large shrub,” developing up to 1 to 3 metres in height and wearing appealing mild crimson florets, as per the research.
• Uniyala keralensis has, among different matters, larger leaves, fairly long petioles – the slim stalk that joins the leaf to the stem – and less lateral veins at the leaves.
  • Flowering and fruiting happens all through August to April.
• It is observed in open regions of the western mountain slopes of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR) at elevations ranging between 700 to 1400 metres.
• The present population consists of nearly 5,000 flowers of various a while in 4 subpopulations occupying a place of 250 rectangular kilometres.
• Following the IUCN Red List Criteria (IUCN 2024), Uniyala keralensis is categorised as Data Deficient (DD).

Assam Rifles

In News: Union Home Minister has recently introduced the relocation of Assam Rifles battalions to Mizoram.

• Assam Rifles is one of the six Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) that come under the MHA’s administrative control.
• It conducts counterinsurgency operations in north-eastern India and other areas deemed vital.
• Its operational control is with the Indian Army, with an officer of the rank of Lieutenant General commanding the pressure.
• The headquarters of the Director-General of Assam Rifles (DGAR) is in Shillong unlike other Central paramilitary forces, all of which have their headquarters in New Delhi.

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