Treating Chikungunya Using HIV/AIDS Drug Efavirenz
Why in News:
A preliminary study by researchers at IIT Roorkee has found that efavirenz, a drug used for treating HIV/AIDS, can be repurposed for chikungunya treatment. The study, published in ACS Infectious Diseases, shows that efavirenz significantly reduces chikungunya viral load in cell lines and mouse models.
Key Points:
1. Chikungunya and Its Resurgence
- Transmitted by: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
- Major outbreaks in India: Reappeared in 2006 after 20–30 years; 14 million clinically suspected cases in 2006.
- Recent cases: Declined post-2014 but increased again from 2018.
2. Study on Efavirenz for Chikungunya Treatment
- Conducted by: Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Roorkee.
- Findings in cell studies:
- Inhibited 99% of chikungunya virus replication at low concentrations.
- Effective up to 6–8 hours post-infection.
- Findings in mouse models:
- Significant reduction in viral load.
- Increased limb swelling due to pro-inflammatory response.
3. Mechanism of Efavirenz Action
- Inhibits chikungunya virus replication, particularly during the early phase of infection.
- Effective against Sindbis virus, which is closely related to chikungunya.
4. Potential for Repurposing Efavirenz
- Previous case study: A HIV-positive patient with chikungunya showed improvement while on efavirenz.
- Future scope:
- Due to its good pharmacokinetic properties and prior clinical use, efavirenz holds potential for repurposing.
- Further clinical trials needed to confirm its effectiveness in humans.
India’s Commitment to Increase U.S. Oil Imports
Why in News?
India has pledged to increase its oil and gas imports from the U.S. following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump. This move is aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and securing energy supplies amid global uncertainties.
Key Points
1. India’s Agreement on Energy Imports
- India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, relies on imports for over 85% of its crude oil needs.
- The country has committed to boosting oil and gas purchases from the U.S., aiming to increase imports from $15 billion to $25 billion.
- This move is expected to enhance bilateral trade, which is currently in India’s favor, with the U.S. reporting a $45.7 billion trade deficit in 2024.
2. Expansion of LNG Imports and Infrastructure
- India is working towards diversifying its energy supply sources, focusing on crude oil, LNG, ethane, and other petroleum products from the U.S.
- Both countries aim to strengthen investments in oil and gas infrastructure and enhance cooperation between energy firms.
- The U.S. has emerged as one of India’s largest LNG suppliers, supporting India’s plan to increase natural gas consumption from 6% to 15% of its energy mix.
3. India’s Oil and Gas Requirements
- India imported 234.26 million tonnes of crude oil in 2023-24, with import dependence rising to 87.8%.
- Despite stable domestic production at 29.36 million tonnes, import bills fell from $157.53 billion (2022-23) to $133.37 billion (2023-24) due to lower global oil prices.
- The country also imported 31.80 billion cubic meters of LNG in 2023-24, reflecting its growing reliance on natural gas.
4. India’s Energy Sourcing from Russia
- India has significantly increased crude oil imports from Russia, rising from less than 1% to 40% of total imports post-Ukraine invasion.
- In the third year of the Russia-Ukraine war, India imported Russian crude worth €49 billion.
- While engaging with the U.S., India continues to maintain diversified energy ties, including with West Asia, Brazil, Canada, and Argentina.
5. India’s LNG Growth Plans
- According to the IEA, India’s gas consumption is expected to reach 103 billion cubic meters annually by 2030.
- The country is expanding its gas infrastructure, domestic production, and LNG imports to meet growing demand.
- Ensuring supply security and price competitiveness will be key challenges as global LNG markets evolve.
6. India’s Broader Energy Roadmap
- India is reducing import dependency by promoting renewable energy and alternative fuels such as ethanol, compressed biogas, and biodiesel.
- Policies supporting electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure are also part of the long-term energy transition strategy.
- The government’s multi-pronged approach aims to balance energy security, sustainability, and affordability.
Census of River Dolphins in India: Methodology and Key Findings
Why in News?
The first-ever comprehensive census of Gangetic dolphins in India, initiated four years ago, has identified 6,327 river dolphins in the Ganga and its tributaries. The findings were released by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) under the Environment Ministry on March 3, commemorated as World Wildlife Day.
Key Points
1. Findings of the Census Survey
- Total population: 6,324 Ganges river dolphins and 3 Indus river dolphins.
- Distribution:
- Mainstem Ganga: 3,275 dolphins
- Ganga tributaries: 2,414 dolphins
- Brahmaputra mainstream: 584 dolphins
- Brahmaputra tributaries: 51 dolphins
- River Beas: 3 dolphins
- State-wise distribution:
- Uttar Pradesh: 2,397
- Bihar: 2,220
- West Bengal: 815
- Assam: 635
- Jharkhand: 162
- Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh: 95
- Punjab: 3
- Survey covered 8,507 km of river stretches across 58 rivers.
2. Why was the Survey Necessary?
- River dolphins are slow-growing species found in threatened freshwater habitats.
- Vulnerable to entanglement in fishing nets and other human activities.
- Project Dolphin, launched in 2020, aims to conserve both marine and riverine dolphins.
- Ensures scientific monitoring and conservation through stakeholder engagement.
3. Methodology Used in the Census
- Unlike land animals, river dolphins present unique challenges as they are underwater creatures and only surface briefly for air.
- Traditional methods (camera traps, DNA sampling, pug marks) are ineffective.
- The census used a combination of visual and acoustic surveys:
- Visual Surveys:
- Observers recorded sightings from a boat moving at a constant speed.
- Noted distance, age (adult or neonate), and possible re-sightings.
- Acoustic Surveys:
- Used hydrophones (underwater microphones) to capture dolphin echolocation sounds.
- Signal processing techniques helped identify individual dolphins.
- Mathematical modeling was applied to combine both datasets for accurate estimation.
- Visual Surveys:
4. Major Threats to River Dolphins
- Accidental entanglement in large-meshed gillnets made of nylon and polythene, leading to suffocation.
- Opportunistic killings for their blubber oil, which is used as bait for catfish in India and Bangladesh.
- Classified as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated 4-5% decline annually due to fishing-related deaths.
Conclusion
The census provides critical data for river dolphin conservation efforts under Project Dolphin. Strengthening policies to regulate fishing practices and increasing awareness among stakeholders are crucial to ensuring the survival of these endangered species.
