1. Orans: The Sacred Groves of Rajasthan. 

2. Sea Defenders 2024: Strengthening Maritime Security. 

3. Dolutegravir (DTG): A Breakthrough in HIV Treatment 

4. Bengaluru's Water Crisis: Urgent Call for Action. 

5. World Poverty Clock: India's Progress Towards Ending Extreme Poverty. 

1. Orans: The Sacred Groves of Rajasthan

Context:The recent notification by the Rajasthan State government, declaring 'orans' as deemed forests, has sparked concerns among local communities regarding potential loss of access to forest produce and livelihood.

Supreme Court Directives on Deemed Forests:

• As per Supreme Court directives, areas like orans, Dev-vans, and Rundhs are deemed forests.
• The TN Godavarman case of 1996 mandated the identification of such lands, ensuring their inclusion under Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, prohibiting non-forestry activities without central government permission.

About Orans:

• Orans are community-conserved sacred spaces, rich in biodiversity and often featuring a water body.
• Considered as sacred groves, they are natural vegetation areas protected by communities for religious reasons, prohibiting tree cutting due to spiritual connections.
• Utilized for livestock grazing, communal gatherings, festivals, and social events, they serve as vital habitats, particularly for the Great Indian Bustard.

Concerns Regarding Orans:

• Current classification of orans as wastelands leads to biodiversity loss and impacts locals' livelihoods, with large land allocations for solar plants.
• Concerns include potential deprivation of forest produce access, restrictions on herds, and impacts on religious practices and social dynamics.

Challenges if Orans are Declared as Deemed Forests:

• Loss of forest produce access and livelihood opportunities for communities.
• Disruption of religious and social activities conducted within orans.
• Restrictions on movement and land use contradict local context and traditions.
• Lack of consultation with affected communities exacerbates concerns and challenges.

Significance of Sacred Groves:

• Sacred groves play a crucial role in soil conservation, preventing erosion, and maintaining soil fertility.
• They act as natural windbreaks, shielding settlements and agricultural lands from winds and reducing natural disaster risks.

Conclusion: Orans represent vital ecological and cultural assets, requiring inclusive decision-making and sustainable management practices. Balancing conservation efforts with socio-economic needs is crucial, ensuring the preservation of biodiversity and the well-being of local communities.

GS Paper 3: Environment and Ecology - Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

1. Sea Defenders 2024: Strengthening Maritime Security

Overview: The upcoming 'Sea Defenders-2024' joint exercise, featuring the United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) Bertholf ship, underscores the commitment to bolster maritime security through collaborative efforts between the Indian Coast Guard and the US Coast Guard.

About Sea Defenders-2024:

• Location: Off the coast of Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Duration: A two-day exercise focusing on combating maritime piracy and asymmetric threats.
• Objectives: Conducting simulated drone attacks, joint search and rescue operations, firefighting, marine pollution response, and counter-drug interdiction exercises.
• Significance: Highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing maritime challenges and strengthens the partnership between the Indian and US Coast Guards.

Key Facts about Indian Coast Guard (ICG):

• Role: Protects India's maritime interests, enforces maritime law, and has jurisdiction over territorial waters, contiguous zone, and exclusive economic zone.
• Functions: Safeguards maritime interests, assists vessels and fishermen in distress, and protects the maritime environment.
• Establishment: Formally established in 1978 under the Coast Guard Act, 1978, as an independent Armed force of India.
• Parent Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Defence.
• Administration: Headed by the Director General Indian Coast Guard (DGICG), with headquarters in New Delhi.

Conclusion: The 'Sea Defenders-2024' joint exercise signifies the shared commitment of India and the United States to enhance maritime security and cooperation. By conducting joint operations and addressing common maritime challenges, the exercise contributes to regional stability and security.

GS Paper 3: Security challenges and their management in border areas - Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

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1. Dolutegravir (DTG): A Breakthrough in HIV Treatment

Overview:Recent reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) have raised concerns about increasing resistance to dolutegravir (DTG) among HIV patients, highlighting the importance of understanding this vital antiretroviral drug.

About Dolutegravir (DTG):

• Function: An antiviral drug used in combination with other medications to combat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
• Classification: Belongs to the class of medications known as HIV integrase inhibitors.
• Mechanism of Action: Works by reducing HIV levels in the blood and boosting the number of immune cells responsible for fighting infections.
• Impact: While not a cure for HIV, DTG, when used in combination therapy, can significantly reduce the risk of developing AIDS and HIV-related illnesses.
• WHO Recommendation: Since 2018, WHO has endorsed DTG as the preferred first- and second-line treatment for HIV across all population groups due to its superior efficacy, ease of administration, and lower incidence of side effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Mild Effects: Headache, tiredness, or insomnia.
• Serious Effects: Severe skin rashes, allergic reactions, liver problems, and potential drug interactions.

What is HIV/AIDS?

• AIDS Definition: AIDS is a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition caused by HIV.
• HIV Impact: HIV attacks the body's immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases.
• Transmission: Primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, contact with infected blood, needle-sharing among drug users, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Treatment:

• No Cure: There is currently no cure for HIV, making it a lifelong condition once contracted.
• Management: However, effective HIV treatment, known as antiretroviral therapy (ART), can control the virus and allow individuals to lead long, healthy lives while also reducing the risk of transmission to partners.

Conclusion: Dolutegravir (DTG) represents a significant advancement in HIV treatment, offering improved efficacy and tolerability compared to other antiretroviral drugs. Despite recent concerns regarding resistance, DTG remains a cornerstone of HIV therapy, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance, research, and access to comprehensive treatment options.

GS Paper 2: Issues relating to development and management of social sector/ services relating to health, education, human resources.

1. Bengaluru's Water Crisis: Urgent Call for Action

Introduction: Bengaluru's escalating water crisis has sounded alarms nationwide, underscoring the pressing need for comprehensive water management strategies. This editorial delves into the root causes of the crisis, the broader groundwater situation in India, and proposes actionable steps to address this critical issue.

Reasons Behind Bengaluru's Water Scarcity:

1. Reduced Rainfall and Depleted Reservoirs: Insufficient rainfall and dwindling water levels in the Cauvery River, aggravated by consecutive poor monsoons, have crippled water supply.
2. Depletion of Groundwater: Urban expansion and inadequate rainwater harvesting have led to groundwater depletion, leaving many borewells dry.
3. Inadequate Infrastructure: Inadequate water supply systems and sewage networks have failed to keep pace with the city's rapid urbanization.
4. Climate Change: Changing weather patterns, including erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts, worsen water scarcity.
5. Water Pollution: Industrial discharge and untreated sewage have contaminated water sources, further diminishing the available water supply.
6. Mismanagement and Political Disputes: Inefficient water management practices and disputes over water-sharing exacerbate the crisis.

State of Groundwater Crisis in India:

1. Water Availability: India faces a severe water crisis, with only 4% of the world's freshwater resources supporting 17% of the global population.
2. Groundwater Overuse: India is the largest groundwater user globally, exacerbating depletion and stressing the water table.
3. Groundwater Contamination: Pollution from human activities has rendered much of India's groundwater unfit for consumption.
4. Access to Safe Drinking Water: Millions lack access to safe drinking water, leading to waterborne diseases and health complications.

Government Schemes and Mitigation Strategies:

1. MGNREGA for Water Conservation: Employment schemes promoting water conservation efforts.
2. Jal Jeevan Mission: Government initiatives aimed at providing piped water to every household.
3. National Water Mission: Programs targeting sustainable water resource management.
4. Promotion of Sustainable Practices: Encouraging water-efficient farming and industrial practices.
5. Legislation and Governance: Strengthening water governance frameworks and enforcing regulations.
6. Community Participation: Engaging communities in groundwater governance and management.
7. One Water Approach: Adopting integrated water resource management strategies for sustainability.

Conclusion: Bengaluru's water crisis serves as a stark reminder of India's broader groundwater challenges. By implementing a combination of sustainable practices, robust governance, and community engagement, India can mitigate the water crisis and ensure equitable access to this vital resource for all its citizens.

GS Paper 1 (Water Resources) and GS Paper 3 (Environmental Pollution & Degradation). It covers critical topics such as water scarcity, groundwater crisis, government schemes, climate change, and sustainable development.

1. World Poverty Clock: India's Progress Towards Ending Extreme Poverty

Why in News?India's latest data from the World Poverty Clock reveals a significant reduction in the proportion of its population living in 'extreme poverty' to below 3%, marking a substantial stride towards achieving the first Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) set by the United Nations.

About the World Poverty Clock:

• Tracks real-time poverty estimates until 2030 for almost all countries.
• Monitors progress toward ending extreme poverty, capturing both those escaping poverty and those falling into it every second.
• Supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Methodology and Key Findings:

• Poverty rates computed based on income levels, with the poverty threshold set at USD 2.15 per day.
• India's population experiencing extreme poverty declined to approximately 3.44 crore in 2024 from 4.69 crore in 2022, accounting for 2.4% of the total population.
• CEO of NITI Aayog projects that less than 5% of Indians are below the poverty line, with extreme destitution nearly eradicated.

Global Targets:

• SDG target 1.1 aims for global poverty eradication by 2030, with the goal for all countries to reach zero poverty at the same international poverty line.

NITI Aayog Recent Paper On Poverty:

• Revealed a significant reduction in multidimensional poverty in India, dropping from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23.
• Analysis based on National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data and projection methods.

This data underscores India's remarkable progress in combating extreme poverty, aligning with global efforts to achieve sustainable development. It also reflects the effectiveness of policies and initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation, contributing to the socio-economic development of the nation. 

GS Paper 2 (Poverty) and provides valuable insights for understanding global poverty trends and India's role in poverty eradication efforts.

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