Anti-Retroviral Therapy

 Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART)

The Supreme Court recently directed States to address transparency concerns in the tendering and procurement process of ART drugs for HIV/AIDS patients.

About ART

ART is a combination of medications used to control HIV by reducing the amount of the virus in the body.

• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks CD4 cells (also known as helper T-cells), which are crucial for the immune system.
• While ART cannot cure HIV, it can lower the virus levels in the body, allowing the immune system to recover by producing more CD4 cells.
• India launched the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP) in 1992 to combat HIV/AIDS.

---

Banjara Community

The Lok Sabha Speaker recently highlighted the Banjara community’s significant role in protecting the environment and preserving the traditions of the country.

About the Banjara (Bepari, Mukeai, Laban) Community

• Origins: The Banjara community is a historically multireligious, multilingual, nomadic trading group, believed to have originated in the Mewar region of Rajasthan.

• Role as Trader Nomads:

  • The Banjaras were known for trading goods across villages, towns, and regions.
  • Their primary trade items included grain, pulses, sugar, salt, wood, and timber.
  • They traveled in large groups known as Tandas, each led by a chief called a Nayaka.

• Historical Accounts:

• Sultan Alauddin Khalji employed the Banjaras to transport grain to city markets.
• Emperor Jahangir mentioned in Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri that the Banjaras used bullocks to carry grain from villages to towns.
• The Banjaras also supplied food grains to the Mughal armies during military campaigns.

Tags : UPSC 2025 current affairs preparation, UPSC current affairs January 2025, UPSC 2025 daily current affairs, Best sources for UPSC current affairs 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs for prelims, UPSC 2025 current affairs for mains, Important current affairs for UPSC 2025, UPSC current affairs strategy 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs notes, UPSC current affairs PDF 2025, Current affairs for UPSC 2025 preparation, UPSC 2025 current affairs online classes, UPSC current affairs quiz 2025, How to study current affairs for UPSC 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs magazines, Current affairs for UPSC 2025 prelims and mains, Current affairs updates for UPSC 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs analysis, Current affairs for UPSC 2025 PDF download, UPSC 2025 current affairs important topics,