Current Affairs for 18 July 2026

Why in News ?

India's drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), has approved Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (Semaglutide 2.4 mg injection) for the treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious form of fatty liver disease.

What is MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis) ?

• MASH is a serious and progressive form of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).
• It occurs due to excess fat accumulation in the liver, accompanied by inflammation and liver cell damage.
• If left untreated, it may progress to :
  • Liver fibrosis
  • Cirrhosis
  • Liver failure
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (Liver cancer)

Risk Factors of MASH

• Obesity : Excess body weight increases the accumulation of fat in the liver, making obesity one of the major risk factors for MASH.
• Type-2 Diabetes : People with Type-2 diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of developing MASH due to insulin resistance and abnormal fat metabolism.
• Metabolic Syndrome : Conditions such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and excess abdominal fat collectively increase the risk of MASH.
• High Cholesterol : Elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides promote fat deposition in the liver, contributing to the development and progression of MASH.
• Sedentary Lifestyle : Lack of regular physical activity increases the likelihood of obesity and metabolic disorders, thereby raising the risk of developing MASH.

Symptoms of MASH

• MASH is often referred to as a "silent disease" because many people do not experience noticeable symptoms until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage and significant liver damage has occurred.
• The possible symptoms include :
  • Fatigue: Patients may experience persistent tiredness and a lack of energy.
  • Weakness: Generalized weakness and reduced physical stamina are common.
  • Pain in the Upper Right Abdomen: Some individuals may feel discomfort or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, where the liver is located.
  • Unexplained Weight Loss : In advanced stages of the disease, patients may experience unintended weight loss due to progressive liver damage.

What is Wegovy ?

How Does Wegovy Work ?

• Semaglutide acts as a GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptor agonist.
• It helps by :
  • Reducing appetite
  • Increasing satiety (feeling of fullness)
  • Promoting weight loss
  • Improving insulin sensitivity
  • Reducing liver fat accumulation
  • Decreasing liver inflammation

Why is this Approval Important ?

• Rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes in India.
• Increasing burden of fatty liver disease.
• MASH has limited approved treatment options.
• Early treatment can prevent severe liver complications.

About Novo Nordisk

• Danish multinational pharmaceutical company.
• Headquarters: Bagsværd, Denmark
• Known for :
• Diabetes medicines
• Obesity drugs
  • GLP-1 therapies

About the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)

• The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is India's National Drug Regulatory Authority, responsible for regulating pharmaceuticals and medical devices to ensure that they are safe, effective, and of high quality.

Functions of CDSCO

• Approves New Drugs and Vaccines : CDSCO grants approval for the manufacture, import, and marketing of new drugs and vaccines after evaluating their safety, efficacy, and quality.
• Regulates Clinical Trials : It oversees and regulates clinical trials conducted in India to ensure ethical standards and participant safety.
• Ensures Quality, Safety, and Efficacy : CDSCO monitors the quality, safety, and effectiveness of medicines, medical devices, and cosmetics available in the country.
• Coordinates with State Drug Authorities : It works in coordination with State Drug Control Organisations to ensure uniform enforcement of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Administrative Ministry

• The CDSCO functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Head of CDSCO

• The organisation is headed by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), who is responsible for approving new drugs, regulating clinical trials, and enforcing drug standards across the country.

Why in News ?

The Indian Navy has received another MH-60R Seahawk multi-role naval helicopter from the United States, which arrived at INS Garuda, Kochi.

MH-60R Seahawk

• The MH-60R Seahawk is the world's most advanced multi-mission maritime helicopter, manufactured by Lockheed Martin (Sikorsky Aircraft) for the United States Navy and allied countries.
• It is designed to perform a wide range of naval missions, including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Search and Rescue (SAR), Electronic Warfare, Special Operations Support, and Maritime Interdiction.
• The helicopter is equipped with state-of-the-art airborne dipping sonar, sonobuoys, multi-mode maritime radar, Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), electronic support measures, data links, and advanced mission computers, enabling it to detect, track, and engage enemy submarines and surface vessels over long distances.
• It can operate from aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, and shore-based naval air stations, making it one of the most versatile helicopters in modern naval warfare.

Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)

Anti-Submarine Warfare refers to military operations conducted to detect, track, monitor, deter, and destroy enemy submarines. With the growing presence of conventional and nuclear submarines in the Indian Ocean, ASW has become one of the Indian Navy's highest operational priorities. The MH-60R significantly strengthens India's underwater warfare capability through its advanced sonar systems, sonobuoys, and lightweight torpedoes.

Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)

Anti-Surface Warfare involves detecting and neutralising enemy warships, patrol vessels, and other surface combatants. The MH-60R carries AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and advanced targeting systems, enabling precision engagement of hostile vessels while supporting naval task forces.

Foreign Military Sales (FMS)

Foreign Military Sales (FMS) is a US government-to-government defence export programme under which friendly countries procure military equipment, weapons, training, logistics, and support directly from the United States Government. India's purchase of the MH-60R helicopters was concluded through this route, ensuring long-term maintenance, training, and operational support.

India-US Defence Partnership

Over the last decade, India and the United States have transformed their defence relationship into one of the most comprehensive strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. The two countries regularly conduct joint military exercises such as Malabar, Yudh Abhyas, Tiger Triumph, and Cope India, while foundational agreements including LEMOA (2016), COMCASA (2018), BECA (2020), and GSOMIA have enabled greater logistics sharing, secure communications, geospatial intelligence sharing, and defence technology cooperation.

The induction of the MH-60R further enhances interoperability between the Indian Navy and the US Navy during joint operations and humanitarian assistance missions.

About MH-60R Seahawk

Major Sensors and Weapons

Sensors

• AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low Frequency Dipping Sonar
• Sonobuoy Launch System
• APS-153 Multi-Mode Maritime Radar
• Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR)
• Electronic Support Measures (ESM)
• Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)
• Secure Tactical Data Links

Weapons

• Mk-54 Lightweight Torpedoes
• AGM-114 Hellfire Missiles
• 12.7 mm Machine Guns
• Precision-guided weapons for maritime strike missions

India's MH-60R Procurement

Strategic Importance for India

1. Strengthening Anti-Submarine Warfare

China has significantly expanded the deployment of both conventional and nuclear-powered submarines in the Indian Ocean Region. The MH-60R provides India with a modern airborne ASW platform capable of detecting and neutralising underwater threats before they approach Indian naval assets.

2. Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)

The helicopter's advanced radar and surveillance systems enable continuous monitoring of India's vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), critical Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), offshore energy infrastructure, and strategic maritime chokepoints.

3. Protection of Carrier Battle Groups

The MH-60R serves as the "eyes and ears" of naval fleets by extending the surveillance range of aircraft carriers and destroyers. It protects carrier strike groups from submarine attacks and enhances fleet air defence.

4. Countering Chinese Presence in the Indian Ocean

China's increasing naval deployments, including research vessels, intelligence ships, and submarines, have made underwater surveillance a strategic necessity. The Seahawk strengthens India's capability to maintain maritime superiority across the Indian Ocean Region.

5. Enhancing Network-Centric Warfare

The helicopter integrates seamlessly with modern Indian warships through secure communication links, enabling real-time intelligence sharing and coordinated maritime operations.

6. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)

Apart from combat missions, the MH-60R can undertake medical evacuation, disaster relief, search and rescue operations, and evacuation of civilians during natural disasters.

Significance for India-US Relations

• Deepens strategic trust between the two democracies.
• Enhances defence interoperability in the Indo-Pacific.
• Supports Quad maritime cooperation.
• Improves joint naval exercises like Malabar.
• Demonstrates the growing defence technology partnership.
• Contributes to maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Challenges

• High lifecycle and maintenance costs.
• Dependence on imported defence platforms.
• Requirement for specialised crew training.
• Long-term logistics and spare parts support.
• Need for greater indigenous capability under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Why in News ?

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has announced that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) has reached over 29.32 crore citizens across India through awareness campaigns and community participation. Since its launch in 2020, the campaign has expanded from 272 vulnerable districts to all districts of the country, making it one of India's largest social awareness initiatives against substance abuse.

What is Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)?

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) is the flagship anti-drug awareness and rehabilitation campaign of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Objectives

• Prevent substance abuse through awareness.
• Reduce demand for narcotic drugs.
• Promote early intervention and counselling.
• Expand treatment and rehabilitation facilities.
• Ensure social reintegration of recovered addicts.
• Encourage community participation against drug abuse.
• Build a healthy and productive youth population.

The campaign adopts an evidence-based approach, focusing equally on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation instead of relying solely on law enforcement.

Major Achievements of NMBA (July 2026)

Treatment & Rehabilitation Infrastructure under NAPDDR

The Ministry has significantly expanded treatment and rehabilitation services across the country.

Institutional Network

• Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs)
• Community-based Peer-led Intervention Centres (CPLIs)
• Outreach and Drop-in Centres (ODICs)
• Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs)

Together, these facilities have benefited over 28.29 lakh individuals.

A notable achievement is the 294% increase in treatment seekers, from 2.08 lakh in 2020 to over 8.20 lakh in 2025, indicating greater awareness and trust in rehabilitation services.

NMBA App 2.0

To strengthen implementation, the Government launched NMBA App 2.0.

Features

• Real-time reporting of awareness activities
• Monitoring by States and Districts
• Digital campaign tracking
• Citizen participation features
• Better coordination among stakeholders

Drug De-Addiction Helpline – 14446

The Ministry operates the National Drug De-Addiction Helpline (14446).

Services

• Counselling
• Psychological support
• Information on treatment centres
• Referral services
• Family guidance

The helpline has received over 4.60 lakh calls, becoming the first point of assistance for people affected by substance abuse.

Nasha Mukti Mitra Initiative

Citizens can voluntarily become Nasha Mukti Mitras after taking the Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge.

Responsibilities

• Spread awareness.
• Encourage healthy lifestyles.
• Support individuals recovering from addiction.
• Organise awareness campaigns.
• Promote community participation.

This initiative aims to transform every citizen into an anti-drug ambassador.

Key Features of NMBA

Why is NMBA Important ?

1. Social Significance

• Protects India's demographic dividend.
• Reduces crime associated with drug abuse.
• Promotes healthy youth.
• Reduces social stigma.
• Strengthens family institutions.

2. Public Health Significance

• Improves access to addiction treatment.
• Reduces mental health burden.
• Supports long-term recovery.
• Prevents relapse through counselling and rehabilitation.

3. Governance Significance

• Demonstrates convergence among ministries and states.
• Strengthens evidence-based policymaking.
• Supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-3 (Good Health & Well-being).
• Improves monitoring through digital platforms.

4. Internal Security Significance

Drug trafficking finances organised crime, terrorism and illegal arms trade. Therefore, reducing drug demand also strengthens India's internal security.

Major Challenges

• Many addicts hesitate to seek treatment due to fear of discrimination.
• Rehabilitation facilities remain inadequate in remote and rural areas.
• New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), synthetic opioids and designer drugs are increasingly difficult to detect and regulate.
• Dark web transactions and encrypted communication have made drug trafficking more sophisticated.
• Successful recovery requires long-term counselling, employment support and family acceptance.
• India's proximity to the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle makes it a major transit and destination country for narcotic drugs.

Government Initiatives Related to Drug Demand Reduction

• Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)
• National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR)
• Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs)
• Community-based Peer-led Intervention Centres (CPLIs)
• Outreach and Drop-in Centres (ODICs)
• Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs)
• Drug De-addiction Helpline – 14446
• NMBA App 2.0
• National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)

Way Forward

• Strengthen real-time drug abuse data systems.
• Expand rehabilitation centres in underserved districts.
• Integrate drug prevention education into school curricula.
• Increase community-based counselling services.
• Enhance international cooperation against drug trafficking.
• Use AI, digital platforms and social media for targeted awareness.
• Promote skill development and employment for recovered addicts.
• Regularly update legal frameworks to address synthetic drugs and cyber-enabled trafficking.