Why in News?

Dimna Lake, the iconic reservoir and lifeline of Jamshedpur, was among the 25 lakes across the country after which spectator galleries were named during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in Delhi.

About Dimna Lake

Dimna Lake is an artificial lake located in the steel city of Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. It is situated at the foothills of the Dalma mountain range and is an important source of water for the city.

Construction of Dimna Lake

The reservoir was constructed by Tata Steel under the Dimna Nala Water Supply Scheme. It was built with a storage capacity of around 7,500 million gallons to meet the future water requirements of the rapidly expanding industrial city of Jamshedpur.

The construction work began in 1940 and was completed in 1944. Water from the lake was supplied to Jamshedpur for the first time on 17 April 1944.

Geographical Features

The lake was created by damming the Subarnarekha River and is spread over approximately 27 sq. km. Its location near the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary gives the lake both ecological and recreational importance.

The nearby Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is home to several species of deer and other animals, including the sloth bear and the Indian wolf.

Tourism and Recreational Importance

Dimna Lake is also an important recreational destination in the Jamshedpur region. The lake provides facilities for various water sports and recreational activities, including jet skiing, rowing and water scooting.

Its location amidst the Dalma hills and its proximity to the wildlife sanctuary further enhance its tourism significance.

Why in News?

Recently, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) was recognised as the WHO South-East Asia Regulatory Network (WHO-SEARN) Regional Centre of Excellence in Pharmacovigilance and Technical Centre in Quality.

About Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission

The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Its primary role is to set standards for drugs in India and contribute to ensuring the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines.

Functions of Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission

Setting Drug Standards

The basic function of IPC is to regularly update drug standards for medicines commonly required for the treatment of diseases prevailing in the region.

Publication of Indian Pharmacopoeia

IPC publishes the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP), which contains official standards for medicines. It improves the quality of medicines by adding new monographs and updating existing ones.

Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines

IPC promotes the rational use of generic medicines through the publication of the National Formulary of India (NFI).

Standards for Identity, Purity and Strength

IPC prescribes standards relating to the identity, purity and strength of drugs that are essential from the healthcare perspective of humans and animals.

IP Reference Substances

IPC provides Indian Pharmacopoeia Reference Substances (IPRS). These substances act as a fingerprint for identifying an article under testing and determining its purity according to the standards prescribed in the Indian Pharmacopoeia.

WHO South-East Asia Regulatory Network (SEARN)

About SEARN

The WHO South-East Asia Regulatory Network (SEARN) is a collaborative platform established by the World Health Organization’s South-East Asia Regional Office (WHO-SEARO) to strengthen regulatory systems across Member States.

SEARN was established in 2016.

Major Functions of SEARN

SEARN facilitates cooperation among National Regulatory Authorities through:

Knowledge sharing, regulatory convergence, capacity building and reliance mechanisms.

The network operates through thematic working groups dealing with important regulatory functions.

These include quality assurance, pharmacovigilance, clinical-trial oversight, regulatory preparedness and medical-device regulation.

Why in News?

Introducing the hexavalent (six-in-one) vaccine into India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) could improve the efficiency of the country’s childhood immunisation programme, according to a recent study conducted by the Union Health Ministry.

About Hexavalent Vaccine

A hexavalent vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects infants against six different diseases through a single injection.

It combines six different antigens using specialised manufacturing processes, thereby allowing multiple vaccines to be administered together.

Diseases Covered by the Hexavalent Vaccine

The hexavalent vaccine provides protection against the following six diseases:

Potential Benefits for India’s Immunisation Programme

Fewer Injections

The vaccine can reduce the number of injections required for infants, making vaccination more convenient for both children and caregivers.

Reduced Cold-Chain Requirements

Using a combination vaccine could help reduce cold-chain storage requirements, potentially making vaccine management more efficient.

Lower Use of Vaccination Supplies

The administration of fewer injections can reduce the requirement for syringes and other vaccination supplies.

Reduced Workload for Health Workers

The use of a single combination vaccine could reduce the time spent by Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) on vaccine administration and record maintenance.

It could also reduce the workload of cold-chain handlers and vaccine managers.

Convenience for Parents and Caregivers

Fewer injections and potentially shorter vaccination visits can result in time savings for parents and caregivers during immunisation visits.

Why in News?

Recently, a black melanistic leopard cub was spotted near the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary in the Darjeeling hills of West Bengal.

About Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary

Location and Establishment

Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is located in West Bengal, in the Darjeeling hills. It is among the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India and was established in 1915.

The sanctuary lies within the Gangetic Plain biogeographic zone and forms the south-eastern extension of Singalila National Park.

Topography and Elevation

The sanctuary has an elevation ranging from approximately 1,500 to 2,600 metres, or around 4,900–8,500 feet.

Vegetation

The sanctuary is characterised mainly by temperate and alpine forests. Important trees found in the area include oak, pine and birch, along with various other forest species and plantations.

Fauna

Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary provides habitat to several species of mammals, including the barking deer, wild boar, Himalayan black bear, Indian leopard, jungle cat, rhesus monkey, Assam macaque and Himalayan flying squirrel.

The presence of the Indian leopard is particularly relevant in the context of the recent sighting of a melanistic leopard cub.

What is Melanism?

Melanism refers to an unusually high development or concentration of the dark pigment melanin, resulting in a darker appearance of the skin, hair, fur or feathers of an organism.

It is generally associated with genetic variation or mutation. Environmental factors have also been suggested as possible influences on pigmentation in some organisms.

Melanistic Leopard

A melanistic leopard is a leopard possessing a genetic trait that causes its coat to appear very dark or almost completely black.

Importantly, melanistic leopards are still leopards, and their characteristic rosette patterns may remain visible under suitable lighting.

Why in News?

The Belgian Prime Minister’s September 2026 visit to India strengthened bilateral ties through the India–Belgium Joint Statement, the Investment Fast-Track Mechanism, and new defence cooperation agreements.

Key Outcomes of the Visit

Defence and Security Cooperation

• India and Belgium are strengthening defence and security cooperation through military exchanges, staff talks and defence-industrial collaboration. Belgium also assured India that it would not supply defence equipment or military technology to Pakistan.

• The two countries plan the deployment of the Belgian frigate LEOPOLD I to India in November 2026 and have appointed resident Defence Attachés. They also signed a Defence Framework Agreement and an MoU between the Belgian Security and Defence Industry (BDSI) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM).

• Cooperation will cover weapon systems, ammunition, radar, electro-optical sensors, command-and-control systems and counter-drone systems. Cooperation is also expanding in counter-terrorism, transnational organised crime and cybercrime through institutional mechanisms involving the CBI and Belgian Federal Police.

Economic, Investment and Technology Cooperation

• India and Belgium launched an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism to address investment-related bottlenecks and facilitate two-way investments.

• Both sides are also looking to formalise cooperation between Belgium’s Federal Holding and Investment Company (SFPIM) and India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) to establish an Indo-Belgian Economic and Investment Corridor.

• Bilateral trade reached USD 13.01 billion in 2025–26, with both countries targeting a doubling of trade over the next five years. The partnership is also being diversified beyond the traditional diamond trade towards critical minerals, life sciences and nuclear energy.

• Belgium also aims to position the Port of Antwerp-Bruges as an important logistics gateway for Indian exports to Europe, alongside cooperation in green hydrogen, maritime services and infrastructure.

Multilateral and Global Governance

India and Belgium agreed to support each other’s bids for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council, with India seeking the 2028–29 term and Belgium the 2037–38 term.

Belgium also reaffirmed support for India’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council. Both countries welcomed the conclusion of negotiations for the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (2026) and endorsed the Joint India–EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda for 2030.

Science, Space and Green Transition

The two countries acknowledged cooperation through the Belgo-Indian Network for Astronomy and Astrophysics (BINA) and Belgian contributions to Indian scientific facilities such as the Devasthal Optical Telescope and Multi-Application Solar Telescope.

Cooperation has also been renewed in green hydrogen, offshore wind and energy storage, along with support for the BBNJ Agreement concerning conservation of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.

Strategic Significance of India–Belgium Relations

Gateway to Europe

Belgium hosts the headquarters of the European Union and NATO, making bilateral relations important for India’s engagement with European institutions and security frameworks.

Semiconductors and Deep Technology

Belgium is home to imec (Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre), a major research hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. Greater integration between imec and India’s semiconductor ecosystem can support India’s efforts to develop a more resilient microelectronics supply chain.

Green Transition

Belgium’s capabilities in clean technologies complement India’s climate objectives. Cooperation in green hydrogen, energy storage and offshore wind infrastructure can support India’s broader decarbonisation efforts.

Defence Industrial Cooperation

The shift from a conventional buyer–seller relationship towards co-development and technology transfer is relevant to India’s Make in India and defence-indigenisation objectives.

India–Belgium Relations: Background

Diplomatic Relations

Belgium was among the first European countries to establish diplomatic relations with independent India in 1947. Bilateral ties have been associated with principles such as rule of law, federalism and pluralism.

Economic Relations

The India–BLEU Joint Economic Commission (JCM), established in 1997, is the principal institutional mechanism for bilateral economic cooperation. Traditionally, diamonds, precious stones, chemicals and machinery have been important components of trade.

Science and Technology

Cooperation extends to space technology, astronomy, nuclear research, ICT and renewable energy, including Belgian involvement in the Devasthal Optical Telescope in Uttarakhand.

Education and Culture

Academic partnerships exist between Indian and Belgian universities, while the 1973 Cultural Agreement provides the basis for cultural exchanges.

Historical Linkages

More than 9,000 Indian soldiers lost their lives in Flanders Fields during World War I. An Indian Memorial Pillar was installed near the Menin Gate in Ypres in 2011 in their memory.

Diaspora and Mobility

Belgium hosts more than 24,000 Indians, primarily IT professionals and students. Both countries are working towards a Migration and Mobility Agreement to facilitate skilled workforce movement.

Key Challenges and Way Forward

Why in News?

The National Medical Commission (NMC) recently proposed a Unique Identification (UID) system for doctors, which would allow doctors to practise across India without requiring separate state-wise registration or licences.

About the National Medical Commission

The National Medical Commission (NMC) is a statutory body established under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019. The Act came into force on 25 September 2020.

The NMC replaced the Medical Council of India (MCI) and serves as the apex regulatory authority for medical education, medical professionals and medical institutions in India.

It is responsible for the recognition of medical qualifications, accreditation of medical institutions, registration of medical practitioners, regulation of medical practice, and assessment of medical infrastructure.

The headquarters of the NMC is located in New Delhi.

Functions of the National Medical Commission

Establishing Policies and Regulations

The NMC lays down policies and regulations to maintain high quality and standards in medical education and frames necessary regulations for the medical sector.

Regulating Medical Institutions and Professionals

The Commission develops policies for regulating medical institutions, medical research and medical professionals to ensure appropriate standards in the medical profession.

Assessing Healthcare Needs

The NMC assesses the country's healthcare requirements, including the availability of human resources and healthcare infrastructure, and develops a roadmap to address these requirements.

Coordinating Autonomous Boards

The Commission promotes and coordinates the proper functioning of the NMC and its Autonomous Boards and frames guidelines for the functioning of State Medical Councils.

Ensuring Compliance

The NMC ensures that State Medical Councils comply with the guidelines and regulations framed by the Commission.

Exercising Appellate Jurisdiction

The NMC functions as an appellate body for decisions taken by its Autonomous Boards.

Promoting Ethical Conduct

The Commission lays down policies and codes of professional ethics to ensure ethical conduct within the medical profession.

Framing Fee Guidelines

The NMC frames guidelines for determining fees and other charges for 50% of seats in private medical institutions and deemed universities.

Other Functions

The Commission also performs other functions and exercises powers that may be prescribed under the relevant legal framework.

Composition of the NMC

The National Medical Commission consists of 33 members, including a Chairperson, 10 ex-officio members and 22 part-time members.

The Chairperson must be a medical professional.

Medical Advisory Council

The Medical Advisory Council (MAC) provides a platform through which States and Union Territories can put forward their views and concerns before the NMC.

It also advises the NMC on measures for determining and maintaining minimum standards of medical education.

Four Autonomous Boards under NMC

The NMC functions through four Autonomous Boards, each dealing with a specific area of medical regulation.

1. Under-Graduate Medical Education Board

The Under-Graduate Medical Education Board deals with matters related to undergraduate medical education and its standards.

2. Post-Graduate Medical Education Board

The Post-Graduate Medical Education Board deals with postgraduate medical education and the maintenance of appropriate educational standards.

3. Medical Assessment and Rating Board

The Medical Assessment and Rating Board deals with the assessment and rating of medical institutions.

4. Ethics and Medical Registration Board

The Ethics and Medical Registration Board deals with professional ethics and registration of medical practitioners.