GS2 · Health · Drug pricingOn 17 October 2026 the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) capped trade margins on 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs at 30%, using its special public-interest power under Paragraph 19 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013. The Government expects the retail price of these medicines to fall by up to 70%, and the new prices apply from 9 November 2026. The list includes costly immunotherapy drugs such as pembrolizumab and durvalumab.
UPSC angle: Prelims: NPPA, DPCO 2013 Para 19, trade margin, scheduled vs non-scheduled drugs. · Mains GS-II: affordable medicines and health equity.
18 Oct 2026GS2 · Health governanceThe Health Ministry has proposed amending the Drugs Rules, 1945 so that drug retailers, wholesalers and distributors also need prior Central Government sanction to advertise Schedule H, H1 and X medicines. Manufacturers already face this rule. The draft, G.S.R. 861(E) of 28 September 2026, follows DTAB advice and is open for comments for 30 days.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Drug schedules, DTAB. · Mains GS-II: health regulation; GS-III: AMR.
9 Oct 2026GS2 · HealthThe government has approved a cap on trade margins for non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines at 30% of MRP. It expects prices to fall by up to 70% and patients to save about ₹2,500 crore a year. NPPA found average mark-ups of about 170% on such drugs. A 2019 cap on 42 cancer drugs saved ₹984 crore a year.
UPSC angle: Prelims: NPPA, DPCO. · Mains GS-II: health; GS-III: pharma regulation.
8 Oct 2026GS2 · HealthThe National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions has notified regulations for Autonomous Boards and a Central Assessment Committee, and for registering allied and healthcare professionals with unique IDs in State and Central Registers. It also notified a two-year competency-based Diploma in Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology with a six-month internship.
UPSC angle: Prelims: NCAHP Act year, D.MRIT. · Mains GS-II: health human resources.
7 Oct 2026GS3 · Economy (financial markets)On 1 October 2026 NABKISAN Finance, a NABARD subsidiary, listed India's first social bond dedicated only to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) on the NSE. The issue was oversubscribed 1.8 times and raised ₹180 crore. The five-year bond pays 8.10 per cent, matures in September 2031 and is rated CRISIL AAA and CARE AAA.
UPSC angle: Prelims: green vs social vs sustainability bond. · Mains: Blended finance for SDG 6.
3 Oct 2026GS2/GS3 · Health, biotechnologyOn 13 September 2026, at a reception for the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) Board and Investors Council in New Delhi, the Science Minister said India is the world's largest vaccine producer by volume. India, a CEPI founding member, makes nearly 60 per cent of global vaccine production. The DBT-BIRAC-CEPI strategy was renewed in September 2025 for five years.
UPSC angle: Prelims: CEPI expansion and role.
13 Sep 2026 
