NFHS-6 Survey of 6.79 Lakh Households (2023-24) to be Released in May, May Include COVID-19 Data

Health Ministry Amends Drugs Rules, 1945: New Debarment Power for Fake Data Cases

The Health Ministry has strengthened the Drugs Rules, 1945 to penalize applicants who submit fake data for drug approvals. Previously, only rejection/cancellation was possible; now licensing authorities can debar entities from filing new applications for a period, with show-cause notice and appeal provisions. This is crucial for exam questions on regulatory frameworks, pharmaceutical governance, and the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.

Centre Reduces NEET-SS Qualifying Percentile to 30%; 1,857 Seats in Stray Round

The Centre, following Supreme Court directives, reduced the NEET-SS qualifying percentile from 50% to 30% for 2025 admissions, triggering a stray round for 1,857 vacant super-speciality seats. The decision also partially restored Tamil Nadu's in-service quota, highlighting the persistent crisis of vacancies in high-stakes medical entrance exams and the judicial push for optimal resource utilization.

NPPA Raises Ceiling Prices of Cisplatin, Carboplatin by 50% Amid Shortage

India is in the grip of a critical nationwide shortage of cisplatin and carboplatin, two essential chemotherapy drugs, caused by a doubling in platinum prices and West Asia shipping disruptions. The NPPA has temporarily raised price caps by 50% to push manufacturers to restart production, making this a key case study on drug pricing regulation, public health preparedness, and supply-chain vulnerability for exams.

Union Health Ministry Mandates CCTV at Medical Stores for Schedule H, H1, X Drug Sales; 3-Month Recordings

The Union Health Ministry has proposed mandatory CCTV installation at medical stores selling prescription and habit-forming drugs (Schedule H, H1, X) to curb unauthorized sale and drug abuse, especially among children. Chemists oppose citing cost, privacy, and rural connectivity issues. The move involves CDSCO and the Drugs Consultative Committee.

FSDA Cancels 16 Pharma Licences, Suspends Pfizer Depot in Bengaluru Fake Drug Bust Worth ₹5 Cr

Karnataka FSDA has cancelled 16 pharma licences and suspended 8 others, including Pfizer's depot, after seizing counterfeit drugs worth ₹5 crore from farmhouses. The racket involved refilling cheap drugs into vials of expensive MNC brands, posing a serious public health risk. This highlights gaps in drug regulatory enforcement and the need for stricter supply chain vigilance.

MahaRERA Strikes Down Builder's Unilateral Cancellation Clause, Orders Interest from Oct 2023 Under RERA Act

MahaRERA has declared illegal a contractual clause that allowed a builder to unilaterally cancel a flat allotment via Power of Attorney, reinforcing statutory safeguards under the RERA Act. The developer was ordered to pay interest for delayed possession from October 1, 2023. This ruling is a key example of regulatory protection for homebuyers and a must-know for exams covering RERA, consumer rights, and state-level governance.

FSSAI Issues Prohibition Order to Dabur for Misleading '100%' Claims on Food Products

FSSAI's crackdown on misleading '100%' claims on food products is a major regulatory action that tests your understanding of the FSS Act, 2006, and the FSS (Advertising & Claims) Regulations, 2018. This news is relevant for Prelims (FSSAI, regulations, consumer protection) and Mains (food safety, ethics in business, regulatory framework).

Maharashtra FDA Permanently Cancels License of Pune Pharma Firm Over GMP Violations & 6 NSQ Medicines

The Maharashtra FDA has permanently cancelled the Ayurvedic medicine manufacturing license of InduCare Pharma Pvt. Ltd. after finding six medicines contaminated with fungi, insects, and larvae, alongside severe GMP violations. This action highlights the regulatory crackdown under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, a key area for health governance and prelims questions on drug quality standards.