Daily filter — 20 June 2026
4 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
💊 Law & Judiciary · LAW track
16 Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) Banned in Public Interest
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has prohibited 16 FDCs for human use based on scientific assessment and Supreme Court directions.
- Manufacture, sale, and distribution of 16 Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) are prohibited.
- Notifications were issued under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
- The decision follows Supreme Court directions and Expert Committee recommendations.
- Prohibited FDCs lack therapeutic justification and pose potential risks.
- The ban came into force with immediate effect on 20 JUN 2026.
💡 For the exam: Remember 16 FDCs banned under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 Section 26A, based on Supreme Court and Expert Committee recommendations.
Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · PIB PRID 2275595
🌱 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
23rd PM-KISAN Instalment Disbursed, Boosting Farmer Income
The 23rd instalment of **PM-KISAN** was released, transferring over ₹18,880 crore to 9.44 crore farmers.
- The 23rd instalment of PM-KISAN was disbursed on June 20, 2026.
- Over ₹18,880 crore was transferred via DBT to 9.44 crore farmers.
- This includes more than 2.18 crore women farmers.
- Since launch in 2019, over ₹4.46 lakh crore has been disbursed.
- The scheme provides ₹6,000 annually in three equal instalments.
- The Union Budget 2026–27 allocated ₹60,000 crore for PM-KISAN.
- It is one of the world’s largest DBT initiatives.
💡 For the exam: Remember PM-KISAN's 23rd instalment, ₹18,880 crore to 9.44 crore farmers (including 2.18 crore women), ₹6,000 annually since 2019, and its status as a global DBT initiative.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2275744
🔬 Law & Judiciary · LAW track
Central Drugs Lab Expands Veterinary Vaccine Testing Functions
The government amended Drugs Rules, 1945, to expand the **Central Drugs Laboratory**'s functions at **CCS-NIAH**, Baghpat for veterinary vaccine testing.
- Amendments were notified via Gazette Notification G.S.R. 65(E) on January 28, 2026.
- The CCS-NIAH, Baghpat, can now test 42 veterinary vaccines up from two.
- This strengthens the regulatory framework under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
💡 Remember: CCS-NIAH, Baghpat, now tests 42 veterinary vaccines as per 2026 amendments.
Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · PIB PRID 2275694
💰 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
PM-DevINE Bolsters North East Development with ₹6,600 Crore Outlay
The **Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE)** is a key scheme accelerating development in the **Ashtalakshmi** states.
- PM-DevINE is a 100% centrally funded scheme with an outlay of ₹6,600 crore.
- The scheme runs from 2022–23 to 2025–26, targeting high-impact projects.
- 48 projects are under implementation, with 3 projects already completed.
- Projects cover infrastructure, livelihood, social development, and filling developmental gaps.
💡 For the exam: PM-DevINE is a 100% centrally funded scheme for NE, with ₹6,600 crore from 2022-23 to 2025-26.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2275554