The Centre has capped trade margins at 30% of the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for all non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines, aiming to make cancer treatment more affordable. The measure covers branded and generic, domestic and imported, patented and non-patented drugs. According to government sources, the move could reduce the MRPs of some cancer medicines by up to 70% and save patients around ₹2,500 crore annually. The decision follows concerns raised by the Supreme Court over large differences between retailer purchase prices and MRPs. The policy seeks to curb excessive mark-ups while maintaining medicine availability. 

Indian households’ inflation expectations have risen sharply, reflecting growing concerns about the cost of living. According to the RBI’s September 2026 Inflation Expectations Survey, median inflation expectations for the next year increased to 10%, up from 9.4% in July. Expectations for the next three months also climbed to 9.9%, compared with 9.2% previously. The survey, conducted among 5,987 respondents across 19 cities, found food prices to be a major concern. The findings come shortly after the RBI raised its repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50% to address persistent inflationary pressures. 

Veteran actor Nana Patekar, who died at 75 on October 8, had once saved ₹1.5 crore to purchase a luxury car. In 2015, however, a television report showing the suffering of families affected by farmer suicides in drought-hit Maharashtra deeply moved him. He decided to use the money to support distressed farming families instead. Along with actor Makarand Anaspure, Patekar later co-founded the NAAM Foundation, focusing on farmer welfare, water conservation and rural development. The foundation has reportedly helped millions of farmers, disaster-affected families and widows, making social service an important part of Patekar’s legacy. (PC: File)

Actor-activist Prakash Raj, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee and Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke led a protest at Bengaluru’s Freedom Park on October 8 against the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Organised as a “People’s Tribunal,” the demonstration brought together women, students and civil-society groups who alleged irregularities and wrongful deletion of voter names. Protesters demanded that the SIR exercise be scrapped and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resign. Raj argued that the issue concerns citizens’ voting rights and dignity, while Rathee criticised the Election Commission over what he described as a lack of transparency and accountability.

Russia has finalized preparations to provide Iran with a $1 billion loan, but the transfer is awaiting Iranian bank account details. According to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, disagreements within the Iranian government over how the funds should be used have delayed the payment. Iran’s Planning and Budget Organization reportedly wants the money for vehicle imports, while the Oil Ministry seeks equipment for the energy sector and the Agriculture Ministry wants essential goods. The loan is reportedly the first installment of a planned $20 billion Russian loan. The move comes as Moscow and Tehran deepen financial cooperation amid extensive Western sanctions. (PC: AP)

The 57th GST Council meeting in New Delhi recommended major changes to GST enforcement rules. The Council decided to remove the power of GST officers to arrest taxpayers under the GST law, marking a significant shift toward less punitive tax administration. It also recommended raising the prosecution threshold from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore, meaning cases involving tax evasion below ₹5 crore would generally not lead to prosecution. Additionally, the Council proposed reducing the general penalty from ₹25,000 to ₹10,000. The reforms aim to simplify compliance, reduce procedural burdens and improve the ease of doing business. (PC: X)

Canadian poet, essayist and translator Anne Carson has won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature, the Swedish Academy announced on October 8. She was honoured for her “bold and inventive oeuvre” that engages creatively with classical traditions and creates new forms of contemporary literature. Carson is widely known for blending poetry, prose, translation and literary criticism, often drawing inspiration from ancient Greek literature and mythology. Her notable works include Autobiography of Red, Eros the Bittersweet and Norma Jeane Baker of Troy. The award carries a prize of 12 million Swedish kronor. (PC: The Hindu)

Veteran actor Nana Patekar’s death at 75 has prompted tributes from across India’s film and political circles. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the actor’s death and remembered his contribution to Indian cinema. Rajinikanth also mourned Patekar, describing him as a dear friend. Several actors, filmmakers and public figures paid tribute to the veteran performer, remembering his powerful screen presence and decades-long contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema. Patekar, who worked in films for more than 4 decades, was known for acclaimed performances in Parinda, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Ab Tak Chhappan, Welcome and Natsamrat. (PC: India Today)

Delhi Police has stepped up security in the capital ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s proposed protest on October 10. Around 4,000 security personnel have been deployed across the New Delhi area, while police are monitoring entry routes and transport arrangements. Officials said around 2,800 people identified through facial recognition as having alleged criminal antecedents are being tracked for possible movement towards central Delhi. Police are also checking bus bookings and routes linked to the earlier protest. Section 163 remains in force, making unauthorised gatherings illegal. Police said the protest has not been granted permission and warned against participation. (PC: News18)

Canadian poet and writer Anne Carson has won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature for her distinctive body of work blending poetry, prose, dialogue and translation. The Swedish Academy praised Carson for her “bold and inventive oeuvre” and for creating new forms through dialogue with classical traditions. The award is worth 12 million Swedish crowns, around $1.2 million. Carson is known for her translations of classical Greek literature and works including Autobiography of Red and Norma Jeane Baker of Troy. She joins writers such as Alice Munro, Ernest Hemingway and Alexander Solzhenitsyn among Nobel Literature laureates. (PC: NDTV)