💊 New price limits for 137 cancer medicines

Good morning.

I recently learned that there's a sea creature that digests much of its own brain after finding a permanent home.

It's called a sea squirt. Apparently, settling down comes with some unusual sacrifices.

Also today, a decision that could make cancer medicines more affordable, India's para-sports medals, and a little brand trivia.

A Blinkit customer got more than his groceries when the delivery partner showed up with a puppy riding along.

The little dog had been badly injured in a road accident. But a group of delivery riders cared for him, helped him recover, and gave him a home at their warehouse. Now, he sometimes joins them on delivery runs.

Looks like the delivery team has a new favourite colleague.

Cancer treatment can cost families lakhs of rupees. A new government decision could help ease some of that burden.

India's drug pricing regulator has capped trade margins at 30% for 137 anti-cancer medicines. These are the margins earned as medicines move through distributors, retailers and hospitals before reaching patients.

The list includes medicines used to treat breast, lung and several other cancers, including expensive drugs such as pembrolizumab and osimertinib.

Prices could fall by up to 70% for certain medicines, depending on their current pricing.

The revised rates will take effect on November 9. Hospitals and pharmacies will have to display the updated prices, while patients can check them through the government's Pharma Sahi Daam app. Read more

For someone undergoing treatment over several months, a lower medicine bill could bring meaningful relief.

But savings will vary. The new rule limits trade margins, while manufacturers' base prices remain a separate factor.

Here's one for anyone who grew up with a packet of Parle-G.

Answer at the end

🥇 Sports: India won four gold medals on the opening day of the Asian Para Games. Shooters Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara also secured gold and silver.

💳 Finance: Repaid your loan but it's still marked active on your credit report? Check your closure documents, contact the lender and dispute any errors.

🐢 Northeast: Two rare turtles were rescued in Assam's Tinsukia district after being spotted near roads, where passing vehicles could have put them at risk.

🌐 Digital Rights: The Supreme Court recognised children's right to internet access, favouring suitable online safeguards over blanket restrictions aimed at protecting them.

🕯️ National: A stampede at a Kolkata Durga Puja pandal killed 19 people. Eyewitnesses described overcrowding and a warning announcement that may have contributed to the panic.

🐆 Wildlife: Maharashtra's Junnar has begun a field trial of fertility-control vaccines for leopards, exploring a new way to manage conflict between humans and wildlife.

Born yesterday. Already better at relaxing than most adults.