National 26 August 2026
CBN, PHARMEXCIL Sign MoU to Prevent Diversion of Controlled Substances
Why in the News?
The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, and the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (PHARMEXCIL) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate legitimate pharmaceutical exports while preventing the diversion of controlled substances.
Key Features / Major Points:
Signatories: The MoU was signed and exchanged at the CBN Headquarters in Gwalior by Dr. Dinesh Bisen (Narcotics Commissioner, CBN) and K. Raja Bhanu (Director General, PHARMEXCIL).
Core Objective: To strengthen collaboration between the regulator and the pharma export industry, support the government's Ease of Doing Business agenda, and foster voluntary compliance and self-regulation.
Safeguarding Essential Inputs: As India supplies medicines to over 200 countries, precursor chemicals and psychotropic substances used in pain management and anaesthesia require robust safeguards to prevent illicit diversion.
Role of PHARMEXCIL: PHARMEXCIL will act as an industry interface to disseminate regulatory advisories, organize training programs, and help exporter members simplify compliance.
Static GK Facts:
Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN): Headquarters: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh | Parent Department: Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
NDPS Act: Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (Enacted to regulate licit trade and prevent illicit traffic of narcotic drugs).
PHARMEXCIL: Established: 2004 | Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana | Parent Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: With which body did the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) sign an MoU to prevent the illicit diversion of controlled pharmaceutical substances?
A: PHARMEXCIL
Q: Where is the headquarters of the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) located?
A: Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh)
Q: Which Act governs the regulatory and enforcement mandate of the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN)?
A: NDPS Act, 1985 (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act)