Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Price Hikes, Narcotics Control, and Hospital Reforms in 1986
In 1986, the prices of wheat, rice, and flour were set to increase in India.
The government was also planning to create a new bureau to fight drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry decided to study hospitals in Delhi after a TV show showed bad conditions.
In the US, the Star Wars program might be delayed because of the investigation into the Challenger space shuttle disaster.
These changes were happening because of different problems and discoveries.
Prices of wheat, rice, and flour to increase from February 1, 1986, due to higher central issue prices for the public distribution system.
Government considering setting up a Narcotics Control Bureau to combat international drug trafficking.
Health Ministry to study major hospitals in Delhi and suggest improvements following a TV exposé on poor conditions.
Star Wars program may face delays due to investigations into the Challenger disaster.
NASA to halt space programs to conduct a 'failure analysis' into the Challenger explosion.
- Who
- Government of India, US President Ronald Reagan, NASA, Health Ministry
- What
- Price hikes for wheat, rice, and flour; proposal for Narcotics Control Bureau; hospital reforms; potential delay in Star Wars program
- When
- Effective from February 1, 1986
- Where
- India, United States
- Why
- Increase in central issue prices for PDS; rise in drug trafficking; exposure of hospital conditions; Challenger disaster investigation
- Date
- January 30, 1986
- Price Increase
- Rs 18 per quintal for wheat and flour, Rs 14 per quintal for rice
- Narcotics Control Bureau
- Proposed with five zonal offices and two site offices
- Hospital Study
- Institute of Marketing Management to study major hospitals in Delhi
- Star Wars Delay
- Possible delay due to Challenger disaster investigation