On World Rare Diseases Day, India's focus is on the high cost of treatments for rare diseases due to monopoly drug pricing. The National Policy for Rare Diseases aims to lower costs and promote local drug manufacturing. A patient's court battle for affordable SMA treatment highlights the need for policy implementation and transparent drug pricing.
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The Supreme Court has declined to consider Mahua Moitra's plea to disclose details of alternate investment funds and foreign portfolio investors in India's stock market, directing her to first approach Sebi. The Court allowed Moitra to present her concerns to Sebi and seek legal remedies if her representation is not addressed within a reasonable timeframe.
Paytm, Easebuzz, and PayU have responded to an ED probe regarding a cryptocurrency scam involving HPZ Token operated by Chinese nationals. The investigation started in 2022, and the companies have cooperated with authorities. Razorpay stated it has received no new inquiries about the case.
The treasury and opposition benches clashed in both Houses of Parliament on Monday over Karnataka deputy CM D K Shivakumar's purported statement suggesting reservation for Muslims by changing the Constitution.
V Narayanan, who led India's advancements in cryogenic engine technology, has taken charge as ISRO's new chairman, replacing Somanath. Narayanan played essential roles in the Chandrayaan missions, Aditya-L1, and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, and will oversee critical upcoming missions including the Venus Orbiter and Bharatiya Antariksha Station.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar assured some women MPs that he will address their concerns regarding facilities in the new Parliament building, including clean toilets, availability of refreshments, seating arrangements, transportation, and an interactive space for members from both Houses. He promised that most issues would be resolved within 72 hours.
The Supreme Court directed the Centre to decide on Balwant Singh Rajoana's mercy petition by March 18. Rajoana, convicted in the 1995 assassination of Punjab CM Beant Singh, has spent 29 years in jail, over 15 on death row. The court emphasized the gravity of the case and the need for a timely decision.
Prime Minister Modi inaugurates the Z-Morh tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring year-round access to the Sonamarg resort. The Rs 2,400 crore project improves connectivity in the Ladakh region, aiding defence logistics and socio-economic development. The tunnel works with the under-construction Zojila tunnel to enhance travel efficiency and road connectivity.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar met Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha, marking his first diplomatic engagement of the year. They reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed regional and global developments. The visit focused on enhancing political, trade, investment, energy, security, cultural, and people-to-people relations between India and Qatar.
Kapil Sibal credited the Congress-led UPA government for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks accused, highlighting the establishment of the NIA during their tenure. The NIA, formed shortly after the attacks, played a crucial role in registering the case and expressing displeasure to the US regarding Rana's initial release.
Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan experienced an uncomfortable journey on an Air India flight due to a broken seat, raising concerns about the airline's service under Tata Group ownership. The incident prompted intervention from Union aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu, and DGCA sought a report from Air India to address the issue.