Centre informed Supreme Court that providing free gene therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) could cost India Rs 35-40,000 crore annually. The government has capped free treatment costs at Rs 50 lakh per child annually. Supreme Court allowed continued free treatment at Army R&R hospital for a specific case, but will review broader policy later.
Related news
Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of fostering Naxalism due to decades-long policies in backward regions, neglecting tribal communities’ needs. During his visit to Chhattisgarh, he inaugurated development projects worth Rs 33,700 crore, highlighting significant progress in housing and education under BJP's governance.
Rahul Gandhi will begin his campaign in Delhi for the upcoming assembly polls, addressing a rally in Seelampur on January 13. This marks his first rally in the capital, set to take place against the backdrop of earlier events by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and following a month-long Congress yatra.
Costa Rica has agreed to accept migrants who were deported from the United States, becoming the third country in Central America to do so. This move follows similar actions by Panama and Guatemala. The deportees, mostly from Central Asia and India, will be repatriated under an arrangement funded by the US government and managed by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Former USAID mission director for India, Veena Reddy, is under scrutiny after US President Donald Trump questioned a $21 million aid package aimed at boosting voter turnout in India. The BJP claims this confirms foreign interference in Indian elections, while Congress dismisses the remarks.
President Joe Biden blocked Japan's Nippon Steel’s proposed $15 billion acquisition of US Steel, citing national security concerns and the need for American steelmaking capacity to remain domestically controlled. This decision, aligning with opposition from political figures like Donald Trump, could impact US-Japan diplomatic relations.
Sita Soren, sister-in-law of Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, narrowly avoided harm when her long-time personal assistant attempted to aim a loaded pistol at her during a dispute over campaign funds. The assistant, Debashish Manoranjan Ghosh, was overpowered by others and later taken into custody by the police.
The Rajya Sabha discussed a private member's bill to amend the POCSO Act 2012, aiming to introduce victim-centric reforms and stricter punishment for child sexual predators. The bill proposes clear reporting timelines, structured compensation procedures, and mandatory stakeholder training to ensure effective implementation and support for child victims.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut criticized the Maharashtra government on Women's Day for not addressing crimes against women. He highlighted recent incidents such as the rape cases in Pune and Buldhana, questioning the celebration of such international days without substantive action to protect women.
Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj is using advanced technology and unique methods to prevent people from getting lost in the crowd. Measures include QR code accessories, Google location activation, and specific meeting points. The Prayagraj Mela Authority has established 'Lost & Found' camps and digital registration, ensuring safety and reuniting families quickly.
The Aam Aadmi Party accused BJP's leaders and Union ministers of engaging in voter registration fraud in Delhi before the assembly elections. AAP's Sanjay Singh alleged that BJP is misleading the Election Commission by registering fake votes. BJP countered, accusing AAP of similar malpractice involving non-residents.