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Maharashtra Logs 14,526 Child Deaths In 3 Years

The minister also acknowledged that Palghar, a tribal-dominated district, reported 138 deaths of infants and young children (aged 06 years) in the past six months, underscoring persistent concerns over maternal and child health in vulnerable regions.

Deccan Chronicle 12 Dec 2025 9:50 pm

Red Terror Nears Its End As Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra Maoist-Free

In a landmark development, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, two key states in the Red Corridor, have officially declared themselves Maoist-free, signalling a decisive collapse of the Maoist stronghold that once dominated central India.

NDTV 12 Dec 2025 8:53 pm

Maharashtra teams up with Microsoft to catch cyber criminals using AI

The AI tool will increase the efficiency of policing and reduce the turnaround time of investigation by 80%, says Microsoft team

The Hindu 12 Dec 2025 7:47 pm

Indian Navy to commission its first indigenous diving support craft on Dec 16

The commissioning will take place under the Southern Naval Command in the presence of Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, an official statement said

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 6:00 pm

Govt not serious about winter session, violating Vidarbha Agreement: Sapkal

He alleged that despite serious issues concerning farmers, workers, unemployment, law and order, corruption and womens safety, the government had avoided meaningful discussion.

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 5:55 pm

Pradas new move: 85,000 Kolhapuris that are actually 'Made in India'

Prada has partnered with Indian leather bodies LIDCOM and LIDKAR to launch a limited-edition sandal line inspired by Kolhapuri chappals. This initiative follows criticism for cultural appropriation, ensuring artisans are central to the production of 2,000 handcrafted pairs made in Maharashtra and Karnataka, set for a global release in February 2026.

The Times of India 12 Dec 2025 5:35 pm

2 BJP, NCP(SP) supporters get civil custody, barred from Vidhan Bhavan

The report tabled in the House noted that Deshmukh, a supporter of NCP(SP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Jitendra Awhad, and Takale, a supporter of BJP legislator Gopichand Padalkar, had engaged in a physical confrontation in the assembly lobby

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 4:57 pm

Maharashtra nearing Maoist-free status, says Fadnavis; directs fresh security and development push

Fadnavis was speaking while presiding over a review meeting of the State-Level Committee on the National Plan and Action Framework. During the meeting, he issued a series of directives aimed at strengthening security arrangements and deepening development work in affected regions.

IBTimes 12 Dec 2025 4:33 pm

Kolhapuri Chappals Set To Go Global With Prada's Modern Touch, Exclusive Footwear Arrival In February 2026

MoU was signed between Prada and Maharashtra and Karnataka's Leather Industries

Deccan Chronicle 12 Dec 2025 4:33 pm

UP illegal cough syrup case: ED carries out raids in multiple states

The federal probe agency recently registered a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), taking cognisance of about 30 UP Police FIRs related to the misuse, illegal manufacturing, trade and transport of CBCS, including smuggling across the Bangladesh border

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 4:28 pm

Fed rate cut eases pressure on rupee; India seen stable on FX, bonds: Report

YES Bank Research says the Feds 25 bps rate cut is unlikely to trigger volatility for India, with pressures on the rupee easing and currency seen stable near 90. Bond yields are expected to hold firm as markets anticipate no further RBI action and steady inflows

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 3:17 pm

Congress says, `DGCA and Aviation Ministry are equally responsible for crisis`

Amid IndiGos flight cancellation crisis, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram blamed the DGCA and Civil Aviation Ministry for issuing new flight crew rest rules without an impact study. A DGCA panel will question IndiGos CEO as scrutiny intensifies, even as the airline offers vouchers to affected passengers

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 2:49 pm

Union Minister Naidu chairs meeting with airlines on preparedness for winter fog

Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu chaired a review meeting to ensure smooth winter-fog operations, directing airlines and airports to follow strict SOPs. The DGCA also dismissed four Flight Operations Inspectors amid the ongoing IndiGo flight cancellation crisis

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 2:31 pm

Goa club fire: Landowner alleges officials quietly altered property status

Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar said he had signed a sale agreement in 2004 with Surinder Kumar Khosla, but the deal was withdrawn within six months after the payment did not materialise. Khosla went on to set up a nightclub on the land, which was later taken over by Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 2:30 pm

Brookfield to invest $1 billion to build GCC facility in Maharashtra: CM Devendra Fadnavis

GCCs are offshore units of multinationals created to support global operations across functions. Entities like Brookfield create real estate spaces that are rented to companies.

The Economic Times 12 Dec 2025 2:19 pm

Anna Hazare To Launch Indefinite Hunger Strike From Jan 30 Over Non-Implementation Of Lokayukta Act

Anna Hazare will start an indefinite hunger strike on January 30 in Ralegan Siddhi, protesting Maharashtras delay in implementing the Lokayukta Act despite repeated assurances.

News18 12 Dec 2025 2:17 pm

Maharashtra govt partners with Microsoft to launch MahaCrimeOS AI

Developed by CyberEye, the MahaCrimeOS AI is currently live in 23 Nagpur police stations

The Hindu Businessline 12 Dec 2025 2:16 pm

Austria approves headscarf ban for girls under 14 in schools

Austrias parliament has approved a nationwide ban on Islamic headscarves for schoolgirls under 14, drawing criticism from rights groups who call it discriminatory. In 2019 the country introduced a ban on headscarves in primary schools, but the constitutional court struck it down

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 2:12 pm

Maharashtra, Brookfield to create Asias biggest GCC; $1 bn investment lined up

The upcoming facility is expected to employ 45,000 people directly and indirectly, with an MoU to be signed soon

The Hindu Businessline 12 Dec 2025 2:10 pm

Alliance to be formed 'at any cost' ahead of civic polls: Maharashtra BJP chief

Maharashtra BJP President Ravindra Chavan stated that senior party leaders have directed an alliance at any cost for upcoming municipal corporation elections before January 31. Discussions involving Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde have confirmed alliances for Mumbai and Thane, with committees to be formed for other corporations.

The Economic Times 12 Dec 2025 2:07 pm

`Millions of children getting lung diseases, govt should discuss in parliament`

Stressing the need for collective action, he added that it would be worthwhile for everyone to participate in a thorough discussion, followed by the Prime Minister introducing a plan for each city. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said the government is open to discussion

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 2:03 pm

Maharashtra police use AI platform to combat cybercrime and support victims

Maharashtra police are now leveraging MahaCrimeOS AI, powered by Microsoft Foundry, to combat cybercrime across all 1,100 police stations. This AI copilot automates complaint processing and investigation, significantly speeding up response times. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency and citizen support in tackling the rising tide of online fraud and scams.

The Times of India 12 Dec 2025 1:42 pm

Seven districts in Maharashtra saw 14,526 child deaths in three years: Govt

NAGPUR: Seven districts of Maharashtra recorded 14,526 child deaths over the past three years, Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar told the legislative assembly on Friday, citing government records. Abitkar shared the data in a written reply to a question raised by BJP legislator Sneha Dubey. According to the minister, between 2022-23 and 2024-25, Pune, Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur, Amravati, Akola and Yavatmal districts collectively reported 14,526 child deaths. The figure includes infants and children under five admitted to government facilities, as well as cases of severe malnutrition. The minister also said that 138 infant deaths have been recorded in the tribal-dominated Palghar district. Citing the state health department's data as of November 2025, Abitkar said 203 children were identified as suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and 2,666 from Moderate Acute Malnutrition. The proportion of underweight children was recorded at 0.23 per cent, while 1.48 per cent fell in the moderately underweight category. He also referred to the Sample Registration System 2022, released by the Registrar General of India, which estimated Maharashtra's neonatal mortality rate at 11 per 1,000 live births, lower than the national average of 23. Abitkar said the state government has adopted multiple measures under the Integrated Child Development Services programme to reduce malnutrition. These include regular health examinations, the Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Amrut Aahar Yojana for pregnant women, targeted interventions for SAM children, the Nutrition Campaign, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and the Suposhit Maharashtra' initiative.

The New Indian Express 12 Dec 2025 1:23 pm

US to deny tourist visas if applicants plan to give birth during their stay

In a post on X, the embassy warned that tourist visa applications will be denied immediately if consular officers suspect that an applicants primary purpose for travelling to the United States is to give birth

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 11:21 am

Maharashtra expands AI cybercrime platform: MahaCrimeOS to cover 1,100 police stations; faster investigations, citizen support

Maharashtra police are enhancing cybercrime investigations with the MahaCrimeOS AI platform, developed by CyberEye and deployed through MARVEL. This AI copilot automates processes, analyzes data faster, and assists investigators in tackling a surge in digital frauds. The platform's statewide rollout aims to improve efficiency and citizen support.

The Times of India 12 Dec 2025 11:11 am

Andhra Pradesh bus tragedy: 9 dead, 23 injured after vehicle falls into gorge

Nine pilgrims died and 23 were injured after a private bus fell into a gorge on the Chintur-Naredumilli ghat road in Andhra Pradeshs Alluri Sitharamaraju district. The bus carrying 37 people, including two drivers, was heading to Bhadrachalam

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 11:04 am

Opposition targets Mahayuti over farmers distress; Maharashtra Government says 29,000 crore sought from Centre

Ambadas Danve posted on X, Only 75,000 was spent from CMs Relief Fund for flood-affected farmers in October, when the fund received was 106.57 crore in October alone

The Hindu 12 Dec 2025 10:55 am

6.7 quake triggers tsunami advisory in northeast Japan; no immediate damage

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck off Aomori, prompting Japan to issue a tsunami advisory for multiple northeastern prefectures. The Pacific coast of Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate and Miyagi prefectures could see a tsunami of up to 1 meter (3.2 feet), the agency added

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 10:50 am

Shivraj Patil death: Former Home Minister Shivraj Patil is no more, tributes pour in

Shivraj Patil served as the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha between 1991 and 1996. Before coming to the Lok Sabha, he has served as a legislator of the Maharashtra Assembly in the early 1970s.

The Hindu 12 Dec 2025 10:49 am

Maharashtra Senior Congress leader Shivraj Patil Chakurkar passes away at 91

As Lok Sabha Speaker, he spearheaded the modernisation and computerisation of Parliament, introduced live telecasting of proceedings, and oversaw initiatives such as the new library building. The Outstanding Parliamentarian Award was also instituted during his tenure

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 10:35 am

Delhi weather update: City wakes up to toxic smog; AQI hits 329

Despite slight improvements in recent weeks, large parts of the city remained shrouded in thick, hazardous haze. Areas such as Ghazipur and Anand Vihar reported severely reduced visibility, while several localities across Delhi continued to record very poor air quality

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 10:22 am

What Is The Pagdi System And Who Gains More From Maharashtras New Law Tenant Or Landlord?

Maharashtras new law aims to reshape the century-old Pagdi system, stirring fresh debate in Mumbai. As rules shift, a question remains: landlords or tenants - who truly benefits?

News18 12 Dec 2025 10:20 am

DMER result 2025: PDF released for Laboratory Technician and Pharmacist posts at dmer.maharashtra.gov.in; download here

DMER Pharmacist result 2025: The Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) has released the DMER Result 2025 PDF for Laboratory Technician and Pharmacist posts. Candidates who appeared in the Group-C Computer-Based Written Examination can now download the official PDF from www.dmer.maharashtra.gov.in. The result includes names, roll numbers, and marks of qualified candidates. Selected candidates are eligible for the next stages, including Proficiency Test and Document Verification. Earlier, results for other posts under the same recruitment drive were published on 5th December 2025.

The Times of India 12 Dec 2025 10:04 am

Ex-Home Minister Shivaj Patil, who stepped down after 26/11 Mumbai attacks, passes away at 90

Former Union Minister and veteran Congress leader Shivraj Patil passed away on Friday morning at the age of 91 in Latur, Maharashtra, following a brief illness.

Web Dunia 12 Dec 2025 9:57 am

State sees cool mornings; Ahilyanagar records lowest temperature of 7.3 degrees

In the northern and western parts of the state, Nashik recorded a minimum of 7.8 degrees Celsius with 64 per cent relative humidity and no rainfall over the past 24 hours. Pune experienced a low of 8.3 degrees Celsius with 77 per cent humidity

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 9:49 am

Nearly 650 kg of marine debris cleared from Maharashtras Sindhudurg coast

The marine diversemphasised that marine debris not only threatens aquatic biodiversity but alsoimpactsfisheries, tourism, and coastal livelihoods

The Hindu 12 Dec 2025 9:30 am

Former Union minister Shivraj Patil passes away at 90

Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away at his home town Latur in Maharashtra on Friday morning. Patil, 90, passed away at his residence 'Devghar' after a brief illness, family sources said. He is survived by his son Shailesh Patil, daughter-in-law Archana, who is a BJP leader, and two granddaughters. The Congress leader was Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008 and the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. He was the Governor of Punjab and also served as Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015. Born on October 12, 1935, Patil began his political journey as municipal council chief of Latur and was elected as an MLA in the early 70s. Later, he went on to win the Latur Lok Sabha seat seven times. He lost to BJP's Rupatai Patil Nilangekar in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections. Known for his dignified conduct, he never indulged in personal attacks, neither in public speeches nor in private conversations, said a party leader. Patil was also known for his vast reading, meticulous study, and articulate presentation. His command over Marathi, English, and Hindi, along with his exceptional grasp of constitutional matters, made him a much-respected parliamentarian of his time, added the party leader.

The New Indian Express 12 Dec 2025 9:23 am

Railways introduces New DelhiKatra special service amid winter travel demand

South Eastern Railway has planned special trains to handle the surge in demand following recent flight cancellations

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 9:01 am

Donald Trump signs executive order to block state AI regulations

Members of Congress from both parties, as well as civil liberties and consumer rights groups, have pushed for more regulations on AI, saying there is not enough oversight for the powerful technology

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 8:54 am

Thai PM Anutin gets royal approval to dissolve Parliament, calls early elections

The election for the House of Representatives would be held 45 to 60 days after the Royal Decree, a period while Anutin will head a caretaker government with limited powers and cannot approve a new budget

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 8:50 am

China`s new `condom tax` draws skepticism, worries over health risks

More seriously, experts are raising concerns over potential increases in unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases due to higher costs for contraceptives

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 8:48 am

Appeals court uphold contempt ruling against Apple but reopens issue of app fees

The unanimous decision by a three-judge panel for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals mostly validated a scalding contempt order issued in April by US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers for violating key part of her September 2021 findings in legal battle instigated by video game maker Epic Games

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 8:44 am

Shivraj Patil, former Union Home Minister, passes away at 91 in Maharashtra

Shivraj Patil, senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister, breathed his last in Latur today, December 12, 2025. He was 91. Patil passed away at around 6:30 am at his residence in Latur, where he had been under home care due to prolonged illness, according to reports.

DNA India 12 Dec 2025 8:44 am

Coming soon: Prada signs Kolhapuri deal, to sell chappals for Rs 84,000; limited edition to launch in 40 stores worldwide

Italian luxury brand Prada has partnered with Indian artisans to launch a limited-edition Kolhapuri Chappal collection. Priced at approximately $930, the 2,000-pair line aims to preserve traditional craftsmanship and showcase Indian heritage on a global fashion stage, with potential for significant export growth.

The Times of India 12 Dec 2025 8:26 am

Fooling or feeding the algorithm?

Its a brutal battle to stay relevant on Instagram, and even more so to get noticed by the right audience. But, should we succumb to the algorithm asking for a sexy hook in lingerie, to up follower count?

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 7:48 am

Railways must take every step to prevent stampedes

Photographs accompanying our report show a long line of commuters using a narrow bridge

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 7:45 am

China activates 2,000-km-wide distributed AI giant computer

The large-scale, distributed AI-computing network links data centres spread across roughly 2000 km using a high-speed optical network, allowing them to operate almost like a single supercomputer

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 6:55 am

Three civilians killed as ThailandCambodia border clashes escalate

The latest large-scale fighting was set off by a skirmish on Sunday that wounded two Thai soldiers and derailed a ceasefire pushed by US President Donald Trump that ended five days of combat in July over longstanding territorial disputes

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 6:52 am

3D printing gives the cello a twist with affordable carbon-fiber design

Together with Alfred Goodrich, Forte3Ds co-founder and CEO, he redesigned the instrument and created a simple hybrid structure that is easy to 3D print. The instrument can withstand travel, temperature changes, and daily use while still delivering a rich, resonant sound

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 6:49 am

Pakistan: Former ISI chief Faiz Hameed awarded 14 years jail time

The accused was tried on four charges related to engaging in political activities, violation of the Official Secret Act detrimental to safety and interest of the state, misuse of authority and government resources and causing wrongful loss to persons

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 6:45 am

Original 1977 Star Wars painting fetches USD 3.9 million at auction

The acrylic and airbrush painting by the artist and movie poster designer Tom Jung first appeared in newspaper advertisements on May 13, 1977, a little less than two weeks before the space epic created by George Lucas opened. It also adorned billboards, magazine ads and theatre programmes

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 6:42 am

EC hits pause on voter roll push, revises SIR schedule across states

The enumeration period for these six states and Union territories was to end on Thursday and draft electoral rolls were to be published on December 16. The enumeration period for Tamil Nadu and Gujarat has been extended till December 14 and the draft electoral rolls will be published on December 19

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 6:38 am

CBI flags Myanmar as major hub of rising digital arrest fraud networks

The agency also ran a parallel investigation into cyber-slavery and the organised digital exploitation networks in Southeast Asia, with slave compounds in Myanmar and neighbouring areas, that are emerging as incubators for the execution of such frauds

Mid Day 12 Dec 2025 6:33 am

Given slum to rehab assurance, Dharavi locals face eviction

The Times of India 12 Dec 2025 2:36 am

ED searches 40 sites in 4 states for 'highly radicalised IS module'

The Enforcement Directorate conducted extensive searches across 40 locations in Delhi, Kolkata, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh targeting a radicalized IS module. Investigations revealed alleged use of crime proceeds for weapons, explosives, recruitment, and training of terror suspects. This money laundering probe stems from an NIA chargesheet, with intelligence suggesting illicit wood trade funding extremist activities.

The Times of India 12 Dec 2025 2:19 am

Fadnavis Slams Oppositions Farmers Aid Claims As Misinformation

Maharashtra witnessed heavy rainfall and flooding in September, causing widespread devastation across Marathwada and parts of western Maharashtra. In response, the state government on October 7 announced a Rs 31,628-crore compensation package to support over 60 lakh farmers who suffered extensive crop damage and soil erosion.

Deccan Chronicle 12 Dec 2025 2:18 am

Congress Leader Alleges Temple Lands Scam In Maharashtra

the Legislative Assembly passed the amendment Bill, which provides free regularisation of residential houses built on Madat Mash inam lands and grants occupants full Occupant Class-1 ownership rights without any premium.

Deccan Chronicle 12 Dec 2025 1:59 am

Sand mafia paid to defeat me in polls: Mungantiwar

The Times of India 12 Dec 2025 12:18 am

1/yr lease rent for Babulnath temple gets nod

The Times of India 12 Dec 2025 12:10 am

HC questions state on Zeeshans security dilution

The Times of India 12 Dec 2025 12:01 am

Fire erupts below, 3 jump from first floor in Uran to flee

The Times of India 11 Dec 2025 11:04 pm

AP: 21 feared dead after mini truck falls into gorge; PM Modi expresses grief

Distressed by the loss of lives due to a mishap in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured, the PMO said in a post on X

Mid Day 11 Dec 2025 10:53 pm

2008 riot case: Charges framed against Raj

The Times of India 11 Dec 2025 10:27 pm

Two top Naxals surrender in Balaghat; MP now free of all listed MMC zone cadres, says CM Yadav

BHOPAL: Continued surrenders by armed Naxal cadres in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, driven by surrender or get eliminated anti-Naxal operations, resulted in two more hardcore Naxalites laying down arms in the forests of MPs Balaghat district on Thursday. Two wanted Naxals carrying a combined reward of 43 lakh surrendered at a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in the Korka area of Balaghat district. They were identified as Deepak Uike, a Gondia-Rajnandgaon-Balaghat (GRB) divisional committee member carrying a reward of Rs 29 lakh, and Rohit, who had a Rs 14 lakh bounty. With their surrender, Madhya Pradesh is now free of all listed CPI (Maoist) cadres from the Maharashtra-MP-Chhattisgarh (MMC) special zone. Based on interrogation of the armed Naxal cadres who surrendered recently, after the latest two surrenders, all listed Naxal cadres of the MMC zone have now been eliminated or have surrendered. This is a historic development, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav announced on Thursday evening. Deepak Uike was considered the poster boy of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in Balaghat district, as he hailed from Palagondi village in the same region. Both Deepak and Rohit were part of the Malajkhand Dalam of the GRB divisional committee, which operated largely in the southern stretches of the MMC Zone. The dalam, led by CPI (Maoist) central committee member and MMC Zone chief Ramder Majji, saw 12 cadres surrender in Chhattisgarh on December 8. However, Deepak and Rohit had stayed away from the December 8 surrender. In the last 42 days, as many as 42 hardcore Naxalites carrying a collective bounty of Rs 7.75 crore have surrendered in MP, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, the MP CM said, congratulating anti-Naxal police personnel. The chief minister also paid tribute to the 38 police personnel who have died in anti-Naxal operations in undivided and divided Madhya Pradesh since 198889. The elimination or surrender of all listed cadres in MP assumes special significance as it comes just two days before the Mohan Yadav-led BJP government completes two years in office. In 202324, four wanted Naxalites, including a woman cadre carrying a total reward of 71 lakh, were gunned down in encounters. In 2025 so far, ten armed Naxal cadres all of area committee rank carrying a total bounty of 1.46 crore have been killed, marking the highest Naxal casualties in any year, Yadav added.

The New Indian Express 11 Dec 2025 10:15 pm

MPs flag stalled rare-disease funding; warn nearly 100 children on life-saving therapy face imminent risk

NEW DELHI: The Indian Medical Parliamentarians Forum (IMPF), a cross-party collective of 45 medical professionals turned parliamentarians, have issued a public health alert, warning that dozens of children with ultra-rare Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs), a rare inherited metabolic conditions caused by a deficiency of specific enzymes, are at immediate risk due to preventable treatment interruptions under the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD 2021). In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Forums Chairperson, Dr Anil Bonde, has called for urgent, time-bound intervention to halt avoidable deaths and ensure uninterrupted access to Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT), the only life-saving treatment for many LSD conditions. The BJP Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra said nearly 100 patients currently on ERT are at imminent risk of discontinuation as funds have stalled. Over 60 children and young adults have already died due to delays in therapy initiation or breaks in treatment, said the letter, which was also addressed to Union Health Minister JP Nadda. The letter highlighted that of the 60 patients, 20 have died in the last 12 months The Forum, which has MPs from both the Houses as its members, warned that even a brief disruption in ERT can cause acute metabolic crises, irreversible organ damage, and often death - turning every delay into a life-threatening event. Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs) like Gaucher, Pompe, Fabry, and MPS are rare genetic conditions from missing enzymes, causing toxic buildup in cells, leading to severe, progressive multi-system damage (organs, nerves, bones) from infancy to adulthood. The center has notified the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) in March 2021 to provide affordable care for rare disease patients, categorizing diseases into three groups and establishing Centres of Excellence (CoEs) for treatment, diagnosis, and research, offering financial aid up to 50 Lakhs for curative treatments. However, the Forum said, four years after notification, serious implementation gaps are now costing young lives. Children who were earlier stabilised and progressing well on Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) are relapsing, becoming bedridden, or dying only because treatment has stopped after exhausting the current one-time cap of 50 lakh available under Group 3(a) of NPRD 2021. Families describe the anguish of watching a child regress despite an approved therapy, an existing policy and budgetary allocations, Dr Bonde said. He said clinical experience and published evidence show that even short interruptions in ERT can lead to irreversible organ damage and, in many cases, death within months. In this context, the one-time ceiling of Rs. 50 lakh, without a mechanism for continuation funding, is proving inadequate for lifelong conditions where uninterrupted therapy is medically essential. The result is a tragic paradox: patients are dying despite a notified policy, established CoEs and available therapies, he added. The Forum suggested waiver or extension of the Rs. 50 lakh cap for existing Group 3(a) LSD patients; immediate approval of therapy for all eligible patients who have already exhausted the ceiling, so that no child or adult currently on treatment is forced into regression or death for want of funds. They also suggested to the prime minister to create a continuum-of-care funding framework under NPRD 2021: and to direct the Union Health Ministry, in consultation with the Ministry of Finance and NITI Aayog, to design a sustainable mechanism for uninterrupted, long-term therapy support for high-risk Group 3(a) patients. This could include a distinct pathway within NPRD 2021 for DCGI-approved therapies with strong evidence of clinical efficacy, ensuring that once a patient is initiated on ERT, treatment is not abruptly withdrawn due to administrative caps, the letter said. The Forum also suggested streamlining utilisation and governance of existing rare-disease funds; addressing administrative bottlenecks that delay treatment and result in under-utilisation or expiry of sanctioned funds. A strengthened oversight framework, with clear timelines and accountability for CoEs and implementing agencies, will help ensure that every rupee reaches the intended patient, the letter said. Highlighting that no child or adult with an ultra-rare Lysosomal Storage Disorder is denied life-saving treatment solely for want of continuity of care, Dr Bonde said, A timely decision in this matter will save many young lives and reaffirm India's commitment to leaving no vulnerable patient behind on our journey towards a Viksit Bharat.

The New Indian Express 11 Dec 2025 9:54 pm

If US satisfied with Indias offer, Trump administration should sign trade deal`

Goyal said there have been five rounds of negotiations with the US so far. He added that the ongoing visit of US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer is not focused on negotiations but on strengthening engagement between the two sides

Mid Day 11 Dec 2025 9:33 pm

Watch: Historic chaos in Maharashtra Assembly: No opposition leader for the first time

In this episode of Pulse Maharashtra, we decode the unprecedented turmoil in the winter session: why both Houses currently lack an LOP, how the 10% convention is being interpreted, and what the number game looks like (Shiv Sena UBT, Congress, NCPSP).

The Hindu 11 Dec 2025 9:32 pm

Modi, Trump review strategic ties, push progress on IndiaUS trade talks

According to an official statement, the two leaders expressed satisfaction with the steady strengthening of India-US ties and stressed the need to maintain momentum in efforts to expand bilateral trade as negotiations continue

Mid Day 11 Dec 2025 9:25 pm

NDA MPs arrive at Prime Minister`s residence ahead of special dinner

NDA MPs have begun arriving at PM Narendra Modis residence for a special dinner aimed at strengthening coordination within the alliance during the Winter Session of Parliament. The meeting will focus on streamlining floor strategy

Mid Day 11 Dec 2025 9:09 pm

220 development projects approved in Pune Metropolitan Region, says CM Fadnavis

The CM also asked PMC to plan the development of the 23 villages that were merged into the corporation in June 2021. Plans for Pune Growth Hubs through Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), a government institute, should be verified, he further directed officials

Mid Day 11 Dec 2025 7:31 pm

Uddhav accuses CM Fadnavis of shielding corrupt ministers

Speaking to reporters at the party office in the Vidhan Bhavan premises during the winter session, Uddhav Thackeray alleged that corruption among ministers was emerging daily

Mid Day 11 Dec 2025 6:55 pm

CM Mamata Banerjee slams assault at Gita event, says `Bengal is not UP`

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee condemned the assault on two food vendors at a Gita recital in Kolkata, saying such intimidation wont be tolerated. She accused the BJP of fuelling communal divisions as police arrested three men based on video evidence

Mid Day 11 Dec 2025 6:23 pm

Delhi riots case: Umar Khalid granted interim bail by Delhi court

Delhis Karkardooma Court has granted interim bail to Umar Khalid, accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, allowing him to attend his sisters wedding from December 16 to 29. The court set strict conditions, including no social media use

Mid Day 11 Dec 2025 6:18 pm