SC Stays Bail Granted to Corporator in Hospital Assault Case
A bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta admitted the Maharashtra governments appeal against the bail order.
Maha: Pune growth hub strategy targets $200 bn economy, 20 lakh jobs
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) A comprehensive master plan for the holistic development of the Pune Economic Region was presented to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday during a high-level meeting. Formulated under NITI Aayogs Growth Hub initiative, the plan sets an ambitious target to elevate Punes economy to $200220 billion by 2036. The blueprint outlines 58 priority projects, an estimated investment of Rs 910 lakh crore, and the creation of 1520 lakh additional jobs. The vision centres on enhancing public transit, providing affordable housing, and preserving the environment. Currently, Pune contributes 1112 per cent to Maharashtras overall income, with a real economic growth rate of 66.5 per cent. The strategy aims to accelerate this to 10 per cent annually. In alignment with the states vision to build a $5 trillion economy by 2047, the Pune Growth Hub proposes expanding the regions economy from $68 billion in FY 202526 to $200220 billion by FY 203536. The region is home to around 15 million residents. The framework focuses on sustainable, inclusive growth and positions Pune among Asias most liveable metropolitan areas. Six core sectors have been identified: manufacturing, electric vehicles (EV), engineering goods, defence, robotics/drones, electronics/semiconductors, and biotechnology. Key proposals include EV and mobility hubs, high-tech engineering parks, defence technology centres, and AI/Global Capability Centres (GCCs), expected to generate 4-5 lakh high-tech jobs. The plan also aims to expand the local startup count beyond 10,000 and upskill 1.5-2 lakh professionals in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Pune currently has 56 lakh jobs, with projections of 74-76 lakh jobs over the next decade, representing 12-20 lakh net additional opportunities across manufacturing, services, healthcare, education, tourism, agro-processing, and logistics. Tourism development will focus on six thematic circuits, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Fort Circuit (Shivneri, Lohagad, Rajgad, Sinhagad), Pawna and Bhatghar water tourism hubs, Junnar Leopard Safari, a 600 km Sahyadri trekking trail, health and wellness corridors, and entertainment centres. Public transit usage is targeted to rise from 13 per cent to 50 per cent of daily trips. Plans include extending the Pune Metro to 250 km, adding 12,00014,000 buses, developing six multimodal transport hubs, 11 rail projects, and 13 major road expansions. Housing plans involve relocating and rehabilitating 90 per cent of eligible slum dwellers by 2036 and constructing 45 lakh affordable homes, including 1 lakh hostel units for industrial workers. Policy updates will cover semiconductors, industrial housing, MSME development, and tourism. Three bodies will oversee execution: a Governing Council chaired by the Chief Minister, a State Steering Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary, and a Pune Growth Hub Steering Committee with PMRDAs Project Management Cell. The planning process began on August 1, 2025, under NITI Aayogs Growth Hub initiative. NITI Aayog, the Government of Maharashtra, and the Pune International Centre (PIC) jointly drafted it, covering jurisdictions under PMC, PCMC, and PMRDA.
Maharashtra Government Clarifies Drought Relief Approach: Surveys First, Aid Later
Maharashtras government emphasizes thorough assessments before providing drought relief, ensuring no farmer is overlooked. Maharashtra Government Clarifies Drought Relief Approach: Surveys First, Aid Later
Bamboo Pitched as Green Gold for Rural India at Mumbai Summit
Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma addresses the inaugural session of the Bamboo Economy & Sustainability Summit 2026 at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake on Sunday. Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 28:
Vikram Solar secures 400 MW module supply order from renowned EPC customer
Vikram Solar has secured a 400 MW module supply order from a highly reputed EPC player for a portfolio of decentralised solar projects being developed across multiple locations in Maharashtra.
El Nino threatens rabi crops in rainfed areas, may hit output: Agri Secy
Minister Chouhan says teams to visit Maharashtra & Karnataka soon to assess the drought impact
Mastermind Of Rs 40 Lakh Overseas Job Visa Fraud Arrested
Delhi Police have arrested Shantaram Barku Shelke, the alleged mastermind behind a Rs 40 lakh visa fraud conspiracy that duped 41 individuals seeking overseas jobs in Russia and Israel. Shelke, proprietor of M/s SS Overseas Travels Agency, issued fake documents and evaded authorities before being apprehended in Nalasopara, Maharashtra.
No relief for farmers till assessment reports are finalised: Maha Minister
Digital Desk | Yavatmal, Sep 28 (IANS) Despite the state government declaring drought across 75 per cent of Maharashtra, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday clarified that farmers will not receive immediate financial aid. He said disbursements would take place only after complete loss assessment reports (panchnamas) are finalised to ensure no affected farmer is excluded or unfairly compensated. Bawankule, who heads the newly appointed Cabinet Sub-Committee on Drought Relief, explained that premature financial aid without thorough ground reports would ultimately harm farmers. Our goal is to ensure that not a single eligible farmer is excluded. Different crops, such as cotton, soybean, turmeric, sugarcane, horticulture and orange orchards, have distinct damage parameters. Releasing funds today without ground assessments would lead to inaccurate compensation. Comprehensive reports are necessary, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will formally announce the financial package once these are finalised, he said. To streamline the process, the Cabinet Sub-Committee will meet every Tuesday to review the evolving situation across affected districts. Bawankule emphasised that precise ground verification is critical for securing funds under National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines. He also directed MSEDCL to ensure 12 hours of uninterrupted power supply to agricultural feeders, with power availability issues to be reviewed weekly. Responding to letters from opposition leaders, including NCP chief Sharad Pawar, demanding urgent drought relief, Bawankule said the government had received over 2,000 such letters. Opposition leaders are merely performing their duty by writing letters, but our government is not acting solely because of them, he remarked. He added that the Chief Minister had personally visited farm bunds to assess the situation. Talukas omitted from the drought list would also be evaluated after thorough study. He urged political parties to avoid politicising the crisis and contribute to relief efforts. On protests regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Bawankule accused the Opposition of spreading negativity. After raising baseless doubts about EVMs, they are now targeting the SIR process. What is wrong with ensuring accurate voter lists? he asked, alleging that opposition parties fail to work at the booth level and instead rely on false narratives. He added that voters had rejected misinformation during recent elections, resulting in strong public support for the ruling alliance.
Ktaka BJP demands Shivakumars apology over farmers concerns
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 28 (IANS) Former MLA and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kisan Morcha State President A.S. Patil Nadahalli on Monday accused the Karnataka government, including Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and ministers, of failing to take the drought situation seriously. He demanded that the Chief Minister apologise to the people for his alleged remarks about farmers during the special Assembly session. Addressing the media at the BJP state office, Jagannath Bhavan in Bengaluru, Nadahalli said the special session convened to discuss the drought was held merely as a formality. He alleged that neither the Chief Minister nor most legislators took the discussion seriously. He said the state was facing a severe drought, with monsoon crops affected by deficient rainfall and the situation likely to worsen without adequate post-monsoon rains. Nadahalli alleged that neither the Revenue Minister nor the Chief Minister provided clear guidance to farmers on measures to deal with the crisis. Only eight to ten MLAs, including Aland MLA B.R. Patil, spoke seriously about the drought. When farmers are facing severe distress, legislators did not participate in the discussion with the seriousness required, he said. Nadahalli stressed that legislators should have discussed the drought on a non-partisan basis, highlighting its varying impact across coastal Karnataka, Malnad, Mysuru-Karnataka and Kittur-Karnataka regions. He alleged that the government failed to discuss preventive measures suited to different regions. This years drought is different and severe. It is a hydrological drought. Earlier droughts were largely confined to agriculture. The legislators have failed to understand the seriousness of the current situation. Lakes have dried up, and groundwater levels have depleted, while water is being stored and used for livestock, he said. On the governments drought relief announcement, Nadahalli criticised the Rs 2,500 assistance announced for farmers. He said when the media asked whether Rs 2,500 was too little, the response was dismissive. They said rice had been provided. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi provided it. They said electricity was being supplied. Farmers are not using that electricity to sleep in air-conditioned rooms. Even electricity is not supplied on time. It is often supplied at 2 or 3 a.m., forcing farmers to go to their fields despite the risk to their lives, he remarked. Nadahalli alleged that the Chief Ministers speech during the session lacked concern for farmers and claimed Shivakumar spoke more about Bengaluru than rural distress. He also accused him of showing a stepmotherly attitude towards North Karnataka, alleging irrigation projects had stalled since Shivakumar became Water Resources Minister. On water resources, Nadahalli said the government should resolve pending legal issues related to land acquisition and alleged that water from the Krishna River could also be supplied to Kolar. He further alleged that Maharashtra was using water through projects on the Bhima and Krishna rivers, affecting Karnatakas share. He questioned the governments expenditure on Cabinet functioning while providing only Rs 2,500 to farmers. The government spends crores on the Cabinet, but gives farmers only Rs 2,500 as relief. When people are suffering, why should ministers and the Chief Minister use government cars? he asked. Nadahalli said the government should have passed a resolution to allocate 10 per cent of its revenue expenditure for farmers, which could have enabled compensation of Rs 50,000 to each affected farmer. He also referred to the Centres Kisan Samman scheme, noting that the central government provides Rs 10,000 annually to farmers. He recalled that during B.S. Yediyurappas tenure as Chief Minister, funds were released from the revenue account during floods, and assistance was provided for irrigation and horticultural crops. Nadahalli demanded that Chief Minister Shivakumar apologise to the people for what he described as derogatory remarks about farmers. BJP Kisan Morcha state general secretary H.C. Kalmurudappa, state vice-presidents Bharati Mallikarjun and Gurulinganagowda, and state secretary R. Rajesh were present.
Maha Congress stages agitation against Gyanesh Kumar
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Monday launched massive demonstrations across all district collectorates, demanding the dismissal and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The party accused him of undermining democratic institutions and manipulating voter rolls to benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress leaders described Gyanesh Kumar as a stain on democracy and submitted memorandums outlining grievances to district collectors. The protests featured creative forms of dissent: in Amravati, protesters paraded an effigy of the CEC on a donkey before destroying it; in Thane, demonstrators forced an effigy to do sit-ups (uthak-baithak) as punishment. Large rallies were also held in Pune, Kolhapur, Solapur, Nashik, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Chandrapur, Nanded, Latur, Beed, and across the Konkan and North Maharashtra regions. Senior Congress leaders led protests in several districts: Satej Patil in Kolhapur, Praniti Shinde in Solapur, Yashomati Thakur and Balwant Wankhede in Amravati, Kalyan Kale in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Pratibha Dhanorkar in Chandrapur, Ravindra Chavan in Nanded, Shivaji Kalge in Latur, and Kumar Ketkar in Thane. Addressing gatherings, the Congress reiterated allegations earlier raised by Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, about vote theft. The party claimed that over 13 crore voters nationwide, including more than 3 crore in Maharashtra, were arbitrarily removed from electoral rolls under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. It further alleged that 47 lakh untraceable voters were added to Maharashtras rolls ahead of the 2024 assembly polls. Congress spokespersons highlighted reported written dissent from two Election Commissioners over procedural deviations by the CEC, saying it validated their charges of bias. Leaders warned that the agitation would escalate into a national movement unless action were taken against Gyanesh Kumar.
NCP (SP) Warns of Highway Blockade Over Drought Relief Delays in Maharashtra
NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar criticizes Maharashtras government for failing drought relief, threatening to block the expressway if action isnt taken. NCP (SP) Warns of Highway Blockade Over Drought Relief Delays in Maharashtra
Vikram Solar secures 400 MW module supply order for agri-solar projects in Maharashtra
Vikram Solar has secured a pivotal contract to deliver 400 MW of solar modules to an EPC player, initiating shipments in October 2026 for decentralized solar installations across Maharashtra. This contract underscores the company's commitment to innovation, buoyed by its cutting-edge N-Type TOPCon technology and robust manufacturing skills. As a prominent player in the photovoltaic sector, Vikram Solar's initiative emphasizes solar energy's role in supporting sustainable development for agricultural communities.
Bengaluru: 60-year-old man killed in suspected wild elephant attack
A 60-year-old man was killed in a suspected wild elephant attack near Kengeri in Bengaluru while on a morning walk. Forest officials launched a search after CCTV captured an elephant nearby. His family and locals protested, seeking compensation and action from authorities
Efforts on to discredit me during 90-day period: Jarange
Maratha community would oppose attempts to target him and people associated with the reservation movement, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange said on Monday
Sanjay Raut Accuses Maharashtra Ministers of 900 Crore Land Scam in Konkan
Sanjay Raut claims a 900 crore land scam in Konkan, alleging illegal transfers to non-farmers and calling for transparency from the Maharashtra government. Sanjay Raut Accuses Maharashtra Ministers of 900 Crore Land Scam in Konkan
Latur farmers protest over drought relief, seek more crop-loss aid
The protesters demanded immediate financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh per hectare for crop losses caused by prolonged dry spells and deficient rainfall in the drought-prone Marathwada district
SpaceX Starship Flight 14 to attempt first orbital mission, deploy Starlink V3
According to SpaceX, Flight 14 will also mark the first deployment of Starlink V3 satellites into the constellation. The company says the next-generation satellites will deliver a payload designed to dramatically expand connectivity speeds and reliability around the world
Maharashtra Congress stages statewide protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Maharashtra Congress held protest marches at district collectorates across the state on September 28, raising allegations of irregularities in electoral rolls and demanding action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
What Fuels Rise In Heart Disease, Cancer? Maharashtra Food Commissioner Explains
Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe shared some insights into his way of working that has grabbed the attention of people and the press
Mumbai weather: IMD forecasts light rain, thundershowers on Monday and Tuesday
Mumbai is likely to receive light rain or thundershowers on Monday and Tuesday, the IMD said. No alert has been issued for the city, while Raigad and several parts of Maharashtra are under a yellow watch for thunderstorms and gusty winds
Rohit Pawar calls Maharashtra drought worse than 1972, seeks farmer relief
NCP MLA Rohit Pawar claimed that Maharashtra was facing agricultural losses of more than Rs 77,000 crore. He described the situation as worse than the historic drought of 1972, citing a rainfall deficit and widespread crop damage
How To Protect Passwords? What Top Maharashtra Cybersecurity Official Told NDTV
The top official underlined that it is ot the length of the password that matters, but its complexity and robustness.
Water-starved for 25 years, Tulshi shows its anger through 'Village for Sale' poster
Lighthouse Learning Expands Footprint Through Strategic Partnership with The Khaitan School
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Business Wire India
Bombay high court allows release of 200kg Ketamine worth Rs 72 lakh seized from pharma firm
Ujjain Shahi Masjid row: Police use tear gas, lathi-charge after stone-pelting
The latest incident followed similar stone-pelting and tear gas deployment earlier in the day, during which a female Station House Officer was injured. Police have registered an FIR against 10 people in connection with the unrest
Bangkok floods persist despite easing rain; residents moved to temporary shelter
Thailand's Meteorological Department said moderate to heavy rain was still expected Sunday in several parts of the country, but conditions were expected to improve by Monday. The city set up more than 200 temporary shelters, and about 3,000 people remained in them as of Sunday
Centre to send teams to assess drought in Karnataka, Maharashtra: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
We will send a central team to Karnataka on October 3 to assess the drought situation. I have spoken with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who is concerned as well, and we will send a central team there too. I, along with my team, will personally visit the States facing this crisis, Mr. Chouhan said
Maharashtra drought: Sharad Pawar submits 17-point demands to CM Fadnavis
Sharad Pawar sought a waiver of land revenue and agricultural electricity bills, along with the provision of 25 kg of free foodgrains per family and direct financial assistance for affected people
Dove Soft Limited Sets IPO Price Band at Rs 104 111; Issue to Open on September 30
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 28: Dove Soft Limited is poised for its initial public offering (IPO), with plans to raise Rs 73.26 crores through the issue, which is a combination
Volumes jump at Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Ltd counter
Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Ltd saw volume of 691.36 lakh shares by 14:14 IST on NSE, a 40.56 fold spurt over two-week average daily volume of 17.05 lakh shares
Dipke announces Jail Bharo Andolan on October 2 in Mumbai
Mumbai: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder and national convenor Abhijeet Dipke on Monday, September 28, said the organisation will hold a Jail Bharo Andolan on October 2 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The development comes as the Mumbai Police denied the CJP permission for a larger protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Sanjay Raut alleges Rs 900 crore land scam in Konkan, trains guns at Maha ministers
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) The Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Maharashtra government, alleging a massive Rs 900 crore illegal land scam in the Konkan region. Addressing a press conference here, Raut claimed that prime agricultural and forest land in the Sindhudurg district has been illegally transferred to wealthy non-agricultural investors from Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad in violation of land protection laws. Raut alleged that fertile agricultural land across the Vengurla, Sawantwadi, and Dodamarg talukas of Sindhudurg district has been systematically transferred to non-farmers. Under Maharashtra's Prevention of Fragmentation and Consolidation of Holdings Act (Tukde Bandi Act), selling fragmented agricultural land to non-agriculturalists without statutory permissions is prohibited. Raut implicated cabinet ministers and local MLAs representing the Konkan region, accusing them of partnering with outsiders and acting as real estate brokers. A prominent 'Hindutva' cabinet minister from Konkan is acting as an estate agent to hand over local farmers' land to non-locals, he charged, demanding to know the exact commission earned from the deals. He, however, did not mention any names of either the Cabinet Minister or local MLAs. Beyond the Rs 900 crore recorded on paper, substantial unregistered black money changed hands, he alleged, adding that illegal deforestation is underway across the acquired plots while buyers have already seized physical possession. Raut highlighted that Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader Jayant Patil had previously raised the issue, yet the transactions continued unabated. He accused the state Revenue Department of conducting a sham investigation over the past three years without taking enforcement action. Issuing a direct challenge to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Raut demanded the immediate publication of all land transfer records in Sindhudurg. He urged the government to disclose the names of all buyers, the key facilitators behind the deals, and the ministers or MLAs driving the operations. Raut announced plans to lead a delegation of local Shiv Sena (UBT) workers to inspect the disputed sites in Sindhudurg and expose the extent of the environmental and legal violations on the ground.
Maharashtra, Karnataka drought: Centre to assess situation; Shivraj Singh Chouhan plans visit
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed concern over the drought situation in Maharashtra and Karnataka, saying the Centre will send teams to assess the situation on the ground.
Sanjay Raut Alleges Corruption in FDA Operations, Calls for Investigation
Sanjay Raut raises concerns over corruption in the Maharashtra FDA, alleging extortion practices against local businesses. Sanjay Raut Alleges Corruption in FDA Operations, Calls for Investigation
Pune techie dies by suicide months after marriage; husband, in-laws held over 'dowry demand'
SC Agrees to Examine Plea against Acquittal of 22 Accused in Sohrabuddin Shaikh Encounter Case
According to the prosecution case, Sohrabuddin, his wife and Prajapati were travelling by bus from Hyderabad to Sangli in Maharashtra when they were allegedly taken into custody by a police team on the night of November 22-23, 2005
FDA officials extorting lakhs from eateries, quick-commerce firms, alleges Raut; seeks probe
Sanjay Raut has accused Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration officials of engaging in extortion against local businesses. He claims that officials are bypassing legal procedures to extract money from hotel and quick-commerce operators. According to Raut, complaints lead to inspections that may not be genuine. He is demanding an independent inquiry and disciplinary action against errant officials. Raut believes that the system's improvement cannot happen without control over FDA officials.
Nepal avalanche: 14-member rescue team searches for 12 missing workers
A 14-member rescue team has begun searching for 12 Nepalese workers and guides who went missing after an avalanche buried a tent at Himlung Himal base camp in Nepals Manang district. Bad weather is hampering the operation
Immediate session with counsellor suggested in exam violation cases
Delhi-NCR rape cases underline law enforcement failure, says Supreme Court
A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran said one cannot help but draw painful parallels o the Nirbhaya incident of 2012.
Medical community can't be attacked: SC cancels Shiv Sena corporator's bail
Asserting that the medical fraternity cannot be touched, the Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Bombay High Court order granting bail to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre who was accused of assaulting doctors at a municipal hospital in Thane district. The corporator was directed to surrender within three days A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta admitted the Maharashtra government's order appeal for hearing. The message should go out loud and clear that the medical fraternity cannot be touched. They serve people and cannot be attacked in this manner, it said. There was a similar incident involving the same party after the Mhatre episode, the apex court noted. Senior advocate Siddharth Dave, appearing for Mhatre, said two witnesses had already been examined. The complainant, a woman doctor, is to be examined on October 3, the trial has started and there is no obstruction, he said. The bench said the Mhatre incident also shows that he was involved in 19 criminal case
Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Ltd leads gainers in 'A' group
KPI Green Energy Ltd, Elecon Engineering Company Ltd, Mangalore Refinery And Petrochemicals Ltd and Aegis Vopak Terminals Ltd are among the other gainers in the BSE's 'A' group today, 28 September 2026.
Amid Tukaram Mundhe crackdown, Sanjay Raut alleges extortion by FDA officials
Nifty PSU Bank tanks 2%, stocks dip up to 4%; Analysts flag rate hike woes
PSU Bank stocks slide: Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, Union Bank of India, Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank and Bank of Baroda declined 2-4% in Monday's trading session.
Travel firm targeted in SIM swap fraud, 3 arrested
'Symbol of courage': PM Modi pays tribute to Bhagat Singh on birth anniversary
Let us all come together to play our role in building a knowledgeable, value-driven, and capable Uttar Pradesh, the Chief Minister said
US-China tariff plan covers USD 30 billion on each side
The board is focused initially on trade in non-sensitive goods between the two countries
Fake drug case: Prashanth Ranjan Babu arrested at B'luru airport
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 28 (IANS) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the fake drug manufacturing case arrested prime accused Prashanth Ranjan Babu at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on Monday, after he returned to India from Azerbaijan. According to police, Prashanth had allegedly fled to Azerbaijan following the exposure of the fake medicine network and was traced there by the investigating team. Following pressure from the SIT, he returned to India and was taken into custody upon his arrival at the airport early Monday. The SIT will produce him before the jurisdictional court later in the day and is expected to seek his custody for further questioning. The investigators are probing the extent of the fake medicine network, the locations where the alleged manufacturing and distribution activities were carried out, and how long the racket had been operating. The questioning of Prashanth is expected to provide further details about the network and the involvement of others in the alleged fake drug manufacturing and distribution racket. It can be noted that a major fake medicine scam centred around Bengaluru involved the seizure of counterfeit, expired, and relabeled life-saving, ICU, and cancer drugs valued at over Rs 5 crore. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested a local pharmacy owner and found that the illicit network supplied compromised drugs to over 90 hospitals and clinics. Later, SIT conducted raids which expanded across multiple locations in Karnataka, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) has cancelled 16 drug licenses and suspended eight others belonging to retailers, wholesalers, and distributors tied to the scam. Among the suspended licences was the Pfizer C&F (Carrying and Forwarding) Depot. Karnataka Health Minister U.T. Khader stated that the agency failed to cooperate with investigators or provide the reference standards needed to lab-test the chemical components of the seized fake medications. As counterfeit cancer and critical care drugs were distributed, the Health Department is actively trying to track down affected patients to evaluate their health status. The Health Department has strongly urged the public to check labels carefully for suspicious packaging and report any non-scanning QR codes directly to Drug Enforcement authorities. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Drugs Control Department arrested the pharmacy owner, Veeresh Kumar Jain of Krupa Healthcare in Bengaluru and seized spurious medicines worth over Rs 5 crore.
IndusInd Bank CEO Rajiv Anand says name unmapped from voter roll
Rajiv Anand, the MD and CEO of IndusInd Bank, has been informed that his name is unmapped from the electoral roll. He expressed confusion as he has valid identification including voter ID and Aadhar card. The Election Commission is conducting a Special Intensive Revision for voter list updates. They have extended deadlines for filing claims in Delhi and Maharashtra as part of this effort.
Delhi PWD Minister slaps man on camera during road inspection
A young man standing nearby was recording the proceedings when Verma allegedly slapped him
Overnight Russian strikes kill two in Ukraine
At the UN General Assembly, Russias top diplomat brushed off a meeting with his German counterpart their first since the 2022 invasion
Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran wont retreat after Trump rejects ceasefire proposal
The navy said that the vehicle was being examined by specialists to recover its data
KBCNMU Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for Temporary Assistant Professor, Director Posts
Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University (KBCNMU) has announced the Recruitment 2026 notification for 5 vacancies, including Director (Contract) and Temporary Assistant Professor (Contract) posts. The online application process will be conducted up to 05-10-2026. Interested candidates can apply online through the official website.
IndusInd Bank CEO Rajiv Anand says his name 'unmapped' from voter roll
IndusInd Bank MD & CEO Rajiv Anand has said his name has been unmapped from the electoral roll and he has been asked to appear for a hearing to avoid deletion from the voter list. I have been told my name is unmapped from the voting list. I have voted in every election ever since I have been eligible to vote. I hold a passport, PAN Card, voter ID card and Aadhar card. I am now being asked to appear for a hearing else my name will be deleted. Why should I?, Anand said in a X post on Sunday. Indians have so many certificates to prove who they are. Aadhar card. PAN Card. Voter ID. Passport. You would think there is an identity crisis!, he said in another post. Amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, the Election Commission last week announced a slew of decisions for the ease of voters who have been issued notices, including doorstep collection of documents and extending deadlines in Delhi and Maharashtra. The period for filing claims and objections has ...
India gets US tariff relief on speciality pharmaceutical products
The US Commerce Department published the list as Washington prepares to impose a 100 per cent tariff on certain patented pharmaceutical imports and their associated ingredients from September 29. The exemption does not cover every pharmaceutical product shipped from India
Dilip Buildcon bags NHAI road project worth Rs 688 cr in Maharashtra
Dilip Buildcon secures transmission project in Yavatmal, Maharashtra
Under TBCB route
IIT-Bombay suicide case: Sahil Wakode's parents to sit on hunger strike at Azad Maidan on Monday
LPU protest: NH-44 traffic restored, situation under control, say police
Students of Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara went on a rampage on the campus on Sunday, vandalising property and blocking a stretch of the New Delhi-Amritsar highway outside their campus over claims that an outsider raped a female student on the university premises
Former Tripura CM Manik Sarkar faces black-flag protest in Tripura
Sarkar was the Chief Minister of Tripura for 20 years between 1998 and 2018
Hurricane Polo heads for Baja California as Nolo threatens Hawaii
Nolo was well southwest of Hawaii and moving away from the Big Island as the weekend drew to a close. A high-wind warning, wind advisory and high surf advisory remained in effect for parts of the island through Sunday evening as Nolo's maximum sustained winds increased to near 105 mph (165 kph)
AI could drive events causing one billion deaths: Bill Gates
Theres never been a weapon as powerful as the combination of people with ill intent using the latest AI tools, he added
US-China tariff plan covers dollar 30 billion each way
The board is focused initially on trade in non-sensitive goods between the two countries
Delhi PWD Minister slaps man on camera
A young man standing nearby was recording the proceedings when Verma allegedly slapped him
Bank of Maharashtra among 5 stocks showing RSI trending up
Five Nifty500 stocks gained over 3% and featured in StockEdges RSI Trending Up scan on September 25, signalling strengthening momentum as their RSI values crossed above 50.
Amit Shah flags off Indias first LNG train from Sabarmati station in Gujarat
Among these are line doubling works, the Kavach train protection system, automatic signalling system and a WAG-12 electric locomotive maintenance shed
Tamil Nadu govt revokes order exempting Law and Order dept from RTI Act
The administration officially withdrew the GO of the Human Resources Management (R) Department, dated September 21
New satellite engine uses atmosphere as fuel source
Featuring an efficient intake and an MRI-inspired thruster, the system operates on solar power and could also support future Mars missions
Russian overnight strikes kill two in Ukraine
At the UN General Assembly, Russias top diplomat brushed off a meeting with his German counterpart their first since the 2022 invasion
Activist Sonam Wangchuk backs Oct 2 CJP protest against CEC
While he expressed his support for CJPs proposed agitation, Wangchuk added that he might not be physically present during the protest
Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran wont retreat as Trump rejects ceasefire proposal
The navy said that the vehicle was being examined by specialists to recover its data
India is still a solid democracy
Its easy to see why this country continues to be a shining beacon of hope for countries where citizens have no voice
Keeping beaches clean is part of our civic duty!
Cynics may scoff this is a one-off effort, and others may laugh at what critics call a photo-op
Mumbai toilet deaths: Factory, toilet block sealed as family seeks strictest punishment
Two youths tragically died after visiting a public toilet block in Goregaon on Sunday night. Following their deaths, Vanrai police filed an FIR against the factory owner and staff of a metal polishing unit. Relatives of the victims expressed their grief as they sought justice for their untimely deaths. Maharashtra Pollution Control Board is monitoring the site for pollution levels after the incident.
Education in Ireland Fair on October 4
Pawar writes to CM, demands special session, Rs1 lakh per hectare for farmers
Alandi civic body collects 7k idols as residents support efforts to keep Indrayani clean
LVK agreement gives global G-wave network plan a boost
11 from Malegaon arrested for stealing cellphones during immersion procession
Maximum Retail Price in India: Consumer Protection or a Tool for Exploitation
Maximum Retail Price (MRP) was introduced in India in 1990 through an amendment to the Standards of Weights and Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 1976 , by the Ministry of Civil Supplies. MRP was primarily introduced as a consumer protection mechanism to prevent exploitation in markets with fragmented supply chains by Preventing Black-Marketing and Price Gouging. In remote areas or during times of high demand (like a festival or a shortage), retailers might be tempted to artificially inflate prices. MRP sets a legal ceiling. Providing Asymmetric Information Balance: Consumers often do not know the fair market value of packaged goods. The printed MRP gives them instant transparency and bargaining leverage. It also provides governments with a clear, uniform baseline to calculate indirect taxes (like GST) at the manufacturing level rather than trying to track varying retail prices across millions of stores. While designed to protect consumers, manufacturers and retailers use MRP as a highly strategic pricing and psychological tool to cheat the customers at large. Manufacturers frequently set an artificially high MRP. This allows retailers to offer massive, permanent discounts (e.g., MRP Rs.100, Our Price Rs. 49). It triggers a psychological sense of value and urgency in the buyer. Sometimes they print different MRPs on the exact same product depending on where it is sold. A bottle of water sold at a local grocery store might have an MRP of Rs. 20, but the same bottle destined for a luxury hotel, multiplex, or airport might have a printed MRP of Rs. 60 to legally justify higher margins. Additionally, a high MRP gives manufacturers the flexibility to absorb sudden increases in raw material costs or supply chain disruptions without needing to constantly reprint packaging. By setting the maximum cap, manufacturers dictate the maximum profit a retailer can make, effectively maintaining control over their brand's market positioning and preventing retail wars that could devalue the product. Other major problems with the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) system include: Unpriced loose goods: Fruits, milk, flour, grains, and pulses are often sold without an MRP. Prices can fluctuate daily, and consumers in rural or remote areas may have fewer sellers to choose from. Limited competition can enable traders to overcharge, making effective government oversight important. Overcharging: Some retailers charge above the printed MRP or add unexplained fees. Consumers buying several items may not notice. Inflated MRPs: Manufacturers may set high MRPs for products sold through channels with limited competition, such as airports, or for goods consumers find difficult to compare. This can enable unusually high margins. Artificial discounts: A product with a fair market price of 100 might carry an MRP of 200 and be advertised at 40% off for 120. The customer pays 20% above the fair price but may believe they got a bargain. No standard rates for services: Consumers often have little basis for judging the cost of services, from plumbing and electrical work to legal representation. Published reference rates, like taxi fare cards, could help consumers compare prices, even if service rates cannot be fixed. MRP gives governments a uniform basis for calculating indirect taxes such as GST at the manufacturing level, avoiding the need to track prices across millions of stores. But it can also be used as a pricing and psychological tool that disadvantages consumers. Generally, manufacturers do set an artificially high MRP such that retailers can advertise steep discounts that make ordinary prices seem like bargains. The same product may also carry different MRPs for different sales channels, such as grocery stores, hotels, multiplexes, or airports. A high MRP can further give manufacturers room to absorb cost increases without changing packaging and limit how retailers price a product, helping protect its market position. This is substantiated by the fact that retailers of consumer products invariably promote 50 % or higher discounts or evenbroadcast Buy one get one or even two free. Such promotions are not possible unless the profit margins are very high. Recently, in April 2026, Zee News exposed a massive profiteering scam on its prime-time show DNA, revealing that basic medical equipment was being sold at up to 3,000% markups using inflated Maximum Retail Prices (MRP). Investigative reports showed items like BP monitors, thermometers, and glucometers procured at low wholesale prices (such as Rs 7 or Rs 325) carried inflated retail MRPs reaching up to Rs 210 and Rs 1,750. Public Impact: The expose highlighted how the medical mafia and supply chain loopholes fleece ordinary citizens on everyday healthcare essentials. It is encouraging to note that the Lawmakers and politicians across parties acknowledged the issue, calling for strict rate controls and standardised pricing parameters for medical devices akin to essential drugs. (Although the pricing of essential drugs also needs to be put to strict scrutiny). Of late, even the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, in addition to the exposure of Food Adulteration across Maharashtra, also exposed massive price markups of up to 2,841% on essential medical consumables and surgical items in private hospitals. A state-wide audit by the Maharashtra FDA reviewed procurement invoices and patient bills across healthcare facilities. The survey found a huge gap between what hospitals pay to buy basic items and the printed Maximum Retail Price (MRP) charged to patients: IV Infusion Sets: Bought for 11.05, billed to patients at 325 (a 2,841% markup). Routine Syringes: Bought for 6.75, billed at 57.20 (a 747% markup). Catheters: Bought for 29.41, billed at 310 (a 954% markup). IV Cannula Extensions: Bought for 22.50, billed at 424 (a 1,784% markup). Nebuliser Kits: Bought for 45, billed at 652. Hepa Breathing Filters: Bought for 50, billed at 473. The above data is confined to medical emergency equipment only, but the buck does not stop here. Presently, practically for all the products sold in the Indian retail markets, be it medicines, electronic, electric, mechanical or daily-use products like clothing/garments, consumer goods or groceries, etc., the MRPs are highly inflated. Does nobody in the government look into the gross exploitation of the common man in the Country? Despite the remarkable progress our country has made over the past seven decades, it is worth recalling a warning issued in 1921 by C. RajagopalachariRajaji, one of the most distinguished intellectuals among Indias freedom leaders. Writing from Vellore Jail, he cautioned that We all ought to know that Swaraj will not at once or, I think, even for a long time to come, be better government or greater happiness for the people. Elections and their corruptions, injustice, and the power and tyranny of wealth, and inefficiency of administration, will make a hell of life as soon as freedom is given to us. Men will look regretfully back to the old regime of comparative justice, and efficient, peaceful, more or less honest administration. The only thing gained will be that as a race we will be saved from dishonour and subordination. Hope lies only in universal education by which right conduct, fear of God, and love will be developed among the citizens from childhood. It is only if we succeed in this that Swaraj will mean happiness. Otherwise, it will mean the grinding injustices and tyranny of wealth. (The Author is a Former Fellow of the United Nations University. Feedback: ssapru@gmail.com)
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