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
Delhi winter pollution plan: Construction curbs, 50 per cent WFH from Nov 1
Delhi Environment Minister announced that dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction activities will be prohibited from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027, while a complete ban on construction and demolition activities will be imposed from December 10, 2026, to January 20, 2027
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
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
When you cannot convince people, confuse them: Fadnavis hits out at Rahul over SIR
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis accused Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and the Congress of attempting to erode public confidence in constitutional institutions; Opposition parties accepted ECI when they won elections but questioned it after defeats, said Mr. Fadnavis
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
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
SRIT India Limited IPO Opens on September 28, 2026
Left To Right: Mr. Anuj Killa; Choice Capital Advisors Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. Nambiar Raghavan Madhusoodan, SRIT India Limited. Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 28: SRIT India Limited, a Bengaluru-headquartered Information Technology
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.
Pune techie dies by suicide months after marriage; husband, in-laws held over 'dowry demand'
Serbia President Aleksandar Vucic resigns to run for PM in October election
Vucic's second presidential term would otherwise end in May next year. He is banned by the Serbian Constitution from seeking a third term and said he was resigning to lead his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party in the October 25 ballot
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
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.
DRDO, CSIR to develop lightweight bulletproof glass for armoured vehicles
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has joined hands with CSIR-Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CSIR-CGCRI) as technology partner for a Rs 50-crore project to develop indigenous advanced lightweight bulletproof glass for armoured vehicles. The four-year project, being executed with DRDO laboratories including the Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) in Maharashtra and TBRL in Chandigarh, is at an advanced stage and seeks to take the technology from laboratory development to large-scale manufacturing with an industry partner to be selected by DRDO. The technology is aimed at replacing imported transparent armour while reducing its weight and thickness by up to 50 per cent. The Rs 50-crore project is aimed at developing advanced indigenous bulletproof glass technology for defence applications and aligns our R&D capabilities directly with national strategic requirements, CSIR-CGCRI Director Bikramjit Basu told PTI. The project is focused on ..
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
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
Shiv Sena(UBT) accuses EC of voter disenfranchisement, warns of public unrest in 'Saamana'
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) The Shiv Sena(UBT) on Monday accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of eroding democratic institutions and using key constitutional bodies for political gain. The criticism follows media reports which uncovered severe internal rifts within the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The party said that there has been rising public anger and political friction culminating in widespread demonstrations across major Indian cities, following revelations surrounding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Strongly condemning the Chief Election Commissioner's alleged bias, the Thackeray camp in the party's mouthpiece, 'Saamana', described the current situation as a direct assault on Indian democracy. The Saamana editorial asserted that constitutional offices are being used as partisan instruments, alleging that 13 crore voters were systematically disenfranchised in key states like Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Bihar as part of a strategy to influence election outcomes. The Chief Election Commissioners actions have compromised the neutrality of an autonomous institution. Rather than acting as a neutral arbiter of democracy, the Election Commission is functioning under political influence, the editorial stated, calling for the immediate resignation and accountability of top officials. The editorial said that controversy has triggered a wave of public outrage. In New Delhi, thousands of protesters, student groups, and political activists gathered at Jantar Mantar over the weekend, demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, it claimed. According to the editorial, heavy police and security personnel surrounded the protest site and key areas in Central Delhi, making several arrests as demonstrators raised slogans against the government. Protests were also witnessed in Mumbai, with demonstrators gathering near metro stations, railway platforms, and public places to voice their anger over the reported electoral malpractices and administrative overreach. Tensions mounted further after former Kerala Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson disclosed that CEC Gyanesh Kumar -- while still serving as a senior bureaucrat -- had attempted to persuade him to join the BJP, contest the Lok Sabha elections on a party ticket from Kerala, and promised a central ministerial berth if he won, stated the editorial. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena said that the political fallout has united opposition forces. West Bengal former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly reached out to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Left parties, urging a united front under the INDIA bloc to formulate a coordinated strategy against the government and demand transparency in the electoral process, it added. While BJP spokespersons and leaders from BJP-ruled states defended the Election Commission and dismissed the allegations as political rhetoric, opposition leaders insisted that public discontent was rapidly reaching a tipping point. The editorial concluded by warning that unless constitutional integrity is restored, widespread public unrest will continue to challenge the government's legitimacy.
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 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
Parked BMW on highway catches fire; consumer court orders insurer to pay Rs 70 lakh
Maharashtra state consumer commission ruled that United India Insurance must compensate a BMW owner after a claim rejection. The car was destroyed by fire following a late-night tyre puncture, leading to the owner seeking compensation. The commission determined that the owner's actions constituted reasonable precautions under the circumstances. The insurer's refusal was deemed a deficiency in service without sufficient justification.
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
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
Punjab: LPU protest turns violent over alleged rape
A special investigation team has also been formed to investigate the matter, police said
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
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.
Maharashtra declares drought in 265 of 368 talukas
Maharashtra declares drought in 265 talukas across 32 districts, announcing crop-loss surveys, farm loan relief, fee waivers, jobs, water and fodder support.
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
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)
Car crashes into railings after driver hits bike, 7 injured
No farmer will be left out of drought relief: Fadnavis
128 deaths in 8 months this year on Samruddhi e-way
After months of sightings, forest team finally rescues Nagbhid bear
Tiger capture order issued after 3 human deaths in Saoli range
2 Vidarbha women power Indias gold surge in Asian Games
Remove festive advertising material in 48hrs: Civic group to PMC
Cybercrook dupes woman of Rs8L on word of marriage
Opposition slams Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation mayors US study tour
On World Rivers Day, Punes river movement seek a Mula-Mutha reconnect
Cop dies of heart attack hrs after immersion duty
Jewellery store heist in Navi Mumbai: One held, 3 others at large
NMC to educate citizens on rabies treatment
Start ops at super speciality dental care and research centre within 3 months, orders CM
Bank unions defer three-day nationwide strike after IBA assurance
The strike, called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), was scheduled to begin on September 28 and coincided with the half-yearly closing of banks. With the strike deferred, banks will remain open on Monday
TMC won 15 seats with sharpest voter drop: Fadnavis on SIR row
4 weeks after delivery boys death, driver arrested using mobile trail
15,000 in Bhamragarh cut-off for 48 hrs, 3 patients airlifted
Senior citizen killed in hit-and-run as biker flees without offering help
