Dilip Buildcon secures transmission project in Yavatmal, Maharashtra
Under TBCB route
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
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
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
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.
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
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)
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
Congress to meet BMC over slum demolition in Mumbai
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
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
Six Years Later, Maha Graduates & Teachers Polls Hit New Political Math
Alliances, Party Structures And Candidate Equations Have Changed Since 2020
Gadchiroli Malaria Cases Dip 41.6% Amid Stepped-Up Vigil
Rs 10 lakh medical admission fraud busted in Nagpur
NMC Makes Utility Ducts, Rainwater Shafts Mandatory In New Roads
Woman hides 14L jewellery, stages burglary to stop husband from selling it
BMC to deploy 2 more unmanned boats to clear floating waste at Sassoon Dock in Mumbai
Rs575.79 Crore Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital Work Begins at Indora
Govt allots plot for Sant Ravidas memorial in Nagpur, state to fund construction
Lakhani re-elected chief of Maha Badminton Association, Kashikar as senior vice-president
Fatal head-on crash kills father, son and driver on NH 61 in Maharashtra
Maharashtra Tribunal awards Rs 4 crore to 2018 bike crash victims kin
Wadgaon Sheri residents march against plastic bags, seek stricter PMC action
Heavy traffic in core Pune prompts commuters to turn to Metro, PMPML services during Ganeshotsav
Cockroach Janta Party announces Jail Bharo Andolan after Mumbai Police denies protest permission
VBAs Prakash Ambedkar questions LoP Rahul Gandhi over lack of united opposition protest in ECI issue
2,755 tonnes of clay, PoP idols cleared in Mumbai; max from Andheri
Friend says IIT-B student told her in last call he cheated: Cops
IIT-B suicide probe panel gets 1-week extension, parents to begin hunger strike on Sept 28
Bombay HC: Cant deny claim if first policy ends, second kicks in during hospital stay
Fadnavis Attacks Rahul Gandhi Over Vote Theft Allegations
Mr. Gandhi was deliberately creating doubts about constitutional institutions: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
Beed MSEDCL Technician Held For Bribe
A senior Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) technician was apprehended by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Beed for allegedly accepting a Rs 13,000 bribe. The technician demanded money to replace a faulty electricity meter and restore power supply to a complainant's residence.
Rohit Pawar Warns Voter Deletions in Maharashtra Could Reach 3 Crore
Nearly 2.07 crore enumeration forms were not collected, but officials attributed the uncollected forms to deceased, relocated, untraceable or duplicate entries.
World Rhino Day: 105 rhino horns destroyed in West Bengal to combat trafficking
The forest department said the disposal was intended to make it clear that seized wildlife parts should not be allowed to re-enter illegal trade or be reused by wildlife smugglers
Travel operators seek one-month tax waiver for out-of-State tourist vehicles during Mysuru Dasara
In a representation to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh and the Transport Commissioner, the association requested that tourist transport vehicles arriving from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa and Maharashtra be exempted from the applicable taxes and permit fees during the festival period.
Punjab: Protests erupt at university after posts about alleged rape
A senior police official said that the students began protesting at around 2 am on Sunday after the reports about an alleged rape case in the campus spread on social media
El Nino peak expected in February2027: Fadnavis
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said El Nino could peak around February 2027 as the state prepares for drought and water shortages.
Back-to-back pujas, 40 homes a day: Ganeshotsav had priests racing against time
Weather updates tomorrow: The IMD has forecast rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds across several parts of India on September 28. Uttarakhand, parts of northeast India, Maharashtra and southern states are likely to see rainfall, while isolated heavy rain is expected in some areas. The weather comes as the southwest monsoon continues to withdraw, with multiple weather systems influencing conditions across the country.
Asian Games 2026: Harita Bhadra Wins Women
Indias sprint campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 concluded on a high note on Sunday, courtesy of a stellar performance by debutant Harita Bhadra. The 23-year-old Maharashtra sprinter clinched a hard-earned bronze medal in the womens 200m final, bringing a glorious end to Indias podium drought in the event. Clocking an impressive 23.20 seconds, [] The post Asian Games 2026: Harita Bhadra Wins Womens 200m Bronze appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Ganeshotsav: 29.77 lakh people undergo health screening under special campaign
A total of 53,862 health camps were organised across all 36 districts of Maharashtra, providing people with access to basic health screening close to their homes and neighbourhoods, officials said
Responding to a query on water wastage at certain facilities, CM Fadnavis said every district should prepare a water plan
Who were they before marriage? 10 Mumbai women turn the camera on their lives
Experts propose 'carbon bank' to monetise Maharashtra's ecological wealth
Maharashtra plans to create a 'Maharashtra Carbon Bank' to leverage its ecological resources for climate benefit. The proposed initiative aims to integrate carbon credits from bamboo, mangroves, and wetlands. Experts emphasize recognizing the economic value of these natural assets while promoting climate resilience. The initiative aligns with India's efforts to develop its carbon market through the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme.
Bangkok flooding: 3,000 remain in shelters as rain eases in Thai capital
Days of continuous downpours have caused widespread flooding and severe disruptions in Bangkok, impacting traffic and businesses, with accumulated rainfall exceeding 30 centimetres (11.8 inches) in many areas
Key demands include resignation of Maharashtra Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike, transfer of Tribal Development Departments Secretary and Commissioner and basic facilities in tribal schools and hostels
Trans ACNR, Maharashtra Oil among nine firms filing IPO papers with Sebi
Nine companies, including Trans ACNR Solutions and Maharashtra Oil Extractions have filed preliminary papers with markets regulator Sebi for IPOs, joining a growing list of firms tapping the primary market to raise capital for expansion, debt repayment and other corporate requirements. Trans ACNR Solutions has filed its preliminary papers through the confidential pre-filing route, while the other eight firms -- Maharashtra Oil Extractions, Jagatjit Agri Engineering, Jai Parvati Forge, Koolking Industries India, Sai Infinium, SG Encon, Mount Everest Breweries and Ultravibrant Integrated Energy -- have filed standard public draft documents with Sebi. The filings were made between September 21 and September 26. The proposed initial public offerings (IPOs) are aimed at raising funds for a range of purposes, including business expansion, working capital requirements, repayment of debt and general corporate purposes. Under the confidential pre-filing mechanism, companies can submit draft
Bamboo gets Rs 50,000cr green-economy push; Governor seeks farm-to-factory value chain
School holiday tomorrow: No school holiday has been announced for September 28, 2026, as of now. The IMD has forecast rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds and isolated heavy rainfall across several parts of India, including Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, northeast India and southern states. Parents and students should check local administration and school updates for any closure announcement.
Rahul Gandhi blames EC, EVMs on losing elections: Giriraj Singh
Addressing the allegations levelled by the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi against the Election Commission, Union Minister Singh said that when Rahul Gandhi wins elections in Kerala and Himachal Pradesh, he says everything is fine
Nestle India responds after customer alleges finding worms in Maggi packet
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) Nestle India has responded after concerns were raised over the quality of its popular Maggi noodles brand following a complaint by a customer in Mumbai, who allegedly found insects and worms in the product while cooking it. The incident has sparked fresh debate over food safety standards and the quality of packaged food products widely consumed across the country. According to reports, the customer from Mumbai's Kalyan area discovered insects and worms in a packet of Maggi noodles while preparing the product. The customer reportedly highlighted that the packet carried an expiry date of February 2027, raising questions about how contamination could have occurred despite the product being well within its shelf life. The alleged discovery has led to concerns among consumers regarding the safety and quality of packaged food items. It also comes at a time when the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been stepping up efforts against food adulteration and violations of food safety regulations across the state. Reports indicate that there have been calls for the FDA to take cognisance of the matter and collect samples of the concerned product for laboratory testing to determine the authenticity of the complaint and identify any possible quality issues. Responding to the reports, Nestle India said it follows stringent quality control measures and food safety protocols throughout its manufacturing process. We have learnt about this matter through media reports and have not been contacted by the consumer or the authorities as yet. At this stage we cannot comment on the authenticity of the concern raised, a Nestle India spokesperson said. The company further stated that every product undergoes multiple quality checks, beginning with the sourcing of raw materials and continuing through the manufacturing and packaging stages, to ensure compliance with all applicable quality and safety standards before the products reach consumers. The company maintained that robust quality and food safety management systems are in place across its manufacturing operations and reiterated its commitment to delivering safe and high-quality products to consumers.
Devendra Fadnavis accuses Rahul Gandhi of creating anarchy, chaos over EC
CM Devendra Fadnavis also rejected reports of differences within the poll panel, saying all three election commissioners had stated in a joint press statement that decisions related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) were taken unanimously
Pregnant Woman Faints During Fight. She Was Taken 275 km Away, Burnt Alive
The accused allegedly poured petrol on the woman's body and set it on fire in a deserted hilly area in Maharashtra's Dhule district.
