Delhi SIR Row: High-Profile Names, Cabinet Minister & Ex-Army Chief Under EC Scanner

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Munde addressed massive pricing discrepancies in hospital consumables, revealing that surveys across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region uncovered markups ranging from 150 percent to nearly 2,800 percent over procurement prices. Speaking on the issue, Munde noted that products bought by hospitals for 11 rupees are often sold at maximum retail prices of 325 rupees without benefits reaching consumers. He confirmed submitting proposals to the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority and the Department of Pharmaceuticals to rationalise trade margins, enhance price monitoring, and consider inclusion under the Drugs Prices Control Order. Emphasising a balanced and transparent regulatory approach across manufacturers, hospitals, and patients, Munde also discussed the suspension of iconic South Mumbai eatery Cafe Mondegar's food business licence, citing non-negotiable Schedule IV food safety and hygiene non-compliances under licensing regulations.

A major political row has erupted after former Vice President of India Hamid Ansari cited remarks attributed to Jawaharlal Nehru regarding Hindu right-wing communalism during the A.J. Noorani Memorial Lecture in New Delhi. Quoting historical observations documented by Foreign Secretary Gundevia, Ansari stated that the greater danger to India was Hindu right-wing communalism rather than communism, while also warning of challenges to civic nationalism. The Bharatiya Janata Party launched a sharp counter-attack against Ansari and the Congress party, calling the remarks unfortunate, accusing the opposition of spreading anti-Hindu propaganda, and demanding an apology.

Indian Army canines participated in Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, demonstrating the operational role of trained military dogs alongside troops in specialised operations. As part of professional exchanges with the US Army, the dogs carried out drills including room intervention and rappelling. Their involvement highlights the expanding operational contribution of Army dogs, particularly indigenous breeds, and reflects the coordination between the trained animals and their handlers.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp critique against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding his conduct during the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' Indore event. Speaking in Greater Noida, Adityanath stated that the behavior displayed at the event was an insult to womanhood and accused Gandhi of spreading confusion and anarchy in society. Highlighting traditional Indian values, he remarked that civilized society practices respect by prioritizing elders and women, referencing ancient cultural principles of honoring women. Adityanath questioned the conduct of those who mock elders and women on public stages, stating the country should not expect adherence to core cultural values like 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' from such individuals. Reporter Ashish Shrivastava noted that BJP leaders have strongly objected to the stage mimicry and remarks, arguing that the youth are being misguided under the guise of student events.