Apple Pay launched in India on September 30, 2026, bringing Apple’s payment service to eligible cardholders. At launch, it supports Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards, with access across iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Apple has announced that Mac support will follow.
The launch gives supported users another way to pay at participating stores, in apps and online. The initial rollout is limited to eligible A
Apple Pay launched in India on September 30, 2026, bringing Apple’s payment service to eligible cardholders. At launch, it supports Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards, with access across iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Apple has announced that Mac support will follow.
The launch gives supported users another way to pay at participating stores, in apps and online. The initial rollout is limited to eligible A
India has not introduced a nationwide ban on social media accounts for everyone under 18. The issue is under consideration after the Supreme Court asked the Centre to address how minors sign up for platforms and agree to their terms of service. Reports on the government’s response suggest changes to the Information Technology Rules may follow, but the final wording and scope of any new rule have not been announced.
The
India has not introduced a nationwide ban on social media accounts for everyone under 18. The issue is under consideration after the Supreme Court asked the Centre to address how minors sign up for platforms and agree to their terms of service. Reports on the government’s response suggest changes to the Information Technology Rules may follow, but the final wording and scope of any new rule have not been announced.
The
Chennai, September 25, 2026: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C Joseph Vijay is set to launch his campaign for the October 6 Assembly bypolls at Madurantakam on Friday. His address is scheduled for around 3 pm near the Athur toll plaza in Chengalpattu district. TVK has limited entry to 5,000 people who were issued QR-code passes in advance, in line with the arrangements announced for the event.
Chennai, September 25, 2026: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C Joseph Vijay is set to launch his campaign for the October 6 Assembly bypolls at Madurantakam on Friday. His address is scheduled for around 3 pm near the Athur toll plaza in Chengalpattu district. TVK has limited entry to 5,000 people who were issued QR-code passes in advance, in line with the arrangements announced for the event.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has been selected for the Aryadan Muhammed Best Public Servant Award 2026. The Aryadan Muhammed Foundation will present the honour at a ceremony in Nilambur, Kerala, on Friday, September 25. The event marks the fourth death anniversary of Aryadan Muhammed, the veteran Kerala Congress leader and former minister in whose memory the award was instituted.
The selection puts Reddy’s
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has been selected for the Aryadan Muhammed Best Public Servant Award 2026. The Aryadan Muhammed Foundation will present the honour at a ceremony in Nilambur, Kerala, on Friday, September 25. The event marks the fourth death anniversary of Aryadan Muhammed, the veteran Kerala Congress leader and former minister in whose memory the award was instituted.
The selection puts Reddy’s
A shipment of F-35 fighter jet components sent from Australia to the United States for repairs was unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong, triggering investigations into how the parts changed course and who now holds them. The US F-35 Joint Program Office has acknowledged a shipment issue and says it is working with authorities and industry partners to retrieve the components.
Bloomberg reported that the Chinese government ha
A shipment of F-35 fighter jet components sent from Australia to the United States for repairs was unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong, triggering investigations into how the parts changed course and who now holds them. The US F-35 Joint Program Office has acknowledged a shipment issue and says it is working with authorities and industry partners to retrieve the components.
Bloomberg reported that the Chinese government ha
Andhra Pradesh plans to introduce Heartfulness Yoga training in 963 government schools in the first phase of a student wellbeing initiative. The programme is expected to cover 4.47 lakh students, Education Minister N. Lokesh said during a review meeting with school education, higher education and skill development officials in Vijayawada on Wednesday.
Lokesh directed officials to launch awareness programmes on student mental health and stress across the state.
Andhra Pradesh plans to introduce Heartfulness Yoga training in 963 government schools in the first phase of a student wellbeing initiative. The programme is expected to cover 4.47 lakh students, Education Minister N. Lokesh said during a review meeting with school education, higher education and skill development officials in Vijayawada on Wednesday.
Lokesh directed officials to launch awareness programmes on student mental health and stress across the state.
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan stopped his convoy on Sunday after noticing a young accident victim on Container Road in Ernakulam and immediately offered assistance.
Satheesan was travelling through the area when he spotted the injured man. He directed his vehicle to stop and extended help before continuing with his scheduled programmes. The Chief Minister’s intervention attracted attention, with visuals and reports of the incident circulating widely.
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan stopped his convoy on Sunday after noticing a young accident victim on Container Road in Ernakulam and immediately offered assistance.
Satheesan was travelling through the area when he spotted the injured man. He directed his vehicle to stop and extended help before continuing with his scheduled programmes. The Chief Minister’s intervention attracted attention, with visuals and reports of the incident circulating widely.
The long wait for Lord Venkateswara’s darshan at Tirumala is set to become more spiritually engaging as the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams introduces artificial intelligence, virtual reality and immersive visual storytelling at the Vaikuntam Queue Complex.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the Rs 4 crore Devotional Experience Centre at Vaikuntam Queue Complex 1 on Wednesday. The facility has been launched on a pilot basis to engage devotees duri
The long wait for Lord Venkateswara’s darshan at Tirumala is set to become more spiritually engaging as the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams introduces artificial intelligence, virtual reality and immersive visual storytelling at the Vaikuntam Queue Complex.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the Rs 4 crore Devotional Experience Centre at Vaikuntam Queue Complex 1 on Wednesday. The facility has been launched on a pilot basis to engage devotees duri
Health Ministry issues stem cell therapy advisory
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory directing all states and Union Territories to strictly enforce the rules governing stem cell research and therapy. The advisory, dated September 16, 2026, asks healthcare establishments, medical professionals and regulatory authorities to prevent unapproved stem cell interventions from being offered as established treatments.
The Ministry has clarified that stem cell therapy can be used as routine clinical care only for diseases and indications included in its approved list. Any treatment outside those approved uses must be regarded as experimental and cannot be promoted as a standard or commercially proven medical service.
Key points:
Only stem cell therapies approved by the Health Ministry may be offered as routine clinical care.
Experimental stem cell interventions cannot be advertised or promoted as proven cures.
Hospitals, clinics and doctors must comply with the applicable research and treatment regulations.
State and district authorities have been directed to monitor clinical establishments and investigate reported violations.
Stem cell therapy for autism remains experimental
The advisory specifically addresses claims that stem cell therapy can treat Autism Spectrum Disorder. The government has made it clear that the therapeutic use of any type of stem cell for autism is not approved as routine or standard clinical treatment.
Stem cell interventions involving autism may be undertaken only as part of duly approved clinical trials. These studies must follow the National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research, 2017, jointly issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Department of Biotechnology.
Important conditions include:
Stem cell therapy for autism must remain restricted to authorised clinical trials.
The clinical trial must receive all necessary regulatory and ethics approvals.
Clinics cannot market experimental autism interventions as routine medical services.
Doctors cannot claim that stem cells are an established cure for autism.
Parents and caregivers should confirm a trial’s official registration and approvals before considering participation.
The advisory does not prohibit legitimate research but requires it to be conducted under approved clinical-trial safeguards.
NMC warns doctors against unauthorised practices
The National Medical Commission has reinforced the regulatory position through its advisory dated September 5, 2026. It has warned registered medical practitioners against administering, prescribing, recommending, promoting or advertising stem cell therapies for unapproved indications.
The NMC has stated that involvement in unauthorised stem cell treatment could amount to professional misconduct. State Medical Councils have been advised to examine complaints and initiate disciplinary proceedings when violations are established after due process.
The NMC directions cover the following actions:
Administering stem cell therapy for an indication that has not been approved.
Prescribing an experimental intervention as standard treatment.
Promoting unproven therapies through websites, social media or advertisements.
Making unsupported claims about guaranteed recovery or a permanent cure.
Commercially offering stem cell therapy outside an authorised clinical trial.
Failing to properly explain the experimental status and potential risks to patients.
Supreme Court judgment prompted stronger enforcement
The Health Ministry’s advisory follows the Supreme Court’s January 30, 2026 judgment in Yash Charitable Trust and Others versus Union of India and Others. The ruling emphasised that failure to comply with the statutory framework governing stem cell therapy must result in appropriate consequences.
The advisory reminds authorities that the existence of scientific research into stem cells does not permit clinics to sell unapproved interventions. Every therapeutic use must comply with the approved framework, and experimental research must remain within regulated clinical trials.
The judgment and subsequent advisory underline that:
Unapproved stem cell interventions cannot be treated as ordinary medical services.
Regulatory violations must result in meaningful action.
Medical professionals can be investigated for professional misconduct.
Clinical establishments may face penalties or loss of registration.
State authorities are responsible for enforcing the rules at the local level.
Penalties for violating stem cell therapy rules
Doctors found responsible for unauthorised stem cell therapy may face professional-misconduct proceedings under Regulation 7.22 of the Indian Medical Council Regulations, 2002. Any disciplinary action must be taken after examining the evidence and following the required legal process.
Clinical establishments may separately face action under Sections 32 and 40 of the Clinical Establishments Registration and Regulation Act, 2010. Depending on the nature of the violation, this can include financial penalties and cancellation of registration.
Possible consequences include:
Professional-misconduct proceedings against registered medical practitioners.
Disciplinary action by State Medical Councils.
Investigation of hospitals and clinics offering unauthorised treatments.
Penalties under the Clinical Establishments Act.
Cancellation of a clinical establishment’s registration in applicable cases.
Action against misleading promotion or advertisement of unproven therapies.
What patients and families should verify
Patients should not assume that every treatment described as “stem cell therapy” is approved, safe or clinically effective. Before agreeing to any such intervention, they should consult a qualified specialist and verify whether the proposed treatment is authorised for their medical condition.
Patients and families should check:
Whether the proposed stem cell treatment is approved for the diagnosed condition.
Whether it is being offered as standard treatment or as part of a clinical trial.
Whether the clinical trial has valid regulatory and ethics approvals.
Whether the trial is officially registered and provides proper informed-consent documents.
Whether the treating doctor and clinical establishment are appropriately registered.
Whether the clinic is making unsupported claims of guaranteed improvement or cure.
Whether the risks, possible benefits, alternatives and experimental status have been clearly explained.
The advisory’s central message is that stem cell science may hold research potential, but unproven interventions must not be sold as established treatment. Patients should rely on approved medical care and independently verify regulatory claims before making decisions.
Health Ministry issues stem cell therapy advisory
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory directing all states and Union Territories to strictly enforce the rules governing stem cell research and therapy. The advisory, dated September 16, 2026, asks healthcare establishments, medical professionals and regulatory authorities to prevent unapproved stem cell interventions from being offered as established treatments.
The Ministry has clarified that stem cell therapy can be used as routine clinical care only for diseases and indications included in its approved list. Any treatment outside those approved uses must be regarded as experimental and cannot be promoted as a standard or commercially proven medical service.
Key points:
Only stem cell therapies approved by the Health Ministry may be offered as routine clinical care.
Experimental stem cell interventions cannot be advertised or promoted as proven cures.
Hospitals, clinics and doctors must comply with the applicable research and treatment regulations.
State and district authorities have been directed to monitor clinical establishments and investigate reported violations.
Stem cell therapy for autism remains experimental
The advisory specifically addresses claims that stem cell therapy can treat Autism Spectrum Disorder. The government has made it clear that the therapeutic use of any type of stem cell for autism is not approved as routine or standard clinical treatment.
Stem cell interventions involving autism may be undertaken only as part of duly approved clinical trials. These studies must follow the National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research, 2017, jointly issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Department of Biotechnology.
Important conditions include:
Stem cell therapy for autism must remain restricted to authorised clinical trials.
The clinical trial must receive all necessary regulatory and ethics approvals.
Clinics cannot market experimental autism interventions as routine medical services.
Doctors cannot claim that stem cells are an established cure for autism.
Parents and caregivers should confirm a trial’s official registration and approvals before considering participation.
The advisory does not prohibit legitimate research but requires it to be conducted under approved clinical-trial safeguards.
NMC warns doctors against unauthorised practices
The National Medical Commission has reinforced the regulatory position through its advisory dated September 5, 2026. It has warned registered medical practitioners against administering, prescribing, recommending, promoting or advertising stem cell therapies for unapproved indications.
The NMC has stated that involvement in unauthorised stem cell treatment could amount to professional misconduct. State Medical Councils have been advised to examine complaints and initiate disciplinary proceedings when violations are established after due process.
The NMC directions cover the following actions:
Administering stem cell therapy for an indication that has not been approved.
Prescribing an experimental intervention as standard treatment.
Promoting unproven therapies through websites, social media or advertisements.
Making unsupported claims about guaranteed recovery or a permanent cure.
Commercially offering stem cell therapy outside an authorised clinical trial.
Failing to properly explain the experimental status and potential risks to patients.
Supreme Court judgment prompted stronger enforcement
The Health Ministry’s advisory follows the Supreme Court’s January 30, 2026 judgment in Yash Charitable Trust and Others versus Union of India and Others. The ruling emphasised that failure to comply with the statutory framework governing stem cell therapy must result in appropriate consequences.
The advisory reminds authorities that the existence of scientific research into stem cells does not permit clinics to sell unapproved interventions. Every therapeutic use must comply with the approved framework, and experimental research must remain within regulated clinical trials.
The judgment and subsequent advisory underline that:
Unapproved stem cell interventions cannot be treated as ordinary medical services.
Regulatory violations must result in meaningful action.
Medical professionals can be investigated for professional misconduct.
Clinical establishments may face penalties or loss of registration.
State authorities are responsible for enforcing the rules at the local level.
Penalties for violating stem cell therapy rules
Doctors found responsible for unauthorised stem cell therapy may face professional-misconduct proceedings under Regulation 7.22 of the Indian Medical Council Regulations, 2002. Any disciplinary action must be taken after examining the evidence and following the required legal process.
Clinical establishments may separately face action under Sections 32 and 40 of the Clinical Establishments Registration and Regulation Act, 2010. Depending on the nature of the violation, this can include financial penalties and cancellation of registration.
Possible consequences include:
Professional-misconduct proceedings against registered medical practitioners.
Disciplinary action by State Medical Councils.
Investigation of hospitals and clinics offering unauthorised treatments.
Penalties under the Clinical Establishments Act.
Cancellation of a clinical establishment’s registration in applicable cases.
Action against misleading promotion or advertisement of unproven therapies.
What patients and families should verify
Patients should not assume that every treatment described as “stem cell therapy” is approved, safe or clinically effective. Before agreeing to any such intervention, they should consult a qualified specialist and verify whether the proposed treatment is authorised for their medical condition.
Patients and families should check:
Whether the proposed stem cell treatment is approved for the diagnosed condition.
Whether it is being offered as standard treatment or as part of a clinical trial.
Whether the clinical trial has valid regulatory and ethics approvals.
Whether the trial is officially registered and provides proper informed-consent documents.
Whether the treating doctor and clinical establishment are appropriately registered.
Whether the clinic is making unsupported claims of guaranteed improvement or cure.
Whether the risks, possible benefits, alternatives and experimental status have been clearly explained.
The advisory’s central message is that stem cell science may hold research potential, but unproven interventions must not be sold as established treatment. Patients should rely on approved medical care and independently verify regulatory claims before making decisions.
Supriya Yarlagadda has been appointed to the newly reconstituted Central Board of Film Certification, becoming one of its 18 members and providing Telugu cinema with representation on the national film-certification body.
Supriya Yarlagadda Joins Reconstituted CBFC
Supriya Yarlagadda has been named as one of the 18 members of the newly reconstituted Central Board of Film Certification
Supriya Yarlagadda has been appointed to the newly reconstituted Central Board of Film Certification, becoming one of its 18 members and providing Telugu cinema with representation on the national film-certification body.
Supriya Yarlagadda Joins Reconstituted CBFC
Supriya Yarlagadda has been named as one of the 18 members of the newly reconstituted Central Board of Film Certification
Cabinet decision announced after the meeting, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | Saral Keralam will offer time-bound, single-window clearances for investment proposals through district and state bodies.
Kerala Cabinet Clears Saral Keralam for Faster Investment Nod
The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday approved Saral Keralam, a new single-window mechanism designed to simplify and accelerate investment approvals by bringing departme
Cabinet decision announced after the meeting, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | Saral Keralam will offer time-bound, single-window clearances for investment proposals through district and state bodies.
Kerala Cabinet Clears Saral Keralam for Faster Investment Nod
The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday approved Saral Keralam, a new single-window mechanism designed to simplify and accelerate investment approvals by bringing departme
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu told district collectors to focus on measurable results, accountability and timely execution.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed district collectors to focus on measurable outcomes instead of limiting governance to meetings and reviews. Addressing the eighth District Collectors’ Conference at the state secretariat in Amaravati on Thursday, Naidu asked officials to submit action-taken reports on matt
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu told district collectors to focus on measurable results, accountability and timely execution.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed district collectors to focus on measurable outcomes instead of limiting governance to meetings and reviews. Addressing the eighth District Collectors’ Conference at the state secretariat in Amaravati on Thursday, Naidu asked officials to submit action-taken reports on matt
UN human rights experts issued the appeal from Geneva calling on Pakistan to protect its Ahmadiyya community. The statement raised concerns about harassment, prosecution, violence, religious restrictions and alleged impunity.
UN Experts Demand an End to Ahmadiyya Persecution
United Nations human rights experts have urged Pakistan to end reported discrimination and violence against the Ahmadiyya community and uphold the right to freedom of religion or belief.
UN human rights experts issued the appeal from Geneva calling on Pakistan to protect its Ahmadiyya community. The statement raised concerns about harassment, prosecution, violence, religious restrictions and alleged impunity.
UN Experts Demand an End to Ahmadiyya Persecution
United Nations human rights experts have urged Pakistan to end reported discrimination and violence against the Ahmadiyya community and uphold the right to freedom of religion or belief.
The Election Commission has scheduled polling for the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly by-elections on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, with counting on Friday, October 9. The contests in Tamil Nadu will provide an early electoral assessment of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s government after its first 100 days in office.
Vijay Government Faces Its First Major Electoral Test
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s go
The Election Commission has scheduled polling for the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly by-elections on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, with counting on Friday, October 9. The contests in Tamil Nadu will provide an early electoral assessment of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s government after its first 100 days in office.
Vijay Government Faces Its First Major Electoral Test
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s go
Madurai Corporation has launched a citywide greening and beautification programme supported by private participation and CSR funding.
Greening drive targets 4.75 lakh saplings
Madurai Corporation has begun an extensive makeover of the historic city through tree planting, landscaped public spaces, murals and improvements around major roads and landmarks.
The civic body has set a target of pl
Madurai Corporation has launched a citywide greening and beautification programme supported by private participation and CSR funding.
Greening drive targets 4.75 lakh saplings
Madurai Corporation has begun an extensive makeover of the historic city through tree planting, landscaped public spaces, murals and improvements around major roads and landmarks.
The civic body has set a target of pl
