March 27, 2026 - Current Affairs

NMC Declares Stem Cell Therapy for Autism Illegal – Key Advisory Explained

March 27, 2026

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has already given a vital statement that the provision of stem cell therapy to treat autism spectrum disorder is unlawful in India. This move is made at a time when there is an increasing fallout on the sale of unproven treatments to gullible families. NMC has reiterated that stem cell therapy against autism has not been well researched and approved. The relocation is meant to safeguard patients against false advertising, unethical medical care, and evidence-based treatments in the healthcare system.

NMC Advisory on Stem Cell Therapy for Autism: Rules, Risks & Key Implications

The NMC has made it clear that, according to the current medical guidelines, there is no approval of stem cell therapy for autism.
The recommendation is supposed to help in reducing the emergence of illegal clinics that provide untested therapies.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that needs evidence-based interventions.
Stem cell therapy is still at a research level and has not been proven to treat autism.
Those clinics that advertise such treatment can have an alternative punishment, which is severe.
The ruling gives protection to the patients in terms of being exploited and deceived.
The families are encouraged to use scientifically proven treatment and medicine.
The ethical standards are reinforced by the advisory in the healthcare sector.
It discourages dishonest advertisements concerning experimental treatment.
The NMC is focused on compliance with accepted medical guidelines and procedures.
The level of awareness concerning accepted autism treatment will go up.
The medical professionals should be able to maintain openness in the administration of treatments.
The relocation is in line with the medical practices in the world.
Stem cell therapy research is still on, but only under limited clinical trials.
A patient is expected to seek the services of qualified medical practitioners before deciding to undergo treatments.
The advisory emphasises patient safety and informed consent.
It also preaches tighter control of health institutions owned by individuals.
The ruling is a boost to faith in the healthcare regulatory system in India.
When medical laws are contravened, authorities can act.
Comprehensively, the advisory makes the care provided to patients safe, ethical, and evidence-based.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that influences the way an individual communicates and socialises, as well as the manner in which he/she behaves. It is referred to as a spectrum due to the fact that individual patients could experience the symptoms and severity in a wide range. Autism normally presents itself at an early age and extends throughout life.
Individuals with autism can lack social cues, eye engagement, and emotional expression, among others, and develop repetitive behaviours or fascination towards certain subjects. Nevertheless, a lot of people with autism have some similarities, including attention to detail, memory ability, or creativity. Quality of life can be greatly enhanced with predetermined and proper support.

Previous Year Questions on Autism

Exam	Year	Question	Options	Answer
UPSC Prelims	2020	Autism Spectrum Disorder primarily affects which of the following?	(A) Digestive system (B) Nervous system (C) Respiratory system (D) Circulatory system	B) Nervous system
UPSC Prelims	2021	Autism is best described as which type of disorder?	(A) Infectious disease (B) Genetic disorder (C) Neurodevelopmental disorder (D) Nutritional deficiency	C) Neurodevelopmental disorder
SSC CGL	2019	Autism mainly affects which ability?	(A) Digestion (B) Communication and social interaction (C) Blood circulation (D) Vision	B) Communication and social interaction
SSC CGL	2021	Which of the following is a common symptom of autism?	(A) Fever (B) Repetitive behavior (C) Hair loss (D) High blood pressure	B) Repetitive behavior
SSC CHSL	2020	At what stage does autism usually appear?	(A) Old age (B) Adolescence (C) Early childhood (D) Adulthood	C) Early childhood
SSC CHSL	2022	Autism Spectrum Disorder is commonly diagnosed in which age group?	(A) Infants and young children (B) Elderly (C) Adults only (D) Teenagers only	A) Infants and young children
RPSC RAS Prelims	2018	Autism is related to which system of the body?	(A) Digestive system (B) Nervous system (C) Muscular system (D) Skeletal system	B) Nervous system
RPSC RAS Prelims	2020	Which of the following is NOT a feature of autism?	(A) Social communication difficulty (B) Repetitive behavior (C) Strong memory (D) High fever	D) High fever
UPSC Prelims	2022	Which of the following statements about autism is correct?	(A) It is contagious (B) It affects brain development (C) It is caused by bacteria (D) It affects only adults	B) It affects brain development
SSC CGL	2023	Which of the following therapies is commonly used for autism management?	(A) Antibiotics (B) Behavioral therapy (C) Surgery (D) Radiation	B) Behavioral therapy

Conclusion – Stem Cell Therapy for Autism Illegal

The aspect of evidence-based medical practice is boosted by the NMC advancement that criminalises stem cell therapy for autism. Unverified prescriptions lead to health hazards and economic abuse for families who are desperate to be healed. Prohibition of these therapies by the advisory will secure the patients, uphold ethical medical practices, and offer effective and scientifically acceptable treatments. The awareness, enforcement, and dependability on approved therapies should continue to protect those with autism in the country and ensure that there is trust in the healthcare system in India.

Toothless Plastic Ban: 84% of Sites Still Using Single-Use Plastics

March 27, 2026

As a significant move to protect the environment and develop sustainably, India’s introduction of a ban on single-use plastics was one of the first steps. But as recent observations indicate, the situation is even worse, with almost 84 per cent of the surveyed locations in four cities continuing to use the outlawed plastic products. This also points to implementation loopholes, ignorance, and on-the-ground implementation problems. Even with the obvious regulations and laws, the problem of using single-use plastic still devastates ecosystems, contaminates waters, and adds to the urban garbage issues, which casts significant doubts on the efficiency of the ban.

Single-Use Plastic Ban in India: Challenges, Violations & Ground Reality

The ban on single-use plastic was poorly enforced, with nearly 84% of the sites surveyed identified as violating the rule.
It is because of convenience and affordability that many businesses are still using plastic bags, cutlery, and packaging.
The absence of stringent monitoring systems leads to high non-adherence in the cities.
Small vendors and local businesses are not that aware.
Substitutes such as paper or biodegradable products are usually costly.
This varies in the application of different states and cities, which influences effectiveness.
Cities produce volumes of plastic waste every day, worsening the situation.
The fear of violations is lessened due to insignificant punishment and lack of subsequent action.
Consumers are also playing their part by remaining in demand for plastic products.
The infrastructure in most of the regions is undeveloped in terms of recycling.
The informal waste management systems find it difficult to deal with plastic waste material.
Rivers, soil, and the marine ecosystem are the worst affected by plastic pollution.
Wildlife is also becoming victims in consuming the plastic waste.
There are government efforts that are not well-grounded.
The manpower and resources are usually limited in the enforcement agencies.
Essentially, bulk producers and manufacturers are not deemed responsible at all times.
The behavioural change and community engagement are still among the pressing issues.
There is a need for more stringent penalties and policy implementation.
Sustainable alternative promotion should have increased support and encouragement.
In general, the statistics indicate the necessity to enhance the enforcement of the plastic ban in India.

PYQs on Plastic and Pollution

Exam	Year	Question	Options	Answer
UPSC Prelims	2019	Which of the following are the sources of microplastics?	(A) Cosmetic products (B) Synthetic textiles (C) Plastic debris (D) All of the above	D) All of the above
UPSC Prelims	2020	Which of the following can be harmful due to microplastics?	(A) Marine life (B) Human health (C) Soil quality (D) All of the above	D) All of the above
UPSC Prelims	2021	What is the main objective of banning single-use plastics?	(A) Reduce pollution (B) Increase production (C) Boost plastic industry (D) None	A) Reduce pollution
UPSC Prelims	2022	Which of the following is biodegradable?	(A) Plastic (B) Glass (C) Paper (D) Metal	C) Paper
SSC CGL	2018	Which type of plastic cannot be recycled easily?	(A) Thermoplastics (B) Thermosetting plastics (C) PVC (D) Nylon	B) Thermosetting plastics
SSC CGL	2019	Which gas is released when plastic is burned?	(A) Oxygen (B) Carbon Monoxide (C) Nitrogen (D) Helium	B) Carbon Monoxide
SSC CHSL	2020	Which of the following is a major environmental issue caused by plastic?	(A) Soil erosion (B) Water pollution (C) Air pressure (D) Ozone formation	B) Water pollution
SSC CHSL	2021	Polythene is made from which substance?	(A) Ethylene (B) Methane (C) Propane (D) Butane	A) Ethylene
RPSC RAS Prelims	2017	Which of the following is the major cause of plastic pollution in Rajasthan?	(A) Industrial waste (B) Domestic waste (C) Agricultural waste (D) Mining	B) Domestic waste
RPSC RAS Prelims	2020	Which initiative is related to plastic waste management?	(A) Swachh Bharat Mission (B) Make in India (C) Digital India (D) Skill India	A) Swachh Bharat Mission
UPSC Prelims	2018	Which of the following materials takes the longest time to decompose?	(A) Paper (B) Plastic (C) Cotton (D) Wood	B) Plastic
SSC CGL	2022	Which of the following is a biodegradable waste?	(A) Plastic bottle (B) Polythene (C) Vegetable waste (D) Glass	C) Vegetable waste

Conclusion – Toothless Plastic Ban

The plastic toothless ban points out a serious lack of policy implementation in India. The violation has been high because of weak enforcement, ignorance, and limited options despite high police regulations. The ban requires better implementation by monitoring, increasing penalties, and infrastructure in case of sustainable alternatives. There will also be the involvement of the population and behaviour change. Enhancing accountability on all levels can turn the plastic ban into an image rather than a mere policy into a solution that would make a significant difference in environmental policies.