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Mandatory Updates & Rising Costs: UIDAI Hikes Aadhaar Update Fees, Tightens PAN Linkage and KYC Rules

South India Pulse
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Mandatory Updates & Rising Costs: UIDAI Hikes Aadhaar Update Fees, Tightens PAN Linkage and KYC Rules

NEW DELHI – The government has introduced several significant changes to Aadhaar rules, impacting financial transactions, banking services, and small savings schemes. With increased fees for updates and stricter Know Your Customer (KYC) norms, citizens are urged to check their Aadhaar status and linkages immediately to avoid financial disruptions.

Aadhaar Update Fees Increased

Effective October 1, 2025, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has revised the service charges for updates:

Service TypeNew Fee (From Oct 1, 2025)Old Fee
Demographic Updates (Name, Address, DoB, Mobile, Email)₹75₹50
Biometric Updates (Fingerprint, Iris, Photo)₹125₹100

Mandatory biometric updates for children aged 5–7 and 15–17 years remain free. Document updates are also free online until June 14, 2026.

PAN-Aadhaar Linking: The Critical Deadline

The government has reiterated that failure to link PAN and Aadhaar will render the Permanent Account Number (PAN) inoperative. An inactive PAN can block critical financial activities, including investing in mutual funds, opening Demat accounts, and processing investment redemptions.

Timely linking is now deemed crucial for maintaining seamless financial health.

Simplified and Safer Aadhaar e-KYC

To enhance data security, UIDAI has launched new features like offline Aadhaar KYC and Aadhaar e-KYC Setu. These allow banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) to verify customers without needing access to their full Aadhaar number, simplifying account opening and enhancing privacy.

Simultaneously, validation norms have been tightened: financial institutions can only perform Aadhaar-based KYC if the Aadhaar number is active and non-duplicate. Invalid or duplicated Aadhaar numbers will halt bank account or investment processes.

Upcoming Changes (Effective January 2026)

  • AePS Tightening: Starting January 1, 2026, RBI will implement new fraud monitoring and KYC verification rules for the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS). This move, while aimed at reducing fraud, may make Aadhaar-based cash withdrawal or deposit services more expensive or limited, particularly in rural areas.
  • Small Savings Expansion: Aadhaar e-KYC is being expanded for small savings schemes (like Post Office RD, PPF, and NSC), enabling paperless onboarding. However, unlinked or outdated Aadhaar information could lead to blocked deposits or withdrawals.

Investors and citizens must regularly check and update their Aadhaar status to avoid transaction delays, interest losses, and KYC rejections, ensuring compliance in the evolving digital identity landscape.

Actor-Producer Binu George Alexander Shines as Villainous SP in Shane Nigam’s Hit Action Film ‘Bulti’

South India Pulse
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Actor-Producer Binu George Alexander Shines as Villainous SP in Shane Nigam’s Hit Action Film ‘Bulti’

KOCHI – The sports-action film ‘Bulti,’ starring Shane Nigam and written and directed by debutant Unni Sivalingam, is progressing strongly in theatres, having garnered excellent reviews. The film weaves together themes of Kabaddi, friendship, romance, and conflict, driven by a narrative centered on passionate youth.

A standout performance in the film is that of Binu George Alexander, who plays SP Charles Benjamin, an officer investigating a matter related to ‘Operation Kubera.’ Adding to his contributions, Alexander is also one of the film’s producers.

Alexander’s portrayal of SP Charles Benjamin has received rave reviews from audiences. Viewers highlighted his powerful performance, characterized by controlled body language, voice modulation, emotional restraint, and nuanced micro-expressions.

The consensus among moviegoers is that Alexander successfully held his own against the established lead actors, establishing a strong presence amid a gallery of antagonistic characters exploiting the poor through usury (interest-based cruelty).

The film, co-produced by Santosh T. Kuruvilla and Binu George Alexander, has been lauded for providing a terrific theatrical experience and remains strong at the box office. Reviewers noted that the producer’s deep understanding of cinema is evident in the film’s exceptional execution, with every scene crafted with perfection.

The film brought together top actors and skilled technicians from both the Malayalam and Tamil industries. The technical crew, including the director, cinematographer, music director, and stunt masters, have been praised by the audience for delivering their absolute best output.

The film’s technical team includes Alex J Pulickal (Cinematography), Shivakumar V Panicker (Editor), and Vishnu Govind (Audiography).

Samsung Unveils Galaxy XR Headset: The First Android XR Device with Gemini AI at its Core

South India Pulse
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Samsung Unveils Galaxy XR Headset: The First Android XR Device with Gemini AI at its Core

SEOUL – Samsung Electronics today officially unveiled the Galaxy XR headset, introducing a new line of AI-native devices built to deliver deeply immersive experiences. As the debut product on the new Android XR platform, co-developed by Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm Technologies, the Galaxy XR aims to usher in the next era of discovery, play, and work.

“With Galaxy XR, Samsung is introducing a brand-new ecosystem of mobile devices,” said Won-Joon Choi, COO of Samsung’s Mobile eXperience Business. “Built on Android XR, Galaxy XR expands the vision for mobile AI into a new frontier of immersive and meaningful possibilities, allowing XR to move from concept to everyday reality.”

Google’s President of Android Ecosystem, Sameer Samat, noted that Android XR is the first Android platform built entirely for the Gemini era. This partnership is set to “unlock entirely new ways to explore, connect and create,” building an open, unified platform for the future of computing.

Multimodal AI and the Gemini Advantage

The Galaxy XR is designed around multimodal AI, fundamentally changing how users interact with technology. It is the first device running the new Android XR platform with Gemini AI integrated at the system level.

This integration allows the headset to function as a “new type of AI companion.” By seeing what users see and hearing what they hear via its cameras and microphones, the Galaxy XR can respond conversationally and intuitively through voice, vision, and gesture, helping users manage complex tasks with natural human-like interaction.

Samsung Unveils Galaxy XR Headset: The First Android XR Device with Gemini AI at its Core

Comfort, Clarity, and Content

Samsung engineered the Galaxy XR with a human-centric design for long-term comfort. Key physical features include:

  • An ergonomically balanced frame to minimize facial discomfort.
  • A separate battery pack to keep the headset itself compact and lightweight (545g).
  • A detachable light shield for deeper immersion.

Inside, the device boasts a 4K Micro-OLED screen with 27 million pixels, offering an immersive viewing experience that feels like a personal theater. It’s powered by the Snapdragon® XR2+ Gen 2 Platform, delivering advanced AI processing and visual clarity.

The Android XR Ecosystem

The collaboration between Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm aims to build a scalable, open XR ecosystem. Crucially, all apps built on the Android platform will work “out of the box” on the Galaxy XR.

Optimized experiences include:

  • Google Maps: Using Gemini as a guide for navigation and personalized suggestions in immersive 3D maps.
  • Circle to Search: Allowing users to see the physical world via video pass-through and draw a circle with their hand to instantly search for information about anything in their environment.
  • 3D Content Creation: The ability to auto-spatialize existing 2D photos and videos into 3D memories, alongside apps like Adobe’s Project Pulsar for 3D cinematic editing.

The device also features advanced sensors for precise head, hand, and eye movement tracking, alongside a sophisticated six-microphone array.

Availability and Future Roadmap

The Galaxy XR will be available starting October 21 in the USA and October 22 in Korea.

Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy XR headset is just the first step in a broader roadmap that includes future innovations like AI glasses. These are being developed in collaboration with pioneering brands like Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to blend cutting-edge technology with high-end fashion.

On His Birthday, Makers Unveil Joju George’s Look in Jeethu Joseph’s ‘Valathu Vashathe Kallan’

South India Pulse
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On His Birthday, Makers Unveil Joju George’s Look in Jeethu Joseph’s ‘Valathu Vashathe Kallan’

KOCHI – The makers of ‘Valathu Vashathe Kallan’, director Jeethu Joseph’s latest film, have unveiled the first look poster of actor Joju George to celebrate his birthday today. The film, which features Biju Menon in the lead role, is Jeethu Joseph’s next directorial venture following the Asif Ali-starrer ‘Mirage.’

‘Valathu Vashathe Kallan’ is an emotional drama that also falls completely within the thriller genre. The story focuses on the conflicts that unfold in the lives of two individuals from different strata of society.

The film boasts a strong supporting cast, including Lena, Niranjana Anoop, Irshad, Shaju Sreedhar, Director Shyamaprasad, Manoj K U, and Leona Lishoy. The screenplay is penned by Dinu Thomas Ealan, who had previously directed and written the film Koodasha.

The film is being produced under the banner of August Cinemas by Shaji Nadesan, in collaboration with Bud Timestories. Co-producers include Tonson, Sunil Ramadi, and Prashant Nair of Cinaholix, with Kitty Jeethu and Midhun Abraham serving as Executive Producers.

The technical crew includes Vishnu Shyam (Music), Satish Kurup (Cinematography), Vinayak (Editing), Prashant Madhav (Art Direction), and Linda Jeethu (Costume Design).

CPI(M) Fields V.S. Achuthanandan’s Son in Ambalappuzha, H. Salam Shifted to Kayamkulam | Kerala Assembly Elections 2026

South India Pulse
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CPI(M) Fields V.S. Achuthanandan’s Son in Ambalappuzha, H. Salam Shifted to Kayamkulam | Kerala Assembly Elections 2026

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Facing a certain stiff challenge from anti-incumbency sentiment in the upcoming local body and Assembly elections, the CPI(M) leadership in Kerala is reportedly finalising key strategic moves and a major makeover of its candidate lineup. The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government has been hit by strong public discontent, compounded by controversies including the alleged ‘Sabarimala theft’ scandal.

​In a crucial shift from its 2021 strategy, the CPI(M) is planning to field more newcomers to beat the anti-government mood. A central part of this plan involves bringing in V.A. Arun Kumar, the son of late veteran and popular leader V.S. Achuthanandan (V.S.), as a candidate.

​Sources indicate that Arun Kumar is slated to contest from Ambalappuzha, the home constituency of his father, in a move calculated to generate enthusiasm among both party workers and the general public.

​This decision sets the stage for a major rearrangement. The current Ambalappuzha MLA, H. Salam, who is reportedly in the rival faction to former minister G. Sudhakaran, is being considered for a shift to the Kayamkulam constituency.

​In Kayamkulam, the current CPI(M) MLA, Prathibha Hari, is unlikely to be re-nominated, clearing the path for Salam. It is also speculated that Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, who is also the Chief Minister’s son-in-law, is strongly backing Salam’s candidature for the Kayamkulam seat.

​The CPI(M) is banking on the popularity of V.S.’s legacy through Arun Kumar’s candidacy to ignite a fresh wave of public support. However, it remains to be seen if these candidacies and constituency swaps will be enough to overcome the deeply entrenched anti-incumbency factor prevailing in the state.

Sharaf U Dheen and Anupama Parameswaran’s ‘Pet Detective’ Nears ₹10 Crore Global Mark; Box Office Blockbuster in Just 5 Days

South India Pulse
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Sharaf U Dheen and Anupama Parameswaran’s ‘Pet Detective’ Nears ₹10 Crore Global Mark; Box Office Blockbuster in Just 5 Days

KOCHI – The Malayalam film “Pet Detective” starring Sharaf U Dheen and Anupama Parameswaran, is marching towards blockbuster status, having collected an impressive ₹9.1 crore in global gross collections within just five days of its release.

The film, which is a joint production by Sharaf U Dheen Productions and Gokulam Gopalan’s Sree Gokulam Movies, is on track to become Sharaf U Dheen’s biggest career success. Since its opening day, the movie has received spectacular audience and critical acclaim, drawing in all types of viewers with its non-stop humor.

A Laugh-Riot Family Entertainer

Directed by Praneesh Vijayan and co-written by Praneesh Vijayan and Jai Vishnu, “Pet Detective” is a fun family comedy entertainer. The film has been widely praised for delivering a barrage of laughter, offering families and children moments of pure, unadulterated hilarity. Many viewers have noted that a comedy film with such persistent humor has been long overdue in Malayalam cinema.

The central highlight of the movie is its ensemble cast, where nearly every character contributes to the humorous moments, ensuring continuous applause from the audience. Sharaf U Dheen, playing the detective character Tony Jose Aluva, anchors the comedy investigation thriller, which blends laughter with action in a way that is highly enjoyable even for children.

Strong Box Office Performance

The film continues its triumphant run with packed screens across Kerala and is also garnering significant audience support outside the state. This success follows Sharaf U Dheen’s previous hit, Padakkalam.

The movie secured the largest career opening for Sharaf U Dheen and witnessed over a hundred houseful shows in Kerala within the first few days of its release, showcasing its wide appeal.

Alongside Sharaf U Dheen and Anupama Parameswaran’s stellar performances, the cast including Vinay Forrt, Jomon Jyothir, Vijayaraghavan, and Vinayakan have also received considerable praise. The film also features Shobi Thilakan, Nishant Sagar, Shyam Mohan, and Altaf Salim in key roles.

The music for the film was composed by Rajesh Murugeshan, with music rights secured by Think Music. Abhinav Sunder Nayak, who gained recognition as a director with the super hit Mukundan Unni Associates, served as the editor for this project.

When PINs Collide: President’s Sabarimala Visit Unites India’s Two Most Unique Pincodes

South India Pulse
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When PINs Collide: President’s Sabarimala Visit Unites India’s Two Most Unique Pincodes

Pathanamthitta: A unique postal quirk added a layer of historical significance to President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to the famed Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple today. The moment marked the convergence of the only two ‘persons’ in India with their own dedicated, single-address Pincodes: the President of India and Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala.

​The President’s official residence, Rashtrapati Bhavan Post Office in New Delhi, is uniquely identified by the code 110 004. Similarly, the Sabarimala Post Office in Pathanamthitta is dedicated to the deity, using the Pincode 689 713. Both codes are distinguished by serving only a single, iconic address.

​The Ayyappa Postal Phenomenon

​While the Rashtrapati Bhavan Post Office operates year-round, the Sabarimala Post Office (P.O.), established in 1963, is a seasonal marvel. It functions primarily during the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage and the Vishu festival, dedicated to receiving mail addressed to ‘Swami Ayyappan, Sabarimala PO, 689 713’.

​Letters, money orders, and prayers addressed to Lord Ayyappa are received here and subsequently handed over to the Temple’s Executive Officer.

​Adding to its distinct character is the special postal seal. Since 1974, the Sabarimala post office has used a custom cancellation stamp featuring the image of Lord Ayyappa’s idol and the sacred ‘Pathinettampadi’ (the 18 holy steps). Pilgrims often queue up at the Sannidhanam post office to mail prayer cards and letters, ensuring their correspondence carries this unique, sacred stamp.

​The convergence of the nation’s highest constitutional office holder and the revered deity, each possessing a postal identity unlike any other in the country, turned the President’s spiritual journey into a captivating tale of faith, history, and a fascinating coincidence of the Indian postal service.

President Murmu’s Sabarimala Pilgrimage: Historic Darshan and Last-Minute Weather-Related Travel Changes

South India Pulse
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President Murmu’s Sabarimala Pilgrimage: Historic Darshan and Last-Minute Weather-Related Travel Changes

Thiruvananthapuram: President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple today for a historic darshan. The pilgrimage is a highlight of her official visit to Kerala, which will also see her attending an official dinner hosted by the state Governor.

​The President will depart from Raj Bhavan at 9:10 AM by helicopter. However, due to adverse weather conditions, including rain, a last-minute change has been made to her travel arrangements. Instead of landing at the previously decided Nilakkal helipad, the helicopter will now land at the Pramadom Indoor Stadium helipad. From Pramadom, the President will travel by road to Pamba.

​From Pamba, the President will be taken to the Sannidhanam (main temple complex) in a special vehicle. Following the tradition of the Sabarimala pilgrimage, she will carry the sacred ‘Irumudikkettu’ (a bundle containing sacred offerings) and ascend the holy 18 steps.

​The President is expected to arrive at the Sannidhanam at 11:50 AM, where she will be accorded a ‘Poornakumbham’ reception by the Tantri (chief priest), Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru, at the base of the flag mast. After completing the darshan around 12:20 PM, she will take a short rest at the Sannidhanam Guest House.

​The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) is set to present the President with a special memento: an idol of Lord Ayyappa carved from a piece of the ‘Kumbal’ wood.

​On her return, the President will arrive back in Thiruvananthapuram late in the evening and attend a dinner reception hosted by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Hotel Hyatt Regency. The President is scheduled to conclude her four-day Kerala visit and return to Delhi on October 24.

​Pilgrim Restrictions Imposed

​In light of the high-profile visit and stringent security protocols, restrictions on darshan have been imposed at Sabarimala. Other pilgrims will not be allowed beyond Nilakkal until the President has completed her darshan and departed from the hill shrine. Authorities have requested the cooperation of devotees to ensure the smooth conduct of the President’s pilgrimage.

Rising Star Mamitha Baiju: Next Big Thing in South Cinema with Vijay & Suriya Films

South India Pulse
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Rising Star Mamitha Baiju: Next Big Thing in South Cinema with Vijay & Suriya Films

Chennai : Malayalam actress Mamitha Baiju is rapidly transitioning from a regional talent to a pan-Indian sensation, fueled by the national success of her film Premalu and her recent, bold performance in Dude. Having captured the country’s attention with her charming, girl-next-door image, the young star is now positioned for major stardom, with two massive projects alongside Tamil cinema’s biggest names, Vijay and Suriya, already secured.

​Mamitha first caught the eye of audiences in films like Super Sharanya, but it was the Telugu-dubbed blockbuster status of Premalu that established her nationwide fame. She quickly proved her versatility in the recently released film Dude, where she took on the complex role of Kundana. Her portrayal was so compelling that it successfully managed to evoke genuine dislike from some viewers—a true mark of an actor’s success in bringing a layered character to life.

​As Kundana, Mamitha skillfully navigated a challenging arc: she played a deeply pampered girl who loves the protagonist, grapples with rejection, attempts to move past the heartache, and eventually becomes pregnant with another man. Her performance captured every emotional variation with nuance, even surprising audiences with impressive dancing skills. The film’s director is credited with handling the sensitive character without crossing any inappropriate lines, allowing Mamitha to completely own the spotlight with a performance that critics have praised.

​The actress is now set to make a significant impact in Kollywood (Tamil cinema) with two high-profile projects. The first is with Thalapathy Vijay in the highly anticipated film Jana Nayagan. The project has already wrapped up, and reports suggest Mamitha plays a pivotal and central role—one around which the entire story revolves. Given the immense buzz surrounding any Vijay project, a hit here would instantly elevate Mamitha to the status of a Kollywood sensation.

​Following this, she has signed onto Suriya’s next film, directed by Venky Atluri. While reports indicate she is not paired opposite Suriya, her character is nonetheless prominent and essential to the narrative. If this film achieves similar success, especially following her recent triumphs in Telugu with Premalu and Dude, it is widely expected that she will be flooded with back-to-back offers in Tollywood.

​With consecutive hits in both the Telugu and Tamil industries, Mamitha’s stardom in her native Malayalam industry will be an automatic byproduct, confirming her rise as one of the brightest and most sought-after talents in South Indian cinema today.

Ayushmann-Rashmika Starrer ‘Thamma’ Storms Box Office, Mints a Massive ₹24.87 Crore on Day 1

South India Pulse
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Ayushmann-Rashmika Starrer ‘Thamma’ Storms Box Office, Mints a Massive ₹24.87 Crore on Day 1

​Bollywood has received an early Diwali gift as the highly anticipated fantasy-horror film ‘Thamma,’ starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, has opened to phenomenal numbers at the box office. The movie, which hit the screens amidst the festive season, has successfully captivated audiences, raking in an impressive ₹24.87 crore on its opening day.

​The strong start positions ‘Thamma’ as a major commercial success right out of the gate, setting a promising tone for the crucial Diwali weekend run. Industry trackers note that with minimal major competition, the film is expected to dominate the holiday box office, confirming solid audience interest across major territories.

​The day 1 box office numbers were buoyed by significant audience footfall, with occupancy rates seeing a steady rise from morning to evening shows. According to reports, the film recorded an afternoon occupancy rate of over 21%, indicating strong word-of-mouth appeal.

​The film has also been a subject of discussion due to its unique premise. Lead actor Ayushmann Khurrana clarified that the movie is rooted in Indian folklore and is centered on the concept of ‘betaals’ (evil spirits in Indian mythology), not Western-style vampires. He stated, “We call this ‘Betaalism.’ It’s a ‘betaal,’ not a vampire.” Khurrana further explained that the title ‘Thamma’ is derived from the mythological figure Ashwatthama, emphasizing the film’s deep connection to native Indian tales.

​The blockbuster opening collection secures ‘Thamma’ a spot among the biggest Hindi releases of the year and signals a triumphant start for the Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna pairing.

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