Daily PIB Highlights (3rd & 4th OCTOBER 2025)

Topic 1: PM Pays Tribute to Tiruppur Kumaran and Subramaniya Siva on their Remembrance Day

GS Paper 1: Indian History (Freedom Struggle)

Context: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, paid heartfelt tributes to two stalwarts of India’s freedom struggle—Tiruppur Kumaran and Subramaniya Siva—on their remembrance day, highlighting their profound contributions to awakening the spirit of nationalism in Tamil Nadu and the country.

Key Highlights of the PM’s Tribute:

• • Both were great sons of Bharat Mata who dedicated their lives to India’s independence and the spirit of nationalism, hailing from Tamil Nadu.
  • Tiruppur Kumaran attained martyrdom while holding the National Flag, symbolizing unflinching courage and selfless sacrifice.
  • Subramaniya Siva, through his fearless writings and fiery speeches, instilled cultural pride and patriotism among countless youth.
  • The efforts of these two greats are etched in the collective memory, inspiring the nation towards national development and unity.

About the Freedom Fighters

The government’s recognition shines a light on the sacrifice of these two heroes from Tamil Nadu:

Tiruppur Kumaran (Kodi Kaatha Kumaran)

• • Background: Born as Kumaraswamy Mudaliyar on October 4, 1904, in Chennimalai, Erode district, Tamil Nadu.
  • Contribution: He was a dedicated revolutionary and follower of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. He founded the Desa Bandhu Youth Association to organize protests against the British Raj.
  • Martyrdom: On January 11, 1932, while leading a march in Tiruppur against the British government’s ban on the national flag, he was brutally assaulted by the police. He succumbed to his injuries but famously died holding the National Flag aloft, earning him the epithet ‘Kodi Kaatha Kumaran’ (The Flag Protector Kumaran).
  • Honour: India Post issued a commemorative stamp in October 2004 on his 100th birth anniversary.

Subramaniya Siva (Orator and Nationalist Writer)

• • Background: Born on October 4, 1884, in Batlagundu, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu.
  • Contribution: He was a powerful orator, writer, and an influential figure in the freedom struggle. He was deeply inspired by leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and worked closely with V.O. Chidambaram Pillai (VOC).
  • Activism: His fierce speeches and writings against the British led to his arrest in 1908, making him the first political prisoner in the Madras Presidency to be sentenced for sedition.
  • Writings: He founded the journal Gnanabhanu in 1913, which was instrumental in spreading nationalist and Pure Tamil Movement (Tanittamil) ideas. He also authored philosophical works like Sachithanandha Sivam.
  • Sacrifice: Due to the harsh conditions during his multiple imprisonments (1908–1922), he contracted leprosy. Despite this, he continued his campaign on foot, as the British prohibited him from traveling by train.
  • Legacy: He passed away on July 23, 1925, and is also remembered for his plan to build a Bharat Mata Temple at Papparapatti in Dharmapuri district.

Strategic Significance

• • Tributes from the highest executive office reinforce the importance of including regional heroes and non-Gandhian streams of the independence struggle in the national narrative.
  • Highlights the contributions of leaders from Tamil Nadu, strengthening the concept of cultural pride and national integration through shared history.
  • Kumaran’s sacrifice emphasizes the sanctity and dignity of the National Flag, while Siva’s struggle underscores the power of ideas, oratory, and literature in fostering patriotism.
  • The recognition serves as a powerful reminder to the youth of the struggles and suffering of the past, motivating them to work towards the national vision of Viksit Bharat.

Topic 2: PM Launches Youth-Focused Initiatives Worth Over ₹62,000 Crore at Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh

GS Paper 2: Governance (Skill Development, Education, Welfare Schemes) | GS Paper 3: Indian Economy (Employment, Growth, Aatmanirbhar Bharat)

Context: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh (National Skill Convocation) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, launching various youth-focused initiatives worth more than ₹62,000 crore. The initiatives, giving a decisive push to education, skilling, and entrepreneurship, underscore the government’s commitment to prioritizing skill development and empowering the youth, particularly in states like Bihar.

Key Initiatives Launched & Dedicated:

Scheme/Initiative	Outlay/Impact	Key Feature/Objective
PM-SETU Yojana (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs)	₹60,000 crore	Upgradation of 1,000 Government ITIs (200 Hubs, 800 Spokes) into industry-managed clusters. Aims to align Indian youth with global skill demands.
Vocational Skill Labs	1,200 labs inaugurated	Established in Navodaya Vidyalayas and Eklavya Model Residential Schools across 34 States/UTs to provide hands-on training in 12 high-demand sectors (e.g., IT, automotive).
Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University, Bihar	New establishment	Named after Bharat Ratna Jananayak Karpoori Thakur to impart industry-oriented courses and create a globally competitive workforce.
Bihar Yuva Ayog (Youth Commission)	Statutory Commission	Formally inaugurated to channelize and harness the energies of the state’s young population (aged 18 to 45).
Revamped Mukhyamantri Nishchay Svyam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana (Bihar)	Monthly allowance of ₹1,000	Provided for two years to nearly 5 lakh graduate youth annually, along with free skill training.
Redesigned Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme	Loans up to ₹4 lakh	Provides completely interest-free education loans, significantly easing the financial burden of higher education.
Scholarship Increase (Bihar)	Increased from ₹1,800 to ₹3,600	Enhanced scholarship amount for 25 lakh students of Class 9 and 10 under the Mukhyamantri Balak/Balika Scholarship Scheme.
Bihta Campus of NIT Patna	Dedicated to the Nation	Capacity for 6,500 students; includes advanced facilities like a 5G use case lab and a Regional Academic Centre for Space (with ISRO).
Appointment Letters	Distributed to 4,000+ newly recruited candidates	Formal distribution for permanent government jobs, reflecting the ongoing recruitment drive (e.g., 2.5 lakh teachers appointed in the last two years).

Key Themes from PM’s Address:

• • Stated that India is a country of knowledge and skill, and this intellectual strength is its greatest power.
  • Referred to ITIs as not only premier institutions of industrial education but also the workshops of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Emphasized that the PM-SETU Yojana is specifically designed to connect India’s youth with global skill requirements.
  • Highlighted that the Skill University named after Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur will carry forward his vision for social service and the advancement of education for the disadvantaged.
  • Acknowledged the collective effort of the coalition government in Bihar, led by Shri Nitish Kumar, in restoring the state’s education system after previous “misgovernance,” resulting in the creation of 50 lakh employment opportunities over the last two decades.
  • Recalled India’s transformation from the “Fragile Five” (pre-2014) to its current progression towards becoming a top-three global economy, driven by growth in manufacturing, exports (e.g., mobile phones, defence), and job creation.

Strategic Significance

• • The massive investment of ₹62,000 crore positions youth empowerment and skill development as the central pillar of India’s journey toward a Viksit Bharat.
  • PM-SETU’s hub-and-spoke model with Anchor Industry Partners ensures that training is outcome-based and perfectly aligned with current and future industry demands, addressing the issue of skill mismatch.
  • The special focus on Bihar—including the Skill University, interest-free loans, and increased scholarships—directly tackles historical educational deficits and reverses migration trends by creating jobs and opportunities within the state.
  • The establishment of Vocational Skill Labs in Navodaya Vidyalayas and Eklavya Model Schools aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by integrating vocational education early on, especially for students in remote and tribal areas.

 

Topic 3: India-Singapore @60: Partnership for Growth & Engagement Business Session

GS Paper 2: International Relations (Bilateral Agreements, Foreign Policy) | GS Paper 3: Indian Economy (Trade, Investment, Technology)

Context: The “India-Singapore @60: Partnership for Growth & Engagement” business session was held in Singapore on October 4, 2025, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The event, co-organized by FICCI, CII, and ASSOCHAM, underscored the deep strategic partnership and paved the way for enhanced economic collaboration.

Key Highlights of the Event:

• • Delivered by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, commending the transformative progress over six decades and emphasizing trust and mutual respect as the foundation for future engagement.
  • Ms. Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade & Industry, Singapore, provided insights for strengthening trade, investment, and innovation-driven collaboration.

Key Areas of Cooperation: Extensive cooperation was highlighted across:

• • • Sustainability (Green Energy, Waste-to-Energy)
    • Digitalisation and Digital Connectivity
    • Skills Development
    • Healthcare
    • Advanced Manufacturing
    • Connectivity
    • Infrastructure Financing
  • Diplomatic Engagement: A significant meeting was held with H.E. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore, reaffirming the long-standing strategic partnership based on shared values and a joint emphasis on innovation and sustainability.

Bilateral Meetings with Global Investors/CEOs:

Investor/Company	Key Discussion Focus
Sembcorp (Mr. Wong Kim Yin, CEO)	Renewable energy transitions, potential for green hydrogen, and skill development.
Keppel Corporation (Mr. Loh Chin Hua, CEO)	Collaborative projects in real estate, waste-to-energy, and digital connectivity.
Blackstone Singapore (Mr. Gautam Banerjee, Chairman)	Follow-up on Blackstone’s growing India portfolio and private equity.
TPG (Texas Pacific Group) (Mr. Jim Coulter, Chairman)	Investment opportunities in India’s high-growth sectors.
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB) & Saab AB (Mr. Marcus Wallenberg, Chairman) & EQT Asia (Mr. Jean Salata & Mr. Jimmy Mahtani)	Potential cooperation in finance, technology, and advanced industries.
Schneider Electric (Mr. Manish Pant, EVP)	Commitment to India and avenues for collaboration in energy efficiency, automation, and digital.

Strategic Significance

• • The event reaffirmed Singapore’s pivotal position as a trusted partner in India’s growth journey, especially in areas requiring high-level technological and financial expertise.
  • The discussions align India’s policy priorities (e.g., energy transition, Aatmanirbhar Bharat) with Singapore’s strengths in sustainable infrastructure and digital technology, laying the foundation for future-ready economic engagement.
  • The interaction with major global investment firms (Blackstone, TPG, EQT) provides a crucial platform to align investor expectations with policy priorities, facilitating the flow of capital into India’s growth sectors.
  • Singapore acts as a crucial regional and global hub, and strengthening linkages here enhances India’s access to both Southeast Asian and global markets in finance, energy, and technology.

Topic 4: Nationwide Financial Awareness Campaign “आपकी पूँजी, आपका अधिकार” Launched

GS Paper 2: Governance (Welfare Schemes, Citizen-Centric Administration) | GS Paper 3: Indian Economy (Financial Inclusion, Banking)

Context: Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman launched the nationwide financial awareness campaign, “आपकी पूँजी, आपका अधिकार” (Your Capital, Your Right), in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The campaign aims to help citizens trace and claim their unclaimed financial assets, emphasizing that these deposits represent the hard-earned savings of ordinary families.

Key Highlights and Data:

• • Will cover all districts across States and Union Territories from October to December 2025.
  • Unclaimed deposits, insurance proceeds, dividends, mutual fund balances, and pensions.
  • Scale of Unclaimed Assets (as of August 2025):
    • Unclaimed Deposits (transferred to RBI’s DEA Fund): ₹75,000 crore
    • Unclaimed Insurance Proceeds: ₹13,800 crore
    • Unclaimed Balances in Mutual Funds: ₹3,000 crore
    • Unpaid Dividends: ₹9,000 crore
    • Shares Transferred to IEPF: Nearly 172 crore shares
  • State Finance Minister Shri Kanubhai Desai and Secretary, DFS, Shri M. Nagaraju were present.
  • Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah lauded the initiative as a collective effort towards strengthening public trust, dignity, and empowerment.

Guiding Principles: The “3 A’s” Strategy

The Finance Minister outlined three guiding principles for the campaign:

1. Awareness: Informing every citizen and community about how to trace unclaimed assets.

2. Accessibility: Providing simplified digital tools and conducting district-level outreach through digital demonstrations and helpdesks.

3. Action: Ensuring time-bound, transparent, quick, and fair claim settlements without unnecessary hurdles.

Strategic Significance

• • Builds on the success of existing initiatives like Jan Dhan Yojana and UPI by ensuring that financial access translates into reclaiming rightful entitlements, making financial inclusion truly meaningful and transparent.
  • The campaign reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing ease of living by making complex financial processes simple, transparent, and accessible, particularly for beneficiaries who need the funds for education, healthcare, and empowerment.
  • The initiative is coordinated by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and brings together all major financial regulators: RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, and IEPFA, ensuring a cohesive, cross-sectoral approach.

Conclusion:

By launching the “आपकी पूँजी, आपका अधिकार” campaign and adopting the 3 A’s strategy, the government is taking a decisive step toward resolving the significant issue of unclaimed financial assets, thereby reinforcing public trust and ensuring that the hard-earned savings of citizens are restored to them with dignity and ease.

Topic 5: Historic Launch of First Commercial Coal Mine in Arunachal Pradesh

GS Paper 3: Indian Economy (Infrastructure, Energy Security) | GS Paper 2: Governance (Development, Northeast Policy) | GS Paper 1: Geography (Resources)

Context: Arunachal Pradesh is set to launch its first commercial coal mine at the Namchik-Namphuk coal block on October 6, 2025. The launch, spearheaded by Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy, marks a significant step towards economic growth, energy security, and local prosperity in the state, aligning with the Prime Minister’s EAST (Empower, Act, Strengthen, Transform) vision for the Northeast.

Key Highlights of the Project:

• • Location and Reserves: Namchik-Namphuk coal block in Arunachal Pradesh, with estimated reserves of 1.5 crore tonnes.
  • Revenue Generation: The mine is expected to generate over ₹100 crore annually as revenue for the state.
  • Revival and Transparency: The block, first allocated in 2003 but delayed, was revived through a transparent auction process in 2022, enabling private sector entry (CPPL) and ending illegal mining and wastage.
  • Critical Minerals: The launch coincides with the auction of critical mineral blocks for the first time in the region (two blocks in Arunachal, five in Assam), vital for future technology and national security.
  • Event Highlights (06 Oct 2025): Includes Bhoomi Poojan, handing over of the mining lease, flagging off of tools/machineries, and a 100-tree plantation drive.

Commitment to Sustainability (Mission Green Coal Regions):

• • The government affirmed there will be no compromise with ecology in the Northeast, aiming for the region to become a global model for sustainable mining.
  • The coal sector is committed to reclaiming 16,000 hectares of land by 2030 under Mission Green Coal Regions, having already reclaimed 57,000 hectares.
  • Mining is being undertaken as an economic, ecological, and community responsibility, driven by Jan Bhagidaari (People’s Participation).

Focus on Worker Welfare:

• • Welfare measures for coal workers include safety, better wages, healthcare, and scholarships.
  • Specific schemes: Corporate Salary Package (with insurance and loans), ₹1 crore accident cover, ₹2 crore air accident cover, first-time insurance for contract workers, and ex-gratia of ₹25 lakh for fatal accidents.

Northeast Development Context:

• • Investment Growth: Northeast India has witnessed investments of more than ₹6 lakh crore in the last 11 years.
  • Arunachal Allocation: Allocations for Arunachal Pradesh have increased 16-fold, from ₹6,000 crore (pre-2014) to ₹1 lakh crore (post-2014).
  • Connectivity Revolution: Massive infrastructure push through 16,000 km of National Highways, 80,000 km of rural roads, 19 airports, the Sela Tunnel, and the Bhupen Hazarika Bridge.
  • Strategic Programmes: Initiatives like the Northeast Gas Grid and the Vibrant Villages Programme (connecting 450 border villages) have transformed the region from a conflict zone to a growth engine and the Ashtalakshmi region central to Viksit Bharat.

Strategic Significance

• • By joining India’s coal production journey (India is the world’s second-largest producer), Arunachal Pradesh directly contributes to national energy security and the goal of self-reliance by leveraging local resources and local strength.
  • The project will foster employment and prosperity for local youth, replacing illegal practices with transparent and accountable development, ensuring benefits reach the people.
  • The dual commitment to mineral extraction and Mission Green Coal Regions aims to establish a unique model where economic development proceeds without compromising the sensitive ecology of the North-eastern states.
  • The successful operationalization demonstrates the effective implementation of the PM’s philosophy: Empower, Act, Strengthen, Transform in the crucial Northeast region.

Conclusion:

The launch of the Namchik-Namphuk coal block is a momentous step that effectively integrates development, ecology, and Jan Bhagidaari in Arunachal Pradesh, significantly contributing to India’s energy security and reinforcing the Northeast’s role as a vital growth engine for Viksit Bharat.

Topic 6: Quality and Rational Use of Cough Syrups in States/UTs

GS Paper 2: Governance (Health, Drug Regulation, Patient Safety) | GS Paper 3: Science & Technology (Drug Manufacturing)

Context: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare convened a high-level meeting, chaired by Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, with all States/UTs to review compliance with drug quality norms and promote the rational use of cough syrups, particularly in the paediatric population. The meeting followed recent concerns, including reports of child deaths in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, allegedly linked to contaminated cough syrups.

Key Agenda and Findings:

The discussions focused on three key areas: compliance with Revised Schedule M (Good Manufacturing Practices), rational use of paediatric cough syrups, and strengthening retail pharmacy regulation.

• • Chhindwara Investigation: A Central team investigated the cluster of cases/deaths. Preliminary chemical analysis of samples found:
    • 9 out of 10 tested medicine samples met quality standards.
    • One cough syrup, ‘Coldrif’, was found to contain Diethylene Glycol (DEG) beyond the permissible limit.
  • Regulatory Action: Prompt action was taken against the manufacturing unit in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, including the recommendation for cancellation of the manufacturing license by CDSCO and the initiation of criminal proceedings.

Key Directives and Advisory:

The Union Health Secretary and experts from ICMR and DGHS emphasized a “3-pillar” strategy involving manufacturers, states, and medical professionals.

Stakeholder	Key Directive/Advice
Drug Manufacturers	Strict compliance with the Revised Schedule M (GMP) is mandatory. Firms availing the RPTUAS have been given an extension until December 2025 to implement the revised GMP norms.
States/UTs	1. Compliance & Action: Undertake thorough identification of non-compliant units and take strict action. Risk-Based Inspections (RBI) are initiated across 19 units in six states. 2. Surveillance: Ensure enhanced surveillance and timely reporting by all health facilities (Govt. and Pvt.). 3. Coordination: Strengthen inter-state coordination for joint action and outbreak response.
Health Facilities/Doctors	Ensure rational use of cough syrups, particularly for children, as most coughs are self-limiting and do not require pharmacological treatment. Avoid prescribing irrational drug combinations to children.
IDSP-IHIP	States must ensure wider dissemination of the community reporting tool for early reporting of unusual health events.

Strategic Significance:

• • The directives underline the government’s commitment to ensuring the highest standards of drug quality and patient safety, especially following global concerns over DEG contamination.
  • By mandating the enforcement of Revised Schedule M and initiating Risk-Based Inspections, the Ministry is moving to identify and address systemic gaps in the drug manufacturing and supply chain.
  • The emphasis on the rational use of cough syrups, backed by clinical evidence, aims to reduce inappropriate medication use and minimize potential adverse effects in the paediatric population.
  • The call for strengthened inter-state coordination and the operational National Joint Outbreak Response Team ensures a rapid, cohesive response to future quality control or public health emergencies.

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