1. ANRF Launches AI Tool SARAL for Research

On 2nd October 2025, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) unveiled the SARAL tool to simplify complex scientific research and make it accessible to the general public using Artificial Intelligence.

• SARAL, short for Simplified and Automated Research Amplification and Learning, is designed to generate layperson-friendly summaries of scientific research in formats such as videos, podcasts, posters, and presentations.
• The tool leverages Artificial Intelligence to extract and process information from research publications, translating complex findings into formats that can be easily understood by non-experts.
• The Foundation plans to create an AI Science and Engineering Open India Stack, aimed at accelerating innovation in areas such as drug and chemical discovery, aerospace, climate research, weather prediction, and advanced materials design.
• The Union Cabinet, in July 2025, approved a ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Scheme, which will provide low-interest, long-tenure loans to private companies to boost investments in core research and development.
• ANRF is expected to act as a single-window clearance mechanism for funding research and development in universities, academic institutions, and private sector projects, streamlining approvals and facilitating faster implementation.

2. TRAI Releases Recommendations for Digital Radio Broadcasting

On 3rd October 2025, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released its recommendations for a Digital Radio Broadcast Policy for private radio broadcasters, including guidelines for service commencement, authorisation, and infrastructure sharing.

Key Points

• Digital Radio Commencement: TRAI recommended that new private broadcasters should commence digital radio services in Simulcast mode, simultaneously broadcasting in analogue and digital formats.
• Migration for Existing Broadcasters: Current analogue FM radio broadcasters should be allowed to migrate to Simulcast mode on a voluntary basis, enabling a gradual transition to digital broadcasting.
• Authorisation Period: The authority suggested a 15-year authorisation period for digital radio broadcasting services to ensure long-term stability for private broadcasters.
• Reserve Price Recommendations: TRAI proposed reserve prices for launching digital radio broadcasting in four A+ category cities — Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai — and nine A category cities — Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Surat, Pune, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Nagpur.
• Infrastructure Sharing: Prasar Bharati is advised to share its land, tower, and common transmission infrastructure with private broadcasters at concessional rental rates, while ensuring full recovery of operational expenses.
• Frequency Planning: The government should prepare frequency planning for each of the four A+ and nine A category cities in a single technology scenario and make it publicly available for transparency and planning purposes.

3. Centre Advises on Rational Use of Cough Syrups in Children

On 3rd October 2025, the Union Health Ministry issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories regarding the cautious use of cough syrups in the paediatric population, emphasizing safe prescribing practices and close clinical supervision.

Key Points

• Age Restrictions: The Ministry advised that cough and cold medications should not be prescribed or dispensed to children below two years of age, and are generally not recommended for children below five years.
• Careful Use in Older Children: For children above five years, any use of cough and cold medicines should follow thorough clinical evaluation, strict adherence to dosing guidelines, and avoidance of multiple drug combinations.
• Self-Limiting Illnesses: The Ministry highlighted that most acute cough illnesses in children are self-limiting and often resolve without pharmacological intervention.
• Madhya Pradesh Investigation: Following reports linking child deaths to cough syrup consumption, a joint team from NCDC, NIV, and CDSCO conducted site visits and collected various syrup samples in coordination with State authorities.

4. PM Launches Youth-Focused Initiatives in Bihar

On 4th October 2025, Prime Minister unveiled multiple youth-centric initiatives worth over ₹62,000 crore, with a special focus on poll-bound Bihar, aimed at skill development, financial support, and empowerment of the State’s young population.

Key Points

• PM-SETU Launch: The Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme was launched with an investment of ₹60,000 crore to upgrade 1,000 government ITIs in a hub-and-spoke model comprising 200 hub ITIs and 800 spoke ITIs.
• Industry-Managed ITIs: PM-SETU will transform India’s ITI ecosystem into a government-owned but industry-managed system, with global co-financing support from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.
• Focus on Bihar: The first phase of the scheme emphasizes ITIs in Patna and Darbhanga, targeting transformative projects and leveraging Bihar’s youthful demographic for skill enhancement.
• Mukhyamantri Nishchay Svyam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana: Nearly five lakh graduates in Bihar will receive a monthly allowance of ₹1,000 for two years, along with free skill training to boost employability.
• Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme: The redesigned scheme provides interest-free education loans of up to ₹4 lakh, easing financial burdens for higher education, with over 3.92 lakh students already availing loans worth more than ₹7,880 crore.
• Bihar Yuva Ayog Inauguration: A statutory commission for individuals aged 18 to 45, Bihar Yuva Ayog was inaugurated to channelise and harness the potential of the State’s youth.

5. SSC Introduces Reforms for Exam Transparency

On 3rd October 2025, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) announced a series of reforms to make its examinations more transparent, secure, and convenient for candidates across India.

• Candidates appearing in SSC examinations can now access their own question papers, responses, and the correct answers, enabling them to verify and challenge answer keys with proper evidence.
• The commission has reduced the fee for challenging questions from ₹100 to ₹50 per question, making it more affordable for aspirants to seek redressal.
• Aadhaar-based authentication and equi-percentile normalisation have been introduced to ensure fair assessment and secure identification of candidates.
• SSC will publish selected past question papers as official sample sets at regular intervals to help candidates prepare effectively and understand the exam pattern.
• A dedicated portal has been set up to facilitate quicker redressal of candidate grievances, complementing the already existing toll-free helpline.