Digest for 05 October, 2025
Contaminated Cough Syrup Linked to Child Deaths Prompts Nationwide Action
Following the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, central drug regulator CDSCO has launched risk-based inspections of manufacturing units in six states. One syrup, 'Coldrif' made by Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharma, was found to be contaminated with toxic Diethylene Glycol (DEG). Several states, including Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana, have banned the product and ordered its removal from shelves. The crackdown aims to identify quality failures and prevent further tragedies.
At Least 9 Dead as Heavy Rains Trigger Devastating Landslides in Darjeeling
Incessant heavy rainfall has triggered multiple landslides across West Bengal's Darjeeling hills, resulting in at least nine fatalities and leaving two others missing. The landslides have swept away homes, damaged key roads, and severed communication with several remote areas. Rescue operations involving the NDRF are underway in challenging conditions, particularly in the hard-hit Mirik region. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert, warning of more landslides as saturated soil conditions persist.
UPSC to Release Provisional Answer Keys After Prelims in Major Policy Shift
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has informed the Supreme Court of its decision to publish provisional answer keys immediately after the Civil Services preliminary examination. This marks a significant departure from its long-standing practice of releasing keys only after the final results are declared. The move, aimed at increasing transparency, will allow candidates to raise objections supported by authoritative sources before the prelims results are finalized, addressing a key grievance of millions of aspirants.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Visit India for Talks on Trade and Strategy
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will undertake a two-day visit to India from October 8-9, his first since taking office. He is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai on October 9. Discussions will focus on advancing the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and exploring opportunities presented by the recently signed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which aims to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment between the two nations.
Israel Signals Hope for Hostage Release Deal as Talks with Hamas Set to Resume
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed hope of announcing the release of all hostages from Gaza "in the coming days" as indirect talks with Hamas are set to resume in Egypt. The negotiations, based on a new US-led proposal to end the war, aim to finalize technical details for the release of the remaining 48 hostages in exchange for a halt in Israel's offensive, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and a withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza.