1) International Day of Older Persons: 01st October
•On 14th December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly (by resolution 45/106) designated 1 October the International Day of Older Persons. This was preceded by initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing – which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing – and endorsed later that year by the UN General Assembly.
•In 1991, the General Assembly (by resolution 46/91) adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons. The theme of the International Day of Older Persons 2017 is “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society.”
2) Integrated Defence Staff celebrates 17th Raising Day
•Integrated Defence Staff Headquarters celebrated its 17th Raising Day today. To commemorate the occasion, Chief of the IDS to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) Lt General Satish Dua paid homage to the valiant martyrs of the Armed Forces by laying a wreath at ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’, India Gate in New Delhi. Senior officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force of the IDS were present on the occasion. A Tri Services guard was in accompaniment.
•IDS Headquarters was created in October 2001 in the aftermath of ‘Operation Vijay’ in Kargil war. The main objective was to promote synergy among the three Services and to integrate them with the Ministry of Defence.
3) China marks 68th National Day
•China today marked the 68th anniversary of the founding of People's Republic of China. More than 115,000 people from across China gathered at the Tiananmen Square at the heart of Beijing to watch the raising of the National Flag.
•At the backdrop was a 17-meter-tall giant display in the shape of a floral basket, which symbolizes a thriving and prosperous country. The National Day is celebrated with a week-long holiday.
4) India, EU to Hold 14th Summit Talks in New Delhi
•President of European Council, Donald Franciszek Tusk and President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker will be on a three-day visit to India to hold the 14th India-EU Summit on 6th of next month in New Delhi.
•The summit aims at deepening the India-EU Strategic Partnership and advance collaboration in priority areas for India’s growth and development. During their visit starting from 5th of October, they will also attend India-EU Business event on the sidelines of the summit.
5) China opens new highway in Tibet close to Arunachal Pradesh border
•China today opened a 409-km new expressway costing about linking Tibet's provincial capital Lhasa with Nyingchi, which is close to Arunachal Pradesh border.
•State-run Xinhua news agency reported that the toll-free expressway has linked the two major cities which are also tourist attractions in Tibet.
•Most of the expressways in Tibet are compatible for military equipment, providing advantage for the Chinese military to move its troops and weaponry faster.
6) Burqa Ban Comes into Effect in Austria
•Austria’s law banning face veils such as burkhas or niqabs has come into effect from now. according to the government, acceptance and respect of Austrian values are basic conditions for successful cohabitation between the majority Austrian population and people from third countries living in Austria.
•Exemptions under certain conditions include items like clown disguises at cultural events, work wear such as medical masks, and scarves in cold weather. There are around 7 lakh Muslims in Austria.
