IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day of Older Persons 2025 observed on October 1.

• The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment organised the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October 2025 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.

• A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Defence Ministry, Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd., and Birla Open Minds Foundation.

• The celebration focused on the theme “Ageing with Dignity,” aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

• A special game named “Naitik Patam” was launched to encourage better bonding between the younger and older generations.

• This day is observed every year on 1 October to acknowledge the role and contributions of senior citizens in society.

• The event aimed to raise awareness about the rights, welfare, and dignity of elderly people.

• The theme for the global observance in 2025 is “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights.”

• The celebration highlighted the importance of respecting elders and ensuring their active participation in building a developed India.

APPOINTMENTS

Lt Gen Virendra Vats Takes Charge as DG of NCC

• On 1 October 2025, Lieutenant General Virendra Vats officially became the new Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), the world's largest uniformed youth organisation.

• He replaced Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, taking over the leadership of this prestigious institution.

• His appointment comes at a time when the NCC is expanding to include 20 lakh cadets across 28 states and 8 union territories.

• The NCC, guided by its motto ‘Unity and Discipline’, is aligning its mission with the national goal of Developed India @2047.

• Under this vision, the organisation is blending innovation, digital learning and global exposure with its traditional values of patriotism and character building.

• Lt Gen Vats was commissioned into the 19 KUMAON Regiment on 17 December 1988.

• He has served in key counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in Arunachal Pradesh and the Kashmir Valley, and also commanded an infantry brigade under the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

• Before becoming DG NCC, he held the position of Commandant at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington.

NATIONAL NEWS

Diamond Jubilee Honour for President’s Bodyguard

• President Droupadi Murmu awarded the Diamond Jubilee Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) during a special ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

• This honour marked 75 years since the regiment became the President’s Bodyguard in 1950.

• The ceremony also featured ‘Viraat,’ the Commandant’s Charger, who retired in 2022 and was adopted by the regiment after retirement.

• Viraat had gained national attention when Prime Minister Narendra Modi patted him during the 2022 Republic Day Parade.

• President Murmu applauded the PBG for its professionalism, discipline and strong military traditions.

• She reminded the regiment that receiving the Silver Trumpet and Banner symbolizes a high level of trust and responsibility.

• The PBG is the oldest regiment of the Indian Army, with its origins dating back to 1773.

• The tradition of presenting the Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner began in 1957, and the PBG remains the only unit allowed to carry both the President’s Standard and its own Regimental Standard.

India at UNESCO MONDIACULT 2025

• India participated in the UNESCO MONDIACULT 2025 conference held in Barcelona, Spain, with Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat representing the country.

• The conference gathered global cultural leaders and ministers to discuss the future of international cultural cooperation.

• Shekhawat chaired the Asia-Pacific Group during the Ministerial Plenary Session, where the Agenda, Rules of Procedure, and office bearers were formally adopted.

• The opening ceremony featured cultural performances and speeches by UNESCO’s Director-General and the President of Spain.

• In his address, Shekhawat emphasized India’s view of culture as a global public good and a pillar of sustainable development.

• He also participated in a thematic session focused on cultural rights and the cultural economy.

• On the sidelines, he held bilateral meetings with ministers from Spain, Iran, Norway, Colombia and Greece, discussing cooperation in heritage conservation, museums, performing arts and creative industries.

• India’s involvement showcased its commitment to making culture central to inclusive and sustainable global development.

AVAS to Be Compulsory in Electric Vehicles from 2027

• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed a rule to make Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) mandatory in all electric vehicles to enhance road safety.

• This regulation is expected to be fully enforced from October 1, 2027, as electric vehicles are often too silent and may go unnoticed by pedestrians and other road users.

• New electric vehicle models must install AVAS starting from October 1, 2026, while all existing models must comply by October 1, 2027.

• The rule applies to both Category M (electric passenger vehicles like cars and buses) and Category N (electric goods vehicles such as trucks).

• AVAS will generate artificial alert sounds to warn people nearby and reduce the risk of accidents in traffic environments.

• The system must follow Automotive Industry Standards (AIS)-173 for sound levels, which may be updated in the future.

• This move aims to make electric vehicles more noticeable in public spaces without compromising their eco-friendly nature.

• Countries including the United States, Japan, and several European nations already use AVAS in electric and hybrid vehicles, setting an example for global safety standards.