RAJASTHAN
- Infant mortality rate takes a marginal dip in Rajasthan
- Sample Registration System (SRS) Bulletin 2016 report issued by the Centre in September shows that infant mortality rate in the state remained at 41 deaths per 1,000 live births. Comparing it with SRS 2015 figures, the state reported decline of two infant deaths per 1,000 live births.
- In five years (from 2012 to 2016), the IMR in the state has decreased from 49 to 41 deaths per 1,000 live births.
- A drop in the infant mortality rate (IMR) is a welcome development for Rajasthan.
- Rajasthan is among the five states with an IMR higher than 40. Of these, Madhya Pradesh (IMR 47), Assam (44) and Uttar Pradesh (43) have recorded a drop of three points while Odisha (44) and Rajasthan (41) have recorded a drop of only two. The infant mortality rate nationally is 34 per 1,000 babies, which the centre hopes to bring down to 28 in the next two years. IMR in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu stands at 10 and 17 respectively.
INTERNATIONAL
- International Day of Older Persons: October 1
- The International Day of Older Persons is observed on October 1 each year.
- On December 14, 1990 the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons as recorded in Resolution 45/106.
- The day was observed for the first time on October 1, 1991.
- 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.”
- UAE begins collecting ‘sin’ taxes on tobacco, energy drinks
- The United Arab Emirates has begun collecting new “sin” taxes on tobacco products, energy drinks and soft drinks.
- Tobacco and energy drinks will be taxed at 100 percent and soft drinks at 50 percent.
The new tax push comes as the UAE and other oil-rich Gulf nations have struggled with low global energy prices.
NATIONAL
- India opens two border crossing points with Myanmar, Bangladesh
- India has opened two immigration check posts along the borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, a reflection of its growing closeness with the two eastern neighbours.
- The home ministry said the central government has designated Zorinpui land check post in Lawngtlai district of Mizoram as an authorised immigration check post for entry into or exit from India with valid travel documents for all classes of passengers to or from Myanmar.
- In a separate notification, the ministry said the central government designated Kawrpuichhuah land check post in Lunglei district of Mizoram as an authorised immigration check post for entry into or exit from India with valid travel documents for all classes of passengers to or from Bangladesh.
- President Kovind inaugurates Shirdi Airport
- President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the swank new Shirdi Airport in Ahmednagar and the inaugural Alliance Air commercial flight to Mumbai.