Home > Practice > Current Affairs > October - 2024 > October 16, 2024
11. Who was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant political transition in the region?

Discuss
Omar Abdullah, a prominent leader of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Coming from a political family, Omar Abdullah follows the legacy of his grandfather, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, and his father, Farooq Abdullah, who both held leadership roles in the region. With prior experience as a Union Minister and a Member of Parliament, Omar Abdullah's leadership represents a continuation of his family’s influence in the region's politics.
12. Which company has been awarded the contract to design and manufacture India's first indigenous bullet trains?

Discuss
BEML, a state-owned company, has secured a significant contract worth ₹866.87 crore from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) to design, manufacture, and commission India’s first indigenously built bullet trains. This project involves creating two high-speed trainsets, each consisting of eight cars and aims to achieve a test speed of 280 km/h with an operational speed of 250 km/h. Set to be produced at BEML’s facility in Bengaluru, this initiative is part of India's broader efforts to enhance rail infrastructure and promote self-reliance in railway technology, moving away from reliance on foreign technologies.
13. Which country is receiving the advanced THAAD missile defence system from the United States?

Discuss
The United States has announced the deployment of the advanced THAAD (Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense) missile defence system to Israel. This strategic decision aims to enhance Israel's defence capabilities, particularly in light of threats from Iran and other regional adversaries. THAAD is designed to intercept and destroy enemy missiles during their terminal phase, making it an essential asset for national security. This move highlights the US's strong commitment to Israel's defence amidst rising geopolitical tensions in the region, reinforcing collaborative efforts in military preparedness and security cooperation.