Daily Current Affairs 16th October 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

BEML Secures Contract for India’s First Indigenous Bullet Trains

State-owned BEML has been awarded a contract worth ₹866.87 crore by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) to design, manufacture, and commission India’s first indigenously built bullet trains. This project marks a significant milestone in India’s high-speed rail journey, as it will feature two high-speed trainsets, each comprising eight cars, with a test speed of 280 km/h and an operational speed of 250 km/h. The trains are set to roll out by late 2026, produced at BEML’s (Bharat Earth Movers Limited) Bengaluru facility, as part of the broader initiative to enhance India’s rail infrastructure.

Omar Abdullah Takes Oath as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir

Omar Abdullah, a prominent leader of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), has been sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant political transition in the region.

Abdullah took the oath of office in a ceremony administered by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. His ascension to the position comes after the National Conference emerged victorious in the recent elections, albeit without the direct involvement of the Congress party, which has chosen to provide external support instead.

International News

World Health Organization Obtains $1 Billion Funding for Upcoming Years

The World Health Organization secured $1 billion in pledges during a fundraising event in Berlin, marking a significant initiative to reform its funding model and enhance its ability to address global health emergencies.

Abu Dhabi Crowned World’s Richest City in Sovereign Wealth Funds

As of October 2024, Abu Dhabi has been recognized as the richest city globally regarding sovereign wealth funds, boasting an impressive $1.7 trillion in capital. This significant achievement highlights the city’s financial prowess and strategic investments.

State News

129 Wetlands to Be Revived in Assam to Alleviate Flood Risks

The Assam government has launched an ambitious project aimed at revitalizing 129 beels (wetlands), covering an area of 3,800 hectares, to mitigate flooding and boost fish production in the state. These wetlands serve as essential water and fishery resources, offering vital hydrological regulation services, including flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, river flow regulation, and erosion control.

Union Minister Inaugurates Skill Training Institute in Visakhapatnam

To address the immediate skill gaps in Andhra Pradesh, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Minister of State for the Ministry of Education, Government of India, inaugurated a new National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) extension center at the Andhra Medical Tech Zone (AMTZ) campus in Visakhapatnam and engaged with the candidates at the center.

Kerala Assembly Passes Resolution Against Waqf Amendment Bill

The Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the BJP-led central government to withdraw the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha in August and subsequently referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The state’s lawmakers expressed concerns over the bill, asserting that it could undermine the autonomy of Waqf boards and the management of Waqf properties.

Karnataka Eyes Top Spot as Asia’s Animation and Gaming Powerhouse

During a special address at the second edition of the Indian Gaming Convention (IGC), Shri Priyank Kharge, Karnataka’s Minister of Information Technology and Biotechnology, expressed the state’s ambition to lead the gaming and animation industry. Kharge stated, “Karnataka has all that is needed to ensure that we become the gaming and animation capital of not only this country but also of Asia.”

Foundation Stone Laid for Naval Communication Station in Telangana

On October 15, 2024, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for a new Very Low Frequency (VLF) Station of the Indian Navy at Damagundam Reserve Forest, Vikarabad, Telangana. Covering 2,900 acres and costing Rs 3,200 crore, this facility aims to enhance the Navy’s communication capabilities, facilitating secure and reliable long-distance transmission essential for effective command and control in complex maritime environments.

Defence News

Saluting Valor A Month-Long Tribute to 1962 Walong Heroes

The Indian Army is set to embark on a month-long series of commemorative events from October 17 to November 14, 2024, to honor the brave soldiers who fought valiantly in the Battle of Walong during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. This year marks the 62nd Walong Day, celebrating the courage and sacrifice of those who defended India’s eastern front. 

The events aim to engage local communities and reinforce the bond between the Army and the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

US Sends THAAD Missile Defense System to Israel

United States has announced it will send the advanced THAAD missile defence system to Israel. This move is part of a broader strategy to bolster Israel’s defence capabilities and deter further aggression from Iran and other regional adversaries. The deployment underscores the US’s “ironclad commitment” to Israel’s defence and comes at a time of heightened geopolitical sensitivity in the region.

Schemes News

EAM Jaishankar Launches e-Migrate Portal to Ensure Safe Overseas Travel

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar inaugurated the revamped eMigrate V2.0 web portal and mobile app in Delhi, aiming to enhance safe and legal migration for Indian citizens. This initiative underscores the Indian government’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of workers abroad while facilitating their mobility and welfare. It aligns with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and reflects India’s proactive approach to global migration dynamics.

Summits and Conferences News

PM Modi Launches ITU Telecom Conference and India Mobile Congress 2024

On October 15, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first-ever telecom standards conference organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in India, alongside the eighth edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) in New Delhi. This event marks a significant milestone for India as it hosts the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) for the first time in the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting India’s growing role in the global telecom landscape.

AI Centres of Excellence to Boost Research, Innovation, and Economy

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the establishment of three Artificial Intelligence Centres of Excellence (AI-COEs) focused on health, agriculture, and sustainable cities. These centres, located at AIIMS Delhi, IIT Ropar, and IIT Kanpur, will promote research, innovation, and economic development while addressing public welfare. Led by top educational institutions, industry partners, and startups, the centres aim to provide interdisciplinary research and scalable solutions. This initiative aligns with the “Make AI in India, Make AI work for India” vision from the 2023-24 Budget.

SCO Summit 2024, Key Insights and Implications

Islamabad is set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on October 15-16, 2024. This significant diplomatic event will see the participation of various regional leaders, including India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Prime Ministers from China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran’s First Vice-President. The summit marks a critical milestone as it is the first high-level visit by an Indian official to Pakistan in nearly nine years, presenting an opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its diplomatic capabilities and strengthen ties with participating nations.

Banking News

Partha Pratim Sengupta Appointed as MD & CEO of Bandhan Bank

In a significant development in the Indian banking sector, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Partha Pratim Sengupta as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bandhan Bank for a period of three years. Sengupta’s appointment comes in the wake of the resignation of Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, the founder MD and CEO of the bank, who recently stepped down from the post.

Appointments News

Amit Kumar Appointed Next CMD of AI Assets Holding Limited

Amit Kumar has been selected by the Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB) for the role of Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of AI Assets Holding Limited (AIAHL), a Schedule ‘B’ Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). Currently serving as the Executive Director and Asset Manager at ONGC, Kumar was chosen from seven candidates. His appointment awaits necessary clearances and approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). This selection highlights ongoing efforts to fill key leadership positions within PSUs, as evidenced by the PESB’s recent advertisements for several critical vacancies across various organizations.

Azeema Takes Charge as Maldives Ambassador to India

A week after Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s first official visit to India following his election last year, which was marked by an “India out” policy, senior diplomat Aishath Azeema is set to take over as the Maldives’ ambassador to India, replacing Ibrahim Shaheeb. This move signals the island nation’s intent to restore and strengthen ties with one of its closest bilateral partners.

Science and Technology News

Europa Clipper Embarks on Journey to Jupiter’s Icy Moon

NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft has embarked on a monumental journey to explore Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons that is believed to harbor a vast subsurface ocean beneath its icy shell. The mission, which launched on October 14, 2024, aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, marks the beginning of an exciting scientific quest to determine whether this distant ocean world could support life.

Important Days News

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2024

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is a significant global observance held annually on October 17th, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of eradicating poverty in all its forms. This day encourages collective efforts toward a more just, inclusive, and equitable world, with a particular focus on the plight of those living in extreme poverty.