CURRENT AFFAIRS 16 October, 2024
- 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.
- THAAD stands for Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense, a cutting-edge anti-ballistic missile defense system developed by Lockheed Martin Corporation. The system is designed to intercept and destroy enemy missiles in their final, or terminal phase, making it a critical asset for defending against missile threats.
- The system is highly mobile and can be quickly deployed to respond to short-range, medium-range, and limited intermediate-range ballistic missile threats, with ranges spanning from up to 1,000 km to 5,000 km.
- RASHMIKA MANDANNA APPOINTED AS NATIONAL BRAND AMBASSADOR FOR CYBER SAFETY –
- Rashmika Mandanna, the popular film actor, has been appointed as the national brand ambassador of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
- This initiative, launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), aims to combat the rising threats of cyber crimes across the nation.
- Mandanna’s appointment comes in the wake of her personal experience with a deepfake video incident, underscoring the urgent need for public awareness regarding cyber safety.
- 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.
- Omar Abdullah is part of a prominent political lineage in Jammu and Kashmir. His grandfather, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, holds the distinction of being the first Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir following its accession to India and later served as the Chief Minister.
- Omar’s father, Farooq Abdullah, has held the position of Chief Minister three times, solidifying the family’s longstanding influence in the region’s politics.
- LAUNCH OF INDIA’S FIRST INDIGENOUS MULTI-PURPOSE VESSEL ‘SAMARTHAK’ –
- On October 14, 2024, the Indian Navy marked a significant milestone with the launch of the first ship, ‘Samarthak,’ under the Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) project at L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai.
- The vessel was launched by Shashi Tripathi, President of the Navy Welfare and Wellness Association, and the ceremony was presided over by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff.
- This launch reflects the Indian Navy’s commitment to indigenous shipbuilding, aligning with the Government of India’s vision for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India.’
- WHO RECEIVES $700 MILLION PLEDGES FOR 2025-2028 BUDGET –
- During an event in Berlin, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced it has received $700 million in new funding pledges for its 2025-2028 budget.
- This is in addition to the $300 million already promised by both the European Union and the African Union.
- WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus explained that these investments are crucial because strong health systems support not only public health but also the overall stability of societies and economies.
- The COVID-19 pandemic showed that health problems can affect much more than just healthcare systems, they can disrupt economies and everyday life around the world.