Daily Current Affairs : 16-October-2024

India’s state-owned BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited) is set to manufacture the country’s first indigenous high-speed train, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s railway development. The new train will be capable of reaching a peak speed of 280 km/h, placing India among the countries with advanced rail transport systems.

About BEML

Incorporation and Background

BEML was founded on May 11, 1964, with assistance from the Soviet Union. Originally established to manufacture heavy equipment, BEML has grown into a key player in several industries, including railways, transport, and mining.

  • Ownership: Initially, BEML was wholly owned by the Indian government under the Ministry of Defence.
  • Headquarters: The company is headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka.
  • Industry: BEML specializes in manufacturing heavy equipment for earthmoving, railways, transport, and mining sectors.

Government Disinvestment and Growth

In 1992, the Indian government started reducing its stake in BEML by divesting 25% of its holdings. Later, the government approved a strategic disinvestment of an additional 26%, transferring management control of the company. Despite these changes, BEML remains a major player in the Indian manufacturing sector, particularly in the heavy equipment industry.

  • Asia’s Second-Largest: BEML is recognized as Asia’s second-largest manufacturer of earthmoving equipment, highlighting its prominent role in the global market.

The Indigenous High-Speed Train Project

The upcoming high-speed train project is a breakthrough for India’s rail network. This new train, designed and manufactured by BEML, will not only increase the speed and efficiency of India’s railways but also reduce dependency on foreign technology.

Key Features of the Train

  • Peak Speed: The high-speed train will have a peak speed of 280 km/h, offering a faster alternative to traditional trains.
  • Indigenous Development: This project will mark India’s progress in developing cutting-edge technology and self-reliance in the rail sector.

Important Points:

BEML to manufacture India’s first indigenous high-speed train capable of reaching a peak speed of 280 km/h.Founded on May 11, 1964, with assistance from the Soviet Union, BEML initially focused on manufacturing heavy equipment.Headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka, BEML serves industries like earthmoving, railways, transport, and mining.Ownership: Originally wholly owned by the Indian government under the Ministry of Defence.Government divestment:

  • 1992: The Indian government divested 25% of its holdings.
  • Further disinvestment: Approved a 26% stake sale with management control transfer.

Asia’s second-largest manufacturer of earthmoving equipment.The high-speed train project will reduce India’s reliance on foreign technology in the railway sector.The train’s peak speed will be 280 km/h, improving the speed and efficiency of India’s railways.The project demonstrates India’s growing technological capabilities and ambition in modernizing transportation infrastructure.

Important Points:

  • BEML to manufacture India’s first indigenous high-speed train capable of reaching a peak speed of 280 km/h.
  • Founded on May 11, 1964, with assistance from the Soviet Union, BEML initially focused on manufacturing heavy equipment.
  • Headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka, BEML serves industries like earthmoving, railways, transport, and mining.
  • Ownership: Originally wholly owned by the Indian government under the Ministry of Defence.
  • Government divestment:
    • 1992: The Indian government divested 25% of its holdings.
    • Further disinvestment: Approved a 26% stake sale with management control transfer.
  • Asia’s second-largest manufacturer of earthmoving equipment.
  • The high-speed train project will reduce India’s reliance on foreign technology in the railway sector.
  • The train’s peak speed will be 280 km/h, improving the speed and efficiency of India’s railways.
  • The project demonstrates India’s growing technological capabilities and ambition in modernizing transportation infrastructure.

Why In News

State-owned BEML will manufacture the country’s first indigenous high-speed train, designed to travel at a peak speed of 280 km/h, marking a significant leap towards self-reliance in India’s railway technology and boosting the nation’s transportation infrastructure.

MCQs about BEML to Manufacture India’s First Indigenous High-Speed Train

  1. When was BEML founded?
    A. 1960
    B. 1962
    C. 1964
    D. 1966
    Correct Answer: C. 1964
    Explanation: BEML was founded on May 11, 1964, with assistance from the Soviet Union.
  2. What is the peak speed of the indigenous high-speed train being developed by BEML?
    A. 250 km/h
    B. 280 km/h
    C. 300 km/h
    D. 350 km/h
    Correct Answer: B. 280 km/h
    Explanation: The indigenous high-speed train being manufactured by BEML is designed to travel at a peak speed of 280 km/h.
  3. In which Indian city is the headquarters of BEML located?
    A. New Delhi
    B. Mumbai
    C. Bangalore
    D. Chennai
    Correct Answer: C. Bangalore
    Explanation: BEML is headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading