Correct Answer : Option (D) - Philippines

India on Friday (19th April 2024) delivered the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines, in reflection of the growing military ties between the two countries amid China's military muscle-flexing in the South China Sea.

The supplies came over two years India signed a $375 million deal with the Southeast Asian nation to supply the weapon systems.

A C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) transported the missile and the launchers to the Philippines for the country's marine forces, official sources said.

Under the January 2022 deal, India will supply three batteries of the missiles, their launchers and related equipment.

It was the first export of the BrahMos missile by India.

A few other countries including Argentina have also shown interest in procuring BrahMos missiles from India.

BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd, an India-Russian joint venture, produces the supersonic cruise missiles that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms.

BrahMos missile flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach or almost three times the speed of sound.

India has been looking at further expanding defence ties with the Philippines against the backdrop of growing global concerns over China's increasing military assertiveness in the South China Sea.

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Hamad International Airport (DOH)

Hamad International Airport (DOH), located in Doha, Qatar, has been awarded the "World's Best Airport" title by the esteemed Skytrax World Airport Awards 2024.

The ceremony was held at the Passenger Terminal Expo 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany. The airport also received the title of 'World's Best Airport Shopping' for the second consecutive year and was named "Best Airport in the Middle East" for 10 consecutive years.

* Hamad International Airport saw significant growth in passenger traffic in 2023, serving more than 45 million passengers, a significant increase of 31% compared to the previous year.

* The airport has welcomed new airline partners including Vistara, Iberia, Xiamen Airlines, Garuda Indonesia and Japan Airlines. It now serves over 250 destinations including passenger, cargo and chartered flights.

* As Hamad International Airport approaches its 10th year of operation, it is preparing for a busy year ahead.

* The airport is also investing in new technologies and industry-first initiatives to enhance sustainability efforts, strengthening its position as a leader in the aviation industry. Hamad International Airport is Qatar's gateway to the world.

* Hamad International Airport is a diverse lifestyle destination in its own right, featuring contemporary shopping and dining options, entertainment and leisure facilities and a world-class art collection of internationally acclaimed artists.

Correct Answer : Option (B) - DRDO

The long-range Nirbhay cruise missile was successfully test-fired off the Odisha coast on Thursday (18th April 2024).

The missile, also known as Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM), is equipped with an indigenous propulsion system and the Manik turbofan engine.

THIS IS BIG! India tests Nirbhay cruise missile — for the first time with an Indian propulsion system, the Manik turbofan engine, replacing the earlier Russian engine. Hard to overstate what a milestone this is for India’s missile program. ?????? pic.twitter.com/0wr6NGNdvU

— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) April 18, 2024