Today's Current Affairs 20th April 2024

INTERNATIONAL

India Delivers First Batch of BrahMos Missiles to Philippines

• In a significant move reflecting the deepening military cooperation between India and the Philippines amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.
• India has successfully delivered the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines.
• This delivery marks the fruition of a $375 million deal signed in January 2022.

NATIONAL

Central Government Committee on LGBTQ+ Community Welfare

• In the landmark Supriyo Chakraborty vs. Union of India Case 2023, the Special Marriage Act of 1954 was challenged for its exclusion of same-sex marriages, citing a violation of Article 14 of the fundamental rights.
• The committee, chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, comprises six members including secretaries from key ministries.

SPORTS

Rohit Sharma becomes 2nd player after MS Dhoni to play 250 matches in IPL

• Rohit Sharma, the former captain of the Mumbai Indians, etched his name in the annals of Indian Premier League (IPL) history by becoming only the second player to feature in 250 IPL matches.
• The only player ahead of him in terms of IPL appearances is the iconic MS Dhoni, who has graced the tournament with 256 matches.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

India’s Commitment to Debris-Free Space Missions by 2030

• At the 42nd Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) annual meet, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath announced India’s pledge to achieve debris-free space missions by 2030.
• Additionally, plans for India’s own space station, ‘Bharatiya Antriksh Station,’ by 2035 are underway.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Nalin Prabhat Appointed as Director-General of NSG

• Nalin Prabhat, a Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Director-General of the National Security Guard (NSG).

IMPORTANT DAYS

National Civil Service Day 2024- Honouring the Steel Frame of India

• National Civil Service Day is celebrated annually on April 21st in India. This year, the theme for National Civil Service Day 2024 is yet to be announced.
• The first ever National Civil Services Day in India was celebrated on April 21, 2006. It was recognized to commemorate the first Home Minister of India – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Kaushik Rajashekara Honored with International Fellowship by the Engineering Academy of Japan

• Kaushik Rajashekara, a distinguished professor at the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering, has been elected as an International Fellow of the prestigious Engineering Academy of Japan.
• In 2022, Rajashekara received the prestigious Global Energy Prize, considered the most coveted prize in the field of international energy.

 Deepika Soreng Honoured with Asunta Lakra Award

• Deepika Soreng, the promising forward of the India Women’s Hockey Team, has been honoured with the prestigious Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year during the Hockey India 6th Annual Awards 2023.

RANKING

Top Indian Banks in Asia-Pacific Region: S&P Global Report

• According to a recent report by S&P Global, three Indian banks—State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank—have secured positions among the top 50 banks in the Asia-Pacific region based on their assets.