Today's Current Affairs 27th April 2024

INTERNATIONAL

China Launches Shenzhou-18 Crew to Tiangong Space Station

• In the latest advancement of China’s space program, the Shenzhou-18 mission saw the successful launch of a three-member crew aboard the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft.
• The Shenzhou-18 spacecraft, dubbed the “Divine Vessel,” lifted off atop a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. 

SPORTS

Yuvraj Singh Named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the appointment of Indian cricket legend Yuvraj Singh as an ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
• The announcement comes with just 36 days remaining until the highly anticipated global event for T20 cricket commences. 

Sana Mir Named Ambassador of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the appointment of Pakistan cricket legend Sana Mir as the ambassador for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier.
• The Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier will witness 10 teams battling it out for two coveted spots at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Bangladesh. 

 Yakshagana Exponent Subrahmanya Dhareshwar Passes Away

• The world of Yakshagana, a traditional theatre form of Karnataka, has lost a towering figure.
• Subrahmanya Dhareshwar, a senior and well-known Yakshagana ‘bhagavatha’ (background singer), passed away in Bengaluru. He was 66 years old. 

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Arun Alagappan Appointed Executive Chairman of Coromandel International

• Coromandel International Ltd. (CIL), a leading provider of agri-solutions, has announced a significant leadership transition.
• Arun Alagappan, the former Executive Vice Chairman, has been appointed and re-designated as the Executive Chairman of the company. 

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Veterinary Day 2024 Observed on 27th April

• This year, World Veterinary Day will be celebrated on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The theme for 2024 is “Veterinarians are Essential Health Workers,” highlighting the vital role veterinarians play in safeguarding public health and promoting the well-being of animals and the environment.
• The World Veterinary Association (WVA) established World Veterinary Day in 2000, and it was first celebrated on April 29 of that year. 

BOOKS & AUTHOR

EAM Jaishankar Receives Book ‘India’s Nuclear Titans’

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar received a copy of the book ‘India’s Nuclear Titans,’ edited by Soumya Awasthi and Shrabana Barua.
• The book traces the evolution of India into a nuclear state while highlighting the pivotal roles played by renowned figures like Homi Bhabha, Vikram Sarabhai, Abdul Kalam, and K. Subrahmanyam, among others. 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

Adani’s Vizhinjam Port Approved as India’s First Transshipment Hub

• Adani Group’s Vizhinjam Port in Kerala has received approval from the government to operate as India’s inaugural transshipment port.
• Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) initiated the Vizhinjam transshipment project in 2015, with a planned completion by 2019. 

RBI Directs Talkcharge to Cease PPI Operations and Refund Balances

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed Talkcharge Technologies to halt the issuance and operation of its Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) or wallets.