“AWARD”

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. The award recognizes her outstanding performance and immense potential as a rising star in the sport.

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. This honour recognizes his outstanding contributions to the field of power conversion and the electrification of transportation.

“SPORTS”

Takshvi Vaghani Sets New World Record for the Lowest Limbo Skating Over 25 Metres

In a remarkable display of skill, flexibility, and unwavering determination, India’s young skating sensation, Takshvi Vaghani, has etched her name in the record books by setting a new world record for the lowest limbo skating over 25 metres. On April 18, 2024, the 6-year-old prodigy from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, defied the boundaries of human agility, gliding across the 25-meter distance at a mere 16 cm (6.29 in) above the ground. Takshvi Vaghani’s achievement is a testament to her exceptional talent and rigorous training. With her lithe movements and impeccable balance, she surpassed the previous world record held by Manasvi Vishal from Pune, who had skated the same distance at a height of 16.5 centimeters.

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. This remarkable milestone was achieved during a match against the Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, further solidifying Rohit’s status as an IPL legend.

“DEFENCE”

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, making the Philippines the first export customer for this joint venture missile between India and Russia. The delivery was facilitated by the Indian Air Force, utilizing a C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft to transport the missiles and launchers to the Philippines’ Marine Corps. Under the terms of the agreement, India will supply three batteries of BrahMos missiles, along with their launchers and related equipment, as part of the Horizon 2 of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Programme.

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. This commitment aligns with global efforts to ensure the sustainability of space exploration. Chairman Somanath highlighted ISRO’s comprehensive plan for space exploration and utilization, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in future missions.

 “APPOINTMENTS”

RBI Approves Ajith Kumar KK as Dhanlaxmi Bank’s MD & CEO Amid Capital Raise

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) greenlights Ajith Kumar KK’s appointment as Managing Director & CEO of Dhanlaxmi Bank, marking a pivotal moment amidst the bank’s preparations for a ₹300 crore rights issue. The leadership transition follows a series of senior management exits amid internal conflicts. Ajith Kumar KK succeeds J.K. Shivan, with the RBI granting an extension until a successor was named. The board’s approval and shareholder permission are pending regulatory protocol.

Nalin Prabhat Appointed as Director-General of NSG

In a significant move, the appointments committee of the Cabinet has approved two key appointments in India’s premier security agencies. Nalin Prabhat, a 1992 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Director-General of the National Security Guard (NSG), while Sapna Tewari, a 1992 batch IPS officer of the Odisha cadre, has been appointed as the Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau (IB).

 “NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Varanasi’s Tiranga Barfi and Dhalua Murti Metal Casting Craft Receive GI Tag

In a significant development, two iconic products from the historic city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, have been granted the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) status. On April 16, 2024, the GI Registry Office based in Chennai announced that the Tiranga Barfi of Varanasi and the Dhalua Murti Metal Casting Craft have been included in the prestigious GI category.