Current affairs 21 August 2024

Japan got hit by powerful Typhoon Ampil near Tokyo.

• Typhoon Ampil, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, is approachied Japan with winds up to 212 km/h, prompting evacuation advisories for nearly 404,000 people near Tokyo.
• The typhoon, intensified by warm waters, has led to power outages and extensive travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and train suspensions.
• The typhoon later got diverted towards Alaska.

NPCI launched "UPI Circle" for secure delegated payments.

• NPCI's new UPI Circle feature allows primary UPI users to delegate payment responsibilities to trusted secondary users.
• Full Delegation allows secondary users to complete transactions within set limits, while Partial Delegation requires primary user’s authentication for each transaction.
• This feature aims to enhance security, manage payments for dependents, and support micro-communities.

India lost 33.9 million hectares of crops to excess rains: WEF Report.

• The World Economic Forum report revealed that India lost 33.9 million hectares of crops due to excess rainfall and 35 million hectares due to drought from 2015 to 2021.
• The World Economic Forum is an international non-governmental organization & think tank based in Cologny, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland.
• Founder: Klaus Schwab.
• Chairperson: Børge Brende.

BPCL launched India’s First Biofuel Blend HFHSD Bunker at Mumbai Port.

• BPCL has introduced India's first biofuel blend High Flash High-Speed Diesel (HFHSD) bunker at Mumbai Port, marking a significant step towards greener maritime fuels.
• This biofuel blend supports environmental sustainability by offering a cleaner, biodegradable alternative to traditional marine fuels, aligning with global decarbonization goals.

JP Nadda inaugurates "First Policy Makers" Forum’ in New Delhi.

• Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers JP Nadda inaugurates First Policy Makers Forum’ in New Delhi.
• An international delegation of policymakers and drug regulators from 15 countries is participating in the forum hosted by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Ministry of External Affairs.