National news
Union Jal Shakti Ministry launches Flood Watch India 2.0 App

In order to improve flood forecasting and flood management systems in the country, the government of India has launched an improved Flood Watch India 2.0 App. The Flood Watch India app 2.0 provides real-time information on flood situations to users across the country through a smartphone.The Flood Watch India app 2.0 is an upgraded version of the Flood Watch India App launched in August 2023. Compared to the 2023 version, covers more flood monitoring stations and water reservoirs in the country.
Who launched the Flood Watch India 2.0 App?
The Flood Watch India 2.0 app was launched by the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Paatil, in a function held in New Delhi on 13 August 2024. Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Kushvinder Vohra, Chairman, Central Water Commission and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion,
Who has developed the Flood Watch India 2.0 app?
The Flood Watch India 2.0 app has been developed by the Central WaterCommission, which comes under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The app uses state-of-the-art technologies such as satellite data analysis, mathematical modelling and real-time monitoring to deliver accurate and timely flood forecasts.
Feature of the Flood Watch India 2.0 App
- It can provide information related to flood forecasts up to 7 days on a real-time basis to the public.
- Provide State-wise/Basin-wise Flood Forecast up to 24 hours.,
- Version 2.0 provides information on flood forecasts at 592 flood monitoring stations. Earlier, it provided information at 200 flood monitoring stations.
- The 2,0 version provides additional information regarding the storage positions of 150 major reservoirs in the country.
- The app provides information in English and Hindi language.
- It provides information in text, and the user can also listen to the audio broadcast through the app.
- The app is available for both Android and iOS devices.
International news
Ancient Solar Calendar Discovered in Turkey: A Glimpse into Prehistoric Timekeeping

In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists may have uncovered the world’s oldest solar calendar at the renowned archaeological site of Göbekli Tepe in southern Turkey. This finding, published in the journal Time and Mind on July 24, offers a fascinating glimpse into the sophisticated astronomical knowledge of our ancient ancestors.
- Publication: The findings were published in Time and Mind on July 24.
- Artifact: A large stone pillar with intricate carvings, estimated to be about 13,000 years old.
- Calendar System: The pillar features 365 V-shaped symbols, suggesting a 365-day calendar similar to modern systems.
- Lunar-Solar Hybrid: The calendar includes 12 lunar months and an additional 11 days, indicating advanced knowledge of both lunar and solar cycles.
- Symbolism: The carvings include a “bird-like beast” with a V-shaped marking, possibly representing the summer solstice constellation from around 10850 B.C.
Turkey:
- Capital: Ankara
- Currency: Turkish lira
- Official language: Turkish
- Prime minister: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
Economy news
Retail Inflation Eases to 5-Year Low of 3.5% in July

India’s retail inflation rate, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), fell to 3.54% in July, reaching a nearly 5-year low. This decline is attributed to a high base effect and a significant drop in food prices. The inflation rate has dipped below the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) medium-term target of 4% for the first time since August 2019. Despite this, the RBI is expected to maintain its current policy stance.
Food Inflation
Food inflation decreased substantially to 5.42% in July from 9.36% in June. Key contributors to this decline include reduced price increases for vegetables (6.83%), cereals (8.14%), fruits (3.84%), milk (2.99%), and sugar (5.22%). However, pulses saw a double-digit rise of 14.8%, and protein-rich items like eggs (6.76%) and meat and fish (5.97%) experienced higher inflation.
Banking news
Axis Bank Launches “PRIMUS” Ultra-Premium Credit Card for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals

Axis Bank has partnered with Visa Inc. to launch the “PRIMUS” credit card, targeting Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) individuals in India.
- Exclusive Offering: The card is offered by invitation only and provides bespoke privileges and benefits tailored for UHNW clients, positioning it as a potential alternative to the Citibank Ultima credit card.
- Launch Locations: The PRIMUS card was introduced in New Delhi and Mumbai during the “Axis Bank PRIMUS Soiree.”
- Joining Fee & Benefits: The card has a joining fee of Rs 1.8 lakh, offering unlimited domestic airport lounge access and international lounge access through Priority Pass membership.
About Axis Bank Limited:
- Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Amitabh Chaudhry
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Tagline: Badhti ka Naam Zindagi
- Established: 1993
Appointment news
Raj Kumar Chaudhary Takes Helm as Chairman & Managing Director of NHPC Ltd

In a significant development for India’s hydroelectric power sector, NHPC Limited has announced the appointment of Shri Raj Kumar Chaudhary as its new Chairman & Managing Director. This appointment marks a crucial milestone for the company, bringing on board a leader with extensive experience and a proven track record in hydroelectric power development.
NHPC:
- Founded: 7 November 1975
- Headquarters: Faridabad
NPCI Spins Off BHIM App into Independent Subsidiary with Lalitha Nataraj as CEO

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is spinning off its Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) app into a standalone subsidiary to bolster its presence in the digital payments market.Lalitha Nataraj, previously with IDFC FIRST Bank and ICICI Bank, has been appointed as CEO of this new entity.
- NPCI is transforming BHIM into a standalone subsidiary to strengthen its role in digital payments.
- This move aims to reduce concentration risks in India’s UPI market, where PhonePe and Google Pay dominate with 85% of transactions.
- BHIM currently handles only 0.16% of UPI transactions, necessitating diversification efforts.
- Lalitha Nataraj, with experience from IDFC FIRST Bank and ICICI Bank, has been appointed CEO of the new entity.
Science and tech news
Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) Listed as Vulnerable on IUCN Red List

Neelakurinji, a purplish flowering shrub native to the Western Ghats and parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, is now listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List.
- Bloom Cycle: The plant blooms once every 12 years, between mid-July and October, in high-altitude shola grasslands.
- Distribution: It is found in 34 subpopulations across 14 ecoregions, primarily in the Western Ghats and one in the Eastern Ghats.
- Habitat Threats: Over 40% of Neelakurinji’s habitat has been lost due to human activities, contributing to its vulnerable status.
Sports day
PR Sreejesh Appointed as New Head Coach of India’s Junior Men’s Hockey Team

Hockey India (HI) has officially announced that PR Sreejesh, the retiring goalkeeper of the Indian hockey team, will take on the role of head coach for the Indian junior men’s hockey team. This decision follows India’s achievement of winning a bronze medalat the 2024 Olympics.
Announcement and Significance
The announcement was made on August 8, 2024,after India secured a bronze medal with a 2-1 victory over Spain. Sreejesh’s critical saves during the match played a crucial role in the team’s success. Transitioning from a player to a coach marks a significant shift in Sreejesh’s career.
Hockey India’s Statement
Hockey India celebrated the news on social media, particularly on Instagram, with a post praising Sreejesh: “The Legend makes another Legendary move. P R Sreejesh has been appointed as the new head coach of the Jr. Men’s Hockey Team. From playing to coaching, you continue to inspire all the youngsters. Looking forward to your coaching stint!”
ICC Players of the Month for July 2024 Announced

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the recipients of the ICC Players of the Month awards for July 2024.England’s Gus Atkinson and Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu have been crowned as the standout performers in men’s and women’s cricket, respectively, for their exceptional contributions to the sport during the month.
- Gus Atkinson, a 26-year-old fast bowler, made a significant impact in Test cricket, contributing to England’s 3-0 series win against the West Indies.
- Chamari Athapaththu, captain of the Sri Lankan women’s team, showcased remarkable leadership and batting skills, leading Sri Lanka to victory in the Women’s Asia Cup.
Prasar Bharati-BCL Sign Landmark Deal to Promote Cricket

The Big Cricket League (BCL) is set to make its debut on the Indian cricket landscape,promising a unique blend of local talent and cricketing legends. This franchise-based T20 event is poised to offer aspiring players an unprecedented opportunity to showcase their skills alongside established stars, potentially reshaping the future of Indian cricket.
- Broadcasting Partnership: A long-term deal with Prasar Bharati ensures nationwide coverage on DD Sports and international exposure in over 30 countries.
- Teams: Six regional teams will compete, including Awadh Lions, Northern Challengers, Rajasthan Kings, Mumbai Marines, Southern Spartans, and Bengal Rhinos.
- Leadership: The league is governed by a council including Dilip Vengsarkar, Rudra Pratap Singh, and Courtney Walsh.
- Impact: The BCL aims to nurture local talent, increase cricket’s reach, and foster mentorship between established and emerging players.
Defence news
DRDO Successfully Test Long Range Glide Bomb ‘GAURAV’ From Su-30 MK-1

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on August 13, 2024 successfully carried out the maiden flight test of the long-range glide bomb (LRGB) Gaurav from a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet of the Indian Air Force.
- Gaurav is a 1,000 kg class air-launched glide bomb designed for precision targeting over long distances.
- Developed indigenously by the Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad.
- The bomb successfully hit its target on Long Wheeler’s Island with high accuracy, with flight data captured using telemetry and optical tracking systems.
Important days
World Organ Donation Day 2024: Know Date, History and Significance

World Organ Donation Day is observed every year on August 13 to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and encourage people to register as organ donors. Organ Donation Day serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of this life-saving act. In India, the government has taken significant steps to promote organ donation through nationwide campaigns and educational programs.
Legal Framework for Organ Donation in India: Key Points
The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act of 1994 serves as the primary legislation governing organ donation and transplantation in India. It establishes a structured and ethical approach to these practices. The key provisions include:
- Universal Eligibility: Individuals from all backgrounds, irrespective of age, caste, religion, or community, can donate organs.
- Age Consideration: Although there’s no strict age limit, donors over the age of 18 are generally preferred.
- Ethical Standards: The act mandates ethical guidelines to ensure that organ donation and transplantation are carried out with integrity and transparency.
Obitutary news
Padma Bhushan Awardee Kunwar Natwar Singh Passes Away at 93

Kunwar Natwar Singh, a distinguished diplomat and former External Affairs Minister, was born in 1929 in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. He passed away at the age of 93 in Gurugram, Haryana.
- Awards: He was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1984 for his contributions to civil service.
- Diplomatic Career:
- Joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1953.
- Served as India’s Deputy High Commissioner to the UK (1973-1977) and High Commissioner to Zambia in 1977.
- Served as India’s Ambassador to Pakistan (1980-1982).
- Held the position of Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) from 1982 to 1984.
- Served as the Secretary-General of the 7th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit held in New Delhi in 1983.Top of Form