U.S. Cancels Key Trade Talks with India
The United States has called off bilateral trade negotiations with India planned in New Delhi from August 25–29, 2025. This decision coincides with the imposition of new U.S. tariffs—up to 50%—on Indian goods, including a 25% increase set for August 27. The cancellation partly stems from disputes regarding India’s continued import of Russian oil and disagreements over opening Indian agricultural and dairy markets.
MCQs:
1. What was the reason given by the U.S. for canceling trade talks with India?
A) India's refusal to reduce software tariffs
B) India's continued import of Russian oil
C) India's anti-dumping measures
D) India's visa restrictions
Answer: B) India's continued import of Russian oil
2. What new tariff level is the U.S. reportedly imposing on some Indian goods as of late August 2025?
A) 10%
B) 25% to as high as 50%
C) 5%
D) No tariffs
Answer: B) 25% to as high as 50%
3. What sectors of India partly caused the failure of earlier trade talks?
A) Arms and defense
B) Agriculture and dairy
C) Technology and software
D) Pharmaceuticals
Answer: B) Agriculture and dairy
Trump Backs Putin’s Ukraine Peace Plan
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed a peace proposal put forth by Vladimir Putin during their summit in Alaska—urging Ukraine to cede control of the Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk) in exchange for a ceasefire and frozen front lines. The plan has sparked controversy, as Ukrainian-held territories remain significant and integral.
MCQs:
1. What does the peace plan endorsed by Trump involve?
A) Ukraine ceding Crimea
B) Ukraine ceding Donbas regions (Donetsk and Luhansk)
C) Ukraine launching a counteroffensive
D) Full restoration of pre-war borders
Answer: B) Ukraine ceding Donbas regions (Donetsk and Luhansk)
2. Where did Trump and Putin meet to discuss this proposal?
A) Geneva
B) Alaska
C) New York
D) Moscow
Answer: B) Alaska
3. What was the reaction to Trump's support of the plan?
A) Globally welcomed without controversy
B) Controversial due to ongoing Ukrainian control in Donetsk
C) Ignored by international media
D) Unanimously praised by EU leaders
Answer: B) Controversial due to ongoing Ukrainian control in Donetsk
Election Commission Press Briefing Amid Bihar SIR Row
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has called a press conference on August 17 amid the Bihar SIR (State Information Register) controversy and ongoing allegations of electoral malpractice by Rahul Gandhi, who has accused election officials of “vote theft” (vote chori). The ECI is expected to address the political uproar and the looming vice-presidential election.
MCQs:
1. What controversy prompted the ECI to call a press conference?
A) Bihar SIR issue and allegations of vote theft
B) Delhi lockdown mismanagement
C) COVID-19 vaccination data
D) RBI monetary policy
Answer: A) Bihar SIR issue and allegations of vote theft
2. Who has accused authorities of "vote chori"?
A) Narendra Modi
B) Rahul Gandhi
C) Arvind Kejriwal
D) Mamata Banerjee
Answer: B) Rahul Gandhi
3. Which election is also drawing attention around the same time?
A) Presidential election
B) Lok Sabha election
C) Vice-presidential election
D) State assembly election
Answer: C) Vice-presidential election
BMW Championship – Golf’s FedEx Cup Playoff Event
The 2025 BMW Championship, part of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Playoffs, is underway at Caves Valley Golf Club in Maryland (August 14–17). Top-ranked players like Scottie Scheffler (FedEx leader) and Rory McIlroy are favored. After the first round, Robert MacIntyre leads at –8, thanks to six straight birdies. Several prominent players missed the cut.
MCQs:
1. Who is currently leading after the first round at the BMW Championship?
A) Scottie Scheffler
B) Rory McIlroy
C) Robert MacIntyre
D) Justin Thomas
Answer: C) Robert MacIntyre
2. What achievement did Robert MacIntyre accomplish in round one?
A) Hole-in-one
B) Six consecutive birdies
C) Perfect par score
D) Double eagle
Answer: B) Six consecutive birdies
3. Which top player leads the FedEx Cup standings going into the event?
A) Rory McIlroy
B) Scottie Scheffler
C) Jordan Spieth
D) Collin Morikawa
Answer: B) Scottie Scheffler
Pakistan Floods Kill 220; More Rain Forecast
Heavy monsoon rains and flash floods in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, especially in Buner, have resulted in over 220 deaths according to rescue reports. Authorities warn that heavier rains are expected, increasing the risk to vulnerable communities.
MCQs:
1. Which region in Pakistan was most affected by the recent floods?
A) Punjab
B) Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
C) Sindh
D) Balochistan
Answer: B) Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
2. Approximately how many people have died in the floods?
A) 50
B) 100
C) 220
D) 500
Answer: C) 220
3. What warning have forecasters issued?
A) Clear skies ahead
B) Overcast conditions but no rain
C) Heavier monsoon rains expected
D) Heatwave incoming
Answer: C) Heavier monsoon rains expected
