U.S. Imposes 25% Tariffs on India from August 1
The United States has initiated a sweeping tariff regime, imposing a 25% duty on Indian exports effective August 1, 2025, as part of a broader strategy impacting trade with nearly 70 countries. This policy stems from concerns about America’s growing trade deficit with India, New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil and arms, and long-standing unresolved trade negotiations. Major export sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and jewellery are likely to face significant disruption. In response, India is considering expanding trade partnerships with Europe and ASEAN countries to reduce its reliance on the U.S. market.
MCQs:
1. What percentage tariff did the U.S. impose on Indian exports effective August 1, 2025?
A. 15%
B. 20%
C. 25%
D. 30%
Answer: C
2. Which factor did not contribute to the tariff decision?
A. India’s trade deficit with U.S.
B. India’s arms purchases from Russia
C. India’s tariffs on U.S. exports
D. India’s BRICS membership
Answer: D
3. One likely Indian response has been to:
A. Strengthen ties with China
B. Explore trade partnerships with ASEAN and Europe
C. Increase imports from U.S.
D. Remain dependent solely on U.S. market
Answer: B
NPCI Rolls Out New UPI Rules from August 1
On August 1, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) implemented new regulatory changes to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system. These changes include revised balance-check limits, modified auto-pay timing windows, and upgraded fraud prevention protocols. The reforms aim to make UPI more secure, scalable, and efficient, as India experiences record-breaking volumes of digital transactions. The move aligns with the government's broader vision to promote a safe and seamless cashless economy.
MCQs:
1. Which system did NPCI regulate from August 1?
A. NEFT
B. RTGS
C. UPI
D. IMPS
Answer: C
2. One of the updates includes:
A. Increased withdrawal limit at ATMs
B. Revised balance‑check limits
C. Removal of auto‑pay feature
D. Introduction of UPI credit card
Answer: B
3. The primary goal of the changes is to:
A. Reduce transaction fees
B. Increase government revenue
C. Enhance safety, efficiency, and scalability
D. Replace UPI with a new protocol
Answer: C
ISRO Starts a 10‑Day Analogue Mission in Ladakh
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in collaboration with a private Bengaluru-based firm, launched a 10-day analogue space mission on August 1, 2025, at an altitude of 14,000 feet in Ladakh. Two astronauts are participating in a high-altitude experiment simulating the physical and psychological stress of long-duration space travel. The extreme isolation and environment of Ladakh provide ideal conditions to study human responses in space-like situations, preparing India for future deep space missions under the Gaganyaan program.
MCQs:
1. Where is the analogue mission conducted?
A. Andaman
B. Mumbai
C. Ladakh
D. Sikkim
Answer: C
2. What is the duration of this mission?
A. 5 days
B. 7 days
C. 10 days
D. 14 days
Answer: C
3. Why is the environment in Ladakh used?
A. High cellular connectivity
B. Tropical climate
C. Severe isolation resembling space-like stress
D. Pre-built space station
Answer: C
India–UAE Sign Defence Pact at JDCC Meet
On August 1, during the 13th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting held in New Delhi, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a comprehensive defence cooperation pact. The agreement includes collaboration between the Indian Coast Guard and UAE National Guard, particularly in maritime security operations. Additionally, India’s ICOMM and UAE’s CARACAL signed a joint production deal for manufacturing small arms. The partnership aims to boost regional defence capabilities and strengthen bilateral ties.
MCQs:
1. Which two organisations are cooperating under the agreement?
A. Indian Navy & UAE Air Force
B. Indian Army & UAE Army
C. Indian Coast Guard & UAE National Guard
D. DRDO & UAE Space Agency
Answer: C
2. The agreement was signed during which meeting?
A. G20 Summit
B. BRICS Summit
C. JDCC
D. SCO Forum
Answer: C
3. A manufacturing initiative between ICOMM and CARACAL focuses on:
A. Maritime drones
B. Small arms production
C. Space satellites
D. Civil aviation
Answer: B
Muslim Women Rights Day Observed in India
August 1 is celebrated annually as Muslim Women Rights Day in India, commemorating the enactment of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019. This law criminalised the practice of triple talaq, a controversial form of instant divorce under Islamic personal law. The observance highlights the legal empowerment of Muslim women and underscores their right to dignity, equality, and justice. First observed in 2020, the day serves as a milestone in India’s gender justice reforms.
MCQs:
1. What law does Muslim Women Rights Day commemorate?
A. Dowry Prohibition Act
B. Triple Talaq Act 2019
C. Surrogacy Act
D. Muslim Women Act 2020
Answer: B
2. When was the law enacted?
A. August 1, 2018
B. August 1, 2019
C. August 1, 2020
D. August 1, 2021
Answer: B
3. What is the day’s main theme?
A. Celebrating legal reforms in religious law
B. Highlighting women’s education
C. Promoting child welfare
D. Observing labor rights
Answer: A
