India exempts cotton import duty to aid garment exporters
To support its garment industry amid rising U.S. tariffs, India has temporarily lifted import duties on cotton from August 19 to September 30, 2025. Previously at 11%, the duty exemption aims to ease input costs for manufacturers hurt by a looming 50% tariff on garment exports to the U.S.—a reaction to India’s Russian oil purchases. This measure may be extended if needed, aligning with India’s broader goal of boosting textile exports to $100 billion by 2030.
MCQs:
1. For how long has India temporarily removed cotton import duties?
A) Until August 31, 2025
B) August 19 to September 30, 2025
C) Entire year of 2025
D) Only until August 20, 2025
Answer: B) August 19 to September 30, 2025
2. What prompted the U.S. tariff increase on Indian garments?
A) Trade imbalances
B) India’s Russian oil purchases
C) Labor issues in garment factories
D) Currency manipulation
Answer: B) India’s Russian oil purchases
3. What is India’s export target for textiles by 2030?
A) $50 billion
B) $75 billion
C) $100 billion
D) $150 billion
Answer: C) $100 billion
PM Modi meets China’s top diplomat amid thaw in ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi—a significant step toward rebuilding strained India-China relations following the 2020 Ladakh border clashes. The two sides agreed on resuming direct flights, easing journalist visas, and enhancing trade and cultural exchanges. Modi is expected to travel to China later this month for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, signaling continued diplomatic engagement.
MCQs:
1. Which Chinese dignitary did PM Modi meet on August 20, 2025?
A) Xi Jinping
B) Wang Yi
C) Li Keqiang
D) Zhao Leji
Answer: B) Wang Yi
2. Which of the following was agreed upon during the meeting?
A) Resumption of direct flights
B) Reduction of border troops
C) Joint military exercises
D) Bilateral tariff cut
Answer: A) Resumption of direct flights
3. For which event is PM Modi expected to visit China later this month?
A) G20 Summit
B) BRICS Summit
C) Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit
D) ASEAN–India Summit
Answer: C) Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit
Last call for ex-dividend share purchases
August 20 is the last trading day for investors to buy shares of 11 major Indian companies—including Coal India, HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.), and RVNL (Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd.)—to qualify for their upcoming dividend payouts. These firms go ex-dividend on August 21, meaning purchases after today won’t fetch the benefit. Investors must be on the record by the record date to receive the dividends.
MCQs:
1. What is the significance of August 20, 2025, for certain Indian stocks?
A) Annual general meeting
B) Last trading day to qualify for dividends
C) Stock split execution date
D) Initial public offering date
Answer: B) Last trading day to qualify for dividends
2. Which of the following companies is included in the list going ex-dividend?
A) TCS
B) Coal India
C) Infosys
D) Reliance Industries
Answer: B) Coal India
3. What happens if you buy shares on or after August 21, 2025?
A) You receive double dividends
B) You don’t qualify for this dividend
C) You get extra bonus shares
D) No change in dividend eligibility
Answer: B) You don’t qualify for this dividend
