Global Crisis in Gaza & Calls for EU Action
Senior diplomats across the EU have strongly urged for action over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, especially following a harrowing “double tap” Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital that killed civilians and journalists. Human rights groups are demanding accountability, and protests are mounting both internationally and within Israel pushing for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Observers warn that U.S. involvement could constitute war crimes. Meanwhile, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund is divesting from companies like Caterpillar over the misuse of equipment in occupied territories, and Gulf nations are exploring post-conflict investments in Lebanon.
MCQs:
1. What event sparked renewed calls for EU action concerning the Gaza crisis?
A) A blockade by Hamas
B) A “double tap” airstrike on Nasser Hospital
C) Withdrawal of humanitarian aid
D) Deployment of new peacekeeping forces
Answer: B) A “double tap” airstrike on Nasser Hospital
2. Which country’s sovereign wealth fund divested from Caterpillar over alleged misuse of equipment?
A) Germany
B) Sweden
C) Norway
D) Canada
Answer: C) Norway
3. Amid ongoing tensions, which region are Saudi Arabia and Qatar considering post-conflict investments in?
A) Gaza
B) Egypt
C) Jordan
D) Lebanon
Answer: D) Lebanon
Trump Triggers Market Turmoil with Federal Reserve Fallout
U.S. President Trump ignited a financial maelstrom by attempting to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook—rattling markets and raising questions about the separation of powers. The move, unprecedented and widely questioned from a legal standpoint, caused global investors to fret over central bank independence. As markets reeled, futures dropped, the dollar weakened, and investors priced in a high probability of a Fed rate cut. Simultaneously, he renewed tariff threats targeting digital tax policies of several countries, further heightening geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
MCQs:
1. What was the market’s main concern over Trump’s move against Lisa Cook?
A) Rising inflation
B) Threat to central bank independence
C) Weakening trade
D) Reduced employment data
Answer: B) Threat to central bank independence
2. What fiscal action did markets anticipate following the turmoil?
A) Federal interest rate hike
B) Federal interest rate cut
C) Launch of new bonds
D) Introduction of capital gains tax
Answer: B) Federal interest rate cut
3. What additional measure did Trump threaten amid the fallout?
A) Climate sanctions
B) Tariffs based on digital taxes
C) Visa restrictions
D) Embargo on imports
Answer: B) Tariffs based on digital taxes
US-India Trade Tensions: Tariffs Escalate
In a bold escalation of trade tensions, the U.S. notified India of impending additional tariffs set to take effect on August 27, 2025. These retaliatory duties are part of a broader U.S. strategy tied to geopolitical concerns—especially India’s continued imports of Russian energy. Under intense diplomatic pressure, India has criticized the tariffs as “unfair” and a challenge to its strategic autonomy. Analysts warn that such moves could disrupt defence cooperation, complicate the Quad framework, and weaken mutual trust between the two democracies.
MCQs:
1. When are the additional U.S. tariffs on Indian goods scheduled to come into effect?
A) August 24, 2025
B) August 25, 2025
C) August 27, 2025
D) September 1, 2025
Answer: C) August 27, 2025
2. What is the underlying reason cited for the imposition of these tariffs?
A) Intellectual property theft
B) India’s Russian oil imports
C) Currency manipulation
D) Defense purchase delays
Answer: B) India’s Russian oil imports
3. Which regional strategic grouping could be impacted by this diplomatic and trade crisis?
A) ASEAN
B) BRICS
C) The Quad
D) GCC
Answer: C) The Quad
