Earth Hit One of Its Shortest Days on Record
On August 5, Earth’s rotation was approximately 1.51 milliseconds shorter than average, registering among the shortest days ever observed. This acceleration trend since 2020 has experts concerned about implications for systems requiring ultra‑precise timing—like GPS, communication networks, and financial infrastructure—and has reignited discussion around introducing "negative leap seconds."
MCQs:
1. How much shorter was the rotation on August 5?
A) ~0.5 ms
B) ~1.51 ms
C) ~5 ms
D) ~15 ms
Answer: B
2. Since which year have shorter days become frequent?
A) 2018
B) 2020
C) 2022
D) 2024
Answer: B
3. Which systems are most vulnerable to timing anomalies?
A) Agriculture
B) GPS/communications/finance
C) Railways
D) Broadcasting
Answer: B
US Envoy Travels to Moscow Ahead of Trump Ceasefire Deadline
US special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to visit Moscow on August 6 to press Russia for a ceasefire in Ukraine, ahead of President Trump’s ultimatum. While the Kremlin welcomes the diplomatic opening, Kyiv remains skeptical about meaningful progress.
MCQs:
1. Who is the US envoy visiting Moscow?
A) Vice President
B) Steve Witkoff
C) Defense Secretary
D) UN Ambassador
Answer: B
2. The visit aims to secure what in Ukraine?
A) Trade deal
B) Ceasefire
C) Political coalition
D) Humanitarian corridor
Answer: B
3. Which country expressed skepticism over success?
A) China
B) Germany
C) Ukraine
D) France
Answer: C
Migrant Boat Capsizes Near Yemen, Dozens Perish
A vessel carrying Ethiopian migrants sank off Yemen’s southern coast on August 5, killing around 68 people. The tragedy underscores persistent migration risks along the Horn of Africa to Gulf routes amid ongoing humanitarian crises.
MCQs:
1. Approximately how many lost their lives in the sinking?
A) 28
B) 50
C) 68
D) 100
Answer: C
2. Migrants were en route to which region?
A) Europe
B) Gulf via Yemen
C) India
D) South America
Answer: B
3. The route highlights crises in what corridor?
A) Caribbean
B) Mediterranean
C) Horn of Africa–Gulf
D) Horn–India
Answer: C
Indian Markets Sluggish Amid Renewed U.S. Tariff Threats
Indian equity markets opened muted on August 5 as investors reacted to renewed threats of 25% U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, tied to Russia oil imports. The Nifty 50 and Sensex were down 0.01% and 0.09% respectively. India’s government described the U.S. pressure as “unjustified and unreasonable,” while markets await RBI’s policy decision on August 6.
MCQs:
1. By approximately how much did the Sensex fall?
A) 0.01%
B) 0.09%
C) 1%
D) 2%
Answer: B
2. What tariff percentage did Trump threaten?
A) 10%
B) 25%
C) 30%
D) 50%
Answer: B
3. How did India label the tariff threat?
A) Fair and justified
B) Unjustified and unreasonable
C) Mutual opportunity
D) Misunderstanding
Answer: B
Indian Rupee Slips Toward Lifetime Low on Tariff Fears
On August 5, the Indian rupee fell toward an all‑time low near ₹88 to the U.S. dollar, as escalating U.S. tariff threats triggered fresh foreign capital outflows. Traders expect RBI intervention to stabilize the currency. The rupee previously hit ₹87.95 in February.
MCQs:
1. At what level did the rupee slide on August 5?
A) ₹85
B) ₹88
C) ₹90
D) ₹92
Answer: B
2. What triggered the currency's weakening?
A) Oil price fall
B) Trade war fears
C) Monsoon deficit
D) Domestic policy changes
Answer: B
3. What action is anticipated from RBI?
A) Rate hike
B) Currency stabilization
C) New restrictions
D) Forex liberalization
Answer: B
