Israel Decides on Full Military Control of Gaza; Backlash Mounts
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, approved a plan for full military control of Gaza, stating the objective is to defeat Hamas and ensure security without forming a lasting governance structure. This proposal has sparked protests from hostage families, kibbutzim leaders, and Israeli military officials concerned about the safety of captives. Arab nations—including Jordan—have denounced the move, emphasizing that only Palestinian institutions should govern Gaza. Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions are deteriorating with only 1.5% of cropland accessible and aid deliveries falling short of international agreements.
MCQs:
1. Which group primarily protested against Netanyahu’s Gaza plan?
A) UN Representatives
B) Hostage Families
C) Israeli Business Leaders
D) Gaza Residents
2. What percentage of cropland remains accessible in Gaza?
A) 5%
B) 1.5%
C) 10%
D) 20%
3. Which country among the following opposed Israel's control plan?
A) Egypt
B) Jordan
C) Saudi Arabia
D) Turkey
Quad Summit in Doubt Amid U.S.–India Tensions
Growing tensions between the U.S. and India—especially after Trump's imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods and perceived favorable outreach to Pakistan—have thrown the upcoming Quad leaders’ meeting into uncertainty. India has expressed reluctance to host the summit, warning that such tensions could undermine Quad unity. Analysts fear that domestic dissent over economic ties and strategic disputes may open the door for China to exploit the situation. Efforts are underway to explore alternate arrangements, possibly at the APEC summit in South Korea.
MCQs:
1. What triggered doubts over the Quad summit?
A) Climate disagreement
B) 50% U.S. tariffs on Indian goods
C) Border conflict
D) Pandemic response issues
2. Which summit is being considered as an alternative venue?
A) G20 in India
B) APEC in South Korea
C) ASEAN in Thailand
D) EU meeting in Brussels
3. What is a key concern mentioned about the Quad's future?
A) Rising commodity prices
B) A resurgence of China's influence
C) Cybersecurity threats
D) Tourism decline
Putin to Visit India in Late August
Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India in late August 2025, as reported by Interfax citing India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. This visit reflects the ongoing strategic and diplomatic cooperation between India and Russia.
MCQs:
1. Who reported Putin’s upcoming trip to India?
A) CIA
B) Interfax
C) Reuters
D) Government Press Release
2. Who is the Indian official mentioned as the source?
A) S. Jaishankar
B) Ajit Doval
C) Narendra Modi
D) R. Venkataraman
3. When is Putin scheduled to visit India?
A) Early August 2025
B) Late August 2025
C) December 2025
D) No visit planned
Vidarbha Statehood Movement Gears Up on “Kranti Din”
The Vidarbha Rajya Andolan Samiti (VRAS) has planned a major protest in Nagpur on August 9, symbolic of India’s “Kranti Din”, to demand separate statehood for Vidarbha under Article 3. VRAS president Wamanrao Chatap criticized the Maharashtra government’s neglect in addressing development gaps, citing mounting debt and pending dues worth ₹75,000 crore for irrigation and public services. The campaign will also include a “Vidarbha Nirman Sankalp Melava” in Gondia on August 17.
MCQs:
1. On what date is the major Vidarbha protest scheduled?
A) August 8
B) August 9
C) August 17
D) August 25
2. Under which Constitutional Article is the demand being made?
A) Article 1
B) Article 3
C) Article 370
D) Article 356
3. How much is the pending dues quoted by VRAS?
A) ₹50,000 crore
B) ₹60,000 crore
C) ₹75,000 crore
D) ₹90,000 crore
Revised RBI Co-lending Norms: Mandatory Risk Retention
The Reserve Bank of India has unveiled final guidelines on co-lending arrangements (CLAs) between banks and NBFCs: from January 1, 2026, all co-lenders must retain at least 10% of each loan on their books and can offer a maximum Default Loss Guarantee of 5%. These norms aim to enhance risk-sharing and transparency across regulated lending platforms.
MCQs:
1. What percentage of each loan must co-lenders retain?
A) 5%
B) 10%
C) 15%
D) 20%
2. What is the cap on Default Loss Guarantee (DLG)?
A) 3%
B) 5%
C) 10%
D) No cap
3. When will these norms become effective?
A) Immediately
B) October 2025
C) January 1, 2026
D) April 1, 2026
