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Indian Express
5 days ago
- Climate
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on monsoon in India, Project Cheetah and more (Week 122)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Environment and Geography to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the monsoon in India, consider the following statements: 1. The southwest monsoon refers to the southwesterly wind that brings rainfall to the subcontinent. 2. The northeast monsoon occurs between June to September. 3. The southwest monsoon is the major period of rainfall in the south peninsula. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The southwest monsoon refers to the southwesterly wind that brings rainfall to the subcontinent, typically from June to September. The onset of the 2025 monsoon on Saturday marks the commencement of the season, which brings about 70% of the country's annual rainfall. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The northeast monsoon, which typically occurs between October and December, begins after the southwest monsoon has withdrawn from northern and central India, as well as the northern parts of the peninsular region. The wind pattern changes from the southwesterly to the northeasterly, hence its name. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — According to the IMD, the Northeast Monsoon is the major period of rainfall in the south peninsula, and is the chief rainy season in Tamil Nadu, accounting for nearly 60 % of annual rainfall in the coastal districts. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the Green Credit Programme (GCP), consider the following statements: 1. It was unveiled during the annual United Nations climate conference in Dubai by India and the UAE. 2. The GCP seeks voluntary participation. 3. The credits can also be used by listed companies as part of their environmental, social and governance disclosures under SEBI's Business Responsibility and Sustainability framework. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, officially unveiled the GCP on December 1, 2023, during the annual United Nations climate conference in Dubai. It was dubbed as a mechanism to incentivise 'pro-planet' actions in response to climate change, and one which would promote the Centre's Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Sustainable Environment). Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The Union Environment Ministry notified the Green Credit Rules, which spelt out the programme's objectives and implementation, in October 2023. — At its core, the GCP seeks voluntary participation (read investments) of individuals, companies, industries, and other entities across seven different activities — such as tree plantation, waste management, and water conservation — that will lead to improvements in the environment. This participation will be incentivised by generating 'green credits', which can then be traded on a domestic market platform to potential buyers looking to meet sustainability targets, or existing legal obligations. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — The credits can also be used by listed companies as part of their environmental, social and governance disclosures under SEBI's Business Responsibility and Sustainability framework, indicating efforts taken by these companies on environmental sustainability. Hence, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. A GLOF occurs when (a) a large mass of water dammed by a glacier or a moraine is released suddenly. (b) a tectonic activity causes water from glacial lakes to evaporate rapidly. (c) snowfall exceeds accumulation rate on a glacier causing avalanches. (d) a glacier melts uniformly due to global warming leading to river overflow. Explanation — The breaking of a glacial lake accompanied by heavy rain is suspected by some experts to have caused the flash flood in Dharali village in Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand. — According to the NDMA, the retreat of glaciers as a result of climate change that is occurring in most parts of the Hindu Kush Himalayas has given rise to numerous new glacial lakes, breaches in which can cause Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). — A GLOF occurs when a large mass of water dammed by a glacier or a moraine is released suddenly. — When glaciers melt, the water in these glacial lakes accumulates behind loose naturally-formed 'glacial/ moraine dams' made of ice, sand, pebbles, and ice residue. Unlike earthen dams, the weak structure of the moraine dam leads to its abrupt failure, which can release millions of cubic metres of water in a short time, causing catastrophic flooding downstream. Peak flows as high as 15,000 cubic metres per second have been recorded during such events. — Since glaciers in the Himalayas are in a retreating phase, glacial lakes are growing, and pose a potentially large risk to downstream infrastructure and life. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Perito Moreno, Upsala, and Spegazzini glaciers are located in: (a) Rocky Mountains (b) Andes (c) Himalayas (d) Alaska range Explanation — Argentina's most famous glacier, the Perito Moreno glacier, is crumbling. Such incidents — known as ice calving events — are not new for the glacier. In fact, as these events are a visual spectacle, they are the primary reason for the fame of the Perito Moreno glacier, making it a major tourist destination. — The Perito Moreno glacier, also called the 'White Giant', is located near the city of El Calafate in the Argentine province of Santa Cruz, and comes under the Los Glaciares National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. — Besides the Perito Moreno glacier, other notable glaciers in the Andes include Upsala, Spegazzini, Viedma, and Grey glaciers. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki was recently in the news due to an eruption. It is located in: (a) Indonesia (b) New Zealand (c) Iceland (d) Philippines Explanation — Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, erupted for a second straight day, sending a column of volcanic materials and ash up to 18 kilometers (11 miles) into the sky. No casualties were immediately reported. — Lewotobi Laki Laki, a 1,584-meter (5,197-foot) volcano on the remote island of Flores, has been at the highest alert level since it erupted on June 18, and an exclusion zone has been doubled to a 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) radius as eruptions became more frequent. The Indonesian government has permanently relocated thousands of residents after a series of eruptions there killed nine people and destroyed thousands of homes in November. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Consider the following: 1. Population reduction 2. Restricted Geographical Range 3. Small Population size and decline 4. Very small or restricted population 5. Extinction probability analysis 6. The relational position of a species within an ecosystem Which of the above given conditions are the criteria used by the IUCN Red List categories to indicate how close a species is to becoming extinct? (a) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only (b) 4, 5 and 6 only (c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Explanation According to — The IUCN Red List Categories indicate how close a species is to becoming extinct. Species are assessed against five criteria (see below) based on population reduction, geographic range, population size, population structure, and probability of extinction. These criteria determine which category is most appropriate for the species. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Which of the following statements about Project Cheetah and associated conservation efforts is/are correct? 1. Blackbuck is considered a suitable prey species to help sustain reintroduced cheetahs. 2. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary was discussed as an alternative site for cheetah relocation, moving older cheetahs for purposes such as training and habitat building. 3. All cheetahs in Kuno were born in India as part of a captive breeding program. Select the correct answer using the code below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — The Cheetah Project Steering Committee highlighted serious concerns about the insufficient prey base—especially low densities of spotted deer and chinkara—at Kuno National Park, the primary site for reintroduced cheetahs. — This shortfall threatens the sustainability of the cheetah population. — To strengthen the prey base, officials discussed relocating blackbucks from the Sikandara Monument area in Agra, where they number around 100 and often damage crops, to Kuno. — The idea involved capturing groups of 10–15 blackbucks as part of a wider prey augmentation plan. — One proposal suggested moving older cheetahs—those past breeding age—to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary for purposes such as training and habitat building. — The cheetahs at Kuno were translocated from Namibia and South Africa, not born in India via breeding programs. While cubs have since been born in Kuno, the initial population was imported African cheetahs, not domestically bred . — Kuno National Park is grappling with prey scarcity critical for sustaining cheetahs. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. What is the aim of the ongoing negotiations on the Global Plastics Treaty in Geneva? (a) To promote voluntary guidelines for plastic packaging industries. (b) To finalize a global trade agreement on plastic and petrochemical exports. (c) To create the world's first legally binding global treaty to combat plastic pollution. (d) To create a UN agency focused solely on marine plastic waste. Explanation — International negotiations to establish a global plastics treaty resumed on August 5, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland. — These talks are part of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). — The meeting is a continuation of INC-5, which began in Busan, South Korea in December 2024 but ended without final consensus. — The aim is to create the world's first legally binding global treaty to combat plastic pollution, including its effects on marine environments. — The treaty is expected to cover the entire life cycle of plastic, from production to disposal. — The draft treaty under negotiation currently contains 370 bracketed sections—these represent areas of disagreement between countries. — Countries remain divided on key issues: (i) Caps on plastic production (ii) Phase-out of single-use plastics (iii) Elimination of hazardous chemicals (iv) Extended producer responsibility (EPR) — The Indian delegation is attending the Geneva meeting and is expected to: (i) Support steps to reduce plastic pollution (ii) Emphasize the importance of national circumstances (iii) Push for flexibility in implementation for developing countries Therefore, option ( c) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 120) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 122) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 122) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 122) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 121) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 121) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava leads the UPSC Essentials section of The Indian Express (digital). He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than five years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'LIVE with Manas'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
CNBC
6 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
UAE, Russia laud relations, pledging to double trade
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted his UAE counterpart, President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Moscow on Thursday, with the countries pledging to double trade over the next five years. CNBC's Natasha Turak has been covering the relationship between the two nations and joins Squawk Box Europe with the details.
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Conditions for Zelenskyy meeting are nowhere near met, says Putin
Update: Date: 2025-08-07T15:02:03.000Z Title: Vladimir Putin, Content: Russian president says Trump talks could take place as early as next week and the UAE could host Jakub Krupa Thu 7 Aug 2025 15.52 BST First published on Thu 7 Aug 2025 08.39 BST From 1.18pm BST 13:18 And just like that, Interfax is reporting the latest comments from Russian president quoted as saying that 'on the whole' he has nothing against meeting Zelenskyy. He added, however, that 'certain conditions should be created' for such a meeting, and the current situation was 'far' from satisfactory, Reuters reported. He also said, just as expected, that the United Arab Emirates could host his meeting with Trump, potentially as early as next week (11:48). Mind you: he made these comments just after meeting with sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the UAE. Updated at 1.24pm BST 3.52pm BST 15:52 Jakub Krupa … and on that note, it's a wrap! Russian president Vladimir Putin said that 'certain conditions should be created' for him to meet meet his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, adding that the current situation was 'far' from what was necessary (14:18). His comments came amid growing pressure on the Kremlin (10:46), with Russian officials saying that the prepatory work was under way to arrange for Putin's meeting with Trump next week, but not with Zelenskyy (10:28). Meanwhile, Zelenskyy spoke with several European leaders to coordinate on the next steps, including German chancellor Friedrich Merz (12:34, 13:00), French president Emmanuel Macron (14:14), and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen (15:13). In other news, The EU said it was still working with the US on 'stabilising the text' of the joint statement on EU-US trade, with the ball 'in the US court now' (12:51), with first industries raising their concerns about the slow progress in key areas (12:54). Moscow said it had summoned an Italian diplomat earlier this week, over an 'anti-Russian campaign' in Italian media, further fraying already strained ties between the two countries. (16:22). A Dutch anti-discrimination hotline has received more than 2,500 complaints about a campaign post by far-right leader Geert Wilders, a spokesperson said Thursday, making it one of the organisation's most reported cases on record, AFP reported (16:28). And that's all from me, Jakub Krupa, for today. If you have any tips, comments or suggestions, email me at I am also on Bluesky at @ and on X at @jakubkrupa. 3.36pm BST 15:36 Switzerland will continue talks with the United States, its president said on Thursday, after president Donald Trump placed crippling import tariffs on Swiss goods, which threaten to inflict serious damage on its export-focused economy, Reuters reported. The 39% import levy – among the highest of any applied under Trump's global trade reset – took effect at midnight Washington time after an 11th-hour effort by Swiss officials failed to produce a better deal. The tariffs are set to throttle the small alpine nation's access to the US, a leading export market for Swatch, Rolex and Patek Philippe watches as well as high-end cheeses and chocolates, Reuters warned. 'For the affected sectors, companies, and their employees, this is an extraordinarily difficult situation,' president Karin Keller-Sutter told reporters following an urgent meeting of the seven-member Federal Council, Switzerland's governing cabinet. Keller-Sutter left Washington on Wednesday without a deal following a hastily organised trip during which she did not meet with Trump or any of his leading trade representatives, according to two sources. Her proposal for a 10% tariff rate was rejected by U.S. officials, one of the sources added. Keller-Sutter said Switzerland wanted 'a rule-based relationship with the United States... but not at any price.' 3.32pm BST 15:32 Deborah Cole is facing a class-action lawsuit from more than 10,000 European hotels arguing that the accommodation mega-site used its muscle to distort the market to their detriment over a 20-year period. The Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes in Europe (Hotrec), which represents the industry within the EU and is bringing the legal action, recently extended to 29 August a deadline for hotel owners to join the suit because of high demand. The lawsuit, expected to be one of the largest ever filed in the European hospitality sector, is also backed by 30 national hotel associations, including Britain's. 'Over 10,000 hotels have already joined the pan-European initiative to claim compensation for financial losses caused by use of illegal 'best price' (parity) clauses,' Hotrec said in a statement. It alleges that the 'best price' pledge on was extracted from hotels under huge pressure not to offer rooms at lower prices on other platforms, including their own websites. The hotel industry says that the Netherlands-based platform also used the clauses to prevent customers making what it called 'free-rider' bookings, which it defined as using its services to find a hotel but then booking directly with the management, cutting out 'Registration [to the legal action] continues to grow steadily, and the response so far demonstrates the hospitality industry's strong desire to stand up against unfair practices in the digital marketplace,' Hotrec said. The litigation, which experts say will be an uphill battle, seeks damages for the period from 2004 to 2024, when did away with the best price clause to comply with the EU Digital Markets Act. 3.28pm BST 15:28 A Dutch anti-discrimination hotline has received more than 2,500 complaints about a campaign post by far-right leader Geert Wilders, a spokesperson said Thursday, making it one of the organisation's most reported cases on record, AFP reported. The post, shared by the Freedom Party (PVV) leader earlier this week, showed a young blonde woman labelled 'PVV' next to an older, stern-looking woman in a headscarf marked 'PvdA', referring to the Dutch Labour Party. 'The choice is yours on 29/10,' Wilders wrote on X, referring to local elections in the Netherlands in October. A hotline spokesperson told the Dutch news agency, ANP, that it was clear that the picture was 'polarising, stigmatising and discriminatory' and intended to 'put Muslims in a bad light'. The complaints and comments given to the hotline, he said, were 'a clear signal from society'. The volume of complaints is among the highest the organisation has ever seen for a single incident. Updated at 3.32pm BST 3.24pm BST 15:24 Jakub Krupa Let's take a quick look at other news across Europe. 3.22pm BST 15:22 Elsewhere, Moscow said it had summoned an Italian diplomat earlier this week, over an 'anti-Russian campaign' in Italian media, further fraying already strained ties between the two countries, AFP reported. Reuters added that the row focused on what the Russian ministry called 'odious' anti-Russian statements, in an ongoing row over the cancellation of a concert by Russian conductor Valery Gergiev in Italy. Updated at 3.49pm BST 2.13pm BST 14:13 European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, not involved in yesterday's call with Trump and European leaders (12:17), has just got off the phone with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In a brief social media update, she said they 'discussed the next steps on the way towards a negotiated peace agreement and Ukraine's future membership in the European Union as well as its reconstruction.' 'Europe's position is clear. We fully support Ukraine. We will continue to play an active role to guarantee a just and lasting peace.' 1.18pm BST 13:18 And just like that, Interfax is reporting the latest comments from Russian president quoted as saying that 'on the whole' he has nothing against meeting Zelenskyy. He added, however, that 'certain conditions should be created' for such a meeting, and the current situation was 'far' from satisfactory, Reuters reported. He also said, just as expected, that the United Arab Emirates could host his meeting with Trump, potentially as early as next week (11:48). Mind you: he made these comments just after meeting with sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the UAE. Updated at 1.24pm BST 1.14pm BST 13:14 Continuing his conversations with European leaders, Ukraine's Zelenskyy just spoke with the French president, Emmanuel Macron. He said Ukraine and European partners were 'coordinating our positions' as they 'see the need for a common European view on key security issues for Europe.' 'We remain mindful of the need for a real ceasefire. Ukraine is ready for it, and there has been no clear public response from Russia yet. The near future must show what the consequences will be if Russia continues to drag out the war and disrupt constructive efforts.' 12.21pm BST 12:21 Meanwhile, Zelenskyy said he just held a meeting on 'deep strikes' into the Russian teritory, where he received a report on the latest activities. He said the discussion covers the latest updates on 'the scale of damage inflicted on Russia, the cost-effectiveness of each strike, and the impact on the aggressor's war machine.' 'Russia's attempts to prolong the war will come at a cost,' he warned. 12.04pm BST 12:04 Shaun Walker in Kyiv The prospect of Putin and Trump trying to come to an agreement on Ukraine with no one else in the room is likely to alarm Kyiv and European capitals. Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for direct discussions with Putin, with either Trump or the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as a mediator. Putin has so far dismissed the possibility, suggesting that lower-level negotiation groups should come to an agreement first. However, little progress has been made at a series of direct talks in Turkey, with Moscow sending a junior delegation and not appearing ready for real talks. It is not clear where a Trump-Putin summit might take place but the most likely options are Turkey or the Middle East. Ushakov said a location had already been decided but declined to name it. 12.00pm BST 12:00 As we were following trade developments, Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered his take on the phone call with German chancellor Friedrich Merz. He said the two leaders 'share the view that the war must be ended as soon as possible with a dignified peace, and the parameters of ending this war will shape the security landscape of Europe for decades to come.' He insisted that with Ukraine being an integral part of Europe and in the process of EU accession, 'Europe must be a participant in the relevant processes' on ending the war. 'Today, security advisors will hold an online meeting to align our joint views – Ukraine and the whole Europe, the United States,' he added. Separately, Zelenskyy appeared to put more pressure on Russia to agree to a three-way leaders' meeting, saying: 'Yesterday, various potential formats for leader-level meetings to bring peace were also discussed – two bilateral and one trilateral. Ukraine is not afraid of meetings and expects the same brave approach from the Russian side. It is time we ended the war.' 11.56am BST 11:56 Lisa O'Carroll The Irish government is to publish a plan to diversify its economy in the wake of Donald Trump's punitive tariffs on imports from the EU and almost 70 other trading partners around the world. The deputy prime minister Simon Harris said on Friday that he would publish the national strategy later this month. 'We must also look for other opportunities to diversify markets for Irish business. While we want to continue to do business with the US and indeed want to grow business. It is important that we take every opportunity to identify new markets. This month we will publish Ireland's new Market Diversification Action Plan,' he said. The Irish government has been criticised in some quarters for not building up contingencies in its export-driven economy that could soften the blow of a sudden shock such as the US presidents decision to impose 15% tariffs on all imports from the EU. Ireland is also bracing itself for a new assault on pharmaceutical exports next week. Although the US and the EU agreed that any tariffs would not go beyond 15%, Ireland, whose exports are driven by pharmaceutical sales to the US, remains nervous that other barriers could be erected by Trump to force US multinationals to divert investment to the US. Trump singled out China and Ireland's pharma sectors during an interview on CNBC earlier this week. 'In many ways, the EU and the US are interdependent when it comes to pharma. In the very first instance, it's vital that the US keeps its agreement in terms of a tariff rate of no higher than 15% on the pharma industry,' said Harris on Thursday. 'But actually, in the time ahead, it's important that we seek to further improve that. US pharma companies need to have a base in the European Union – and Ireland has been a very constructive, very good home for those businesses. They've done very well in Ireland,' he added. 11.54am BST 11:54 Lisa O'Carroll The German car industry has called on the US to speedily deliver on its promise to reduce the tariff on cars from 27.5% to the 15% ceiling agreed at Donald Trump's golf course 10 days ago. EU manufacturers have found themselves in the same boat as the UK industry which had to wait before the agreement struck between Trump and prime minister Keir Starmer on a10% rate came into Müller, president of the German car industry federation, the VDA, said the EU-US deal had 'brought no clarity or improvement' to the industry. 'The sectoral tariffs on cars and automotive parts of 27.5 percent, which have been in effect since April and May, respectively, remain in place and place a significant burden on German automakers and automotive suppliers, as well as on transatlantic trade. 'It is important that the promised agreement is reached now and the relief measures are implemented promptly. The US must now suspend the so-called Section 232 and withdraw the sectoral tariffs for the European and thus also the German automotive industry. The EU Commission and the German Federal Government must vigorously advocate for this,' she said. Other sectors including the wine and spirits industry have also called on the White House to act fast to reduce the current 15% tariff now applying to alcohol exports. However this is unlikely to be settled for weeks, if not months, as the EU and the US continue to negotiate carve outs for the sector. Although the EU was hoping for a zero for zero tariff rate on alcohol sales in both directions, a small tariff that applied to wine and spirits before Trump was elected is still likely to apply after the 15% ceiling is unapplied. This is because a reduction to zero would require Trump to get approval from the Congress. Trump tariffs on alcohol which range from 0.5% on Sherry to 1.8% on sparkling wine will apply even if the EU-US agree to eliminate the extra tariff. 11.51am BST 11:51 Jakub Krupa The technical point on cars, pharma and semiconductors is particularly important as more and more industries are growing impatient – let's quickly cross to Lisa O'Carroll on this point to explain. 11.51am BST 11:51 The EU has also given a brief update on the state of play in the EU-US trade talks. Trade spokesperson Olof Gill said the two sides were working on 'stabilising the text' of the much-awaited joint statement taking further the general agreement reached in Scotland. He said it would still be non-binding, but help to set the road ahead. 'To all intents and purposes, the ball is in the US court now, and we look forward to them helping us to move the process forward,' he said. He added that 'a vast majority [of the text] is agreed' and 'we have made it very clear where we can and can't go now; we look forward to our American counterparts doing the same.' Gill also was asked about the EU's spending commitments that Trump spoke about earlier this week, with the US president portraying them as in his 'gift' that he can do whatever he wants with (our blog on Tuesday). The EU's spokesperson explained that the EU 'transmitted to the US administration … sort of aggregate intentions … by EU companies,' but added that these numbers are not binding the commission and it has no power to enforce it. Gill was also asked about the progress on cars, pharmaceutical and semiconductors, but said he couldn't offer a more detailed timeline, with the EU waiting for the US. 11.34am BST 11:34 German chancellor Friedrich Merz is the latest European leader to speak to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The German government spokesperson, Stefan Kornelius, said in a statement the pair spoke by telephone to discuss yesterday's meeting between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian president Vladimir Putin. The statement said: 'Both acknowledged the American president's mediation efforts and agreed that Russia must end its war of aggression, which violates international law. Both agreed to maintain close contact with European partners and the United States. The Chancellor assured the Ukrainian president of his continued support.' Updated at 11.36am BST
Times of Oman
31-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
PM Modi and UAE President reaffirm commitment to deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the official statement by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said. According to the release, PM Modi spoke yesterday with the President of the UAE over the telephone, and the two leaders reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthening the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE. "They positively assessed the remarkable progress made across various sectors of bilateral cooperation and laid emphasis on further developing and deepening collaboration for the shared benefit of the peoples of both countries," the release said. Moreover, the UAE President also extended congratulations to PM Modi on becoming the second longest-serving Prime Minister in India's history and wished him continued success in his service to the nation, the press release added.
Egypt Independent
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Sisi greets UAE on Union Pledge Day
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday 19/7/2025 sent a cable of greetings to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the Gulf country's Union Pledge Day. The UAE marks the first anniversary of the 'Union Pledge Day' on 18th July, as the nation reflects on the pivotal moments that led to its unification, recalling the enduring legacy of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, the Rulers, whose historic declaration in 1971 laid the foundations for the federation. The day is one of the most important days in the history of the UAE, as the declaration of the Union and the UAE Constitution were signed, and its name was announced, with the solid foundation for its establishment laid on 2nd December. Union Pledge Day was designated as a national occasion by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to reaffirm loyalty to the homeland and celebrate the country's continued development. The day aims to strengthen national identity and raise public awareness of the foundational steps that propelled the UAE to its current status as a regional and global leader.
