Current Affairs 31 july 2025 – Tone academy
Russia’s Klyuchevskoy Volcano Erupts Syllabus:Geography An 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Kamchatka’s Pacific coast was followed hours later by the eruption of the Klyuchevskoy volcano, which produced lava, ash, and explosions. This sequence of events triggered tsunami alerts across the Pacific region. About Klyuchevskoy Volcano Height: At 4,700 meters (15,000 ft), it is the tallest active volcano in Europe and Asia. Location: It is situated on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia. Geological Context: It is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Earthquake & Tsunami Alert The earthquake, which measured 8.8 in magnitude, occurred offshore. Tsunami warnings were issued in Russia, Japan, and other Pacific territories. Evacuations were temporarily ordered, and the warning was lifted after 11 hours. With reference to the recent natural events on the Kamchatka Peninsula, consider the following statements: The Klyuchevskoy volcano is classified as a dormant volcano but showed renewed activity after the earthquake. The region is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for high seismic and volcanic activity. The 8.8 magnitude earthquake occurred inland, triggering the eruption of the volcano due to tectonic compression. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 onlyB. 2 onlyC. 1 and 3 onlyD. 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer: B. 2 only Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect – Klyuchevskoy is not dormant; it is the tallest active volcano in Eurasia. Statement 2 is correct – Kamchatka lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of intense tectonic and volcanic activity. Statement 3 is incorrect – The earthquake was offshore, not inland, and while earthquake-volcano links exist, direct causality is debated. What is a Tsunami? Syllabus:Geography A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves caused by sudden displacement of water, usually from underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. The word “tsunami” comes from Japanese, with “Tsu” meaning harbor and “Nami” meaning wave, and is not related to tides. Causes of Tsunamis Tsunamis can be caused by several events that displace a large volume of water: Underwater Earthquakes: This is the most common cause, resulting from the shifting of tectonic plates. Volcanic Eruptions: Massive eruptions can forcefully push water, generating waves. Underwater Landslides: Sudden displacements of the seabed can also trigger tsunamis. Meteorite Impacts: Although rare, meteorite impacts can cause mega-tsunamis. Formation Process The formation of a tsunami can be described in these steps: Trigger Event: It begins with a sudden event like an underwater earthquake, eruption, or landslide. Wave Generation: The energy from this event spreads out in all directions through the water. Deep Ocean Travel: In the deep ocean, tsunami waves travel very fast (up to 800 km/h) but have a low height. Wave Shoaling: As the waves approach the shore, they slow down and grow significantly taller. Coastal Impact: The waves hit the coast, causing destructive flooding and damage. With reference to tsunami waves, consider the following statements: Tsunamis are tidal in origin and are formed due to gravitational interactions between the Earth and Moon. In the open ocean, tsunami waves travel at high speeds but have very low wave heights. Tsunamis can also be triggered by anthropogenic activities such as large-scale underwater nuclear tests. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 onlyB. 2 and 3 onlyC. 1 and 3 onlyD. 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer: B. 2 and 3 only Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect – Tsunamis are not tidal waves and are unrelated to lunar gravity. Statement 2 is correct – In deep ocean, tsunami waves travel up to 800 km/h but have low amplitude, making them barely noticeable. Statement 3 is correct – Though rare, man-made events like underwater nuclear explosions can displace water and generate tsunamis. “Donald Trump Imposes 25% Tariff on India Syllabus:Economy Based on the provided context, President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on Indian exports to the US, effective August 1, 2025. Justification for the Tariffs Trump justified the decision by citing India’s “high tariff barriers” and non-monetary trade restrictions. He also criticized India’s continued purchases of Russian oil and weapons. According to the provided information, Trump claimed that US-India trade was imbalanced due to India’s protectionism and stated, “India has been a good friend, but their tariffs are too high”. Impact on Relations This action highlights growing tensions between the US and India over trade and geopolitical issues. The US trade deficit with India was cited as a major concern. Consider the following statements regarding recent US trade actions against India (August 2025): The 25% tariff announced by the US applies across-the-board to all Indian exports, including pharmaceutical and IT services. One of the key reasons cited for the tariffs was India’s continued strategic engagement with Russia in defense and energy sectors. The US administration has invoked the WTO’s Security Exception clause to justify the imposition of these tariffs. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 onlyB. 2 and 3 onlyC. 1 and 3 onlyD. 2 only Correct Answer: D. 2 only Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect – The tariff is not necessarily across all sectors (especially not services like IT, which are governed under different regimes such as H1B visa policies and digital trade). Statement 2 is correct – The defense and energy ties with Russia, especially post-Ukraine war dynamics, were cited as a major concern by the US. Statement 3 is incorrect – There is no indication of the US invoking WTO’s Security Exception (Article XXI) in this specific case. India–UAE Maritime Security & Safety Cooperation Agreement Syllabus:IR An MoU was signed in New Delhi between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the UAE National Guard Command. The aim of this agreement is to strengthen bilateral maritime security, safety, and cooperation. Key Objectives of the MoU The MoU outlines several key objectives: Enhance Maritime Search & Rescue (M-SAR) operations. Improve Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE). Combat transnational maritime crimes. Coordinate Marine Pollution Response (MPR). Promote joint training and operational