UPSC Weekly Current Affairs – 27 Aug to 27 Aug 2026

01

International Trade

India and Morocco agree to double bilateral trade in five years

India and Morocco agreed to work toward doubling bilateral trade over the next five years.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 17th Joint Commission
• 2Trade target: double in 5 years
• 32025 trade: about US$4 billion
• 4India-Morocco

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The decision came during the 7th India-Morocco Joint Commission co-chaired by Minister of State Jitin Prasada. Bilateral trade was around US$4 billion in 2025.

02

International Trade

India-Morocco Joint Working Group to explore Preferential Trade Agreement

The two countries agreed to explore a Preferential Trade Agreement through a Joint Working Group.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Preferential Trade Agreement
• 2Joint Working Group
• 3Market access
• 4India-Morocco

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The proposal is intended to improve market access and diversify bilateral trade in goods and services.

03

International Relations

India-Morocco diplomatic relations to complete 70 years in 2027

India and Morocco will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 170th anniversary: 2027
• 28th Joint Commission
• 3Venue: New Delhi
• 4India-Morocco

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The two countries also agreed that the 8th India-Morocco Joint Commission will be held in New Delhi.

04

Defence & Maritime

7th India-Vietnam Coast Guard High-Level Meeting held in Chennai

The Indian Coast Guard and Vietnam Coast Guard held their 7th High-Level Meeting in Chennai.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 17th High-Level Meeting
• 2India-Vietnam Coast Guard
• 3Venue: Chennai
• 4Maritime cooperation

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The meeting focused on maritime cooperation, capacity building, information exchange and stronger institutional ties between the two coast guards.

05

Transport & Technology

ICAT issues first compliance certificate for 15-metre multi-axle sleeper bus

ICAT issued the first compliance certificate for a 15-metre multi-axle sleeper bus.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1ICAT
• 2First compliance certificate
• 315-metre bus
• 4Multi-axle sleeper

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The certification is an important transport-sector milestone involving the International Centre for Automotive Technology and new long-distance bus configurations.

06

History & Defence

Raksha Mantri inaugurates redeveloped Hutatma Smruti Smarak at Patradevi

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the redeveloped Hutatma Smruti Smarak in Goa.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Hutatma Smruti Smarak
• 2Patradevi, Goa
• 3Rajnath Singh
• 4Goa Liberation

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The memorial at Patradevi honours satyagrahis associated with Goa's liberation struggle from Portuguese rule and highlights preservation of national historical memory.

07

Disaster Management

Centre places NDRF and border administrations on high alert after Nepal flash flood

India put likely affected border areas on high alert following severe flooding in Nepal.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Nepal flash flood
• 2NDRF high alert
• 3Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
• 4Home Ministry

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The Home Ministry said local administrations, rescue teams and NDRF units were placed on high alert, while the Union Home Minister spoke with the Chief Ministers of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

08

International Relations

Prime Minister speaks with Nepal Prime Minister amid flood situation

The Prime Minister spoke with Nepal's Prime Minister as the Himalayan country faced a major flood disaster.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1India-Nepal
• 2Prime Ministers' call
• 3Flood emergency
• 4Humanitarian support

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The communication reflected India's immediate diplomatic and humanitarian engagement with Nepal during the unfolding emergency.

09

Defence

INS Sudarshini departs Lisbon after three-day port call

Indian Navy sail training ship INS Sudarshini concluded its Lisbon visit under Lokayan 2026.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1INS Sudarshini
• 2Lisbon
• 3Lokayan 2026
• 4India-Portugal naval ties

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The ship's engagements with Portugal included naval-academy interaction, professional exchanges and a deck reception, strengthening India-Portugal maritime cooperation.

10

Banking & Finance

SIDBI holds conclave of Regional Rural Bank heads on MSME co-lending

SIDBI organised a conclave of RRB heads to expand SIDBI-RRB MSME co-lending.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1SIDBI
• 2Regional Rural Banks
• 3MSME co-lending
• 4Credit access

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The initiative aims to increase credit flow to micro, small and medium enterprises by combining SIDBI's development-finance expertise with the rural reach of RRBs.

11

Sports

Khelo India Dialogue held nationwide on 27 August

The Khelo India Dialogue connects youth and athletes across the country during National Sports Day celebrations.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 127 August 2026
• 2MY Bharat
• 3National Sports Day
• 4Khelo India Dialogue

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Organised by MY Bharat, the initiative links sports with youth leadership, civic responsibility, fitness and nation-building, with participation at educational institutions nationwide.

12

Sports & Youth

Khelo India Yuva Samvaad focuses on five themes

The youth dialogue is structured around sports, Olympic aspirations, youth leadership, Viksit Bharat and Nasha Mukt Yuva.

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Exam takeaways

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5 points

• 1Sports
• 2Olympic Aspirations
• 3Youth Leadership
• 4Viksit Bharat
• 5Nasha Mukt Yuva

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These five themes are designed to connect India's sporting ambitions with broader youth participation and national development goals.

13

Social Security

EPFO releases August pension early in Kerala ahead of Onam

EPFO credited August 2026 pension early to pensioners in Kerala before Onam.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 14,40,901 pensioners
• 2Kerala zone
• 3Early pension
• 4Onam

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A special arrangement enabled 4,40,901 pensioners under the Kerala zone to receive pension on 26 August instead of the usual month-end schedule.

14

Governance

Jitendra Singh calls for whole-of-society approach to capacity building

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said national capacity building must go beyond individual skills.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Whole-of-society approach
• 2Government-private-society partnership
• 3Capacity building
• 4Emerging challenges

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He advocated a collective approach involving government, private sector and society to address rapid technological and global change.

15

Science & Technology

Government urges stronger philanthropy for research and innovation

Jitendra Singh highlighted the need to build a culture of philanthropy for Indian research and innovation.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Philanthropy
• 2Research
• 3Innovation
• 4Private participation

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The call links private and societal support with India's efforts to strengthen science, technology and innovation capacity.

16

International Economy

India-Morocco cooperation expands across AI, EVs and renewable energy

Moroccan businesses were invited to invest in India across technology and green-growth sectors.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1AI
• 2Electric vehicles
• 3Renewable energy
• 4Healthcare and pharmaceuticals

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Priority opportunities highlighted included artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, renewable energy, healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

17

International Trade

India and Morocco identify fertilisers and pharmaceuticals for deeper trade

The Joint Commission highlighted several sectors for expanded bilateral commerce.

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Exam takeaways

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5 points

• 1Fertilisers
• 2Pharmaceuticals
• 3Automotive
• 4Agri-food
• 5Tourism

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Areas included fertilisers and chemicals, mineral resources, machinery, automotive components, agri-food, tea, metals, tourism and predictable pharmaceutical market access.

18

International Relations

India-Morocco 7th Joint Commission co-chaired by Jitin Prasada

Minister of State Jitin Prasada co-chaired the 7th India-Morocco Joint Commission.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Jitin Prasada
• 27th Joint Commission
• 324-25 August
• 4Morocco

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His official visit to Morocco from 24 to 25 August included bilateral meetings, a business forum and engagement with the India-Maroc Phosphore joint venture.

19

Defence

INS Sudarshini trainees visit Portuguese Naval Academy

Indian Navy sea trainees interacted with counterparts at Portugal's Escola Naval.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Portuguese Naval Academy
• 2Sea trainees
• 3Seamanship
• 4Tall-ship training

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The professional exchange covered seamanship and tall-ship sail training and was part of INS Sudarshini's Lokayan 2026 transoceanic expedition.

20

History & Culture

Goa liberation memorial highlights legacy of satyagrahis

The Patradevi memorial redevelopment commemorates people who participated in Goa's liberation struggle.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Goa Liberation
• 2Satyagrahis
• 3Patradevi memorial
• 4Historical preservation

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The Defence Minister used the inauguration to urge young people to understand and preserve the history of Goa's freedom from Portuguese rule.

21

International Relations

Qatar Prime Minister visits Tehran to revive US-Iran mediation

Qatar's prime minister is visiting Tehran in an effort to restart diplomatic mediation.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Qatar mediation
• 2Tehran visit
• 3US-Iran talks
• 4Strait of Hormuz

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Qatar has served as a back-channel between the US and Iran. The visit comes as the conflict approaches six months and major disagreements remain over the Strait of Hormuz.

22

Disasters & Environment

Nepal flood rescue teams search for hundreds of missing people

Rescue workers continued searching for hundreds missing after catastrophic flooding in Nepal.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Nepal flood
• 2Hundreds missing
• 3Mud and rock collapse
• 4Himalayan region

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A wall of mud and rock collapsed into a river near the Nepal-Tibet border, triggering floods that swept through Himalayan settlements and killed scores of people.

23

World Economy

Bank of Korea raises policy rate to 3.00%

South Korea's central bank raised its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 3.00%.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Rate: 3.00%
• 2Increase: 25 bps
• 3Second straight hike
• 4Bank of Korea

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The move was the second consecutive rate increase, reflecting persistent inflation and financial-stability concerns.

24

World Economy

Bank of Korea raises 2026 GDP growth forecast to 3.3%

South Korea's central bank upgraded its 2026 economic-growth forecast.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 12026 GDP forecast: 3.3%
• 2Previous: 2.6%
• 3Inflation forecast: 2.7%
• 4South Korea

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The new GDP-growth projection is 3.3%, up from 2.6%, while the inflation estimate was kept at 2.7%.

25

World Economy

Bank of Japan deputy governor calls for timely rate hikes

BOJ Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino said timely rate increases can prevent a future inflation spike.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1BOJ
• 2Ryozo Himino
• 32% inflation target
• 4Timely rate hikes

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He warned that underlying inflation moving above the 2% target could harm the economy and require sharper tightening later.

26

World Economy

China industrial profits rise 17.6% in January-July 2026

Profits at China's industrial firms increased 17.6% in the first seven months of 2026.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Jan-Jul profit growth: 17.6%
• 2July: 11.2%
• 3China industrial firms
• 4Recovery

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Profit growth slowed from 18.7% in the first half, while July profits rose 11.2% year-on-year, showing uneven momentum in China's recovery.

27

Technology & Economy

China electronics-manufacturing profits jump 110%

China's computer, communications and other electronic-equipment sector recorded very strong profit growth.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Electronics profit growth: 110%
• 2January-July
• 3AI-linked demand
• 4China

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The sector's profits rose 110% in January-July, reflecting demand linked to the global AI and electronics cycle.

28

Technology & Economy

China fibre-optics manufacturing profits surge 468.4%

Fibre-optics manufacturing was among the fastest-growing profit segments in China.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Fibre optics: +468.4%
• 2January-July
• 3China manufacturing
• 4Telecom equipment

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Profits in fibre optics manufacturing rose 468.4% during January-July, while communication-equipment-related industries also posted large increases.

29

Technology & Economy

Nvidia forecasts about 70% sales growth for next fiscal year

Nvidia projected roughly 70% revenue growth for the fiscal year ending January 2028.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Forecast: about 70% growth
• 2Fiscal year ending Jan 2028
• 3AI computing
• 4Nvidia

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The forecast signals that the global AI-computing investment boom is expected to remain strong despite concerns about costs, supply constraints and sustainability.

30

Technology & Economy

Nvidia Q2 revenue reaches $96.22 billion

Nvidia reported quarterly revenue of $96.22 billion.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Q2 revenue: $96.22 billion
• 2AI demand
• 3Data centres
• 4Nvidia

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The result beat analyst expectations, supported by booming demand for AI data-centre computing.

31

Technology & Economy

Nvidia data-centre revenue doubles to $89 billion

Nvidia's data-centre business reported around $89 billion in quarterly revenue.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Data-centre revenue: $89 billion
• 2Revenue doubled
• 3AI infrastructure
• 4Nvidia

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The doubling underscores the scale of spending by technology companies and AI labs on accelerators and infrastructure.

32

Technology

Nvidia reportedly agrees to buy Hugging Face for $12.9 billion

Nvidia has reportedly agreed to acquire AI platform Hugging Face in a $12.9 billion deal.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Deal value: $12.9 billion
• 2Nvidia
• 3Hugging Face
• 4Open-source AI

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Hugging Face hosts open-source large language models and datasets. The report highlights consolidation around AI platforms and developer ecosystems.

33

Technology

SoftBank reportedly in talks for majority stake in humanoid robot firm 1X

SoftBank is reportedly discussing a majority investment in 1X Technologies.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1SoftBank
• 21X Technologies
• 3About $6 billion valuation
• 4Humanoid robots

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The potential transaction would value the humanoid-robot developer at about $6 billion, reflecting strong investor interest in robotics and embodied AI.

34

World Markets

Asian stocks rise for a third straight day after Nvidia results

Asian equities advanced as Nvidia's strong results boosted technology-sector confidence.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1MSCI Asia ex-Japan +0.7%
• 2KOSPI +1.5%
• 3Taiwan +0.9%
• 4Nvidia boost

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MSCI's Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan rose around 0.7%, while South Korea's KOSPI gained 1.5% and Taiwan shares rose 0.9%.

35

Energy

Brent crude falls for fourth consecutive day

Brent oil fell around 0.7% to about $87.24 a barrel.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Brent: about $87.24
• 2Down 0.7%
• 3Fourth day of losses
• 4Hormuz diplomacy

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Prices declined on expectations that diplomatic talks involving Qatar and Iran could reduce disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.

36

Energy

WTI crude falls to about $81.67 a barrel

US crude futures fell about 0.7% to $81.67.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1WTI: $81.67
• 2Down 0.7%
• 3Fifth day lower
• 4Middle East supply

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West Texas Intermediate was down for a fifth day as traders assessed hopes of easing Middle East supply disruptions.

37

World Economy

US core PCE rises 0.2% in July

The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge rose 0.2% month-on-month in July.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Core PCE: +0.2% in July
• 2US inflation
• 3Federal Reserve
• 4Jackson Hole

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The data showed inflation pressures remain firm ahead of the September Federal Reserve meeting and the Jackson Hole policy discussion.

38

World Markets

US 10-year Treasury yield around 4.647% ahead of Jackson Hole

The 10-year US Treasury yield eased to about 4.647% as investors awaited Federal Reserve guidance.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 110-year yield: about 4.647%
• 2Jackson Hole
• 3Kevin Warsh
• 4US rates

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Markets are focused on Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's Jackson Hole speech for clues on the direction of US interest rates.

39

World Markets

Gold rises to about $4,624 an ounce

Gold gained around 0.7% in Asian trading.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Gold: about $4,624.14
• 2Up 0.7%
• 3Dollar-debasement trade
• 4Safe-haven demand

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The metal benefited from renewed interest in so-called dollar-debasement trades amid concerns over US debt and bond-market intervention.

40

Technology & Markets

Bitcoin trades around $79,000 as risk assets strengthen

Bitcoin rose around 0.8% to roughly $79,043.

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Exam takeaways

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4 points

• 1Bitcoin: about $79,043
• 2Up 0.8%
• 3Crypto markets
• 4Dollar weakness

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Cryptocurrencies gained alongside gold as investors weighed US dollar weakness, Treasury-market intervention and changing expectations for monetary policy.