- US and Iranian officials will meet in Oman this Friday to discuss Iran's nuclear program. - Negotiations, suspended since June, will reportedly focus on the nuclear issue and sanctions relief. - US officials want to broaden the agenda to include Iran's missile program and human rights record.
A: Hey Hana-chan! Did you hear about the news? Something about Iran and the US?
B: Oh, really? No, what happened? Tell me!
A: Well, they're going to talk this Friday in Oman! About Iran's nuclear stuff.
B: Wow! That’s a big deal! I thought things were tense.
A: Yeah, exactly! Talks stopped a while ago, remember? After the US military... did something?
B: Right, right! I remember hearing about that. What are they planning to talk about?
A: Mostly about Iran's nuclear program and maybe lifting some sanctions.
B: Sanctions? That’s complicated! But wait, I heard Secretary Rubio wants to talk about other things too? Like missiles?
A: Yep! He wants to talk about other issues, like their missiles and... stuff.
B: Hmm. Sounds like it could get tricky. Is the US getting serious then?
A: They’ve sent a big ship, the USS Abraham Lincoln, over there! Pretty serious stuff.
B: Seriously! Do you think they’ll actually agree on something?
A: Someone who knows a lot about this said they need to be a little more flexible. Small steps, you know?
B: Fingers crossed! It’s so important to avoid another conflict, isn't it?
A: Totally! Let's hope it goes well. We'll see what happens!
Senior US and Iranian officials are getting ready to hold talks in Oman this Friday on Tehran's nuclear program. The key question is whether this round will lead to an easing of tensions between the two countries. Iran's Tasnim News Agency, which is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, posted about the talks. It said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US special envoy Steve Witkoff will attend. The talks have been suspended since last June, when the US military carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The news agency said "the subject of the negotiations is limited to the nuclear issue and lifting sanctions on Iran." But US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the agenda should include other issues as well, including Iran's ballistic missiles, sponsorship of terrorist organizations, and treatment of its own people. The Trump administration has been boosting military pressure on Tehran. It has deployed the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the Arabian Sea region near Iran. Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Washington-based Arms Control Association, said that if they can agree to "some very modest initial steps," it could ease tensions. He emphasized that both sides need to act with "greater realism and greater flexibility" to avoid another conflict in the Middle East.
Okay, here are three four-choice quizzes based on the provided article, strictly adhering to the format you requested.
Quiz 1: When will senior US and Iranian officials hold talks regarding Tehran’s nuclear program? A. Next Monday B. This Friday C. Last June D. In six months
Quiz 2: According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, what is the primary subject of the negotiations? A. Iran’s ballistic missiles B. Treatment of Iran's own people C. The nuclear issue and lifting sanctions on Iran D. Sponsorship of terrorist organizations
Quiz 3: Which US official stated that the agenda for the talks should include more than just the nuclear issue and sanctions? A. Marco Rubio B. Steve Witkoff C. Daryl Kimball D. Abbas Araghchi
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
- Heavy snowfall is expected across Japan, including rare snow in areas like Tokyo, through Sunday. - The Japan Meteorological Agency warns of potential disruptions including traffic problems, avalanches, and power outages. - Blizzards and near-zero visibility are already occurring in Hokkaido, prompting residents to limit travel.
A: Hey! Did you hear about the weekend weather?
B: No! What's up? Is it going to be okay?
A: Not really! It's supposed to snow *a lot*. Like, really a lot.
B: Seriously? Even in Tokyo? I heard something about that!
A: Yeah! The weather agency is saying even areas that don't usually get snow, like Tokyo, might see some.
B: Wow! Hokkaido and Tohoku are already getting hammered, right?
A: Totally! The wind is super strong too! They measured really high wind speeds.
B: Crazy! And the snow is piling up already. 20 centimeters already!
A: I know! They're expecting up to 70 centimeters in Niigata by Sunday morning!
B: 70 centimeters?! That's insane! We need to be careful, right?
A: Definitely! They’re warning about traffic problems, avalanches, and power outages.
B: Oh no! And they said blizzards are happening in Hokkaido now, making it hard to see anything.
A: Exactly! They're telling people to stay home if they don't *need* to go out.
B: Okay, good to know! Maybe I'll just curl up with a good book this weekend.
Intense snowfall could hit Japanese areas along the Sea of Japan and other parts of the country on Saturday and Sunday. Many of the locations have already received heavy snow accumulations in recent days. The Japan Meteorological Agency is urging people to firmly keep their guard up against traffic disruptions, avalanches and power outages. Snow could also fall and even pile up in Pacific-side areas that rarely see much snow, such as Tokyo's 23 wards and other southern parts of the Kanto region. Snowfall and winds are currently picking up in parts of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region along the Sea of Japan due to a rapidly developing low pressure system. Wind gusts recorded in the three hours through 5 a.m. on Friday reached 82.8 kilometers per hour in Hokkaido's Okushiri Town and 82.4 kilometers per hour in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture. Snowfall in the six hours through 5 a.m. on Friday grew to 28 centimeters in Hokkaido's Sarufutsu Village and 20 centimeters in Noboribetsu City, also in the country's northernmost prefecture. Snowfall for the 24-hour period through Sunday morning is expected to be 70 centimeters in Niigata Prefecture and 50 centimeters in Hokkaido as well as the Tohoku, Hokuriku and Chugoku regions. Heavy snow is forecast to peak on Sunday. Snowfall for the 24-hour period through Monday morning is predicted to be 70 centimeters in Niigata Prefecture and Chugoku, and 50 centimeters in Tohoku, Hokuriku and Kinki. Meanwhile, blizzards are already buffeting some parts of Hokkaido, creating whiteout conditions in which visibility drops to zero. Similar weather could especially batter the prefecture's Soya and Kamikawa-Rumoi areas. People in those places should refrain from nonessential outings and take necessary precautions.
Quiz 1: What is the Japan Meteorological Agency urging people to be aware of? A. Increased sunshine and warmer temperatures B. Potential traffic disruptions, avalanches, and power outages C. A decrease in snowfall across the country D. Improvements in visibility due to clear skies
Quiz 2: Which region is predicted to receive up to 70 centimeters of snowfall in the 24-hour period through Sunday morning? A. Kanto region B. Pacific-side areas C. Niigata Prefecture D. Hokkaido
Quiz 3: What weather condition is currently impacting parts of Hokkaido, significantly reducing visibility? A. Blizzards creating whiteout conditions B. Intense sunshine causing glare C. Clear skies and high visibility D. Mild temperatures and gentle breezes
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
The Washington Post newspaper says it has laid off one-third of its staff in an effort to strengthen its financial footing. The paper announced in its Wednesday edition that it was also eliminating its sports section and closing several foreign bureaus in the Middle East and elsewhere. The New York Times and other US media say the laid-off workers include more than 300 of the roughly 800 journalists in the Washington Post newsroom. The newspaper is known for its investigative journalism. Its coverage of the Watergate scandal in the 1970s led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. In 2013, Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos purchased the paper. He has since pushed for management reforms. But the Washington Post has been losing subscribers. Critics say that is partly due to decisions made by Bezos, including pulling back from an endorsement of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race. They also say Bezos directed a more conservative turn on liberal opinion pages. In the Post article on the layoffs, a former editor condemned Bezos. He said his former boss initially "spoke forcefully and eloquently of a free press," but "there is no sign" of that spirit today. The New York Times has increased sales and profit with digital subscriptions. It also offers games on its smartphone app. The paper says the Post's cuts are a sign that Bezos has not yet figured out how to build and maintain a profitable publication on the internet.
Quiz 1: According to the article, what is the primary reason for the Washington Post’s layoffs? A. To expand its foreign bureaus. B. To strengthen its financial footing. C. To increase its sports coverage. D. To hire more journalists.
Quiz 2: What significant event in the 1970s is the Washington Post known for covering? A. The Iran-Contra Affair. B. The Kennedy Assassination. C. The Watergate scandal. D. The Vietnam War protests.
Quiz 3: What has contributed to criticism of Jeff Bezos's management of the Washington Post? A. Pulling back from endorsing a Democratic candidate in the 2024 presidential race. B. Increasing investment in investigative journalism. C. Expanding the sports section significantly. D. Hiring more foreign correspondents.
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
A student organization that played a central role in pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong has decided to begin procedures to disband. The group is believed to have found it difficult to continue its activities due to pressure from authorities. The Hong Kong Federation of Students announced the decision in a social media post on Thursday. The group is made up of university student unions. The statement says that as circumstances have changed, members and their allies have faced increasing pressure in recent years. It says the group decided to end its activities after carefully considering the situation. The federation was established in 1958. It helped organize a large demonstration in 1989, when Chinese authorities carried out a deadly crackdown on students and other pro-democracy protesters in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square. The group also helped lead the 2014 Umbrella Movement, in which demonstrators in Hong Kong called for democratic elections. After the protests, many key members went into exile or took other steps to protect themselves. Observers say they acted in response to Hong Kong's national security law, which took effect in 2020 and has been used to crack down on anti-government activities. The enforcement of the law has led many other pro-democracy groups in Hong Kong, including political parties, to dissolve. The territory's largest pro-democracy party, the Democratic Party, decided in December to disband.
Quiz 1: What is the primary reason cited for the Hong Kong Federation of Students' decision to disband? A. A lack of interest from university student unions. B. Increasing pressure from authorities. C. A disagreement among members regarding future strategy. D. Financial difficulties preventing continued operation.
Quiz 2: In what year was the Hong Kong Federation of Students established? A. 1989 B. 2014 C. 1958 D. 2020
Quiz 3: Which significant event prompted the Hong Kong Federation of Students to organize a large demonstration? A. The crackdown on students in Tiananmen Square. B. The implementation of Hong Kong's national security law. C. The disbandment of the Democratic Party. D. The beginning of the Umbrella Movement.
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
An international motor show opened on Thursday in Indonesia, where sales of electric vehicles are booming and Chinese carmakers will be the focus of the event. More than 30 auto brands are presenting at the show, where Japanese carmakers long held center stage. This year, Chinese manufacturers account for the largest number of brands. The country's automakers are stepping up their push to sell low-priced EVs. China's GAC Aion, which is rapidly increasing its sales in Indonesia, will introduce its latest EV model at the show. New car sales have been dropping in Indonesia recently. But the sales of electric vehicles have increased by roughly six times in the past two years. The motor show marks the first launch by Japan's Suzuki Motors of an electric vehicle in Indonesia. Japanese carmakers long held more than 90 percent of market share in Indonesia. But this fell to around 80 percent last year, while China's share of new car sales rose above 10 percent.
Quiz 1: What is the main focus of the international motor show in Indonesia? A. Japanese carmakers showcasing new models B. Chinese carmakers and their electric vehicles C. Suzuki Motors’ first electric vehicle launch D. The declining sales of new cars in Indonesia
Quiz 2: Approximately how much have electric vehicle sales increased in Indonesia over the past two years? A. Doubled B. Tripled C. Roughly six times D. Increased by 10 percent
Quiz 3: What has been happening to the market share of Japanese carmakers in Indonesia? A. It has decreased significantly. B. It has remained stable at over 90 percent. C. It has increased slightly. D. It has surpassed China's market share.
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
India has raised taxes on cigarettes and tobacco products, hiking the basic tax rate from 28 percent to 40 percent starting this month. Tobacco producers and other people in the industry are worried that this will lead to job losses, increased smuggling or other illegal trades including counterfeit products. Last year, the government cut taxes to stimulate domestic consumption amid higher US tariffs on Indian goods. The tobacco tax hike was meant to make up losses from other taxes. The move may raise the price of a pack of cigarettes by 55 rupees, or about 60 cents, maximum. A man who owns a cigarette shop said that impact of the tax increase is going to be huge. "Sales may drop 100 percent within two to three months," he added. There are said to be about 250 million smokers in India.
Okay, here are three four-choice quizzes based on the provided article, strictly adhering to the requested format.
Quiz 1: What is the new basic tax rate on cigarettes and tobacco products in India? A. 20 percent B. 40 percent C. 38 percent D. 50 percent
Quiz 2: What was the government’s reason for cutting taxes last year? A. To reduce the price of cigarettes. B. To combat illegal trades. C. To stimulate domestic consumption amid higher US tariffs. D. To increase revenue from tobacco sales.
Quiz 3: Approximately how many smokers are estimated to be in India? A. 250 million B. 100 million C. 500 million D. 150 million
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
- A Tokyo High Court ruling upheld a previous order for the state to hand over the remains of cult leader Asahara Shoko to his daughter. - The state had argued against the handover fearing the remains could be misused for recruitment and to disturb public order. - The court acknowledged the daughter's vow to keep the remains private and not allow them to be used by any group.
A: Hey, did you hear about Asahara’s remains? It's a bit crazy! B: No! Asahara? The cult leader? What’s happening with him? A: Well, the court says his daughter can finally get his ashes and hair. B: Seriously? After all this time? I thought the government was still fighting it. A: They were! They were worried his followers would worship his remains. You know, like make it a shrine or something. B: Oh wow, that makes sense. Why else would they want them? A: Exactly! But the daughter took it to court. First, the lower court agreed with her. B: And now the High Court too? A: Yup! They said the daughter just wants to mourn her dad and keep the remains at home. She promised not to give them to any cult groups. B: So the government lost again? What will they do now? A: They said they need to look at the ruling carefully. Maybe they'll appeal again? It's complicated. B: It really is! What a story!
The Tokyo High Court has upheld a lower court ruling ordering the state to hand over the remains of the late Aum Shinrikyo cult leader Asahara Shoko to his second daughter. Asahara, whose real name was Matsumoto Chizuo, was executed in 2018 for masterminding a series of crimes, including the deadly 1995 sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system. In 2021, the Supreme Court finalized the ruling that Matsumoto's second daughter should take physical possession of his ashes and hair. But the state refused to agree to the handover, saying the cult leader's remains could become an object of worship by followers of the successor group of Aum Shinrikyo, Aleph, and others. The second daughter took the case to court to seek ownership. In March, 2024, the Tokyo District Court ordered that the remains be handed over to the second daughter. The state appealed the decision. In the ruling on Thursday, the presiding judge at the Tokyo High Court, Kanokogi Yasushi, pointed out that if the remains and hair were to pass into the hands of others, they could be used as a source of strong influence and a means to recruit new followers. He said that this could pose a serious threat to public safety and social order. But Kanokogi said that the second daughter wants to take possession of the remains to mourn her father's death, that she plans to keep them at home and that she has vowed to never hand them over to Aleph or any other group. He added that even if the special circumstances regarding the remains are taken into consideration, her request for the handover cannot be said to be an abuse of rights. The government says it understands its arguments were not accepted, and that it will thoroughly examine the details of the ruling and respond appropriately. (社ä¼é¨å稿ãåç § 2024/3/13 æ¾æ¬å æ»ååéºéª¨å½ã«å¼ã渡ãå½ãã 2021/7/5 麻åå æ»ååã®éºéª¨ã次女å¼å確å®)
Quiz 1: What was Asahara Shoko's real name? A. Aleph B. Matsumoto Chizuo C. Kanokogi Yasushi D. Tokyo High Court
Quiz 2: Why did the state initially refuse to hand over Asahara Shoko’s remains? A. They believed the daughter intended to publicly display them. B. They were awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court. C. They feared the remains could be used to recruit followers and threaten public safety. D. They believed the daughter did not have the financial resources to care for the remains.
Quiz 3: According to Presiding Judge Kanokogi Yasushi, what is a potential danger regarding Asahara’s remains? A. They could be used to exert strong influence and recruit new followers. B. They are too valuable and should remain in state custody. C. They could be stolen and sold on the black market. D. They are contaminated and pose a health risk.
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
