- Ukraine and Russia exchanged 157 prisoners each following talks facilitated by the US. - Senior officials from Ukraine, Russia, and the US met in Abu Dhabi to discuss ending the fighting. - Further progress on territory and security guarantees remains uncertain, but more talks are anticipated soon.
A: Hey! Did you hear anything about Ukraine and Russia?
B: No, what's going on?
A: They had another meeting, you know, to try and end the fighting.
B: Oh really? Did they agree on anything?
A: Yeah! They exchanged prisoners! Like, 157 people from each side!
B: Wow, that’s good news, right?
A: Definitely! Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, said they included soldiers, guards, and even civilians. Many were held since 2022.
B: That's a long time! I hope they're okay.
A: Russia said their people will get medical help too.
B: So, who was at the meeting?
A: Zelenskyy sent his top advisor, and Russia sent their military intelligence chief. America was there too, with a special envoy.
B: Any progress on the big stuff, like land and security?
A: Not really clear yet. They said they need to do more work.
B: Hopefully they’ll make some progress soon! A few weeks, maybe?
A: That's what the American envoy said! Fingers crossed!
Senior officials from Ukraine, Russia and the US have met for another round of talks to end the fighting. They said 157 prisoners each from Ukraine and Russia were exchanged after the meeting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on social media Thursday that the captives included personnel from the Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service, as well as civilians. He added that most had been held since 2022. The Russian defense ministry confirmed the release of its people and said they will receive medical treatment and rehabilitation. The peace talks, which took place in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday and Thursday, included Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, and Igor Kostyukov, Russia's head of the military intelligence service. US special envoy Steve Witkoff led the American side. Witkoff said on social media that more work needs to be done, but he anticipates additional progress "in the coming weeks." It remains unclear whether progress was made over the issues of territory and security guarantees for Ukraine.
Quiz 1: According to the article, how many prisoners were exchanged between Ukraine and Russia? A. 100 prisoners each B. 157 prisoners each C. 200 prisoners each D. 50 prisoners each
Quiz 2: Who led the American side during the peace talks in Abu Dhabi? A. Kyrylo Budanov B. Volodymyr Zelenskyy C. Steve Witkoff D. Igor Kostyukov
Quiz 3: What did Ukrainian President Zelenskyy state regarding the prisoners who were released? A. Most had been held since 2022. B. They were all military personnel. C. They received immediate medical treatment. D. They were all released within the last month.
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
- Mitsubishi Motors reported a significant net loss due to US tariffs and exchange rate fluctuations. - Mitsubishi revised its sales forecast upwards for the fiscal year ending March 2026. - Suzuki Motor saw its first drop in operating profit for five years, impacted by rising raw material costs in India.
A: Hey Hana! Did you hear anything about Mitsubishi and Suzuki?
B: No, what’s up, Kenji? Something bad?
A: Yeah, a bit. Mitsubishi had a loss! Like, 28 million dollars!
B: Wow, that’s a big loss! What happened?
A: It’s because of those US tariffs, remember? From a while ago? They really hurt them. Sales were down a little too.
B: Oh, right, the tariffs. It's tough, isn't it?
A: Totally. And their operating profit dropped a lot too! Almost 70 percent!
B: Seriously?! That’s crazy. What about Suzuki?
A: Suzuki isn't doing amazing either. Their profits went down for the first time in five years!
B: Oh no! What’s the reason there?
A: Raw materials are more expensive in India, where they make a lot of stuff.
B: That makes sense. Everything is getting pricier, huh?
A: Exactly! But… good news! Mitsubishi actually thinks they’ll sell *more* next year.
B: Really? So, things might get better?
A: They hope so! Suzuki's revenue actually *went up* though, thanks to some tax changes in India.
B: That's a positive! Well, at least someone is doing okay!
Mitsubishi Motors posted a net loss of 4.4 billion yen, or roughly 28 million dollars, for the nine months to December, as US import tariffs hurt its earnings. The Japanese automaker reported on Thursday that consolidated sales fell 0.6 percent from a year earlier to 1.97 trillion yen or about 12 billion dollars. Operating profit plunged 69.8 percent to 31.6 billion yen, or roughly 200 million dollars. The company said the Trump administration's tariff measures pushed down operating profit by 37.3 billion yen, or nearly 238 million dollars. It also attributed the poor performance to exchange rate fluctuations. But the automaker revised up its sales forecast for the 12 months ending in March to 2.9 trillion yen, or about 18 billion dollars. Meanwhile, Suzuki Motor reported its first drop in operating profit for the April to December period in five years. Nine-month operating income fell 10.6 percent to 429.1 billion yen or roughly 2.7 billion dollars. Raw material costs have risen in India, where Suzuki has extensive production facilities. Revenue rose 5.4 percent to 4.51 trillion yen, or nearly 29 billion dollars. The automaker attributed the increase to a reduction in the tax on goods and services in India, the company's biggest market.
Quiz 1: What was Mitsubishi Motors' net loss for the nine months to December? A. 280 million yen B. 4.4 billion yen C. 31.6 billion yen D. 2.9 trillion yen
Quiz 2: What was the primary reason Mitsubishi Motors attributed its poor performance to, besides exchange rate fluctuations? A. Rising raw material costs in India B. A reduction in the tax on goods and services C. US import tariffs imposed by the Trump administration D. A drop in operating profit for the April to December period
Quiz 3: Which company reported its first drop in operating profit in five years? A. Suzuki Motor B. Mitsubishi Motors C. The Trump administration D. Japanese automakers
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
- 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
