CHINA’S DELAY IN RELEASING INFORMATION FRUSTRATES WHO
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? Throughout January, the World Health Organization publicly praised China for what it called a speedy response to the new coronavirus and thanked the Chinese government for sharing the genetic map of the virus “immediately.” However, it is said that Chinese officials sat on releasing the genetic map, or […]
CHINA’S NEW HIGH-SECURITY COMPOUND IN PAKISTAN
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? Recent satellite images appear to show that several new complexes have been built by China in the last few years and one of them in Gwadar, identified as being used by a Chinese company involved in port development, has unusually high security. Whether the Chinese naval base materializes […]
INDIA SET TO RE-ENTER UN SECURITY COUNCIL
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? India is set to re-enter the UN Security Council for the eight time, as it is the sole contender for the Asia Pacific seat, after the General Assembly holds polls for electing the five non-permanent members on June 17. Details UNGA will have new voting arrangements due to […]
HONG KONG BANS TIANANMEN VIGIL FOR FIRST TIME IN 30 YEARS
Focus: GS-III International Relations Why in news? Hong Kong police on 1st June 2020 banned an upcoming vigil marking the Tiananmen crackdown anniversary citing the COVID-19 pandemic, the first time the gathering has been halted in three decades. The candlelight June 4 vigil usually attracts huge crowds and is the only place on Chinese soil […]
SUPPORTER TURNED ANTAGONIST: NEPAL PM
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? With his decision to push through a Constitutional amendment to change Nepal’s official map to include parts of Indian territory that have been in dispute, Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has rekindled worries of “nationalist politics” that translates in Nepal to an “anti-India” stance. A Supporter in […]
U.S. WILL INVITE INDIA AND RUSSIA AS G7 POSTPONED
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? U.S. President Donald Trump said he would postpone the Group of Seven summit that he wanted to hold in late June and expand the list of countries invited to include Australia, Russia, South Korea and India. Reason for Postponement The U.S. President thinks G7 does not properly represent […]
EFFECTS OF US PAUSE ON H1-B VISAS
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? The US administration said it was extending the 60-day ban on immigration and non-immigrant worker visas till the end of 2020. Popular work visas including the much-coveted H-1B and H-2B, and certain categories of H-4, J, and L visas shall also remain suspended until December 31, 2020. Trump […]
INDIA – CHINA LAC STANDOFF
Why in news? The Prime Minister on 26TH May 2020 reviewed the current situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the ongoing standoff with China with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Bipin Rawat and the three Service Chiefs. Chinese President Xi Jinping during his annual meeting with the […]
CHINA LOOKS TO EVACUATE ITS CITIZENS FROM IN INDIA
Why in news? China on 25th May 2020 announced plans to evacuate its citizens facing “difficulties” in India because of the coronavirus pandemic, risking speculation in the middle of heightened military tensions between the two nations. Details A notice put up on the Chinese embassy website advised those who wanted to go home, including students, tourists, […]
CHINA WARNS U.S. IF PUNISHED FOR HONG KONG LAW
Why in news? China on 25th May 2020 threatened counter-measures against the U.S. if it was punished for plans to impose a sedition law on Hong Kong. Background: What prompted the Warning? Beijing plans to pass a new security law for Hong Kong that bans treason, subversion and sedition after months of massive, often-violent pro-democracy protests […]