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 […]
H-1B VISA REFORM PRIORITISING US DEGREE HOLDERS
Why in news? US lawmakers on 22nd May 2020, reintroduced a fine-tuned legislation aimed at reforming the skilled guest worker programme to prevent flight of American jobs and outsourcing, while giving priority to absorbing US-educated foreign technology professionals. Administration estimates around 65% of H-1B visas go to Indians. Details The bill would prioritise American workers and restore […]
WILL EXIT OPEN SKIES TREATY, ANNOUNCES U.S.
Why in news? The U.S. has given notice that it will exit the Open Skies Treaty (OST), an agreement that allows countries to monitor signatories’ arms development by conducting surveillance flights over each other’s territories. Details U.S. said Russia had “continuously and flagrantly” violated the treaty. The U.S.’s exit last year from another arms deal […]
CHINA SEEKS INDIA’S SUPPORT FOR HONG KONG LAW
Why in news? China has sought the support and understanding of India and other countries for its controversial decision to impose a new national security law on Hong Kong, saying the new legislation is aimed at containing the “secessionist” forces in the former British colony who have posed a “grave threat” to the country’s national […]
MISSION SAGAR – INS KESARI AT PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS
Focus: GS-III International Relations Why in news? As part of Mission Sagar, Indian Naval Ship Kesari entered Port Louis Mauritius on 23 May 2020. ‘Mission Sagar’, is in consonance with the Prime Ministers vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region ‘SAGAR’. Details Indian Naval Ship Kesari is carrying COVID related essential medicines […]