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 […]
IMPACT: DR HARSH VARDHAN: WHO EXECUTIVE BOARD CHAIRMAN
Introduction India would now be playing a more prominent role at the World Health Organisation (WHO), with Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan set to take charge as chairman of the WHO Executive Board at its 147th session. The WHO, a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health, is currently at […]
TRUMP SUGGESTS HOLDING IN-PERSON G7 SUMMIT
Why in news? The U.S. President Donald Trump said on 20th May 2020 he is considering hosting world leaders for the annual G7 summit at his Camp David retreat despite the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Group of Seven (G7) The Group of Seven (G7) is an international intergovernmental economic organization consisting of the seven largest developed economies (International Monetary […]
INDIA-CHINA CONFLICT IN LADAKH
Introduction The recent incidents at the Pangong Tso lake area between Indian and Chinese soldiers on the LAC can be considered to be a serious business between two nuclear armed trans-Himalayan neighbours that has implications beyond the region. Line of Actual Control The disputed boundary between India and China, also known as the Line of […]
ISRAEL’S HACK OF IRANIAN PORT
Why in news? Israel was behind a cyber-attack on 9 May that disrupted operations at a major port in Iran. The attack on the computer systems at the Shahid Rajaee port in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz was limited in scope, creating traffic jams of delivery trucks and some delays in shipments but causing […]
MILITARY, DIPLOMATIC TALKS ON WITH CHINA
Why in news? India is trying to resolve the ongoing troop confrontation with China in some stretches along the unresolved border in eastern Ladakh as well as Sikkim, which has become the most serious since the major Doklam face-off in 2017, through both military and diplomatic channels. Details “Flag meetings” and “military hotline talks” are being […]
U.S. SLAMS CHINA ON BORDER DISPUTES AND THREAT POSED
Why in news? In a sharp criticism of China over border tensions with India, the US on 20th May described Beijing’s actions as “disturbing behaviour”. The U.S.’s top diplomat for South and Central Asia, called the recent tensions between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) a reminder of the “threat” posed by […]