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 […]
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 […]