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 […]
CHINA SUGGESTS SHIFT IN BRI APPROACH
Why in news? China has hinted at a shift in how it will pursue its signature Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) amid growing concerns about debt repayments from many partner countries because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In recent weeks, China has faced calls from countries in Asia and Africa to delay or waive debt […]
AAROGYA SETU: PROTECTION OR THREAT?
Introduction The Data of millions of Indians, collected through the Aarogya Setu app, could be vulnerable to threats from adversarial state and non-state actors and pose a national security challenge, according to cybersecurity experts and former intelligence officials. Indian government officials reject these concerns, saying their encryption standards have adequate protection against data or network […]
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 […]
HUNAR HAAT TO RESTART WITH THEME OF “LOCAL TO GLOBAL”
Why in news? After a gap of about 5 months due to the Corona pandemic, “Hunar Haat” will restart from September 2020 with the theme of “Local to Global”. Hunar Haat has become “Empowerment Exchange” of artisans and craftsmen from across the country. Hunar Haat provides market and opportunity to master artisans and craftsmen from […]
OCI CARDHOLDERS: VISA AND TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS EASED
Why in news? The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has relaxed Visa and Travel restrictions imposed in response to COVID -19, permitting certain categories of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, who are stranded abroad, to come to India. Details Following categories of OCI Cardholders stranded abroad, have been permitted to come to India: […]
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 […]
DELIVERING WELFARE TO THE BENEFICIARY
Why in news? The Union agriculture ministry had alerted Assam about irregularities in the cash transfer programme for farmers. Existing Issue with Cash transfer It appears, prima facie, that ineligible people signed up for the scheme, which provides ~6,000 a year to farmers with valid documentation. With the coronavirus disease pushing more people into poverty […]
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 […]