CALL FOR WHO PROBE INTO VIRUS ORIGIN
Why in news? An India-backed draft resolution at the 73rd session of the World Health Assembly received a big boost on 18th May 2020 when the African group of nations extended support for the motion which seeks global investigation into the spread of the novel coronavirus. The World Health Assembly convened in Geneva where the head […]
J&K NOTIFIES AMENDED DOMICILE CERTIFICATE RULES
Why in news? The J&K administration on 18th May 2020 notified the J&K grant of domicile certificate procedure rules 2020 and set a fast track process in motion to issue the certificates within a stipulated time of 15 days. To make the process transparent and time-bound, any officer not able to issue the certificate would be […]
THE TAIWAN QUESTION
Introduction As the World Health Assembly (WHA) convenes in the 4th week of May, virtually, there is a political battle over the question of inviting Taiwan to join the discussion as an observer. The Assembly brings together the ministers from all the member-states of the World Health Organisation. The Arguments for Taiwan Proponents point to Taiwan’s […]
THE NEW INDIAN ROAD TO LIPU LEKH, EXPLAINED
Why in news? India, on May 8th, inaugurated an 80 km road goes right up to the Lipu Lekh pass on the LAC, through which Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims exit India into China to reach the mountain and lake revered as the abode of Siva. Nepal protested and has also pointed out that it has brought up its […]
GETTING INDIA BACK TO THE AFGHAN HIGH TABLE
Introduction An Election result that was rejected by Mr. Ghani’s main rival, Abdullah Abdullah led to two simultaneous swearing-ins; both Mr. Ghani and Mr. Abdullah taking oath as President. It is true that the international community ultimately supported Mr. Ghani but qualified it with an insistence that he enters into a real power-sharing agreement with […]
PAK. PRESIDENT ISSUES ORDER TO HOLD POLLS IN GILGIT-BALTISTAN
Why in news? The Pakistan President has promulgated an order to form a caretaker government as well as to conduct elections in Gilgit-Baltistan province, a move strongly opposed by India. Background The presidential promulgation came days after the Pakistan Supreme Court on April 30 allowed the federal government to amend a 2018 administrative order to […]
AFGHAN PRESIDENT AND RIVAL SIGN POWER SHARING DEAL
Why in news? The Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and political rival Abdullah Abdullah have signed a power-sharing agreement two months after both declared themselves the winner of last September’s presidential election. The deal calls for Abdullah to lead the country’s National Reconciliation High Council and some members of Abdullah’s team would be included in Ghani’s […]
SIKKIM STATEHOOD DAY
Why in news? The Prime Minister greeted the people of Sikkim on their Statehood Day on May 16th. On 16 May, 1975, the Himalayan Kingdom of Sikkim became the 22nd state of India, and putting an end to the monarchy. Sikkim’s Statehood: History In the 1640s India, Pakistan Bangladesh and Nepal were still many princely […]
THE JUDICIARY AND MIGRANT WORKERS
Introduction Millions of stranded workers, facing an acute shortage of food and cash, have desperately tried to return home. Five weeks after the lockdown was imposed, the government finally introduced measures to enable stranded migrants to return home — a process which is ongoing, but which has not stopped thousands of others from continuing to […]
U.S. COULD CUT TIES WITH CHINA OVER PANDEMIC
Why in news? The U.S. President on 14th May threatened to cut ties with China over its role in the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Actions of U.S. and China: Trade Tensions The Trump administration on 15th May 2020 moved to block shipments of semiconductors to China’s Huawei Technologies, which it considers a national security risk. The […]