U.S. updates military plans against Iran
In a recent meeting with President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan presented an updated military plan that envisions sending as many as 1,20,000 troops to West Asia.
U.S-China trade war
Recently, China said it will raise tariffs on $60 billion worth of U.S. goods from June 1, in retaliation to the latest round of U.S. tariff hikes and Washington’s plans to target almost all Chinese imports.
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)
Recently, the executive secretary of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Lassina Zerbo, has invited India to be an observer in the CTBT.
U.S. threatens to impose more sanctions on Iran
Recently, U.S. threatened to impose more sanctions on Iran “very soon” and warned Europe against doing business with Tehran via a system of non-dollar trade to circumvent U.S. sanctions.
H1B visa-U.S. to propose hike in application fee
The U.S. plans to hike the H-1B visa application fee to increase funding for the expansion of an apprentice programme.
North Korea tested tactical weapons
North Korea has conducted a “strike drill” for multiple launchers, firing tactical guided weapons into the East Sea in a military drill supervised by leader Kim-Jong-un.
Generalized System of Preference (GSP)
A group of 25 influential American lawmakers urged the U.S. Trade Representative that U.S. should not terminate the GSP programme with India after the expiry of the 60-day notice period.
Taliban refused to put down arms
Taliban said that U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan should stop calling on Taliban militants to lay down their arms and U.S. should end the use of force.
UN Security Council designates Masood Azhar as global terrorist
Recently, UN Security Council 1267 Committee listed Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as a designated terrorist.
Iraq remains top oil supplier to India
Iraq has, for the second year in a row, become India’s top crude oil supplier, meeting more than a fifth of the country’s oil needs in 2018-19 fiscal year.