Antifa: U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to designate Antifa a terrorist organisation after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Antifa = “Anti-Fascist” movement. Not an organisation but a loosely connected network of activists opposing fascism, white supremacy, and far-right extremism. Roots in 1930s Europe, e.g., Antifaschistische Aktion (1932, Germany) and the Battle of […]
Category: International Relationship Current Affairs
L-1 Visa
L-1 Visa: The U.S. administration under Donald Trump announced a $100,000 fee hike on fresh H-1B applications, sparking debate on whether the L-1 visa could be an alternative for Indian professionals.It is of two types: L-1A employees (executives/managers) and L-1B (specialized knowledge A non-immigrant work visa for intra-company transfers. Allows multinational firms to send employees […]
Estonia
Estonia: NATO condemned Russia for violating Estonian airspace with three MiG-31 fighter jets. Estonia invoked Article 4 of NATO treaty to seek urgent consultations on territorial security. Estonia is Situated in northeastern Europe, northernmost of the Baltic States. Capital: Tallinn. Neighbouring Nations: Russia (via Narva River, Lake Peipus), Latvia, Baltic Sea.
China to Launch K Visa
China to Launch K Visa: As the U.S. enforces steep hikes and restrictions on H-1B visa applications, China is stepping in with a new immigration initiative. From October 1, 2025, China will officially launch the K Visa to attract young STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals and researchers from around the world, offering an […]
Australia sets a new emissions reduction target of 62% by 2035 under the Paris Agreement
Australia sets a new emissions reduction target of 62% by 2035 under the Paris Agreement: Australia has raised its national emissions reduction target to 62% by 2035, based on 2005 levels. The announcement, made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, marks a substantial increase from the country’s previous commitment of a 43% cut by 2030. The […]
First Hilsa Consignment from Bangladesh Reaches India
First Hilsa Consignment from Bangladesh Reaches India: Bangladesh has resumed its seasonal export of hilsa fish to India, but in its lowest volume since 2019. On September 17, 2025, the first consignment of around 32 tonnes arrived in West Bengal via the Petrapole border, marking the beginning of a restricted trade window approved by the […]
The US Fed lowers interest rates to 4‑4.25% in its first 2025 rate cut
The US Fed lowers interest rates to 4‑4.25% in its first 2025 rate cut: The US Federal Reserve (Fed) has cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to a range of 4.00%–4.25%, marking its first rate reduction in 2025. This move signals the beginning of a possible rate easing cycle, aimed at balancing […]
India and Canada to Restart Trade Talks and Deepen Cooperation
India and Canada to Restart Trade Talks and Deepen Cooperation: Indian and Canadian officials met for pre-Foreign Office consultations on September 19, 2025, and agreed to reignite bilateral dialogue on multiple strategic fronts including trade, defence, and critical minerals. This move follows the understanding reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark […]
Trump Imposes $100,000 Fee On H-1B Visas
Trump Imposes $100,000 Fee On H-1B Visas: US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 (₹88 lakh) fee on H-1B visa sponsorships, dramatically raising the cost for US firms hiring foreign skilled workers.Employers sponsoring H-1B visas must now pay $100,000 per applicant (up from a few thousand dollars earlier). Objective is to Deter […]
Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence pact
Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence pact: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) in Riyadh (Sept 2025), pledging that any aggression against one country would be treated as aggression against both formalising a long-standing security partnership. It Is a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) committing both nations to mutual security cooperation and joint deterrence.
