NSDC Proposes Skill Certification & Digital Passport for Migrant Workers to Reduce Rejection Risk Amid India's Demographic Advantage

US DHS Proposes Eliminating H-1B 60-Day Grace Period: Key Impact on Indian Workers

The US Department of Homeland Security is proposing to eliminate the 60-day grace period for H-1B workers after job loss. If finalized, this will severely impact Indian professionals, who received 71% of all approved H-1B petitions in 2024, by removing the current window to find new sponsorship or change visa status.

US DHS Proposes Scrapping 60-Day Grace Period for H-1B Visa Holders; 71% from India

The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed eliminating the 60-day grace period that allows H-1B visa holders to stay in the US and find a new sponsor after losing their job. This directly impacts over 71% of H-1B recipients who are Indian nationals, potentially disrupting careers, families, and even the US tech sector. For UPSC/Banking aspirants, this is a critical live issue linking US immigration policy, India's skilled workforce, and bilateral economic ties.

US Proposes Eliminating H-1B 60-Day Grace Period: 71% Indian Workers at Risk

The Trump administration has cleared a proposal to eliminate the 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders after job loss. This could severely impact Indian professionals who account for 71% of approved H-1B petitions. The rule is not yet final but has passed White House review.

US DHS Proposes Scrapping 60-Day Grace Period for H-1B Workers Facing Job Loss

The US Department of Homeland Security proposes eliminating the 60-day grace period for H-1B and other nonimmigrant workers after job loss, requiring immediate departure unless authorized. This could severely impact Indian tech workers on H-1B visas.

US Revokes Up to 2 Lakh Visas, Proposes $103,265 Fee for H-1B Cap Petitions

The US plans to revoke up to 2 lakh B1/B2 visas issued to asylum seekers and proposes a $103,265 fee for new H-1B cap-subject petitions. This directly impacts Indian professionals and tourists, making it crucial for UPSC/competitive exams. Prelims: visa types, fee amounts. Mains: impact on India-US services trade, immigration policy.

ISRO Launches EOS-05: India's First Geo-Imaging Satellite in Geosynchronous Orbit; SC Invokes Article 142 to Quash CJP Protest Cases

A day of high exam relevance: ISRO successfully launched EOS-05, India’s first dedicated geo-imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit, breaking a failure streak. The Supreme Court used its extraordinary power under Article 142 to close cases linked to CJP protests, raising important constitutional questions. Other key updates include OpenAI’s new autonomous AI model, Manipur’s NRC-first demand for Census deferral, mistrust in GDP data, and Tata Chemicals’ Kenya dispute.

World Bank Report: Extreme Heat Costs South Asia 31 Million Jobs, 7% GDP by 2050

World Bank report warns extreme heat costs South Asia 31 million jobs annually and threatens 7% GDP loss by 2050. It urges governments to treat heat as a core development challenge, not a seasonal emergency. Essential for UPSC: climate-economy linkages, urban resilience, and vulnerable worker protection.

Mecca Defence Pact, RDI Fund Conflict, Gig Worker Regulations: UPSC Key Aug 8

The UPSC Key covers three major stories: the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement (Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan) creating a trilateral mutual-defence framework; the RDI Fund controversy where 62% of Rs 2,192 crore soft loans went to firms linked to selection panel members; and Maharashtra's proposed regulations for food delivery platforms requiring EV fleet and 2% fare contribution to driver welfare fund. Also includes forest fire monitoring, Pakistan media curbs, corporate investment trends, AI cybersecurity risks, and solar PLI for polysilicon. Essential for UPSC current affairs across multiple GS papers.