Which country has announced an automatic 1.5-year extension of work permits for a certain category of immigrants, benefitting Indians?

Daily Current Affairs

Canada

Australia

Correct Answer : Option (A) - US

The Biden administration has announced an automatic extension of expiring work permits for certain categories of immigrants, including those seeking green cards and spouses of H-1B visa holders who get employment authorisation cards (EAD), for a year-and-a-half.

The move, announced by the Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday, is likely to benefit thousands of Indian immigrants.

The extension period of up to 180 days will automatically be extended to up to 540 days from the expiration date stated on the current EADs, the Department of Homeland Security said.

"As USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) works to address the pending EAD caseloads, the agency has determined that the current 180-day automatic extension for employment authorisation is currently insufficient," said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou.

According to USCIS, non-citizens with a pending EAD renewal application whose 180-day automatic extension has lapsed and whose EAD has expired, will be granted an additional period of employment authorisation and EAD validity beginning May 4, 2022, and lasting up to 540 days from the expiration date of their EAD. They may resume employment if they are still within the up to 540-day automatic extension period and are otherwise eligible.

Non-citizens with a pending renewal application will still be covered under the 180-day automatic extension, and will be granted an additional extension of up to 360 days, for a total of up to 540 days past the expiration of the current EAD.

Non-citizens with a pending renewal application and a valid EAD on May 4, 2022, or who file an EAD renewal application before October 27, 2023, will be granted an automatic extension of up to 540 days if their EAD expires before the renewal application is processed..

Source : The Print

Published On : May 5, 2022

What is a Canal?

A canal is a man-made waterway constructed to divert water from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs for various purposes such as irrigation, transportation, or drainage. Canals typically have artificial banks and are often equipped with locks or gates to control water flow. They play a crucial role in facilitating water distribution to agricultural lands and supporting transportation networks in many regions worldwide.

Which Country is Known as “Country of Canals”?

Pakistan is often referred to as the “Country of Canals” due to its extensive network of man-made waterways, particularly stemming from the mighty Indus River and its tributaries. These canals form the backbone of Pakistan’s irrigation system, supplying water to agricultural lands, especially in the Punjab province. With more than 70 major canals, Pakistan’s canal network plays a vital role in supporting the country’s agricultural activities and sustaining livelihoods.

Published On : April 15, 2024

Q .

Who Re-elected to International Narcotics Control Board?

Kalpana Kochhar

Jagjit Pavadia

Vishal Gujadhur

Monique Newiak

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Jagjit Pavadia

India has been elected to several key bodies at the United Nations. This includes a significant victory by its nominee, Jagjit Pavadia, who was re-elected for a third term to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).

Jagjit Pavadia’s Re-election to the INCB :

* Jagjit Pavadia was re-elected to the INCB by secret ballot for a third term, from March 2025 to 2030.
* He garnered the highest number of votes in the highly competitive election.

India’s Election to Other UN Bodies :

India was also elected by acclamation to the following UN bodies:

* Commission on the Status of Women (2025-2029)
* Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund (2025-2027)
* Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Population Fund, and the United Nations Office for Project Services (2025-2027)
* Executive Board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (2025-2027)
* Executive Board of the World Food Programme (2025-2027)

Published On : April 13, 2024

Q .

Adani Green Energy Builds World's Largest Renewable Energy Park in Which State?

Gujarat

Punjab

Maharashtra

Uttarakhand

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Gujarat

Adani Green Energy Limited, an Adani Group company, is building the world’s largest renewable energy park in Khavda, Kutch district of Gujarat. The park is spread over 538 square kilometers, which is about five times larger than the total size of the French capital, Paris.

Khavda Plant Capacity

* According to Vineet Jain, Managing Director of Adani Green Energy, the total capacity of the Khavda plant will be 30 GW.
* Adani Group will invest Rs 1.5 lakh crore in this project.
* Currently, 2 GW of renewable energy is being produced from this park, and 4 GW capacity will be added by March 2025.
* Thereafter, 5 GW capacity will be increased every year.

Khavda Park’s Proximity to the Pakistan Border

* The Khavda Park is just 1 kilometer away from the international border with Pakistan.
* The share of solar energy in the proposed capacity of 30 GW is 26 GW, while wind energy will be 4%.
* When the park is fully operational, it will generate 81 billion units of electricity, which can supply the entire demand of countries like Belgium, Chile, and Switzerland.

Nodal Agency for Hybrid Renewable Energy Park :

* Gujarat Industries Power Company Limited (GIPCL) has been appointed as the nodal agency for the Hybrid Renewable Energy Park.
* The project to build this park was prepared as part of Prime Minister Modi’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions, and work on the project has been ongoing since 2021.

Published On : April 13, 2024