India – US Defence Ties | Essential Commodities Act Invoked | US F-1 Visas for Indian Students Drop 69%

India – US Defence Ties

Syllabus: GS2/IR

Context

• India has denied reports that it assisted the United States in targeting an Iranian vessel near Sri Lankan waters.

India – US Military Exercises:

• Yudh Abhyas: Land forces.
• Malabar: Naval quadrilateral with US, India, Japan, Australia.
• Cope India: Air exercise.
• Tiger Triumph: Tri-service HADR exercise.
• Vajra Prahar: Special forces.

Essential Commodities Act Invoked

Syllabus: GS2/Governance

News

• The Centre invoked the Essential Commodities Act in response to the oil crisis following Israel-U.S. strikes on Iran.
• Centre directed oil refining companies to prioritize LPG production using propane and butane streams, supply it exclusively to domestic consumers, and not use these streams for other petrochemical products.

Essential Commodities Act, 1955

• It has been a tool used by the government through the years to offset rising food prices, prevent hoarding and maintain food security.
• The list of essential commodities includes drugs and medicines, fertilizers, foodstuffs (including edible oils), hank yarn, petroleum and petroleum products, raw jute and jute textiles, and various types of seeds such as those for fruits, vegetables, and cattle fodder.
• The 2020 amendment to the Essential Commodities Act limited the Centre’s powers to regulate key food items only under extraordinary circumstances and
• It allowed stock limits on agricultural produce only if prices rose sharply—100% for horticultural goods and 50% for non-perishable foodstuffs.

US F-1 Visas for Indian Students Drop 69%

Syllabus: GS2/IR

In News

• In 2025, F-1 visa issuances to Indian students fell by 69% in June-July (12,776 visas) compared to 41,336 in 2024.

F-1 visa

• The F-1 visa permits foreign students to study full-time in the U.S.
• It has long served as a key talent pipeline for the US. Created under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952,
• It allows students to remain temporarily in the US after graduation.
• This route has helped American universities and technology firms attract global talent, particularly from India and China.

How is the F-1 visa different  from an M visa?

• There are two types of US study visas — F and M.
• The ‘F’ category visa is used for university or college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, and other academic institutions, including a language training programme.
• The ‘M’ category visa is used for vocational or other recognised nonacademic institutions, other than a language training programme.