Ekam UPSC International Relations

Ahead of the 15th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Israel on Tuesday declared the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba as a terror outfit. An official announcement from Tel Aviv informed that the move is in sync with Israel’s attempts to support a global war on terror. The announcement has come in the backdrop of Israel’s continued military operation in Gaza Strip that was launched immediately after the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israeli targets. The Mumbai attacks included the infamous terror raid on the Chabad House in Nariman Point where several Israeli citizens were killed. 

The conditions are prime for India and Japan to operationalise their shared vision for the Indo-Pacific

Bangladesh's 4.4M-strong RMG sector workers demand trebling of wages, while PM Hasina seeks 4th term. Opposition parties reject Jan 7 elections. Inflation, import curbs, power cuts & falling FX reserves make it hard to pay higher wages. Big brands face criticism for driving down costs. ACT coalition pledges support for living wage, but no details on purchasing practices. PM Hasina must handle workers' grievances, demands from RMG sector & ensure brands deliver on promises to pass biggest test of her career.

India-Australia defence partnership strengthened with talks on info exchange, MDA, niche training, defence industry & research. Both sides agreed to collaborate in shipbuilding, ship repair, aircraft maintenance, underwater tech, defence start-ups & joint research. Aim to enhance Indo-Pacific security.

For both Australia and India, China is the biggest trading partner, and China is our “biggest security anxiety”, said Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, making the opening remarks at the 2+2 dialogue on Monday. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said this is a partnership which is “consequential for us, but it is crucial for our region.”