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Writer's pictureDeepanshu Singh

It has had on the people of Gaza, particularly women and children. It also mentions the calls for...

It has had on the people of Gaza, particularly women and children. It also mentions the calls for a ceasefire and respect for international humanitarian laws.

  • Israel's bombing of Gaza has been ongoing for a month, causing immense destruction and loss of life.

  • The UN has described Gaza as a "graveyard for thousands of children" and a "living hell for everyone else".

  • The Gaza Health Ministry reports that at least 10,000 people, including many women and children, have been killed in Israel's attacks.

  • The conflict began after Hamas's cross-border raid on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of at least 1,400 Israelis.

  • Approximately 1.5 million people have been displaced as a result of the attacks.

  • Israel has targeted high-rises, neighborhoods, refugee camps, schools, hospitals, and ambulances.

  • The UN Secretary-General has called for a ceasefire and respect for international humanitarian laws.

  • 89 UN aid workers have been killed in Gaza, the highest number in any comparable period in the UN's history.

  • The war has sparked protests worldwide, particularly in the Arab street.

  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for a humanitarian pause or ceasefire.

  • Israeli troops have encircled Gaza city and are engaged in street battles with militants

  • The objective is to topple the Hamas government, kill its commanders, destroy its military infrastructure, and rescue hostages

  • Israel has a mixed track record in asymmetric wars and has already lost at least 30 soldiers

  • If Israel continues its offensive, it can have disastrous consequences for the region

  • Yemen's Houthis have launched attacks against Israel and the Israeli-Lebanese border remains tense with Hezbollah

  • The U.S. is the only country that can rein in Israel, but the Biden administration has yet to take action

  • The U.S. should show moral leadership and pressure Israel to cease fire immediately.

The recent talks between India and Bhutan, focusing on infrastructure and connectivity. It highlights the plans folinks, trade facilitation, and upgrading checkpoints between the two countries.

  • India and Bhutan have decided to focus on infrastructure and connectivity during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutan's fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

  • Plans include completing surveys for the Kokrajhar-Gelephu rail link that connects Bhutan to Assam and beginning discussions on another rail link between Bhutan and West Bengal.

  • There are also plans to facilitate Bhutan-Bangladesh trade with a rail link and upgrade checkpoints along the India-Bhutan border.

  • Bhutan's economy, which has been dependent on hydropower and tourism revenues, has been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and worries over global warming.

  • The proposed projects, such as building a Special Economic Zone at Bhutan's southern border with Assam and an airport at Gelephu, are expected to drive growth and investment in Bhutan.

  • Bangladesh's signing of a Preferential Trade Agreement with Bhutan in 2020 could increase Bhutanese exports and build more markets for Indian and Bangladeshi producers in the sub-region.

  • India's "energy exchange" aims to bring more Bhutanese and Nepali hydropower suppliers online and distribute energy to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, driving intra-regional growth and revenues.


These initiatives also aim to bridge the economic gap with the northeast region of India and involve development partners like the World Bank and donor countries like Japan in creating a "sub-regional hub".

  • Efficient and time-bound execution is crucial for ambitious plans in India.

  • India is facing problems with Pakistan and sanctions on Myanmar, which are blocking trade and land connectivity to the East.

  • Working with other countries on India's periphery to build connectivity, markets, and energy links is the most sustainable way forward.

  • Geopolitical conflicts and anti-globalisation trends are forcing regional groupings to be more cohesive.

  • South Asia has not been able to achieve this cohesion yet.

  • India is concerned about China's push into South Asian trade, infrastructure projects, and strategic ties.

  • There are concerns over a Bhutan-China boundary agreement's impact on Doklam and India's Siliguri Corridor route.

  • Building connectivity, markets, and energy links will offer more security and prosperity for the countries involved.

  • Bhutan, India's traditionally trusted partner in the region, will particularly benefit from these ideas.


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