Current Affairs - International

Australia has enacted strict hate crime laws, introducing a minimum 12-month jail sentence for public Nazi salutes and harsher penalties for terror-related hate crimes, with sentences of up to six years. New South Wales, the most affected state, is aligning its laws with Victoria and Western Australia to address rising antisemitic incidents. Premier Chris Minns emphasized the importance of these reforms following an increase in synagogue vandalism and targeted violence. These measures aim to curb extremist behaviour and reinforce Australia's commitment to combating hate crimes.

PM Modi is set to co-chair the AI Action Summit in Paris on February 11th alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and other global leaders, including the US Vice President and China’s Vice PM. Additionally, he will engage in bilateral discussions with President Macron in Marseille to strengthen India-France relations. As part of this visit, India will open a new Consulate in Marseille to enhance diplomatic, trade, and cultural cooperation. This move underscores the growing partnership between India and France in technology, trade, and global policy discussions.

Donald Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from the UN Human Rights Council and extend the funding ban on UNRWA. This decision aligns with previous withdrawals from international organizations like the WHO and the Paris Agreement, citing bias against Israel. While critics expect global opposition to the move, Trump's supporters argue that it is necessary to protect US interests and sovereignty in international affairs. The withdrawal announcement coincides with Netanyahu’s visit to the White House.

Out of the total 4,096.7 km of the India-Bangladesh border, around 864.482 km remains unfenced due to various challenges, including land acquisition and objections from Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). Bangladesh has expressed concerns regarding the new fencing along the border, while India has assured that it will adhere to existing agreements. This issue highlights the complexities of border management and bilateral relations between the two neighbouring nations.

The United Kingdom, along with India, held consultations on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation on February 4 in Delhi. The discussions covered various topics, including nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in military operations. The talks also focused on regional non-proliferation, space security, and export control regimes. The UK reiterated its commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and nuclear disarmament efforts.