The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed the visit, clarifying that it symbolizes India’s commitment to the SCO Charter. He said, “India is fully committed to the SCO Charter, and the primary purpose of the Foreign Minister’s visit is to fulfill obligations under this charter.” He further stressed that this visit should not be seen as an attempt to improve bilateral relations between India and Pakistan, emphasizing that the trip is solely within the context of the SCO and should not be interpreted politically.

Pakistan had extended invitations to all member nations for this SCO meeting. In August 2024, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, announced that an official invitation had been sent to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well. This sparked speculation about a potential visit by Modi to Pakistan. However, S. Jaishankar made it clear that the time for dialogue with Pakistan had passed, stating, “The time for talks with Pakistan is over.” He also added that since the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir, the issue no longer exists, and India is not in a position to consider any relationship with Pakistan.

Both India and Pakistan are members of the SCO, and officials from both nations have participated in meetings under this organization. In July 2023, India hosted a virtual SCO summit, where Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif participated online. Additionally, in May 2023, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari attended the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting held in Goa, marking a rare occasion of a visit to India. However, tensions between the two nations were evident even then.

The SCO was established in 2001 and is known for discussions on security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. The organization has eight permanent members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became permanent members in 2017. Bilateral relations between India and Pakistan have always been tense, with issues like terrorism, Jammu & Kashmir, and border tensions complicating ties. Despite this, platforms like the SCO are important as they offer opportunities for officials from both countries to come together.

Pakistan is hosting this year’s meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG), and leaders from all member countries have been invited. Providing details about his visit, Jaishankar said that this trip follows tradition, where either the Prime Minister or the Foreign Minister attends high-level meetings. “This year, the meeting is being held in Islamabad, and this is a new experience, as we have seen before,” he said.

Discussing the SCO’s functioning and the expectations of its members, Jaishankar said that the SCO has failed to achieve its objectives. The primary reason behind this is the issue of terrorism. He also pointed out that a neighboring country is supporting terrorism, which poses a threat to stability in the region. He stated, “Terrorism cannot be accepted. The activities of our neighboring country will bring about a change in the situation. This is why SAARC meetings have not been held in recent years.”

However, Jaishankar clarified that this does not mean regional activities have come to a halt. In fact, in the past 5-6 years, there have been several indications of regional integration in the Indian subcontinent. He said, “If you look at our relations with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, you will see that railway lines are being reconstructed, roads are being developed, and power grids are being built.”

Thus, it is clear that the main purpose of Jaishankar’s visit is to ensure India’s participation in the SCO summit, not to engage in bilateral talks with Pakistan. He also added that he would behave like a gentleman and take the opportunity to engage in discussions with the leaders of all countries during the conference. Regarding this visit, Jaishankar also said, “We are ready to promote regional cooperation, but the issue of terrorism cannot be ignored.” This statement highlights that India remains vigilant about protecting its national interests and is maintaining a strong stance for regional stability.

The Israeli army had already announced the operation in advance. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Israeli military shared a statement from its Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, saying that Israel was prepared for even larger strikes in Lebanon. The statement also emphasized that Israel would intensify its military action to dismantle the Hezbollah terrorist organization.

Israel urged residents of southern Lebanon to vacate their homes as soon as possible. The Israeli military alleged that Hezbollah had stockpiled a large quantity of weapons in the region and was planning attacks on Israel from there. Israel’s attack is seen as part of a broader strategic move to apply maximum pressure on Hezbollah. Israeli officials have indicated that harsher measures against Hezbollah will follow in the coming days. Lieutenant General Halevi also hinted that Israel intends to continue this conflict until Hezbollah’s strength is completely neutralized.

Analysts believe that the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could escalate further. Although the likelihood of a full-blown war between the two sides appears low for now, Israel’s recent strikes have significantly heightened the regional tension. Lebanon is already grappling with an economic crisis and political instability, and these attacks could further deteriorate the country’s situation. Following the attacks, hopes for peace between Lebanon and Israel have diminished. Hezbollah holds significant influence in Lebanon, governing large areas through its political and military network. Israel’s strikes may provoke an even more aggressive response from Hezbollah, potentially leading to greater confrontation between the two nations.

The international community has also expressed concern over the situation. The United Nations has called for both sides to exercise restraint and seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

According to Bangladesh’s state-owned BSS news agency, Home Advisor Lieutenant General (Retired) Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated on Wednesday that several police officers have not returned to duty following recent attacks. This is causing difficulties in maintaining law and order. Chowdhury also clarified that police officers who have not yet returned to service will no longer be allowed to rejoin their duties. In light of this situation, the interim government of Bangladesh has empowered the army with magistracy powers to improve law and order. These powers allow the army to arrest, detain, and use force, including the use of firearms, if necessary. The aim of this move is to prevent any further violence from erupting in the country.

The magistracy powers granted to the army include the authority to arrest, detain, and, if required, use firearms. The army has been given these powers to restore law and order and ensure the safety of civilians. Additionally, the government of Bangladesh has clarified that these powers will not be misused. Bangladesh’s legal advisor Asif Nazrul emphasized that the army personnel will not misuse these powers, and once the situation normalizes, there will be no further need for these powers. The government also noted that this law will remain in effect for only 60 days, after which it will be repealed.

Amidst the violence and chaos, the interim government of Bangladesh has also restructured the Constitutional Reform Commission. Bangladeshi-American professor Ali Riaz has been appointed as the new head of the commission, replacing Supreme Court lawyer Shahdeen Malik. This change was announced under the directives of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. Yunus had earlier announced the formation of six commissions to carry out reforms in the judiciary, election system, administration, police, anti-corruption commission, and constitution. Under Ali Riaz’s leadership, the Constitutional Reform Commission will work towards improving Bangladesh’s political and social structures.

In recent months, student protests have been ongoing in Bangladesh over the issue of reservations. The movement spread across the country, leading to violent clashes in many areas. In response to the situation, the then-Bangladeshi government deployed the army to control the unrest. On the night of July 19, 2024, a nationwide curfew was imposed, but despite this, incidents of violence continued to rise. Following heavy violence on August 5, 2024, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position and left the country. Her resignation led to increased political instability in Bangladesh.

Three days after Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, on August 8, 2024, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus. The main objective of this government is to restore peace and stability in the country and implement constitutional reforms. However, despite the formation of the interim government, the situation in Bangladesh remains chaotic. Army personnel are still deployed across the country to control violence and unrest. The interim government is striving to improve law and order and steer the country back toward peace.

BRICS, an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was founded in 2006 with the goal of promoting cooperation among major emerging economies. South Africa became a member in 2011, expanding the original BRIC group. Over the years, BRICS has gained prominence as a platform for discussing global economic and political issues, offering an alternative to Western-led institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. At the 15th BRICS Summit, held on August 24, 2023, six new countries were invited to join the organization. These countries include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Argentina, Iran, and Ethiopia. Their membership will officially take effect from January 1, 2024, marking a significant expansion of BRICS and increasing its geopolitical and economic influence.

Russia’s support for Pakistan’s inclusion in BRICS comes at a time when several other countries have also expressed interest in joining the bloc. Overchuk’s remarks underscore Russia’s active role in fostering closer ties with Pakistan and supporting the aspirations of countries looking to join BRICS. In addition to Pakistan, Azerbaijan has also applied for BRICS membership. Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed the country’s interest during the 24th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan, in July 2023. Like BRICS, the SCO is another prominent international organization that includes Russia and China, and it plays a significant role in promoting political, economic, and security cooperation in the region. The SCO and BRICS share many members and common goals, which is why they are often seen as complementary organizations.

The expansion of BRICS reflects the growing importance of emerging economies in shaping global affairs. Countries from various regions, including the Middle East, Africa, and South America, are seeking membership in BRICS as they view it as a platform for promoting their interests on the global stage and counterbalancing the influence of Western-dominated institutions. With Russia’s backing, Pakistan’s chances of joining BRICS have gained momentum. Both countries see this as an opportunity to enhance their bilateral relations and collaborate more effectively within a multilateral framework that aligns with their shared interests. As the BRICS group expands, it is set to become an even more influential force in the global political and economic landscape.

According to Richard Verma, it’s impossible for the U.S. and India to agree on every issue, but their relationship has grown stronger during President Joe Biden’s tenure. There has not only been increased dialogue between the two nations regarding security, economic cooperation, and global stability, but new partnerships have also taken shape. The ‘Quad,’ a security collaboration between the U.S., India, Australia, and Japan, is a prime example of this. The goal of the ‘Quad’ is to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. Recently, Richard Verma remarked that this cooperation is not aimed at any specific country but is focused on ensuring global peace and security.

Verma also acknowledged that there are challenges in India-US relations, particularly concerning the growing cooperation between Russia and China. He said, “I am concerned about the increasing security cooperation between Russia and China, as it could help Russia in its illegal war against Ukraine.” This partnership could not only assist Russia in enhancing its military capabilities in Ukraine but could also provide China with new security resources, posing a challenge to the security of the Indo-Pacific region. This area has already become the center of geopolitical conflict, and China’s increasing assertiveness could make the situation more complicated.

Verma stressed the need to further strengthen economic cooperation between India and the U.S. He emphasized that both nations must work hard to ensure that their economic collaboration remains transparent and fair. This would not only strengthen trade relations but also increase the global influence of both countries. Additionally, he stated that both nations should continue supporting their collective civil societies to ensure that freedom of speech is upheld and diverse voices are respected.

In recent discussions about the Quad, it was announced that the fourth Quad Summit would be hosted next week by U.S. President Joe Biden at his Delaware residence. India was originally scheduled to host this year’s Quad summit, but it will now take place next year. This summit will provide another opportunity to strengthen security and economic strategies among India, the U.S., and their allied countries.

This new chapter in India-US relations is not only significant for these two countries but also has a broad impact on global politics. For countries like China and Russia, it signals that the global power structure is shifting. While democratic nations like the U.S. and India are working together to strengthen global stability and security, Russia and China are fostering new partnerships to serve their own interests. In this changing landscape, India’s role has become even more crucial, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

Clarifying his stance, Professor Shahiduzzaman explained that becoming a nuclear power doesn’t mean Bangladesh should develop nuclear weapons itself. Instead, he suggested that Bangladesh should become nuclear-capable by leveraging Pakistan’s technology and expertise. He said, “To challenge India’s current stance and thinking, we need to take steps toward becoming nuclear-capable. Cooperation with Pakistan in this regard can strengthen our security.”

In his address, Professor Shahiduzzaman also argued that Bangladesh cannot have a solid strategy to counter India without Pakistan’s cooperation. According to him, Pakistan’s military strength and missile technology could be extremely beneficial for Bangladesh. He further added that Pakistan’s support is essential to deal with India. One of the most controversial comments came when Professor Shahiduzzaman called for deploying Pakistani missiles in Bangladesh. He said, “We should acquire Ghauri short-range missiles from Pakistan and deploy them in northern Bangladesh and other mountainous regions. This move could be an effective way to put pressure on India.”

Since Sheikh Hasina left office, anti-India rhetoric has surged in Bangladesh. A significant number of Bangladeshis are now advocating for closer ties with Pakistan. Figures like Shahiduzzaman are openly claiming that Pakistan is the only option to curb India’s influence. The growing anti-India sentiment and pro-Pakistan ideology in Bangladesh have introduced a new dynamic to international relations.

“We will do large deportations in Springfield, Ohio,” Trump stated on Friday, referring to his hardline stance on immigration, which he has upheld throughout his political career. Typically, Trump’s calls for mass deportations have targeted undocumented immigrants; however, this latest announcement suggests a broader scope that could include legal residents. Springfield, a city with a Haitian population of approximately 15,000, has found itself at the center of a growing political and social divide. Haitian immigrants in the area have contributed significantly to the local economy, but tensions have also arisen as social services are stretched to meet the needs of the expanding community. The majority of the Haitian population in Springfield has either been granted asylum or has Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows them to live and work in the U.S. without fear of deportation due to unsafe conditions in Haiti.

The controversy took a disturbing turn when right-wing agitators latched onto unverified social media claims that recent Haitian arrivals in Springfield were eating pets. These accusations, which have no basis in reality, have since been widely debunked. City officials, including Karen Graves, a spokesperson for Springfield, confirmed that there have been no credible reports of anyone consuming household animals. Graves added that while there have been some crimes against Haitian residents, such as property theft, they are more likely to be “crimes of opportunity” rather than targeted hate crimes.

However, the damage has been done. The misinformation has led to a surge in hostility toward the Haitian community, culminating in anonymous bomb threats made against the city’s schools. On Friday, two elementary schools were evacuated, and a middle school was closed for the second consecutive day due to these threats. Despite the lack of evidence supporting the allegations, Trump referenced the situation during his campaign rally in Las Vegas later that same day, fueling further division. “You see that mess, don’t you?” Trump told the crowd. “I’m angry about illegal Haitian migrants taking over Springfield, Ohio.” He followed this by linking the situation to a broader narrative of criminality, stating, “I’m angry about young American girls being raped and murdered by savage criminal aliens that come into our country very easily, but very illegally.”

Though he did not repeat the specific claim that Haitian immigrants were eating household pets, his rhetoric played into longstanding fears and prejudices about immigrants, particularly those from non-European countries. During Tuesday’s presidential debate with Democrat Kamala Harris, Trump had made the false assertion, which was quickly mocked and discredited in mainstream media. Trump’s comments have drawn swift backlash from leaders across the country, particularly from the Haitian-American community and its allies. Haitian community leaders expressed concern that the former president’s statements could further inflame tensions and incite violence. “We need help, not hate,” Springfield Mayor Rob Rue told ABC News, urging the federal government to intervene to ensure the safety of his city’s residents.

At the national level, the Biden administration has condemned the rhetoric surrounding Springfield. During a press conference at the White House, President Joe Biden called on Americans to stop the attacks on the Haitian community. “It’s simply wrong. There’s no place in America for this. This has to stop – what he’s doing has to stop,” Biden stated emphatically. In June, the Biden administration extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to hundreds of thousands of Haitians living in the United States, giving them a reprieve from deportation and allowing them to obtain work permits. TPS was initially introduced as a humanitarian measure, recognizing the dire conditions in Haiti, which has been plagued by political instability, natural disasters, and, more recently, escalating gang violence. The country’s deteriorating security situation has forced more than half a million people to flee their homes, while nearly five million Haitians face severe food insecurity.

While Trump has framed the Haitian presence in Springfield as a threat, local officials and economists have a different perspective. The influx of Haitian immigrants has brought both challenges and benefits to the city. On one hand, the growing population has strained some of the city’s social services, particularly in housing and healthcare. However, the Haitian community has also contributed to the local economy, filling labor shortages in key industries such as manufacturing and agriculture. Nevertheless, the toxic political environment surrounding the issue has made life increasingly difficult for Haitian immigrants in Springfield. Many fear that Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric could lead to real-world violence. Haitian community leaders have reported receiving an uptick in threatening messages, and some residents now worry about leaving their homes.

The city’s leadership is working to address these concerns, but the atmosphere remains tense. “We’re doing everything we can to keep people safe,” Mayor Rue said, “but this type of rhetoric makes our job much harder.” As the 2024 presidential race heats up, immigration is likely to remain a hot-button issue, with Trump using Springfield’s Haitian community as a flashpoint in his broader campaign for stricter immigration enforcement. The consequences for the residents of Springfield, and for the Haitian-American community at large, could be far-reaching.

To put this into perspective, very few companies in history have ever crossed the $1 trillion mark in valuation. Companies like Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Alphabet (Google’s parent company), Amazon, Saudi Aramco, Meta, and most recently, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, are part of the exclusive “trillion-dollar club.” Nvidia, for example, joined the group in May 2023 and surged to a $3 trillion valuation by June, making it the second-most valuable company globally, just behind Microsoft and ahead of Apple.

Musk’s rise to a trillion-dollar fortune would mark a significant milestone, not just for him personally, but for global capitalism, showing the immense concentration of wealth possible through innovation in technology and other high-growth sectors. Following Musk, several other individuals are also projected to reach trillionaire status in the near future. Gautam Adani, the Indian industrialist, could potentially be the second individual to hit the trillion-dollar mark by 2028. According to the report, Adani’s wealth has been growing at a rate of 123% annually, driven largely by his diversified business empire that includes ports, power, and renewable energy.

On the heels of Adani is Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang, who has benefitted from the explosive growth of the AI and semiconductor sectors. Nvidia’s rise to prominence, particularly its role in AI-driven technologies, has made Huang another top contender for trillionaire status. Another potential trillionaire is Indonesian energy and mining tycoon Prajogo Pangestu, whose business empire has thrived in recent years due to the global demand for energy and commodities. If his growth trajectory holds, he could also join the ranks of the world’s wealthiest by 2028.

The French luxury magnate Bernard Arnault, who controls LVMH and is currently the world’s third-richest person with a net worth of $181 billion, is projected to reach the trillionaire mark by 2030, around the same time as Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Both men have built empires in luxury goods and social media, respectively, and continue to see robust growth in their wealth.

Following a military coup in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, who had served multiple terms as the country’s Prime Minister and is the leader of the Awami League party, fled to India to avoid possible legal and political persecution. She has been residing in India ever since, making occasional political statements about the situation in Bangladesh. These remarks have often stirred controversy, particularly among the current interim government and opposition leaders in Bangladesh. Hasina’s most recent statement, made on August 13, condemned the violence and killings that took place in Bangladesh, labeling them as acts of terrorism. This sparked further political discord, with the interim government criticizing her for continuing to engage in Bangladeshi politics while in exile.

In addition to his remarks about Sheikh Hasina, Mohammad Yunus also addressed the recent concerns regarding attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh. He dismissed these concerns as exaggerated, arguing that the reports of violence were being amplified by certain groups for political gain. Yunus suggested that while there may be isolated incidents, the portrayal of the situation was not reflective of the overall reality in Bangladesh. The issue of minority rights and violence has been a longstanding concern in Bangladesh, and Yunus’s dismissal of the issue could further inflame tensions, particularly among international human rights groups. However, the interim chief maintains that the situation is being misrepresented, possibly as a tactic to undermine the current administration.

During an interview with the news agency , Yunus reiterated the importance of strong diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India. He highlighted that both countries value their bilateral relationship, which has been a cornerstone of regional stability for decades. However, Yunus expressed concern over India’s perception of political parties in Bangladesh. He noted that India often views any political party in Bangladesh other than the Awami League as having an Islamist agenda, a narrative Yunus believes is inaccurate. He urged India to rethink this perspective, arguing that the political landscape in Bangladesh is more nuanced. Yunus firmly rejected claims that Bangladesh would turn into another Afghanistan if any party other than the Awami League were in power. He assured that Bangladesh, regardless of its ruling party, would continue to uphold its democratic and secular principles.

The issue of Sheikh Hasina’s continued stay in India has become a major political point in Bangladesh. Leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, have called for her extradition. Alamgir argued that for Bangladesh and India to rebuild strong diplomatic relations, it is essential that Hasina return to her home country. He added that if Hasina remains in India, it could create further strain between the two nations. Alamgir’s comments reflect the broader sentiment among opposition parties in Bangladesh, which have been critical of Hasina’s political influence from abroad. He emphasized that her return to Bangladesh would not only help resolve political disputes but would also open the door for more positive diplomatic engagements with India.

Sheikh Hasina’s self-imposed exile has left a significant gap in Bangladesh’s political arena. Her absence, combined with her continued political involvement from abroad, has made it difficult for the country to achieve political stability. The interim government, under Yunus’s leadership, has been working to restore order and address pressing issues such as violence against minorities and maintaining law and order. However, Yunus’s warnings about Hasina’s political remarks suggest that the situation remains fragile. The call for her extradition and possible legal action upon her return only adds to the uncertainty. Political leaders in Bangladesh are eager to resolve the situation, but the path forward remains unclear.

As Bangladesh navigates this period of political uncertainty, the relationship between Sheikh Hasina, the interim government, and India remains a critical factor in the country’s future. While Yunus strives to maintain strong ties with India and stabilize Bangladesh, the former Prime Minister’s ongoing influence from abroad complicates these efforts. Sheikh Hasina’s return could potentially help restore order, but it also carries the risk of further political discord. The future of Bangladesh’s political stability and its relationship with India remains closely tied to the decisions made in the coming months.