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.

Israel took advantage of this weakness in the supply chain to target Hezbollah fighters with their own pagers. This plan was highly secretive and had been prepared for years. General Dwivedi said, “A war doesn’t begin on the day of the battle; it begins the day the planning starts.” Israel’s long-term preparation culminated in this significant success. This pager attack caused massive damage among Hezbollah fighters. Israel employed advanced and unconventional tools instead of traditional weapons on the battlefield. During the attack, around 1,500 Hezbollah fighters were injured, many of whom lost their hands, legs, or eyes.

The pager attack was unique because it was completely unexpected and crippled Hezbollah’s communication system. Israel effectively used this technology to disrupt Hezbollah’s communication channels, hampering the movement of their fighters. India’s military needs to stay alert and enhance its security strategies in light of Israel’s attack. When asked how India could tackle such situations, General Dwivedi clearly stated that any disruptions in the supply chain cannot be ignored. He emphasized, “We need to focus intensively on securing the supply chain. Inspections should be conducted thoroughly, not just technically but also manually.”

Additionally, he stressed that India must ensure that any devices or technological equipment in its supply chain are thoroughly vetted to prevent incidents like these. General Dwivedi remarked that this event serves as a reminder that modern warfare isn’t just about traditional weapons but also involves digital and technological tools playing a crucial role.

India, which is already facing numerous threats from terrorism and cross-border infiltration, must learn from Israel’s pager attack. This incident highlights the importance of cyber-attacks, communication system disruptions, and the use of technological devices in today’s warfare. India must strengthen its systems and be prepared to tackle future challenges. Israel’s pager attack can be seen as a warning for India. General Upendra Dwivedi called it a “masterstroke,” praising Israel’s planning but also advising India to remain cautious and bolster its security policies.

As for Covid-19, the first case in India also emerged from Kerala. In 2020, a student returning from China tested positive for the virus. Since then, Kerala has repeatedly reported early cases of global diseases. This raises the question: why are these diseases first detected in Kerala? One primary reason for the early detection of global diseases in Kerala is the state’s large NRI (Non-Resident Indian) population. About 2.2 million people from Kerala live abroad, with the majority working in Gulf countries. According to a report by Deccan Herald, the Gulf is a major source of employment for a significant portion of Kerala’s population. Additionally, many students from Kerala travel abroad for higher education.

People working in countries like the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and others frequently travel to Kerala. When they return, they may unknowingly bring diseases with them. Therefore, when a global pandemic or infection occurs, Kerala is often one of the first places to detect cases. In 2020, the country’s first Covid-19 patient was also a student returning from China. Kerala’s health department remains highly vigilant, especially when a new disease spreads worldwide. Strict screening measures are implemented at airports to catch infections before they spread. When the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Monkeypox a public health emergency, Kerala quickly began screening at its airports.

However, experts believe that airport screenings have their limitations. At a basic level, the tests are done, but unless a major advisory is issued by the government or WHO, these screenings may not always be fully effective. Moreover, identifying early symptoms can often be challenging, leading to delays in detecting infections. The importance of Kerala’s NRI population is underscored by the fact that during the elections held in April 2024, 22,000 NRI citizens returned home in just two days. The total number of registered NRI voters stood at 89,839. With such a large number of people connected to Gulf countries and their constant movement to and from Kerala, the state becomes a hotspot for the spread of any global disease.

The Prime Minister mentioned that these three supercomputers, “PARAM Rudra,” have been installed in Delhi, Pune, and Kolkata. Through these supercomputers, research in fields such as physical sciences, geosciences, and cosmology will be accelerated, further strengthening India’s scientific and technological innovations in the future. Additionally, two high-performance computing systems, named ‘Arka’ and ‘Arunik,’ were also inaugurated, which will aid in climate and weather research.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking at the event, said, “Today’s inauguration is a significant step, as it introduces supercomputers that are both designed and manufactured in India. Climate change is one of the biggest challenges the world faces today. In such circumstances, these supercomputers will not only accelerate research but also help farmers, rural areas, and urban communities in developing models to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.” Prime Minister Modi highlighted that in the digital era, computing power has become synonymous with a nation’s progress. There is no field today that is not dependent on technological and computing capacity. These supercomputers will play a crucial role in ensuring India’s success in Industry 4.0.

Referring to the ₹1 lakh crore research fund announced in this year’s budget, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that India’s aim is to empower the world through its innovation and research. Today’s India is not only making new decisions but is also formulating new policies in the field of science and technology. The Prime Minister underscored that the PARAM Rudra supercomputers and other HPC systems would strengthen India’s self-reliance in the fields of science, research, and technology. These systems will not only assist in climate research and agricultural sciences but will also bring significant innovation in fields like cosmology. Thus, India has taken a critical step towards self-reliance in the computing and technological sector, setting a new example for the world in the times to come.

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.

Earlier, the Supreme Court’s YouTube channel was used for live streaming court hearings and public interest cases. However, after the hack, a video titled “Brad Garlinghouse Reacts to SEC’s $2 Billion Fine! XRP Price Prediction” was live-streamed. The video featured Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple Labs, discussing the future price prediction of Ripple’s cryptocurrency XRP (XRP). The Supreme Court’s YouTube channel used to live stream court proceedings, particularly those related to the Constitution Bench. In 2018, under the leadership of then-Chief Justice UU Lalit, the court unanimously decided to live broadcast hearings of the Constitution Bench for public view. Since then, the Supreme Court has live-streamed several public interest litigations and significant cases. This step was taken to enhance the transparency of the judiciary, allowing citizens to directly watch the proceedings of the highest court.

Full details of the Supreme Court’s YouTube channel hacking incident are not yet available. According to The Indian Express, a senior official stated that there were some issues in accessing the channel, after which the Supreme Court’s IT team immediately took the matter seriously and referred it to the National Informatics Centre (NIC). The NIC team is currently investigating the matter to determine how the hacking occurred and how the channel’s security was compromised.

This incident has raised questions about the digital security of important institutions like the Supreme Court. While digital platforms are being used to promote transparency in the judiciary, such incidents expose security vulnerabilities. Strengthening the security of YouTube channels and other digital assets of government institutions has become even more important after this incident.

Modi also reassured that Jammu-Kashmir will be granted statehood again. He reiterated this promise in Parliament and mentioned that the state would regain its status. He criticized Congress and NC, stating that Pakistan has exposed these parties as their agendas align with Pakistan’s. The Prime Minister remarked that following the abrogation of Article 370, terrorism and separatism have weakened. He also referenced the recent attack on devotees and paid tribute to martyr Vijay Kumar. Modi emphasized that Jammu-Kashmir is progressing towards lasting peace and will be completely free of terrorism.

Addressing the people of Reasi and Udhampur, Modi accused Congress, NC, and PDP of stalling the file for the construction of the Chenab Bridge. He noted that this bridge, approved during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government, has now become a significant facility and attraction. Attacking Congress further, Modi claimed the party is engaged in vote-bank politics and is undermining the Dogra heritage. He labeled the Congress royal family as corrupt and described it as the root of corruption in India. Modi also criticized a member of the Congress royal family for making derogatory remarks about deities abroad.

Modi praised BJP’s achievements, stating that the party has eliminated decades-old discrimination and has worked to honor Jammu-Kashmir’s faith and culture. He criticized Congress for continually jeopardizing faith and culture for electoral gains.

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.