DGCA Issues Show Cause Notice To IndiGo Airlines

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) inquiry found that inappropriate handling of passengers by the IndiGo staff thereby resulting in certain non-conformances with the applicable regulations.

On May 7, staff of Indigo airlines had barred a specially-abled child accompanied by parents from boarding a flight at the Ranchi airport as he was in “a state of panic”, following which the aviation regulator DGCA had ordered probe and asked the airline to submit a report.
The fact finding committee formed by DGCA to probe the incident has submitted their report on Monday.

The statement released by DGCA reads that a fact finding enquiry was ordered by DGCA into the unfortunate event of denying boarding to a special child along with the family at Ranchi Airport by Indigo Airline on May 7, 2022.

The committee has submitted its report. The proceedings of the committee were partly held in the open and partly in camera as per the request of the affected family, it reads.

“The findings of the committee prima facie indicate inappropriate handling of passengers by the Indigo staff thereby resulting in certain non-conformances with the applicable regulations,” it mentioned.

In view of this, it has been decided to issue a show cause notice to the concerned airline through its authorized representative to explain as to why suitable enforcement action should not be taken against them for the non-conformances, it reads.

It further mentioned that to meet the ends of justice, the Airline has been provided an opportunity for personal hearing as well as for making written submissions in next ten days from today i.e. till 26th of May 2022.

After hearing their submissions, appropriate action as per law would be taken, it read. (ANI)

K’taka: Activists Claim Jamia Masjid In Mandya Originally Temple

Activists of right-wing organisation on Monday filed a memorandum with the Deputy Commissioner of Mandya to allow worship of Anjaneya idol at Jamia Masjid in the city.

The activists claimed the structure had been originally a temple that was converted into a mosque. They demanded permission to perform puja in the mosque.

The activists claimed that Jamia Masjid has been built on the Anjaneya Temple. They also claimed that there is historical proof that the mosque was Anjaneya Temple.

They claimed that Tipu Sultan wrote about this in the letter to the king of Persia Khalif and demanded that the archaeological department must consider the documents and investigate the matter.

They also demanded permission for taking bath in the pond situated in the premises of the mosque. (ANI)

Ukrainian Commander Makes ‘Last Appeal Of Life’ To Musk

While he has stepped in to support war-torn Ukraine with his satellite communication services, the billionaire Elon Musk has received an SOS from the Ukrainian commander Serhiy Volyna and other defenders of the besieged city, who are trapped inside the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, for immediate rescue.

This comes as Ukrainian fighters vow to continue fighting against the Russian armed forces at the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. Volyna expressed that it is “impossible” to survive in Azovstal and, in a desperate call to save him and others trapped, asked Musk to get them out of the hopeless situation.
“@elonmusk people say you come from another planet to teach people to believe in the impossible. Our planets are next to each other, as I live where it is nearly impossible to survive. Help us get out of Azovstal to a mediating country,” Volyna wrote on Twitter.

His comments received an overwhelming response on Twitter with many issuing the same clarion call to the Tesla CEO.

The Ukrainian commander’s comments reflected as if the only miracle for the Ukrainian fighters, who are trapped in Azovstal, is Elon Musk.

This sentiment is highly visible in the concluding line of his Tweet where he wrote, “If not you (Elon Musk), then who? Give me a hint.”

This is not the first time when the Ukrainian commander has pleaded for his life and on behalf of other Ukrainian fighters. Earlier, he in a video that was released on his social media accounts, made an appeal to all the world leaders to help them get out of the besieged city.

“We appeal and plead to all world leaders to help us. We ask them to use the procedure of extraction and take us to the territory of a third-party state. All of us- Mariupol military battalion of soldiers, more than 500 wounded and hundreds of civilians, including women and children…We plead to take us to safety on the territory of a third party state,” he said.

In the video, the Ukrainian commander expressed his deep concerns about Russian soldiers being outnumbering in 10 to 1 ratio. Moreover, as if looking at some horror crippling closer, the Ukrainian commander said that this could be the last appeal of his life.

“This is our appeal to the world. This could be the last appeal of our lives. We are probably facing our last days, if not hours. The enemy outnumbered us 10 to 1,” he said in his video message.

“They have an advantage in the air, in artillery, in their forces on land, in equipment and in tanks. We are only defending one object, the Azovstal plant where, in addition to military personnel, there are also civilians who have fallen victims to this war,” he continued.

Notably, Musk’s Starlink project seeks to provide affordable access to broadband internet connections across the world. Immediately after the beginning of the Russian special operation in late February, Musk confirmed that the Starlink service was active in Ukraine and promised to deliver more terminals to the country.

Roscosmos head Dmitry Rogozin criticized billionaire Elon Musk for allegedly providing the Ukrainian troops with military communication equipment and warned him about possible repercussions.

Mariupol, a key Azov Sea port city in eastern Ukraine, saw one of the worst bouts of violence in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Notably, Russia launched a “special military operation” in Ukraine on February 24, which the West has termed an unwarranted war. As a result of this, the western countries have also imposed several crippling sanctions on Moscow. (ANI)

B-Town Celebs Send B’Day Wishes To Vicky Kaushal

On the occasion of Vicky Kaushal’s 34th birthday on Monday, Bollywood celebrities took to social media and sent warm birthday wishes to him.

Taking to Instagram stories, actor Sidharth Malhotra shared a picture of him with Vicky and wrote, “Happy Birthday Vicky, Have the best year ahead bro. Big love and hug….”

Vicky’s close friend and actor Neha Dhupia also extended her birthday wishes and posted a selfie featuring herself and Vicky. She wrote, “Here’s to the films, flights and friendships… Happy Birthdat @vickykaushal09…. also @bindraamritpal you are the bomb and the #photobomb”

Bollywood star Sara Ali Khan wished Vicky in a special way by making a collage of a few glimpses featuring her and Vicky on a boat, she wrote, “Happiest Birthday Bickey Oye!! @vickykaushal09 Have the best one. You deserve all the happiness, peace, contentment and success that Inshallah keeps coming your way. Keep shining, Jai Bholenath…”

Actor Janhvi Kapoor shared a video featuring the compilation of all the roles played by Vicky Kaushal, she wrote,” Happy Birthday VICKY! Hope you have the most amazing year ahead! And continue to win hearts with your amazing work!”

Meanwhile, on the work front, he will be seen in ‘Govinda Nam Mera’ with Bhumi Pednekar and Kiara Advani.

Apart from this, he has untitled movie by Laxman Utekar starring Sara Ali Khan in his kitty. (ANI)

China Attempts To Extend Its Global Security Reach

For all of China’s insistence that it is against “hegemony” – staring at the USA while it says it- Beijing sure likes to promote its own version of global security. It may couch its vision in glowing slogans, but a world made in China’s mold would be a frightening one.

At the World Economic Forum in January 2022, Chairman Xi Jinping reiterated his multipolar vision for “peaceful coexistence” and “win-win outcomes”, which necessitates abandoning a “Cold War mentality” and desisting from construction of “parallel systems”. Xi also criticized “exclusive small circles or blocs” that are responsible for polarizing the world.
Previously, Xi has called for “inclusive security” in the Asia-Pacific region, and Beijing regularly uses slogans such as “win-win cooperation” and “a community with a shared vision for mankind”.

Then, in his videoed keynote speech at the Boao Forum for Asia on 21 April, Xi announced China’s establishment of a Global Security Initiative to “promote security for all in the world”. Xi’s speech encompassed the principle of “indivisible security” to build “balanced, sustainable and effective” international security architecture.

The language of “indivisible security” is most notable, dating from the Helsinki Accords of 1975 during the Cold War. By using such language, China is simply parroting what Russian President Vladimir Putin argues, that the USA and Europe should not strengthen their “own security at the expense of the security of other countries”.

Of course, Putin is justifying his opposition to NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe, although ironically his own actions have caused further expansion of NATO.

Xi’s speech at the Boao Forum listed “six commitments”: (1) Adhere to the vision of “common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and joint cooperation to advance world peace and security”; (2) Remain committed to mutual respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states; (3) Follow the UN Charter, reject the Cold War mentality and oppose confrontation between rival blocs; (4) Respect the legitimate security concerns of all nations, and uphold the principle of indivisible security; (5) Resolve differences through dialogue, oppose “long-arm jurisdiction” or unilateral sanctions; and (6) Insist on joint coordination to manage traditional and non-traditional security challenges (e.g. terrorism, cybersecurity and climate change).

Anyone familiar with Chinese policy will notice the recurrence of China’s favourite catchphrases in the above. Behind it is the narrative that China is a force for good, a champion of multilateralism and inclusive security, while the USA is a dangerous hegemon stuck in the Cold War.

This precisely echoes Putin’s argument, that his invasion of Ukraine was an inevitable and necessary reaction to NATO expansion. Beijing even orchestrated a nationwide education campaign to force this same narrative on China’s population. As Xi bolsters Russia and silently applauds Putin’s invasion, Beijing has increasingly referred to “indivisible security” in Europe and farther afield.

However, Xi’s “Global Security Initiative” is rather nebulous, and it will take time for the concept to catch hold around the world, if it does at all. Similarly, when Xi announced his Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, it met with lukewarm reaction from outsiders because nobody really knew what it and its associated slogans meant. This is typical of Chinese foreign diplomacy efforts.

As John S. Van Oudenaren noted for The Jamestown Foundation, a US-based think-tank, “Rather than commit to formal bilateral or multilateral treaty alliances, China prefers to maintain a hierarchical network of strategic partnerships.” One example is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Presumably, China will attempt to insert the Global Security Initiative as an added layer that brings a military dimension to existing transnational efforts.

Van Oudenaren summarized: “Under Xi, the PRC has abandoned this Dengist ‘hide and bide’ approach, and has sought to become a leading voice in all aspects of human affairs, including global security … Nevertheless, the current PRC leadership’s motivation to develop China into an international leader derives more from Xi’s embrace of strategic competition with the US than it does from any proactive vision for global affairs. In many ways, China’s advancement of alternatives to the prevailing international system amounts to a sophisticated effort to insulate the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) system from external geopolitical threats, the US above all, and to buy time to pursue Xi’s domestic vision of achieving national rejuvenation by mid-century.”

China insists the Global Security Initiative is not based on zero-sum geopolitics, but rather that it seeks “common security”. Closer to the truth is that Beijing wants to reduce American influence in international affairs, and to undermine the premise and capability of groupings like NATO, the Quad and AUKUS. Last year’s creation of the Australia-UK-US (AUKUS) alliance accelerated Chinese rhetoric and criticism about “exclusive cliques”.

China has always been averse to NATO, and it especially fears the USA is trying to create an “Asian NATO”. Russia’s war with Ukraine has merely sharpened a split between China and NATO. In 2019, the EU had labeled China a “systemic rival”, and NATO has admonished China for its “lack of transparency, use of disinformation” and “coercive policies”.

Beijing has actively worked to insert a wedge between NATO and the USA. As alluded to, the main weakness of Chinese security ambitions is that it does not really have anything new to offer, because its main goal is simply to undermine American dominance.

China may enjoy success in economic plans such as the BRI, where it has attracted a range of different partners, but the Global Security Initiative would likely just attract a motley collection of like-minded authoritarian and anti-American partners.

By supporting Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Xi has exacerbated the “Cold War mentality” that it so vehemently rails against. Beijing is actively condoning another country to wage war, a blatant violation of all “six commitments” that smoothly rolled off Xi’s tongue at the Boao Forum. All should note that this is the kind of “indivisible security” that China imagines, where small countries must bow to the might of those who are bigger.

Van Oudenaren concluded: “The limited momentum that Beijing achieved in its half-hearted push to improve ties with Washington quickly dissipated in late February as Washington and Beijing staked out opposing positions on Ukraine. In the context of these already fraught relations, the Global Security Initiative’s framing and borrowing from the Kremlin’s foreign policy lexicon is likely to be interpreted in Washington as another signal that Beijing remains fundamentally oriented not toward cooperation, but strategic rivalry with America.”

All these warnings were evident when Chinese Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe held a telephone conversation with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on 20 April.

In a readout of that call, China’s canards were on full display, including that the USA should not aim to change China's system; must avoid alliances that target China; refuse to support “Taiwan independence”; and never seek a conflict with China.

Wei clearly signaled, “The US should not underestimate China’s determination and capability.” Taiwan remains a sensitive touchstone for China, with Wei warning, “If the Taiwan question is not handled properly, it will have a subversive effect on the China-US relations. The Chinese military will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.”

The end of the readout stated, “China urged the US to stop military provocations at sea and refrain from using the Ukraine issue to smear and sow false evidence against China, or threaten and put pressure on China.” This is perhaps an admission that China is – rightfully so – feeling pressure because of its blind support for Russia regarding Ukraine.

China’s recent signing of a security cooperation agreement with Solomon Islands is evidence that influence peddling and financial support can win friends, or at least buy support. That agreement, plus China’s dispatch of six police officers to the Pacific nation to train local police, is emblematic of China’s desire to spread its military and legal influence.

Unfortunately, as China has spread its BRI, criminality such as online fraud, gambling, human trafficking, animal parts trafficking (for traditional Chinese medicines) and money laundering often accompany it. Chinese organized crime gangs have exploited the BRI’s expansion – for example, masterminding telecom and cyber fraud from places like Cambodia, Myanmar and the Philippines.

China is extended a very long arm of the law. Its “crime fighting” enforcement actions have three strings to its bow: against crime in neighboring countries that might affect Chinese citizens living abroad or in China itself (e.g. armed patrols along the Mekong River alongside Laos, Myanmar and Thailand); the CCP’s Operation Fox Hunt to repatriate people wanted in China under the pretext of “corruption”; and pursuing political dissidents or opponents of the CCP.

From 2012-14, after Xi rose to power, an estimated 18,000 Chinese officials fled China, taking some USD125 billion with them. The State Supervisory Commission and Ministry of Public Security is in charge of tracking down former officials living abroad, and the odds are stacked against anyone netted in Xi’s campaign – the conviction rate is 99.9%, and only 30% of defendants receive lawyers. In 2015, Beijing had extradition treaties with 39 countries, but such a low figure means that China routinely uses “persuasion” (read coercion) to force people to return to China. This might involve threatening relatives in China or those living abroad; such tactics are also commonly used against Uyghurs from Xinjiang.

The expansion of China’s economic presence, and of Chinese expatriates, has resulted in a similar growth in extraterritorial judicial activities by Chinese authorities, even extending to the kidnapping of suspects. Alarmingly, China shows a willingness to be a world policeman.

As well as law enforcement, there is no doubt that China is attempting to expand its military presence around the world too.

This was first seen in the creation of a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) base in Djibouti in 2017. This set a precedent, and other bases will surely follow as China seeks to station troops abroad. Indeed, the Pentagon’s 2021 report on China’s military stated that Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Seychelles, Tanzania, Angola and Tajikistan are all potential locations where China is seeking facilities for either military or dual-use applications.

China routinely talks of “strategic strongpoints” that can “provide support for overseas military operations, or act as forward bases for deploying military forces overseas”. Such a model explicitly integrates commercial and strategic interests.

Despite Xi’s glib words of “peaceful coexistence”, the problem is that China is trying to impose its version of “a new type of international relations” on others, one that suits the CCP’s narrow-minded view of the world. This version of “security” promotes China’s take on international order, democracy, sovereignty, human rights and diplomacy.

As the world has seen, that includes mass human rights abuses in places like Xinjiang based simply on ethnicity and religion; the total suppression of political opposition in Hong Kong; economic and military coercion against other nations; and a creeping takeover of others’ territory.

China is so busy pointing the finger at the USA, NATO, AUKUS and other alliances that it hopes nobody will notice it is pushing its own hegemonic plans to impose a peculiarly Chinese brand of authoritarianism on the world. (ANI)

No Heatwave For Next 4 Days In Delhi: IMD

Indian Meteorological Department Senior Scientist RK Jenamani on Monday said that the heatwave prevailing in the national capital and other north Indian states will abate from tomorrow for the next four days.

Speaking to ANI, Jenamani said, “Yesterday’s heatwave was the most severe. The peak is over. Today we are having a trend of 3 to 4 degrees fall over Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh.”
“In Delhi, Safdarjung may record a max temperature of 43 degrees Celsius. As the western disturbance further comes, the heatwave will be abated by tomorrow over a large area,” he added.

Calling the temperature in March “unusual” this year, the scientist said that the month recorded the highest all-India temperature in 122 years.

“In April, the 3rd-highest temperature was recorded but NW India continues to be the warmest in 122 years. In May, the first 10 days were good. So, I don’t think it’ll be very unusual this month,” he said.

The scientist, however, predicted, “If the climate record of Safdarjung-Palam is seen, the highest temperature recorded in May is more than 48 degrees Celsius and the highest in Safdarjung is 47.2 degrees Celsius. So, I don’t think anything extreme has come.”

“Up to the next 4 days from May 17 onwards, there will be no heatwave over any area. UP to May 11, there was no significant heatwave except in West Rajasthan. This was mainly because of Asani Cyclone that the heatwave was suppressed, but from 12th onwards, it intensified,” he added.

Noting that May 13, 14, and 15 recorded a peak in the national capital, he said that a few stations in Delhi witnessed more than 45 degrees temperature also.

“We all know that on 13, 14, and 15 Delhi was having a peak of more than 45 degrees temperature. One of the two stations of Delhi also recorded a max temperature of 49 degrees like Najafgarh and Mungeshpur. They are urban stations and can not be compared with other stations and records also,” he said.

The scientist also informed the Monsoon has arrived in Andaman sea and adjoining the southeast Bay of Bengal today.

“We have given Kerala predictions. It will be around 27 May. So, as per the progress, it is all monitoring. The very significantly east coast is not having any high temperatures,” he said. (ANI)

‘Bulldozer Is The New Symbol Of Oppression, With A Communal Agenda’

Suman, the editor of Jan Morcha, an independent, cooperative Hindi daily published from Faizabad, UP, says BJP’s political persecution has also galvanized resistance from people

For the BJP, bulldozers are the new brand of oppressive and polarizing politics. Obviously, the target is once again the Muslim community, and, that too, the poorest of the community.

After Jehangirpuri and the Ram Navami assaults on a mosque out there by an unruly mob with a communal agenda, they have now targeted Shaheen Bagh near Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi, which was the epicenter of the peaceful and protracted anti-CAA protests led by the mothers and daughters of the area amidst direct communal attacks in public discourse by top BJP leaders and ministers.

That the resilient people of Shaheen Bagh were able to stop the demolitions now is a sign that both the attacks and the resistance are going to build up in the day to come – and, seemingly, there is a hidden narrative behind this all.

It must be mentioned that during the recent elections in UP, the current chief minister mentioned in his public speeches that the bulldozers have been sent for repairing and they will be out soon to do their work. There were hoardings put up by the BJP with bulldozers, as if the lotus has been replaced as its party symbol. Even in Madhya Pradesh, reportedly, similar tactics have been used. More so, BJP workers were seen celebrating on top of bulldozers after the party won the assembly elections in UP.

ALSO READ: Bulldozer Put Fear Of Law In Criminals – Of All Communities

This has become a new political card for the party, and, sadly so. There are encroachments all over the country, including in UP, so why this sudden celebration with bulldozers now? Significantly, the rich are left to their game, even if they encroach on public land or footpaths, but the poorest are hit so badly, including roadside vendors and those plying humble carts to earn a daily livelihood.

Suman (inset) feels when oppression grows, so will people’s resistence as happened in Shaheen Bagh

It seems that behind all this there is a sinister plan. The plan is to create polarizing fissures in the social fabric and thereby up the political ante in support of the Hindutva plank of the BJP. Now, they are even planning to use the same tactics in Ayodhya.

Unfortunately, this could lead to a situation of serious conflict on the ground. Mobs might take over public spaces. And for how long can the people, especially the poor, endure these brazen and repeated acts of injustice, targeted so blatantly against one community, and for no rhyme or reason?

People will come out and protest — peacefully as always, one hopes — as in Shaheen Bagh now and as it was in Shaheen Bagh two years ago. I think the protests will intensify. My hunch is that the BJP think-tank wants the people to come out on the streets so that they can they use the plank of law and order and claim, ‘Look, the encroachers are flexing their muscles, and thereby need to be taught a good lesson’. The hidden agenda behind that is clear: push the Muslim community to the edge, and when they peacefully protest, manufacture a dangerous situation on the ground so as to consolidate and build the Hindutva vote base. This is dangerous and diabolical, and I fear for the worst in the days to come.

ITBP Personnel Practice Yoga At 15000 FT Ahead Of International Yoga Day

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel practiced Yoga at height of 15,000 feet in Uttarakhand Himalayas on snow and windy conditions around, ahead of the International Yoga Day, 2022.

“Gearing up for the forthcoming International Day of Yoga- 2022, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel are practicing Yoga at 15,000 feet in Uttarakhand #Himalayas in snow and windy conditions around,” tweeted ITBP attaching the video.
The 8th edition of International Day of Yoga (IDY2022) is being promoted through multiple programmes by the Ministry to take the message of Yoga across the world to a wider audience.

A curtain raiser event to mark the 100 days countdown to IDY2022 was celebrated on March 13 while a 75-day countdown event was organized at the Red Fort in Delhi.

The 25 days countdown to IDY2022 will be celebrated in Hyderabad.

The International Day of Yoga is celebrated across the world on June 21 every year. This year, the Yoga Utsav is being celebrated across 75 heritage sites of historical importance as part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ in order to give a fillip to the brand India. (ANI)

Modi Lays Foundation Of Buddhist Cultural Centre In Lumbini

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba on Monday participated in the foundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of a Centre of Buddhist Culture and Heritage in Lumbini, on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Jayanti.

The plot where the foundation was laid belongs to the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and lies within the Lumbini Monastic Zone.
PM Modi today started his Nepal visit with a visit to the Maya Devi Temple. Prime Minister was accompanied by PM Deuba and his spouse Arzu Rana Deuba.

The PMs paid their respects at the Marker Stone inside the temple premises, which pinpoints the exact birth spot of Lord Buddha. They attended the pooja conducted as per Buddhist rituals.

The two Prime Ministers also lit lamps near the Ashoka Pillar located adjacent to the temple. The pillar, which was erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC, bears the first epigraphic evidence of Lumbini being the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Thereafter, the two Prime Ministers watered the Bodhi tree sapling from Bodh Gaya which was gifted by PM Modi to Lumbini in 2014 and also signed the temple’s visitor’s book.

PM Modi arrived in Lumbini this morning on an official visit.

On arrival at Lumbini, Prime Minister was warmly received by the Nepal PM, his spouse Arzu Deuba, and several Ministers from the Government of Nepal.

As Prime Minister, this is his fifth visit to Nepal and first to Lumbini. (ANI)

4-Day SCO’s Anti-Terror Meet Begins In India

A four-day meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s (SCO’s) Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure or RATS started here in the national capital on Monday amid the presence of a three-member Pakistani delegation among other foreign dignitaries from seven other countries.
Headed by a Director-level official of the Pakistani Foreign Affairs Ministry, this is the first delegation from the neighbouring country to visit India since a new government took charge in Islamabad recently under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The participants of all nine members of the SCO grouping took part in the meeting scheduled between May 16-19. The SCO grouping comprises Russia, China and India. Besides this, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, are also part of the grouping.

The meeting assumes significance due to an existing terror network in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region and the threat of narcotics smuggling.

SCO’s RATS, based in Tashkent, is a permanent body of the grouping for countering terrorism, extremism, and separatism in the Eurasian region.

India is the current chair of the executive council of SCO RATS. Director of SCO RATS Mirzaev Ruslan Erkinovich visited India earlier this year and held talks with NSA Ajit Doval and the Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi.

India will be hosting the SCO RATS council meeting this October. New Delhi has also proposed holding a SCO joint anti-terrorist exercise in Manesar this year.

The SCO is one of the largest plurilaterals, covering around 40 per cent of the global population and 30 per cent of the global GDP.

Uzbekistan is the SCO chair in 2022 and will hold the summit in September. India will hold the SCO summit next year. (ANI)