India Rejects SCO Document
India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the joint statement of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao, China. The decision stems from India's dissatisfaction with the document's failure to explicitly address India's concerns regarding cross-border terrorism. Singh emphasized that there can be "no double standards" when combating terrorism, urging SCO members to hold terror sponsors accountable. He highlighted the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed, as an example of cross-border terrorism affecting India. Singh stated that India exercised its right to self-defense through Operation Sindoor to dismantle cross-border terror infrastructure, demonstrating that "epicentres of terrorism are no longer safe." Sources indicate that the SCO document mentioned incidents in Pakistan but omitted the Pahalgam terror attack, leading to India's refusal to endorse the statement. Singh reiterated the need to hold the perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors of terrorism accountable. He affirmed India's commitment to increasing connectivity with Central Asia, emphasizing that better connectivity fosters mutual trust and enhances trade.
CIA Backs Trump
CIA Director John Ratcliffe has supported former President Donald Trump's claim that U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites inflicted major damage. This statement directly contradicts a leaked intelligence assessment from a Pentagon intelligence agency, which suggested the bombings only set Iran's program back by a few months. Ratcliffe stated that the CIA has credible intelligence indicating Iran's nuclear program has been "severely damaged," with several key Iranian nuclear facilities destroyed. This backing reinforces Trump's earlier claims about the success of the strikes. The White House also released a statement supporting Trump's claims, citing supportive comments from the Israel Atomic Energy Commission. The U.S. strikes targeted three nuclear sites across Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. Trump warned that Iran would face "peace or tragedy" depending on their response.
Prada Vs India
Italian luxury house Prada faced criticism after its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear showcase in Milan featured leather slippers strikingly similar to traditional Kolhapuri chappals. The designs, showcased on models in summer shorts and relaxed trousers, sparked disappointment and outrage among those familiar with the traditional Indian footwear. Critics pointed out the lack of acknowledgement of the Kolhapuri's origin in any of Prada's brand communication. The brand or its creative directors have yet to comment on the controversy. Social media users tagged homegrown brands, expressing their disappointment over the cultural appropriation and lack of credit. Designer Aprajita Toor noted that while it's great to see Kolhapuri on a global platform, acknowledgement of its origins is essential. The Kolhapuri chappal, with its centuries-old legacy and Geographical Indication (GI) tag, is a significant part of Indian culture and tradition. While some international brands, like Louis Vuitton, are celebrating India-inspired elements, Prada's lack of recognition has drawn flak from Indian consumers who expect credit to be given where it's due.
India's Cosmic Leap
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has initiated India's first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh, simulating life in an extraterrestrial habitat. This mission marks a crucial step as India prepares to send a human to the moon. The analog mission will closely examine the challenges astronauts may face in space, replicating conditions in Earth-based environments. The project aligns with India's ambitious space program, which aims to place a man on the moon by 2040 and establish a space station by 2035. The mission includes testing a small, inflatable housing unit called Hab-1, equipped with essential facilities like a kitchen, sanitary facilities, and a hydroponics farm. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's journey to the International Space Station aboard the Falcon 9 Crew Dragon is also a significant milestone, making him only the second Indian in history to travel to space. Shukla will conduct India-specific experiments, contributing to the country's space exploration efforts.
India Global
India is emerging as a significant global player, with its integration into the global economy accompanied by economic growth. Despite challenging global conditions, India remains the world's fastest-growing major economy, driven by public investment in infrastructure and a buoyant manufacturing sector. The country aspires to achieve high middle-income status by 2047, the centenary of Indian independence, while also committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. India Global Forum is a global affairs organization dedicated to telling the story of contemporary India and harnessing its limitless opportunities. The organization aims to accelerate prosperity, connect India's tech and innovation ecosystem to the world, promote climate leadership, and drive empowerment through diversity. India's growing affluence and brand awareness have made it a prominent market for global luxury players, with increased awareness and aspiration to own luxury brands.
