The 12th Meeting of the Heads of Border Services of the SCO Member States is attended by representatives of Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, along with officials of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure

India on Friday attended a meeting of border security chiefs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Islamabad, marking another instance of official engagement between New Delhi and Islamabad under a multilateral forum despite strained bilateral ties.

The 12th Meeting of the Heads of Border Services of the SCO Member States was hosted by Pakistan and attended by representatives of Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, along with officials of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS).

It was not immediately clear at what level India was represented at the meeting. However, sources told The Tribune that a senior official from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad attended the event. 

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, participants exchanged assessments on the security situation along the international borders of SCO member states and discussed emerging challenges.

The meeting approved the results of the joint border operation ‘Solidarity-2025’ and endorsed the plan for conducting ‘Solidarity-2026’. Delegates also approved the 2027 work plan of the SCO Group of Experts on Border Services.

The participants backed Tajikistan’s proposal to host the ‘Solidarity-2027’ joint border operation and discussed the venue and timing of the next meeting of the heads of border services.

According to the Pakistani statement, the delegates agreed that greater coordination and common approaches to counter emerging cross-border threats would strengthen cooperation among SCO member states and enhance security and mutual trust along their borders.

The meeting concluded in what the host described as a “constructive and cordial atmosphere”.

The Supreme Court on Friday clarified that removal from electoral roll didn’t mean loss of citizenship as it agreed to examine the exclusion from welfare schemes of persons deleted from the list during Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal.

The SIR is currently underway in several parts of the country, including Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant reiterated that deletion from the electoral roll after SIR exercise would not automatically result in the loss of citizenship status. 

The Bench – which also included Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana — pointed out that it had made it clear in the Bihar SIR judgment that the ultimate authority to determine citizenship was not the Election Commission and that the removal from electoral rolls cannot, by itself, result in the deprivation of citizenship. “Our judgment (in the Bihar SIR case) is clear. The EC is not a constitutional authority with regard to (citizenship) status under Articles 9, 10 and 11… The EC has control over electoral rolls. It can decide not to include someone. However, that does not result in loss of status of citizenship per se,” Justice Bagchi said.

The Bench said, “We made it clear that EC has a corresponding duty that as soon as there is a decision (to exclude someone from electoral rolls), it (EC) has to refer to the Ministry (of Home) for adjudication under Citizenship Act. Unless that is done, status (as a citizen) must go on.”

The clarification came after senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan submitted on behalf of Prasenjit Bose, chairperson of the SIR Committee of West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee, that 34 lakh appeals were still pending before the 19 appellate tribunals. Only around 38,000 appeals had been decided and 70 per cent of those were allowed, he said.

While most of the appeals were pending, the West Bengal Government has issued notifications excluding deleted voters from benefits under the Public Distribution System (PDS) and various welfare measures such as Annapurna Yojana, Sankaranarayanan submitted. “Even caste certificates are being denied to the excluded persons,” he added.

The petition sought Assembly constituency-wise data relating to the West Bengal Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, including the number of Forms 6 and 7 filed, admitted and rejected as well as details regarding the pendency and disposal of appeals before the appellate tribunals.

Asking the Election Commission, the West Bengal Government and the Chief Electoral Officer of the state to spell out their respective stand on Bose’s petition, the Bench posted the matter for further hearing on August 25.

The SIR exercise in West Bengal resulted in the exclusion of over 58 lakh electors during the enumeration phase. While 9.64 lakh applications for inclusion (Forms 6 and 6A) and over 99,000 applications for deletion (Form 7) were received during the claims and objections phase, only around 1.82 lakh additions were ultimately reflected in the final electoral roll published on February 28.

One Ride. One Nation. One Salute.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged off the Shaurya Vijay Yatra, a motorcycle expedition from the National War Memorial in New Delhi to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, to commemorate the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Comprising 28 riders, including serving and retired Defence Forces personnel and their family members, the 13-days expedition will cover around 1,900 km, passing across the rugged terrain of the northern Himalayas.

Through the Shaurya Vijay Yatra, the nation will honour the courage, determination and supreme sacrifice of the bravehearts whose valour secured India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War.

During the Kargil War of 1999, Operation Safed Sagar emerged as a defining chapter in India’s military history. Conducted under some of the most challenging conditions ever faced by air warriors, the operation showcased the Indian Air Force’s courage, precision and unwavering resolve, playing a decisive role in turning the tide of the conflict.  In this special episode of Raksha Sutra, we are joined by Group Captain Anupam Banerjee (Retd.) – fighter pilot, veteran air warrior and a firsthand witness to the events of Operation Safed Sagar.  From the challenges of operating in high-altitude combat zones to the untold stories behind the missions that shaped India’s victory, this episode offers a rare and insightful look into one of the most significant air campaigns in the nation’s history.

“Even as state-of-the-art weapons and platforms are being inducted into the defence forces to address the challenges posed by the evolving nature of warfare, ports, airfields, roads & tunnels will continue to play an indispensable role in the future,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Strategic Infrastructure Conclave in New Delhi on July 16, 2026. He emphasised that while the outcome of war is largely determined by military prowess, precision capabilities, and modern technologies, basic infrastructure is central to enabling military operations.

“Sometimes, the first front of a war is not at the border itself, but on the road that leads our soldiers to the frontline. Therefore, the person who builds that road is as vital a guardian of national security as the soldier who stands at the border,” said Shri Rajnath Singh as he commended BRO for adopting niche technologies to establish robust infrastructure and carry forward Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government’s resolve of building world-class infrastructure, continuously strengthening national security, and transforming India into a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Raksha Mantri highlighted that, over the past six and a half decades, the BRO has transformed itself from a mere road construction agency to one of the world’s most respected strategic infrastructure organisations. He stated that achievements such as Atal Tunnel, Umling La Pass, and Sela Tunnel stand as living testaments to BRO’s capability and hard work, adding that its dedicated personnel have repeatedly proven that with a spirit of service to the nation, any challenge can be overcome even in harshest of conditions.

Terming BRO as a frontline organisation in adopting latest technologies, Shri Rajnath Singh made special mention of ‘tunnelling technology’, which has brought about the revolution from metro construction in cities to highway development in mountainous regions. The speed with which BRO constructs roads and highways across some of the world’s most challenging terrains is unprecedented, he said, calling it a reflection of the combined strength of human resolve and modern technology.

Raksha Mantri described ‘connectivity’ as an essential component of civilisational development, reaffirming the Government’s resolve to provide all forms of connectivity through roads, rail, air, and digital infrastructure. “The focus laid on infrastructure post-independence did not match the nation’s capabilities and requirements. We have ensured that no citizen residing in a remote area feels cut off from the mainstream. We are developing border villages, once referred to as the last villages, into the country’s first villages under the ‘Vibrant Village Programme’. A nation with robust infrastructure is the one with a bright future. The infrastructure we are building today will define our civilisation for the next one or two centuries,” he said.

Asserting that infrastructure development is not solely the Government’s responsibility but a collective effort, Shri Rajnath Singh urged the industries to innovate, academia to advance in research, engineers to develop solutions, and administrators to implement them on the ground. “Together, we must create an ecosystem that fosters excellence, where every stakeholder performs their role with utmost dedication,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Director General Border Roads Lt Gen Harpal Singh stressed that the measure of strategic capability is no longer defined solely by what we build; it is increasingly determined by how intelligently we plan, how rapidly we execute, how effectively we monitor and how sustainably we maintain infrastructure assets. He emphasised that BRO has embarked upon a journey of organisational transformation driven by technology, innovation and institutional reforms. He added that emphasis is being laid on digital planning, AI-enabled solutions, modern construction methodologies, mechanisation and stronger collaboration with industry and academia to build resilient and future-ready strategic infrastructure.

During the event, Raksha Mantri presented awards to various BRO Projects recognising their outstanding performance and excellence in infrastructure development. He also launched two digital platforms for Project Management and Recruitment, marking another significant step in BRO’s digital transformation and organisational modernisation.

Shri Rajnath Singh also released three flagship BRO publications ‘Path Pradarshak’, ‘Oonchi Sadken’ and ‘Path Vikas’ which document the Organisation’s achievements, engineering innovations, best practices and future vision. As a tribute to the indomitable spirit, unwavering commitment and selfless service of BRO Karamyogis, the BRO Anthem was also unveiled.

The two-day conclave, which commenced on July 15, 2026, served as a platform for deliberations on emerging technologies, innovative engineering solutions, digital transformation in planning, project monitoring and execution to improve productivity, sustainable construction methodologies and best practices aimed at accelerating the development of strategic infrastructure in India’s border regions. The event brought together senior military leadership, policymakers, infrastructure experts, BRO officers, industry leaders and technology partners to collectively deliberate upon the future of strategic infrastructure development.

The conclave was organised into various thematic sessions covering the complete lifecycle of strategic infrastructure development – from planning and design to execution, monitoring and adoption of future technologies. Each session involved deliberations on topics related to the theme ‘Enhancing Capability through Technology, Innovation and Execution Excellence’ with an aim to arrive at practical solutions for development of future strategic infrastructure, emphasising that future strategic infrastructure must be delivered not merely by working harder, but by working smarter through technology, innovation and execution excellence.

The conclave also hosted an industry interaction session involving leading infrastructure companies, equipment manufacturers, academia and technology partners. Participants showcased specialised expertise, advanced equipment and emerging technologies relevant to strategic infrastructure construction, with particular focus on solutions suited to BRO’s unique operational environment.

रक्षा मंत्री श्री राजनाथ सिंह ने आज नई दिल्ली के मानेकशॉ सेंटर में सीमा सड़क संगठन (BRO) द्वारा आयोजित स्ट्रैटेजिक इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर कॉन्क्लेव को संबोधित किया। रक्षा मंत्री ने कहा कि पिछले साढ़े छह दशकों में BRO ने स्वयं को एक सड़क निर्माण एजेंसी से बदल कर विश्व के सबसे सम्मानित स्ट्रैटेजिक इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर ऑर्गेनाइजेशन्स में अपनी पहचान बनाई है।

इस अवसर पर अवसंरचना विकास में उत्कृष्ट प्रदर्शन और श्रेष्ठता के लिए पुरस्कार प्रदान किए और प्रोजेक्ट मैनेजमेंट तथा रिक्रूटमेंट के लिए दो डिजिटल प्लेटफॉर्म (सॉफ्टवेयर) का भी शुभारंभ किया। साथ ही BRO के तीन प्रमुख प्रकाशनों ‘पथ प्रदर्शक’, ‘ऊँची सड़कें’ और ‘पथ विकास’ का विमोचन किया।

Chief of Defence Staff & Secretary, Department of Military Affairs General N. S. Raja Subramani paid a courtesy call on Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth in New Delhi on July 16, 2026. The interaction focused on the current security environment, enhancing jointness and integration among the Defence Forces, capability development, operational preparedness and ongoing defence reforms aimed at strengthening India’s military capabilities.

Vijay Mohan

Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, on Thursday flagged off the Shaurya Vijay Yatra Bike Rally, commemorating the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, on its next leg towards Dras from the Veer Smriti war memorial in Chandimandir.

The team laid wreaths at Veer Smriti. Members of the rally interacted with Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh and shared their experiences and emotions of the journey.

The rally, which reached Chandimandir on Wednesday, is covering approximately 2,164 kilometres from the National War Memorial in New Delhi to the Kargil War Memorial, Dras, traversing through Chandimandir, Tandi, Karu, Hanle, Umling La, Tangtse, Leh and Kargil.

The expedition is paying tributes to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War and pay homage at war memorials en route. They are also engaging with Kargil heroes, war widows and veterans.

On the occasion, war widows were felicitated by Rajeshwari Singh, regional president, Army Women Welfare Association, in recognition of their courage and resilience, reaffirming Indian Army’s unwavering support and honour to the families of the fallen heroes.

The IBGs are being raised in the two northeastern states of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, both of which share borders with China

Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service

Two weeks after the Army raised five integrated battle groups (IBGs) in the eastern sector along the front with China, Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth carried out a review of operational preparedness and combat readiness in the region.

The Army Chief on Thursday visited the area under the 4 Corps in western Arunachal Pradesh, covering the Tawang-Kameng sector. Over the past two days, he also visited the 33 Corps, responsible for the Sikkim sector, and the 3 Corps, which is tasked with operations along the China front in far-eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh as well as the Myanmar border.

The IBGs are being raised in the two northeastern states of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, both of which share borders with China. A fire support group equipped with long-range artillery guns and other firepower assets will provide backing to these agile formations.

The government’s sanction letter for raising the IBGs under the Mountain Strike Corps was issued on July 1, formally initiating the raising process, postings and other administrative measures. The formations are expected to become fully operational by mid-2027.

The Army Chief’s visit is aimed at assessing the prevailing security situation and the operational preparedness of formations deployed in the region.

He was briefed on the prevailing security situation, operational readiness and capability development initiatives by units and formations of the Eastern Command in the area. He also reviewed the measures undertaken by the formation to maintain peace, stability and a secure environment in the region.

The Chief was briefed about the 4 Corps approach and effective adoption of emerging technologies to enhance operational capability. He asked the commanders to maintain operational preparedness to effectively address emerging security challenges in the multi-domain environment.

Yesterday, Gen Seth reviewed the level of technology absorption, capability enhancement and force modernisation being undertaken in other parts of the eastern sector.

In Sikkim, Gen Seth was briefed on the operational situation in the Eastern Command. The Commander of the 33 Corps apprised him of operational deployments, surveillance architecture and current security dynamics.

In the 3 Corps, Gen Seth was briefed on the evolving operational environment, inter-agency coordination and measures being undertaken to further enhance combat readiness. 

SouthAsians & Diaspora

The General also reviewed community outreach initiatives aimed at promoting peace, stability and development across the North-East.

Interacting with commanders and troops, the Army Chief outlined his vision of “VIJAY”, founded on vigilance, innovation, jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Yodha First. He emphasised that these principles would enable the Army to remain agile, adaptive and future-ready while contributing to the Viksit Bharat vision 2047.

An IBG integrates combat formation to make the forces faster, more flexible and self-sufficient. An IBG is designed to be a compact, unit with infantry, armour, artillery, engineers, signals, air defence and logistics support under one commander. It is meant to react quickly to threats and operate with less dependence on larger formations.

Each IBG will have a strength of around 5,000 personnel, which would be larger than a brigade (3,000-3,500 troops) but smaller than a division (10,000-12,000 troops).

Creation of IBGs is part of a series of steps to restructure the Army to make it leaner and more agile.

Orders activist’s regular health monitoring during fast

Shekhar Singh

The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Centre and the Delhi Government to ensure that activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, undergoes a daily medical examination by government doctors and that all necessary medical intervention is undertaken, if required, to safeguard his life.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia passed the direction after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the Delhi Government, informed the court that Wangchuk’s health would be monitored daily by government doctors and that appropriate medical treatment would be provided depending on their assessment. 

Recording the submission, the Bench observed that every citizen’s life was of paramount importance and that the authorities were duty-bound to make every possible effort to preserve it. Appreciating the stand taken by the Solicitor General, the court directed that Wangchuk’s medical condition, both clinical and otherwise, be monitored regularly on a daily basis.

The order came on a public interest litigation filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini, who sought urgent judicial intervention to save Wangchuk’s life. The petitioner urged the court to direct the authorities to shift the activist to a government hospital and administer medical treatment, including force-feeding if necessary.

According to the petition, Wangchuk has been on an indefinite fast since June 28 after joining protests organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been demonstrating at Jantar Mantar since June 20, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged question paper leaks and irregularities in the education system.

The petition claimed that Wangchuk’s health had deteriorated significantly during the fast, alleging that he had lost around 8.5 kg and warning that his life could be at serious risk if the hunger strike continued. It argued that any loss of life would bring disrepute to the country and urged immediate medical intervention.

The plea further alleged that the government was treating Wangchuk like “a hardcore criminal, terrorist or traitor” instead of ensuring adequate medical care. It contended that, at the very least, the authorities should provide medical attention even without his consent if that was necessary to save his life. The petitioner also argued that Wangchuk should be shifted to a government hospital where he could be administered essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals through a liquid diet.

During the hearing, the Bench asked the Solicitor General whether Wangchuk was undergoing regular medical examinations and whether reports of such examinations were available.

Mehta submitted that Wangchuk’s health was being checked every day whenever he permitted government doctors to examine him. He said private doctors also occasionally examined the activist and assured the court that medical reports could be prepared and placed on record.

Observing that preservation of life was of utmost importance, the Bench said it wanted Wangchuk to be examined regularly by government doctors before proceeding to issue directions for continuous monitoring of his hea

Jalandhar Cantonment Railway Station is set to be inaugurated after redevelopment by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 17