FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 1 INDIA THIS WEEK A Weekly Newspaper Featuring News and Trends from the Indian Sub-Continent Published From the US Capital Web Site: WWW.Indiathisweek.us Volume 36 No. 36 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday September 4, 2026 SCO Bishkek Declaration Supports India’s Efforts Against NarcoTerrorism, Strengthens Cooperation Against Organized Crime BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 1 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday signed the declaration at the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit along with heads of state of other member countries. The heads of state signed the Bishkek Declaration on the 25th Anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the organizing committee said in a statement. The SCO summit was held from August 31 to September 1, 2026, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The summit was chaired by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov under the theme “25 Years of the SCO: Together for Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity.” In addition to the declaration, SCO leaders also signed 27 other documents, including regulations on the Universal Center for Countering Challenges and Threats to the Security of SCO Member States and an action plan for the development of ports and logistics centers of the organization’s member countries for 20262030. The parties also signed a declaration on strengthening multilateral partnership for nuclear and physical nuclear security, a statement by the Council of Heads of State of SCO Member States on developing cooperation in energy systems, and a cooperation program for establishing the SCO “Green Technology Corridor” for 2026-2030. The Bishkek Declaration on the 25th Anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation provides India a platform to articulate its positions on regional security, development and connectivity and strengthens India’s engagement with Central Asia and the wider Eurasian region. The Ministry of External Affairs of India detailed several key outcomes that emerged from discussions at the Bishkek summit. The approval of the regulations on the Universal Center for Countering Challenges and Threats to the Security of SCO Member States strengthens cooperation with SCO partners on terrorism, extremism, organized crime and other transnational threats. It also enhances coordination and information exchange on transnational security threats. The Protocol on Amendments and Additions to the Charter of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation of June 7, 2002, enables India to participate in shaping the SCO’s evolving institutional framework. It also ensures India’s interests are appropriately reflected in the organization’s future functioning and supports the inclusion of English within the SCO framework, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. A memorandum was signed between the authorized agencies of SCO Member States on cooperation in the field of information. This promotes institutional exchanges among SCO Member States and facilitates possible wider dissemination of India’s perspectives and initiatives within the SCO information space. A memorandum was signed between the governments of SCO Member States on cooperation in combating climate change. This provides an additional platform for cooperation on climate adaptation and mitigation. It supports climate-resilient development and technology cooperation, enables capacity-building and reflects India’s development priorities. A protocol on amendments and additions to the Agreement on Cooperation between the Governments of SCO Member States in Combating Crime of June 11, 2010, strengthens India’s cooperation with SCO partners against organized and cross-border crime and facilitates closer coordination among law enforcement agencies. A statement on providing assistance to states affected by emergencies complements India’s capabilities in disaster management and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). It enables the sharing of expertise and capacity-building and promotes cooperation on disaster-resilient infrastructure. A statement on the Development of Cooperation in the Field of Energy Systems promotes sCo deClaraTIoN see page 8 Nepal Flash Floods: 163 Indian nationals rescued amid ongoing tunnel rescue operations; death toll reaches 1,050 New Delhi [India], September 1 (ANI): The number of Indian nationals rescued from the disaster-hit regions of Nepal has reached 163, marking the addition of five new individuals since the previous day, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Tuesday.In an update posted on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also noted that 151 Indian nationals left China today. Detailing ongoing field operations, the Ministry outlined the challenging conditions faced by the 24-member Indian tunnel rescue team deployed at hydropower tunnels in Chilime. Operating in a high-risk environment, the team has had to contend with extremely restricted access space, limitations on the use of heavy specialised equipment due to the difficult Remember: “Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.” Proverbs terrain, and marshy tunnel floors. By employing innovative methods and improvised floats, rescue personnel were able to advance deeper into the subterranean passages. The MEA confirmed that these efforts will continue tomorrow in a bid to reach any individuals potentially trapped inside. On the medical and identification front, the Indian forensic team expanded its operations in close coordination with Nepalese counterparts.According to the MEA, the team is actively undertaking DNA examination and analysis to help expedite the processing of samples and streamline victim identification in Nepal. Highlighting the team’s efforts, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava wrote on X, “The Tunnel Rescue team from India carried forward its work in Chilime, in Nepal Floods see page 6
INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 Trump Pledges U.S. Support for Nepal as Dozens of Indian-Americans Remain Missing By Geeta Goindi WASHINGTON, August 29, 2026 – President Donald Trump has pledged U.S. assistance to Nepal following catastrophic flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, offering the country “anything they want” as American officials work to locate about 90 U.S. citizens who remain unaccounted for, including dozens of Indian-Americans. Speaking to reporters at the White House Thursday, Trump described the devastation as “terrible” and said the United States had been in direct contact with Nepalese leaders. “We’ve called Nepal, and we’ve offered any help that they need,” Trump said, describing how powerful floodwaters and mud swept away even strongly constructed buildings “like they were toothpicks.” “We are sending aid, and we’ve spoken to the leadership, and we let them know anything they want, we’ll have,” he added. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration was focused on rescuing Americans affected by the disaster, calling their safety a priority for President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “We’re focusing on rescuing every American that we possibly can and that effort will continue,” she said. The Trump administration has already announced $500,000 in emergency assistance through Catholic Relief Services to provide shelter, relief supplies, and water, sanitation and hygiene assistance to communities affected by the disaster. The United States has pledged support for relief efforts following devastating floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, where dozens of Americans, many of them Indian-Americans, remain missing. The State Department is also deploying a disaster response advisor to the region to support relief efforts, while the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu is working closely with local authorities to locate and assist American citizens. The assistance comes as families across the United States anxiously await word about loved ones caught in the disaster, which struck the mountainous border region on Wednesday. About 90 Americans remain unaccounted for, according to U.S. officials, with many believed to have been traveling on treks or pilgrimages to Mount Kailash in Tibet, a sacred site revered by Hindus and Buddhists. Among the missing are at least 22 Indian-Americans affiliated with the Isha Foundation, the organization founded by Indian spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. They were part of a larger group returning from Mount Kailash when the floods struck the Gyirong immigration center along the border. One of them, Sridevi Vejella, had just completed the pilgrimage — described by her husband, Deepak Dandu, as a “lifetime dream” — just moments before the disaster hit. Dandu, a U.S. citizen, told CBS News that he was traveling to Hyderabad, India, where the couple’s 13-year-old son was staying with family as they awaited word about Vejella. “He is going through a lot, hearing all Immigration Lawyer Law Office of Ryan Morgan Knight Email or call for free consultation ryan@immigrationknight.com 1 (888) 735-0560 Ryan Knight Licensed to practice immigration law Nationwide; Licensed to practice art law in Maryland the news,” Dandu said. Separately, a group of 10 men from Northern Virginia who had set out on a trek to Mount Kailash remain missing. Nine are U.S. citizens — Anil Goel, Srinivas Sudhir Rangu, Laxminath Gopisetty, Keshav Rao, Kirti Acharya, Sudhindra Yapalparvi, Vivek Srivastav, Venkat Balasubramanyam and Venkat Bangalore. The 10th member, Mahendra Gupta, is a Canadian citizen. Sneha Sudhir, whose husband is among the missing men, said the families have been unable to reach the group by phone since the flooding and have been contacting officials in the United States and abroad in an effort to locate them. Sisters Shreya and Ashna Ahuja have also appealed for international assistance and coordination to help locate their parents, Deepak and Madhu Ahuja of Dallas, Texas. The couple had traveled to Mount Kailash on a “bucket list” trip to celebrate Deepak Ahuja’s 60th birthday. Siblings Radhika and Akash Sharma are traveling to Nepal to join the search for their parents, Ramesh Sharma, 65, and Neelam Sharma, 64, of New York City. They told media outlets they planned to assist directly in efforts to locate the couple. Others reported missing include Rekha and Rashi Shashidharan, a mother and daughter from New York, and Venus Rajnikant Patel, 45, an Indian-born U.S. citizen from Cincinnati who had been traveling toward Mount Kailash. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-Virginia), whose 10th Congressional District includes parts of Northern Virginia where several of the missing Indian-Americans live, said his office is in regular contact with the State Department and is pressing for a thorough search-and-rescue effort. “The news of the flash floods at the Nepal-Tibet border is devastating,” Subramanyam said. “I am especially concerned that so many U.S. citizens have been impact- ed and are currently missing, including many of my constituents from Northern Virginia.” “Some of them were community leaders who went to find spiritual connection in the Himalayas,” he added. Subramanyam said his team is working to ensure a thorough searchand-rescue operation and regular communication with families seeking information about their loved ones. Families have also reached out to Senator Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) and to diplomatic missions representing Nepal, India and China as they seek information and assistance in locating those missing in the remote Himalayan region. The State Department said it is closely monitoring the crisis and extended its “deepest condolences” to families who lost loved ones in the floods. The disaster devastated communities across Nepal’s Rasuwa district and areas across the border in Tibet, sweep- ing away homes, hotels, roads, bridges and other infrastructure and leaving large areas difficult to reach. A glacier collapse is believed to have triggered the catastrophic surge of water, mud, ice and debris, although authorities and scientists are continuing to assess the precise sequence of events. Search and rescue operations continued Friday amid concerns about additional flooding from newly formed lakes and blocked waterways in the mountainous region. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu is assisting Americans affected by the disaster, while the State Department has established channels for families seeking information about missing relatives. U.S. citizens in Nepal requiring urgent assistance can contact the embassy at KathmanduACS@state.gov. Those seeking information about family members can call 1-888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. FIR registered against YouTuber in Mumbai Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 30 (ANI): The Mumbai Police have registered an FIR against an unidentified YouTube content creator for posting defamatory content after a video falsely portrayed a 55-year-old photography teacher from Byculla as the husband of Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde. Mumbai’s Kalachowki Police initiated action on August 27 based on a complaint lodged by the teacher. In his complaint, the teacher alleged that photographs of him and the Mayor were used without consent in a short video posted on the platform. According to the complainant, he learned about the video on August 26 when a neighbour from his building sent him the YouTube link via WhatsApp. As per the FIR, the video featured details regarding the teacher’s name, education, profession, religion, hobbies, and family background, alongside the misleading visuals. Police said the video was uploaded by a channel operating under the name “gk-shorts-videos”.Investigators have initiated technical procedures to trace the IP address details in order to identify and track down the individual running the channel. The complainant has also provided screenshots of the video to the police to assist in the probe. Further investigation into the case is currently underway.Tawde, a senior BJP corporator, represents Ward 132 (N-Ward, Ghatkopar) in the Municipality. In the BMC polls to the 227-member civic body, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats, while its ally, Shiv Sena, won 29 seats. (ANI)
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India This Week Friday, September 4, 2026 DCSAFF Turns 15: South Asian Cinema Takes Center Stage in Rockville The 15th DC South Asian Film Festival brings independent films, filmmakers, actors, industry voices and community conversations to Montgomery County—bridging cultures through cinema. SEPTEMBER 11–13, 2026 • REGAL ROCKVILLE CENTER • ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND The official 15th DCSAFF festival poster highlights a selection of films and the festival’s signature blue-and-gold visual identity. Photo: DCSAFF ROCKVILLE, MD — The Washington, D.C., region’s South Asian film community is preparing for a milestone celebration as the DC South Asian Film Festival (DCSAFF) marks its 15th anniversary this September. The three-day, in-person festival will take place September 11–13 at Regal Rockville Center, 199 East Montgomery Avenue, bringing a wide-ranging program of feature films, shorts, documentaries, filmmaker conversations, master classes and post-screening discussions to Montgomery County. The anniversary edition arrives with a clear message: “Bridging Cultures Through Cinema.” That idea is at the heart of DCSAFF’s identity. Rather than treating South Asian cinema as a single category, the festival creates space for stories and filmmakers representing the breadth of the region and its diaspora—including voices connected to India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and Sri Lanka. “Fifteen years is more than a milestone—it is a testament to the power of independent cinema to connect communities.” Over the years, DCSAFF has grown into a recurring cultural gathering for audiences, filmmakers, actors, writers, producers and arts supporters throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Its 2026 edition continues that tradition while placing greater emphasis on conversation, professional networking and the Mid-Atlantic’s growing film-production ecosystem. A Festival Built Around Stories That Stay With You The wider festival lineup featured in DCSAFF promotional materials includes Madam Mumtaz & Co., Boong, Shadow Box, The Great Shamsuddin Family, Timeless, Notice Me Now, On the Mountain and Dad’s Dream, along with other independent works. The selection reflects DCSAFF’s continuing interest in films that explore family, identity, social change, memory and the South Asian expe- rience from a range of perspectives. With films spanning different countries, languages and storytelling traditions, the festival offers audiences an opportunity to encounter stories that may be deeply rooted in a particular culture while still speaking to universal human experiences. Sarmad Khoosat Returns to DCSAFF The festival will also welcome prominent filmmakers and creative voices whose work has helped shape contemporary South Asian cinema. Their participation adds another dimension to the anniversary edition, giving audiences opportunities to engage with artists beyond the screen through conversations and discussions. Actors, Innovators and Cultural Voices Beyond the Screen DCSAFF is designed to be more than a series of film screenings. Conversations with filmmakers, actors and industry professionals provide audiences with a closer look at the creative process and the challenges and opportunities shaping independent cinema. By bringing established artists together with emerging filmmakers and members of the community, the festival creates opportunities for dialogue, mentorship and professional connections. Three Days of Cinema, Conversation and Community The in-person festival is scheduled for September 11–13 at Regal Rockville Center, 199 East Montgomery Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850. DCSAFF’s promotional materials also list a virtual festival period from September 14–30, giving audiences another way to discover films and programming beyond the theater weekend. Festival materials note that films will be presented with English subtitles. For audiences in Montgomery County and throughout the greater Washington region, the anniversary weekend offers an opportunity to experience independent South Asian cinema while meeting the artists and creative professionals behind the work. Before the Festival: DCSAFF Lunch Mixer & Panel Discussions The anniversary celebration begins before the cinema lights come up. On September 6, DCSAFF will host a Lunch Mixer & Panel Discussions at The Writers Center in Bethesda, presented by Kimberly Skyrme / Creative! Butterfly Films and DCSAFF. The event is designed as a working conversation about the people, opportunities and infrastructure needed to strengthen film production throughout the Mid-Atlantic. The DCSAFF Lunch Mixer & Panel Discussions will bring filmmakers, performers and production professionals together at The Writers Center in Bethesda. The conversation is as important as the screenings: Who gets hired? Who gets heard? And how can the region build a stronger and more sustainable film ecosystem? The lunch mixer is particularly timely for Maryland and the wider DMV, where filmmakers, actors, producers, writers and crew members increasingly look to the region for accessible locations, skilled talent and production opportunities. By bringing industry professionals and emerging talent into the same room, DCSAFF is expanding its role beyond that of a film festival and becoming a connector within the regional creative economy. Why the 15th Anniversary Matters For a nonprofit cultural organization, reaching a 15th annual festival is no small achievement. It represents years of volunteer work, filmmaker relationships, audience de- velopment, partnerships and a sustained belief that independent cinema deserves a home in the Washington metropolitan area. DCSAFF also occupies an important space between cultures. South Asian communities in the United States are not monolithic, and the stories they tell increasingly reflect multiple generations, languages, countries of origin, professional experiences and identities. A festival can bring those perspectives together without asking them to look or sound the same. That makes the 15th edition more than a weekend of screenings. It is a celebration of the filmmakers who have participated over the years, a platform for new voices and an invitation to audiences—South Asian and non-South Asian alike—to discover stories that can entertain, challenge and connect. As DCSAFF enters its 15th year, its message remains both simple and ambitious: Cinema can bridge cultures, create conversations and bring communities together.
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India This Week Friday, September 4, 2026 Nepal Flash Floods: 163 Indian nationals rescued amid ongoing tunnel rescue operations; death toll reaches 1,050 Nepal Floods from page 1 coordination with Nepali Army, even in face of extremely restricted access space, terrain limitations including a swamp like marshy tunnel floor. They used improvised floats to explore deep into the tunnel. The team will continue its work tomorrow to try and rescue any individual who may be trapped inside.” He further noted the ongoing DNA sample analysis process being carried out by the Indian Forensic team in collaboration with Nepali counterparts. “The 19-member Indian Forensic Team began DNA sample analysis in collaboration with their Nepali counterparts at the Nepal Police Central Forensic Science Laboratory and the National Forensic Science Laboratory, Khumaltar, Kathmandu. The team is working to expedite the processing of DNA samples in Nepal for the identification of those affected by the recent flash floods,” he wrote in another post. Earlier in the day, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that a specialised international tunnel rescue team from India and China have been mobilised alongside the Nepal Army at critical hydropower sites following the catastrophic Bhote Koshi River flash floods. Speaking at the Ministry’s fourth official press briefing in Kathmandu, Spokesperson and Head of the Public Diplomacy Division Lok Bahadur Chhetri highlighted that targeted international technical expertise is being deployed to handle highrisk subterranean operations.” As we have stated, our immediate national priority remains clear: to save lives, locate those who are missing, rescue survivors, provide urgent relief, and ensure that all The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- September 4, 2026 We are not in control By Rajan George When torrents with enormous brawn Ravaged the cities below the mountainous terrain, Inundating everything in their path With brute force that no one could resist, With no room to escape, nor place to hide, Before being engulfed in a deadly grave Of mud, silt, boulders, and gushing waters, Wreaking havoc no human force could withstand, Sowing tragedies of epic proportions— Hard to fathom, the depth of such pain: Lives lost, and lives still missing, With little hope of a safe return. Submerged in tunnels, caves, and crevices Beneath the earth, where even thermal drones Find it difficult to detect signs of life, And even rescue forces are unable to reach! It should make us pause and ponder How trivial human life and all its glories are. Beyond our limits, we are but worms Who boast about our greatness, Yet all that we possess and glory in Can be washed away by a calamity Beyond our control and understanding, Sweeping us away as helpless victims. We are not in control of our lives! Instead, let us remember that each passing moment Of our lives is a gift from God, even though We seldom pause to give it a thought And continue on our way in careless pursuit. affected people, both Nepali and foreign nationals, receive appropriate assistance and support,” Chhetri stated. According to the spokesperson, a 24-member Indian tunnel rescue team operating in two units is working closely with the Nepal Army at the Chilime and Langtang hydropower project sites, while a 9-member Chinese team is deployed in coordination with the military at the Upper Trishuli 3A project site. A specialised team from the Republic of Korea has also been mobilised.To support nationwide emergency efforts, Nepal has deployed a unified force of over 21,000 security personnel from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force across the disaster-stricken corridors. MoFA reported that more than 11,800 people have been rescued so far, including 324 foreign nationals, five of whom remain in direct contact with authorities. To manage the high volume of recovered remains, specialised international forensic units have joined local authori- ties. A 19-member forensic DNA team from India has been operating in Nepal since August 29; a 4-member Chinese forensic team arrived today, and coordination is underway to deploy a Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team from Singapore. The Ministry expressed profound gratitude to India, China, Japan, the United States, the UAE, South Korea, and other international partners for providing timely relief supplies and financial solidarity. Additionally, mass burial started in the capital, Kathmandu, as well, after the morgue ran out of space after one week of the devastating flood in Nepal. Security forces donned in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) carried the body bags and buried them in the Gorkarna forest area on the outskirts of Kathmandu.Amid the rainfall, the security personnel walking through the muddy forest carried the bodies and buried them with markers on top. The big bags contained the tags through which the bodies would be later exhumed and hand- INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Dr. Babu Stephen Chief Editor: Rajan George Contributing Editors: Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online ed over to families after establishing the identities. DNA of the buried bodies has already been kept for cross-matching with the family. As the bodies of the victims swept away by the Bhotekoshi flood are being dumped downstream, hospitals are struggling to find places to store and identify them. The Himalayan nation only has a capacity of storing about 350 bodies in the morgues nationwide, which has led to a shortage of space to store the bodies until the family identifies and claims them. The remains of the victims swept by flood from Rasuwa and Nuwakot are being recovered in different parts of the nation. With morgues running out of space, the government has engaged in managing unidentified bodies by amending the Unidentified and Unclaimed Body Management Guidelines, 2021. The developments come as the death toll from the catastrophic flash floods has climbed to 1,050, according to the comprehensive situation report released by Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) as of 6 PM. The recovered human remains have been documented across severely and moderately impacted districts, including 321 in Chitwan, 216 in Nawalparasi East, 170 in Nawalparasi West, 142 in Nuwakot, 65 in Gorkha, 57 in Dhading, 41 in Rasuwa, and 38 in Tanahun. Meanwhile, the NDRRMA reported that 3,916 individuals remain unaccounted for, including personnel from security agencies, customs, immigration, hydropower projects, and foreign nationals. Emergency response efforts have successfully rescued 11,993 people to date. Aerial operations led by the Nepal Army have logged 610 total flights, including 84 Remember: flights conducted on September 1 alone, evacuating 4,091 Nepali citizens and 273 foreign nationals. Private sector flights from Kathmandu have contributed an additional 29 rotations, NDRRMA highlighted. To maintain law and order, secure infrastructure, and drive search efforts, the government has mobilised a unified security force of 21,314 personnel, comprising 7,912 from the Nepal Police, 9,199 from the Army, and 4,203 from the Armed Police Force (APF). Furthermore, 292 individuals have received medical attention or treatment from security forces and local hospitals, with 182 already discharged. NDRRMA reported a massive scaling up of relief logistics, with 37 trucks and 37 Bolero vehicles dispatching food and materials to affected corridors. The APF alone has completed 77 relief flights to Rasuwa and Nuwakot, complemented by nine helicopter supply drops. Financial assistance from the Government of Nepal includes NPR 10 million each allocated to Rasuwa and Nuwakot, NPR 5 million to Dhading, and an additional NPR 67.5 million distributed across 15 affected local governments, NDRRMA stated. To shelter displaced citizens, holding centres currently accommodate 3,453 people, distributed across Nuwakot (2,466), Rasuwa (398), Kathmandu (329), and Dhading (260). Critical public utilities are also recovering; Nepal Telecom has successfully restored all 110 damaged communication towers, while Ncell has brought 75 of its 78 impacted towers back online. Regional fuel stocks stand at 35,000 litres of diesel, 15,000 litres of petrol, and 9,000 litres of aviation fuel. (ANI) “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.…
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INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 “Major Step Forward for U.S.-India Defense Partnership”: U.S. Envoy Sergio Gor on Javelin Missile Co-Production MoU NEW DELHI, India, September 1 (ANI): U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Tuesday welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) to co-produce Javelin AllUp-Round missiles in India, calling it a “major step forward” for the U.S.-India defense partnership. In a post on X, Gor said the collaboration would create new opportunities for U.S. companies, strengthen the American defense industrial base and boost India’s manufacturing capabilities. “A major step forward for the U.S.-India defense partnership. This collaboration between @ LockheedMartin, @Raytheon, and @tataadvanced will create new opportunities for U.S. companies, strengthen America’s defense-industrial base, and boost India’s manufacturing capabilities,” he said. On August 31, Lockheed Martin India posted on its X platform, “The Javelin Joint Venture, partnership between @LockheedMartin & @ Raytheon, signed an MOU with @tataadvanced to co-produce the Javelin AllUp-Round in India.” The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, covers the co-production of the Javelin AllUp-Round (AUR) missile within the country, according to a joint press release issued by the entities. The selection of Tata Advanced Systems Limited as the prime partner for future in-country co-production follows an evaluation of multiple firms based on capability and technical expertise. Under the agreement, both parties plan to explore setting up a dedicated final assembly and integration facility, alongside component manufacturing capabilities in India, to serve future production demands and support regional stability across the Indo-Pacific. The co-production initiative links American supply chains with Indian assembly lines. Multiyear manufacturing of subassembly kits will occur at Lockheed Martin’s Troy facility in Alabama, while guidance electronics units will originate from Raytheon’s Tucson facility in Arizona. These components will then be shipped to India for final assembly and integration, creating local high-tech jobs while sustaining manufacturing positions in the United States. “Partnering with Tata Advanced Systems Limited to establish a dedicated Javelin final assembly and integration facility in India is a pivotal step in ensuring a resilient supply chain for this critical anti-tank weapon system,” said Rich Liccion, vice president of the Javelin Joint Venture and program director for Lockheed Martin Javelin. “This collaboration not only expands India’s high-tech manufacturing capabilities but also reinforces a stronger, more stable security architecture across the Indo-Pacific region, enabling our partners around the world to respond swiftly to emerging threats,” Liccion added. The initiative strengthens India’s defense industrial ecosystem by localizing final assembly operations, expanding domestic manufacturing knowledge, and supporting global supply chain resilience amid rising international demand. Co-production also allows the U.S. government to achieve economic order quantities, creating measurable cost savings across programs supporting joint venture SCO Bishkek Declaration Supports India’s Efforts Against Narco-Terrorism, Strengthens Cooperation Against Organized Crime sCo deClaraTIoN From page 1 cooperation in the development, modernization and resilience of energy systems among member states and advances India’s energy efficiency and security objectives. A statement was signed by the leaders on developing cooperation in the field of energy conservation and energy efficiency. It supports India’s energy efficiency and energy security objectives and provides scope for the exchange of technologies, experience and best practices. A program of SCO Member States on Coordination of Measures to Combat the Proliferation of Synthetic Drugs and Their Precursors for the period through 2030 addresses the growing challenge of synthetic drugs and precursor diversion and improves information-sharing and operational coordination among enforcement agencies. The leaders signed a program of cooperation among SCO Member States in combating drug addiction through 2030. According to the MEA, this complements India’s drug-demand reduction efforts. It enables the exchange of good practices in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation and promotes cooperation on drug awareness and addiction prevention. Earlier Tuesday, PM Narendra Modi, in his address at the SCO Summit, reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward to resolve conflicts. He stressed the need for zero tolerance toward terrorism and also emphasized that there should be no double standards in the fight against terrorism. The prime minister highlighted the importance of connectivity, technology, innovation, startups and youth engagement. He also announced India’s readiness to host the first SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum. (ANI) production. “This agreement with Tata Advanced Systems Limited establishes a foundation to strengthen the global supply chain for Javelin,” said Jenna Hunt Frazier, president of the Javelin Joint Venture and Javelin program director at Raytheon. “It supports faster fielding of the proven Javelin weapon system and sustained readiness for partner nations.” Tata officials also noted that the partnership reinforces interoperability and aligns with broader Indo-Pacific defense collaboration goals. “We are pleased to partner with the Javelin Joint Venture on this important next step in our long-standing relationship with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon,” said Sukaran Singh, chief executive of- ficer and managing director of Tata Advanced Systems Limited. “This initiative brings critical assembly expertise and knowledge transfer into India’s defense industrial ecosystem, while strengthening self-reliance. Local assembly of the Javelin All-UpRound will enhance operational readiness and ensure timely access to proven, combat-ready capability for the Indian Armed Forces,” Singh added. The Javelin weapon system is developed and manufactured by the joint venture between Raytheon in Tucson, Arizona, and Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida. The joint venture has produced more than 55,000 Javelin missiles and more than 12,000 reusable Command Launch Units to date. (ANI) “Always with us in good and bad times”: Nepal Health Minister says India is helping with DNA testing, dead body management By Vishu Adhana | Rasuwa [Nepal], September 2 (ANI): Nepal Health Minister Nisha Mehta on Wednesday (local time) said India has been providing assistance to Nepal in managing the bodies of those killed in the floods, including through DNA testing and support for setting up a laboratory for DNA management.She said Nepal and India share a close relationship and that India has stood by Nepal during both difficult and favourable times.Speaking to ANI, Mehta said, “The relationship of our country and India is always like ‘Roti-Beti’. So they are always with us in all our... in our good situations also, and at the same time in our bad situations also. They are always with us like a brotherhood, or you can say a sisterhood or a family relationship. So we are in pain; obviously, that pain will go to them also. Since they are with... they have made us feel that they are always with us. So not only in good situations, they are always with us in bad situations.” She said the main issue was the management of dead bodies and that India had sent an expert team for DNA testing. India is also helping Nepal in setting up a laboratory for DNA management, she added.”So their helping hand means... the main issue was regarding the dead body management. So they are here to manage that one also. They have sent one expert team for the DNA testing. At the same time, they are also helping us in the setting up of a lab for DNA management. So they are helping us. We are really positive about them,” she said. Mehta also said rescued people were being kept at holding centres, where their health needs were being taken care of. She added that neighbouring countries were assisting Nepal in rescue operations and providing different forms of aid.” We have some holding centres where the rescued people have been kept. And at the same time, we are taking good care of the health issues. At the same time, our neighbouring countries are also helping from different countries. They have also come here to rescue. At the same time, they are helping in rescue operations also, and they are providing different sorts of aid also. At the same time, some of institutions like WHO and UNICEF are also on the ground. They are also working together. So we are all here; we are trying our best,” Mehta further said. The death toll in the Nepal floods has risen to 1,127, according to Nepal Police on Wednesday.Nepal Police said 45 bodies have been recovered from Rasuwa, 155 from Nuwakot, 59 from Dhading, 348 from Chitwan, 66 from Gorkha, 38 from Tanahun, 217 from Nawalparasi East, 190 from Nawalparasi West and nine in India. Of the recovered bodies, only 95 have so far been handed over to families after identification, according to Nepal Police. (ANI)
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