With his silver medal at the Paris Dickensian Olympics in India, Neeraj Chopra enters the largest territory in the history of the nation.

With four bronze medals from only two sports and a true carnage of fourth place results scattered across sports in the first ten days of Paris, India's sporting mediocrity has been made abundantly clear. Before you ended up almost crying and hurt from the misfortune of Vinesh Phogat, and settled with gloom and dread in your heart, to watch Neeraj Chopra, it seemed criminal to even think of silver or gold. On the same day that Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem set an Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters to win the nation's first-ever individual gold medal, Chopra delivered with a silver.

Not at all insane, but with a slightly absurd air of assurance, the nation's thoughts instantly went to Gold. For a nation so self-conscious of its lack of Olympic medals, such high goals, such serene conviction, and the simple notion that India was undoubtedly vying for a gold and might even pout if it takes home a silver, are foreign.

Naturally, there were no assurances; after all, these were the Olympics. However, Neeraj Chopra assumed responsibility for guaranteeing the first part of that description, stating that India during these Games was genuinely the Dickensian best of times and worst of times. With only medals from Chateauroux, India was in disarray on Wednesday following the shocking Vinesh incident. Hockey managed to save another bronze. However, there was not much hope for gold from sources other than Chopra.

The Hockey Gold Age is a distant past that most people find difficult to recall. Furthermore, India has found little justification for fantasies of gold medal grandeur, having won just two individual gold medals in almost a century of Olympic competition. We are aware that Chopra's journey through Tokyo was no dream, but it has taken the 26-year-old three years of consistently performing well at two World Championships, an Asian Games, and the Diamond League before Indians began to realize how incredibly fortunate they were to have such a freakishly amazing talent in a popular sport like track and field.

The individual merely declines to partake in the national pastime of underachieving in elite sports, which escalates into loud self-loathing by a nation that has only just, after around 11 years, won a legitimate cricket championship. Indians simply look twice whenever Chopra astonishes them on stage since they aren't used to seeing exceptional performance, but they haven't developed enough (thankfully) conviction to feel like they should win every time.

Therefore, the unassuming Indians and the unassuming, unpretentious javelin hero have made a rather amicable and non-toxic social contract: they watch him attempt to hit the gold each time without ruining the moment with cloying expectations, and Chopra sincerely shows up, runs down the alley, transforms into a bowstring, and shoots the spear—always over 86 meters, which is sufficient. Though Paris threatened to upset their comfortable mood, he has managed to maintain the chatty, argumentative Indians somewhere between dumbfounded and elegant, so they don't perch on his head, pining for more than ninety meters.

The sport isn't designed to have thousands of boys throwing javelins all across the nation because of the Neeraj effect. Maybe a dozen who can go the same way as him. Though not fully understood, there is an unsaid realization that we might be living in the greatest global era ever. Chopra is unpretentious. He enjoys hanging out with athletes from all sports the most, and he trains covertly overseas for months on end to gain that consistency.

Attempts to involve him in political or personal disputes utterly collapse because he appears to be devoid of any unwelcome doctrine. He doesn't even have to avoid or deflect technological problems. He effortlessly stubs out all attempts at mischief by responding to wicked posers with the most genuine, decent, and disarming views.

His passion for javelin, his sport, and his ability to spend entire seasons honing it in silence make it both incredibly successful for him and a little dull for Indians. The adage "10,000 times over," with virtually little deterring him from his goal. He occasionally appears in TV ads, greets people politely, remains devoted to those in need of help, such as Vinesh Phogat, and pursues greatness without becoming a slave to notoriety or ostentatious conceit.

Do not misunderstand; there is no kowtowing or acting falsely humble in front of a powerful person. He is a rare species who is loved as long as he continues to win gold, and he holds his own. Not obligated to stifle success in his sport either, but his leisure time is totally off limits to the general public. As the most successful sportsman in India, Neeraj Chopra has done so quietly and with a degree of comfort that occasionally draws attention.

Centre rejects Supreme Court's demand to exclude the SC/ST creamy layer

The Union Cabinet rejected the Supreme Court's demand, which came days after it was filed, to remove the creamy layer from the scope of scheduled caste/scheduled tribe reservation. The Cabinet cited "the Constitution given by B R Ambedkar" as the reason why the creamy layer was not included in SC/ST reservation.

The BJP's SC and ST members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day, and they reported that they received assurances that no action would be taken over the top court's views advocating for the elimination of the creamy layer.

In a historic 6-1 majority decision on August 1, the seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court held that Scheduled Castes are not a socially homogeneous class and that States may subclassify them in order to grant reservation rights to those who are less fortunate than others. The creamy layer should not be included in the SC/ST limit, according to four judges.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw gave media a briefing on the Cabinet's choices on Friday night. He stated that the Supreme Court's ruling, which included some recommendations for reservations for SCs and STs, was thoroughly discussed within the Cabinet during the meeting.

He stated that the Cabinet has carefully considered its position and believes that the NDA government is dedicated to upholding the Constitution. "A creamy layer in the SC/ST reservation is not provided for under the B R Ambedkar Constitution," Vaishnaw stated.

According to him, the Constitution should govern the SC/ST reservation provision.

Earlier, Bulandshahr MP Bhola Singh stated, "We informed him of our concerns regarding the observations made by the honorable Supreme Court judges about the creamy layer among SC/ST communities," following the party's SC and ST MPs' meeting with the Prime Minister. He reaffirmed that the government is committed to the welfare of the SC and ST populations and promised that no action will be taken.

Modi wrote on X, "Today I met with a delegation of SC/ST MPs." reaffirmed our determination and commitment to the welfare and empowerment of the communities of color.

Himachal Pradesh BJP MP Suresh Kumar Kashyap stated that this was the sole item on their agenda for their meeting with the PM. "The Prime Minister promised us that the government would not move in this direction when we visited with him merely to deliver the memo. The prime minister clarified that the court's ruling was merely an observation and did not impose any obligations on the government.

Yogender Chandolia, a BJP MP from Delhi, stated: "Our opponents are circulating rumors that the BJP-led government plans to bring in creamy layer (exclusion), however this comment was not part of the ruling. We formally met with the PM, who gave us his word that a creamy layer for SC/STs was unavoidable. On this, the PM, the BJP, and our party president all agree.”

Speaking on the PM's guarantee, BJP MP Faggan Singh Kulaste, a Madhya Pradesh ST leader, stated: "Four Supreme Court judges expressed their opinion that there should be creamy layer exclusion among SC/STs, but it was not part of the Court ruling."

The MPs stated that there was no discussion over the Supreme Court's ruling permitting states to proceed with sub-classification within the SC/STs.

Unrest in Bangladesh and India's Challenge

Bangladesh, which under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has had tremendous economic progress and political stability, is suddenly facing an uncertain future due to a stunning turn of events. Student protests against job quotas swiftly turned into broad rallies and violent incidents, which finally forced the nation's longest-serving prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, to quit.

Context

On July 15, 2024, conflicts between protestors and Hasina's supporters grew violent, escalating the turmoil to the point where the government implemented curfews, internet blockades, and even orders to shoot at sight. More than 300 people had died by August 5th, and the army eventually took over the nation as a result of the circumstances.

The future of Bangladesh and consequently South Asia is in jeopardy as an interim administration is about to be constituted. Given that India and Hasina's governments had previously had a tight and cooperative relationship, this transition is probably going to have a big impact on India.

Growth in the Economy and Political Stability

Economic Achievements Under Hasina: The economy grew and developed very well during Sheikh Hasina's time as Bangladesh's prime minister. Bangladesh's GDP has grown at an annual pace of 6.6% over the past ten years, while the country's poverty rate has dropped from 12% in 2008 to slightly over 5% in 2022. Bangladesh's economy grew from $100 billion in 2009 to $460 billion in 2022, putting the nation on track to become a Least Developed Country by 2026.

Foreign Policy and Political Stability: Under Hasina's leadership, Bangladesh, which had historically been prone to military takeovers and political turmoil, experienced a period of political stability. Hasina was able to bring the military under civilian control and lessen the possibility of more coups by effectively quelling the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles mutiny.

Regarding foreign policy, Hasina's "friendship to all, malice to none" stance attracted infrastructure projects and investments from a wide spectrum of international powers, including Western nations, China, Japan, India, and Russia. Her ability to gain India's trust by recognizing its security concerns and promoting economic relations was a crucial component of her success in foreign policy.

India-Bangladesh Relations: A Golden Age

Developing Strategic and Economic Links: India and Bangladesh saw what many have referred to as the "golden era" of their bilateral relations during Hasina's presidency. With approximately $8 billion in credit lines offered to Bangladesh by India by 2023, trade between the two nations increased from $2 billion in 2007 to $14 billion in 2022. Priority was also given to connectivity measures, such as the reopening of train lines, the building of a pipeline for diesel delivery, and the signing of contracts to improve port and transport access.

India's Strategic Interests and Regional connection: Regional integration and connection were pushed for, both economically and strategically, as a result of India's confidence in Hasina's administration. In addition to helping its neighbors flourish economically, India's efforts to promote connectivity within its borders served as a check on China's expanding influence in the area. In order to gain access to Bangladesh's market and resources, South Asian nations like Nepal and Bhutan found Bangladesh to be a desirable partner due to its stability and economic progress.

Bangladeshi trucks bound for Nepal and Bhutan were given free transit by India in 2022, and in June 2024, the two nations inked a Memorandum of Understanding that permitted Bangladesh Railways to use Indian railway lines to reach these landlocked countries. Additionally, Bangladesh gave Bhutan permission to establish a special economic zone on its soil, which was essential to the country's plans to create the Gelephu Special Administrative Region.

New Challenges for India

The Resurgence of Anti-Indian Feelings: India's relationship with Bangladesh is facing new difficulties as a result of Hasina's resignation and the growth of opposition groups like Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and the Bangladesh National Party (BNP). Historically, both parties have supported deeper connections with China and Pakistan, frequently at India's expense. Additionally, they have taken advantage of religious and nationalist sentiments against India, charging Delhi with backing Hasina's government. The opposition's persistent doubts about India's involvement in Bangladesh are seen in the "India Out" movement that has recently gained traction and in the criticism of railway connectivity agreements with India.

Security Issues & Unrest in the Region: The opposition's comeback has sparked violence and instability, with their followers directing their attacks at Awami League members and Hindu minority. The possible security threats for India are further highlighted by the assault of the Narsingdi jail and the liberation of some 800 detainees, some of whom are trained militants. The discussion between Hasina and the Indian National Security Advisor following her flight to India underscores Delhi's apprehensions regarding the current developments and their possible ramifications.

Mistrust and Anti-Indian Rhetoric: The opposition is not the only group that harbors misgivings about India. Numerous demonstrators and students who disapproved of Hasina have charged that India backs her government. This story will probably continue to spread, making it more challenging for Bangladesh's next administration to build close relations with India. Activists have already started making accusations that India may use its armed forces to reverse their "hard-won freedom," which might worsen ties between the two nations.

The Military's Uncertain Role

Challenges of Military Rule: Given the army's past engagement in the early years of the country, concerns have been raised regarding its capacity to maintain peace now that it controls much of Bangladesh. The public's discontent with military authority combined with the continuous violence and unrest may cause more political and economic instability, which would affect Bangladesh's economy, investments, and attempts to connect the region. India's interests in the area may be significantly impacted by these developments.

Fears Regarding the Interim Government: More worries are raised by the army's plan to dissolve the present parliament and install an interim administration after consulting with interested parties and political parties. It is not in India's best interests that student organisations and members of the JI, HI, and BNP were included in the most recent consultations, but the Awami League was left out. Hasina's fiercest adversary, BNP leader Khaleda Zia, was released just hours after Hasina resigned, which raises more questions about how Bangladesh's politics will develop going forward.

An Unexpected Strategic Setback for India

The Loss of a Crucial ally: One of India's largest recent strategic setbacks was Hasina's resignation. Bangladesh became the center of regional connectivity and integration as a result of the actions of her administration, which strengthened ties with India. All of these accomplishments are now in jeopardy due to her dismissal. Though it will be difficult given the history and politics of the two nations, Delhi may still be able to find a way to cooperate with a new government in Bangladesh. This will involve developing mutual trust and respecting each other's red lines.

The Road Ahead for India: India must carefully consider its options and methods for preserving its influence and safeguarding its interests in the region as Bangladesh navigates its democratic change. This will probably entail a mix of economic incentives, security cooperation, and diplomatic engagement with whichever new Dhaka government comes to power. India and its neighbors may need to prepare for a while of unpredictability and instability in their relations with Bangladesh up until that point.

In summary

With Sheikh Hasina's departure, a period of trust, economic collaboration, and regional connectivity in relations between Bangladesh and India comes to an end. India has the difficult task of negotiating a complicated and perhaps hostile environment as Bangladesh moves into a new chapter of political unpredictability. The results of this shift will have a significant impact on both India and the larger South Asian area. Positive advancements in India-Bangladesh ties are unlikely to occur until stability is restored in Bangladesh.