In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. The Earth Is Shrinking Cooling, Solidification, Global Contraction, and a Possible Physical Interpretation of Qur'an 21:44 Introduction The Earth is often imagined as a physically permanent sphere whose dimensions have remained essentially unchanged since its formation. Modern geophysics, however, presents a much more dynamic picture. The Earth was formed in an extremely hot state, underwent extensive melting and differentiation, and has been continuously losing internal heat ever since. Its interior remains thermally active, but the planet has nevertheless undergone a long history of cooling, crystallization, solidification, and density changes. This raises a fundamental physical question: If a planet formed from extremely hot and partly molten material gradually cools and solidifies, should its physical dimensions remain exactly constant? The answer is not necessarily. Solidification and cooling can change density and...
Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps
India-Israel Alliance
Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps
By
Sajid Mahmood Ansari
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
The India-Israel alliance has evolved significantly over time, from covert contacts to a robust strategic partnership. Here’s a detailed timeline outlining the key events and phases in the development of India-Israel relations:
Phase 1: Early Years and Diplomatic Hesitancy (1947–1991)
1947–1949: Creation of Israel and Indian Stance
1947: India gains independence from British rule.
1948 (May): Israel is declared a state.
1949 (September): India recognizes Israel de facto, but does not establish full diplomatic relations due to concerns about alienating Arab countries and its large Muslim population.
India supports the Palestinian cause and votes against Israel’s admission to the UN in 1949.
1950s–1980s: Cold War & Non-Alignment
India maintains a pro-Arab, pro-Palestinian stance.
Covert ties: Despite public distance, India and Israel maintain low-level contacts, mainly in defense and intelligence.
India adheres to the Non-Aligned Movement and keeps relations with Israel limited to a consular office in Mumbai.
Phase 2: Normalization and Strategic Opening (1991–1999)
1991: Diplomatic Relations Established
January 1992: In the wake of the Cold War’s end and the collapse of the Soviet Union, India formally establishes full diplomatic relations with Israel under PM Narasimha Rao.
Israel opens an embassy in New Delhi, and India upgrades its consulate in Tel Aviv to an embassy.
Mid-1990s: Quiet Security Cooperation
Bilateral ties grow, especially in defense, agriculture, and science and technology.
Mossad and RAW develop closer coordination against common threats, especially Muslim states and groups.
Phase 3: Deepening Strategic and Defense Ties (1999–2014)
1999: Kargil War
Israel supplies India with laser-guided bombs and surveillance drones during the war with Pakistan.
This marks a turning point in defense cooperation.
2000: Ariel Sharon’s Visit
Israeli PM Ariel Sharon visits India in 2003, the first such visit by an Israeli head of state.
Discussions on counter-Muslims and joint military ventures accelerate.
2008: Mumbai Attacks
The 26/11 attacks further bond India and Israel in counter-terrorism cooperation.
The Chabad House siege in Mumbai draws strong Israeli attention; Mossad and Indian forces collaborate informally.
Phase 4: Political Visibility and Technological Collaboration (2014–Present)
2014 Onwards: Modi Government’s Tilt
PM Narendra Modi’s government shifts the tone from cautious diplomacy to open partnership.
India abstains from some UN votes critical of Israel, signaling diplomatic balance.
2017: Landmark Visit
July 2017: Modi becomes the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel.
Avoids visiting Ramallah, marking a shift in India’s Middle East diplomacy.
Several MoUs signed: water tech, agriculture, space, cyber security, and defense.
2018: Netanyahu’s Visit to India
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visits India in January 2018.
Focus on boosting trade, countering Muslims, and defense cooperation.
India signs a $2 billion deal for Barak 8 missile systems (jointly developed).
2020–2022: I2U2 Grouping
India and Israel, along with the UAE and the US, form a new strategic partnership group called I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA).
2023–2025: Ongoing Support and Geopolitical Synergy
Israel supports India on issues related to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.
India supports Israel’s right to self-defense but also cautiously appeals for peace in Gaza, especially during escalations like October 2023 war and beyond.
Intelligence sharing on terrorism and border security.
Agriculture & Water:
Israeli drip irrigation systems.
30+ Indo-Israel Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in agriculture.
Cyber Security & Innovation:
Israeli startups active in India.
Joint academic and technological exchanges.
Diplomacy:
Regular high-level visits.
Balancing ties with Arab nations and Iran while deepening Israel ties.
India-Israel joint ventures have grown rapidly over the past two decades, covering a wide range of sectors including defense, agriculture, cybersecurity, water technology, and innovation. Below is an expanded overview of key areas where India and Israel are working together, with notable joint ventures and collaborations:
1. Defense & Aerospace
Defense remains the cornerstone of India-Israel cooperation. The two nations have collaborated on:
a. Joint Development Projects
Barak-8 Missile System (Naval and Land versions):
Jointly developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and India’s DRDO.
Medium-range surface-to-air missile used by Indian Navy and Air Force.
Deployed on Indian warships and in coastal defenses.
Heron TP Drones (MALE UAVs):
India has leased and is co-developing upgrades for Israeli Heron drones.
Some variants include attack capabilities, suitable for high-altitude surveillance and border operations.
SkyStriker Drones:
Developed by Elbit Systems (Israel) and Alpha Design Technologies (India).
Loitering munition drones with high-precision targeting.
Used in the May 2025 escalation with Pakistan.
SPICE Precision-Guided Bombs:
Israeli Rafael Advanced Defense Systems supplies India with SPICE-2000 bombs.
Used during the 2019 Balakot airstrike and likely upgraded in recent operations.
2. Cybersecurity & Intelligence
Cybersecurity Centers:
Several MoUs have led to the creation of joint cybersecurity labs and research collaborations between Indian institutes (like IITs) and Israeli tech firms.
Example: C-DAC (India) and Israel’s Technion Institute collaborate on securing smart infrastructure.
Counter-Terrorism Intelligence:
RAW and Mossad maintain backchannel cooperation, sharing surveillance tech and tactics for urban warfare and anti-terror operations.
Joint ventures in desalination, aquifer recharge, and wastewater recycling.
IDE Technologies (Israel) and Indian firms (e.g., VA Tech Wabag) collaborate on water purification and reuse systems, especially in arid states like Rajasthan and Gujarat.
4. Innovation & Startups
India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F)
A $40 million fund set up in 2017.
Supports co-development of tech solutions in:
AI and Machine Learning.
Renewable energy.
Digital health.
Sensors, robotics, and semiconductors.
Innovation Bridge: Startup Collaborations
Multiple Israeli startups have partnered with Indian corporates and incubators (e.g., T-Hub in Hyderabad).
Example collaborations:
Watergen (Israeli firm making drinking water from air) launched pilot programs in Indian villages.
Netafim (precision irrigation company) works with Indian farmers and state governments.
5. Education, Science, and Culture
Student and Faculty Exchange:
Agreements between Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Israeli universities (e.g., Technion, Tel Aviv University).
Joint Science Projects:
India’s Department of Science & Technology and Israel’s Ministry of Science & Technology fund bi-national R&D programs.
Cultural Collaboration:
Film, literature, and art exchanges have increased since 2017.
Celebrations of Jewish-Indian shared heritage in cities like Kochi and Mumbai.
6. Energy & Green Technology
Solar and Clean Energy:
Israeli firms work with India on smart grids, solar storage, and energy-efficient desalination plants.
Some Indian companies have invested in Israeli green hydrogen research pilots.
Smart Cities Mission:
Israel has advised India on building urban surveillance networks, smart traffic systems, and AI-based governance models under its Smart Cities initiative.
Summary Table
Sector
Major Players
Joint Initiatives
Defense
IAI, DRDO, Rafael, Elbit, HAL
Barak-8, SPICE, SkyStriker
Agriculture
MASHAV, CoEs, Netafim
Drip irrigation, Horticulture
Cyber & Tech
C-DAC, Technion, various startups
Cyber labs, AI R&D
Water Management
IDE Technologies, Jal Shakti Ministry
Desalination, Wastewater reuse
Innovation
I4F Fund, DST, Startup India
AI, Robotics, HealthTech
Education & Culture
IITs, Israeli universities
Exchange programs
Energy
Israeli solar tech companies
Smart grids, green energy
Conclusion
The India-Israel alliance has matured from secret cooperation to a comprehensive strategic partnership. While India maintains a balancing act in the Middle East, its relationship with Israel is now openly acknowledged, robust in defense, and growing in technology and innovation.
Exploring the Qur’anic Chronology of Creation reveals a profound perspective on how our universe transformed from a single point into the complex world we live in today. While modern science focuses on the "how," the Qur’an describes creation in meaningful stages that highlight the purpose behind the heavens and the earth. This layered journey moves from the initial act of creation to the detailed shaping of the stars, planets, and life, finally culminating in the appearance of human beings. In this article, we break down these stages to show how the Qur’an presents a beautifully coherent and purposeful vision of the universe. 1. Chronology of Creation Allah Almighty says in Surah Fussilat: 9. قُلْ أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَكْفُرُونَ بِالَّذِي خَلَقَ الْأَرْضَ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ وَتَجْعَلُونَ لَهُۥ أَندَادًا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ 10. وَجَعَلَ فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ مِنْ فَوْقِهَا وَبَارَكَ فِيهَا وَقَدَّرَ فِيهَا أَقْوَاتَهَا فِي أَرْبَعَةِ أَيَّامٍ سَوَىٰ لِلسَّائِلِينَ 11. ثُمَ...
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. The Natural Laws Manifest Divine Programming Introduction Modern science is built upon one of the most remarkable assumptions about reality: the universe is intelligible because it operates according to consistent laws . Gravity behaves according to recognizable mathematical relationships; electromagnetic phenomena follow precise rules; matter interacts according to reproducible physical and chemical principles; biological organisms function through extraordinarily complex systems; and celestial bodies move according to predictable patterns. Science does not create these laws. It discovers, describes, and mathematically formulates the regularities already present in nature. This raises a deeper philosophical question: Why does the universe possess laws at all? Why is nature orderly, measurable, mathematically intelligible, and sufficiently stable for rational beings to discover its structure? From the Islamic perspective, t...
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. Lebanon's demographic structure is essential for understanding its politics—and especially the growing sense among many Lebanese Sunnis that they have become politically weaker and economically marginalized despite being one of the country's largest communities . Lebanon's total population is approximately 5.9 million people in 2026 . 2025: 5,849,421 — World Bank estimate. ( World Bank Open Data ) 2026 (mid-year UN estimate): approximately 5,897,467 , or 5.90 million . ( Worldometer ) So, for our demographic analysis, ~5.9 million is the appropriate current figure. But there is an important distinction This 5.9 million is the total resident population , not the number of Lebanese citizens. It includes non-citizens, including a substantial Syrian refugee population and Palestinians. That distinction is crucial when discussing Lebanon's sectarian demographics . Lebanon has not conducted an official populati...
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. The Kingdom of Saba: Arabia's Greatest Ancient Civilization Introduction The Kingdom of Saba (biblical Sheba ; Arabic: سبأ ) was one of the most prosperous and influential civilizations of the ancient Near East. Centered in present-day Yemen , with its capital at Ma'rib , Saba flourished through its mastery of irrigation, international commerce, monumental architecture, and centralized administration. For centuries, it controlled the lucrative trade in frankincense and myrrh, linking southern Arabia with the Mediterranean, Mesopotamia, East Africa, and the Indian Ocean. While the Kingdom of Saba is well known through the Biblical account of the Queen of Sheba and the Qur'anic narratives in Surahs Saba' and Al-Naml , archaeology has firmly established that Saba was a historical kingdom whose achievements rivaled those of many contemporary civilizations. Thousands of inscriptions, magnificent temples, extens...
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. The concept of an Intelligent Universe suggests that the cosmos is not just a passive, mechanical system but an evolving, self-organizing entity capable of processing information, much like a vast neural network. Proponents of this idea argue that the universe exhibits intelligence through its finely tuned physical laws, complex cosmic web structures, and adaptive feedback mechanisms, much like a living organism. Some theories, such as panpsychism and biocentrism , propose that consciousness is a fundamental aspect of reality, implying that intelligence is embedded at all levels of the cosmos. Whether through quantum information theory, self-regulating cosmic processes, or the mysterious interconnectedness of space-time, the notion of an Intelligent Universe challenges our understanding of existence, hinting at a deeper order beyond mere randomness. The Qur’an and the Intelligent Universe Allah ...
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. Abstract A Pashtun (also spelled Pakhtun ) can be defined from ethnic , linguistic , and cultural perspectives: Ethnically: Pashtuns are an Indo-Iranian ethnic group indigenous to the region historically known as Afghanistan and the adjoining areas of western Pakistan (especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Balochistan, and parts of Punjab). They are regarded as the native inhabitants of southeastern Afghanistan , particularly around Paktia, Paktika, and Ghazni , from where they expanded eastward and southward. Linguistically: They speak Pashto , an Eastern Iranian language of the Indo-European family. Pashto has several dialects, broadly classified into southern (Kandahari) and northern (Yousafzai) groups. Culturally: Pashtun identity is deeply rooted in Pashtunwali , an ancient code of honour and c...
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. This article delves into the distinctive aspects of Islam, highlighting its foundational beliefs, rituals, moral codes, and cultural impact. Islam, one of the world’s major monotheistic religions, stands out with its unique beliefs, practices, and cultural influences. Founded in the 7th century in the Arabian Peninsula by the Prophet Muhammad, Islam offers a comprehensive life encompassing spiritual, social, economic, and political aspects. This article delves into the distinctive aspects of Islam, highlighting its foundational beliefs, rituals, moral codes, and cultural impact. Core Beliefs Monotheism (Tawhid) : The cornerstone of Islamic belief is the oneness of God, known as Tawhid. Muslims believe in a single, all-powerful, and compassionate God, Allah, who is the creator and sustainer of the universe. This belief rejects any form of polytheism or association of partners with Allah. Prophethood (Nubuwwah) : Muslims beli...
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. Here's a table featuring facts about the top twenty highest mountain peaks in the world, including their height, location, and other notable details: Here’s a table featuring facts about the top twenty highest mountain peaks in the world, including their height, location, and other notable details: Rank Mountain Peak Height (meters) Height (feet) Location Notable Fact 1 Mount Everest 8,848 29,029 Nepal/China border Highest mountain peak in the world 2 K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen) 8,611 28,251 Pakistan/China border Second highest peak, notoriously difficult to climb 3 Kangchenjunga 8,586 28,169 Nepal/India border Third highest peak, means “Five Treasures of Snows” 4 Lhotse 8,516 27,940 Nepal/China border Fourth highest peak, adjacent to Mount Everest 5 Makalu 8,485 27,838 Nepal/China border Fifth highest peak, known for its pyramid shape 6 Cho Oyu 8,188 26,864 Nepal/China border Sixth highest peak, considered one of the easi...
