About SCO

• Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation established in 2001.
• It’s a Eurasian political, economic and military organisation aiming to maintain peace, security and stability in the region.
• Prior to the creation of SCO in 2001, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan were members of the Shanghai Five. 
• Following the accession of Uzbekistan to the organisation in 2001, the Shanghai Five was renamed the SCO.
• India and Pakistan became members in 2017.
• The SCO Secretariat, based in Beijing, is the main permanent executive body of the SCO. 

Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure

• The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is a permanent organ of the SCO which serves to promote cooperation of member states against the three evils of terrorism, separatism and extremism.
• It is headquartered in Tashkent. 
• The head of RATS is elected for a three-year term.

Why in News?

• India is set to host the Heads of Government (HoG) council meeting of the eight-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/six-pms-to-attend-sco-heads-of-government-summit-hosted-by-india/article33201037.ece