Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Kazan, Russia to attend the 16th BRICS Summit. He is expected to hold bilateral meetings with leaders from BRICS countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The summit is the first since the grouping was expanded last year. In a statement, PM Modi emphasized the importance of BRICS as a platform for international cooperation and discussed strengthening partnerships in various sectors with Putin during their meeting. Stay updated on the latest updates from the summit with our live blog.
BRICS: A Forum for Global Cooperation
BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) is a group of five major emerging economies that have come together to promote international cooperation and address global challenges. The founding members of BRICS first met in 2006 and have since held annual summits to discuss issues of mutual interest.
At the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, in 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of the grouping as a platform for international cooperation. He met with leaders from other BRICS countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, to discuss strengthening partnerships in various sectors.
Expansion of BRICS
In 2023, BRICS expanded to include Argentina as a new member, bringing the total number of member countries to six. The expansion of the group is seen as a sign of its growing influence and recognition as a significant player in the global economy.
Key Objectives of BRICS
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the BRICS Summit?
The BRICS Summit is a high-level meeting between leaders of the BRICS member countries that provides a platform for discussions on issues of strategic and economic importance.
2. What are the key achievements of BRICS?
BRICS has established various mechanisms for economic cooperation, including the New Development Bank and Contingency Reserve Arrangement, and has launched initiatives in areas such as trade, investment, and infrastructure.
3. What is the impact of BRICS on the global economy?
BRICS represents over 40% of the world's population and contributes significantly to global economic growth. The grouping has played a role in shaping the global economic agenda and promoting emerging market economies.
4. What are the challenges facing BRICS?
BRICS member countries have diverse political and economic interests, which can sometimes lead to اختلافات. The grouping also faces challenges related to global economic instability and trade protectionism.
5. What is the future of BRICS?
The expansion of BRICS and the increasing influence of emerging economies suggest that the grouping will continue to play a significant role in global affairs. BRICS is expected to focus on addressing global challenges, fostering economic cooperation, and promoting a more equitable and sustainable world.
Iran's foreign minister has announced that a prisoner swap deal with France is close to being finalized. The agreement would secure the release of Iranian nationals imprisoned in France and allow for the return of French citizens detained in Iran. This development comes as Germany announces its support for a French-led effort to establish a two-state solution in the Middle East.
Qatar's prime minister has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of destroying months of mediation efforts to secure a ceasefire deal and free remaining hostages in Gaza. With the lives of 20 hostages at risk, Qatar had been working with the US and Egypt to broker a deal, but Tuesday's attack on Hamas' leadership in Doha has killed any hope for a resolution. Despite Trump's promises that such an attack will not be repeated, Netanyahu continues to threaten Qatar, accusing them of harboring terrorists and vowing to take action if they don't comply.
In a shocking development, Israel has launched an attack on Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital, Doha, resulting in the deaths of six people. The Qatari government has condemned the attack as "state terrorism" and has raised questions about Israel's true intentions in the region. The attack ruptures the delicate ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, where Qatar has been acting as a mediator. This latest incident highlights the increasing involvement of Qatar in the volatile conflicts in the Middle East.
Israel's strikes on Yemen's capital come amidst warnings from their defence minister and public disapproval from Donald Trump following their attack on Doha. As the Middle East watches the tense situation unfold, Qatar struggles to recover from the unprecedented assault on their sovereign territory. A senior Qatari government member expresses anger and concern over the US's delayed warning of the attack, further complicating the already tense relations in the region.
Amid ongoing protests and the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepal has appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country's interim head. The death toll in the protests has risen to 25, with hundreds more injured. As the Nepali Army takes over security responsibilities, flights have resumed at the international airport and authorities are cautioning against the spread of misinformation on social media.
After two days of violent protests, Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel successfully persuaded former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to become the interim Chief Executive of the country. This comes after the Gen Z protests and other groups reached a consensus with political parties to restore normalcy and form an interim government. The Nepal Army, for the first time, has stepped in to quell the chaos and bring diverse political forces together for dialogue.
Days of deadly protests in Nepal have led to the overthrow of KP Sharma Oli's government and the appointment of Sushila Karki as interim prime minister. Karki, the former chief justice, has expressed positivity towards India and its people, citing personal ties from her time studying in India. She assures the safety of Indians in Nepal and promises justice for those affected by the recent violence. Meanwhile, Nepalese troops are working to restore order and bring the country back to normalcy.
In a fiery speech at the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi slammed Switzerland for its "shallow and ill-informed remarks" on India's state of press and minorities. Tyagi called on Switzerland, as the current chair of the UNHRC, to focus on tackling its own challenges such as racism and xenophobia instead of pointing fingers at India. He also delivered a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan, labelling it as a "failed state" addicted to propaganda and terror. India, Tyagi underscored, will continue to protect its citizens and defend its sovereignty with unwavering resolve.
Protests against corruption in Kathmandu, Nepal took a destructive turn as the iconic Hilton Hotel was set on fire, leaving behind a charred skeleton of its once grand glass facade. The protests also included attacks on government buildings and political leaders' residences, causing chaos throughout the city. The destruction of the Hilton Hotel is significant as it represents Nepal's aspirations for growth in the hospitality industry, with social media users expressing fear for the country's future.
Indian fruit traders have united to boycott Turkish goods, particularly apples, as a show of solidarity with their armed forces. The move comes after Turkey's open support for Pakistan in the ongoing regional tensions between India and its neighbor. The Swadeshi Jagran Manch, a prominent nationalist organization, has also joined the call for broader economic sanctions against Turkey, citing the country's military partnership with Pakistan as a threat to India's sovereignty. The organization also reminded Turkey of India's assistance during a devastating earthquake in 2023, calling for citizens to prioritize self-reliance and boycott Turkish products and cultural exports.