Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Russia for the BRICS Summit 2024 has kicked off with several bilateral summits discussing key issues such as India-Russia ties, the war in Ukraine, and conflicts with Iran and Israel. The summit, with the theme of 'Strengthening Multilateralism,' will see discussions on global issues and includes new member nations - Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. As major emerging economies, the BRICS group comprises 41% of the world population and 24% of the world GDP, making it an important platform for discussions on global development and security.
BRICS: A Global Force for Collaboration and Development
The BRICS group, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is an influential intergovernmental forum that has gained significant prominence in recent years. The acronym "BRICS" was first coined by Jim O'Neill, a former Goldman Sachs economist, in 2001, who recognized the potential of these emerging economies to reshape the global economic landscape.
Initially, the BRICS group consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa joined in 2010, expanding the forum's reach and influence. The BRICS countries share a common goal of fostering economic growth, promoting international cooperation, and reforming global economic institutions to reflect the changing world order.
BRICS Summit 2024 and India's Role
The BRICS Summit 2024, held in Moscow, Russia, is set to be a significant event in the history of the group. With the theme "Strengthening Multilateralism," the summit will focus on key global issues such as sustainable development, climate change, international trade, and security.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the summit highlights India's growing role within BRICS. India has been an active member of the group, contributing to discussions on various issues and leading initiatives in areas such as infrastructure development and financial inclusion. India's engagement with BRICS is expected to further strengthen its position as a global economic and diplomatic power.
BRICS: A Platform for Global Governance
As a major emerging economies, the BRICS countries represent a large portion of the world population and contribute significantly to global economic growth. The group provides a platform for these countries to coordinate their policies, pool their resources, and work together to address common challenges.
BRICS has established several mechanisms to promote cooperation, including the BRICS New Development Bank, the BRICS Business Council, and the BRICS Parliamentary Forum. These institutions facilitate economic, financial, and political dialogue among the member countries, helping them to shape the global agenda and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world order.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the significance of the BRICS group? BRICS is an important platform for emerging economies to collaborate on global economic and political issues, fostering economic growth, promoting international cooperation, and reforming global economic institutions.
2. What are the key objectives of the BRICS Summit 2024? The summit aims to strengthen multilateralism, address global issues such as sustainable development, climate change, international trade, and security, and discuss the expansion of BRICS membership.
3. What is India's role within BRICS? India is an active member of BRICS, contributing to discussions and leading initiatives in areas such as infrastructure development and financial inclusion. India's engagement with BRICS strengthens its position as a global economic and diplomatic power.
4. What are the mechanisms established by BRICS to promote cooperation? BRICS has established the BRICS New Development Bank, the BRICS Business Council, and the BRICS Parliamentary Forum to facilitate economic, financial, and political dialogue among the member countries.
5. What is the potential impact of BRICS on the global economy? The BRICS countries represent a significant portion of the world population and contribute substantially to global economic growth. BRICS' cooperation and coordination can influence global economic policies, trade patterns, and the development of international financial institutions.
US President Donald Trump has expressed concern over the tone of incoming New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's victory speech, calling it "angry" and advising him to adopt a more cooperative approach. In response, Mamdani has urged Trump to "turn the volume up" and vowed to hold "bad landlords" accountable, citing Trump as an example. Trump has hinted at offering limited federal help to New York under Mamdani's leadership, but has also expressed doubt towards the mayor-elect's left-leaning policies. This clash between the two leaders marks a tense beginning to their relationship.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar flagged off 14 participants from 7 countries as part of the International Election Visitors’ Programme 2025 to witness voting in the Phase-I of the Bihar Assembly Elections. The participants attended an inaugural session and were provided with a demonstration of the EVMs and a presentation on various aspects of elections in India. The participants will then embark on a two-day tour of Bihar to visit EVM dispatch centers and witness the actual polling on November 6. Since 2014, the IEVP has been showcasing the strengths of India's electoral system and sharing best practices with international election management bodies. The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, featuring 121 constituencies and over 3 crore voters, will be held on November 6.
The recent police raid in Brazil, which resulted in one of the deadliest operations in Rio's history, has sparked outrage and protests. Families of the victims claimed that their loved ones were executed by the police, while the government celebrates it as a win against crime. Shocking images of bodies lined up in the street have led to widespread protests and accusations of police brutality. However, official reports and videos of victims' bodies suggest that the deaths were not a result of armed conflict, raising questions about the excessive use of force by the police.
Four people have died and 11 have been injured after a UPS cargo plane crashed near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. All flights in and out of the airport have been suspended as police and emergency services are attending the scene. Kentucky governor Andy Beshear has described the accident as "catastrophic" and is urging residents to obey any shelter-in-place orders.
Eight people have been killed and numerous others injured after a passenger train collided with a goods train in Chhattisgarh. The accident occurred in the afternoon, halting train services on the route and prompting the cancellation or diversion of multiple trains. Emergency teams have been dispatched to the scene, with rescue operations ongoing and medical treatment being provided to the injured passengers. Helpline numbers have been issued for convenience, and the railway authorities have assured that all efforts are being made to assist those affected by the tragedy.
Today, 5 November 2025, marks the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. As we celebrate this sacred and highly revered festival, let us remember and spread the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, which promote compassion, humility, and love for all. To commemorate this occasion, indianexpress.com has compiled heartfelt wishes and messages to share with friends and family, wishing everyone endless happiness, peace, and prosperity.
During the Emerging Science Technology and Innovation Conclave, PM Modi announced the launch of the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund. This fund, under the Department of Science and Technology, aims to encourage private sector investments in R&D to drive India's vision of becoming an innovation-driven nation. With this fund, India's R&D expenditure has doubled in the last decade and the country now has the world's third-largest startup ecosystem. PM Modi also highlighted how India's domestic capability has accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its successful digital public infrastructure.
A stampede at the Kasibugga Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh has left 10 dead and two injured. The temple had recently reopened and was experiencing high footfall due to a festival. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha has ordered a thorough investigation into the causes of the tragedy and has promised strict measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
India and the United States have strengthened their already strong ties by signing a 10-year framework for their major defense partnership. The agreement, signed during a bilateral meeting between the two countries' defense ministers, emphasizes the importance of this partnership in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. This marks a significant step in solidifying the bond between India and the US in the defense sector.
In preparation for a major tri-service military drill, India has issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) for the entire northeastern region that borders China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. The first set of exercises will commence in November and continue through January, signaling enhanced operational readiness for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This move is significant as the Northeast remains a sensitive theater, making up the boundary with four countries, including China. The upcoming IAF exercises aim to strengthen India's air dominance, effectively preparing for any potential challenges along the western frontier with Pakistan.