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Category: Government of India

  • Amit Shah marks 4 years of Ministry of Cooperation with major announcements in Anand, Gujarat

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Underlining that cooperation has been an integral part of Indian society since the Vedic era, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave this tradition a formal structure by establishing the Ministry of Cooperation four years ago.

    Shah was speaking at a special event in Anand, Gujarat, marking the fourth anniversary of the ministry’s formation and commemorating the 150th birth anniversary year of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

    The event, organised by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (GCMMF), featured several major launches, inaugurations, and policy highlights aimed at strengthening India’s cooperative movement.

    He said that PM Modi institutionalized this tradition by establishing a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation four years ago, breathing new life into over 8.4 lakh cooperative societies linked to nearly 31 crore people.

    Shah said that the Ministry has undertaken more than 60 initiatives over the past four years, all built upon a strategic foundation of “Five Ps”: People, PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies), Platform, Policy, and Prosperity. He explained that these initiatives aim to directly benefit citizens, empower PACS at the grassroots level, promote digital platforms for cooperative activity, ensure member-focused policies, and deliver shared prosperity for society as a whole.

    A major milestone announced during the event was the launch of the newly formed multi-state cooperative body, Sardar Patel Cooperative Dairy Federation Limited, along with the unveiling of its official logo. Shah highlighted that this federation will help complete a sustainable cycle in the dairy sector, involving fair milk procurement, input services, price compensation, and circular economy practices. He further explained that the model will mirror the success of Amul and will directly benefit dairy farmers across India.

    Also unveiled were the expansion of Amul’s Chocolate Plant at Mogar, worth ₹105 crore, and the Cheese Plant at Khatraj, valued at ₹260 crore. The chocolate plant’s capacity will now double from 30 to 60 tonnes per day. The modernized cheese plant will also manufacture UHT milk, mozzarella cheese, whey-based beverages, and include facilities for smart warehousing and cheese packaging.

    The Union Minister inaugurated the Ready-to-Use Culture (RUC) Plant developed by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) at a cost of ₹45 crore. He also inaugurated the new office of the National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India (NCDFI)—the Maniben Patel Bhawan—constructed at a cost of ₹32 crore, and laid the foundation stone of NDDB’s new headquarters building in Anand.

    Shah spoke about the newly formed Kutch District Salt Cooperative Society, describing it as a model that would empower salt-producing laborers, similar to how Amul transformed dairy farming. He added that initiatives such as establishing 2 lakh new PACS, a National Cooperative University, a National Cooperative Database, and several national-level cooperatives for grains and dairy sectors are part of the government’s effort to further strengthen the cooperative landscape.

    In the spirit of the International Year of Cooperatives, Shah stressed the need to embed three critical values in cooperative functioning—transparency, adoption of technology, and keeping cooperative members at the center of decision-making. He cautioned that a lack of transparency weakens cooperation, and institutions that resist technology or overlook member interests often fail to survive.

    The event was attended by dignitaries including Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, Union Ministers of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar and Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying S.P. Singh Baghel, and Union Cooperation Secretary Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani.

    Paying tribute to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee on his birth anniversary, Shah recalled his contributions to India’s unity and sovereignty, particularly his role in integrating Kashmir and West Bengal into the Indian Union. He praised Dr. Mookerjee’s famous call for “one constitution, one flag, and one Prime Minister,” noting that his ultimate sacrifice laid the groundwork for national unity.

    Shah called on cooperative leaders and members across the nation to internalize the values of transparency, technology, and inclusivity to ensure the sustainability and success of India’s cooperative model.

  • Israel attacks Houthi targets in three Yemeni ports and power plant

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel has attacked Houthi targets in three Yemeni ports and a power plant, the Israeli military said early on Monday, marking the first Israeli attack on Yemen in almost a month.

    The strikes on Hodeidah, Ras Isa and Salif ports, and Ras Qantib power plant were due to repeated Houthi attacks on Israel, the military added.

    Hours after the strikes, the Israeli military said two missiles were launched from Yemen and attempts were made to intercept them, but the results of interception were still under review.

    The Israeli ambulance service said it had not received any calls regarding missile impacts or casualties following the launches from Yemen.

    Since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, the Iran-aligned Houthis have fired at Israel and at shipping in the Red Sea, disrupting global trade, in what it says are acts of solidarity with the Palestinians.

    Most of the dozens of missiles and drones fired toward Israel have been intercepted or fallen short. Israel has carried out a series of retaliatory strikes.

    Israel also attacked Galaxy Leader ship in Ras Isa port, which was seized by Houthis in late 2023, the military added on Monday.

    “The Houthi terrorist regime’s forces installed a radar system on the ship, and are using it to track vessels in international maritime space, in order to promote the Houthi terrorist regime’s activities,” the military said.

    The Houthi military spokesperson said following the attacks that Houthis’ air defences confronted the Israeli attack ‘by using a large number of domestically produced surface-to-air missiles’.

    Residents told Reuters that the Israeli strikes on the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah put the main power station out of service, leaving the city in darkness.

    There were no immediate reports of casualties.

    Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported that Israel launched a series of strikes on Hodeidah, shortly after the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for people at the three Yemeni ports.

    The assault comes hours after a ship was attacked off of Hodeidah and the ship’s crew abandoned it as it took on water.

    No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but security firm Ambrey said the vessel fits the typical profile of a Houthi target.

    Israel has severely hurt other allies of Iran in the region – Lebanon’s Hezbollah and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

    The Tehran-backed Houthis and pro-Iranian armed groups in Iraq are still standing.

    The group’s leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, created the force challenging world powers from a group of ragtag mountain fighters in sandals.

    Under the direction of al-Houthi, the group has grown into an army of tens of thousands of fighters and acquired armed drones and ballistic missiles. Saudi Arabia and the West say the arms come from Iran, though Tehran denies this.

    (Reuters)

  • Oil tumbles as OPEC+ hikes August output more than expected

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Oil prices slipped on Monday after OPEC+ surprised markets by hiking output more than expected in August, while uncertainty over U.S. tariffs and their potential impact on global economic growth weighed on demand expectations.

    Brent crude futures LCOc1 fell 47 cents, or 0.69%, to $67.83 a barrel by 0327 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude CLc1 was at $66.05, down $0.95, or 1.42%.

    The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies, a group known as OPEC+, agreed on Saturday to raise production by 548,000 barrels per day in August.

    “The increased production clearly represents a more aggressive competition for market share and some tolerance for the resulting decline in price and revenue,” Tim Evans of Evans Energy said in a note.

    The August increase represents a jump from monthly increases of 411,000 bpd OPEC+ had approved for May, June and July, and 138,000 bpd in April.

    The decision will bring nearly 80% of the 2.2 million bpd voluntary cuts from eight OPEC producers back into the market, RBC Capital analysts led by Helima Croft said in a note.

    However, the actual output increase has been smaller than planned so far and most of the supply has been from Saudi Arabia, they added.

    In a show of confidence in oil demand, Saudi Arabia on Sunday raised the August price for its flagship Arab Light crude to a four-month high for Asia.

    Goldman analysts expect OPEC+ to announce a final 550,000 bpd increase for September at the next meeting on August 3.

    Oil also came under pressure as U.S. officials flagged a delay on tariffs but failed to provide details on the change.

    The U.S. is close to finalising several trade agreements in the coming days and will notify other countries of higher tariff rates by July 9, President Donald Trump said on Sunday, with the higher rates scheduled to take effect on August 1.

    Trump in April announced a 10% base tariff rate on most countries and higher “reciprocal” rates ranging up to 50%, with an original deadline of this Wednesday.

    However, Trump also said levies could range in value from “maybe 60% or 70% tariffs to 10% and 20%”, further clouding the picture.

    “Concerns over Trump’s tariffs continue to be the broad theme in the second half of 2025, with dollar weakness the only support for oil for now,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, a senior market analyst at Phillip Nova.

    (Reuters)

  • Oil tumbles as OPEC+ hikes August output more than expected

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Oil prices slipped on Monday after OPEC+ surprised markets by hiking output more than expected in August, while uncertainty over U.S. tariffs and their potential impact on global economic growth weighed on demand expectations.

    Brent crude futures LCOc1 fell 47 cents, or 0.69%, to $67.83 a barrel by 0327 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude CLc1 was at $66.05, down $0.95, or 1.42%.

    The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies, a group known as OPEC+, agreed on Saturday to raise production by 548,000 barrels per day in August.

    “The increased production clearly represents a more aggressive competition for market share and some tolerance for the resulting decline in price and revenue,” Tim Evans of Evans Energy said in a note.

    The August increase represents a jump from monthly increases of 411,000 bpd OPEC+ had approved for May, June and July, and 138,000 bpd in April.

    The decision will bring nearly 80% of the 2.2 million bpd voluntary cuts from eight OPEC producers back into the market, RBC Capital analysts led by Helima Croft said in a note.

    However, the actual output increase has been smaller than planned so far and most of the supply has been from Saudi Arabia, they added.

    In a show of confidence in oil demand, Saudi Arabia on Sunday raised the August price for its flagship Arab Light crude to a four-month high for Asia.

    Goldman analysts expect OPEC+ to announce a final 550,000 bpd increase for September at the next meeting on August 3.

    Oil also came under pressure as U.S. officials flagged a delay on tariffs but failed to provide details on the change.

    The U.S. is close to finalising several trade agreements in the coming days and will notify other countries of higher tariff rates by July 9, President Donald Trump said on Sunday, with the higher rates scheduled to take effect on August 1.

    Trump in April announced a 10% base tariff rate on most countries and higher “reciprocal” rates ranging up to 50%, with an original deadline of this Wednesday.

    However, Trump also said levies could range in value from “maybe 60% or 70% tariffs to 10% and 20%”, further clouding the picture.

    “Concerns over Trump’s tariffs continue to be the broad theme in the second half of 2025, with dollar weakness the only support for oil for now,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, a senior market analyst at Phillip Nova.

    (Reuters)

  • Oil tumbles as OPEC+ hikes August output more than expected

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Oil prices slipped on Monday after OPEC+ surprised markets by hiking output more than expected in August, while uncertainty over U.S. tariffs and their potential impact on global economic growth weighed on demand expectations.

    Brent crude futures LCOc1 fell 47 cents, or 0.69%, to $67.83 a barrel by 0327 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude CLc1 was at $66.05, down $0.95, or 1.42%.

    The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies, a group known as OPEC+, agreed on Saturday to raise production by 548,000 barrels per day in August.

    “The increased production clearly represents a more aggressive competition for market share and some tolerance for the resulting decline in price and revenue,” Tim Evans of Evans Energy said in a note.

    The August increase represents a jump from monthly increases of 411,000 bpd OPEC+ had approved for May, June and July, and 138,000 bpd in April.

    The decision will bring nearly 80% of the 2.2 million bpd voluntary cuts from eight OPEC producers back into the market, RBC Capital analysts led by Helima Croft said in a note.

    However, the actual output increase has been smaller than planned so far and most of the supply has been from Saudi Arabia, they added.

    In a show of confidence in oil demand, Saudi Arabia on Sunday raised the August price for its flagship Arab Light crude to a four-month high for Asia.

    Goldman analysts expect OPEC+ to announce a final 550,000 bpd increase for September at the next meeting on August 3.

    Oil also came under pressure as U.S. officials flagged a delay on tariffs but failed to provide details on the change.

    The U.S. is close to finalising several trade agreements in the coming days and will notify other countries of higher tariff rates by July 9, President Donald Trump said on Sunday, with the higher rates scheduled to take effect on August 1.

    Trump in April announced a 10% base tariff rate on most countries and higher “reciprocal” rates ranging up to 50%, with an original deadline of this Wednesday.

    However, Trump also said levies could range in value from “maybe 60% or 70% tariffs to 10% and 20%”, further clouding the picture.

    “Concerns over Trump’s tariffs continue to be the broad theme in the second half of 2025, with dollar weakness the only support for oil for now,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, a senior market analyst at Phillip Nova.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump says US nears trade deals as tariff deadline delayed

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The United States is close to finalizing several trade pacts in coming days and will notify other countries of higher tariff rates by July 9, President Donald Trump said on Sunday, with the higher rates set to take effect on August 1.

    Since taking office, Trump has set off a global trade war that has roiled financial markets and sent policymakers scrambling to protect their economies, through efforts such as deals with the United States and other countries.

    In April Trump unveiled a base tariff rate of 10% on most countries and additional duties of up to 50%, but later gave a three-week reprieve until Wednesday for all but 10% of them.

    Trump, whose remarks to reporters on Sunday came just before his return to Washington from a weekend golfing in New Jersey, had flagged the August 1 date earlier, but it was unclear if all tariffs would increase then.

    Asked to clarify, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told reporters the higher tariffs would take effect on August 1, but Trump was “setting the rates and the deals right now.”

    In a posting on his Truth Social website, Trump later said the U.S. would start delivering tariff letters from 12:00 pm ET (1600 GMT) on Monday.

    In a separate post, he rolled out a wholly new tariff policy, calling for countries “aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies” of the BRICS developing nations to be charged an extra 10% tariff, with no exceptions to be granted.

    The first BRICS summit in 2009 was attended by leaders from Brazil, China, India and Russia, with South Africa joining later while Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were included last year.

    Trump has close ties to leaders of some of those countries, such as Saudi Arabia and UAE, and has been touting the prospect of a trade deal with India for weeks.

    On Sunday, BRICS leaders condemned attacks on Gaza and Iran, called for reforms to global institutions and warned that the rise in tariffs threatened global trade.

    It was not immediately clear if Trump’s tariff threat would derail trade talks with India, Indonesia and other BRICS nations, however.

    Earlier on Sunday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNN’s “State of the Union” that several big trade agreements would be announced in the next days, adding that European Union talks had made good progress.

    Trump would also send letters to 100 smaller countries with which the United States does not have much trade, notifying them of higher tariff rates, he added.

    “President Trump’s going to be sending letters to some of our trading partners saying that if you don’t move things along, then on August 1 you will boomerang back to your April 2 tariff level,” Bessent said.

    “So I think we’re going to see a lot of deals very quickly.”

    Kevin Hassett, who heads the White House National Economic Council, told CBS’s “Face the Nation” program there might be wiggle room for countries engaged in earnest negotiations.

    “There are deadlines, and there are things that are close, and so maybe things will push back past the deadline,” Hassett said, adding that Trump would decide.

    ‘I HEAR GOOD THINGS’

    Stephen Miran, chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, told ABC News’ “This Week” program that countries needed to make concessions to get lower tariff rates.

    “I hear good things about the talks with Europe. I hear good things about the talks with India,” Miran said. “And so I would expect that a number of countries that are in the process of making those concessions … might see their date rolled.”

    Bessent told CNN the Trump administration was focused on 18 important trading partners that account for 95% of the U.S. trade deficit. But he said there had been “a lot of foot-dragging” among countries in finalizing trade deals.

    Thailand, keen to avert a 36% tariff, is now offering greater market access for U.S. farm and industrial goods and more purchases of U.S. energy and Boeing BA.N jets, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira told Bloomberg News on Sunday.

    India and the United States are likely to make a final decision on a mini trade deal in the next 24 to 48 hours, local Indian news channel CNBC-TV18 reported on Sunday, with average tariffs of 10% on Indian goods shipped to the U.S., it said.

    Hassett told CBS News that framework agreements already reached with Britain and Vietnam offered guidelines for other countries. He said Trump’s pressure was prompting countries to move production to the United States.

    The Vietnam deal was “fantastic,” Miran said.

    “It’s extremely one-sided. We get to apply a significant tariff to Vietnamese exports. They’re opening their markets to ours, applying zero tariff to our exports.”

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi welcomes Indonesia as full BRICS member at 17th Summit in Brazil

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday welcomed Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as a full member of BRICS during the 17th BRICS Summit held in Brazil, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

    MEA Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi, addressing a special media briefing on PM Modi’s visit, highlighted that Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attached great importance to Modi’s participation at the summit.

    “Today was a full-day programme with three sessions, a working lunch, and several bilateral and pull-aside meetings. The Honourable Prime Minister thanked President Lula for his warm hospitality and welcomed the Indonesian President for joining BRICS as a full member,” Ravi said.

    Ravi underlined that PM Modi’s presence carried added significance as India is a founding member of BRICS and is set to assume the group’s chairmanship next year.

    “The Prime Minister’s visit elevated the entire summit. It reflects the value President Lula placed on India’s role and the fact that India will take over the chair next year,” he added.

    This year’s summit comes amid rapidly evolving global dynamics. “The theme of Brazil’s 17th BRICS Summit is ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,’” Ravi said.

    He noted the scale of participation this year, with 11 permanent members, nine partner countries, eight invitee nations and seven heads of international organisations attending the summit.

    Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Indonesia posted on X, “PM Modi and President Prabowo among world leaders at the BRICS Summit 2025 in Brazil — strengthening India-Indonesia ties on the global stage.”

    (ANI)

  • EAM Jaishankar holds talks on “regional developments” with Iranian Foreign Minister

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday met Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, with discussions focused mainly on recent developments in West Asia.

    “Glad to meet FM @araghchi of Iran this evening. Our conversation focused on recent regional developments,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.

    The meeting comes amid heightened tensions in the region, including conflict between Iran and Israel and recent US strikes on Iran. India has called for de-escalation and urged a return to dialogue and diplomacy to help restore regional peace and stability.

    In June, Jaishankar held a phone call with Araghchi to discuss the situation following the flare-up between Iran and Israel. He also thanked Tehran for assisting in the evacuation of Indian nationals stranded in Iran.

    India and Iran share centuries-old ties rooted in civilisational links, which continue to shape the contemporary relationship. Both sides maintain cooperation in trade, connectivity and cultural exchanges.

    IANS

  • BRICS: Indonesia joins as full member, 10 countries welcomed as partners

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Leaders of the BRICS nations on Sunday welcomed Indonesia as a full member of the group, along with the inclusion of 10 countries — Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Cuba, Vietnam, Uganda, and Uzbekistan — as partner countries.

    In a joint declaration issued at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the leaders said, “We welcome the Republic of Indonesia as a BRICS member, as well as the Republic of Belarus, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Cuba, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Malaysia, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Republic of Uganda, and the Republic of Uzbekistan as BRICS partner countries.”

    The declaration also highlighted key initiatives adopted during the summit, including the BRICS Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Finance, the BRICS Leaders’ Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence, and the launch of the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases. 

    During the BRICS session on ‘Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that the expansion demonstrates BRICS’ ability to evolve with changing times. He called for urgent reforms in global institutions such as the United Nations Security Council, the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and Multilateral Development Banks.

    “The expansion of BRICS and the inclusion of new partners reflect its ability to evolve with the times. Now, we must demonstrate the same determination to reform institutions like the UN Security Council, the WTO, and Multilateral Development Banks. In the age of AI, where technology evolves every week, it’s unacceptable for global institutions to go eighty years without reform. You can’t run 21st-century software on 20th-century typewriters,” the Prime Minister said.

    BRICS was originally established as BRIC after the leaders of Russia, India, China, and Brazil met during the G8 Outreach Summit in 2006. The grouping formalised its cooperation with the first BRIC Summit in Russia in 2009. South Africa joined in 2010, expanding the group to BRICS.

    A further expansion took place in 2024 with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE becoming full members from January 1. Indonesia became a full member in January 2025, while Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan were inducted as BRICS partner countries.

    (ANI)

     

  • BRICS nations support India’s bid to host COP 33; call for stronger climate action

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Leaders of the BRICS nations on Sunday welcomed India’s candidacy to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP 33) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2028.

    In a joint declaration at the 17th BRICS Summit, the leaders said, “We express our full support to the Presidency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP-30, which will take place in Belém, Brazil, highlighting the importance of action and cooperation on all pillars of the UNFCCC as applicable, considering each country’s membership and commitments thereunder. We also underscore our full commitment to a successful COP30 that will catalyze progress in implementing the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement. We welcome India’s candidacy to host COP 33 in 2028.”

    The declaration reiterated the commitment of BRICS countries to remain united in pursuing the goals of the UNFCCC and called on all countries to uphold their existing commitments under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. It urged intensified efforts in mitigation, adaptation, and providing support to developing nations, reflecting equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

    The BRICS leaders called for a stronger global response to climate change, linking it to sustainable development and poverty eradication. They endorsed the BRICS Climate Leadership Agenda as a pledge to advance solutions that support development priorities while accelerating implementation of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.

    The joint statement also highlighted the critical role of forests in conserving biodiversity, regulating water cycles, combating desertification, and serving as carbon sinks. It noted the United for Our Forests initiative and India’s proposal to form an international Big Cats Alliance, encouraging cooperation among BRICS countries on conservation efforts.

    The leaders stressed the urgent need to reform the governance of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to ensure fairer representation and easier access to resources for developing countries, including Indigenous peoples and local communities.

    The declaration praised Brazil’s BRICS Chairship in 2025 and expressed full support for India’s Chairship in 2026 and the hosting of the 18th BRICS Summit.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other leaders, attended the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. Brazil took over the BRICS Chairship on January 1, 2025, under the theme ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.

    ANI

  • BRICS leaders back India, Brazil for bigger UN Security Council role

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Leaders of BRICS nations have reiterated their support for “comprehensive” reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council, to make it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient.

    In a joint declaration at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, China and Russia — as permanent members of the UN Security Council — reaffirmed their support for the aspirations of Brazil and India to play a greater role in the UN, including the Security Council.

    “We reiterate our support for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of developing countries in the Council’s membership so that it can adequately respond to prevailing global challenges and support the legitimate aspirations of emerging and developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America, including BRICS countries, to play a greater role in international affairs, in particular in the United Nations, including its Security Council. We recognise the legitimate aspirations of African countries, as reflected in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration,” the declaration said.

    “We stress that United Nations Security Council reform must lead to an amplified voice for the Global South. China and Russia, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, reiterate their support for the aspirations of Brazil and India to play a greater role in the United Nations, including its Security Council,” it added.

    India has long sought a permanent seat in the Security Council to better represent the interests of the developing world. The UNSC comprises 15 member states, including five permanent members with veto power and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

    BRICS leaders also expressed serious concerns over the rise of unilateral tariffs and non-tariff measures that distort trade and violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. They reiterated their support for a rules-based, open, transparent, fair, inclusive, equitable, non-discriminatory, consensus-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, with special and differential treatment (S&D T) for its developing members.

    The bloc recalled commitments made at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference and reaffirmed at the 13th to work towards the necessary reform of the organisation to ensure its relevance and restore the credibility of the multilateral trading system.

    They expressed commitment to restoring an accessible, effective, fully functioning, two-tier binding WTO dispute settlement system and extended support for Ethiopia and Iran’s bids to join the WTO. The group also welcomed the BRICS Declaration on WTO Reform and Strengthening of the Multilateral Trading System, adopted by trade ministers.

    The leaders condemned the imposition of unilateral coercive measures that violate international law and reiterated that such measures — including unilateral economic sanctions and secondary sanctions — have far-reaching negative impacts on human rights, including the rights to development, health and food security.

    “We call for the elimination of such unlawful measures, which undermine international law and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter. We reaffirm that BRICS member states do not impose or support non-UN Security Council authorised sanctions that are contrary to international law,” the declaration said.

    BRICS leaders also voiced concern over ongoing conflicts in various regions and the current state of polarisation and fragmentation in the global order. They expressed alarm at the increasing global military spending, which they said comes at the cost of financing development in the Global South.

    The BRICS Summit, hosted by Brazil, has brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Indonesia.

    ANI

  • PM Modi meets Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, Cuba’s President Diaz-Canel on sidelines of BRICS

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a bilateral meeting with his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

    PM Modi also met Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel on the sidelines of the summit. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials were present at the meeting.

    The BRICS Summit, hosted by Brazil, has brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Indonesia.

    Brazil assumed the BRICS Chairship on January 1, 2025, with the theme ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance’.

    India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026.

    -ANI

  • Sakshi, Jaismine, Nupur clinch gold as India bags 11 medals at World Boxing Cup Astana 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s women boxers led the country’s best-ever show at the World Boxing Cup in Astana on Sunday, with Sakshi (54kg), Jaismine (57kg) and Nupur (80+kg) clinching gold medals to cap off a memorable campaign.

    Sakshi outclassed USA’s Yosline Perez with a unanimous verdict in the women’s 54kg final, while Jaismine edged past Brazil’s Jucielen Cequeira Romeu 4:1 in the 57kg bout. Nupur rounded off the day with a dominant 5:0 win over Kazakhstan’s Yeldana Talipova in the 80+kg final.

    India ended its campaign with 11 medals — three gold, five silver and three bronze — bettering its tally from the first leg in Brazil, where the team won six medals, including one gold.

    Sakshi set the tone for India on the final day with her aggressive approach and quick combination punches to seal the first gold. Jaismine, 23, used her reach smartly to keep her opponent at bay in a close contest before landing clean counters in the final round to pull ahead.

    Nupur, who lost the opening round to the local favourite Talipova, came back strong to dominate the next two rounds with better footwork and sharper attacks.

    Earlier, Meenakshi went down fighting to Kazakhstan’s Nazym Kyzaibay in the 48kg final, losing 2:3.

    Jugnoo (men’s 85kg), Pooja Rani (women’s 80kg), Hitesh Gulia (men’s 70kg) and Abhinash Jamwal (men’s 65kg) settled for silver after finishing second in their respective finals. Jugnoo lost 0:5 to Kazakhstan’s Bekzad Nurdauletov, while Pooja went down by the same margin to Australia’s Eseta Flint. Hitesh lost 0:5 to Brazil’s Kaian Oliveira and Jamwal fell short 2:3 against Yuri Falcao.

    Sanju (women’s 60kg), Nikhil Dubey (men’s 75kg) and Narender (men’s 90+kg) claimed bronze.

    (ANI)

     

  • Death toll from Texas floods reaches 78; Trump plans visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The death toll from catastrophic floods in Texas reached at least 78 on Sunday, including at least 28 children, as the search for girls missing from a summer camp entered a third day and fears of more flash flooding as rain fell on saturated ground prompted fresh evacuations.

    Larry Leitha, the Kerr County Sheriff in Texas Hill Country, said 68 people had died in flooding in his county, the epicenter of the flooding, among them 28 children. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, said another 10 had died elsewhere in Texas and 41 confirmed missing. The governor did not say how many of the dead outside Kerr were children.

    Among the most devastating impacts of the flooding occurred at Camp Mystic summer camp, a nearly century-old Christian girls camp. Sheriff Leitha said on Sunday that 10 Camp Mystic campers and one counselor were still missing.

    “It was nothing short of horrific to see what those young children went through,” said Abbott, who said he toured the area on Saturday and pledged to continue efforts to locate the missing.

    The flooding occurred after the nearby Guadalupe River broke its banks after torrential rain fell in the central Texas area on Friday, the U.S. Independence Day holiday.

    Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kiddsaid at the press conference on Sunday afternoon the destruction killed three people in Burnet County, one in Tom Green County, five in Travis County and one in Williamson County.

    “You will see the death toll rise today and tomorrow,” said Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, also speaking on Sunday.

    Officials said on Saturday that more than 850 people had been rescued, including some clinging to trees, after a sudden storm dumped up to 15 inches (38 cm) of rain across the region, about 85 miles (140 km) northwest of San Antonio.

    “Everyone in the community is hurting,” Leitha told reporters.

    A WALL OF WATER

    Kidd said he was receiving unconfirmed reports of “an additional wall of water” flowing down some of the creeks in the Guadalupe Rivershed, as rain continued to fall on soil in the region already saturated from Friday’s rains.

    He said aircraft were sent aloft to scout for additional floodwaters, while search-and-rescue personnel who might be in harm’s way were alerted to pull back from the river in the meantime.

    The National Weather Service issued flood warnings and advisories for central Texas that were to last until 4:15 p.m. local time (2115 GMT) as rains fell, potentially complicating rescue efforts.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency was activated on Sunday and is deploying resources to first responders in Texas after President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

    U.S. Coast Guard helicopters and planes are helping the search and rescue efforts, the department said.

    SCALING BACK FEDERAL DISASTER RESPONSE

    Trump, who said on Sunday he would visit the disaster scene, probably on Friday, has previously outlined plans to scale back the federal government’s role in responding to natural disasters, leaving states to shoulder more of the burden themselves.

    Some experts questioned whether cuts to the federal workforce by the Trump administration, including to the agency that oversees the National Weather Service, led to a failure by officials to accurately predict the severity of the floods and issue appropriate warnings ahead of the storm.

    Trump’s administration has overseen thousands of job cuts from the National Weather Service’s parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, leaving many weather offices understaffed, former NOAA director Rick Spinrad said.

    Spinrad said he did not know if those staff cuts factored into the lack of advance warning for the extreme Texas flooding, but that they would inevitably degrade the agency’s ability to deliver accurate and timely forecasts.

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees NOAA, said a “moderate” flood watch issued on Thursday by the National Weather Service had not accurately predicted the extreme rainfall and said the Trump administration was working to upgrade the system.

    Joaquin Castro, a Democratic U.S. congressman from Texas, told CNN’s “State of the Union” program that fewer personnel at the weather service could be dangerous.

    “When you have flash flooding, there’s a risk that if you don’t have the personnel … to do that analysis, do the predictions in the best way, it could lead to tragedy,” Castro said.

    ‘COMPLETE DEVASTATION’

    Camp Mystic had 700 girls in residence at the time of the flooding.

    Katharine Somerville, a counselor on the Cypress Lake side of Camp Mystic, on higher ground than the Guadalupe River side, said her 13-year-old campers were scared as their cabins sustained damage and lost power in the middle of the night.

    “Our cabins at the tippity top of hills were completely flooded with water. I mean, y’all have seen the complete devastation, we never even imagined that this could happen,” Somerville said in an interview on Fox News on Sunday.

    Somerville said the campers in her care were put on military trucks and evacuated, and that all were safe.

    The disaster unfolded rapidly on Friday morning as heavier-than-forecast rain drove river waters rapidly to as high as 29 feet (9 meters).

    A day after the disaster struck, the summer camp was a scene of devastation. Inside one cabin, mud lines indicating how high the water had risen were at least six feet (1.83 m) from the floor. Bed frames, mattresses and personal belongings caked with mud were scattered inside. Some buildings had broken windows, one had a missing wall.

    -Reuters

  • Death toll from Texas floods reaches 78; Trump plans visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The death toll from catastrophic floods in Texas reached at least 78 on Sunday, including at least 28 children, as the search for girls missing from a summer camp entered a third day and fears of more flash flooding as rain fell on saturated ground prompted fresh evacuations.

    Larry Leitha, the Kerr County Sheriff in Texas Hill Country, said 68 people had died in flooding in his county, the epicenter of the flooding, among them 28 children. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, said another 10 had died elsewhere in Texas and 41 confirmed missing. The governor did not say how many of the dead outside Kerr were children.

    Among the most devastating impacts of the flooding occurred at Camp Mystic summer camp, a nearly century-old Christian girls camp. Sheriff Leitha said on Sunday that 10 Camp Mystic campers and one counselor were still missing.

    “It was nothing short of horrific to see what those young children went through,” said Abbott, who said he toured the area on Saturday and pledged to continue efforts to locate the missing.

    The flooding occurred after the nearby Guadalupe River broke its banks after torrential rain fell in the central Texas area on Friday, the U.S. Independence Day holiday.

    Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kiddsaid at the press conference on Sunday afternoon the destruction killed three people in Burnet County, one in Tom Green County, five in Travis County and one in Williamson County.

    “You will see the death toll rise today and tomorrow,” said Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, also speaking on Sunday.

    Officials said on Saturday that more than 850 people had been rescued, including some clinging to trees, after a sudden storm dumped up to 15 inches (38 cm) of rain across the region, about 85 miles (140 km) northwest of San Antonio.

    “Everyone in the community is hurting,” Leitha told reporters.

    A WALL OF WATER

    Kidd said he was receiving unconfirmed reports of “an additional wall of water” flowing down some of the creeks in the Guadalupe Rivershed, as rain continued to fall on soil in the region already saturated from Friday’s rains.

    He said aircraft were sent aloft to scout for additional floodwaters, while search-and-rescue personnel who might be in harm’s way were alerted to pull back from the river in the meantime.

    The National Weather Service issued flood warnings and advisories for central Texas that were to last until 4:15 p.m. local time (2115 GMT) as rains fell, potentially complicating rescue efforts.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency was activated on Sunday and is deploying resources to first responders in Texas after President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

    U.S. Coast Guard helicopters and planes are helping the search and rescue efforts, the department said.

    SCALING BACK FEDERAL DISASTER RESPONSE

    Trump, who said on Sunday he would visit the disaster scene, probably on Friday, has previously outlined plans to scale back the federal government’s role in responding to natural disasters, leaving states to shoulder more of the burden themselves.

    Some experts questioned whether cuts to the federal workforce by the Trump administration, including to the agency that oversees the National Weather Service, led to a failure by officials to accurately predict the severity of the floods and issue appropriate warnings ahead of the storm.

    Trump’s administration has overseen thousands of job cuts from the National Weather Service’s parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, leaving many weather offices understaffed, former NOAA director Rick Spinrad said.

    Spinrad said he did not know if those staff cuts factored into the lack of advance warning for the extreme Texas flooding, but that they would inevitably degrade the agency’s ability to deliver accurate and timely forecasts.

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees NOAA, said a “moderate” flood watch issued on Thursday by the National Weather Service had not accurately predicted the extreme rainfall and said the Trump administration was working to upgrade the system.

    Joaquin Castro, a Democratic U.S. congressman from Texas, told CNN’s “State of the Union” program that fewer personnel at the weather service could be dangerous.

    “When you have flash flooding, there’s a risk that if you don’t have the personnel … to do that analysis, do the predictions in the best way, it could lead to tragedy,” Castro said.

    ‘COMPLETE DEVASTATION’

    Camp Mystic had 700 girls in residence at the time of the flooding.

    Katharine Somerville, a counselor on the Cypress Lake side of Camp Mystic, on higher ground than the Guadalupe River side, said her 13-year-old campers were scared as their cabins sustained damage and lost power in the middle of the night.

    “Our cabins at the tippity top of hills were completely flooded with water. I mean, y’all have seen the complete devastation, we never even imagined that this could happen,” Somerville said in an interview on Fox News on Sunday.

    Somerville said the campers in her care were put on military trucks and evacuated, and that all were safe.

    The disaster unfolded rapidly on Friday morning as heavier-than-forecast rain drove river waters rapidly to as high as 29 feet (9 meters).

    A day after the disaster struck, the summer camp was a scene of devastation. Inside one cabin, mud lines indicating how high the water had risen were at least six feet (1.83 m) from the floor. Bed frames, mattresses and personal belongings caked with mud were scattered inside. Some buildings had broken windows, one had a missing wall.

    -Reuters

  • Death toll from Texas floods reaches 69, including 21 children

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The death toll from catastrophic floods in Texas reached at least 69 on Sunday, including at least 21 children, as the search for girls missing from a summer camp entered a third day.

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott, speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, said the death toll in Kerr county, the epicenter of the flooding, had reached 59, while another 10 had died elsewhere in Texas and 41 remained missing.

    Among the most devastating impacts of the flooding occurred at Camp Mystic summer camp, a nearly century-old Christian girls camp, where 11 girls and a counselor are still missing.

    “It was nothing short of horrific to see what those young children went through,” said Abbott, who said he toured the area on Saturday and pledged to continue efforts to locate the missing.

    The flooding occurred after the nearby Guadalupe River broke its banks after torrential rain fell in the central Texas area on Friday, the U.S. Independence Day holiday. Larry Leitha, the Kerr County Sheriff in Texas Hill Country, said earlier that 21 children have died in the flooding.

    Officials speaking at the press conference on Sunday afternoon said the destruction killed three people in Burnet County, one in Tom Green county, five in Travis county and one in Williamson county.

    Officials said on Saturday that more than 850 people had been rescued, including some clinging to trees, after a sudden storm dumped up to 15 inches (38 cm) of rain across the region, about 85 miles (140 km) northwest of San Antonio.

    “Everyone in the community is hurting,” Leitha told reporters.

    The National Weather Service issued flood warnings and advisories for central Texas that were to last until 4:15 p.m. local time (2115 GMT) as rains fell, potentially complicating rescue efforts.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency was activated on Sunday and is deploying resources to first responders in Texas after President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

    U.S. Coast Guard helicopters and planes are helping the search and rescue efforts, the department said.

    Trump has previously outlined plans to scale back the federal government’s role in responding to natural disasters, leaving states to shoulder more of the burden themselves.

    Some experts questioned whether cuts to the federal workforce by the Trump administration, including to the agency that oversees the National Weather Service, led to a failure by officials to accurately predict the severity of the floods and issue appropriate warnings ahead of the storm.

    Trump’s administration has overseen thousands of job cuts from the National Weather Service’s parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, leaving many weather offices understaffed, former NOAA director Rick Spinrad said.

    Spinrad said he did not know if those staff cuts factored into the lack of advance warning for the extreme Texas flooding, but that they would inevitably degrade the agency’s ability to deliver accurate and timely forecasts.

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees NOAA, said a “moderate” flood watch issued on Thursday by the National Weather Service had not accurately predicted the extreme rainfall and said the Trump administration was working to upgrade the system.

    Joaquin Castro, a Democratic U.S. congressman from Texas, told CNN’s “State of the Union” program that fewer personnel at the weather service could be dangerous.

    “When you have flash flooding, there’s a risk that if you don’t have the personnel … to do that analysis, do the predictions in the best way, it could lead to tragedy,” Castro said.

    ‘COMPLETE DEVASTATION’

    Camp Mystic had 700 girls in residence at the time of the flooding.

    Katharine Somerville, a counselor on the Cypress Lake side of Camp Mystic, on higher ground than the Guadalupe River side, said her 13-year-old campers were scared as their cabins sustained damage and lost power in the middle of the night.

    “Our cabins at the tippity top of hills were completely flooded with water. I mean, y’all have seen the complete devastation, we never even imagined that this could happen,” Somerville said in an interview on Fox News on Sunday.

    Somerville said the campers in her care were put on military trucks and evacuated, and that all were safe.

    The disaster unfolded rapidly on Friday morning as heavier-than-forecast rain drove river waters rapidly to as high as 29 feet (9 meters).

    A day after the disaster struck, the summer camp was a scene of devastation. Inside one cabin, mud lines indicating how high the water had risen were at least six feet (1.83 m) from the floor. Bed frames, mattresses and personal belongings caked with mud were scattered inside. Some buildings had broken windows, one had a missing wall.

    -REUTERS

  • You cannot be serious! Wimbledon line-calling system under fire after glitch

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Wimbledon‘s automated line-calling technology came under fire on Sunday after an embarrassing malfunction robbed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of a point during her last-16 victory over Britain’s Sonay Kartal on Centre Court.

    Russian Pavlyuchenkova had reached game point at 4-4 in the opening set and Kartal hit a shot that looked clearly long but there was no call and Pavlyuchenkova stopped play.

    An automated voice call of “STOP STOP” rang out and confusion reigned as umpire Nico Helwerth sought advice from tournament organisers via telephone.

    Television replays showed that Kartal’s shot was clearly out, yet Helwerth ruled that because the Hawk-Eye technology had not tracked the ball, the point must be replayed.

    Pavlyuchenkova went on to have her serve broken and was clearly fuming at the changeover, telling the umpire: “Because she is local, they can say whatever. You took the game away from me. They stole the game from me. You stole the game from me”.

    The 34-year-old quickly regrouped and showed the resilience that has marked her long career by reaching the quarter-finals with a 7-6(3) 6-4 win.

    But the main talking point was the first big glitch of Wimbledon‘s automated line-calling system that has replaced human line judges this year.

    OPERATOR ERROR

    Tournament officials later said the problem had been caused by operator error and that the umpire had followed the correct protocols, although Pavlyuchenkova felt that he should have intervened to correct an obvious mistake.

    “We were waiting for a decision as the system was down, but I was expecting to hear if they said the ball was in or out,” Pavlyuchenkova told reporters.

    “Instead they just said, replay the point. It was tricky especially as it was a very crucial moment in the match.

    “I expected a different decision. I just thought also the chair umpire could take the initiative. That’s why he’s there sitting on the chair. He also saw it (was) out, he told me after the match. I thought he would do that, but he didn’t.

    “I think it’s also difficult for him. He probably was scared to take such a big decision.”

    Asked how she would have felt if the point had cost her the match, Pavlyuchenkova raised a smile: “I would just say that I hate Wimbledon and never come back here.”

    KARTAL UNSIGHTED

    Kartal said she had been unsighted as to whether her shot was out and was equally confused at the time.

    “That situation is a rarity. I don’t think it’s really ever happened,” she said. “It’s tough luck. What can you do? The umpire is trying his best. I think he handled it fine.”

    Pavlyuchenkova, who felt a back-up system should be in place, is not the first person this week to question the automated line-calling system.

    Britain’s Emma Raducanu claimed there were wrong calls during her loss to Aryna Sabalenka.

    “No, I don’t (trust the system) — I think the other players would say the same thing, there were some pretty dodgy ones but what can you do?,” she said after her defeat.

    Britain’s Jack Draper also believed it was not 100% accurate while Swiss player Belinda Bencic said this week that it was a hot topic in the locker rooms.

    Pavlyuchenkova said it was something that needed to be addressed.

    “I think since we have already automatic line-calling and so much invested into this, we should probably look into something else to have better decisions on it,” she said.

    -Reuters

  • You cannot be serious! Wimbledon line-calling system under fire after glitch

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Wimbledon‘s automated line-calling technology came under fire on Sunday after an embarrassing malfunction robbed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of a point during her last-16 victory over Britain’s Sonay Kartal on Centre Court.

    Russian Pavlyuchenkova had reached game point at 4-4 in the opening set and Kartal hit a shot that looked clearly long but there was no call and Pavlyuchenkova stopped play.

    An automated voice call of “STOP STOP” rang out and confusion reigned as umpire Nico Helwerth sought advice from tournament organisers via telephone.

    Television replays showed that Kartal’s shot was clearly out, yet Helwerth ruled that because the Hawk-Eye technology had not tracked the ball, the point must be replayed.

    Pavlyuchenkova went on to have her serve broken and was clearly fuming at the changeover, telling the umpire: “Because she is local, they can say whatever. You took the game away from me. They stole the game from me. You stole the game from me”.

    The 34-year-old quickly regrouped and showed the resilience that has marked her long career by reaching the quarter-finals with a 7-6(3) 6-4 win.

    But the main talking point was the first big glitch of Wimbledon‘s automated line-calling system that has replaced human line judges this year.

    OPERATOR ERROR

    Tournament officials later said the problem had been caused by operator error and that the umpire had followed the correct protocols, although Pavlyuchenkova felt that he should have intervened to correct an obvious mistake.

    “We were waiting for a decision as the system was down, but I was expecting to hear if they said the ball was in or out,” Pavlyuchenkova told reporters.

    “Instead they just said, replay the point. It was tricky especially as it was a very crucial moment in the match.

    “I expected a different decision. I just thought also the chair umpire could take the initiative. That’s why he’s there sitting on the chair. He also saw it (was) out, he told me after the match. I thought he would do that, but he didn’t.

    “I think it’s also difficult for him. He probably was scared to take such a big decision.”

    Asked how she would have felt if the point had cost her the match, Pavlyuchenkova raised a smile: “I would just say that I hate Wimbledon and never come back here.”

    KARTAL UNSIGHTED

    Kartal said she had been unsighted as to whether her shot was out and was equally confused at the time.

    “That situation is a rarity. I don’t think it’s really ever happened,” she said. “It’s tough luck. What can you do? The umpire is trying his best. I think he handled it fine.”

    Pavlyuchenkova, who felt a back-up system should be in place, is not the first person this week to question the automated line-calling system.

    Britain’s Emma Raducanu claimed there were wrong calls during her loss to Aryna Sabalenka.

    “No, I don’t (trust the system) — I think the other players would say the same thing, there were some pretty dodgy ones but what can you do?,” she said after her defeat.

    Britain’s Jack Draper also believed it was not 100% accurate while Swiss player Belinda Bencic said this week that it was a hot topic in the locker rooms.

    Pavlyuchenkova said it was something that needed to be addressed.

    “I think since we have already automatic line-calling and so much invested into this, we should probably look into something else to have better decisions on it,” she said.

    -Reuters

  • You cannot be serious! Wimbledon line-calling system under fire after glitch

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Wimbledon‘s automated line-calling technology came under fire on Sunday after an embarrassing malfunction robbed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of a point during her last-16 victory over Britain’s Sonay Kartal on Centre Court.

    Russian Pavlyuchenkova had reached game point at 4-4 in the opening set and Kartal hit a shot that looked clearly long but there was no call and Pavlyuchenkova stopped play.

    An automated voice call of “STOP STOP” rang out and confusion reigned as umpire Nico Helwerth sought advice from tournament organisers via telephone.

    Television replays showed that Kartal’s shot was clearly out, yet Helwerth ruled that because the Hawk-Eye technology had not tracked the ball, the point must be replayed.

    Pavlyuchenkova went on to have her serve broken and was clearly fuming at the changeover, telling the umpire: “Because she is local, they can say whatever. You took the game away from me. They stole the game from me. You stole the game from me”.

    The 34-year-old quickly regrouped and showed the resilience that has marked her long career by reaching the quarter-finals with a 7-6(3) 6-4 win.

    But the main talking point was the first big glitch of Wimbledon‘s automated line-calling system that has replaced human line judges this year.

    OPERATOR ERROR

    Tournament officials later said the problem had been caused by operator error and that the umpire had followed the correct protocols, although Pavlyuchenkova felt that he should have intervened to correct an obvious mistake.

    “We were waiting for a decision as the system was down, but I was expecting to hear if they said the ball was in or out,” Pavlyuchenkova told reporters.

    “Instead they just said, replay the point. It was tricky especially as it was a very crucial moment in the match.

    “I expected a different decision. I just thought also the chair umpire could take the initiative. That’s why he’s there sitting on the chair. He also saw it (was) out, he told me after the match. I thought he would do that, but he didn’t.

    “I think it’s also difficult for him. He probably was scared to take such a big decision.”

    Asked how she would have felt if the point had cost her the match, Pavlyuchenkova raised a smile: “I would just say that I hate Wimbledon and never come back here.”

    KARTAL UNSIGHTED

    Kartal said she had been unsighted as to whether her shot was out and was equally confused at the time.

    “That situation is a rarity. I don’t think it’s really ever happened,” she said. “It’s tough luck. What can you do? The umpire is trying his best. I think he handled it fine.”

    Pavlyuchenkova, who felt a back-up system should be in place, is not the first person this week to question the automated line-calling system.

    Britain’s Emma Raducanu claimed there were wrong calls during her loss to Aryna Sabalenka.

    “No, I don’t (trust the system) — I think the other players would say the same thing, there were some pretty dodgy ones but what can you do?,” she said after her defeat.

    Britain’s Jack Draper also believed it was not 100% accurate while Swiss player Belinda Bencic said this week that it was a hot topic in the locker rooms.

    Pavlyuchenkova said it was something that needed to be addressed.

    “I think since we have already automatic line-calling and so much invested into this, we should probably look into something else to have better decisions on it,” she said.

    -Reuters

  • You cannot be serious! Wimbledon line-calling system under fire after glitch

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Wimbledon‘s automated line-calling technology came under fire on Sunday after an embarrassing malfunction robbed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of a point during her last-16 victory over Britain’s Sonay Kartal on Centre Court.

    Russian Pavlyuchenkova had reached game point at 4-4 in the opening set and Kartal hit a shot that looked clearly long but there was no call and Pavlyuchenkova stopped play.

    An automated voice call of “STOP STOP” rang out and confusion reigned as umpire Nico Helwerth sought advice from tournament organisers via telephone.

    Television replays showed that Kartal’s shot was clearly out, yet Helwerth ruled that because the Hawk-Eye technology had not tracked the ball, the point must be replayed.

    Pavlyuchenkova went on to have her serve broken and was clearly fuming at the changeover, telling the umpire: “Because she is local, they can say whatever. You took the game away from me. They stole the game from me. You stole the game from me”.

    The 34-year-old quickly regrouped and showed the resilience that has marked her long career by reaching the quarter-finals with a 7-6(3) 6-4 win.

    But the main talking point was the first big glitch of Wimbledon‘s automated line-calling system that has replaced human line judges this year.

    OPERATOR ERROR

    Tournament officials later said the problem had been caused by operator error and that the umpire had followed the correct protocols, although Pavlyuchenkova felt that he should have intervened to correct an obvious mistake.

    “We were waiting for a decision as the system was down, but I was expecting to hear if they said the ball was in or out,” Pavlyuchenkova told reporters.

    “Instead they just said, replay the point. It was tricky especially as it was a very crucial moment in the match.

    “I expected a different decision. I just thought also the chair umpire could take the initiative. That’s why he’s there sitting on the chair. He also saw it (was) out, he told me after the match. I thought he would do that, but he didn’t.

    “I think it’s also difficult for him. He probably was scared to take such a big decision.”

    Asked how she would have felt if the point had cost her the match, Pavlyuchenkova raised a smile: “I would just say that I hate Wimbledon and never come back here.”

    KARTAL UNSIGHTED

    Kartal said she had been unsighted as to whether her shot was out and was equally confused at the time.

    “That situation is a rarity. I don’t think it’s really ever happened,” she said. “It’s tough luck. What can you do? The umpire is trying his best. I think he handled it fine.”

    Pavlyuchenkova, who felt a back-up system should be in place, is not the first person this week to question the automated line-calling system.

    Britain’s Emma Raducanu claimed there were wrong calls during her loss to Aryna Sabalenka.

    “No, I don’t (trust the system) — I think the other players would say the same thing, there were some pretty dodgy ones but what can you do?,” she said after her defeat.

    Britain’s Jack Draper also believed it was not 100% accurate while Swiss player Belinda Bencic said this week that it was a hot topic in the locker rooms.

    Pavlyuchenkova said it was something that needed to be addressed.

    “I think since we have already automatic line-calling and so much invested into this, we should probably look into something else to have better decisions on it,” she said.

    -Reuters

  • Akash Deep dedicates historic Edgbaston Test win to sister battling cancer

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian pacer Akash Deep has dedicated India’s historic Test win at Edgbaston to his elder sister, who has been undergoing treatment for cancer for the past two months.

    Speaking after India’s victory over England in the second Test, the 27-year-old revealed that he had kept his sister’s illness private, focusing on cricket while his thoughts remained with his family.

    “I have not told this to anyone. My elder sister has been suffering from cancer for the last two months. She is stable now and doing fine. I think she will be the happiest seeing my performance. I want to dedicate this match to her. I just wanted to see a smile on her face,” Akash told Sony Sports after the match.

    He added, “This is for you. Whenever I held the ball in my hand, your face was on my mind. I want to see happiness on your face. We are all with you.”

    Akash Deep produced a match-winning spell at Edgbaston, claiming 10 wickets for 187 runs — four in the first innings and six in the second — to hand India their first-ever Test win at the iconic venue.

    His figures broke Chetan Sharma’s long-standing record of 10/188 (1986) for the best Test bowling performance by an Indian in England. He also became only the second Indian pacer to take a 10-wicket match haul on English soil.

    Before leaving for England, Akash Deep had spent weeks in hospital corridors attending to his sister. The pacer said his family’s struggle kept him grounded through the tour and that every delivery he bowled carried a prayer for his sister’s recovery.

    Behind the milestone, he said, was a simple wish: to see his sister smile.

    IANS

  • Alcaraz resists red-hot Rublev to reach Wimbledon quarter-finals

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Carlos Alcaraz came through a ferocious fourth-round firefight against a red-hot Andrey Rublev to win 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4 6-4 on Centre Court and keep his bid for a third successive Wimbledon title on track on Sunday.

    The Spanish second seed stuttered in his opening three rounds but found his best form to eventually subdue an inspired opponent who once again came up short against the very best.

    Rublev rocked Alcaraz by roaring into a 4-1 lead only to be pegged back but the Russian produced some astonishing tennis to snatch the tiebreak and move ahead.

    Alcaraz never looked ruffled though and levelled the match after Rublev double-faulted on a break point. Rublev continued throwing everything in his arsenal at the champion in the third set but paid for not taking some early break points as Alcaraz found another gear.

    Alcaraz looked impregnable in the fourth set and a single break of serve was enough to seal a 22nd successive match win and set up a last-eight clash with Britain’s Cameron Norrie.

    “Andrey is one of the most powerful players we have on Tour and is so aggressive with the ball. It’s really difficult to face him, he forces you to the limit on each point,” Alcaraz, bidding to become only the fourth man to win back-to-back French Open and Wimbledon titles multiple times, said on court.

    “Really happy with the way I moved and played intelligent and smart tactically. A really good match all round.”

    With so many seeds having fallen early, this was the first match between top-20 players in the men’s singles this year and it did not disappoint as the quality scaled rare heights.

    Rublev, 27, has barely been outside of the top 10 since 2022 but has never got close to winning a Grand Slam, losing all 10 quarter-finals that he has contested.

    The 14th seed must have sighed when he saw Alcaraz in his way in the fourth round, but he came out in positive fashion, off-loading rockets at the five-time Grand Slam champion.

    With the roof closed after earlier thunderstorms the noise of the ball striking strings sounded like rifle shots.

    Rublev hit harder, then harder still and at 5-5 in the opening set launched an outrageous backhand winner off a full-blooded Alcaraz forehand and then followed with a powerful forehand of his own to the baseline to move a set ahead.

    He barely did anything wrong after that but Alcaraz, finally clicking into gear after three scratchy wins, showed why taking the title off him will be such a tough task.

    The turning point came at 3-3 in the third set when Rublev, attempting to save a break point, sent Alcaraz sliding from side to side with a barrage of power only for the Spaniard to whip a forehand cross court winner, before cupping his ear to the crowd who rose as one to salute the moment of genius.

    Rublev stuck manfully to his task but he was powerless to prevent an 11th loss from 11 matches against top-five opponents at a Grand Slam.

    -REUTERS

  • EAM Jaishankar meets Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, discusses bilateral cooperation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Sunday met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the 2025 BRICS summit, during which the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation among other key issues.

    “Good to meet with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia on the sidelines of #BRICS2025. Discussed bilateral cooperation, West Asia, BRICS and SCO”, the EAM said in a post on X.

    Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on X, “Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of India @DrSJaishankar hold a meeting on the sidelines of the XVII #BRICS Summit. Rio de Janeiro, July 6.”

    Jaishankar also shared a photo with the Russian Foreign Minister.

    The meeting took place as BRICS leaders condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where 26 people were killed. In response, India’s armed forces carried out Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

    Notably, Russia, besides condemning the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, maintained that it stands in solidarity with India in eliminating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

    Moscow’s stand was conveyed in May this year when an all-party delegation from India, led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, met senior members of the Russian Federation Council, including Andrey Denisov, First Deputy Chair of the Committee on International Affairs, in Moscow to reaffirm the united stand against terrorism.

    During that meeting, the Russian side strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack and reiterated its solidarity with India in the global fight against terrorism in all its forms.

    The visit was part of India’s unprecedented diplomatic campaign to expose Pakistan’s sustained role in cross-border terrorism following the April 22 Pahalgam attack.

    —IANS

     

  • Good catching up with my friend: PM Modi meets South African President Ramaphosa

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, shortly before Ramaphosa backed his call for reform of the United Nations Security Council.

    “Good catching up with my friend, President Ramaphosa of South Africa,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

    Speaking at the summit, Ramaphosa backed the demand for reform, saying the Council “has become too rigid, too narrow and too disconnected from today’s multipolar realities”, and is unable to fulfil its primary function of maintaining international peace and security.

    Ramaphosa said the Council cannot react effectively to global dangers “ranging from humanitarian crises to open acts of aggression”. “Reform is a necessity. The Security Council must be made more democratic, more regionally representative and more accountable,” he said.

    Sunday’s ‘catch-up’ was the second meeting between PM Modi and Ramaphosa in 19 days, having last met in Canada during the G7 Summit.

    India and South Africa have several joint projects covering skills development, trade, economic cooperation and technology. They plan to deepen their strategic partnership, focusing on sectors such as agro-processing, defence, mining and finance. Bilateral trade between the two countries currently stands at nearly $20 billion.

    PM Modi last visited South Africa in 2023 for the BRICS summit and held bilateral talks with leaders there.

    Notably, Ramaphosa was the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in 2019 and last visited India in 2023 to attend the G20 summit.

    As one of Africa’s leading voices, South Africa joins India in representing the Global South in international forums.

    IANS

  • Condemning terrorism should be our “principle”, not just “convenience”: PM Modi at BRICS summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called terrorism the “most serious challenge” facing humanity and said condemning it must be a matter of principle, not convenience.

    Speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, PM Modi cited the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 tourists were killed, as a reminder of the threat terrorism poses to global peace.

    “Recently India faced an inhuman and cowardly terrorist attack. On 22 April, the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a direct attack on the soul, identity, and dignity of India. This attack was a blow not only to India but to the entire humanity. In this hour of grief, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the friendly countries who stood with us, who expressed support and condolences,” he said.

    “Terrorism has become the most serious challenge for humanity today. Condemning terrorism should be our ‘principle’, not just a ‘convenience’. If we first see in which country the attack took place and against whom, then it would be a betrayal against humanity,” the PM added.

    PM Modi stressed the need for decisive global action, including sanctions, and warned against double standards in tackling terror.

    “There should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. The victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale. For personal or political gain, giving silent consent to terrorism and supporting terror or terrorists should not be acceptable under any circumstances. There should be no difference between words and actions regarding terrorism. If we cannot do this, then the question naturally arises: are we serious about the fight against terrorism or not?” the Prime Minister said.

    PM Modi also underlined the threat of terrorism in the context of global conflicts and the humanitarian fallout in Gaza.

    “From West Asia to Europe, today the world is surrounded by disputes and tensions. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is a cause of great concern. India firmly believes that no matter how difficult the circumstances are, the path of peace is the only option for the welfare of humanity,” he said.

    “India is the land of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. There is no place for war and violence for us. India supports every effort that takes the world away from division and conflict and leads it towards dialogue, cooperation, and coordination, and increases solidarity and trust,” the Prime Minister said, reiterating India’s belief in peace.

    Highlighting BRICS’s role in promoting global stability, the Prime Minister said, “Global peace and security is not just an ideal; it is the foundation of our common interests and future. The development of humanity is possible only in a peaceful and secure environment. BRICS has a very important role in fulfilling this objective. We have to unite and make collective efforts to face our common challenges. We have to move forward together.”

    PM Modi invited BRICS leaders to India for the next summit in 2026, under India’s chairmanship.

    The summit, hosted by Brazil from July 7 to 9, is being attended by leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Indonesia.

    ANI

  • India bury Birmingham blues, script record 336-run win over England in 2nd Test

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India created history with a 336-run win over England in the second Test at Birmingham, securing not only their first-ever victory at Edgbaston but also their biggest Test win away from home in terms of runs.

    Skipper Shubman Gill, along with pacers Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj, spearheaded a collective team effort as India levelled the series, overcoming the Birmingham blues with a win that will be remembered for ages.

    This is India’s biggest away win in Tests, surpassing their 318-run victory over the West Indies at North Sound in 2016, as they defended a total of 419. Jasprit Bumrah picked up a memorable five-wicket haul in the match, while Ajinkya Rahane was named Player of the Match for his knocks of 81 and 102.

    Gill, besides breaking an endless list of records with the bat, also made history as captain. At 25 years and 301 days old, he became the youngest Indian captain to win a Test overseas, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar, who was 26 years and 202 days old when he led India to victory against New Zealand in Auckland in 1976.

    Coming to the match, England once again opted to field first. After removing KL Rahul (2) early, an 80-run stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal (87 off 107 balls, 13 fours) and Karun Nair (31 off 50 balls, five fours) helped India recover. Skipper Gill stitched valuable partnerships — 203 runs with Ravindra Jadeja (89 off 137 balls, 10 fours and a six) and a 144-run stand with Washington Sundar (42 off 103 balls, three fours and a six) — steering India to a mammoth 587. Gill scored a marathon 269 off 387 balls, hitting 30 fours and three sixes.

    Shoaib Bashir (3/167) was England’s most successful bowler, while Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue claimed two wickets each.

    In England’s first innings, India reduced them to 84/5. However, a 303-run stand between Harry Brook (158 off 234 balls, 17 fours and a six) and wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith (184* off 207 balls, 21 fours and four sixes) kept England alive. But Siraj (6/70) and Akash Deep (4/88) made the new ball count, bundling out the last five wickets for just 20 runs, dismissing England for 407 and giving India a 180-run lead.

    In reply, India’s batters piled on the pressure. Jaiswal (28 off 22 balls, six fours) and Rahul (55 off 84 balls, 10 fours) set the tone with a brisk half-century stand. A 110-run fourth-wicket stand between Rishabh Pant (65 off 58 balls, eight fours and three sixes) and Gill accelerated the charge, before Gill forged another epic 175-run stand with Jadeja. Gill smashed 161 off 162 balls, with 13 fours and eight sixes, while Jadeja remained unbeaten on 69* off 118 balls (five fours and a six). India declared at 427/6, setting England an improbable target of 608.

    In the run chase, England were quickly reduced to 50/3. Jamie Smith (88 off 99 balls, nine fours and four sixes) offered the only resistance before England were bundled out for 271, losing by 336 runs. Akash Deep’s brilliant spell of 6/99 gave him a ten-wicket haul for the match.

    Gill was named Player of the Match as India levelled the series 1-1. 

  • BRICS leaders condemn Pahalgam terror attack, call out “double standards” on terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Leaders of BRICS nations on Sunday strongly condemned the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists.

    In a joint declaration at the summit in Rio de Janeiro, the leaders described terrorism as “criminal and unjustifiable”, regardless of the motive or perpetrators.

    “We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, during which at least 26 people were killed and many more injured. We reaffirm our commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens,” the declaration said.

    BRICS leaders underlined that terrorism should not be linked with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group, and demanded that those involved be held accountable under national and international law.

    “We urge zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering it. We stress the primary responsibility of States in combating terrorism and that global efforts must comply with international law, including the UN Charter and relevant conventions on human rights, refugees and humanitarian law,” the declaration added.

    The leaders welcomed the work of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) and its five subgroups under the Counter-Terrorism Strategy and Action Plan, and called for further cooperation. They also pushed for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework and urged “concerted action” against all UN-designated terrorists and terror entities.

    The statement comes weeks after National Security Advisor Ajit Doval raised the Pahalgam attack at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Security Council Secretaries’ meeting in Beijing. Doval had underlined the continued threat from groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed operating with state support from Pakistan, as well as Al Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates.

    India has repeatedly urged SCO members to reject double standards on terrorism and to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of cross-border terror accountable.

    IANS

  • PM Modi calls for urgent reforms in global governance at 17th BRICS Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for urgent reforms in global governance institutions, emphasising that the interests of the Global South must be given due importance in decision-making bodies that were built in the 20th century but continue to shape 21st-century challenges.

    Addressing the BRICS session on the ‘Reform of Global Governance’ in Rio de Janeiro, the Prime Minister extended his gratitude to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for the “excellent organisation” of the summit and praised his “vision and unwavering commitment” in energising the bloc.

    PM Modi remarked that under Brazil’s leadership, BRICS cooperation had received not just an “espresso” but a “double espresso shot”, applauding President Lula’s dynamic role. He also congratulated Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto on Indonesia’s inclusion in the BRICS grouping, calling it a welcome expansion of the bloc’s partnership.

    Highlighting the persistent neglect faced by the Global South, the PM said that developing nations have often been met with “double standards” on issues such as development, fair distribution of resources, and security. He pointed out that promises on climate finance, sustainable development, and technology transfer have frequently amounted to “nothing more than token gestures”.

    “Two-thirds of humanity still lack proper representation in global institutions built in the 20th century,” the Prime Minister noted, adding that this lack of inclusion affects the credibility and effectiveness of such bodies. Drawing an analogy, PM Modi said, “Without the Global South, these institutions are like a mobile phone with a SIM card but no network.”

    Calling for a new “multipolar and inclusive world order”, the Prime Minister urged BRICS nations to push for reforms in major global institutions, including the UN Security Council, the World Trade Organization, and Multilateral Development Banks. He stressed that these changes must go beyond symbolism and deliver tangible results, including reforms in governance structures, voting rights, and leadership roles.

    “In an age where technology evolves every week, it is unacceptable for global institutions to go eighty years without reform. You can’t run 21st-century software on 20th-century typewriters,” PM Modi said.

    The Prime Minister underscored India’s commitment to work constructively with BRICS partners to advance the interests of the Global South and humanity at large.

    “India has always considered it a duty to rise above self-interest and work for the greater good of humanity. We remain fully committed to contributing to this shared goal,” he said.

  • PM Modi calls for urgent reforms in global governance at 17th BRICS Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for urgent reforms in global governance institutions, emphasising that the interests of the Global South must be given due importance in decision-making bodies that were built in the 20th century but continue to shape 21st-century challenges.

    Addressing the BRICS session on the ‘Reform of Global Governance’ in Rio de Janeiro, the Prime Minister extended his gratitude to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for the “excellent organisation” of the summit and praised his “vision and unwavering commitment” in energising the bloc.

    PM Modi remarked that under Brazil’s leadership, BRICS cooperation had received not just an “espresso” but a “double espresso shot”, applauding President Lula’s dynamic role. He also congratulated Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto on Indonesia’s inclusion in the BRICS grouping, calling it a welcome expansion of the bloc’s partnership.

    Highlighting the persistent neglect faced by the Global South, the PM said that developing nations have often been met with “double standards” on issues such as development, fair distribution of resources, and security. He pointed out that promises on climate finance, sustainable development, and technology transfer have frequently amounted to “nothing more than token gestures”.

    “Two-thirds of humanity still lack proper representation in global institutions built in the 20th century,” the Prime Minister noted, adding that this lack of inclusion affects the credibility and effectiveness of such bodies. Drawing an analogy, PM Modi said, “Without the Global South, these institutions are like a mobile phone with a SIM card but no network.”

    Calling for a new “multipolar and inclusive world order”, the Prime Minister urged BRICS nations to push for reforms in major global institutions, including the UN Security Council, the World Trade Organization, and Multilateral Development Banks. He stressed that these changes must go beyond symbolism and deliver tangible results, including reforms in governance structures, voting rights, and leadership roles.

    “In an age where technology evolves every week, it is unacceptable for global institutions to go eighty years without reform. You can’t run 21st-century software on 20th-century typewriters,” PM Modi said.

    The Prime Minister underscored India’s commitment to work constructively with BRICS partners to advance the interests of the Global South and humanity at large.

    “India has always considered it a duty to rise above self-interest and work for the greater good of humanity. We remain fully committed to contributing to this shared goal,” he said.

  • BRICS nations urge advanced economies to scale up climate finance for developing countries

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    BRICS member nations have called on advanced economies and the international financial system to provide “substantial” financing to support climate mitigation efforts in developing economies.

    “We call on advanced economies and other relevant actors in the international financial system, as well as the private sector, to provide substantial finance for climate actions in developing countries, including by expanding concessional finance and increasing private capital mobilisation,” Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of BRICS countries said in a joint statement on Sunday, just ahead of the Summit.

    Highlighting the growing needs of emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs), the group urged international financial institutions to scale up adaptation support and create conditions that would attract greater private sector participation in mitigation efforts.

    BRICS members also acknowledged the structural challenges posed by climate change, energy transitions, biodiversity loss and conservation efforts.

    “We reaffirm that predictable, equitable, accessible and affordable climate finance is indispensable for just transitions, in line with country circumstances and development priorities, and for meeting the goals of the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement,” the statement said.

    India, a BRICS member, has consistently advocated for stronger climate finance arrangements, primarily from developed countries that are historically major carbon emitters. India has repeatedly underlined the need for adequate financial support, particularly for the Global South.

    Climate finance generally refers to funding directed at mitigation and adaptation measures to tackle climate change. Developing countries have long argued that developed nations, being historically larger emitters, must shoulder greater responsibility for funding mitigation and adaptation.

    Against the backdrop of global economic uncertainty and volatility, BRICS members said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) must remain adequately resourced and flexible to protect its members, particularly the most vulnerable.

    The statement also welcomed the New Development Bank’s steady efforts to expand its funding capacity, promote local currency financing, diversify funding sources, and back projects that advance sustainable development, reduce inequality and drive investment in infrastructure and economic integration.

    “As the New Development Bank is set to embark on its second golden decade of high-quality development, we recognise and support its growing role as a robust and strategic agent of development and modernisation in the Global South,” it said.

    BRICS members also reaffirmed that they would continue working through the second half of 2025 to push forward these initiatives and strengthen coordination for a smooth transition to India’s presidency in 2026.

    Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of BRICS countries met in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 5 under the theme, “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”

    Together, BRICS countries — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — account for nearly half of the world’s population, spread across four continents, and nearly 40 per cent of global GDP. The bloc has become more integrated with the world economy and now represents about a quarter of global trade and investment flows.

    The joint statement underlined that more needs to be done to ensure the benefits of globalisation, economic growth and productivity are shared more equally.

    According to a report by Rubix Data Sciences, total international trade (exports plus imports) of BRICS countries stood at USD 10.5 trillion in 2024, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.9 per cent between 2020 and 2024.

    BRICS nations remain net exporters, collectively selling more goods abroad than they import, underlining their strong production capacity and growing clout in global trade.