BRICS nations need to build consensus, balance innovation and social justice by reinforcing the digital sovereignty of Global South, including evenly distribution of benefits through AI, writes Baidya Bikash Basu BRICS, the developing worlds stand-in to the G-7 grouping. was expanded at the Kazan Summit, last year. Post expansion, Indonesia, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have joined the founding members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. In a world divided in silos,

First Indian PM to visit in 57 years; economic ties, lithium and trade top agenda Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a historic visit to Argentina on Saturday by paying homage to the countrys national hero, General Jos de San Martn, at his memorial in Buenos Aires. The visit marks the first bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in nearly six decades. Modi laid a wreath at the statue of San Martn widely regarded as the liberator of Argentina, Chile and Peru in a solemn ce

India-US trade talks stall as Washington turns up the pressure with August 1 tariff threat US President Donald Trump has confirmed he has signed tariff letters targeting 12 countries, which will be dispatched on Monday, July 7raising the stakes in what could be a new wave of trade confrontations. Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Trump declined to name the countries but made clear that each will receive letters detailing new tariff levels. I signed some letters and theyll go out on Monday

Minority communities such as Shias, Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadis continue to face harassment, violence, and intimidation. In many cases, law enforcement either turns a blind eye or enables the attacks through inactionreports Asian Lite News A significant session was held in Committee Room 7 of the UK Parliament, organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief (APPG FoRB), to address the worsening state of religious persecution in Pakistan. The meeting presented

If the Quad aims to counterbalance Chinas growing influence, it must expand its focus beyond the maritime domain and address the continental dynamics of the Indo-Pacificwrites Imran Khurshid Despite early concerns that a Trump administration might deprioritize Quad engagement due to its highly transactional and unpredictable leadership style, the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting, held on July 1, reaffirmed the groups strategic relevance. On January 21 just one day after President Donald Trumps in

Trinidad and Tobago, home to a large Indian-origin populationmany of whom are now in their fifth and sixth generationsoffered a unique cultural resonance to the visit.reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a historic two-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago, reaffirming Indias commitment to deeper collaboration with the Caribbean nation and celebrating the enduring ties between the two countries. Ahead of the visit, Indian High Commissioner Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit had noted the

The Prime Minister stated that people of India have resolved to make India a Developed Nation by 2047, when we celebrate 100 years of Independence.reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that over the past decade, India has seen a major transformation across the spectrum, and on the foundations of stable polity and good governance, the country will soon be the worlds third-largest economy. During his historic Parliament address here, PM Modi said India already contr

Organised by diaspora activists, the exhibit exposed rising rights abuses in Bangladesh post-Hasinareports Asian Lite News In a bid to spotlight the deteriorating human rights situation and rising persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, a powerful photo exhibition was held on Tuesday at Genevas iconic Broken Chair monument, coinciding with the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council. Organised by members of the Bangladeshi diaspora, human rights activists, and community leaders, the exhibit

Global investment firm reaffirms Indias status as top-performing economy in latest growth outlookreports Asian Lite News India is set to retain its position as the fastest-growing economy among nations tracked by Morgan Stanley, according to the latest report from the firms Global Investment Committee. The report forecasts Indias real GDP growth at 5.9 per cent on a Q4-over-Q4 basis in 2025 and 6.4 per cent in 2026. It stated, India remains the fastest growing economy in our coverage, with real

The fresh job cuts come less than two months after Microsoft announced it was laying off more than 6,000 employeesreports Asian Lite News Microsoft is set to cut around 9,000 jobs roughly 4% of its global workforce in a fresh wave of layoffs this year, according to reports on Wednesday. According to The Seattle Times, employees in Microsofts Xbox division, known as Microsoft Gaming, are being hit hard by these layoffs. To position Gaming for enduring success and allow us to focus on strategic

Stuart Broad urges England to stay mentally sharp and wait for the collapse, pointing to Indias Headingley horror as proof that wickets can fall in clusters.reports Asian Lite News Former England fast-bowler Stuart Broad believes the Ben Stokes-led side will have the lower-order collapses of India in mind when they aim to make further inroads into the tourists batting line-up in the second Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Edgbaston. In first sessions play, Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse were amo

With this win, the Blue Tigresses remain unbeaten, having now claimed three wins in as many matchesreports Asian Lite News The Indian womens football team produced another commanding performance in the AFC Womens Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, dismantling Iraq 5-0 at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium on Wednesday, July 2. First-half goals from Sangita Basfore and Manisha set the tone before a dominant second half saw Karthika Angamuthu, Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, and Nongmaithem Ratanbala De

IMF approves $350 million t ranche as island nation sees early signs of recovery, but challenges persist amid ongoing reforms and rising public discontent.reports Asian Lite News The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the disbursement of a fresh $350 million tranche to Sri Lanka following the successful completion of the fourth review of its four-year, $2.9 billion bailout programme. The approval comes as the crisis-hit island nation pushes ahead with a challenging reform agenda aime

Pakistan misses export target for 2024-25 despite modest growth, with rising imports widening the trade deficit and prompting urgent cost-cutting measures across key sectors.reports Asian Lite News Pakistan has fallen short of its annual export target for the fiscal year 202425, as widening trade imbalances and surging domestic costs fuel growing economic uncertainty. According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the country managed exports worth USD 32.106 billion durin

Wider impact hits eateries, schools, media, tourismraising fear, weakening autonomy Beijing has intensified its national security measures in Hong Kong, moving from the idea of patriots administering the region to demanding that business individuals be patriotic, according to a report by the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) cited by Taipei Times. In its 2014 white paper on the one country, two systems framework after the 1997 handover, Beijing asserted that Hong Kong people would govern Hong Kong

Energy, critical minerals, trade, and defence top the agenda as PM Modi is heading to Argentina in third leg of his five-nation visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modis upcoming visit to Argentina this week marks a pivotal moment in Indias growing engagement with Latin America, as both nations look to deepen cooperation across energy, critical minerals, defence, and trade. The visitscheduled for July 45will be the first bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years, underscorin

Indias energy landscape is undergoing a rapid shift, with major investments in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and infrastructure aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has pitched for a deeper energy partnership with the US, meeting Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Washington, DC. The meeting underscored Indias ongoing energy transition and its ambition to collaborate more closely with the United States on clean energy sol

The summit is expected to reinforce BRICS evolving role as a platform for inclusive global development and balanced multipolar engagement As anticipation builds for the upcoming BRICS Summit scheduled for 6-7 July, Brazilian academic Lier Pires Ferreira has outlined the forums key focus areas. Speaking to Toda Palavra, a media partner of TV BRICS, the professor from the BRICS Research Centre at the Federal University of Fluminense described the outlook as favourable, highlighting that the meetin

Spiritual leader says his office, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, was the sole authority on reincarnation As exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday, he asserted on Wednesday that there will be the 15th reincarnation, the first important announcement over continuance of the 600-year-old institution after his demise. Reassuring followers across the globe who were concerned about the future of their spiritual and cultural leadership, His Holiness said his office, the

In War (2019), Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff only came together publicly during the success bash, maintaining the mystery around their face-off In a strategic move to heighten audience anticipation, the makers of War 2 have decided that lead stars Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr will promote the film separately. The decision is designed to maintain the intensity of their on-screen rivalry and deliver a powerful cinematic experience. The upcoming action thriller, produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF), is

Producer Antony Perumbavoor also shared a nostalgic photograph of himself carrying a young Vismaya, posting a warm message in Malayalam. In it, he extended his heartfelt blessings and said a great beginning awaited her Vismaya Mohanlal, daughter of Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, is set to make her much-anticipated acting debut with director Jude Anthany Josephs upcoming film Thudakkam. The announcement was made by Mohanlal himself through a heartfelt post on his X (formerly Twitter) timeline. Sha

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is all set to headline the 16th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) as the chief guest. The actor is excited to showcase some of his most cherished work at the prestigious event, where Indian cinema will be celebrated on a global platform. Expressing his gratitude, the PK actor said he felt humbled and thrilled to join a festival that truly celebrates the richness and diversity of Indian cinema. Im humbled and thrilled to be a part of the Indian Film Festival

Reigning world champion and Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has reclaimed the top spot in the mens javelin throw world rankings, according to the latest update by World Athletics. The Indian star edged past Grenadas Anderson Peters, thanks to a stellar run of recent performances, most notably his victory at the Paris Diamond League. Neeraj Chopra (1)With a total of 1,445 ranking points, Neeraj leads the javelin throw world standings. His consistency and big-match temperament have helped him

Bollywoods leading ladies have often turned to flowers to elevate their hairstyles, making floral hairdos an enduring fashion statement on and off the red carpet. These celebrities didnt just accessorisethey inspired bridal trends and gave timeless charm a fresh, modern spin. Anushka Sharma Anushkas bridal look remains iconic. She adorned her wedding bun with oversized pink roses, making it one of the most copied hairstyles among Indian brides. The ethereal combination of pastel florals and soft

The blast killed both officials on the spot, along with two policemen who were accompanying them.reports Asian Lite News At least four people, including senior provincial government officials, were killed and 11 others injured in a powerful roadside bomb blast targeting a convoy in Pakistans northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday, officials said. The explosion took place near Phatak Mela area along Nawagai Road in Bajaur district, where a double-cabin vehicle carrying two senior gove

Hundreds of people, including locals, started chanting Modi-Modi, Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Vande Mataram as soon as PM Modi arrived at the hotel.reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the Indian community at a hotel in Accra on Wednesday, as he commenced his landmark visit to Ghana following his arrival in the West African nation. There is a sizable Indian community in Ghana numbering over 15,000. Some of them have been in Ghana for over

Sikyong said the Chinese government is systematically working to erase Tibetan identity by targeting its language and religion, core pillars of its cultural heritage.reports Asian Lite News With the Dalai Lama entrusting the decision on his successor to the Gaden Phodrang and excluding any Chinese involvement, Penpa Tsering, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, asserted that Tibetans will never accept Chinas attempt to exploit reincarnation for political purposes. During the 15th Tib

The Party stressed that last month exposed the complete collapse of safety, justice, and leadership under the Yunus regimereports Asian Lite News The Awami League has released statistics on human rights violations in Bangladesh, alleging that the country is in a state of brutal anarchy. Citing incidents of rape, lynchings, and the discovery of unidentified bodies, the party described Bangladesh as a blood-stained nation under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. The former Prime Ministe

Quad presses junta, all parties to honour and extend trucereports Asian Lite News The Quad Foreign Ministers voiced deep concern over the escalating crisis in Myanmar and its regional impact, urging the regime to honour its ceasefire commitment. We remain deeply concerned by the worsening crisis in Myanmar and its impact on the region. We call on the regime to adhere to its commitment to a ceasefire, and call on all parties to implement, extend and broaden ceasefire measures, read a joint statem

After a back stress fracture in the final 202425 Border-Gavaskar Test, where he dominated Australia, Bumrah was confirmed by Gambhir and Gill to play only three of five Tests due to workload management.reports Asian Lite News India skipper faced the media on the eve of the second Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, scheduled to begin on July 2 at Edgbaston, and addressed what has been the biggest concern for all fans the availability of Jasprit Bumrah. After suffering a stress fracture

June shipments hit 37,842 units, signalling robust global demand Maruti Suzuki India recorded its highest-ever monthly exports in June, shipping 37,842 units and marking a new milestone that highlights the companys expanding global footprint. Overall, Maruti Suzuki India sold 167,993 units in June, which includes 118,906 domestic passenger vehicles lower than the 137,160 units sold in June 2024. Including sales to other original equipment manufacturer (OEMs) and light commercial vehicles (LCVs)

FM Sitharaman stated that we believe that optimal regulation fosters innovation and stability.reports Asian Lite News India supports reforms to the international financial architecture to enhance inclusivity and equity, including Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) reforms and fairer credit rating systems, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has stressed. MDB lending must be aligned with long-term development goals and backed by robust monitoring frameworks to ensure that funds are used as inten

The Prime Minister will then travel to Trinidad & Tobago from July 3-4, a country he said shares deep-rooted historical, cultural and people-to-people connect with Indiareports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Accra, Ghana, on Wednesday, kicking off a five-nation tour aimed at deepening Indias global partnershipsparticularly with the Global South and transatlantic allies. The tour includes visits to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia nations that P

The Secretary affirmed the strength of the US-India relationship, highlighting implementation of the US-India COMPACTreports Asian Lite News The US-India COMPACTa comprehensive framework for bilateral cooperationtook centre stage during the meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce. The Secretary affirmed the strength of the US-India relationship, highlighting implementation of the US-Indi

Performed by Sankari Mridha at The Bhavan, London The Bhavan auditorium in London transformed into a sacred space for a unique performance. Anantakam, presented by the award-winning artist Sankari Mridha, was far more than a Bharatanatyam recital it was a soul offering. Anantakam explored the pursuit of bliss through classical dance. Sankaris selection of repertoire was deeply rooted in tradition, with two compositions created by Rukmini Devi Arundale and her disciples from the Kalakshetra line

In a graceful complement, Mohiniyattam known for its fluid, lyrical movements and feminine grace was presented by guest artists Rashmi Sudhir and Remya Nambiar from Bradford, bringing a Kerala flavour to the stage The vibrant rhythms of India echoed through the halls of Rugby on 21 June 2025, as Kaivalya Academy of Art and Culture presented its first-ever annual Indian classical dance event at the Clarkson Theatre, Princethorpe College. The evening was a celebration of two of Indias most exqui

The interim trade deal would be an initial step towards a comprehensive bilateral free trade agreement between Indian and the US.reports Asian Lite News India is expected to finalise an interim trade deal with the United States as early as this week, aiming to avert a proposed tariff hike on its exports by President Donald Trump, according to the Financial Times. Indias negotiating team, led by Special Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, is engaged in high-level talks in Washington to conclude the bilater

Hasinas abrupt exit last August after violent student protests was widely seen as a blow to democracy in the Muslim-majority nation of 170 million.reports Asian Lite News Sajeeb Wazed, son of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on Tuesday, highlighted that 10 months after last years violent July protests in the South Asian country, many people have begun to realise the gravity of their mistake after being misled into participating in the movement. Last year, starting July 1, Banglad

The question is no longer if India can attract global talent, but whether it can build the conditions to do so at scalewith care and vision. Done right, India could emerge as the University of the Global South, where ambition meets access and learning meets relevancewrite Gurucharan Gollerkeri As global geopolitics reshapes the flows of talent, knowledge, and influence, India stands at a pivotal moment. The higher education landscape is shifting. For decades, the academic aspirations of students

The EAM underlined the structural drivers of the bilateral relationship, saying, The trend line over the last 25 years has actually been very strong.reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has acknowledged that challenges are natural in complex bilateral ties, but emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive overall trajectory. Reflecting on India-US ties, he emphasised that the relationship has demonstrated a consistent upward trend over the past 25 years. Speakin

The Chief Advisor invited Rubio to visit Bangladesh ahead of the general election to witness the countrys transition to democracy firsthandreports Asian Lite News Bangladeshs interim Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has urged US backing for the countrys democratic transition and assured US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that national elections will be held in the early part of next year. During a telephone conversation on Monday, Rubio and Yunus discussed the ongoing reform process, transition to de

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has rejected former US President Donald Trumps claim of using trade pressure to broker an India-Pakistan ceasefire.reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, drawing on his direct involvement in US-India talks, has firmly rejected former US President Donald Trumps claim that he leveraged trade to coerce India and Pakistan into a ceasefire. He said on Monday that he was with Prime Minister Narendra Modi when US Vice President J.D. Vanc

This will be the first visit of Prime Minister Modi to Namibia, and the third-ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to Namibia.reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modis forthcoming visit to Namibia, the first since Namibian President Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah assumed office, is a significant step towards renewing the bilateral ties and deepening economic engagement between both nations, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday This will be the first visit of Prime Ministe

The Minister said India has entered a new quantum era, set to transform future warfare.reports Asian Lite News India has taken a major leap in defence and cyber security by successfully demonstrating free-space quantum secure communication using quantum entanglement, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday. The Union Minister said that the country has entered a new quantum era of secure communication, which will prove to be a game changer in future warfare. The breakthrough was achieved by

Following the exhibition, Jaishankar will travel to Washington to participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting (QFMM) on July 1. reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to inaugurate an exhibition titled The Human Cost of Terrorism at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Monday, as he begins a three-day official visit to the United States. The exhibition will highlight the grave and lasting impact of terrorism around the world, and is intended to dra

The deepening crisis in West Asia, particularly between Israel and Iran, has had little to no visible impact on Indias economic trajectory or its export performance.reports Asian Lite News The limited trade exposure to Israel and Iran, coupled with proactive engagement on infrastructure and technology, ensures that the ongoing conflict does not impact Indias economic ambitions. As the world navigates an increasingly unpredictable geopolitical landscape, India offers a rare blend of economic resi

She is leading the Indian delegation from the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance.reports Asian Lite News Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman commenced her official visit to Spain, Portugal, and Brazil on Monday, with the trip scheduled to continue until Saturday, July 5, the Ministry announced. She is leading the Indian delegation from the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance. As part of her visit to Seville, Spain, the Finance Minister wil

EAM Jaishankar will be inaugurating an exhibition titled, The Human Cost of Terrorism at the United Nations Headquarters, New York on June 30.reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar will be on an official visit to the US from June 30-July 2, at the invitation of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to participate in the next edition of the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting (QFMM), scheduled to be held on July 1, an official said on Sunday. In a statement, the Ministry of

Newspapers have carried stories of significant political and social upheaval, as reported by The Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, the Financial Times, and the London Daily. The Times highlights the Prime Ministers struggle to prevent a revolt over proposed welfare cuts, while The Guardian delves into internal dissent within the Labour Party over welfare concessions. The Telegraph addresses the contentious issue of hate speech in music, drawing parallels to past cases of incite