News

BRICS adds new members to counter Western dominance

Published

2 years ago

August 25, 2023

The expansion is the first time the group has added to its number in 13 years

The BRICS coalition of emerging economies recently endorsed the inclusion of Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates, signalling a stride toward overhauling an antiquated global order.

Marking its first expansion in 13 years, this move also leaves the door open for future additions as numerous other nations express interest in joining the group, aspiring to rebalance the worldwide stage.

The extension bolsters the economic prowess of BRICS, currently encompassing China, the world’s second-largest economy, alongside Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa. This step further magnifies the bloc’s stated ambition to advocate for the Global South.

However, pre-existing tensions may persist between members envisioning the bloc as a counterforce to Western influence—chiefly China, Russia, and now Iran—and those maintaining strong affiliations with the United States and Europe.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, long an advocate of BRICS enlargement, hailed this as a momentous juncture.

“This membership expansion is historic,” he said. “It shows the determination of BRICS countries for unity and cooperation with the broader developing countries.”

With the name originally coined by economist Jim O’Neill of Goldman Sachs in 2001, the bloc evolved from an informal four-nation union in 2009 and later welcomed South Africa in its sole prior expansion.

The six incoming nations are set to formally join the coalition on January 1, 2024, as disclosed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during a summit held in Johannesburg.

“BRICS has embarked on a new chapter in its effort to build a world that is fair, a world that is just, a world that is also inclusive and prosperous,” Ramaphosa said.

“We have consensus on the first phase of this expansion process and other phases will follow.”

News

Ukraine and Russia set for U.S.-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi

Published

13 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that new peace talks with Russia will take place in Abu Dhabi later this week. The discussions are part of U.S.-led efforts to find a path toward ending the ongoing war.

Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine is prepared for meaningful dialogue aimed at achieving peace. The announcement comes after weeks of uncertainty over the timing of the meeting.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff described prior discussions with Russian officials as productive, though major disagreements over territorial issues remain unresolved.

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News

Tensions rise as Iran threatens conflict and U.S. increases naval forces

Iran warns of regional conflict, labels European armies terrorists; U.S. boosts naval presence as both sides consider negotiations.

Published

15 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran warns of regional conflict, labels European armies terrorists; U.S. boosts naval presence as both sides consider negotiations.

Iran has warned of a potential regional conflict if the U.S. launches an attack, while labelling European armies as terrorists. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei insisted that threats from President Trump will not intimidate the Iranian people.

The U.S. has ramped up its naval presence in the Middle East in response to mounting threats, amid speculation over Iran’s next moves. Iranian officials have denied claims of imminent naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, adding to global uncertainty.

#MiddleEastCrisis #IranUS #Geopolitics #NavalTensions #Trump #AyatollahKhamenei #EuropeanUnion #GlobalConflict

News

Carlos Alcaraz becomes youngest man to complete career Grand Slam

Carlos Alcaraz, at 22, stuns tennis by winning the Australian Open, defeating Djokovic, and celebrating with a kangaroo tattoo.

Published

15 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Carlos Alcaraz, at 22, stuns tennis by winning the Australian Open, defeating Djokovic, and celebrating with a kangaroo tattoo.

Carlos Alcaraz has stunned the tennis world by winning the Australian Open, becoming the youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam at just 22 years old.

The world number one beat Novak Djokovic in a thrilling four-set match, finishing 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. Djokovic missed out on claiming his 25th Grand Slam title. To mark the milestone, Alcaraz revealed he plans to add a new tattoo of a kangaroo on his leg, joining his existing Eiffel Tower and Wimbledon strawberry tattoos.

#CarlosAlcaraz #AustralianOpen #GrandSlam #TennisHistory #NovakDjokovic #SportsNews #TennisTattoo #YoungChampion