Exploring the Statistics: African Countries with the Highest GDP in 2024 In an ever-changing global economic landscape, understanding the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of nations provides valuable insights into their economic health and potential for growth. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Statista have recently unveiled a comprehensive analysis showing the African countries with the highest GDP in 2024. This report sheds light on the economic trajectories of these nations and their place on the global stage. Economic Context and Background The GDP of a country signifies the total value of all goods and services produced over a specific period…
Author: BRICS+ News Services
Record-Breaking Heatwave Hits New Delhi: A Glimpse into India’s Fiery Future A severe heatwave has gripped New Delhi, with temperatures soaring to an unprecedented 49.9°C (121.8°F) on May 29, 2024, leaving residents reeling and authorities grappling with warnings of water shortages. As a woman walks near the iconic India Gate, umbrella in hand, the scene underscores a rising crisis that eerily mirrors the dystopian world envisioned by Kim Stanley Robinson in his climate fiction novel The Ministry for the Future. In Robinson’s narrative, a blistering heatwave spells disaster for millions in India, a grim fiction that is now becoming a…
German Christian Democrats Propose Major Policy Change on Ukrainian Refugee Welfare In a significant political statement, Markus Söder, head of the Christian Social Union (CSU), has outlined a proposed policy shift for Germany that could profoundly impact Ukrainian refugees in the country. Söder, who also leads the state of Bavaria, revealed that the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party CSU, if elected to power, would prioritize the welfare of German citizens and potentially curb social benefits currently provided to Ukrainian nationals. The Current Landscape of German Politics Germany’s CDU and CSU have been in opposition since losing…
World Oil Demand Slows in Q2 Amid Rising EV Adoption and Economic Challenges, IEA Reports RIYADH: The International Energy Agency (IEA) has reported a deceleration in global oil demand growth during the second quarter, citing the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and prevailing economic headwinds. The growth rate eased to 710,000 barrels per day (bpd) year-on-year, marking the slowest increase since the fourth quarter of 2022. In its latest analysis, the IEA maintained its forecast for oil demand growth in 2024 at 970,000 bpd, largely unchanged from its previous month’s outlook. This projection stands in contrast to the more…
Learning from Global Political Theater: A Comparative Analysis of U.S. and Indian Campaigning Styles In recent political discourse, the comparison between the political theatrics in the United States and India has drawn significant attention. An event that epitomizes this contrast is the recent debate between the sitting President of the United States (POTUS) and the former President (ex-POTUS). The debate has been criticized for its theatrics, demonstrating a clear shift in priorities among certain factions of the political landscape—from governance records to on-stage performance. This event offers an opportunity to reflect on the diverse political practices in the world’s oldest…
Hungarian PM Urges EU to Push for Ukrainian Peace Talks by Late 2024 In a confidential letter obtained by Spanish daily El Pais, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has urged the European Union to anticipate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine by the end of 2024. Orban’s communications follow his recent visits to Russia and China and signal a significant diplomatic move that has garnered both concern and criticism from Western allies. Viktor Orban, one of President Vladimir Putin’s closest allies within the EU, assumed the rotating six-month EU presidency on July 1. This new role has given the Hungarian…
300 Family Businesses Showcase Traditional Skills and Wares at Al-Baha Summer Festival RIYADH: The Al-Baha Summer Festival is currently hosting over 300 family businesses and artisans, who are exhibiting their traditional skills and selling a wide array of products. Participants include craftspeople dedicated to preserving local culture and heritage. Their offerings range from traditional foods and handicrafts to weaving, embroidery, clothing, decorations, and household items. Additionally, farmers from the region are presenting and selling seasonal fruits. Ali Al-Sawat, the mayor of Al-Baha Region and chairperson of the festival’s executive committee, informed the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that regional authorities have…
Iran Joins BRICS Parliamentary Forum for the First Time: A Historic Move Toward Strengthened Global Alliances In a landmark event, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, will lead a delegation from Tehran to St. Petersburg to participate in the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum. This appearance marks the first time a high-ranking Iranian official will attend an open meeting of BRICS since Iran officially joined the group. This was reported by Mehr News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS. A Milestone in International Diplomacy Scheduled for July 11-12, 2024, the forum will be held at the historical Tavrichesky…
Türkiye’s Strategic Pivot: Assessing BRICS Membership Amid Western Relations Türkiye, a key NATO member, has long navigated tumultuous relations with Western powers, notably the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union (EU). Despite significant contributions and efforts, Türkiye’s aspirations for EU membership have yet to materialize, prompting Ankara to explore alternatives to protect its economic interests. One such alternative is strengthening ties with the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. BRICS represents a substantial shift from Türkiye’s traditional Western alliances. Initially hesitant to join BRICS as a founding member, Türkiye’s economic pressures, including the depreciation of…
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Announces New National Unity Government Amidst Challenging Times In a historic move, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled a new government structured through a coalition, following the African National Congress’s (ANC) failure to secure an outright parliamentary majority in the recent general elections. The announcement was made during a special African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Cape Town on June 13, 2024. For full details, visit ANC’s official website. A Government of National Unity On Sunday, June 30th, Ramaphosa addressed the nation in a televised speech from Pretoria, revealing…