The BRICS bloc has expanded its membership to include nine new countries, increasing its global influence. The group aims to harmonize economic and diplomatic policies among its members, establish new financial institutions, and reduce dependence on the US dollar. However, internal challenges arise from differing positions on global issues such as relations with the US and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Despite these challenges, BRICS collectively comprises 43.93% of the global economy and will represent 55.61% of the world population by 2025. The group's emergence is a response to Western-dominated institutions being unable to address major global problems like climate change and economic inequality.
https://en.tempo.co/read/2026144/measuring-the-power-of-brics-that-now-covers-over-half-the-worlds-populationThe European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, has proposed a significant shift in its foreign aid model, aiming to combine tools and leverage with flexible incentives while adjusting funding allocations related to migration. This change is in response to pressure from the center-right European People's Party and a majority of countries, including Italy and Denmark. The new approach seeks to replicate and expand the EU's 2023 deal with Tunisia to stem migrant departures in other African countries. However, approval for this new budget in the European Parliament will require convincing support from left-leaning parties such as the Socialist and Democrats and the Greens.
https://www.politico.eu/article/africa-migration-european-commission-development-aid-budget/Hamas has denied previous claims of sexual violence during its Oct. 7 attack on Israel, but a UN report last year suggested "reasonable grounds" to believe it committed rape and other cruel treatment of women. The International Criminal Court's prosecutor issued arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders who were killed by Israel, stating they bore responsibility for crimes against humanity including rape and sexual violence. Returned hostages, including Ilana Gritzewsky, described their experiences in captivity as "hell" with physical and psychological torture, hunger, thirst, and loneliness.
https://stltoday.com/news/nation-world/article_c6bd6eb0-a884-48f6-be0e-5e79796d473c.htmlIndia has set a $20 billion bilateral trade target with Brazil over the next five years, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the country. The agreement includes partnerships in critical minerals and an anti-terror pact. India is also pushing for faster access to its pharmaceutical products in Brazil, tapping into a growing market for medicines.
https://www.news18.com/india/india-brazil-set-20-billion-trade-target-forge-key-deals-on-terror-pharma-critical-minerals-9428937.htmlIndonesia's participation in the 17th Brics summit in Rio de Janeiro showcased its vision for inclusivity, highlighting that power extends beyond military might and economic markets to fostering understanding and collaboration among nations.
https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3317280/through-brics-indonesia-offers-its-vision-inclusivity-world?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionIndonesia's Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, has reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to a nuclear weapon-free Southeast Asia. At the recent SEANWFZ Commission Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Sugiono emphasized the importance of maintaining regional stability and security through disarmament efforts. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation among ASEAN member states on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/365033/indonesia-highlights-aseans-role-in-safeguarding-nuclear-free-zone?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_rightIran is open to diplomacy, according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who praised US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff for achieving a historic breakthrough in talks. Araqchi wrote that the two had made significant progress in just five meetings, but their efforts were cut short when Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June. Despite this, Araqchi expressed hope that Washington may be ready to return to negotiations, and Trump has scheduled talks with Iran, which he hopes will lead to lifting sanctions.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1327230-iran-says-doors-to-diplomacy-still-open-despite-israel-war-setbackJapan and Canada have signed a pact to enhance their defense cooperation by sharing intelligence. The agreement was signed in Tokyo by Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on July 8, 2025. This move aims to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly in the realm of national security.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250709/p2g/00m/0in/018000cJapan, the largest foreign investor in the US and a major trade partner, engaged Washington in tariff negotiations after Trump's announcement on April 2. Led by Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa, Tokyo offered investments in energy and steel sectors during seven visits to Washington between April and June. In return, they sought to drop tariffs on the automotive sector, which employs one-tenth of Japan's workers, and avoid US demands for Japan to lower agricultural product levies, including rice. Analysts say Ishiba's ruling coalition is at risk of losing its majority in an upcoming upper house vote, casting doubt on his government and future.
https://www.asiaone.com/world/fantastic-spoiled-how-japans-trade-effort-woo-trump-backfired