BRICS

India's Athletics Federation has signed a cooperation deal with Russia, potentially allowing Russian athletes to compete in domestic Indian meets. This comes despite global bans on Russian athletes due to the Ukraine conflict. The agreement also includes joint training and coaching exchanges, aligning with India's neutral foreign policy stance.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's public appearances with 22-year-old model Aliya Korotkaya have sparked widespread discussion. Korotkaya, a former beauty pageant contestant, has been seen with the long-serving leader at various events, leading to media speculation about their relationship. Her professional ties to a state-funded beauty school further connect her to official circles.

Iran and the US remain locked in a standoff, with Iran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz and the US imposing a naval blockade. Both actions disrupt global commons, while escalating rhetoric and social media influence commodity prices worldwide. India, heavily reliant on regional energy flows, faces significant economic fallout from this 'dual blockade'.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on Donald Trump's derogatory remarks about India. Kharge questioned Modi's stance, highlighting India's contributions to the US and alleging that the government has failed to protect national interests in past dealings with the US.

BRIC-NII PhD admission 2026: BRIC-National Institute of Immunology has invited applications for its PhD programme for Monsoon Session 2026-27, offering interdisciplinary research in immunology, molecular biology, chemical biology, structural biology and computational biology. Eligible candidates must hold a science or medical degree with at least 60 per cent marks and a valid five-year fellowship from UGC, CSIR, ICMR or DBT. Applications open from April 10 to April 30. Offline interviews be held June 8 to June 12 New Delhi.

India has finally mapped its own DNA and what it found could change medicine for a billion people.

From cheaper autonomy to costlier capital, a post-dollar world could test India’s economic model

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticizes PM Modi's foreign policy after the US chose Pakistan to mediate talks with Iran. Ramesh questions how Pakistan secured this role despite its terror links and India's diplomatic efforts, highlighting perceived failures in leveraging ties with the US and BRICS+.

As BRICS nations explore non-dollar trade, the foundations of the petrodollar system face fresh scrutiny. The outcome could reshape global finance — and power — in the years ahead.

The National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, has opened applications for its Ph.D. programme for the August 2026 session. Candidates with a postgraduate degree in any branch of science, 60% minimum marks or equivalent GPA, and a valid national fellowship (CSIR, UGC, DBT, ICMR, BINC) are eligible. Online applications close on May 11, 2026, with interviews scheduled in June. Detailed research areas, faculty profiles, and application guidelines are available at www.nccs.res.in.

India's annual PM2.5 levels dipped slightly in 2025 but remain nearly ten times the WHO guideline, ranking the country sixth most polluted globally. Despite incremental gains, cities like Mumbai still face pollution far exceeding safety norms, with Loni in Uttar Pradesh emerging as the most polluted.

As the conflict stretches into its second month, leading economist Jeffrey Sachs expresses grave concerns regarding the intensifying war and global instability. He denounces US President Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu for defying expert counsel in initiating the conflict, a choice that could lead to dramatic hikes in oil prices and prompt Iran to reassess its nuclear program.

Iranian President Pezeshkian urged the India-led BRICS to play an independent role in halting aggressions against Iran amid escalating Middle East tensions. He highlighted alleged US and Israeli "unlawful attacks" and crimes, emphasizing Iran's opposition to nuclear weapons. PM Modi condemned attacks on energy infrastructure and called for dialogue and peace.