Digest for 06 July, 2025
BRICS Summit Convenes in Brazil Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Key Absences
The BRICS summit has commenced in Rio de Janeiro with a cautious agenda, reportedly to avoid provoking the Trump administration. The bloc's cohesion is being tested by the absence of China's Xi Jinping and the virtual-only attendance of Russia's Vladimir Putin. Host Brazil is focusing discussions on less contentious issues like AI governance, climate change, and global health. The summit aims to advance institutional development for the newly expanded group while navigating complex geopolitical issues, including the war in Gaza.
Iran's Supreme Leader Reappears; Tehran Suspends Nuclear Watchdog Cooperation
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made his first public appearance since the recent 12-day war with Israel, attending a religious ceremony in Tehran. His appearance follows a period of heightened security and US warnings. Concurrently, Iran's president ordered the suspension of cooperation with the UN's nuclear watchdog, the IAEA. This move severely limits inspectors' access to a nuclear program that has been enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels, escalating global security and non-proliferation concerns.
Trump Threatens BRICS Nations With 100% Tariffs Over Dollar Challenge
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on the BRICS bloc if member nations take any action to undermine the US dollar's dominance in global finance. The threat comes as the expanded BRICS group, which includes major emerging economies, convenes in Brazil. Last year's summit in Russia explored alternatives to US-dominated payment systems, a move seen as a way to bypass Western sanctions. The threat heightens economic tensions and influences the cautious agenda at the current summit.
Reuters' X Account Withheld in India Following Legal Demand
The official X account of the international news agency Reuters has been blocked in India. Users attempting to access the @Reuters handle are met with a notice stating it has been withheld "in response to a legal demand." Neither the Indian government nor X has provided a reason for the block, which appears to be region-specific. The move raises significant concerns about press freedom and government censorship in the country, impacting a major global news source with over 2,600 journalists worldwide.
Dalai Lama Reaffirms Reincarnation Authority on 90th Birthday, Defying Beijing
Celebrating his 90th birthday in Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama made a significant statement regarding his succession, asserting that his Gaden Phodrang Trust holds sole authority to recognize his reincarnation. This directly challenges Beijing's insistence that it must approve his successor. The declaration, made amid celebrations attended by global followers and officials, reinforces the Tibetan leader's defiance of Chinese control and has major geopolitical implications for India, the US, and China, which views him as a separatist.