BRICS News Digest for the previous week
We will tell you what has happened in economics, politics, culture, science and education in the BRICS countries
BRICS launches digital platform for cooperation on smart grids and energy storage
The platform will serve as a forum for exchanging expertise, implementing joint projects and developing innovative solutions in the field of energy systems

The BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage (BRICS DCoE) was officially unveiled at the 11th meeting of the group’s energy ministers in Gurugram, Haryana, India.
Green economy to create nearly 3.9 million jobs in Indonesia by 2026 – forecast
The authorities believe that employment growth will be driven by the development of the circular economy, the transition to electric transport, and the modernisation of industry

The development of the green economy could create around 3.88 million jobs in Indonesia by 2026.
Ethiopia introduces Africa’s first integrated digital government service platform
The new application introduces an integrated approach to public service delivery, strengthening efficiency and institutional coordination across Ethiopia

Ethiopia has launched the unified application, introducing Africa’s first integrated digital service platform that brings together services from multiple institutions within a single interface.
New Development Bank approves US$1 billion loan for infrastructure modernisation in South Africa
At a meeting in Shanghai, the Board of Directors also welcomed Uzbekistan as a new member of the bank

The Board of Directors of the New Development Bank (NDB) has approved a loan of up to US$1 billion to the Republic of South Africa.
Egypt to build wind turbine manufacturing plant and large wind farm with Chinese involvement
The authorities hope to reduce imports and strengthen the country’s export potential by manufacturing its own renewable energy equipment

Egypt is set to build the country’s first wind turbine manufacturing plant, with an annual production capacity of up to 2 GW, as well as a 2,000 MW wind farm in the Northern Gulf of Suez region.
UAE launches integrated pollen and air quality monitoring system
This is the country’s first integrated digital system to collect, analyse and store data on pollen, plants, air quality and changes in the environment

The Fujairah Environment Authority, in collaboration with the emirate’s research centre, has unveiled a new digital platform – the Pollen Atlas.
Iran develops mobile water purification unit powered by solar energy
This project, the first of its kind in the country, has won a national social innovation competition

Iranian engineers have developed a mobile water purification unit that operates without being connected to the mains electricity supply or the water mains.
Russia increases its agricultural exports to China by 42% in 2026
The two countries are expanding their cooperation in the agri-food sector

Russian exports of agricultural produce to China rose by 42 per cent between January and May this year.
Brazil sets new record for domestic air travel in first five months of 2026
Passenger traffic reached historic highs as domestic and international travel continued to expand across the country

Brazil recorded a historic increase in domestic air travel between January and May 2026, according to data compiled by the Ministry of Tourism.
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