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
Chinese researchers explain why lunar soil from moon’s far side is sticky
New analysis of Chang’e-6 samples shows fine, angular particles and harsh space exposure create highly cohesive regolith
Chinese scientists have identified the cause of the unusual stickiness found in lunar soil collected from the far side of the moon, following detailed analysis of samples returned by the Chang’e-6 mission.
Volume of bilateral trade between UAE and India exceeds US$100 billion
The countries agree to remove trade barriers and increase non-oil exports
The trade turnover between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has for the first time reached a record US$100 billion.
Iran rises to 7th place in global steel production ranking
Iran continues to dominate regional output
Iran has climbed three positions to become the world’s seventh-largest steel producer, according to the latest data released by the World Steel Association.
Egypt targets 7.7% GDP contribution from AI by 2030
Country expands digital workforce, boosts cyber resilience and accelerates green-tech adoption
Egypt expects artificial intelligence to generate 7.7 per cent of its GDP by 2030, according to national projections based on government reports and official data.
Indonesia and South Africa agree on mutual visa-free travel
The agreement, reached at the highest level, is intended to expand humanitarian ties between the two countries
Indonesia and the Republic of South Africa agreed on the mutual abolition of visas.
Brazil approves world’s first single-dose dengue fever vaccine
The product was developed by the country’s national institute and will be administered to people aged 12 to 59
Brazil’s Health Regulatory Agency has issued a marketing authorisation for the dengue fever vaccine developed by the Butantan Institute.
UAE investment in Kazakhstan’s economy doubles
The countries discussed the creation of a joint innovation hub for the digitalisation of public administration
The volume of direct investment from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) into Kazakhstan’s economy doubled in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period last year.
Russia develops self-cleaning fabric technology
The scientists' development will be particularly useful in medical institutions and scientific laboratories
Scientific staff at the Federal Research Centre "Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS" and Novosibirsk State University are working on creating special compounds that will make cotton fabric and synthetic coatings self-cleaning.
Indonesia to begin construction of seven eco-friendly power plants in 2026
According to the national plan, the number of plants is set to increase to 33 by 2029
Indonesia will begin work in 2026 on seven power plants operating on the processing of solid municipal waste. These facilities will dispose of up to 12,000 tonnes of material per day and generate around 197.4 megawatts of electricity.
Ethiopia plans to set record and export 600 thousand tonnes of coffee
The country’s authorities intend to increase production through new technologies
Ethiopia plans to set a new record for coffee exports in the current financial year. It is expected that the volume of supplies will reach 600 thousand tonnes, and revenues will exceed US$3 billion.
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Society01.09.26SCO leaders sign Bishkek Declaration -
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Society30.08.26BRICS News Digest for the previous week -
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Society29.08.26UAE archaeological discoveries shed new light on ancient human history -
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Society28.08.26Vietnam develops silver economy focused on older people -
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Society28.08.26BRICS countries adopt Chennai Declaration -
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Society28.08.26Brazilian film industry aims to attract audiences in BRICS countries
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![Xi Jinping]()
Xi JinpingPresident of the People’s Republic of China"The foundation of our bilateral relations will only grow stronger, and we will confidently move forward to a better future. […] The striving of nations on our planet for peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit remains unchanged. The vital mission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is to maintain stability and promote the development of our region" -
![Alisher Salomov]()
Alisher SalomovAdviser to the Chairman of the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan"First and foremost, I would like to highlight the importance of this Central Asia–Russia initiative, because environmental problems know no borders, and only a shared understanding of these problems and the search for joint solutions can deliver positive results" -
![Joao Paulo Capobianco]()
Joao Paulo CapobiancoBrazilian Minister of the Environment and Climate Change"The BRICS countries have a very high level of responsibility because they share an important part of the world's biodiversity, landscapes, populations, food production and water resources. So, we have an opportunity to lead by example. We have our development bank, which can demonstrate and develop new ways of financing programmes. We can reduce the risks for private capital to invest in restoration and efforts to combat desertification" -
![Dilma Rousseff]()
Dilma RousseffPresident of the New Development Bank"India’s BRICS Presidency this year gives special significance to our discussion. NDB stands ready to be a trusted partner in turning commitments on sustainability, clean energy, smart and resilient infrastructure into concrete results on the ground. […] For NDB, mobilising private capital is a strategic imperative. Created by the BRICS founding members, NDB is a bank of the Global South, for the Global South, mandated to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development" -
![Sihasak Phuangketkeow]()
Sihasak PhuangketkeowDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand"BRICS can play a very important role in maintaining the free flow of trade and investment. The group can also be a vehicle for all of us to engage and to look at economic opportunities"
