By Alexander Ayertey Odonkor (Special commentator on current affairs for CGTN)

From BRICS to BRICS+: Implications for the Global South

The upcoming 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will, for the first time, host an expanded grouping of 11 members and 10 partner countries, marking a significant milestone in BRICS history. Originally composed of four members – Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2006 – with South Africa joining in 2011, BRICS, from 2024 to 2025, admitted six new members – Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – becoming BRICS+.

Greater BRICS in motion: Progress and prospects ahead

The 17th BRICS Summit is set to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 6 to 7. With its historic expansion, BRICS has entered a new stage of "Greater BRICS cooperation," characterized by broader participation, stronger representation, and rising global influence.

Latin American states denounce Israeli attacks on Iran, express solidarity

TEHRAN –Various Latin American heads of state and political groups have condemned the Zionist regime’s terrorist strikes against Iran, expressing solidarity with the Iranian nation.

Brazilian oil trade unions urge Lula to impose energy embargo on Israel

The National Federation of Oil Workers and the Single Federation of Oil Workers sent a joint letter to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and key ministers in the Brazilian government on Wednesday, urging them to take more concrete action against Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza.

Knowledge-based companies attend Hospitalar 2025

TEHRAN – Supported by the vice-presidency for science, technology, and knowledge-based economy, nine Iranian knowledge-based firms participated in 30th edition of Hospitalar, the biggest health event in Latin America, held from May 19 to 22 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Iranian village showcased as sustainable tourism model at BRICS meeting

TEHRAN - The historical stepped village of Palangan in Iran’s Kordestan province was introduced as a successful example of sustainable tourism that preserves local culture and heritage during a BRICS meeting held in Brazil on Monday.

DOE head plants saplings in Brasilia

Shina Ansari, the head of the Department of Environment, planted saplings in the yard of the Iranian embassy in Brasilia to mark Nature’s Day - the 13th day of the first Iranian calendar month Farvardin, which falls on April 2.

Iran taking part in BRICS Environment Working Group meetings

TEHRAN – Shina Ansari, the head of the Department of Environment, represents the country in the 11th BRICS Environment Working Group (EWG) meetings, which are taking place in Brazil.

Tehran invites Brazilian football stars to boost tourism

TEHRAN - Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri has invited renowned Brazilian footballers to visit the country and promote its tourist attractions.

Brazil blocks X after Musk ignores court orders

X began to go dark across Brazil on Saturday after the nation’s Supreme Court blocked the social network because its owner, Elon Musk, refused to comply with court orders to suspend certain accounts.

Iran tops Intl. Olympiad on Astronomy, Astrophysics 

TEHRAN – In a remarkable achievement, Iranian students won five gold medals, ranking first in the 17th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) which was held from August 17 to 27 in Vassouras, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Goalball schedule for Paris 2024 announced

TEHRAN – The official schedule for goalball at the Paris 2024 Paralympics has been released.

Tehran, Moscow reiterate desire to strengthen bilateral relations

TEHRAN – Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson and head of the Public Diplomacy Center of Iran’s Foreign Ministry, has reiterated the importance of deepening bilateral ties in a meeting with Maria Zakharova, the director of the Information and Press Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.

Brazil ratifies free trade deal with Palestine

Brazil has officially enacted a long-awaited free trade agreement with the Palestinian Authority, a move aimed at showing solidarity with the Palestinian people amid the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza.

Brazil recalls ambassador to Israel

Brazil has recalled its ambassador to Israel and will not immediately appoint a replacement, a diplomatic source told AFP Wednesday, ratcheting up tensions between the two sides over Israel's war in Gaza.

Iran’s women’s futsal team eighth in FIFA ranking

TEHRAN – Iran’s women’s futsal team are eighth in the first FIFA Futsal World Ranking released on Monday.

Iran futsal complete top five in FIFA ranking

TEHRAN – Iran national futsal team moved up to fourth place in the first FIFA Futsal Men’s World Ranking.

Iran move up five spots at world beach soccer ranking

TEHRAN – Iran have moved up five places in the Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW) following the outstanding performance in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024.

Iran's new ambassador to Brazil starts mission

TEHRAN - In preparation for his upcoming diplomatic mission to Brazil, Abdollah Nekounam, the recently appointed ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Brazil, met with Hossein Amir Abdollahian, the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs.