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Azerbaijan officially applies to join the BRICS on Tuesday, 20 August, 2024, and this event has taken the centerstage among all global events across the world this week.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Monday making it easier for people who oppose "neoliberal" ideas, such as gender change and LGBT policies, to relocate to Russia. These individuals can now bypass certain immigration requirements like proving proficiency in Russian or knowledge of the country’s history. The decree allows applicants to claim opposition to policies in their home countries that contradict "traditional Russian spiritual and moral values." Russia has previously banned LGBT promotion and classified the international LGBT movement as extremist.
Monday, 19 August, 2024
Azerbaijan officially applied to join the BRICS bloc on Tuesday, following Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to strengthen ties and secure trade routes. BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE. With Saudi Arabia also considering membership, the group includes several major oil producers and accounts for over a quarter of the world’s GDP. Both Russia and Iran face strained relations with the West.
Tuesday, 20 August, 2024
The military juntas of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have written to the U.N. Security Council, accusing Ukraine of supporting rebel groups in West Africa's Sahel region. This follows comments by Ukraine’s intelligence spokesperson, Andriy Yusov, implying involvement in Mali's conflict, which the juntas interpreted as support for terrorism. Ukraine denies the accusations. The juntas have aligned with Russia and asked the Security Council to address Ukraine’s alleged subversive actions threatening regional stability. Fighting involving Wagner mercenaries and Malian soldiers has intensified in northern Mali.
Wednesday, 21 August, 2024
Afghanistan's Taliban rulers have introduced new laws approved by supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, aimed at enforcing strict moral codes. These laws include a ban on women's voices in public and require women to cover their faces and bodies at all times. The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, tasked with enforcing these rules, also prohibits music, solo female travel, and interactions between unrelated men and women. The laws are raising concerns about further restrictions on Afghan society, particularly for women.
Thursday, 22 August, 2024
During a meeting in Kyiv, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to end the Russo-Ukrainian War and offers to mediate peace talks. Zelenskyy thanks Modi but emphasizes the importance of respecting Ukraine's territorial integrity and international law. In a separate event, South Africa blocks the transfer of 50,000 artillery shells to Poland, fearing they would be used by Ukraine in the Ukraine - Russia war.
Friday, 23 August, 2024
A senior Hamas official, Osama Hamdan, has accused the US of creating false optimism around ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas to benefit Kamala Harris' presidential campaign. Speaking to the Lebanese outlet Al Mayadeen, Hamdan stated that while the US claims progress, Hamas still rejects Israel’s control over key areas, including the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors and the Rafah crossing. He emphasized the need for practical steps instead of further negotiations. Talks, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, are continuing in Cairo.
Saturday, 24 August, 2024
Resorts on Spain's Costa Brava are struggling with a surge in jellyfish due to rising sea temperatures, which are increasing their reproduction and expanding their range. This summer, nearly 7,500 people sought treatment for stings, a 41% rise from last year. The majority of jellyfish are harmless, but some dangerous species, like the Portuguese man o’war, have led to beach closures. Experts attribute the increase to climate change, overfishing, and human coastal activities that degrade water quality.
Sunday, 25 August, 2024