In a significant move, BRICS, the coalition of emerging economies, has decided not to expand its core membership for the year 2024. Instead, the alliance has brought in 13 new nations as official partner countries, providing them the opportunity to contribute to BRICS initiatives while working toward potential full membership in the future.

BRICS, which includes current full members Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, UAE, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia, continues to expand its influence as a major force in global economics and geopolitics. The coalition aims to foster a multipolar world, promoting economic collaboration and reducing dependency on Western-dominated institutions.

The new partner countries—Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam—will engage with BRICS on various collaborative initiatives, ranging from trade agreements to infrastructure development projects. While they will not have full voting rights, their inclusion as official partners signals BRICS’s commitment to strengthening ties across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

The addition of these countries reflects a gradual, strategic approach to BRICS expansion, allowing the alliance to build relationships and establish compatibility before considering additional full memberships. The coalition’s decision to bring on partner countries underscores its influence and the growing interest from other nations eager to participate in a cooperative global economic framework.

As BRICS continues to grow in size and influence, its emphasis on partnership over immediate full membership marks a careful strategy to maintain stability while embracing an increasingly diverse array of global partners.

Currently, BRICS operates without a permanent single leader, as its presidency rotates annually among its full member nations. For 2024, Russia holds the BRICS presidency, meaning it is responsible for hosting major meetings and setting the agenda for the year. This rotational system allows each member country to influence BRICS initiatives, fostering equal representation and collaborative decision-making across the alliance. GMTNewsng

Rescue operations continue at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek, Colorado, after an elevator failure left tourists trapped 300 meters underground. As of this report, 23 people have been rescued, but one person tragically died, and four others sustained injuries. The incident occurred around noon on Thursday when a mechanical failure halted the elevator mid-shaft, according to Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell.

“Emergency responders worked quickly to stabilize the situation and maintain communication with those trapped underground,” Mikesell said during a press briefing. “The tourists have been provided with water, blankets, and chairs as we continue our efforts to bring them to safety.”

Engineers and firefighters have been collaborating on repairing the malfunctioning elevator, with state mine safety experts on-site. “If necessary, we are prepared to execute a rope-based rescue, but using the elevator is safer for both the trapped individuals and the first responders,” Mikesell added, emphasizing the risks involved in alternative methods.

A tour guide, who was leading a group at the time of the incident, described the situation as harrowing but commended the professionalism of the emergency team. “We’ve been updated regularly, and everyone is holding up as well as can be expected,” the guide said, speaking via radio.

The mine has been operated as a tourist destination for over 50 years, with only one other safety incident recorded in 1986. Mine owner Ray Gallagher expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased. “This is a tragedy unlike anything we’ve experienced in our decades of operation. Our priority now is the safe rescue of everyone still underground.”

As rescue efforts continue, authorities remain cautious about disclosing the full extent of the situation. Sheriff Mikesell confirmed that while 23 people have been brought to safety, “there is still a lot of work to be done before we can close this chapter.”

The incident has drawn attention to safety procedures at such tourist attractions, and investigations into the exact cause of the elevator malfunction are ongoing. “We will be conducting a thorough review to prevent anything like this from happening again,” Gallagher assured. Updates are expected as the situation develops. GMTNewsng

Former U.S. President Donald Trump confidently declared that the war in Ukraine would be “resolved very quickly” should he win the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Trump made this assertion on Friday during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reiterating his belief in his ability to negotiate with key global figures.

Commenting on Trump’s remarks, Ian Bremmer, president of the Eurasia Group, said, “Trump’s rhetoric on foreign policy has always been bold, but these statements oversimplify the complexities of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Diplomacy in this scenario is not just about personalities, but about deep-rooted geopolitical interests.” Bremmer has often highlighted the intricate power dynamics at play between Russia and Ukraine.

Trump has emphasized his rapport with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a relationship that continues to attract scrutiny. Dr. Fiona Hill, former senior director for Europe and Russia at the U.S. National Security Council, previously noted, “Trump appears to want to maintain a good relationship with Putin regardless of how the conflict evolves, which could complicate future negotiations.” Hill has been a vocal critic of Trump’s approach to Russia, pointing out the potential conflicts of interest.

Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, previously argued that Trump’s foreign policy often “views diplomacy as a transactional relationship rather than a long-term engagement.” In response to Trump’s claim of resolving the Ukraine war swiftly, Haass remarked, “Dealing with someone like Putin requires more than just a transactional approach. You need sustained diplomatic pressure and cooperation with allies.”

Similarly, Evelyn Farkas, former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia, stressed in a prior interview, “Trump’s reliance on personal diplomacy with autocrats like Putin has serious limits. Complex conflicts like the one in Ukraine require multilateral efforts and careful strategy, not just bold promises.” Farkas has often highlighted the necessity for broader international cooperation in resolving the crisis. GMTNewsng