Agricultural technologies of future: automation of agriculture in Global South

How are digitalisation and artificial intelligence transforming the global agricultural market? Who will control the new infrastructure of the agricultural sector – food producers or the owners of data and digital platforms? Read more in the TV BRICS article

TV BRICS - 15 July 2026

Agriculture is becoming one of the key areas of technological transformation in the Global South. Population growth, climate change, limited natural resources and the need to improve production efficiency are accelerating the adoption of digital technologies, artificial intelligence and automated systems. These technologies help to increase crop yields, use resources more efficiently and improve the management of agricultural production.

Qatar Mourns the Passing of Former Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

TDS - 14 July 2026

The State of Qatar is mourning the passing of its former Amir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who died on 12 July 2026 at the age of 74. Widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar, Sheikh Hamad transformed the small Gulf nation into one of the world's most influential economies and diplomatic actors during his 18-year reign from 1995 to 2013.

Informed India, Healthy India

From Data to Diplomacy - How the NFHS-6 Chronicles India's Health Revolution and Expanding Global Influence

By Kirtan Bhana and Anisha Pemjee

14 July 2026

When India launched its first National Family Health Survey (NFHS) in 1992, the country was embarking on a period of profound economic reform. Liberalisation had just begun, the economy was opening to the world, and policymakers recognised that sustainable development would require more than economic expansion alone, it would demand a clear understanding of the health and wellbeing of one of the world's largest populations.

North West, Turkish Cooperation unveils coffee farming initiative to diversify agriculture

14 July 2026

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in partnership with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), has officially launched a coffee bean production project at the state-owned Kgora Farmer Training Centre near Ramatlabama in Mahikeng.

Japan Emerges Eighty Years After War, Shapes Its Own Destiny

By Kirtan Bhana

13 July 2026

The world often remembers Japan through the lens of August 1945. On 6 August, Hiroshima became the first city in history to experience the devastation of an atomic bomb. Three days later, Nagasaki suffered the same fate. Together, the attacks claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, either immediately, or through the long and painful effects of radiation exposure, bringing the Second World War to its conclusion.

BRICS countries create network of telescopes to study short-duration space phenomena

Brazil is coordinating its participation through the National Astronomical Laboratory, and research centres in China and South Africa have also joined the project

Photo: Alfaguarilla / iStock

TV BRICS - 9 July 2026

Brazil, China and the Republic of South Africa have signed a memorandum of understanding establishing the GOTTA–BRICS Pathfinder Network, an international observatory network. GOTTA (Global Open Transient Telescope Array) is a global open network of telescopes for observing transient phenomena. The aim of the project is to expand the capabilities for observing short-lived astronomical events, also known as transient phenomena. These include stellar flares, changes in the brightness of celestial bodies and other dynamic processes in space. This was reported on the Brazilian government’s website.

Sergey Lavrov: Russia stands ready to help strengthen food security across African continent

The sides agreed to expand cooperation in agriculture, trade, healthcare and infrastructure while advancing preparations for the third Russia–Africa Summit

Photo: Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

TV BRICS - 9 July 2026

Russia and the African Union intend to strengthen cooperation in the field of agriculture and expand the supply of food, fertilisers and other resources for agricultural production. These agreements were reached following high-level consultations between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, which took place on 7 July at the African Union Commission headquarters in Addis Ababa. This was reported on the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.

215 Years of Venezuela Independence, Resilience and the Enduring Pursuit of Sovereignty
TDS

8 July 2026

Set in the surroundings of the Pretoria Art Museum, home to one of South Africa's most prominent busts of the Liberator Simón Bolívar, Venezuela's 215th Independence Day commemoration unfolded in an atmosphere of solemn reflection rather than celebration. At the foot of Bolívar's likeness, wreaths were laid in memory of those who lost their lives in the recent double earthquakes that devastated parts of Venezuela. A book of condolences was opened, inviting members of the diplomatic corps, government representatives and friends of Venezuela to express messages of sympathy, solidarity and hope for the country's recovery and reconstruction.

Diplomacy's First Kiss: Ambassador Hoang Sy Cuong Bids Farewell to South Africa 

By Anisha Pemjee

3 July 2026

"If I may say that diplomacy is my first love, then South Africa is my very first kiss. How sweet and memorable a first kiss is."

With these words, Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa Hoang Sy Cuong captured the affection and gratitude he feels for the country that marked the beginning of his diplomatic journey as he and his spouse Phuong Vu hosted a farewell celebrating Vietnamese cuisine in Pretoria.

At 250 the USA Continues to Shape the World

By Kirtan Bhana and Anisha Pemjee

3 July 2026

On 4 July 2026, the United States of America marks a remarkable milestone—250 years since thirteen colonies declared their independence and embarked upon a political experiment that would fundamentally reshape the course of modern history. Few nations have exerted such profound influence on the global imagination. From democracy and constitutional governance to technological innovation, scientific discovery, popular culture and economic enterprise, the American story has become inseparable from the story of the modern world itself.

Expert: Russia offers BRICS countries realistic vision for global energy transition

On the BRICSdialogue programme, an expert discussed scenarios for the development of the global energy sector

2 July 2026

The only realistic scenario for the development of the global energy sector is a "rational technological choice", which involves retaining hydrocarbons as the primary energy source whilst simultaneously increasing the share of renewable sources. This was stated by Aleksey Kulapin, Director General of the Russian Energy Agency (REA) under the Russian Ministry of Energy, on the TV BRICS programme BRICSdialogue.