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akhlisheshsrivastva · 23 days ago

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ITS India Forum Joins ITS Asia Pacific Forum: Strengthening India’s Role in Global Smart Mobility

The ITS India Forum has officially joined the prestigious ITS Asia Pacific Forum, marking a major milestone in India’s journey toward intelligent and sustainable transportation. This inclusion connects India’s dynamic mobility ecosystem to the Asia-Pacific region’s leading intelligent transport network—ushering in a new era of innovation, global collaboration, and strategic growth.

With the world’s second-largest road network and the third-largest automobile market, India is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse in the global mobility sector. This partnership will accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge transportation technologies, foster cross-border innovation, and unlock new growth opportunities for India’s evolving infrastructure.

Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava

A Strategic Leap for India’s Mobility Vision

India’s integration into the ITS Asia Pacific Forum comes at a critical juncture, as the nation’s highway and urban transport systems continue to expand rapidly.

“India, home to one of the largest road networks and vehicle markets globally, is positioned to play a transformative role in mobility innovation,” said Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava, President of ITS India Forum. “This membership enables us to align with global advancements and contribute meaningfully to the future of smart transportation.”

This development gives India a voice in regional ITS policy dialogues—allowing its unique challenges, innovations, and opportunities to shape the intelligent transport landscape across Asia-Pacific.

Key Benefits for India’s Transport Ecosystem

1. Access to Global Best Practices India will gain direct access to the latest ITS innovations—ranging from smart infrastructure and AI-powered traffic systems to autonomous mobility and next-gen traffic management solutions.

2. Cross-Border Collaboration & Partnerships Indian stakeholders can now actively collaborate with international governments, corporations, and research institutions—enabling joint ventures, knowledge sharing, and pilot projects.

3. Technology Exchange & Innovation India will contribute to and benefit from global technology exchanges, including connected vehicle ecosystems, smart city mobility tools, and AI-driven solutions for road safety and traffic optimization.

4. Influence in Global Policy & Standards India will help shape the region’s intelligent transport policies, ensuring they are aligned with both global standards and local needs—building a more inclusive and sustainable mobility framework.

“This membership is a defining moment for India’s intelligent transport journey,” the ITS India Forum emphasized. “It opens doors to global learning, collaboration, and innovation.”

India to Showcase Innovations at ITS Asia-Pacific Congress 2025, South Korea

India is set to make a strong presence at the 20th ITS Asia-Pacific Congress, scheduled for May 27–30, 2025, in Suwon, South Korea. The event will spotlight the latest in sustainable mobility—including electric, connected, and hydrogen-powered transport solutions.

A keynote address by Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava will highlight India’s strategic roadmap for future-ready mobility, focusing on:

Mobility as a Service (MaaS)

Connected and autonomous vehicles

Dynamic road pricing models

Smart and green infrastructure

The Indian delegation will also engage in sessions on global cooperation, technology co-development, and pilot initiatives—reaffirming India’s commitment to advancing global ITS frameworks.

Accelerating Smart Mobility Through Global Synergy

India’s induction as the 12th member of the ITS Asia Pacific Forum reinforces its commitment to building a connected, sustainable, and efficient transport ecosystem. The collaboration is expected to drive advancements in:

Smart traffic and signal control

Autonomous and connected mobility

Real-time traveler information systems

Scalable MaaS platforms

Moreover, India’s vast and complex mobility landscape offers valuable insights to other countries in the region—positioning the nation not just as a learner, but a global contributor to intelligent transport solutions.

“Suwon 2025 is a step forward in shaping a globally connected future,” said Mr. Srivastava. “India is ready to lead, collaborate, and co-create on the international mobility stage.”

Looking Ahead: India at ITS World Congress 2025, USA

Further expanding its global footprint, the ITS India Forum will lead a prominent Indian delegation to the ITS World Congress 2025, taking place in Atlanta, USA, from August 24–28, 2025. A dedicated ITS India Pavilion will showcase the country’s mobility innovations, start-ups, and leadership in smart transportation technologies.

Conclusion: Ushering in a New Era of Intelligent Transportation

India’s inclusion in the ITS Asia Pacific Forum signals the beginning of a transformative chapter in the nation’s mobility story. It represents:

Stronger global alliances

Accelerated tech adoption

Scalable innovation pathways

A smarter, safer, and more sustainable future

As India embraces global collaboration and intelligent transport frameworks, the country is poised to revolutionize its infrastructure, enhance commuter experience, reduce congestion, and lead the charge toward a digitally empowered and eco-friendly mobility future.

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#Its India Forum #Smart Mobility #India Global Mobility #Its Asia Pacific Forum

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gibfcompany · 3 months ago

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Webinar with Vietnam Chamber of Commerce

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aspaglobalsblog · 10 months ago

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dronacharyacollege · 2 years ago

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"Global Digital Innovation." It was 7th edition of IMC, a three day program scheduled for 27th, 28th and 29th October 2023, at Pragati Maidan.

Students of Dronacharya College of Engineering, Gurugram visited IMC 2023, Asia's most extensive telecommunications, media, and technology forum on 27th October, 2023.

The theme of event was "Global Digital Innovation." It was 7th edition of IMC, a three day program scheduled for 27th, 28th and 29th October 2023, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India.

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xtruss · 2 years ago

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World: A Growing BRICS Bloc Shows U.S. Is Losing the Battle for the Global South

— BY Tom O'Connor | August 22, 2023

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Delivers a Speech at the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. © Sputnik/Grigory Sysoev/Go to the Mediabank

While Russian President Vladimir Putin's in-person absence due to international legal troubles looms over the BRICS conference attended by the leaders of fellow member states Brazil, India, China and South Africa, the growing interest in expanding the group to include additional countries from across the globe is likely to cement the bloc's future as a force in global geopolitics.

And with no seat at the table for the United States, the three-day summit that began Tuesday in Johannesburg demonstrates how Washington has struggled to project influence throughout the vast, developing Global South.

"The U.S. is trailing countries such as Russia, India and China in the Global South," Akhil Ramesh, a senior fellow at the Hawaii-based Pacific Forum, told Newsweek. "The Global South does not have this special solidarity it has with nations such as China and India. As victims of Western imperialism/colonialism and having faced similar challenges in reconstruction and development, they have a unique solidarity."

"The U.S. approach continues to be one where they use nations of the Global South as pawns in their future, larger cold/hot conflict with China or Russia," Ramesh added. "This understandably has not helped them win friends."

Such solidarity continues to extend to Putin, who has accelerated his country's outreach to developing nations, especially in Africa, in recent years.

Moscow's overtures have been met with ongoing interest, as evidenced by the recent Russia-Africa Summit in Saint Petersburg. The summit was attended by 16 African heads of state and representatives of 25 additional African countries, even as the West has accused Putin of war crimes, resulting in an International Criminal Court warrant, and of weaponizing food by bombing grain infrastructure and allowing a deal that safeguarded the continued export of Ukrainian grains via the Black Sea to collapse.

U.S. warnings about forging closer economic ties with China have been met with even stiffer resistance, as President Xi Jinping presses on with his ambitious Belt and Road Initiative extending across continents despite a slowing economy at home.

Ramesh argued that nations of the Global South simply "do not view Beijing and Moscow the same way the West does," and instead see new opportunities where traditional mechanisms have failed.

"So, when there was a group presenting an alternative to the Western-led world order/vision of the world," he added, "nations were quick to jump on the bandwagon."

Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department for comment.

Still, obstacles to progress exist within a bloc whose core members already have little alignment in their broader geopolitical goals, while some, especially China and India, have active disputes between them. Such feuds have the potential to only grow as the coalition considers taking on new members, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia.

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Brazil, Lula, arrives, BRICS, summit, South, Africa! Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrives in Johannesburg, South Africa ahead of the 15th BRICS summit. The leaders of 67 countries have been invited to join the forum led by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Ricardo Stuckert/Presidency of The Federative Republic of Brazil

"Those who are there for the day-to-day negotiations, at least from the Brazilian government side, say it is already very hard to come to consensus when you have China, India and Russia at the table," Ana Elisa Saggioro Garcia, a professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro's Institute of International Relations and general coordinator of the BRICS Policy Center, told Newsweek.

But "there's another side of the story," she said. That's the growing view, including from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, that "a strong BRICS" is necessary, and a "strong BRICS is also a big BRICS."

South Africa, the current chair, is the only nation to have been added to what began as an informal BRIC bloc, born out of a term coined by then-Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O'Neill in 2001 to describe emerging economic powers. Russia led the initiative to bring Brazil, China and India together for the first summit in 2009, and South Africa was admitted the following year.

Initially, BRICS was focused on effecting reform within existing, primarily Western-led economic institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis.

"The first common agenda that they had, despite their differences, was the reform of the international financial architecture," Garcia said. "So, international financial institutions, those grounded in the Bretton Woods Conference, in the post-war period, they do not represent the world anymore. Those huge economies don't have enough voice in those institutions, they need to be reformed. They need to reflect the new configuration of the world economic power."

Gradually, the group became more focused on creating alternative mechanisms, most notably in the establishment in 2014 of the Shanghai-based New Development Bank, which today also counts Bangladesh, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates as members. With this transformation, Garcia explained, "the geopolitical character of BRICS started to be more important and more relevant than only the economic one."

China, in particular, she argued, "has been very clever and very strategic to use this opportunity to advance and to expand another coalition where China is predominant, where China doesn't have to deal with negotiations with Western powers."

But as evidenced by Brazil's enthusiasm for a more active role for BRICS and the growing list of prospective members, it's not all about Beijing.

"BRICS has become this pole of attraction of all countries now who've seen that they can have more power if they ally with a coalition such as BRICS to face measures that the West has been doing for years now," Garcia said, "and also to face these sorts of constraints and repression in terms of worldview and values."

Ryan Berg, director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies' (CSIS) Americas Program in Washington, D.C., also discussed how countries like Brazil were becoming more interested in the geopolitical nature of BRICS as an exercise in "active nonalignment."

"It can heighten the relevance of a country like Brazil, which is sometimes overlooked and feels overlooked and neglected," Berg said in response to Newsweek's question during a CSIS call held in the leadup to the BRICS summit.

"By pursuing this strategy," he explained, "you can basically make it a competition for the affection or for the attention of major world powers or leading world powers that would otherwise overlook Brazil's position on a particular issue."

BRICS, Summit, South, Africa, 2018! (Left to right) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Russian President Vladimir Putin and then-Brazilian President Michel Temer pose for a group picture during the 10th BRICS summit on July 26, 2018 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. South Africa's most populous city against hosts the BRICS summit in 2023, after each of the other four members hosted gatherings, three of which were virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike Hutchings/POOL/AFP/Getty Images

Speaking on the same call, CSIS Africa Program director Mvemba Phezo Dizolele highlighted the importance of the host nation itself, saying BRICS membership "strengthened the position of South Africa among non-aligned countries" at a polarizing time in global geopolitics.

"Non-aligned countries have absolutely been at odds at least with Western countries, particularly ideologically because they do not want to align either with the Russians or with the United States and allies," Dizolele said.

A key goal for the summit's participants "will be discussing their disillusionment with U.S. leadership or at least the U.S.-led coalition around the world and how that world order is affecting adversely the countries of the Global South," he said, noting that "this will be a time when they will be seeking an alternative to that power."

The phenomenon of a competition among major powers to court the Global South was also observed by Mrityunjay Tripathi, a research fellow at the New Delhi-based Public Policy Research Center who previously served as part of India's delegation to the 2018 BRICS Youth Summit in South Africa.

"U.S. attempts to engage the Global South will only benefit the region, as the U.S. will act as a balancing power in the region dominated by China," Tripathi told Newsweek. "This competition will only benefit the developing economies and the multipolarity of the BRICS will ensure that region remains free and open to all."

Here, he said that "the presence of India adds credibility to BRICS and assures the West that India will act as a balancing power in the alliance that consists of Russia and China."

While New Delhi and Washington have strengthened ties in recent years, this does not mean total alignment in their positions. Tripathi argued that the trends apparent in the summit and context surrounding it show that Washington was on the backfoot in this competition over developing nations.

BRICS, Business, Forum, meets, in, South, Africa! (From left to right) Shaogang Zhang, vice chair of China's Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Onkar Singh Kanwar, chair of the BRICS Business Council's India chapter, Sergei Katyrin, chair of the BRICS Business Council's Russia chapter, José Serrador, chair of the BRICS Business Council's Brazil chapter, Busi Mabuza, chair of the BRICS Business Council's South Africa chapter, and Nozipho Tshabalala, CEO of the Conversation Strategist, attend a panel discussion during the 2023 BRICS Business Forum in Sandton, north of Johannesburg, South Africa, on August 22. Gianluigi Guercia/AFP/Getty Images

"The growing interest in BRICS does suggest that the U.S.' attempts to assert influence, particularly across the Global South, have not always produced desired results," Tripathi said. "The rise of BRICS is indicative of a shift in power dynamics from the traditionally Western-dominated world order to a more multipolar global scenario."

A key part of this shift identified by Tripathi was not only expansion, but the vision of "instituting a common currency," something that "further solidifies the group's commitment to long-term sustainable progress of the Global South."

"A common currency will not only boost intra-BRICS trade," he added," but also eliminate the high dollar conversion costs of international transactions."

Shen Shiwei, a journalist and analyst with a background in Chinese business dealings in Africa and the Middle East, argued that "the only thing that can beat the U.S. dollar is the dollar itself, driven by weaponization from Washington."

"The global trend of increasing the use of multiple currencies, instead of fully relying on U.S. dollars, is not a new idea," Shen told Newsweek. "Three decades ago, the euro was created in part because the majority of the EU wanted to move away from its deep reliance on the U.S. dollar."

"The dollar is still essential to global investments and trade," he added, "but the process of de-dollarization is accelerating, mainly because its weaponization has caused an erosion of confidence and alerted emerging economies to take actions to safeguard economic security."

People walk past a banner outside the venue for the 2023 BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton, Johannesburg, on August 20. The BRICS countries, an acronym of the five members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, meet for three days for a summit in Johannesburg from August 22-24. Gianluigi Guercia/AFP/Getty Images

The U.S. dollar continues to command a significant lead against competitors, comprising some 59 percent of the world's foreign exchange reserves. The euro constitutes around 20 percent, with other currencies such as the Japanese yen, the United Kingdom's pound sterling and the Chinese renminbi in the single digits.

Still, a number of countries, particularly members of BRICS, have called for conducting bilateral trade in their own national currencies, and the idea of a common currency has been increasingly put forth. In April, Lula delivered an impassioned speech at the New Development Bank headquarters in which he railed against the notion that "all countries are forced to do their trade backed by the dollar."

The message has continued to gain traction among existing and prospective BRICS members.

"But that doesn't mean BRICS is anti-West," Shen said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses BRICS summit in South Africa, August 22, 2023. © Sputnik/Grigory Sysoev

He argued that "the zero-sum game narrative developed in the West that the BRICS was created as competition to the G7 or the Global North is very misleading."

The G7, officially the Group of Seven, is a bloc consisting of the world's largest developed economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and the U.K., with participation from the European Union as well. The G7 existed as the G8 until 2014, when it was expelled due to its role in the first major outbreak of conflict in Ukraine.

"All BRICS members have important political and economic cooperation with the G7 countries," Shen said. "More importantly, BRICS doesn't want to copy the Western hegemony in mentality and reality, which has brought too many problems to the Global South."

As opposed to the G7, "the BRICS mechanism has met the demands of the Global South, especially marginalized countries, to advance a collective agenda and push the building of a more inclusive, representative, just and fair global architecture," Shen argued.

"BRICS is not an exclusive club or small circle," he added, "but a big family of good partners."

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probablyasocialecologist · 1 month ago

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This unequal exchange leads to truly massive net transfers from South to North. In the final year of data, we see the following: A net South-North flow of 12 billion tons of embodied materials, and 21 Exajoules of embodied energy. According to recent research, this quantity of materials and energy would be enough to provide infrastructure and supplies to provision decent living standards – universal healthcare, education, modern housing, sanitation, electricity, heating/cooling, induction stoves, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, public transit, computers, and mobile phones – for the entire population of the global South, but instead it is siphoned away for consumption and accumulation in the core. A net flow of 820 million hectares of embodied land. This is twice the size of India. This land could be used to provide nutritious food for up to 6 billion people, but instead it is used to produce things like sugar for Coca-Cola and beef for McDonald's, consumed in the North. A net flow of 826 billion hours of embodied labour. That’s more than the total annual labour rendered by the entire workforce of the US and European Union combined. That labour could be used to staff hospitals and schools in the global South, and produce food and goods for local needs, but instead it is used to churn out tech gadgets and fast fashion for Northern corporations. These results reveal that the high levels of consumption and growth in the core rely heavily on net appropriation from the South, today just as much as during the colonial era. In the case of materials and labour, around half of the total consumption in the core is net-appropriated from the South.

18 April 2025

#jason hickel #capitalism #unequal exchange #inequality

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mariacallous · 1 month ago

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In 2003, India, Brazil, and South Africa established what they called the IBSA Dialogue Forum. The trilateral initiative aimed to promote south-south cooperation, reform global governance structures, and amplify the three democracies’ voices on the international stage. In the years that followed, the leaders of IBSA countries organized regular summits to facilitate collaboration across various sectors.

However, as the BRICS bloc—which initially included Brazil, Russia, India, and China—gained prominence and added South Africa as a member in 2010, IBSA’s activities waned. Though IBSA foreign ministers still organize a yearly meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, where they regularly call for U.N. Security Council reform, the group’s relevance has plummeted.

Today, there is a compelling case for revitalizing IBSA after more than a decade of dormancy. There are three reasons why a relaunch would benefit member countries and add a crucial new element to the global order.

First, BRICS has changed fundamentally over the last three years. There are tensions within the group over Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. BRICS also expanded its membership last year. Taken together, these factors risk reducing the group’s agility and ability to address global challenges. They might even strengthen member states that aim to transform BRICS into a Chinese-led bloc that antagonizes the West. IBSA countries, by contrast, have always favored multialignment and are seeing their space within BRICS shrink.

Second, amid the geopolitical uncertainty caused by U.S. President Donald Trump’s return to the White House—not all of which is bad news for IBSA countries—it is crucial that India, Brazil, and South Africa deepen their ties beyond the major poles of power.

And third, IBSA countries offer a uniquely valuable perspective in the debate about how to address the major challenges faced by developing democracies around the world. Though India, Brazil, and South Africa are all highly visible on the global stage, their capacity to set the global agenda would increase markedly if they spoke with one voice on specific issues.

From the start, IBSA’s goal was to strengthen emerging powers in the global south. The forum was established following negotiations between Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and South African President Thabo Mbeki during the 2003 G-8 summit in Évian, France. The three leaders were invited to the summit as observers, yet they felt that the invitation was largely symbolic.

“What is the use of being invited for dessert at the banquet of the powerful?” Lula later quipped. “We do not want to participate only to eat the dessert; we want to eat the main course, dessert and then coffee.”

The forum established trilateral working groups focused on areas such as agriculture, environment, defense, and energy, while regular ministerial meetings and presidential summits reinforced the countries’ collaboration. As global power dynamics shifted from a U.S.-led order toward multipolarity, IBSA highlighted the growing influence of emerging powers and the limitations of international institutions in reflecting those countries’ rise.

For example, in its first declaration in 2003, the group called for reorganization of the Security Council to include new permanent members from developing countries. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who took office in 2004, described the grouping as a “strong moral force in today’s unsettled world.”

Even before IBSA’s creation, India, Brazil, and South Africa had collaborated to address the restrictive aspects of the World Trade Organization’s TRIPS agreement on intellectual property rights. Their efforts led to the 2003 TRIPS waiver, which allowed developing nations to export generic medicines during public health emergencies.

Their efforts, including leadership in the G-21 coalition, a bloc of developing countries, significantly improved access to affordable drugs for HIV and AIDS around the world—particularly in Africa—by enabling local production without the consent of patent holders. The debate around the TRIPS waiver became important again during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Based on a sense that international economic and financial architecture did not serve the interests of developing nations, IBSA countries found success in deepening their limited bilateral relations and establishing a jointly financed—though very small—IBSA fund, in addition to joint naval exercises in a format called IBSAMAR.

Furthermore, the three middle powers created coordinated strategies to enhance their influence within multilateral institutions such as the U.N., World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. They made efforts to align their strategies within the U.N. Human Rights Council, reaffirmed their commitment to universal human rights, and made joint statements on international conflicts, including recently on Gaza and Ukraine.

Yet the initial excitement and flurry largely fizzled out around 2013, when a leaders summit scheduled to take place in New Delhi to commemorate IBSA’s 10th anniversary was canceled. That decision was in large part due to Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff’s focus on domestic politics, aggravated by a wave of large-scale protests in Brazil in June of that year. Lula, her predecessor, had a more activist international posture.

But the more important factor in making IBSA irrelevant was likely South Africa’s accession to BRICS in 2010—an effort that was led by China. It was probably in Beijing’s interest to sideline a global south platform that it was not part of. So while IBSA preceded BRICS and while Singh famously expressed his preference for IBSA over BRICS—“IBSA has a personality of its own. It is three separate continents, three democracies,” he said—it ended up being BRICS that turned into the most relevant geopolitical platform in the global south.

Today’s profoundly changed geopolitical landscape has created an opportunity for IBSA to resurrect itself.

Though BRICS remains relevant for the foreign-policy strategies of Brazil, India, and South Africa, the grouping has become unwieldy—and its utility is now more limited than it used to be. The war in Ukraine and Russia’s deteriorating ties to the West have created growing tensions between the anti-Western faction in BRICS, led by Russia and China, and a more moderate group committed to preserving ties to the West, led by India and Brazil.

The bloc’s membership expansion in 2024 changed its power distribution. Russia and China pushed for expansion, eventually adding Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and later Indonesia, as full members. A host of so-called partner countries can now also participate in numerous BRICS activities. Reaching consensus among this expanded group is significantly more difficult—as evidenced by the bloc’s failure, for the first time, to develop a joint statement at a foreign ministers meeting in April. Egypt and Ethiopia reportedly objected to including language in favor of Security Council reform, which Brazil, India, and South Africa have long sought.

In some areas, IBSA’s interests diverge significantly from the other established BRICS members. Though Russia, for example, is keen to advance alternatives to the U.S. dollar to circumvent Western sanctions, policymakers in IBSA countries are less interested in moving ahead with the issue, a reluctance potentially aggravated by Trump’s recent threats of punitive tariffs against any country that joins such an initiative.

What’s more, when BRICS was created, China was an emerging power—yet it is now largely seen as a great power. That complicates the bloc’s capacity to speak on behalf of the global south.

Reviving IBSA would provide a forum to push for countries’ shared goals without getting bogged down in increasingly complicated BRICS negotiations. In a world where crafting agreements in large multilateral settings has become difficult, adding a minilateral group such as IBSA to the mix could lead to meaningful cooperation in many areas, such as conflict resolution, the climate crisis, and maritime security.

As China and Russia try to push BRICS into a more anti-Western position, IBSA would allow member countries to articulate a multialigned strategy and preserve strong ties to the West. India has recently moved closer to the United States and is heavily invested in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue; that is more than New Delhi has done operationally with BRICS. Brazil hopes to see the European Union ratify a historic trade deal with Mercosur—a South American trade bloc—has deepened cooperation with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and was designated by Washington in 2019 as a “major non-NATO ally.”

A separate space would also let IBSA governments reinforce their quest for specific reform proposals—including at the Security Council—that other BRICS members are either indifferent about or actively opposed to. At the same time, reviving IBSA does not imply that Brazil, India, and South Africa would move away from BRICS. IBSA would simply be an additional tool.

When IBSA leaders got together for their last official summit in October 2011, being friends with all major global players was easier to achieve than it is today. Russia had not yet annexed Crimea and U.S.-China ties were far rosier than they are now. In the years since, the world has become more unstable, making strategic diversification paramount. Trump’s return to the White House adds a layer of unpredictability. But India and Brazil could, for example, play a supportive role for South Africa as its ties to the United States deteriorate under Trump.

The growing divergence between China and the West offers a unique opportunity for IBSA countries to jointly develop strategies to amplify their ties to Europe and the United States in ways that the BRICS bloc cannot.

Finally, while IBSA’s three democracies represented a majority of BRICS members prior to expansion, democracies are now a minority in the bloc. Establishing a separate space for IBSA would allow India, Brazil, and South Africa to identify common denominators and advance issues that are difficult to discuss in the context of BRICS—including political polarization, disinformation, and internet governance.

One example of shrinking space for democracies within BRICS is the decreasing relevance of the BRICS Academic Forum, which used to be intellectually vibrant but now provides very limited space to discuss sensitive issues or openly disagree with member states’ policies. In short, it has largely ceased to be a platform of genuine debate. A comparable structure for scholars from IBSA countries would provide a far freer environment for genuine deliberation.

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nandinishenoy · 6 months ago

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Leadership Style of Niranjan Hiranandani: Insights from a Real Estate Tycoon

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, a visionary leader in Indian real estate, has transformed the industry with his innovative ideas and people-centric approach. As Chairman of Hiranandani Communities, his leadership is a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals. By understanding his leadership style, we gain insights into how real estate tycoons like him shape industries and inspire change.

Core Values Driving Leadership

At the core of Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani’s leadership are values like integrity, passion, and commitment. These principles define his business practices and interactions. His focus on continuous learning, even earning a Ph.D. later in life, reflects his curiosity and drive for growth. Resilience is another key trait, as he consistently steps out of his comfort zone to overcome challenges and embrace opportunities.

Visionary Thinking

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani’s ability to foresee industry trends has enabled him to stay ahead of the curve. He transformed barren land into thriving urban spaces like Hiranandani Gardens in Powai. His long-term focus combines business growth with sustainable development, ensuring his projects not only succeed financially but also improve the quality of urban living.

Innovative Problem-Solving Approach

A pioneer of integrated townships in India, Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani revolutionized the real estate sector by introducing sustainable and green building practices. His innovative mindset fosters "jugaad" solutions, which address complex challenges creatively and effectively. These practices have set benchmarks for others in the industry.

People-Centric Leadership

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani places immense trust in his teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment. He mentors young talent, ensuring they align with the organization's goals while pursuing personal growth. His approach to building strong relationships with stakeholders, clients, and employees showcases his commitment to inclusivity and teamwork.

Strategic Decision-Making

Balancing intuition with data-driven insights, Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani makes calculated decisions that fuel long-term growth. His ability to navigate economic downturns and regulatory changes demonstrates his agility and strategic foresight. He embraces calculated risks while maintaining a steady focus on the bigger picture.

Focus on Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani’s leadership style emphasizes sustainability, as evident in the eco-friendly practices integrated into his projects. From green buildings to energy-efficient designs, his focus on sustainability sets a high standard in the real estate sector. Beyond business, his philanthropic initiatives in healthcare and education reflect his dedication to societal well-being.

Leading by Example

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani exemplifies the values he advocates, such as discipline, humility, and an unyielding work ethic. Staying accessible to his teams and peers, he fosters an environment of openness. His adaptability in embracing new technologies and trends underscores his progressive leadership style.

Legacy as a Thought Leader

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani’s contributions extend beyond real estate. His role in shaping industry policies like RERA and representing Indian real estate at global forums positions him as a thought leader. By sharing insights on urbanization, smart cities, and affordable housing, he inspires a generation of visionary leaders in Indian real estate.

Conclusion

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani’s leadership style is a blend of innovation, resilience, and a people-first approach. From creating iconic projects to championing sustainability, he has redefined leadership in real estate. Aspiring entrepreneurs can draw inspiration from his journey and adopt his principles to build successful and impactful careers.

FAQs

What are the key traits of Niranjan Hiranandani’s leadership style?

Integrity, innovation, resilience, and a people-centric approach define his leadership.

How has Niranjan Hiranandani contributed to sustainability in real estate?

He pioneered eco-friendly practices and energy-efficient designs, setting benchmarks for sustainable development.

What makes his leadership style unique in the real estate sector?

His visionary thinking, strategic decision-making, and commitment to creating community-centric developments set him apart.

How does Niranjan Hiranandani inspire his team and future leaders?

By mentoring talent, fostering collaboration, and leading by example, he creates a culture of excellence.

What are the key projects that showcase his leadership excellence?

Hiranandani Gardens in Powai and Hiranandani Parks in Chennai exemplify his visionary leadership.

#niranjan hiranandani #dr niranjan hiranandani #hiranandani communities #hiranandani sustainability

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fillejondrette · 6 months ago

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it's interesting how some mras (the less extreme ones who claim to be egalitarian), while denouncing feminism in the 21st century US, will concede that feminism might be legitimate in certain "other" countries that they perceive as "backward." for example, they might think that feminism in india is acceptable, since women's status in india is, i think, generally perceived to be lower than women's status in the US.* yet if you look at india, there's a HUGE (and seemingly well-organized?) mra movement!

i think the reality is that if you give a man an inch, he'll take a mile, and many men perceive any attempt by women to assert their rights as a coordinated attack on men, despite overwhelming evidence of systematic female oppression.

*(this obviously isn't a cut and dry issue, e.g. india has had a female leader and the US has not. but india is ranked significantly lower than the US on the world economic forum's global gender gap index. (the US, in turn, is ranked lower than dozens of other countries.).)

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allthebrazilianpolitics · 30 days ago

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BRICS Democracies Are Losing Leverage

To increase their bargaining power, Brazil, India, and South Africa should resurrect a dormant diplomatic forum.

#politics #brazil #india #south africa #BRICS #geopolitics #brazilian politics #indian politics #south african politics #image description in alt #mod nise da silveira

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thehopefuljournalist · 2 years ago

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According to a new survey, lawmakers are playing an increasingly important role in holding corporations and governments accountable for failures to tackle the climate crisis.

The research was done by Columbia Law School, and was commissioned by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). It revealed that the number of climate-related court cases has more than doubled since 2017 and is steadily rising around the world.

Their report confirms a trend highlighted in the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2023, which claimed that individuals and environmental organizations were, more and more, turning to the law, as it became clear that the pace of transition to net-zero emissions was too slow.

“Climate litigation is increasing and concerns about emissions under-reporting and greenwashing have triggered calls for new regulatory oversight for the transition to net zero,” the Forum report said.

The UNEP report catalogues a number of high-profile court cases which have succeeded in enforcing climate action. In 2017, when climate case numbers were last counted, 884 legal actions had been brought. Today the total stands at 2,180.

The majority of climate cases to this date (1,522) have been brought in the US, followed by Australia, the UK, and the EU. The report notes that the number of legal actions in developing countries is growing, now at 17% of the total.

Climate litigation is also giving a voice to vulnerable groups who are being hard hit by climate change. The report says that, globally, 34 cases have been brought by children and young people, including two by girls aged seven and nine in Pakistan and India.

Here are five of the climate breakthroughs achieved by legal action so far.

1. Torres Strait Islanders Vs Australia

In September 2022, indigenous people living on islands in the Torres Strait between northern Queensland and Papua New Guinea won a landmark ruling that their human rights were being violated by the failure of the Australian government to take effective climate action.

The UN Human Rights Committee ruling established the principle that a country could be in breach of international human rights law over climate inaction. They ruled that Australia's poor climate record was a violation of the islanders’ right to family life and culture.

2. The Paris Agreement is a human rights treaty

In July 2022, Brazil's supreme court ruled that the Paris climate agreement is legally a human rights treaty which, it said, meant that it automatically overruled any domestic laws which conflicted with the country’s climate obligations.

The ruling ordered the government to reopen its national climate mitigation fund, which had been established under the Paris Agreement.

3. Climate inaction is a breach of human rights

Upholding an earlier court ruling that greenhouse emissions must be cut by 25% by 2020, the Netherlands Supreme Court ruled that failure to curb emissions was a breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The December 2019 ruling stated that, although it was up to politicians to decide how to make the emission cuts, failure to do so would be a breach of Articles 2 and 8 of the Convention which affirm the right to life and respect for private and family life.

4. Companies are bound by the Paris accord

Corporations, and not just governments, must abide by the emissions reductions agreed in the Paris climate treaty. This principle was established by a 2021 ruling in the Netherlands brought by environmentalists against energy group Royal Dutch Shell.

The court ordered Shell to cut its CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030 bringing them in line with Paris climate targets. The judge was reported as saying there was "worldwide agreement" that a 45% reduction was needed, adding: "This applies to the entire world, so also to Shell”.

5. Courts overturn state climate plans

Up until now, three European governments have been defeated in the courts over their climate plans.

In March 2021, Germany’s highest court struck down a climate law requiring 55% emissions by 2030 cuts, ruling it did not do enough to protect citizens’ rights to life and health. The same year, the French government was ordered to take “immediate and concrete action” to comply with its climate commitments. And in 2022, the UK’s climate strategy was ruled unlawful for failing to spell out how emissions cuts would be made.

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phoetalksandblogs · 2 months ago

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Global Fashion’s Dirty Secret: How Fast Fashion Exploits Cultures and Communities

In an era where fashion trends change overnight and clothes can be ordered with a few taps, fast fashion seems like a dream. Cheap, accessible, and always "on trend" — what’s not to love? But beneath the racks of affordable clothes lies a harsh reality: fast fashion thrives on cultural exploitation and systemic inequality. Behind each patterned top or tribal-print skirt is often a story of stolen culture, underpaid labor, and environmental destruction.

Fast fashion brands frequently draw "inspiration" from traditional clothing around the world — without credit, compensation, or context. Indigenous beadwork, African prints, South Asian embroidery, and Native American headdresses are often reproduced in mass quantities for profit. These items are stripped of their cultural significance and marketed as exotic trends. For instance, in 2021, Urban Outfitters faced backlash for selling items labeled as "Navajo" without permission from the Navajo Nation. The company was sued for trademark infringement, a rare case where legal action highlighted the deep-rooted issues of cultural exploitation in fashion (Jones, 2021). Similarly, luxury and fast fashion brands alike have mimicked traditional Mexican textiles and patterns, often sidelining the artisans who created them. Cultural elements are not “aesthetic.” They are part of identity, history, and resistance. When large corporations profit from them without acknowledgment or collaboration, it perpetuates a system that benefits the powerful while silencing the marginalized.

Fast fashion’s production pipeline is also built on the backs of vulnerable workers, most of them women in developing countries. Countries like Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, and Cambodia are popular manufacturing hubs due to their cheap labor and minimal regulations. Workers in these countries are often paid far below living wages, work in unsafe conditions, and lack basic labor rights. A tragic example is the Rana Plaza collapse in 2013, which killed over 1,100 garment workers in Bangladesh. The factory was producing clothes for major global brands, highlighting the direct connection between Western demand for cheap clothing and unsafe labor practices abroad (International Labor Rights Forum, 2022). While some companies promised reforms after the tragedy, progress has been slow and inconsistent. Despite contributing billions to the global economy, garment workers in the Global South remain impoverished. According to the Asia Floor Wage Alliance (2023), many workers in fast fashion supply chains earn only 20–30% of what they need to support a family. This economic disparity is a form of modern-day colonialism — Western countries continue to benefit from the cheap labor of the Global South without sharing the profits or improving working conditions.

Fast fashion not only harms people during production — it also impacts communities through waste. Every year, 92 million tons of textile waste are generated globally (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2020). While Western consumers discard clothing quickly, many of these garments end up in landfills or are dumped in African and Asian countries, where they clog ecosystems and harm local economies. In Ghana’s capital, Accra, over 15 million used garments arrive weekly, mostly from the Global North. Many are of such poor quality that they’re thrown away immediately, creating mountains of textile waste that pollute waterways and communities (OR Foundation, 2023). This "waste colonialism" forces developing countries to deal with the consequences of overconsumption they did not create.

What can be done to combat the exploitation within the fast fashion industry? First, supporting ethical brands is key. Shop from brands that are transparent about their sourcing, pay fair wages, and collaborate with artisans respectfully. Platforms like Good On You and Fashion Revolution offer helpful guides and brand ratings. Second, respect cultural boundaries by avoiding the use of sacred symbols (like bindis or headdresses) as fashion statements and instead buying directly from creators or businesses run by people from those cultures. Ethical consumerism is about asking the question: Am I honoring or appropriating? Third, embracing slow fashion is crucial. Buy less and wear more — slow fashion values quality over quantity. Thrift, repair, and rewear. Each garment reused is a blow against the fast fashion machine. Finally, advocate for policy change by supporting legislation that enforces fair labor practices, protects Indigenous intellectual property, and penalizes environmental violations.

Fast fashion isn’t just a personal choice — it’s a global issue. It reflects systems of power, inequality, and exploitation that stretch from factory floors in Dhaka to storefronts in New York. To be a responsible global citizen, we must look beyond price tags and trends and recognize the true cost of the clothes we wear. Fashion can be beautiful, but only if it’s rooted in respect — for people, cultures, and the planet.

#cultural commentary #FashionAndCulture #ProtectCulturalHeritage #GlobalAwareness

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bizzbuzzcreations · 2 months ago

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How Networking Helps You Gain Insights and Stay Ahead

Networking is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, offering valuable insights, opportunities, and knowledge. It’s about building relationships that help individuals and organizations stay ahead in a competitive world. In today’s fast-paced, globalized environment, networking is crucial, especially in industries like Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). Leveraging these connections can give you a significant edge, whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or working in BPO.

Understanding its Value

At its core, networking is about creating a system of relationships to navigate your professional journey. Whether it's gaining critical information, understanding market trends, or learning from others' experiences, networking helps you stay informed and ahead of the competition. For those seeking business networking services in Prayagraj, leveraging these connections is key to staying competitive and successful.

Networking is not just about meeting people, but interacting with a diverse pool of knowledge and experience.

Relationships go beyond business cards, involving discussions, meetings, and collaborations.

Networking provides access to fresh perspectives, joint venture opportunities, and insights into emerging trends.

Tapping into others' expertise helps you understand market dynamics, technological advancements, and customer expectations.

This knowledge enables you to make informed decisions and stay ahead of competitors who may not have the same access to information.

Networking in the BPO Industry

The BPO industry, involving services like customer support and IT, has seen rapid growth, especially in outsourcing hubs like India and the Philippines. In this fast-changing sector, networking is essential. For those seeking the best BPO services in Prayagraj, networking offers access to the latest trends and valuable partnerships to stay ahead.

1. Staying Updated with Industry Trends

The BPO industry is constantly evolving with new technologies, market demands, and customer preferences. Networking with key players in the BPO industry—such as service providers, technology partners, consultants, and clients—helps you stay up-to-date with the latest innovations and shifts in the market. Whether it’s through conferences, trade shows, webinars, or industry-specific forums, these networking platforms provide a wealth of knowledge about the future of automation, AI-driven outsourcing, and how businesses are optimizing their operations.

For example, recent trends like robotic process automation (RPA) and artificial intelligence (AI) are changing the way BPO services are delivered. By engaging with thought leaders in the space, you can gain insights into how these technologies are being integrated into processes, potentially positioning your business to be more efficient, cost-effective, and innovative.

2. Building Strategic Partnerships

Networking is essential in forming strategic partnerships. In the BPO industry, companies often partner with technology providers, vendors, or other BPO firms to expand services or enter new markets. These collaborations are crucial for staying competitive. Through networking, BPO businesses can find the right partners to enhance service delivery and expand capabilities.

For example, a customer service-focused BPO might partner with a software provider to implement an advanced CRM system, improving customer interactions and service quality. For the best business networking services in Prayagraj Such connections are key to driving growth and innovation.

3. Accessing New Markets

In the BPO world, accessing new markets and expanding geographical footprints is a common objective. Networking can help you uncover opportunities for market expansion, whether it's through joint ventures, mergers, or understanding regional preferences. For example, a BPO provider that specializes in customer service may network with firms in emerging markets where demand for outsourcing services is growing rapidly.

By leveraging the knowledge and connections of others, you can identify trends in countries or sectors where the outsourcing demand is rising, allowing you to act quickly and strategically.

4. Improving Talent Acquisition

BPO companies thrive on their ability to attract and retain top talent. Networking helps identify potential candidates, build relationships with educational institutions, and discover emerging talent pools. At industry events or via social media channels like LinkedIn, BPO leaders can connect with employees, partners, or consultants who enhance service quality and operational efficiency. For those seeking BPO services in Prayagraj, networking is key to connecting with the best talent and improving business outcomes.

Furthermore, networking within the BPO community can also provide valuable insights into workforce management strategies. Whether it’s learning about the latest HR tech tools or hearing from other BPO managers about retention strategies, networking helps you optimize your human resources to maintain a competitive advantage.

The Role of Social Media and Online Platforms in Networking

Networking now goes beyond in-person meetings, with platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter offering expanded opportunities. In the BPO industry, social media helps maintain global client relationships. For those looking for BBC marketing in Prayagraj, these platforms are key to engaging clients and boosting brand visibility.

Sharing industry articles, commenting on posts, and participating in discussions on LinkedIn groups or Twitter can provide valuable insights and allow you to interact with thought leaders and decision-makers in the industry. These platforms also offer a low-cost and high-impact way to network on a global scale, ensuring that your company can maintain a pulse on industry developments no matter where you are located.

Conclusion

In today’s dynamic business environment, networking is not just about meeting new people or exchanging pleasantries. It’s about staying informed, accessing new opportunities, and learning from others to maintain a competitive edge. In industries like BPO, where technology, market demands, and customer preferences are constantly changing, networking is even more crucial. Whether it’s staying updated on trends, forming partnerships, accessing new markets, or improving talent acquisition strategies, networking plays a critical role in helping businesses remain agile and proactive in an ever-evolving marketplace. Embrace networking as an integral part of your professional growth and use it as a tool to gain insights that will keep you ahead of the competition.

#Business Networking Services in Prayagraj #Best Business Networking Services in Prayagraj #BPO Services in Prayagraj #Best BPO Services in Prayagraj #BBC Marketing in Prayagraj

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