South African Minister of Forest Fisheries and Environment Barbara Creecy said South Africa is determined to support global efforts to end plastic pollution. She recalled that in 2022, the country agreed to the need for an international legally binding instrument to combat plastic pollution at the fifth session of the United Nations (UN) Environment Assembly. The Minister added that in domestic policy, this position is based on the South African Constitution, which protects the right to an environment that is not harmful…

The beach rankings were compiled and published by BeachAtlas, a London-based startup, used an algorithm to shortlist 100 beaches according to six criteria. The evaluation criteria included aspects such as value to the local community, natural uniqueness, diversity, inclusiveness, environmental friendliness and cultural and historical significance. Boulders Beach (South Africa) was ranked 2nd in the ranking. It is not just a sandy beach, but a bustling metropolis for African penguins. Copacabana (Rio de Janeiro) also entered the top ten and…

Sputnik news agency and radio broadcaster held a roundtable Moscow – Johannesburg – Cairo – Addis Ababa – Eldoret on the theme: “Russia – African Union: topical issues of cooperation”. Among the participants were Beyene Petros, Director General of the Policy Studies Institute (PSI) (Ethiopia); Mahasha Rampedi, African Times Editor-in-Chief (South Africa); Frank Masese, Director of Linkages and collaboration at Eldoret University (Kenya); Mostafa Ahmed, Senior Researcher at Al Habtoor Research Centre (Egypt); Alexander Shchipin, Head of Information, Sputnik Africa in Ethiopia; Valens Maniragena, Senior Lecturer…

The countries joining BRICS in 2024 are already contributing to the work of the association in all major areas. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a meeting with representatives of the parliamentary committees on international affairs of the BRICS member states, which was broadcast by the Russian Foreign Ministry.  “Harmonious integration of new participants into the existing BRICS mechanisms is one of the main priorities of the Russian presidency this year. We see from the results of…

On Friday, 22 March, terrorists opened fire with automatic weapons at the Crocus City Hall concert hall in the Russian city of Krasnogorsk. There was an explosion and a fire started in the building. Emergency services arrived at the scene and people were evacuated. Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked doctors and wished recovery to the injured. They continue to provide medical and psychological assistance. According to the latest official data, 115 people have died. Words of support to the Russians…

The Kingdom’s first higher music education institution, first international music academy, the Nahawand Center, has opened in Taif, Saudi Arabia, according to Arab News. The university signed a co-operation agreement with The Gnesin Russian Academy of Music. The head of the Nahawand Center, Abdullah Rashad, said the arrangements aim to improve the competence of those working in the Kingdom’s music sector. “It also aims to support talents and practitioners in the field of music and arts, which is in line with…

The BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry has opened an office in the UAE, reports ANI, a partner of TV BRICS. “The opening of the UAE chapter is more than just an event. It shows a commitment to unprecedented co-operation and prosperity within the alliance. It is a step for the development of economic diplomacy in the UAE,”  said Ansh Virmani, Director of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry UAE Chapter. BRICS CCI Vice Chairman Sameep Shastri assured of the organisation’s…

The recent inclusion of Iran’s Mehr Media Group in TV BRICS, a media network consisting of BRICS member states (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), holds great significance in relation to BRICS’ global ambitions and the growing relevance of alternative media. Iran’s recent invitation to join BRICS enhances the platform’s portrayal of the Global South and diversifies its perspectives. This integration allows Iran to directly share its “humanitarian and economic agenda” within the BRICS information space, offering alternative viewpoints…

“Citizens of more than 30 contries will no longer need visas to travel to Iran from 4 February. Instead, they will be able to simply purchase a ticket to visit the country,” Deputy Foreign Minister Alireza Bigdeli said. These countries include India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Cuba and others. For Russian citizens, visas are waived in case travellers go to Iran in tour groups. Tourism Minister Ezzatollah Zarghami noted that the government intended to open the country to the…

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed the participants of the first meeting of BRICS Sherpas and Sous-Sherpas, which is being held in Moscow from 30 January to 1 February in the year of Russia’s chairmanship in the group. The foreign minister noted that the collective approach that the BRICS countries and a huge number of their supporters are pursuing is the dictates of the times. “We see in BRICS a prototype of a multipolar world, the formation of which for…