Page 17 - Brazil

Brazil to militarise key airports, borders in crackdown on organised crime

-Brazil's President Luiz InAcio Lula da Silva said Wednesday he is sending the armed forces to boost security at some of the country's most important airports, ports and international borders as part of a renewed effort to tackle organized crime in Latin America's largest nation. The decision comes days after members of a criminal gang set fire to dozens of buses in Rio de Janeiro, apparently in retaliation for the police slaying their leader's nephew. We have reached a very serious situation," Lula said at a news conference in Brasilia after signing the decree. So we have made the decision to have the federal government participate actively, with all its potential, to help state governments, and Brazil itself, to get rid of organized crime." Brazil will mobilise 3,600 members of the army, navy and air force to increase patrols and monitor the international airports in Rio and Sao Paulo, as well as two maritime ports in Rio and Sao Paulo's Santos port, the busiest in Latin America -

Brazil negotiates for tariff-free quota to export cotton to India

The association said in the note that a team of government officials and Brazilian cotton farmers is visiting India this week, seeking to seal a deal to have that quota implemented

Brazil offers ethanol tech to India, eyes to resolve sugar dispute at WTO

Brazil has offered to share its ethanol production technology with India as part of efforts to resolve a sugar related dispute between the two countries at WTO (World Trade Organisation), an official said. The South American nation in its proposal has stated that the ethanol production technology would help India to use surplus sugar in making ethanol. The offer can help India utilise its excess sugar output and ease competition for Brazil in the international sugar market. Brazil is the largest producer of sugarcane and ethanol in the world. It is a leader in the technology used for ethanol production. It is also the largest exporter of sugar in the world. India is the world's second-largest producer. The proposal could benefit India as it aims to gradually increase the percentage of blending of ethanol in petroleum auto fuels and reduce dependence on imported crude oil. "Brazil has a flex technology. They do ethanol blending. That technology is good for India also. Brazil has ar

Bolsonaro should be charged with attempting a coup: Congressional panel

A Brazilian congressional panel on Wednesday accused former President Jair Bolsonaro of instigating the country's Jan 8 riots and recommended that he be charged with attempting to stage a coup. An inquiry panel of senators and representatives mostly allied with the current leftist President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva who narrowly defeated Bolsonaro in last fall's election voted 20-11 to adopt the damning report drafted by Sen. Eliziane Gama. The move was largely symbolic for Bolsonaro because it amounts to a recommendation for police and prosecutors to investigate, and federal law enforcement officials separately have already been investigating his possible role in inciting the Jan 8 uprising. Bolsonaro has denied involvement in the rioting, which took place more than a week after the right-wing leader had quietly left the country to stay in Florida while refusing to attend Lula's inauguration. It's completely biased, Bolsonaro said Wednesday of the inquiry, in comments to reporter

UNSC fails to adopt resolution on Israel-Palestine issue after veto by US

The UN Security Council on Wednesday failed to adopt a Brazil-led draft resolution that would have called for humanitarian pauses in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict to allow full access for aid to the Gaza strip after the US vetoed the text. The US, a permanent member of the UNSC and a close ally of Israel, said it is disappointed the resolution makes no mention of Israel's rights of self-defence. The 15-nation Council met to vote on the draft resolution that was proposed by Council President Brazil. While 12 Council members voted in favour of the resolution, Russia and Britain abstained. The resolution could not be adopted because of a veto cast by the US. This was the second time in two days that the Council failed to adopt a resolution on the situation in the Middle East. On Monday, the Security Council rejected a draft resolution proposed by Russia on the situation in Gaza that would have called for a humanitarian ceasefire but did not mention the militant group Hamas which

India, Brazil target over 3-fold rise in trade to $50 bn: Commerce secy

India and Brazil are looking at an "aspirational" target of increasing the two-way trade by over three-fold to USD 50 billion by 2030, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said on Friday. He was in Brasilia from October 1 to 4 to discuss ways to promote trade between the two countries. He chaired the sixth meeting of the India-Brazil Trade Monitoring Mechanism (TMM). At present, the bilateral trade stood at USD 15.2 billion. "We are looking at USD 30 billion in the next 3-4 years and by 2030, we are looking at an aspirational target of USD 50 billion. There is a huge potential for trade growth," he told reporters here. He added that during his visit, the two sides also discussed market access issues as well as new areas of cooperation. Two working groups have been formed - market access issues and sectors of cooperation. "Biofuels and renewables are important sectors which we will be looking at...Ethanol and biofuel blending is another area of cooperation," he said. Brazil has adva

FM Sitharaman meets Brazil's minister, discusses issues of mutual interest

The minister met with Brazil's economy minister Haddad Fernando on the sidelines of the fourth G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting

World Cup Qualifiers: Messi doubtful starter; Vinicius back with Brazil

Lionel Messi is again a doubtful starter for Argentina in the next World Cup qualifying match against Paraguay. The Argentina captain scored in the opening 1-0 win over Ecuador but skipped the 3-0 win at Bolivia last month because of muscular pains that have also sidelined him from several matches for Inter Miami in the MLS. The World Cup champions are due to host Paraguay on Thursday at Buenos Aires. Vinicius Jr missed Brazil's first two games in South American qualifying but is back in the starting lineup after recovering from an injury. The Selecao will take on Venezuela in Cuiaba. Argentina and Brazil are 2-0 in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after victories last month. The continental archrivals are due to meet in November. Colombia is in third spot in the 10-team standings with four points. Uruguay and Venezuela each have three points, followed by Paraguay, Peru and Chile with one point each. Ecuador hasn't registered a competition point despite its 2-1 win over Uruguay

Russian Prez calls for more say for India, S Africa in key int'l decisions

India, Brazil and South Africa should be represented at the UN Security Council and their weight in making key international decisions should increase, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said. Addressing the plenary meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi on Thursday, Putin also noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi India was becoming more powerful year after year. "Such countries that acquire significant weight in international affairs simply by virtue of their potential and also have the possibility and influence of the settlement of key international issues should be represented in the UN Security Council," Putin was quoted as saying by Russia's state-run Tass news agency. "What countries are these? This is India: the population is already more than one and a half billion people, (with) seven-plus per cent economic growth. This is a powerful country. It is becoming more powerful year after year under the leadership of Prime Ministe

WinZO forays into Brazil gaming market amid 28% GST hike, to invest $25 mn

The decision to venture into the Brazilian market stems from a strategic initiative to diversify and confront challenges introduced in India for all firms by the 400 per cent surge in GST

India invites Brazilian industries to be part of its growing supply chain

India has invited Brazilian companies to participate in its growing supply chain with a view to strengthen economic ties between the two countries, an official statement said on Thursday. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, who was in Brazil from October 1 to 4, also discussed ways to promote trade between the two countries. He was there for the sixth meeting of the India-Brazil Trade Monitoring Mechanism (TMM). Both sides extensively discussed matters related to bilateral trade and outlined a roadmap for its further enhancement, the commerce ministry said. The secretary "invited Brazilian industries to be part of the growing supply chain," it said. Barthwal was accompanied by a delegation of 20 business leaders. "The visit was happening in the backdrop of the sharp growth in the bilateral trade which had doubled over the last two years reaching USD 16 billion," it said, adding the two sides explored new opportunities for promoting trade. The secretary also held meetings with Bra

Over 100 dolphins dead in Amazon as it hits record-high temperature

According to the Mamiraua Institute, a research facility funded by the Brazilian Ministry of Science, these dolphins were found in Lake Tefe

Brazil's Amazon rainforest drought may affect over 500,000 people

The Amazon rainforest in Brazil is facing a severe drought that may affect around 500,000 people by the end of the year, authorities said on Tuesday. Many are already struggling to access essential supplies such as food and water, because the principal means of transportation in the region is waterways, and river levels are historically low. Droughts also impact fishing, a means of subsistence for many riverside communities. Amazonas state declared an environmental emergency two weeks ago in response to the prolonged drought and launched a response plan valued at USD 20 million. Authorities will also distribute food and water supplies as well as personal hygiene kits, the state's civil defence agency said in a statement. Gov. Wilson Lima was in Brazil's capital, Brasilia, on Tuesday to meet with representatives of the federal government. Lima spoke with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to discuss the drought. The different levels of government will coordinate measures in suppor

IBSA countries laud G20 summit in India, extend support to Brazil

The IBSA ministers reaffirmed G20's role as the premier forum for international economic cooperation

India, Brazil, South Africa seek result oriented process for UNSC reforms

The ministers emphasized that while a comprehensive reform of the United Nations system remains a crucial international undertaking

Brazil's ex-President Bolsonaro denies proposing coup to military leaders

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has denied a report claiming he consulted with top military leaders on staging a coup to stop Luiz Incio Lula da Silva from assuming the presidency last January. Three members of Bolsonaro's legal team said in a statement posted on social media channels Thursday that the far-right leader "never took any measure that conflicted the boundaries and assurances established by the constitution". Earlier in the day, the newspaper O Globo reported that a former Bolsonaro aide said in plea bargain testimony that the then president talked with the commanders of Brazil's army, navy and air force about overthrowing the results of last year's election won by Lula. The newspaper did not identify the sources for its story. Bolsonaro's legal team also said that he did not take any action that violated the law during his 2019-2022 administration. Bolsonaro has been targeted by several investigations since he left office, including one looking into whether

Brazil's firefighters battle wildfires raging during late-winter heat wave

Firefighters were battling flames in Brazil's northeastern Bahia state, fanned by strong winds and abnormally high temperatures for the season, authorities said. While it is still technically winter in Brazil, with spring due to start in a couple of days, a heat wave prompting record temperatures has swept across much of the country since the beginning of the week. Faced with a growing number of hot spots caused by high temperatures, Bahia's association of forestry-based companies this week launched a campaign to prevent and combat wildfires. State authorities said they have mobilised over 150 military firefighters to put out fires in different areas across the state, as well as in Chapada Diamantina, a national park known for its panoramic views. The Instagram account of Bahia's secretary for public security showed images of firefighters making their way through parched forests, equipped in high-visibility orange gear and helmets, attempting to bring the licking flames under ...

India, Brazil, Germany, Japan should be permanent members of UNSC: Cleverly

UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly emphasised that Africa deserves a louder voice on the world stage

Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho to visit Kolkata during Durga Puja

Retired Brazilian legend Ronaldinho is set to visit Kolkata during the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja next month. An official privy to the development said that Ronaldinho is likely to visit the city between October 15-19 but the final date will be ascertained following the confirmation date of Barca Legends match at Congo. According to the official, Ronaldinho, who will be visiting Kolkata for the first time, is expected to feature in a short charity match, besides visiting a football clinic and a Durga Puja pandal. He will also inaugurate a statue of Argentine FIFA World Cup winner Lionel Messi. A two-time Ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldinho is also expected to attend some sponsor meet and greet events and visit the nearby town of Rishra. The official involved has played a key role in bringing football legends to the city in the past, including Maradona, Pele and Cafu. He also played a role in bringing current Argentinian World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez this July to

Brazil's Lula pitches nation and himself as fresh leader for Global south

Brazil is back. That has been Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's refrain for the better part of the last year, with the president deploying the snappy slogan to cast Brazil and himself as a leader of the Global South no longer content to abide the world's outdated workings. Last year, Lula thwarted the reelection bid of the far-right Jair Bolsonaro, who showed little interest in geopolitics or diplomacy during his four years in office. Lula, by contrast, has crisscrossed the globe and visited 21 countries in recent months, from the United States to China, Italy to India, Argentina to Angola. He has sought to boost Brazil's cred with each state visit and speech, one multilateral forum after another. On Tuesday, his address at the UN General Assembly will mark his return to that rostrum for the first time since 2009, the last year of his previous presidency's second term. We will see references to the Brazil is back' narrative, as Brazil seeks to more broadly project itself as a country t