Modi Flags Weaponisation Of Tech, Critical Minerals, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned against the "weaponisation" of technology and access to critical minerals at a recent BRICS Summit.
• He announced new BRICS initiatives aimed at strengthening supply chains and enhancing resilience against disruptions, pandemics, and climate disasters.
• BRICS has agreed to establish an Integrated Early Warning System for infectious diseases and Early Warning Data Integration Guidelines for disaster management.
• A BRICS Logistics Supply Chain Cooperation Framework will be implemented to make supply chains more reliable and resilient.
• New platforms introduced include the BRICS Incubator Network, a proposed BRICS Startup Innovation Fund, and the BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture.
• Initiatives like the BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal and the BRICS Urban Mobility Hub were also highlighted.
• PM Modi noted the growing confidence of Global South countries in BRICS, attributing it to their voices being heard and collaborative solution development.

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Detailed Insights:

• The Prime Minister emphasized that the rising number of global conflicts negatively impacts ordinary people, and the world expects concrete results from the 11-member BRICS grouping.
• The "weaponisation" of technology and critical minerals poses a threat to shared progress, necessitating an inclusive approach to technology adoption.
• The BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for infectious diseases reflects lessons learned from global pandemics and aims for proactive responses.
• The BRICS Logistics Supply Chain Cooperation Framework is designed to mitigate vulnerabilities exposed by recent climate disasters and supply chain disruptions.
• The BRICS Incubator Network will facilitate connections and collaboration among startups and incubators across member states.
• BRICS CONNECT is an initiative focused on promoting skills development, employability, women's participation in the workforce, social security, and capacity building.
• The BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture aims to integrate advanced technologies like AI, geospatial technology, and Digital Public Infrastructure to address farmers' real needs.
• The BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal is designed to provide small enterprises with better access to knowledge, finance, and new markets.
• The BRICS Urban Mobility Hub will serve as a platform for member cities to share best practices and innovative solutions in urban transport.
• BRICS currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.

Key Concepts Involved:

• BRICS: An international organization comprising eleven major emerging economies and developing countries, serving as a platform for consultation and cooperation on global issues.
• Critical Minerals: Minerals essential for national security, economic development, and advanced technologies, which are vulnerable to supply disruptions.
• Global South: A broad group of developing and emerging countries, primarily located in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, sharing common concerns related to development, inequality, and historical experiences.
• Weaponisation of Technology: The use of technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence or cyber tools, for malicious purposes, coercion, or as instruments of warfare.