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At Least 11 Dead After Passenger Train Collides With Cargo Train in Central India’s Bilaspur

Diplomat Times
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At Least 11 Dead After Passenger Train Collides With Cargo Train in Central India’s Bilaspur

Bilaspur, India — A passenger train collided with a stationary cargo train in central India late Tuesday, killing at least 11 people and injuring around 20 others, officials said.

The accident occurred near Bilaspur, about 115 kilometers (70 miles) northeast of Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh state. According to senior government official Sanjay Agarwal, the passenger train struck the rear of the goods train at high speed. One of the passenger coaches was thrust upward and came to rest atop a freight wagon.

RELATED NEWS : One Dead, Dozens Hospitalized After Toxic Gas Leak at Gujarat Fluorochemical Factory

Rescue teams worked through the night, cutting through mangled metal to reach trapped passengers. “After hours of effort, we brought the coach down and recovered three more bodies,” Agarwal told the Associated Press. The rescue operation concluded early Wednesday, and train movement on the affected line has since resumed.

Among the dead was the passenger train’s loco pilot (engine driver), while his co-pilot, a woman, was critically injured and admitted to a private hospital. The remaining victims included passengers in the front coaches, which bore the brunt of the impact.

Around 20 passengers were taken to local hospitals in Bilaspur and Raipur for treatment, officials said.

Indian Railways, the national operator, said an investigation had been launched to determine the cause of the collision. It also announced compensation for the families of those killed and injured. Preliminary reports suggest the passenger train may have ignored a signal or there was a communication failure on the line.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed condolences to the victims’ families, saying the state government would assist with relief efforts.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic train accident in Bilaspur. My prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” Sai said in a post on X.

Train collisions and derailments remain a persistent challenge for India’s vast rail network — one of the world’s largest, carrying over 12 million passengers daily across 64,000 kilometers (40,000 miles) of track. Despite modernization efforts and investments in automated signaling, safety lapses and aging infrastructure continue to cause accidents.

In June 2023, a three-train collision in the eastern state of Odisha killed more than 280 people, marking one of India’s worst railway disasters in decades.

Tuesday’s crash once again highlights the urgent need for upgrades in India’s rail safety systems and stricter monitoring of operational protocols to prevent such tragedies.

SOURCE : AP NEWS & DT |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

New York City voters head to the polls as Andrew Cuomo seeks a political comeback in a fiercely contested mayoral race against Zohran Mamdani

Diplomat Times
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New York City voters head to the polls as Andrew Cuomo seeks a political comeback in a fiercely contested mayoral race against Zohran Mamdani

Andrew Cuomo Seeks Redemption as New York City Votes in High-Stakes Mayoral Election

New York, US — New Yorkers headed to the polls Tuesday to decide one of the most closely watched and divisive mayoral contests in decades — a race that could redefine the political direction of America’s largest city and mark a dramatic comeback for former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Cuomo, running as an independent, is attempting to reclaim political relevance four years after resigning as New York’s governor amid sexual harassment allegations that forced him from office. Once one of the most powerful Democrats in the country, he now faces Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old progressive state lawmaker, and Republican Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels crime patrol.

If Cuomo wins, it will represent one of the most remarkable political revivals in recent American history — transforming him from a scandal-scarred ex-governor into the mayor of the nation’s most influential city. The former governor has centered his campaign on “restoring competence and safety” to New York City, arguing that rising crime, unaffordable housing, and ideological extremism have left the city “adrift.”

Cuomo has positioned himself as the candidate of moderation, attempting to unite disillusioned Democrats, independents, and Republicans who see him as a pragmatic alternative to Mamdani’s democratic socialist platform. He has received the backing of former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who contributed $1.5 million to a super PAC supporting Cuomo, as well as outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, whose late endorsement could help solidify support among Black voters and centrists.

On the eve of the election, former President Donald Trump added unexpected fuel to the race, urging conservative voters to back Cuomo over Mamdani, warning that a Mamdani victory would bring “disaster” to New York City.

Mamdani, who defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary earlier this year, has energized progressives with calls to raise taxes on the wealthy, make public buses free, and expand universal child care. His critics, however, have pointed to his vocal opposition to the NYPD’s tactics and his denunciation of Israel’s military actions in Gaza as “genocidal,” fueling concerns among moderates and Jewish leaders.

For Cuomo, the election represents a battle not just for City Hall but for personal redemption. His campaign has framed him as a steady hand capable of leading New York through economic and social turbulence — a contrast to what he calls Mamdani’s “risky experiment in ideology.”

As New Yorkers cast their ballots, the outcome will determine more than just who governs the city — it will signal whether voters are ready to embrace a bold new progressive vision under Mamdani or restore a familiar, battle-tested figure in Cuomo.

Polls close at 9 p.m. local time, with early voting showing strong turnout across Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. Whatever the result, Tuesday’s vote marks a defining moment for both Andrew Cuomo’s political legacy and the future of New York City itself.

SOURCE : AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Typhoon Kalmaegi Leaves at Least 26 Dead in the Philippines; Floods Trap Residents on Roofs and in Cars

Diplomat Times
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Typhoon Kalmaegi Leaves at Least 26 Dead in the Philippines; Floods Trap Residents on Roofs and in Cars

Manila, Philippines — Typhoon Kalmaegi has claimed at least 26 lives across the Philippines after torrential rains and fierce winds triggered widespread flooding and destruction as the powerful storm swept across the central region on Tuesday, authorities said.

Floodwaters submerged communities, trapped residents on rooftops, and left cars floating in the streets. Emergency officials said many of the deaths occurred in Cebu and other central provinces hit hardest by the storm, which brought sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour (81 mph) and gusts of up to 180 kph (112 mph).

In a separate tragedy, six Philippine Air Force personnel were killed when a Super Huey helicopter crashed in Agusan del Sur province while delivering humanitarian aid to typhoon-affected areas. The military confirmed that all bodies were recovered from the crash site near Loreto town.

Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, deputy administrator of the Office of Civil Defense, said officials were still verifying the details of the storm-related fatalities. Among the dead were an elderly man who drowned in floodwaters in Southern Leyte and a resident of Bohol province who died after being struck by a fallen tree.

In Cebu province, one of the hardest-hit regions, Philippine Red Cross Secretary-General Gwendolyn Pang said rescuers were overwhelmed by distress calls from residents stranded by the floods. “We have received so many calls from people asking us to rescue them from roofs and from their houses, but it’s impossible,” Pang told the Associated Press. “There are so many debris — you see cars floating — so we have to wait for the flood to subside.”

The storm hit as Cebu was still recovering from a 6.9 magnitude earthquake on September 30 that killed at least 79 people and displaced thousands.

In Eastern Samar, where Kalmaegi made landfall around midnight, strong winds tore the roofs off roughly 300 homes in the island community of Homonhon, part of Guiuan town — the same area devastated by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. Guiuan Mayor Annaliza Gonzales Kwan said there were no deaths or injuries reported this time, though many houses were damaged. “We’re OK. We’ll make it through,” Kwan said. “We’ve been through worse.”

Before the storm struck, authorities had evacuated more than 387,000 people from low-lying and coastal areas in anticipation of torrential rains, storm surges up to three meters (nearly 10 feet), and destructive winds.

Maritime authorities suspended inter-island ferry operations, stranding over 3,500 passengers and truck drivers in nearly 100 seaports, while at least 186 domestic flights were canceled nationwide due to severe weather.

As of late Tuesday, Kalmaegi was moving westward toward the South China Sea after sweeping across the Visayas and Palawan regions.

The Philippines, located along the Pacific typhoon belt, experiences about 20 storms and typhoons each year, in addition to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions — making it one of the most disaster-prone nations in the world.

SOURCE : AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Starbucks sells 60% stake in China business in $4 billion deal

Diplomat Times
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Starbucks sells 60% stake in China business in $4 billion deal

Washington, US – Starbucks said Monday it is forming a joint venture with Chinese investment firm Boyu Capital to operate Starbucks stores in China.

Under the agreement, Boyu will acquire a 60% interest in Starbucks’ retail operations in China, which is valued at $4 billion. Starbucks will retain a 40% interest in the joint venture and will own and license the Starbucks brand.

Starbucks said its business in China will have a total value of more than $13 billion, including the proceeds from the sale of the controlling interest to Boyu, the value of its 40% stake and the value of its royalties.

Starbucks entered China almost 30 years ago, and has been credited with growing coffee culture in the country. China is Starbucks’ second-largest market outside the U.S., with 8,000 locations.

But in recent years, the Seattle coffee giant has struggled in China with cheap, fast-growing Chinese startups like Luckin Coffee. Starbucks’ same-store sales in China have fallen in both of its last two fiscal years.

As a result, Starbucks has been looking for a partner to help it grow its business in China, particularly in smaller cities. In July, Starbucks Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol said the company was evaluating around 20 offers for a stake in the company.

Niccol said Monday that Boyu shares Starbucks’ commitment to providing a great experience for both customers and employees. It will also help Starbucks achieve its goal of growing to 20,000 stores in China over time, Niccol said.

“Boyu’s deep local knowledge and expertise will help accelerate our growth in China, especially as we expand into smaller cities and new regions,” Niccol said in a statement.

Boyu Capital Partner Alex Wong said Starbucks has built a deep connection with Chinese consumers over nearly three decades.

“This partnership reflects our shared belief in the enduring strength of that brand and the opportunity to bring even greater innovation and local relevance to customers across China,” Wong said in a statement.

“Boyu’s deep local knowledge and expertise will help accelerate our growth in China, especially as we expand into smaller cities and new regions,” Niccol said in a statement.

Boyu Capital Partner Alex Wong said Starbucks has built a deep connection with Chinese consumers over nearly three decades.

“This partnership reflects our shared belief in the enduring strength of that brand and the opportunity to bring even greater innovation and local relevance to customers across China,” Wong said in a statement.

SOURCE : AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

India Clinch Historic First ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Title; President Murmu and PM Modi Extend Congratulations

Samuel Bunny
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India Clinch Historic First ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Title; President Murmu and PM Modi Extend Congratulations

Navi Mumbai, India – In a night of unforgettable cricketing glory, the Indian women’s cricket team scripted history by defeating South Africa by 52 runs to lift their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title. The electrifying final at Navi Mumbai saw India’s all-round brilliance shine through, led by Deepti Sharma and Shafali Verma, who delivered match-winning performances with both bat and ball.

After being put in to bat, India posted a formidable 298 for 7, thanks to a composed 87-run knock by Shafali Verma. South Africa began their chase strongly, but Deepti Sharma turned the game on its head with a devastating spell. Her breakthrough dismissal of Annerie Dercksen triggered a collapse that saw the Proteas tumble from 209/5 to 246 all out. Deepti’s magical figures of 5 for 39 in 9.3 overs sealed India’s triumph and sent the Wankhede crowd into a frenzy.

Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match for her all-round brilliance, while Deepti Sharma earned the Player of the Tournament award for her consistent dominance throughout the competition.

The champions took home a record ₹37.3 crore prize purse, marking a 239% increase from the previous edition — a testament to the meteoric rise of women’s cricket in India.

President Droupadi Murmu hailed the victory as a “watershed moment” that would inspire generations of women athletes. “The girls have made India proud with their determination and excellence,” she said in a post.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the win as “spectacular and inspirational,” adding that the team’s performance reflected “remarkable skill, confidence, and teamwork throughout the tournament.”

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla praised the team for “winning the hearts of the entire nation,” while Union Home Minister Amit Shah called it a “crowning moment for India,” saying the team had “elevated the nation’s pride to the skies.”

This victory not only cements India’s place in cricketing history but also marks a transformative chapter for women’s sports — one that promises to inspire millions across the country and beyond.

SOURCE : ICC |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

March of Pride in Argentina raises its voice against hate speech and violence

Diplomat Times
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March of Pride in Argentina raises its voice against hate speech and violence

Buenos Aires, Argentina – Tens of thousands of people participated in the 34th Pride March in Buenos Aires amid strong calls for attention to the growing hate speech and violence suffered by the LGBT+ community in Argentina.

The event began Saturday morning with a festive atmosphere and colorful displays at the Pride Fair, as well as live shows in the Plaza de Mayo in front of the Casa Rosada, the seat of the Argentine government.

In the mid-afternoon, the march began towards Plaza de los Dos Congresos, where a stage was set up at the entrance of the Argentine Parliament, with concerts that lasted until nightfall.

“Against hatred and violence: more pride and unity” was chosen as the main slogan for this year’s march by the organizing committee, which consists of over 60 non-governmental, trade union, and political organizations.

The committee’s list of demands is extensive and includes ending the stigmatization of trans children and adolescents, reopening gender and diversity spaces and programs, and increasing public funds for health and education.

“This generates a lot of emotion and happiness for me. It’s the second time I’ve come, and it’s wonderful. It’s where I can be myself and fight for our rights,” said Daira Rebeca Maldonado, an 18-year-old nurse, in an interview with EFE.

Slogans at the march condemned the criminalization of protests in Argentina and requested a general strike against the government of Argentinian President Javier Milei’s adjustment policy.

María Rachid, leader of the Argentine LGBT+ Federation (FALGBT in Spanish) and member of the organizing committee of the march, explained to EFE that this year’s central slogan “is a response to the discrimination, violence, and hate crimes that have increased as a result of the Milei government’s legitimization of hate speech.”

“Hate speech is increasing and becoming real violence. In the first half of the year, violence in Argentina increased by 70%. Hate speech erodes democratic processes, and we must put a stop to it,” said Matías Cooke of the Zona Igualdad organization.

According to the LGBT+ Hate Crimes Observatory’s latest report, 102 crimes occurred in the first half of 2025 (70% more than in the first half of 2024), in which the sexual orientation, identity, or gender expression of the victims was used as a pretext for discrimination and violence.

Of the 102 cases, 17 were murders, deaths by structural violence, and suicides; the remaining 85 corresponded to injuries to physical integrity.

“Nowadays, when you go out into the street, you don’t know if you’re going to live or die. As a young transgender person, I have unfortunately experienced many things that have led me to consider suicide or made me feel uncomfortable in both public and private places,” said Maldonado.

It is the second Pride March since Milei took office in late 2023. In 2024, the demands focused on Milei’s austerity and state downsizing policies, which included shuttering the National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Racism (INADI in Spanish) and slashing public policies related to diversity.

“I’ve noticed that people in our community have retreated to their homes because society discriminates against us more than before. We must stress the importance of not transmitting hatred, regardless of political ideologies,” said Sasha Gestoso, a first-time participant in the Pride March, held in Buenos Aires since 1992. 

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Keiko Fujimori announces fourth bid for presidency of Peru

Diplomat Times
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Keiko Fujimori announces fourth bid for presidency of Peru

Trujillo, Peru – Keiko Fujimori, daughter of Peru’s former leader Alberto Fujimori, announced on Friday she will run for president for the fourth time after a court dropped a money-laundering case against her.

She announced her 2026 presidential bid at a rally in the northern city of Trujillo, one of the areas most affected by the rise of organized crime, just one week after the Constitutional Court dismissed the case against her over irregular financing of her previous electoral campaigns.

She came runner-up in the last three elections in 2011, 2016, and 2021.

“Today, here, surrounded by the Fujimori family, and accompanied from afar by Peruvians watching us on social media, I want to announce my decision to be a candidate for president of the Republic for Fuerza Popular,” said Fujimori amid applause.

The leader of the Fuerza Popular clarified that Fujimori will only be a candidate for president and will not head her party’s Senate list because she does not want “a consolation prize” and because she neither wants nor needs immunity, referring to the so-called ‘Cocktail Case,’ for which she has been under investigation for nearly 10 years.

The candidate, whose nomination is still pending confirmation in the party’s internal elections and official registration with the electoral authorities, announced that former congressmen Luis Galarreta and Miguel Torres, two men she trusts implicitly, will be her running mates for first and second vice president, respectively.

“They have extensive political experience, they know all about public administration, and they have always been able to foster dialogue and consensus,” Fujimori said.

She claimed that the country already combated terrorism under the leadership of her father, who died in September 2014, and that with determination, they will overcome the violence that is particularly affecting Lima and Trujillo.

“Don’t be afraid, we must continue to dream. I believe we have the capacity to confront this violence, or rather, urban terrorism. But this urban terrorism cannot be confronted with speeches, pretty words, or by acting from behind desks. This damned violence must be faced in the streets, with the armed forces and with intelligence,” she stated. “Fujimorism will bring the authority that all Peruvians need.”

So far, the ultraconservative former mayor of Lima, Rafael López Aliaga, has announced his candidacy for Renovación Popular, as has businessman and former governor César Acuña, for the right-wing Alianza Para el Progreso. 

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Jemimah Rodrigues Scripts Golden Chapter in Indian Cricket, Lifts India into World Cup Final with Magical Century

Diplomat Times
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Jemimah Rodrigues Scripts Golden Chapter in Indian Cricket, Lifts India into World Cup Final with Magical Century

Navi Mumbai, India — In a night that felt destined for greatness, Jemimah Rodrigues rose to the occasion like a true national hero, producing a once-in-a-generation knock to carry India into the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final.

Playing on her home turf and under immense pressure, Rodrigues delivered a masterclass in grit, elegance, and fearless strokeplay, smashing an unbeaten 127 off 134 balls to guide India to a record-breaking five-wicket win over Australia — the most dominant team in women’s cricket history.

It was not just a match-winning innings.
It was a statement to the world.
A declaration that India’s new cricketing superstar has arrived.

Rodrigues remained ice-calm as she carved out 14 boundaries, anchoring the steep chase of 339 — the highest successful chase ever in a Cricket World Cup knockout, men’s or women’s. Her focus never wavered, even when the scoreboard pressure grew and Australia, unbeaten since 2022, threw every tactic at her.

When she reached her century, there was no wild celebration. No fist-pump. No theatrics.
Just a quiet nod.
She wasn’t chasing numbers — she was chasing history.

“This wasn’t about my hundred,” Rodrigues said after being named Player of the Match. “It was about India getting to the final. These last four months were tough not being in the setup. I didn’t even know I’d bat at No. 3 today. But I was ready. This still feels unreal.”

Partnering with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (89 off 88), Rodrigues built a towering 167-run stand that turned a daunting chase into a dream. And while wickets occasionally fell at the other end, her poise and determination never faltered.

Australia’s centuries from Phoebe Litchfield and powerful hitting from Ashleigh Gardner weren’t enough to stop the Rodrigues-powered Indian surge. Their 16-match unbeaten streak in World Cups shattered, along with their aura of invincibility.

With this innings, Rodrigues joined elite territory — one of only two players ever to score a hundred in a Women’s World Cup knockout, and arguably India’s most clutch World Cup knock since Harmanpreet’s 171* in 2017.

Now, India marches into a historic home final — and the nation has a new heartbeat in blue.

The World Cup dream continues.
And its brightest star right now is named Jemimah Rodrigues.

SOURCE : ICC |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

US says it killed 61, sank 15 boats in alleged Caribbean, Pacific drug strikes

Diplomat Times
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US says it killed 61, sank 15 boats in alleged Caribbean, Pacific drug strikes

Washington, D.C. — The United States military has confirmed it sunk 15 boats and killed 61 people in a series of 12 attacks across the Caribbean and Pacific, signaling a major escalation in Washington’s campaign against Latin American drug trafficking.

The Trump administration has defended the strikes as part of its “war on drugs,” framing the operations as a “direct armed conflict” against cartels designated as terrorist organizations.

The campaign began in August, when U.S. warships were deployed to the Caribbean, initially focusing on Venezuela, but has since expanded to include Colombian coastal waters in the Pacific.

Both Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, whom former President Donald Trump accuses of ties to drug cartels, have denounced the U.S. actions as “murders” and “extrajudicial executions.”

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have questioned the legality of the operations, warning that such military strikes in international waters may violate international law.

📅 Timeline of U.S. Strikes

  • Sept. 2: First strike sinks a Venezuelan vessel; 11 killed.
  • Sept. 15: Second strike kills 3 Venezuelans.
  • Sept. 19: Third strike kills 3 near the Dominican Republic.
  • Oct. 3: Fourth attack in Caribbean waters kills 4.
  • Oct. 14: Fifth attack near Venezuela kills 6.
  • Oct. 16: Submarine targeted; 2 killed, 2 survivors repatriated.
  • Oct. 17: Strike on ELN-linked vessel kills 3.
  • Oct. 21: First Pacific strike near Colombia kills 2.
  • Oct. 22: Ninth attack near Colombia kills 3.
  • Oct. 24: Tenth strike in Caribbean kills 6.
  • Oct. 28: Deadliest operation—4 boats hit, 14 killed.
  • Oct. 29: Latest strike kills 4 in Pacific waters.

The operations, described by Pentagon officials as “ongoing and expanding,” have drawn sharp diplomatic backlash across Latin America and ignited debate over U.S. military engagement beyond its borders.

📍 This marks one of Washington’s most aggressive anti-narcotics offensives in decades, reshaping U.S. foreign policy dynamics in the Western Hemisphere.

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

BRICS Literature Award 2025 Shortlist Announced: Brazil’s Ana Maria Gonçalves Among Global Finalists

Shasi Kumar
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BRICS Literature Award 2025 Shortlist Announced: Brazil’s Ana Maria Gonçalves Among Global Finalists

JAKARTA, INDONESIA — BRICS Literature Award 2025 Shortlist Announced: Brazil’s Ana Maria Gonçalves Among Global Finalists— The BRICS Literature Award 2025 shortlist was officially unveiled in a grand event at the H.B. Jassin Literary Documentation Center in Jakarta, marking a major milestone in cultural cooperation among BRICS nations.

The announcement ceremony featured prominent figures including Dr. Ganjar Harimansyah (Secretary of Indonesia’s Agency for Language Development and Cultivation), Muhammad Shadiq Pasadique (Member of Indonesia’s House of Representatives), Nikita Shilikov (Director of the Russian House in Indonesia), and Vadim Teryokhin (Russian poet and Co-Chairman of the BRICS Literature Network). Doha Mustafa Assi, Egyptian writer and Member of Parliament, joined the event virtually.

Opening the ceremony, Sastri Bakry, National Coordinator of the BRICS Literature Network in Indonesia, said:

“This award not only recognizes outstanding literary works from BRICS nations but also strengthens cultural exchange and understanding. For Indonesia, it’s a bridge connecting our literary heritage to the global stage.”

🏆 About the Award

The BRICS Literature Award was founded in November 2024 during the first BRICS “Traditional Values” Forum in Moscow. The prize honors contemporary authors whose works reflect the cultural and spiritual values of BRICS nations, promoting translation, publishing, and literary dialogue across member countries.

The award process spans three stages:

  • Longlist — announced in Brasília
  • Shortlist — unveiled in Jakarta
  • Winner — to be announced on November 27, 2025, in Khabarovsk, Russia

✒️ 2025 Shortlist — 10 Authors Representing BRICS & Partner Nations

  • Brazil: Ana Maria Gonçalves
  • Russia: Alexey Varlamov
  • India: Sonu Saini
  • China: Ma Boyong
  • South Africa: Nthabiseng JahRose Jafta
  • United Arab Emirates: Reem Al Kamali
  • Ethiopia: Abere Adamu
  • Iran: Mansour Alimoradi
  • Indonesia: Denny JA
  • Egypt: Salwa Bakr

Announcing the list, Vadim Teryokhin emphasized the award’s global literary impact:

“The BRICS Award allows writers to understand their place in world literature and share their nations’ unique stories. It builds bridges of empathy and mutual understanding between our peoples.”

Teryokhin also called for stronger translation and publication networks, urging BRICS countries to hold joint festivals, seminars, and youth literary programs to strengthen cultural bonds.

🌍 Denny JA: “BRICS Literature Offers a New Compass for the World”

Representing Indonesia, acclaimed writer Denny JA described the award as an emerging global literary force on par with the Nobel Prize in Literature:

“The BRICS Literature Award is not here to dethrone the Nobel, but to complement it. It offers a new compass for world literature — more diverse, humane, and just.”

He hailed BRICS+ nations as the “spiritual heart of the Global South”, uniting half of the world’s population and giving voice to those long unheard:

“BRICS literature speaks for the colonized, the migrant, the indigenous, the woman at the margins. The South is not a subject to be studied — it is a chorus to be heard.”

In a stirring conclusion, Denny JA highlighted literature as the “gentlest form of diplomacy”:

“If the G7 speaks through policy, BRICS can speak through poetry. Literature is not propaganda — it is revelation. It reminds us that imagination, too, is a form of justice. When empires fall, what remains are stories — and through them, we remember who we are and who we dare to become.”

📖 The BRICS Literature Award continues to grow as a platform for cultural unity and literary diplomacy — celebrating voices from across the Global South and beyond.

SOURCE : BRICS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

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