BRAZIL CONGRESS
Lula wins a historic fourth term, but Bolsonaro's refusal to concede clouds Brazil's political future
Senator Flavio Bolsonaro has questioned the legitimacy of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's election results following the recent elections. Despite trailing by over 4 million votes, Bolsonaro plans to challenge the results, which is unlikely to succeed. Lula's victory defies both polling predictions and global sentiments against incumbents in Latin America. However, Lula faces numerous challenges with a Congress that includes many Bolsonaro supporters.
Brazil presidential election results: Five economic challenges facing re-elected President Lula
Brazil's economy is encountering significant challenges as President Lula starts his fourth term in January. Soaring public debt and rising mandatory spending limit budget flexibility, complicating fiscal management. High interest rates and persistent inflation hinder economic growth, impacting household and business debt levels. Lula's ability to implement reforms may be constrained by a conservative Congress, complicating his agenda.
Global Market Today: Asian shares slip as AI jitters deepen ahead of big tech earnings
MSCI Inc.’s Asia Pacific equities gauge fell 0.2% ahead of this season’s busiest earnings week in Asia. US equity-index futures erased earlier gains and traded little changed.
Brazil's Lula opens state toolbox to woo voters in runoff against Bolsonaro. Here's what is on offer
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is campaigning against Flavio Bolsonaro in Brazil's upcoming presidential runoff election. Lula is proposing various populist promises aimed at securing voter support and winning the election. These promises include reducing the workweek and expanding welfare benefits through Bolsa Familia. Additionally, Lula's plans involve debt relief for low-income Brazilians and measures to reduce transportation costs.
Brazil elections: Lula, Bolsonaro face off in first debate ahead of Presidential runoff
Brazil's presidential election runoff includes a crucial debate between President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro. Lula's campaign has shifted, engaging younger influencers for improved social media strategies to connect with voters. Bolsonaro has criticized Lula's promises, accusing him of deceiving people for electoral gain. Recent polls show a tightening race, and both candidates are ramping up their efforts.
Think Tank flags security concerns over Starlink, advocates protectionist approach by India
Elon Musk's Starlink is under debate in India regarding its potential geopolitical influence and technological implications. The Kutniti Foundation's report warns that Starlink could undermine India's technological sovereignty and harm its New Space industry. Starlink is said to bypass local regulations to establish unregulated connections with users. India's Ministry of Communications has denied claims about blocking Starlink's licenses due to vested interests.
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2026 Midterm Campaigns: Why some Democratic candidates are keeping Kamala Harris and AOC at a distance while turning to Pete Buttigieg
As Democrats strategize for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, they are carefully selecting national figures. Candidates in competitive districts are weighing the advantages and risks of high-profile endorsements. Prominent figures like Kamala Harris, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Pete Buttigieg are being considered differently across various campaigns. Some local candidates prefer to focus on community issues over national figures.
Fuel, fertiliser costs strain American farmers' support for Republicans in midterms
Farmers in the Midwest United States face surging diesel and fertiliser costs which are outpacing their incomes. The sector has seen diesel prices climb by 67 percent while fertiliser prices, at times, have seen steep price jumps. This comes amid trade along the Strait of Hormuz being disrupted by the US' conflict with Iran. Trade wars with China and Canada has also worsened the US agricultural market, raising doubts over their continued support for the Republican Party.
Why wait for Starlink when the rural internet gap is India’s to fix
Starlink has not obtained a license in India yet continues to push for service expansion. The reported costs for Starlink services are significantly higher than existing internet options for Indian consumers. Concerns arise regarding the potential misuse of Starlink equipment by insurgents in regions of conflict. Additionally, control over user data remains a contentious issue, with calls for stronger local regulation.
Brazil election: Bolsonaro’s son Flavio surges as father’s political comeback gathers pace
Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, remains under house arrest while his family gains political power. His son Flavio Bolsonaro won a surprising victory in the presidential election's first round. The right-wing Liberal Party saw significant success, indicating growing public support despite Jair's legal challenges. The new Congress will prioritize potential amnesty for Jair Bolsonaro in the upcoming session.
Trump confuses India with Brazil amid election, calls US voting ‘corrupt’
Donald Trump mistakenly stated that 125 million people voted in an Indian presidential election on social media. He compared this with the US election process, claiming results take longer to calculate. Trump’s comments actually referred to Brazil's presidential election that occurred recently. India does not have a presidential election system resembling that of Brazil. The confusion arose from a mix-up between the two countries' electoral processes.
Brazil elections: Flavio Bolsonaro leads Lula in first round as family wins 4 Congress seats
Flavio Bolsonaro secured 47 percent of votes against incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's 45 percent. Several members of the Bolsonaro family won Congressional seats, indicating strong political support. Michelle Bolsonaro received the highest votes among senatorial candidates in Brasilia and may pursue a presidential bid in 2030. Flavio's election would require support from his family members in Congress to fulfill campaign promises.
India go down 4-0 to Brazil, but Gurpreet hails ‘great experience’ for Blue Tigers
India football captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu praised his teammates for their efforts during the friendly match against Brazil. The match took place at the Salt Lake Stadium, where Brazil secured a 4-0 victory. All India Football Federation president Kalyan Chaubey described this fixture as a significant step for Indian football's development. West Bengal Minister Indranil Khan highlighted the successful organization of the match in Kolkata.
As Brazil gears up for elections, US midterms signal a transformative year for global politics and democracy
Brazil is preparing for a closely watched presidential election involving incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and challenger Flavio Bolsonaro. Other countries, including Israel and the US, also have significant elections scheduled soon, which may influence global markets. Investors are particularly attentive to Brazil's fiscal concerns and the potential impacts of these elections.
QR-code ticketing, numbered seats, digital screens: Long-term sports infra upgrade in Kolkata ahead of India-Brazil friendly
Kolkata is gearing up for two major friendly matches against Brazil and Uruguay on October 3 and 6. The state government is implementing strict security arrangements to avoid past mismanagement during sporting events. Indranil Khan emphasized that QR-code based digital ticketing will be used, preventing black marketing. Infrastructure upgrades are being made for a World Cup-like experience for fans attending the games.
House Democrats plan vast oversight of Trump administration. Impeachment is an option
House Democrats are planning significant oversight investigations targeting President Trump and his administration after the elections. They expect to hold them accountable for alleged corruption and abuses of power. Key areas of inquiry will include Trump family business dealings and various civil rights violations.
Skyrocketing diesel prices rattle Republicans as midterms approach
Diesel fuel prices have reached record highs due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and related supply issues. Republican candidates are proposing to end diesel exports to alleviate the burden on consumers. Economists warn that this move could have adverse effects on both domestic prices and the global economy. The impact of rising diesel costs is felt across various sectors, particularly agriculture and retail.
Russian oil uncertainty hangs over India’s largest buyers
Indian state-owned refiners are facing rising crude supply uncertainty as Middle East disruptions coincide with the risk of tougher US restrictions on Russian oil buyers. Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline shutdown has disrupted more than 400,000 barrels a day of supplies to India, although about half the capacity could return within days.
India must not let energy security become a US trade ‘weapon’, warns GTRI
According to a warning from a US think tank, Indian goods could face tariffs as high as 100%. This move may compel India to significantly limit its imports of oil from Russia. The recent US legislation permits tariffs on principal buyers of Russian energy, highlighting India's growing reliance on Russian crude since 2022. The think tank recommends prioritizing energy security over achieving trade advantages.
Ahead of BRICS, Congress recalls 2012 summit where former PM Manmohan Singh proposed development bank
Congress highlighted BRICS' origins and India's 2012 summit hosting. Then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh proposed the BRICS Development Bank idea. This institution later became the New Development Bank headquartered in Shanghai. India has since borrowed approximately ten billion US dollars from the NDB.
Trump plans $4 million for right-wing media in Europe, sources say
The Trump administration plans to allocate at least $25 million to European civil society groups, including $4 million aimed at strengthening right-wing media and journalism. The funding, described by the State Department as supporting free speech and transatlantic ties, has triggered concerns in Europe over potential US interference in domestic politics.
Indian, US fuel exporters reaping bonanza amid oil supply uncertainty due to wars
India and U.S. oil refiners are benefiting from global fuel supply disruptions caused by wars in Iran and Ukraine, boosting refined fuel exports and margins. India is emerging as Asia’s swing supplier as Middle Eastern and Russian supplies tighten, while U.S. refiners expand diesel and jet fuel exports. Strong demand, lower inventories and record diesel margins are reshaping global fuel markets.
Trump claims over 24,000 noncitizens voted illegally in 2020
US President Donald Trump asserts over 24,000 noncitizens voted illegally in the 2020 election. He cites a Census Bureau review and advocates for the SAVE America Act. This proposed legislation mandates physical proof of citizenship for voter registration. It also limits mail-in voting and directs states to remove non-citizens from rolls. Trump compares US election standards to those in India and Brazil.
'Please take Gyanesh Kumar Gupta to America,' says Congress leader Pawan Khera after Trump invokes Indian electoral system
Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized Donald Trump's remarks on India's election system. Trump cited India's voter identification and electronic voting machines for his proposed legislation. Khera sarcastically offered to send India's Chief Election Commissioner and EVMs to the United States. The proposed SAVE America Act aims to ensure only citizens vote in federal elections. This legislation requires voter identification and restricts mail-in ballots for US elections.
Communists in country are total cowards: FM Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman labeled communists as "cowards" in the Rajya Sabha. She accused CPI(M) member John Brittas of spreading confusion regarding UPI payment fees. Brittas alleged US pressure influenced the government's decision on charging UPI fees. Sitharaman stated that communists lack the courage to face facts and listen. The minister asserted her right to reply to all members' concerns.
'Dubious claims': Congress' Jairam Ramesh hits back at Nirmala Sitharaman on taxation bill
Jairam Ramesh countered Nirmala Sitharaman's claims regarding a new taxation bill. He stated government assurances do not replace statutory safeguards for UPI. Ramesh argued that MDR charges would inevitably affect consumers and small businesses. He questioned why RBI's capacity to support UPI without charges is ignored. The bill removes zero-MDR guarantees, raising concerns about foreign platform dominance.
Brazil's Congress overrides Lula's veto of a bill to reduce Bolsonaro's sentence
Brazil's Congress has voted to reduce former President Jair Bolsonaro's prison sentence for plotting a coup. This decision overrides President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's veto. The move weakens Lula's position before the October presidential election. Bolsonaro's sentence reduction could significantly shorten his time in prison. This outcome benefits Bolsonaro and his supporters. The legislation faces a court challenge.
Now that he's back, PM Modi can chair all-party meeting to firm up Parliament session agenda: Congress
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's return from a five-nation tour, the Congress party has urged him to address pressing domestic issues. They suggest he visit Manipur, investigate the unresolved Pahalgam terror case, and assess infrastructure failures in his home state. The party also calls for an all-party meeting to prepare for the upcoming Monsoon session of Parliament, emphasizing the need for GST reform and broader private investment.
As Modi attends BRICS Summit in Brazil, Congress recalls Manmohan Singh’s 2012 proposal for development bank
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the BRICS Summit in Brazil, Congress revisits the group's origins. Jairam Ramesh highlights Yevgeny Primakov's RIC forum idea and Goldman Sachs' BRIC report. The first BRIC summit occurred in 2009, with India hosting in 2012. Manmohan Singh proposed a BRICS Development Bank, now the New Development Bank.
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