ELECTION FAIRNESS BRAZIL
Meta tells Brazil's electoral court it treats Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro equally ahead of Sunday vote
Meta has taken steps to comply with a court order for equal treatment of presidential candidates in Brazil. The electoral court directed the company to ensure balanced platform coverage before the upcoming runoff election. This follows allegations from President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's campaign regarding biased algorithms favoring his opponent, Flavio Bolsonaro. Meta has implemented measures to uphold electoral advertisement regulations amidst growing tensions.
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.
Venezuela president returns from US visit with no deals, no firm election date
Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's interim President, attended the UN General Assembly in search of business deals. Her visit aimed to showcase Venezuela's potential for financial recovery after US sanctions were imposed. Despite high visibility, no concrete agreements were reached, illustrating deep US influence over her administration. Opposition parties are pressing for election timelines, emphasizing the need for political change. Rodriguez's meeting with US officials included discussions on restructuring Venezuela's sovereign debt.
BRICS adopts New Delhi Declaration: Inside the 140-point document on Global South's ambitions
BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration at the 18th summit, reaffirming their commitment to cooperation, multilateralism and a more representative global order. The document outlines India's 2026 chairship priorities, recognises partner countries' contributions and calls for greater participation of Emerging Markets, Developing Countries and Least Developed Countries in global governance.
'UNSC reform can no longer be delayed': UN backs PM Modi's UNSC reform push, credits India's BRICS Presidency
The UN spokesperson supports Prime Minister Modi's call for Security Council reform. He stated the current structure does not reflect 21st-century global realities. BRICS nations seek a more representative and equitable international system. They advocate for greater participation of developing countries in global governance. The group also supports reforming international financial institutions and the WTO.
Sugar prices are rising on tight supply and strong demand: Which sugar stocks could benefit most?
India is currently experiencing a sugar shortage, caused by shorter production yields and increased consumer demand. While government initiatives are in place to stabilise prices, they may not adequately address the root supply problems. Additionally, global conditions, such as Brazil prioritizing ethanol production, keep international sugar costs high. Experts foresee a sustained tight market in the coming seasons, leading to greater profitability for sugar firms.
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Brazil’s Lula says Trump would be in prison if Jan 6 Capitol attack happened there
Brazil’s President Lula criticized Donald Trump for attacking Brazil’s judiciary. He said Trump would face trial in Brazil if events like the January 6 Capitol attack happened there. Lula defended the country’s courts, rejected US criticism on human rights, and urged Brazilians not to fear pressure from Trump, as tensions rise between the two countries over Bolsonaro’s trial and US tariffs.

‘Donald Trump’s tariff threats are causing huge trade uncertainty now — ‘beggar-thy-neighbour’ steps benefit none, including the US’
Maurice Obstfeld explains how Trump's tariffs impact the US economy, including increased costs for imports and potential strength for the dollar. He highlights the uncertainty affecting global supply chains and trade agreements, as well as potential pressures on BRICS and Bretton Woods institutions.

From Russia with excessive love
Winning a landslide victory, like Vladimir Putin's recent election win, has its pros and cons. While it showcases strong support, it also raises suspicions of manipulation or coercion. Putin's popularity, often attributed to his strong image and defense of Russia, is viewed differently outside Russia. Similar skepticism arose when Argentina won the 1977 World Cup under a military dictatorship. Despite Putin's overwhelming support, it's crucial to consider the context and the nature of the electorate's support.

Ex-CECs applaud SC verdict on appointment of ECs, CECs; says it will create transparency and enhance EC impartiality
The appointment of CEC and ECs has been dealt with by the law panel and administrative reforms panel too. The Law Commission in its 255th report in 2015 recommended a three-member selection panel. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission of Veerappa Moily had in 2007 suggested a collegium headed by the PM, with Lok Sabha Speaker, Deputy Chairperson of Rajya Sabha, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and law minister as members to decide on appointments.

Brazil misses out on World-Cup betting. What’s India’s wager?
Eventually, India will also figure out that resistance is counterproductive. It’s ridiculous to give up revenue from cricket, the national craze, to mafia-dominated illegal betting. A well-regulated domestic gambling industry, which will most likely be virtual, will allow the country to offer more innovative solutions to the world.

And here's another (sore) challenger
In some growing circles, challenging a result - obviously if one doesn't win - is becoming a trend, without which you may be liable of being considered a 'double loser'. To be (slightly) fair to him, Bolsonaro was bolstered to challenge the verdict because Lula's win was slender - him winning 50.8% of the votes while the outgoing president winning 49.2%. And a slim victory/loss allows magical doubt to creep in.

Lula wins Brazil election in political resurrection for leftist
Tens of thousands of jubilant supporters took to the streets of Sao Paulo to celebrate a stunning comeback for the 77-year-old former metalworker who, following his previous two-term 2003-2010 presidency, served prison time for corruption convictions that were later annulled.

Lula da Silva defeats Jair Bolsonaro to again become Brazil's president
With more than 99 per cent of the votes tallied in the runoff vote, da Silva had 50.9 per cent and Bolsonaro 49.1 per cent, and the election authority said da Silva's victory was a mathematical certainty.

Facebook, Google to bring rules on poll ads to stop ‘foreign intervention’
Google said it rolled out new norms from February 14, while Facebook said its new policy will be in place from February 21.

India wins elections to key UN subsidiary bodies
India has won an election to a crucial non-governmental organisation committee in the UN after garnering the highest number of votes .

India's ICJ nominee gets overwhelming backing in UNGA but not in UNSC
The battle between Bhandari and Britain's Christopher Greenwood for the ICJ seat remained deadlocked yesterday as neither could get the requisite numbers of votes in the latest face-off.

Why India needs fearless leaders at the helm of its institutions
India awaits an institutional structure that is strong and free from corruption. For that, we need leaders who are fearless and totally committed to their jobs.

Pakistan slams India's demand for UNSC permanent membership expansion
Pakistan's envoy to the UN Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi said the objective of the Council's expansion should be to respond to the concerns and "aspirations of all, not just a few."

Operating margins will start improving from Q4FY15: Vimal Kejriwal, KEC International
"We have strong tender line aand from the next quarter itself, that is the current Q4, we will start seeing the operating margins improving."

Expect US Fed to maintain status quo in its meet: Sanjay Mathur, RBS Singapore
"They would continue to finish the tapering programme. There would be re-statement of the fact that labour resources remain under-utilised at this point in time."
Australia, India to co-lead observers team to monitor Fiji polls
Four A-P nations, including India and Australia, will co-lead a monitoring group that will oversee Fiji's first general election since 2006.

Brazil World Cup: Sore over corruption and crime, citizens look forward warily to event
There are signs that the city isn’t entirely ready for the football bonanza, from unfinished paint jobs to incomplete renovation of Rio’s Antonio Carlos Jobim airport.

Commercial property witness uptick in demand, rental to go up
Office and retail segments, rents across commercial real estate are expected to witness a hike over the coming quarters on account improving economic environment.

Politics matters more to investors now as bourses embrace newcomers
The big change is in politics, as markets look to new leaders to repair the financial fault lines. Overall, stock markets in the emerging world are flat this year,

FII inflows may see a pullback before election results: Dr SK Ghosh, SBI
After the 35 billion foreign exchange inflows, we are in a much better position and that is now being reflected in the rupee fundamentals.

Volatility in EMs has more to do with China than Fed tapering: John-Paul Smith, Deutsche Bank
"We are slightly ambivalent on India, wherein the election outcome will be a critical factor in deciding where the market goes hereon," says John-Paul Smith.

Conditional Cash Transfer brings votes to ruling party
Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) and targeted benefit schemes, have a direct effect on influencing voting behaviour towards the incumbent government.
Current rally led by FII buying in HUL, ITC, TCS, Infosys: Nipun Mehta
FIIs are pumping in money in anticipation of positive developments from the policy front, says Nipun Mehta.
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