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Islamabad, Pakistan – A two‑day meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in New Delhi concluded without a joint statement on the war in Iran, highlighting deep divisions within the bloc as the conflict enters its 77th day.The New Delhi BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting Ends Without Consensus on Iran WarThe gathering, chaired by Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, was the first major ministerial event under India’s 2026 BRICS presidency. Delegates from Iran, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia and the UAE participated, but the outcome document only noted “differing views” among members.Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi pressed for a condemnation of US‑Israeli actions.The UAE’s minister of state for foreign affairs Khalifa bin Shaheen Al Marar demanded condemnation of Iranian strikes.China was represented by ambassador Xu Feihong while its foreign minister was in Beijing.War Duration, Diplomatic Stalemate and Agreement Gaps in NumbersThe conflict began on 28 February with US‑Israeli strikes on Iranian sites. Since then:The war has lasted 77 days.Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a surge in global energy prices.The US imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports on 13 April.BRICS members reached agreement on more than 60 issues (energy, trade, digital infrastructure, climate, multilateral reform) but failed to agree on language condemning either side of the Iran conflict.Implications for BRICS Cohesion and Global South DiplomacyThe deadlock exposes the bloc’s structural fault line: Iran and the UAE are now full members despite being on opposite sides of an active war. Analysts quoted in the article argue that the inability to produce a joint statement signals a broader shift away from bloc politics toward more bilateral, issue‑based diplomacy, a trend that could benefit countries like Pakistan that position themselves as mediators.Future Outlook: Prospects for Consensus Ahead of September SummitWith a BRICS leaders’ summit scheduled for September 2026 in India, the bloc faces pressure to present a united front. The article notes that without a clear consensus on the Iran war, the summit may focus on less contentious areas such as trade and climate cooperation, while the Iran‑UAE dispute could remain unresolved.

Anti‑tobacco advocates have condemned Philip Morris International’s (PMI) new global advertising push, arguing the “I AM Marlboro” campaign is a thinly veiled attempt to lure a younger audience while the company touts its transition to smoke‑free products.Global “I AM Marlboro” Campaign Sparks Accusations of Youth TargetingThe campaign features billboards, television ads and online videos that portray young adults climbing mountains, playing in rock bands and competing for branded merchandise such as scooters. PMI has filed or owns trademarks for the campaign in roughly 20 countries, including Indonesia, Morocco, Bangladesh and Germany.Roadside stands in the Philippines offer competitions to win a scooter for buying Marlboro packs.An Indonesian TV spot shows youthful adventure scenes tied to the brand.Critics note the slogan “I AM Marlboro” mirrors a previous “Be Marlboro” campaign that was banned in Germany for appealing to teenagers.Financial Snapshot: Smoke‑Free Products Now Dominate PMI’s RevenuePMI’s own spokesperson highlighted that in Q1 2026 43 % of net revenues came from smoke‑free products, a stark contrast to “essentially zero” a decade ago. Over the past ten years the company reports having sold 240 billion fewer cigarettes, while shipments of alternatives have risen annually.Implications for Tobacco Regulation and Youth HealthPublic‑health experts argue the campaign’s focus on identity, belonging and self‑expression directly targets adolescents, a demographic most vulnerable to nicotine addiction. The use of platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok amplifies reach among youth, raising concerns for regulators in markets where the ads are most visible, such as Indonesia and the Philippines.Mark Hurley, vice‑president of the Campaign for Tobacco‑Free Kids, called the effort “doubling down” on cigarette promotion.Jorge Alday of Vital Strategies warned that genuine commitment to ending cigarettes would preclude any tobacco advertising.What the Future Holds for PMI’s Smoke‑Free TransitionIf regulatory bodies act on the alleged youth‑targeting tactics, PMI may face bans similar to the earlier “Be Marlboro” prohibition in Germany. The company’s claim that its marketing is “restricted to adults” will likely be scrutinized against the campaign’s visual and narrative cues that resonate with younger audiences. Continued pressure could accelerate PMI’s shift toward a fully smoke‑free portfolio, but only if it aligns its branding strategies with public‑health expectations.

Iran’s Appeal to BRICS Amid Escalating Middle East ConflictAbbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, used the two‑day BRICS+ foreign ministers’ gathering in New Delhi to call on all member states to explicitly condemn what he described as violations of international law by the United States and Israel. He framed Iran as a “victim of illegal expansionism and warmongering” and urged the bloc to resist “Western hegemony”.Diplomatic Push at the Expanded BRICS Foreign Ministers’ MeetingThe meeting, hosted by India’s foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, brought together the traditional BRICS five plus new members – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Key moments included:Araghchi’s accusation that the UAE was “directly involved in the aggression against my country”.Iran’s recent retaliatory strikes on U.S. military assets in Gulf states, including the UAE.India’s condemnation of an attack on an Indian‑flagged vessel off Oman.While the UAE’s response remained unclear, a senior Iranian diplomat noted that “one member country” had pushed for language condemning Iran, complicating consensus.Energy Market Numbers Highlight Stakes for India and Global Oil FlowThe conflict has amplified volatility in oil and gas markets. Notable figures:India, the world’s third‑largest oil buyer, sources roughly 50% of its crude through the Strait of Hormuz.About 20% of global oil passes the Strait in peacetime, making any disruption a systemic risk.Shipping disruptions and attacks on commercial vessels have already prompted heightened insurance premiums and rerouting costs.These dynamics increase pressure on energy‑importing economies and could tighten global supply if the Strait’s openness is contested.Potential Fractures Within BRICS and Shifts in Global Power BalanceThe call for a joint condemnation tests the bloc’s consensus‑based decision‑making. Divergent interests are evident:Iran seeks a strong anti‑Western stance.The UAE, a U.S. ally, faces accusations of direct involvement in the conflict.India balances its energy security needs with its BRICS chairmanship responsibilities.If BRICS fails to issue a unified statement, it may signal a weakening of the grouping’s diplomatic clout, emboldening Western narratives and affecting future cooperation on security and economic initiatives.What the Next Weeks May Hold for BRICS Unity and Regional StabilityLooking ahead, several scenarios could unfold:A joint BRICS declaration condemning the United States and Israel, reinforcing the bloc’s anti‑hegemony posture.Continued deadlock, leading to a muted statement that underscores internal divisions.Escalation of maritime incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting emergency coordination among BRICS naval forces.The outcome will influence not only the diplomatic landscape of the Middle East but also global energy markets and the strategic relevance of the expanded BRICS alliance.

The BRICS Foreign Ministers Convene in New Delhi Amid Iran ConflictIndia will host foreign ministers from the BRICS nations on May 14‑15, 2026 as a preparatory step for the 18th BRICS summit in September. The gathering coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump’s three‑day state visit to Beijing, adding a layer of diplomatic complexity.Details of the Two‑Day Meeting and Attendee Line‑upVenue: Bharat Mandapam exhibition hall, New Delhi.Schedule: Sessions start at 10:00 am (04:30 GMT) on both days, concluding with a dinner on Thursday.Key participants: Sergey Lavrov (Russia), Mauro Vieira (Brazil), Ronald Lamola (South Africa), Abbas Araghchi (Iran), Sugiono (Indonesia). China will be represented by Ambassador Xu Feihong due to Wang Yi’s absence.Special note: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join a joint conference call at 1 pm (07:30 GMT) on Thursday.Energy and Trade Numbers Highlight Stakes for Member EconomiesApproximately 20 % of global oil and LNG shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint now restricted by Iran.Both India and China rely heavily on Gulf oil transiting the strait; Saudi Arabia and the UAE are also major exporters.Rising fuel prices are affecting all BRICS members, even those less directly dependent on Hormuz (e.g., Brazil, South Africa).Geopolitical Ripple Effects: Iran War, US‑China Tensions, and BRICS CohesionThe ongoing Iran war, now in its 76th day, dominates the agenda, testing the bloc’s ability to present a unified stance. Simultaneously, the Trump‑Xi meeting in Beijing limits China’s direct participation, potentially weakening BRICS coordination on security issues. Analysts note that divergent national interests—India’s growing ties with the US and Israel, and the UAE‑Iran rivalry—challenge the group’s cohesion.Outlook: How This Gathering Could Shape the September BRICS Summit and Global DiplomacyObservers expect the foreign‑ministers meeting to set the tone for the September summit, likely resulting in a broad‑based statement condemning attacks on sovereignty but stopping short of a concrete consensus on the Iran conflict. The outcomes may also influence whether China adopts a more vocal position on Iran under U.S. pressure, and how the bloc navigates energy‑security disruptions caused by the Hormuz closure.

The World's Longest Football DerbyCarlisle and Barrow will play each other next season in the Cumbrian derby in the National League. The clubs are located at opposite ends of Cumbria and the distance between the two grounds is some 78 miles by car. But this is not the greatest distance between two teams involved in a 'derby'.When considering derbies, we are looking for matches between teams that are linked based upon their proximity or geography, rather than simply historical rivalries like the 'clásico' between Real Madrid and Barcelona.UK Derbies: The Cumbrian ContenderWithin the UK, the Cumbrian derby certainly looks the furthest derby by distance. If we are staying in England, the closest we can get to 78 miles is the A49 derby between Shrewsbury Town and Hereford United, separated by 51 miles, although it should be said that the two teams have not met since the latter was dissolved in 2014.In England, thoughts immediately go to Crystal Palace and Brighton, dubbed the M23 derby, but a quick search reveals that Selhurst Park is a mere 46 miles from the Amex Stadium. It is also 46 miles that separate the stadiums of Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City, the Devon derby. Just behind are Ipswich and Norwich – the East Anglian derby (AKA El Tractico or the Old Farm) – with Portman Road and Carrow Road 45 miles apart.International Long-Distance DerbiesFarther afield, we must mention the derby between Persib Bandung and Persija Jakarta, who take part in the Indonesia derby, or Laga Klasikal as it is locally known, with Persib's Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium lying 108 miles away from Persija's Jakarta International Stadium in Indonesia's capital.Italy is fertile ground for a host of famous derbies, and it is here that we find some of the longest-distance derbies. Of course there is the Derby d'Italia between Milan and Juventus, with 85 miles separating San Siro and Juve's Allianz Arena in Italy's north-west. The Derby di Sicilia between Palermo and Catania spans a whopping 134 miles across the breadth of Sicily, while the Derby delle Isole (Derby of the Islands) between Palermo and Sardinian club Cagliari goes even further – a full 250 miles across the Tyrrhenian Sea.The Champion: New Zealand's 386-Mile DerbyOur winner, though, comes from New Zealand's North Island. With Auckland FC only entering the A-League Men in 2024-25, the New Zealand derby between themselves and Wellington Phoenix is still very much in its infancy but has already blossomed into something substantial. In February, just the sixth edition of the derby, a comical own goal from Wellington goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi sparked a 5-0 thrashing by Auckland, prompting Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano to resign immediately after the defeat. With 386 miles between the two grounds, the NZD is our clear winner.The Evolution of Geographic DerbiesThe existence of such long-distance derbies challenges our traditional understanding of what constitutes a local rivalry. In an era where football has become increasingly globalized, these geographic matchups represent unique connections between communities separated by vast distances. The New Zealand derby, in particular, showcases how even in a country with a relatively small population, football can create intense rivalries across significant geographical divides.The Future of Long-Distance DerbiesAs football continues to evolve, we may see more long-distance derbies emerge, particularly in regions with expanding leagues or where new clubs are formed to serve underserved areas. The New Zealand derby between Auckland and Wellington Phoenix is a prime example of how modern football infrastructure and scheduling can create meaningful rivalries regardless of distance. With the increasing popularity of travel and fan engagement, these long-distance derbies may become even more significant in the future of football culture.Double Winners in FootballDeji Elerewe has won the title with both Bromley (League Two) and Lincoln (League One) this season. Has any other player managed the same feat?We covered this answer 10 years ago in a previous Knowledge, but regular contributor Dirk Maas has come in clutch with some additions, although he does clarify that he has limited his search to the top five leagues in Europe in this century.There are several examples of players winning titles with different teams in the same season, including:Jonas Urbig with Köln (2. Bundesliga) and Bayern Munich (Bundesliga) in 2024-25Leigh Griffiths with Celtic (Scottish Premiership) and Wolverhampton (League One) in 2013-14Urby Emanuelson with Ajax and Milan in 2010-11Daniel Amartey with Leicester City and FC Copenhagen in 2015-16Timothy Weah with Paris Saint-Germain and Celtic in 2018-19Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with Napoli and PSG in 2024-25There are also alternative cases where seasons happen at different times of year, such as David Beckham achieving this by picking up an MLS winner's medal with LA Galaxy and a Ligue 1 winner's medal with Paris Saint-Germain in 2012-13.

The Urgent Overview of the Sand ShortageUrban expansion and industrial demand are extracting sand faster than natural processes can replace it, endangering coastal cities, ecosystems and the global economy.Massive Land Reclamation in the Maldives Accelerates Sand DepletionThe Maldives commissioned a Dutch firm to reclaim 192 ha of lagoon at Gulhifalhu, requiring 24.5 million m³ of sand dredged from 13.75 km² of the northern atoll. Six months later an assessment warned of irreversible damage.Global Sand Consumption Hits 50 bn Tonnes AnnuallyCurrent extraction rate: 50 bn tonnes per year, projected to rise.Project in the Philippines removed 155 million m³ for a 1,700‑ha airport, devastating fisheries.Indonesia’s Sulawesi project extracted 22 million m³, cutting local incomes by 80%.UNEP report: half of dredging firms operate in marine protected areas, accounting for 15 % of sand volume.Ecological and Socio‑Economic Fallout from Sand MiningThe Gulhifalhu project destroyed 200 ha of coral reef and lagoon habitat, threatening fish, turtles, birds and tourism. Sand also serves as a natural barrier against sea‑level rise; over 80 % of the Maldives’ land lies less than a metre above sea level, making it highly vulnerable.Future Outlook: Governance Reforms and Sustainable Sand ManagementUNEP calls for improved data, mapping and transparent governance to protect high‑value ecological zones. Without stricter controls, sand scarcity could trigger “urban disaster” scenarios in rapidly growing coastal cities.

The Rescue Operation UnderwayMalaysian authorities have launched an extensive search and rescue mission for 14 missing migrants after their boat carrying 37 undocumented individuals sank off the country's western coast. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Perak state confirmed that local fishermen have successfully rescued 23 people so far, while search operations continue for the remaining individuals.The Multi-Agency ResponseThe search operation involves a coordinated effort between multiple agencies. Two MMEA vessels, assisted by the marine police, the navy, and members of the local fishing community, are actively searching for the missing migrants. According to the Bernama news agency, the MMEA has deployed boats, a helicopter, and surveillance aircraft to maximize the search efforts.Origin and Destination of the MigrantsInitial investigations revealed that the migrants departed from Kisaran, Indonesia, on May 9 and were heading to several destinations in Malaysia, including Penang, Terengganu, Selangor, and Kuala Lumpur. The rescued individuals, comprising 16 men and seven women, have been handed over to authorities for further investigations.Regional Context of Migrant CrossingsMalaysia is home to millions of migrants from poorer parts of Asia, many of them undocumented, working in industries including construction and agriculture. However, these crossings, often facilitated by human trafficking syndicates, are frequently hazardous, leading to boats capsizing. In one of the deadliest recent incidents, 36 migrants died in November 2025 after their boat capsized near the Thai-Malaysian coast. Activists estimate that between 100,000 to 200,000 Indonesians make the perilous journey each year.

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has ignited the worst energy crunch in modern history, exposing the thin strategic petroleum reserves of developing nations and raising fears of deeper economic turmoil.Strait of Hormuz Blockade Triggers Unprecedented Energy CrunchAs the conflict disrupts one of the world’s most vital oil transit routes, governments have rushed to release emergency stockpiles. The International Energy Agency (IEA) coordinated a release of 400 million barrels in March, a move that highlighted the stark contrast between the well‑stocked OECD members and the resource‑starved Global South.Oil Reserve Gaps: Numbers Expose Global South VulnerabilityIEA comprises 32 member countries, representing only about 16% of the world’s population.Member states hold 1.2 billion barrels in public reserves plus 600 million barrels in mandated private reserves.The IEA’s buffer rule calls for reserves equal to 90 days of net imports.China alone maintains roughly 1.4 billion barrels, surpassing the combined reserves of the US, Japan, Europe and Saudi Arabia.Analyst Claudio Galimberti estimates that over 70% of the world’s population lives in countries lacking sufficient buffers.The Asian Development Bank cut its 2026 growth outlook for developing Asia to 4.7% from 5.1%.Economic Shockwaves for Import‑Dependent Developing EconomiesImport‑reliant nations such as Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Vietnam report reserve windows of merely 5‑30 days, far below the IEA standard. Khalid Waleed, research fellow at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute, warns that “strategic petroleum reserves are a luxury for countries facing foreign‑exchange constraints, debt pressures and food‑import bills.”Without adequate buffers, these economies face soaring fuel prices that cascade into higher food costs and social unrest, undermining growth prospects and fiscal stability.Future Path: Regional Cooperation and Renewable PushExperts argue that reserves sufficient for 120‑150 days are needed to absorb future shocks. Building such buffers will require substantial financing, but partnerships with the private sector and accelerated investment in renewable energy could offset costs.Regional arrangements—such as cross‑border electricity trade, emergency energy sharing, and joint financing for strategic infrastructure—are being discussed for South Asia, ASEAN, Africa and small‑island states. However, analysts caution that divergent interests between net‑importers and net‑exporters may limit the effectiveness of such blocs.In the longer term, the energy crunch may spur the Global South to demand a greater voice in the IEA or to create a complementary body that reflects the realities of a diversified demand landscape.

The Historic Expansion of Global Football The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a watershed moment in football history, transitioning from the traditional 32-team format to a record-breaking 48-team tournament. This expansion, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is not merely a numerical increase but a fundamental restructuring of how the world's most prestigious sporting event operates. The 48-Team Format Explained To accommodate the additional nations, FIFA has implemented a unique group stage structure. Instead of the standard eight groups of four, the tournament will feature 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Round of 32, followed by the traditional knockout stages. Group Stage: 12 groups of 4 teams. Advancement: Top 2 from each group (24 teams) + 4 best third-place teams. Total Matches: 104 games (up from 64 in previous tournaments). The Scale of the Tournament The logistical footprint of the 2026 World Cup is unprecedented. With 16 host cities spread across three countries, the tournament will span 40 days. This extended duration and increased volume of matches present significant challenges for scheduling, travel logistics, and maintaining player fitness levels. Implications for Emerging Football Nations The most significant impact of this expansion is the democratization of access. Nations that were previously excluded from the global stage, such as Indonesia, Jamaica, and Panama, have secured their spots. This shift ensures that the World Cup reflects a more diverse global football landscape, potentially increasing viewership and engagement in regions previously underserved by the sport. A New Standard for Global Tournaments The success of the 2026 format will likely set the template for future global sporting events. By prioritizing inclusivity and global reach over pure competitive balance, FIFA is betting on the growth of the sport worldwide. While critics argue that diluting the tournament with more teams might lower the overall quality of play, the commercial and cultural benefits of a truly global World Cup appear to outweigh these concerns.