BRICS Science Academies Forum and Global South AI Cooperation
Source:PIB ↗
આ શા માટે મહત્વનું છે
Highlights the evolving scope of BRICS, featuring its newly expanded membership and partner country framework engaging in Science Diplomacy. It demonstrates how emerging technologies like AI are being structured as tools for Global South nations to collaboratively tackle shared socio-economic, environmental, and healthcare challenges.
સારાંશ
The Indian National Science Academy (INSA) hosted the two-day BRICS Science Academies Forum Meeting 2026 at IIT Hyderabad, focusing on "Harnessing AI for Sustainable Development and Strengthening Global South Cooperation". Delegations from eight BRICS members and five partner nations discussed AI applications across critical domains such as healthcare, agriculture, climate forecasting, and advanced manufacturing. Recognizing the unique challenges of the Global South, participants emphasized ethical governance, trusted AI, linguistic diversity, and bridging the digital divide. Plenary sessions further highlighted India's integration of AI in evidence-based healthcare and the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The forum concluded with a unified Joint Statement designed to inform the forthcoming BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting, underscoring India's leadership in science diplomacy and multilateral technological cooperation.
મુખ્ય મુદ્દા
- The BRICS Science Academies Forum Meeting 2026 was hosted by INSA at IIT Hyderabad, centering on harnessing Artificial Intelligence for sustainable development and Global South cooperation.
- Delegations from eight BRICS member nations and five partner countries prioritized AI-driven interventions in healthcare, agriculture, climate change, advanced materials, and disaster management.
- National perspectives emphasized the need for trusted and explainable AI, addressing linguistic diversity, data security, and bridging the digital divide to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Special plenaries highlighted India's domestic priorities, specifically the role of AI in materials discovery and driving efficiency in the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
- A Joint Statement was adopted as a consensus communiqué, which will be presented at the upcoming BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting.
મહત્વપૂર્ણ શબ્દો
BRICS
An influential intergovernmental alliance of emerging economies, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanded (BRICS+) to enhance South-South cooperation and promote a multipolar world order.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (International Relations); tests understanding of multilateral groupings, global governance reforms, and India's strategic role.
National Green Hydrogen Mission
A flagship Indian government initiative launched in 2023 to create an ecosystem for producing, utilizing, and exporting green hydrogen, supporting decarbonization and clean energy transitions.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Environment and Energy); tests knowledge of climate change commitments, decarbonization, and renewable energy technologies.
Indian National Science Academy (INSA)
Established in 1935, INSA is India's apex body of scientists, dedicated to promoting scientific knowledge, coordinating international collaborations, and advising the government on science and technology policies.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Science & Technology); covers institutions, science policy, research ecosystem, and international science diplomacy.
IIT Hyderabad
A premier public technical university established in Telangana in 2008, renowned for advanced technological research, innovation ecosystems, and active role in global academic and strategic science collaborations.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Science & Technology); focuses on indigenous technological capabilities, academic research, and international scientific partnerships.
પ્રિલિમ્સ ટ્રેપ
"BRICS currently has no member states from the Southeast Asian region."
Indonesia officially joined BRICS in January 2025, becoming the bloc's first Southeast Asian member and expanding the core group to 11 members.
સંલગ્ન સ્થિર ખ્યાલો
What is the current composition of the expanded BRICS grouping?
- Founding Bloc: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (joined 2010).
- 2024 Expansion: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates officially joined the bloc on January 1, 2024.
- 2025 Expansion: Indonesia was officially inducted in January 2025, bringing the total core membership to 11 states.
What is the mandate and status of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA)?
- Administrative Status: Established in 1935 (originally NISI), it operates as an autonomous institution under the Department of Science & Technology (DST).
- Global Representation: It acts as the nodal agency representing India in the International Council for Science (ICSU) and its affiliated scientific unions.
આંતર-વિષય પેટર્ન
AI + Green Hydrogen Catalysts
Integrating AI into the National Green Hydrogen Mission for materials discovery (e.g., finding cheaper non-platinum catalysts) merges frontier S&T with core renewable energy syllabus topics.
Sovereign AI vs Western Tech Monopolies
BRICS pushing for multilingual, open-source AI models connects directly to India's digital public infrastructure (DPI) diplomacy and the UN's Global Digital Compact aimed at curbing Western corporate monopolies.
Expect a multi-statement prelims question merging the 2025-2026 BRICS expansion with India's 'AI for Global South' diplomatic initiatives.
સંલગ્ન PYQ · 4
સંલગ્ન PYQ · 4
- 2025PrelimsGS1
Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS : I. 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan. II. Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS. III. The theme of the 16th BRICS Summit was Strengthening Multiculturalism for Just Global Development and Security. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 2020PrelimsGS1
With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? 1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units 2. Create meaningful short stories and songs 3. Disease diagnosis 4. Text-to-Speech Conversion 5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 2023MainsGS3
Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does Al help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of Al in healthcare?
- 2026PrelimsGS1
Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct ? 1. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS). 2. It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy. 3. National Green Hydrogen Mission of India aims for abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Select the answer using the code given below :
