Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the leaders attending the BRICS Summit in South Africa to join in India's growth story and be a part of the country's journey to becoming a $5 trillion economy. In his address at the concluding ceremony of the BRICS Business Council, PM Modi highlighted India's reforms that have improved the ease of doing business and emphasized India's potential as the growth engine of the world.

The summit, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, will provide an opportunity to discuss future areas of cooperation, review institutional development, and consider expanding membership. PM Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the deliberations and meetings with world leaders, particularly his interaction with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

However, the expansion of BRICS and the issue of de-dollarization are key challenges that the bloc faces. China and Russia have expressed interest in expanding the group to grant it greater weight in international affairs. Over 40 countries, including Arab allies of the US and rivals, have expressed interest in joining BRICS. Additionally, China and Russia are pushing for de-dollarization to reduce their dependence on the US currency and conduct most of their trade in local currencies.

As the BRICS Summit unfolds, the outcomes will shed light on the potential expansion of the group and the efforts towards de-dollarization. It remains to be seen whether BRICS and other developing nations will join India's growth story and reshape the global economic order.

The first Republican presidential debate for the 2024 election cycle took place in Milwaukee on Fox News, but the absence of former President Donald Trump stole the spotlight. Eight GOP contenders participated in the debate, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy.

The debate covered a range of topics, including abortion, climate change, the economy, Russia, and the war in Ukraine. However, with Trump opting not to participate and instead granting a pre-recorded interview to former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, his influence on the party was still felt. Trump's decision to skip the debate may be attributed to potential legal ramifications, as he faces multiple criminal indictments.

Despite Trump's absence, the candidates focused their attacks on President Joe Biden, while Biden responded with a new ad campaign contrasting himself with Trump. Biden's campaign ran its first national television ad on Fox News during the debate, highlighting Biden's record and taking a swipe at Trump.

The debate showcased some policy disagreements among the candidates, including differing views on abortion and U.S. aid to Ukraine. However, the absence of Trump and his enduring influence on the party were undeniable. As the most formidable figure in the Republican primary field, Trump's absence overshadowed the debate and raised questions about his future involvement in subsequent debates.

The first Republican primary debate will be moderated by Fox News mainstays Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum. Baier, who is the chief political anchor for Fox News and the host of "Special Report With Bret Baier," joined the network in 1998 and has moderated previous GOP primary debates. MacCallum, on the other hand, is a news anchor for Fox News and has experience in moderating debates. However, the moderators will face challenges during the debate, including personal attacks from candidates and grievances about perceived biases. The absence of former President Donald Trump, who will be participating in an online interview with Tucker Carlson instead, adds another layer of scrutiny for the moderators. Despite this, Baier assured that even if Trump doesn't physically participate, his presence will still be felt through sound bites and candidates responding to his remarks. The network plans to play clips of Trump throughout the debate to satisfy the audience's desire for all things Trump.

After settling her lawsuit against ESPN and Disney, longtime "SportsCenter" anchor Sage Steele has announced her departure from the network. Steele revealed on social media that she is leaving to "exercise my first amendment rights more freely." She expressed gratitude for her 16 years at ESPN and said she is excited for her next chapter.

Steele filed the lawsuit last year over the circumstances that led to her being taken off the air. She claimed she was retaliated against and that her right to free speech and her contract were violated after making critical comments about the company's COVID-19 vaccine mandate and former President Barack Obama. ESPN had filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, and later offered Steele a settlement, though the details have not been revealed.

ESPN confirmed Steele's departure in a statement, saying that they had mutually agreed to part ways and thanked her for her contributions.

Steele's departure raises questions about the limits of free speech in the workplace and the role of personal opinions in sports media. Click to read more.

The first Republican debate of the 2024 primary season took place on Wednesday, but one major contestant was noticeably absent - Donald J. Trump. Despite his absence, the former president's presence was still felt throughout the evening. Trump's polling lead in the 2024 primary and his decision to skip the debate made him the center of attention both in his absence and in the support he still garnered from the live crowd in Milwaukee.

The debate featured eight candidates who sparred and interrupted one another over policy and personality, as if Trump were no longer a factor. However, his shadow loomed large over the event, with candidates trying to impress without suggesting that he should lose. Fox News, too, has been in competition with Trump for influence over its conservative audience since he left his regular spot on "Fox and Friends" to run for the presidency.

While the absence of Trump gave the other candidates a chance to shine, most went out of their way to pay homage to the former president, with businessman Vivek Ramaswamy even stating that Trump was the best Republican president of the 21st century and promising to pardon him if elected. Despite their efforts, the party appears to still be firmly in Trump's corner, with little interest in alternative candidates such as former vice president Mike Pence or Florida governor Ron DeSantis.

Overall, the debate was lively and at times raucous, but it was clear that Trump's presence, or lack thereof, had a significant impact on the evening.

A document directing security to bar members of the Trump campaign from entry was seen at the first Republican primary debate for the 2024 presidential election. The document included pictures of Trump staffers Jason Miller, Justin Caparole, and Danny Tiso, stating that they were "not approved for entry." The document, which was first reported by NBC News, caused criticism from the Trump team towards Fox News, the host of the debate. Fox News responded by stating that the document was created by the Fiserv Forum security team for candidate walk-throughs and that the network was not involved in its production.

Instead of participating in the debate, Trump chose to have a one-on-one interview with former Fox anchor Tucker Carlson, during which he discussed conspiracy theories and criticized his 2024 rivals, including Chris Christie and Mike Pence. The debate saw candidates such as Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley, and Mike Pence perform well and gain momentum, while Ron DeSantis and Chris Christie may not have had the energy they were looking for. Meanwhile, Trump is expected to turn himself in at the jail in Fulton County, Georgia, where he faces 13 criminal counts in an election interference case.

The first Republican primary debate for the 2024 presidential race took place in Milwaukee on Wednesday night. While Donald Trump was not on the stage, he still managed to dominate the discussion. However, another candidate seemed to steal the spotlight - Vivek Ramaswamy.

Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old biotech entrepreneur, became the primary target of his opponents during the debate. Despite not having a realistic chance of becoming the nominee or president, Ramaswamy managed to command attention and portray himself as a threat to the party's establishment. The fact that the other candidates focused their attacks on him indicates that they see him as a rival who could potentially disrupt their own campaigns.

On the other hand, former President Ron DeSantis, who currently polls second to Trump, was largely ignored by his opponents during the debate. This could be seen as a positive for DeSantis, who has been facing negative headlines and disappointing polling in recent months.

While the debate may have reset the race for some candidates, the presence of Ramaswamy and the ongoing influence of Trump make it unclear if anyone can truly challenge the former president's hold on the Republican Party. The battle for the nomination remains in a holding pattern, with Trump's presence casting a significant shadow over the proceedings.

Botify, a powerful SEO tool, is gaining attention in the digital marketing world. In a comprehensive guide, we delve into the functions and workings of this tool to demystify it for beginners.

Botify is designed to help websites optimize their search engine visibility. By analyzing website data, Botify identifies issues that could be hindering a website's performance in search engine rankings. It provides detailed insights, enabling website owners to make data-driven decisions and improve their SEO strategies.

So, how does Botify work? It starts by crawling a website, just like search engine bots do. This process allows Botify to gather data about the website's structure, content, and overall performance. Botify then analyzes this data and provides insights, highlighting areas for improvement.

One of the key features of Botify is its ability to identify and fix technical SEO issues. It alerts website owners to problems such as broken links, duplicate content, and slow page loading times. By resolving these issues, website owners can enhance their website's performance and increase their chances of ranking higher in search engine results.

Additionally, Botify provides a wealth of data related to keywords, backlinks, and user behavior. This data can be used to optimize content, identify opportunities for growth, and outperform competitors.

Botify's user-friendly interface and comprehensive reports make it accessible even to beginners. By understanding the "how" and "why" of Botify, website owners can harness its power to boost their SEO efforts and drive organic traffic to their websites.

Mercatus Center Senior Fellow Weifeng Zhong Shares Insights

In a recent interview, Weifeng Zhong, a senior fellow at the Mercatus Center, expressed concerns about the current state of the Chinese economy. According to Zhong, the economy is "not going well," raising questions about its future trajectory.

As Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo prepares for her upcoming trip to Beijing, these concerns gain further significance. The visit could provide an opportunity for discussions on economic cooperation and potential areas of friction between the United States and China.

Zhong also touched on the BRICS summit, emphasizing the importance of economic cooperation among the member countries. With China being a key player in the group, the financial health of its economy holds implications for the broader alliance.

Looking ahead to the first primary debate of the GOP presidential candidates, Zhong suggested that they address China-related issues. Given China's influence and its growing economic power, understanding and responding to its economic situation is crucial for U.S. policymakers.

While the exact state of the Chinese economy is still being examined, Zhong's insights shed light on the concerns and considerations surrounding it. As Raimondo's trip approaches and the BRICS summit takes place, eyes will be on how these events unfold and impact global economic dynamics.

Fears about China's economy and its impact on the global market are rising after the unexpected interest rate cut by the People's Bank of China. This move comes amidst concerns about the country's growing debt and slowing economic growth.

Renowned stock pickers Cathie Wood and Jim Cramer have chimed in on the situation, with Wood highlighting the excessive debt and associated leverage that are now surfacing in China. Cramer, on the other hand, called for the Chinese government to address its debt problem for the sake of future financial stability.

Wood also emphasized that the mainstream narrative about China might be wrong, pointing out that China has been a perennial underperformer in the long run. This sentiment is shared by fund manager Jason Pidcock, who believes that China's long-term performance has been lacking.

Wood further discussed how China is exporting deflation, a phenomenon that economists have not fully grasped. Despite the yuan's 15% depreciation against the dollar in the past year, the country's Producer Price Index (PPI) inflation rate has dropped by 4%, contrary to expected economic principles.

This raises concerns about the strength of China's role in the global supply chain and its ability to drive inflation through currency depreciation.

With conflicting views and economic indicators, the question remains: Are fears of China's economy slowing down justified?

Doe advises the public to be cautious and vigilant when donating to charities, urging them to research the organization and ensure its legitimacy before making any contributions. He highlights the importance of verifying the charity's registration status and checking if it has a history of transparency and effective use of funds.

The state attorney general's office has already received reports of suspicious charities soliciting donations for Maui wildfire relief. Doe urges individuals to be on the lookout for red flags such as high-pressure tactics, requests for cash donations only, or organizations that refuse to provide information about their programs and how funds will be utilized.

In this time of crisis, it is crucial to support legitimate organizations that will make a meaningful impact on the affected communities. Doe's reminder serves as a vital cautionary measure to ensure that generosity is not taken advantage of during challenging times.

Former President Donald Trump and his co-defendants in the Georgia racketeering case are expected to surrender themselves at the notorious Fulton County Jail for processing this week. The jail, which has been under investigation by the Department of Justice for alleged inmate abuse and neglect, has faced numerous issues including overcrowding, inmate deaths, excessive force by officers, and outbreaks of lice and scabies. The upcoming processing of Trump and his co-defendants is likely to shine a spotlight on the conditions at the facility.

In the racketeering case, Trump and 18 others have been indicted on charges including violation of the state's RICO Act, conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer, and filing false documents. Four of the co-defendants, including two Trump campaign attorneys, have been granted bond and are expected to surrender to the jail by Friday at noon.

While Trump's legal team is in contact with the Fulton County District Attorney's office to work out the logistics of his surrender and arraignment, the defendants in this case are not expected to have an initial court appearance due to the anticipated negotiations for release and bond terms.

The processing of Trump and his co-defendants at the Fulton County Jail begs the question of whether the conditions at the facility will be able to handle such high-profile detainees and whether it will bring attention to the issues of inmate treatment and justice disparities in the criminal justice system.

Britney Spears and Sam Asghari have reportedly separated and are heading for divorce after one year of marriage and seven years of dating, according to multiple sources. The couple's split allegedly occurred after a heated argument stemming from rumors of infidelity. While it remains unclear if the rumors are true, Asghari believed them and confronted Spears, leading to a massive fight. Asghari subsequently moved out of their home and into his own place. Sources claim that it is only a matter of time before he files for divorce, although neither Spears nor Asghari have commented on the matter publicly.

This news comes just two months after the couple celebrated their first wedding anniversary in June. Prior to the split, there were speculations about the couple's relationship due to both of them being seen without their wedding rings on different occasions. Asghari's representative had previously denied rumors of trouble in their marriage, stating that they were not having marital issues.

Spears and Asghari met in 2016 when he starred in her music video for "Slumber Party." They began dating and supported each other through Spears' highly publicized legal conservatorship battle. Asghari proposed to Spears in September 2021, and they tied the knot in June 2022.

If Asghari does file for divorce, Spears is protected by a prenuptial agreement that safeguards her assets.

Actor Bradley Cooper has fully transformed into legendary composer Leonard Bernstein in the upcoming Netflix movie "Maestro." Cooper not only stars in the film but also directs, produces, and co-writes it, making him a quadruple threat for award recognition. The first teaser trailer for "Maestro" was released, showcasing the decades-long relationship between Bernstein and his wife Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein, played by Carey Mulligan.

The film's official synopsis describes "Maestro" as a towering and fearless love story that explores the lifelong relationship between Bernstein and Cohn Bernstein. The trailer features black and white scenes filmed at Tanglewood, the Western Massachusetts music venue where Bernstein studied and returned to teach for five decades.

Interestingly, Mulligan receives top billing in the film's poster, suggesting the significant role she plays in Bernstein's life. The trailer also hints at Bernstein's multiple affairs and his speculation about living as an openly gay man.

Bradley Cooper's extensive Oscar history includes nine nominations but zero wins. With "Maestro," he has the opportunity to add to his nominations tally and potentially secure his first Oscar win. The film is already generating buzz, and Cooper's transformative performance as Bernstein could be his ticket to Academy Awards success.

"Maestro" is set to be released on Netflix, and fans eagerly anticipate seeing whether Bradley Cooper will finally win an Oscar for his portrayal of Leonard Bernstein.

Sources:

- Netflix releases teaser trailer for Bradley Cooper's "Maestro"

- Bradley Cooper's new film "Maestro" could bring him Oscar success

- Bradley Cooper's "Maestro" debuts first trailer

In the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that ravaged Maui, Florida State Attorney General is issuing a warning against potential charity scams. With the intention of capitalizing on people's generosity, scammers often exploit natural disasters to make a profit.

According to the Florida State Attorney General's office, there has been an increase in fraudulent charity solicitations following natural disasters in recent years. Scammers create fake websites, set up bogus crowdfunding campaigns, and make unsolicited phone calls or emails to solicit donations.

The officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures before making any donations. Individuals are advised to research the charity's legitimacy by verifying their tax-exempt status on the Internal Revenue Service's website and checking if the organization has a history of effective disaster relief efforts. It is crucial to donate directly to trusted organizations rather than responding to unsolicited requests.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the Florida State Attorney General's office to ensure that fraudulent organizations are exposed and prosecuted. By staying informed and cautious, the public can help prevent themselves from falling prey to charity scams and ensure that their donations reach those truly in need.