The BRICS grouping, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is a globally significant collective defined by its substantial contributions to global GDP, scientific and technological capacity, natural resources, and total population. Since its formation, the group has evolved into a prominent international voice, representing countries that seek to challenge and provide an alternative to Western hegemony. BRICS functions as a collaborative force aimed at establishing a multipolar world system. While the group’s positions on global finance and macro-economic issues are widely recognised, the depth of cooperation among member states regarding science, technology, and innovation (STI) remains less publicised.

At a time in which global scientific collaboration is increasingly dictated by geopolitical tensions, techno-nationalism, and strategic competition, often manifesting as sanctions and export controls, BRICS assumes a critical role in the global STI landscape. Through this platform, member nations coordinate their strategies, amplify their collective voice in global economic governance, and influence development finance through institutions like the New Development Bank.

These members are also vital contributors to global trade, energy production, and the supply of essential natural resources. The 2022 launch of BRICS+ signaled a move towards a more inclusive forum, fostering development and political cooperation across the Global South to reduce technological dependencies. This collaboration is now a concrete effort to build shared capacities through various framework programmes. The group’s current membership has expanded to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran.

Cooperation in STI

Cooperation in STI has been a part of the BRICS agenda since its early years. It was formally recognised in 2011 and later consolidated in meetings between senior officials and the BRICS Ministers of Science, Technology, and Innovation. A pivotal 2015 memorandum of understanding established STI as a core strategic pillar, providing the necessary institutional framework and operational signals for collaborative research and capacity-building. This framework has since expanded the scope of cooperation, allowing members to leverage their complementary strengths to address shared development challenges and advance frontier sciences.

The first BRICS Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation (2017-2020) tasked the Science, Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Partnership (STIEP) Working Group with implementing various programmes. These initiatives focused on entrepreneurship networks, the role of youth and women in STI, and collaborations regarding technology transfer and business incubators. Over time, BRICS has moved from early joint research calls focused on fundamental science toward prioritising innovation and technology transfer.

These priorities are formally identified in annual ministerial declarations. The BRICS Ministers of Science, Technology, and Innovation meet once a year to approve and sign strategic documents. Within each member country, one or two lead agencies coordinate these activities, issue calls for proposals, and prepare project lists for approval during the respective country’s presidency. For example, during India’s chairmanship, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) serve as the lead agencies.

A clear emphasis on innovation-driven and technology-enabled ecosystems is evident in recent summit themes and initiatives such as iBRICs and the BRICS Technology Transfer Centre (TTC). The TTC has made notable progress in creating policy frameworks and institutional links for cross-border technology commercialisation. However, despite this progress, large-scale commercialisation of these technologies remains limited.

The focus of BRICS joint research calls has transitioned from basic science and enabling technologies to include more socially relevant areas such as energy, water, health, and the environment. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, placing a premium on public health, vaccine research, biosecurity, and digital health. Recent calls have integrated high-performance computing (HPC), advanced materials, information and communication technology (ICT), and space-related applications. Scientific collaboration has strengthened over time, with a growing focus on artificial intelligence and data-intensive science.

While working groups reflect these shared development priorities, their progress varies across different fields. Significant progress is visible in ICT and HPC, highlighted by the establishment of the BRICS Institute of Future Networks, as well as in space cooperation following a 2021 intergovernmental agreement. Conversely, areas that require heavy infrastructure or are more exploratory, such as mega-science projects and ocean or polar research, have developed slower.

The expansion of BRICS has positioned it as a more inclusive platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative research. The 2025 Declaration on AI, elevated artificial intelligence from a sub-theme, to a central pillar of multilateral governance. This declaration outlines a vision for AI governance that is equitable, inclusive, and development-oriented, moving the partnership towards a strategic collaboration with direct economic and societal relevance. While the 2021-24 Action Plan focused on networking and thematic frameworks, subsequent plans aim to scale projects for greater impact, focusing on biotechnology, climate tech, industrial innovation, and AI.

Under India’s 2026 Presidency, with the theme ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’, the group is positioned to deepen its scientific partnerships. The goal is to leverage expanded membership to strengthen capacities and address challenges like digital divides, public health crises, and climate resilience. However, participation from new members remains uneven; among the most recent additions, only Egypt and Iran joined the call for proposals issued last December. Additionally, the China-BRICS Research Centre on New Quality Productive Forces was recently inaugurated in Beijing. This center serves as an international platform for academic exchange and technological research.

Consequences and concerns

When compared to nations like South Korea, the National Innovation Systems (NIS) of BRICS countries exhibit various strengths and weaknesses. Specifically, gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD) is relatively lower across the group, with the exception of China. Research suggests that the gap between BRICS nations and South Korea is wide, and member countries excluding China have significant catching up to do according to various innovation indicators. With the expansion into BRICS+, the innovation systems of new members also require assessment and strengthening. This strengthening could be a priority for BRICS over the next decade, with the potential to eventually replicate these improvements across the broader Global South.

As noted by Stanford University visiting scholar Irina Dezhina, the heterogeneity of new members in terms of both economic development and scientific capacity makes it difficult to reconcile differing interests. Consequently, BRICS+ may need to focus on catalysing new “paired links” between specific members. Comparisons to the European Union (EU) suggest that BRICS could learn from the EU’s wide variety of STI programs, as BRICS currently offers more limited options. Further, although competition for funding is intense, the total funding available remains modest.

Experts suggest that these programmes must reach a new qualitative level to effectively respond to major global challenges. Currently, however, research into STI cooperation among BRICS nations is limited, and the existing mechanism lacks a framework for regular study to provide data-driven inputs to member countries.

A way forward

While BRICS countries have achieved significant collaboration, there are questions regarding whether the current framework is sufficient for future needs. A primary concern is the lack of a permanent mechanism to manage STI cooperation. The current system, where the lead role rotates annually with the presidency, is not ideally suited for long-term requirements. BRICS could potentially model a central mechanism after the EU’s Horizon Program, establishing a Secretariat to manage funds, issue calls for proposals, monitor progress, and review outcomes.

Developing a few long-term Mega-science Projects could also foster deeper cooperation. The framework for STI cooperation should eventually expand beyond just funding science and technology projects; it should promote research into the governance of STI and the impact of emerging technologies on BRICS+ nations. This would facilitate greater coherence in international treaty negotiations and help build capacity for STI governance.

In conclusion, while STI cooperation within BRICS has progressed significantly since 2015 despite various constraints, there is substantial room for improvement. Making the framework more effective, agile, and credible will enhance the group’s legitimacy in the global arena. As the chair of BRICS+ in 2026, India has the opportunity to lead this transition.

Krishna Ravi Srinivas is Adjunct Professor of Law, Director CoE in AI & Law, NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. Sneha Sinha is Consultant, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi

Sony has lifted the curtains on February’s PlayStation Plus monthly titles, delivering what many players will see as a standout selection for 2026. Members will be able to download four games: Undisputed, Subnautica: Below Zero, Ultros and Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, from Feb. 3 until March 2.

The selection cuts across multiple genres, from boxing and survival gameplay to science-fiction action and high-octane air combat. Below is the full list of titles available.

Undisputed (PS5)

Undisputed positions itself as a realistic take on boxing, combining detailed visuals with a heavy emphasis on in-ring authenticity. The game features more than 70 licensed fighters, a comprehensive set of attributes designed to reflect different fighting styles, and a career mode that charts a path from amateur bouts to world title contention. Players can also create and customise their own boxer, from physical build to attire.

Subnautica: Below Zero (PS5, PS4)

Set in a glacial region of Planet 4546B, Subnautica: Below Zero places players in a hostile, icebound landscape that demands careful planning and survival skills. The story follows a search for answers surrounding a missing sibling, unfolding across newly designed areas that must be explored, studied and endured. Crafting tools, constructing habitats and avoiding dangerous wildlife are all central to the experience.

ALSO READ: Realme P4 Power And Redmi Note 15 Pro Compared In Detail — Which One Should You Choose?

Ultros (PS5, PS4)

With its roots firmly in sci-fi, Ultros stands out through its vivid artistic direction and otherworldly soundscape. Players are thrown into visceral, close-combat encounters with alien lifeforms, balanced by periods of calm in which tending to plant life becomes essential. 

These acts of cultivation unlock previously inaccessible areas, while a time-loop mechanic allows the story to be revisited, revealing new secrets and branching progression options.

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown (PS4)

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown places players in the cockpit of advanced fighter jets, delivering high-speed aerial combat across vast stretches of open sky. Taking on the role of an elite pilot, players engage in intense dogfights and precision manoeuvres, selecting from a wide range of modern and futuristic aircraft equipped with powerful weaponry as the campaign escalates in difficulty.

The iQOO 15R is scheduled to arrive in India next month, the company revealed on Tuesday. The device is expected to include a 6.59-inch AMOLED screen, a large 7,600 mAh battery supported by 100 W fast charging, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor.

iQOO has confirmed that the 15R smartphone will be unveiled on Feb. 24. The timeline was revealed via social media posts by the brand’s India CEO, Nipun Marya. A teaser image released by the company showcases the phone’s back design in a white finish.

The teaser image suggests that the iQOO 15R will feature a dual-camera system on the back. The cameras appear to be housed in a square module with softened corners, a design language previously seen on the iQOO 15. The smartphone is set to be sold in India through Amazon.

The iQOO 15R has surfaced on several certification and benchmarking platforms, including Bluetooth SIG, Geekbench and SIRIM, under the model number Vivo I2508. These entries indicate that the device could be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, run Android 16, and offer 8 GB of RAM.

Reports suggest that Vivo is likely to introduce the iQOO 15R as a renamed version of the China-only iQOO Z11 Turbo. If those claims prove accurate, the handset could arrive with a 6.59-inch AMOLED display offering 1.5K resolution and a refresh rate of up to 144Hz. 

The phone is also tipped to feature a dual rear camera setup, led by a 200 MP main sensor paired with an 8 MP ultra-wide lens, along with a 32 MP selfie camera and a 7,600 mAh battery supporting 100 W wired fast charging.

Reports indicate that the iQOO 15R is expected to be equipped with IP68 and IP69-rated protection against dust and water. The handset is also expected to offer premium memory and storage configurations, including up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x Ultra RAM and a maximum of 1 TB of UFS 4.1 storage. 

The iQOO Z11 Turbo, launched in China earlier this month, carries a starting price of CNY 2,699 (roughly Rs. 35,999) for the base 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage model.

Meta on Friday, Jan. 23, informed that it is halting teens’ access to its artificial intelligence (AI) characters worldwide across all its apps. 

In a blog post, the owner of WhatsApp and Instagram said that this will start in the “coming weeks” and teenagers will no longer be allowed to access its AI characters “until the updated experience is ready”

“Starting in the coming weeks, teens will no longer be able to access AI characters across our apps until the updated experience is ready. This will apply to anyone who has given us a teen birthday, as well as people who claim to be adults but who we suspect are teens based on our age prediction technology,” read the post from Meta.

The new version of AI characters for teens will have built-in parental controls once it is made available. It stated that the new characters will provide age-appropriate responses, sticking to topics like education, sport, and hobbies.

As per The Associated Press, teens will continue to have access to Meta’s AI assistant, but not the characters. This comes the week before Meta, along with Google’s YouTube and TikTok, is expected to stand trial in Los Angeles over the apps’ possible harm to children. A case against Meta is also scheduled to go to trial in New Mexico, wherein the company has been accused of not making an effort to protect children from sexual exploitation on its apps, according to TechCrunch.

In October last year, Meta previewed parental controls that allowed parents and guardians to disable their teens’ private chats with AI characters. While these features were expected to release this year, the company has now decided to turn off AI characters altogether for teens as it updates them to a newer version.

Meta informed that it heard from parents, who sought more insights and control over their children’s interaction with AI characters. This is why the company decided to make these changes.

According to Reuters, Meta said that its AI experiences for teens will be guided by the PG-13 movie rating system, as the company wants to prevent minors from getting access to inappropriate content. US regulators are scrutinising AI companies for the potential negative impacts of chatbots.

In recent times, other companies have also banned teens from gaining access to AI chatbots over growing concerns about the effects of AI conversations on them. Character.AI announced its ban in October last year. The startup allows users to chat with various AI avatars. Also, OpenAI has added new teen safety rules for ChatGPT.

Also Read: Altman Raises Concerns Over Tesla Autopilot Deaths After Musk Warns Against Use Of ChatGPT

Apple introduced its iPhone 17 series in September last year and rumours surrounding its upcoming lineup have already started doing rounds on the internet. In a latest, a tipster has claimed that the Pro models in the iPhone 18 series could have a Dynamic Island that is approximately 35% smaller in size in comparison with the latest iPhone 17 Pro models.

Much Smaller Dynamic Island For iPhone 18 Pro Models

In an X post, tipster Ice Universe suggested that the Cupertino-based tech giant might reduce the Dynamic Island cutout width from 20.76 mm in iPhone 17 Pro models to just 13.49 mm for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max smartphones.

“The Dynamic Island cutout width on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max has been reduced from 20.76 mm to 13.49 mm, representing a reduction of approximately 35%,” read the social media post from Ice Universe, who also shared a mockup image to highlgiht how it might look like in the upcoming devices.

The Dynamic Island cutout width on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max has been reduced from 20.76 mm to 13.49 mm, representing a reduction of approximately 35%. pic.twitter.com/dLnUdCts7z

— Ice Universe (@UniverseIce) January 23, 2026

Earlier, reports suggested that Apple could feature under-display Face ID for the iPhone 18 Pro models, which could further contribute towards downsizing the notch.

Apple first introduced the pill-shaped cutout with the Pro models in its iPhone 14 lineup in 2022. At that time, it replaced the wide notch found on the previous models. Besides the sensors for Face ID and front camera, the notch also supports other key features, including notifications and real-time tracking.

A report from The Information recently claimed that iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max might come with only a small hole in the top-left corner of the screen that will accommodate the front-facing camera, while all Face ID hardware will be moved under the screen. This meant that the upcoming models will no longer feature the pill-shaped cutout at the top of the screen.

However, a tipster later claimed that the same was unlikely to happen. 

LTPO+ Display, Price And More Details

Recently, it came out that Apple is preparing to use LTPO+ (Low Temperature Crystal Silicon Oxide) display panels for the iPhone 18 range. 

A report from South Korean outlet ETNews suggested that the company has lined up Samsung Display and LG Display as key suppliers for the screens. Besides the iPhone 18 models, it is also expected to be used for the highly anticipated foldable iPhone. 

When it comes to price, leaks from Korean tipster yeux1122 suggest that Apple might increase the price for iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max versions due to surging costs for DRAM and NAND memory. However, the company is anticipated to maintain the price for base iPhone 18 model as its predecessor.

ALSO READ: Apple iPhone 18 Pro Models May Be Pricier; No Hike For iPhone 18 — But There’s A Catch

It is possible to build a temporary reality sans noise.
| Photo Credit: Freepik

Representative image.
| Photo Credit: File photo The Hindu

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi with Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh and others during Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) – 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi on November 3, 2025.
| Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma

Manishka Dubey is known for having won The Inventor Challenge on Colors Infinity TV, for her ‘Child Safety Band’, a creation that was made to help children when they get lost and can’t find their parents. Her great passion towards STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and strong desire to help others have led her to make incredible achievements through her years of tinkering. 

Origin of interest

Manishka’s passion for technology and science began when she was five and a half years old. This passion rose within the walls of her classroom when the class was being taught a chapter about space and the ISS (International Space Station). Her interest further grew with a short trip to the school’s theatre room, where their teachers showed them exactly what went on within the ISS, and the work the astronauts did there, which mainly includes spending six-month expeditions where they maintain the space station and conduct scientific experiments. Following this, Manishka developed her interest in technology, coding, and most importantly, robotics, which is considered to be a powerful source of hands-on learning that provides students with both intellectual and moral lessons. “When I started working in robotics,” Manishka recalled, in an online interview with The Hindu In School, “one of the most important lessons I learnt was, ‘resilience matters’. Every failure is not a setback, but a stepping stone that brings you closer to success.” The powerful truth behind these words cannot be overlooked. She also emphasised the importance of imagination and collaboration, placing ‘teamwork’ as the main point of focus, stating that it brought in diverse perspectives, which, in turn, led to stronger innovative solutions. 

The smaller problems

In order to create something innovative, one of the main tools one would need would be a blueprint or a displayed visual of what their invention would look like and what its main components would be. But before all this, a basic idea must be formed. When asked for the inspiration and process behind her inventions, Manishka revealed that a majority of her ideas came from real-life problems she noticed around her. There are times when attention to small challenges can lead to large-scale solutions, but people tend to overlook these problems due to their size. “One thing I believe,” Manishka stated, “is that lots of people work on bigger problems, but they don’t focus on the small problems that occur around one’s house or neighbourhood.” Once she took notice of these kinds of problems, a different question took form in Manishka’s mind: “Can I solve these problems with technology?” That is when the process began! Every time a bright idea clicked in her mind, Manishka would sketch, build models, and create simple simulations to visualise it. In her words, “Innovation is about connecting curiosity with problem-solving,” and then bringing about a new experience.

The tinkering process

The beauty of tinkering and inventing comes from the fact that it can turn creations that once lay within the virtual, intangible realm of thoughts and ideas into objects of reality. But how does one turn an idea into a real-life creation? “What I do,” Manishka revealed, “is basically select a problem, and imagine different scenarios. What can happen? What cannot? What should I add, and what shouldn’t I?” It is through asking this series of questions that the young techie decides the components required to turn her genius idea into a working invention. Once the parts are chosen, the next step is to scribble! To actually visualise her invention, and make it look good and catchy, Manishka draws a basic sketch of its structure. “The blueprint comes to my mind during the step-by-step process of identifying the problem and coming up with a solution to it.” 

But the drawing process isn’t always easy. Unlike paintings and normal sketches, blueprints hold drawings of objects that need to be replicated and used in real life. When Manishka began creating basic sketches of her devices, there was always confusion that arose regarding their design. This included their shape, size, components, features, space, etc. But she always had her mentors to help and guide her through these doubts and confusions. Her search for solutions to small problems and creative inventions led her to the stage on Colors Infinity TV in 2022, where she won The Inventor Challenge. And it was here that she revealed her next big step for her journey as a changemaking inventor/techie.

Support in STEM

When she was on The Inventor Challenge, Manishka was asked a major question, “What will you do further?”. Her answer came in the form of Tinker Techie, an innovative startup that she founded to provide solutions and support to child-centric and educational problems faced in the world today, and also provide girls with education to get into STEM.

In a survey recently conducted on 942 students by NGO Child Rights and You (CRY), it was revealed that a major hurdle for young girls interested in STEM-related careers was their lack of awareness about the fields, with 52% of them not knowing what STEM stood for, despite 54% of them planning to take up science as their main stream of study. A portion of the young girls who wanted to pursue STEM education faced a lack of family support in the form of traditional expectations and early marriage arrangements. 

Providing girls with awareness of STEM, support, and a good role model can serve as a major step towards helping them gain better access to the fields. Manishka strives to be one of these role models. “I believe that if I can do it, any girl can!” she stated, “Tech has no gender, STEM has no gender. Everybody has the equal right and opportunity to be in the field of science and technology.” Workshops are conducted, and communities are created and managed. “We offer intra-community support for girls who are facing any issues in the field of STEM, regardless of age or location.” These workshops are held both online and offline for the comfort of those who live far away.

“If you’re passionate about something, give it your best, give it your 100%. When you don’t succeed, instead of feeling low, think of it as a lesson to try harder next time.””Manishka Dubey

Challenges faced

Manishka’s path to the founding of her startup was a bumpy one, with many obstacles. One of the biggest hurdles she had to face was her age. When she was eight, she was given support by iStart Rajasthan, a flagship initiative that provided platforms and promotions for students to create startups. Supported by her iStart advisor Raunak Singhvi and her robotics and coding mentor Shailendra Tripathi, Manishka was provided with the knowledge and skills she needed to enter the startup world. “When I started my startup, I was really new,” Manishka revealed. “I didn’t know anything about the startup world, how to pitch, or grasp the attention of investors. But when I got into iStart, I got to see other startup founders doing it and got motivated.” Being new to the field of entrepreneurship, she turned her challenges into learning experiences. Manishka had to balance running her startup with her studies and schoolwork. When the pressure got to her, making her feel demotivated and uninspired, she took time alone to partake in calming and fun activities, like listening to music, playing with her brother, and spending time with the people she loves.

Manishka showcasing one of her educational inventions. The Smart Self-Tutor Device, which was created to help visually impaired children with learning.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Manishka’s fabulous inventions

The young tech prodigy has already implemented her knowledge in the creation of many inventions that have earned her awards. Given below are two of the most popular ones.

Child Safety Band

What better way to start this off than with the gadget that won Manishka the Inventor Challenge? The child safety band is a device that can be worn and used by children in emergencies for when they are lost. It provides a geofence (A virtual perimeter around a provided geographical location), tracking feature, and an emergency SOS button to notify local public authorities who can help the child find their parents. The device also holds flashing LED lights to alert people nearby. Additionally, it has an integrated companion app for parents to locate their lost child. This device can be worn in many forms, a band, a bag tag, an ID card, etc.

Smart Self-Tutor Device

Manishka had created this educational device for the visually impaired children. It provides them with lessons on the Braille alphabet, numbers, words, sentences, etc. The device uses NFC cards (cards with a Near Field Communication chip that allows wireless data transmission) with Braille printed on them. These cards are also linked with audio feedback to provide better and efficient learning experiences.