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News18
08-07-2025
- Business
- News18
'We Don't Want An Emperor': Brazil's Lula Hits Back At Trump's Tariff Threat On BRICS
Last Updated: Brazilian President Lula da Silva called Trump "irresponsible" for his tariff threat against BRICS countries and said there are other forums for the US to speak to other nations. Brazilian President Lula da Silva hit back at US President Donald Trump, saying the world does not want an 'emperor", after the United States threatened to impose additional 10% tariffs on countries that align with 'anti-American" policies of the BRICS grouping. Lula's remarks came after Trump announced that any country aligning with the BRICS would be charged with an additional 10% tariffs. Notably, India, China, and Russia are a part of the BRICS. 'Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff," Trump had posted on Truth Social. During a press conference at the end of the BRICS Summit in Brazil, Lula said, 'The world has changed. We don't want an emperor. Our countries are sovereign. If Trump issues tariffs, other countries have the right to do the same. There is the reciprocity law." 'I think it's irresponsible for a president from a country like the US to threaten the world with tariffs on social media. Honestly, there are other forums for the president of a country the size of the United States to talk to other countries." BRICS nations brushed aside an accusation from President Trump that they are 'anti-American,' with Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva saying that the world does not need an emperor after the US leader threatened additional tariffs on the bloc — Reuters Asia (@ReutersAsia) July 8, 2025 The Brazilian President said the BRICS group was not harmed to confront anyone and just wanted to be another model to do politics. His remarks came as Trump sent out letters to 14 countries on Monday, imposing higher tariffs in the range of 25 to 40% in a new phase of his trade war. Will Trump Impose Tariffs On BRICS? Despite Trump's threat, his administration does not intend to immediately impose an additional 10% tariff against BRICS nations, but will proceed if individual countries take policies deemed 'anti-American", a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. Responding to a question during the daily press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump was closely monitoring the BRICS Summit and did not perceive these countries as growing stronger, but as trying to undermine the US interests. 'The President feels BRICS is seeking to undermine the interests of the United States. It's his utmost responsibility to put the interest of the US first. So he is gonna ensure that America is treated fairly on the world stage, and he will take any action necessary to prevent countries from taking advantage of the United States and our people," she said. This came after leaders in the 11-member BRICS grouping criticised Trump's tariff policies, saying they were damaging the global economy and disrupting trade. The BRICS declaration also described the US tariffs as 'illegal and arbitrary", and said they could further reduce global trade. The 17th BRICS Summit, hosted by Brazil in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia for the meeting. First Published: July 08, 2025, 08:27 IST
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bill Gates is betting $200 billion on a better world in 20 years, but what is driving his optimism?
In a world torn by war, climate anxiety, and growing global inequality, one voice dares to offer hope — and it belongs to none other than Bill Gates . The Microsoft co-founder and philanthropic giant is doubling down on optimism, insisting that humanity is poised to witness dramatic improvements in the coming decades. 'You can accuse me of being by nature an optimistic person,' Gates recently told The New York Times , 'but I just think I'm being realistic. I think it's objective to say to you that things will be better in the next 20 years.' This striking declaration comes at a time when geopolitical tensions are running high, international aid is in freefall, and trust in global institutions is fraying. Yet, Gates is undeterred. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo A Vision Worth $200 Billion In a bold move that underscores his faith in the future, Gates has announced plans to distribute a staggering $200 billion through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation over the next two decades — and then shut the foundation down entirely. The aim? Nothing short of transformative: reduce preventable deaths among mothers and children, eradicate deadly diseases such as polio and malaria, and empower millions across Africa through advancements in education and agriculture. 'The truth is, there have never been more opportunities to help people live healthier, more prosperous lives,' Gates wrote in a blog post accompanying his announcement. He believes this kind of progress isn't just possible — it's already underway, powered by accelerating advances in technology, especially artificial intelligence . You Might Also Like: Bill Gates predicts 2-day work week as AI set to replace humans for most jobs within a decade — ReutersAsia (@ReutersAsia) The AI Advantage and Its Limits Gates acknowledges that AI is now a powerful driver of change, from enabling better diagnostics in healthcare to transforming education for underserved populations. However, he's quick to point out that it shouldn't be seen as a silver bullet. 'I wish we didn't have to rely on AI as a kind of magic wand,' he told the Times , but emphasized that its role in amplifying humanitarian impact is undeniable. With the right tools and intent, he argues, AI can dramatically reduce costs, enhance precision, and scale solutions faster than ever before. Proof That Progress Is Possible One of Gates' core arguments is grounded in data: since 1990, the global child mortality rate has dropped by more than half. Thanks to wider access to vaccines, better nutrition, and improved healthcare, millions of young lives have been saved, a trend that he believes can and should continue. You Might Also Like: Bill Gates predicts only three jobs will survive the AI takeover. Here is why Even amid recent foreign aid cutbacks by major governments, Gates maintains that medical innovation and global cooperation can still push us toward halving the child mortality rate again. He also sees real potential for progress in fighting diseases like HIV/AIDS and Guinea worm disease, many of which are already nearing the brink of eradication. Philanthropy's Next Generation While Gates plans to wind down his own foundation by 2045, he's confident that others will step up. He's particularly hopeful about younger philanthropists like Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and Dustin Moskovitz, who have pledged to give away most of their wealth. He also points to MacKenzie Scott, who has already donated over $19 billion since 2019, as a shining example of rapid, high-impact giving. Gates believes this new wave of philanthropy could supercharge global progress , turning today's challenges into tomorrow's triumphs. A Billionaire's Bet on Humanity Despite his past warnings about pandemics and climate disasters, Gates remains unwavering in his belief that global progress is not just possible; it's inevitable. 'Even with all the challenges that the world faces, I'm optimistic about our ability to make progress — because each breakthrough is yet another chance to make someone's life better,' he wrote in his blog. From eradicating disease to harnessing AI for good, Gates is betting big on humanity, and if he's right, the next 20 years could mark the most extraordinary chapter yet in the human story.
