The leaders of the BRICS geopolitical bloc are meeting yet again, this time in the Russian city of Ufa. The meeting brings together dynamic and important emerging economies (Brazil, India, China and South Africa) and Russia (less dynamic and certainly not "emerging").
First dreamed up as a hypothetical acronym by a Goldman Sachs economist, the BRICS bloc has become an influential player on the world stage, and a byword for the shifting balance of power in the 21st century. The BRICS governments are now ironing out details about a new BRICS bank, which is being billed as an alternative to the World Bank, headquartered in Washington.
But it's not all about grand politics. On the sidelines of the meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he would consider embracing his counterpart's passion for yoga.
"I've tried so many things, but I haven't tried yoga, though it is certainly appealing," Putin told Modi, according to Agence France-Presse.
"I'll see what I am able to do based on my physical aptitude," the Russian leader added. "When we see [a] real yogi, it seems impossible to reach such perfection, and that's what stops people."
Given Putin's well-documented athletic prowess, his expressed timidity in yoga comes as a bit of a surprise.
The former KGB officer recently earned his eighth degree as a black belt in judo. He scores loads of goals in ice hockey, likes to ride horses, flies alongside migratory birds, dives for ancient artifacts and chases after exotic sea creatures.
Now perhaps Putin can learn downward dog.
Modi, for his part, has been a huge proponent of yoga. The Indian prime minister is said to rise every day at 5 a.m. to practice yogic stretches and breathing exercises. Under Modi's watch, the Indian government pushed for the world's first International Yoga Day, which was held June 21.
bc-putin-yoga
The Washington Post
Fri Jul 10 2015
Vladimir Putin told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he would consider embracing his counterpart's passion for yoga.
Is climate change making tropical storms more frequent? Scientists say it's unclear
Scientists say it remains unclear how much climate change is reshaping the storm season.
Samples obtained by Chinese spacecraft show moon's ancient volcanism
The material provides new insight into the moon's geological history including the oldest evidence to date of lunar volcanism.
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.