International Current Affairs

Why in News?

The BRICS Technical Meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group commenced in Puri, Odisha, on June 3, 2026, under India’s BRICS Presidency 2026.

The meeting is important for exams because it connects three areas:

• International relations: BRICS and Global South cooperation
• Disaster management: disaster risk reduction and climate resilience
• Governance: Odisha’s disaster management model

Key Facts for Prelims

Why the Puri Meeting Matters?

The Puri meeting highlights disaster risk reduction as a major area of BRICS cooperation. This is important because climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, heatwaves and droughts.

For India, the meeting is significant because:

• India is holding the BRICS Chairship in 2026.
• India’s BRICS theme is Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.
• Disaster risk reduction fits directly under the Resilience pillar.
• Odisha’s cyclone management model is being showcased internationally.

Odisha Model of Disaster Management

Odisha is frequently cited as an important case study in disaster preparedness because the state has improved its ability to manage cyclones and other natural disasters.

Important features:

• Multi-hazard early warning systems
• Cyclone shelters and evacuation planning
• Community-level preparedness
• Coordination between state agencies and local administration
• Use of technology for alerts and response
• Focus on reducing loss of life during cyclones

What is BRICS?

BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping of major emerging economies. It began as BRIC with Brazil, Russia, India and China. South Africa joined later, making it BRICS.

For exams, BRICS is important because it represents:

• Voice of the Global South
• Reform of global governance institutions
• South-South cooperation
• Alternative development finance through the New Development Bank
• Cooperation in economy, technology, health, agriculture, climate, disaster management and security

BRICS Membership

The original BRICS members are Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Recent expansion added Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.

Institutional Pillars of BRICS

New Development Bank

The New Development Bank was established by BRICS countries. The agreement for establishing the bank was signed during the 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil, in 2014.

• Headquarters: Shanghai, China
• Focus: Infrastructure and sustainable development projects
• Earlier known as: BRICS Development Bank
• Membership: Open beyond BRICS countries
• Exam importance: Alternative development finance institution linked to Global South

Contingent Reserve Arrangement

The BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement was also signed in Fortaleza, Brazil, in 2014.

Purpose:

• Provides financial support during short-term balance of payments pressure
• Helps member countries face global liquidity shocks
• Acts as a financial safety mechanism

India and BRICS 2026

India is holding the BRICS Chairship in 2026 and will host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026.

India’s BRICS 2026 theme is Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.

India’s focus areas include disaster risk reduction, agriculture and food security, health cooperation, energy security, supply chain resilience, innovation and emerging technologies, and reform of global governance institutions.

Interconnected Static Subject: Sendai Framework

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 is a global framework adopted in Sendai, Japan, in 2015.

Its four priorities are:

• Understanding disaster risk
• Strengthening disaster risk governance
• Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience
• Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and Build Back Better in recovery

Quick Revision Table

Trap / Confusing Points

Practice MCQs

1. The BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group technical meeting in June 2026 was held in which Indian city?

A. Bhubaneswar
B. Puri
C. Visakhapatnam
D. New Delhi

Answer: B. Puri

Explanation: The BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group technical meeting commenced in Puri, Odisha, on June 3, 2026.

2. The New Development Bank was established by BRICS countries through an agreement signed at which summit?

A. Durban Summit, 2013
B. Fortaleza Summit, 2014
C. Ufa Summit, 2015
D. Goa Summit, 2016

Answer: B. Fortaleza Summit, 2014

Explanation: The agreement establishing the New Development Bank was signed during the 6th BRICS Summit at Fortaleza, Brazil, in 2014.

3. The Sendai Framework is primarily related to:

A. Climate finance
B. Disaster risk reduction
C. Nuclear disarmament
D. Biodiversity conservation

Answer: B. Disaster risk reduction

Explanation: The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 provides global priorities for reducing disaster risks and losses.

4. Which of the following best describes the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement?

A. A global environmental treaty
B. A defence cooperation pact
C. A financial safety mechanism for liquidity and balance of payments pressure
D. A permanent BRICS Parliament

Answer: C. A financial safety mechanism for liquidity and balance of payments pressure

Explanation: CRA was created to help BRICS countries manage short-term liquidity and balance of payments pressures.

5. Which Indian state is being highlighted for its disaster management model in connection with the BRICS DRR meeting in Puri?

A. Gujarat
B. Odisha
C. Kerala
D. Maharashtra

Answer: B. Odisha

Explanation: Odisha’s disaster management model, especially cyclone preparedness and early warning, is being showcased during the BRICS DRR meeting.