Current Context: India is hosting the 12th BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting on 15–16 July 2026 in Hyderabad, Telangana, under its BRICS Chairship 2026.
- The meeting is organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, with participation from Labour Ministers, senior officials and representatives of BRICS member countries and international organisations.
- As the Chair of BRICS 2026, India is presiding over the meeting. India's overall BRICS Chairship is guided by the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."
- The meeting focuses on employment generation, labour market formalisation, workforce skilling, social security, decent work and increasing women's participation in the workforce.
- Ministers are discussing ways to strengthen cooperation among BRICS countries in addressing changing labour market challenges arising from digitalisation, technological transformation and future skills requirements.
- The outcomes of the meeting are expected to strengthen collaboration on inclusive employment, worker welfare, social protection and sustainable economic growth across BRICS member countries.
- BRICS currently comprises 11 member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). India assumed the BRICS Chairship on 1 January 2026.
Question:
Q1. Which of the following is NOT currently a member of BRICS?
a) Egypt
b) Indonesia
c) United Arab Emirates
d) Japan
Answer: d) BRICS currently has 11 members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Japan is not a member.
