Latest news with #MID
The Wire
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Wire
India, Trump's Tariffs and the Future of BRICS
Brazilian president Lula de Silva, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov at the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, August 22, 2023. Photo: Twitter/@MID_RF Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute Now The BRICS alliance (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and the newly expanded BRICS Plus nations – Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Indonesia – stands as a formidable voice for the Global South, representing 31.5% of global GDP and over 40% of the world's population. India's pivotal role in this coalition is not merely economic but a testament to its vision for a multipolar world order rooted in equity, sovereignty and mutual prosperity. Recent remarks by US President Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick – threatening 100% tariffs on nations exploring alternatives to the US dollar and urging India to reconsider its BRICS membership – have ignited global discourse. At this juncture, India need to remain steadfast, leveraging its strategic autonomy to balance global partnerships while advancing its economic ambitions. Trump's tariff threats Since November 2024, President Trump has cautioned BRICS nations against de-dollarisation, warning of crippling tariffs if they pursue a common currency or an alternative financial system. The US dollar's dominance in over 90% of global transactions underscores Washington's unease, particularly as Russia and Iran, constrained by SWIFT sanctions, advocate for local currency trade. India's response, articulated by Union external affairs minister S. Jaishankar, reflects pragmatism. India is not leading de-dollarisation but seeks practical 'workarounds' to sustain trade with sanctioned partners, such as Russia for critical oil imports. India's trade with the US is valued at $120 billion in 2024, with IT services, pharmaceuticals and textiles as key exports. Yet, BRICS offers a vital platform to diversify economic partnerships, reducing reliance on any single market and insulating India from external pressures. This strategic diversification is not a rejection of the US, but a calculated step toward resilience in a volatile global landscape. The strategic imperative of staying in BRICS India's commitment to BRICS embodies its pursuit of strategic autonomy in a multipolar world, prioritising economic diversification and global cooperation over geopolitical rivalries. The bloc's 2024-2025 expansion to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE and Indonesia amplifies India's economic diplomacy. For instance, India's construction sector (7.4% growth in 2025) can drive infrastructure projects in Egypt, while its textile expertise can bolster Ethiopia's burgeoning garment industry. In the UAE, BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry's (CCI's) trade corridors have catalysed regional fintech and renewable energy partnerships, leveraging India's leadership in UPI and green hydrogen ambitions. These collaborations not only diversify India's trade but also create a buffer against potential tariff disruptions from the US tariffs. BRICS also serves as a platform to tackle pressing global challenges, from climate change to digital transformation. By championing local currency trade – such as India's rupee-based settlements with Russia since 2022 – BRICS CCI ensures trade continuity without directly challenging the dollar's dominance. This pragmatic approach underscores India's ability to navigate complex global dynamics while advancing its economic interests. Navigating the challenge India's response to US tariff threats must balance its deep economic ties with Washington while reinforcing its BRICS commitments. This delicate balancing act requires a multifaceted strategy: Deepen US-India Economic Engagement: India should pursue reciprocal trade agreements, building on past negotiations for a limited trade deal. India can attract US investment in high-tech sectors like semiconductors and clean energy, fostering mutual trust and reducing tariff risks. Amplify BRICS Trade Platforms: Initiatives like the BRICS Startup Forum and MSME Accelerator Program can drive transformative deals in renewables with the UAE, pharmaceuticals with South Africa, and agrotech with Brazil. These platforms showcase BRICS' economic value, fostering collaboration without escalating currency disputes. Advance Pragmatic Currency Solutions: India's rupee-based trade mechanisms offer a blueprint for BRICS nations to ensure trade resilience. By scaling these systems, India can facilitate seamless commerce while sidestepping provocative moves toward a common BRICS currency. Leverage BRICS Plus Opportunities: The expanded BRICS bloc unlocks new markets for India. Intensifying infrastructure deals with Egypt, textile exports to Ethiopia, and energy partnerships with Iran reduces India's dependence on traditional markets, enhancing its economic agility. Strengthen Diplomatic Messaging: India's leadership must consistently emphasise that BRICS is a platform for cooperation, not confrontation. By positioning itself as a bridge between the Global South and North, India can defuse tensions while amplifying its global influence. India's Path Forward The US tariff threat highlights the complexities of a shifting global order, but it also underscores India's unique position as a global leader. With a $4.1 trillion economy in 2025, India's economic resilience is undeniable. Its diversified trade portfolio –spanning BRICS, ASEAN, and Western markets – equips it to withstand external pressures. India must impress upon the US that BRICS is not a rejection of the West but a bold reaffirmation of a fair, multipolar world, where cooperation triumphs over coercion. By deepening BRICS partnerships, scaling innovative trade mechanisms, and maintaining robust dialogue with the US, India can navigate this challenge with strategic resolve. If India wants to emerge as a champion of the Global South, it need not merely respond to global shifts, it ought to shape them. The author is Chairman of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRICS CCI). The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
NZ Herald
23-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Mamamia's Holly Wainwright on why she wants to celebrate midlife
One of its co-hosts is Holly Wainwright. A British expat who has lived in Australia since the 90s, in the past few years she has been hosting her own podcast, MID, tackling self-care and tricky topics, with an aim of sharing wisdom with her audience. Speaking to Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey on the NZ Herald 's lifestyle podcast, The Little Things, Wainwright said that the big window between 35 and 65 where things change was not something she was fully prepared for. 'There's lots of levels to it, isn't there? Because there's the hormonal stuff, and then there's just the fact that there's a lot of what one of the guests on an episode of MID has described as 'midlife collisions'. 'There are a lot of big things [that] are bound to happen in that phase where maybe you've been parenting for a while or maybe that never happened for you and you are reckoning with how you feel about it or with choices you've made. 'Maybe your relationships are changing, a lot of divorce in midlife, a lot of separation, a lot of friend dynamics shifting. There's a whole lot of stuff happening. 'But with the hormonal stuff, I think I wasn't ready for it because I think I was the kind of Gen X feminist who was very reluctant to give my hormones too much credibility in my world.' Wainwright said discussions about menopause were never talked about when she was younger because you could be dismissed as being 'crazy'. She recalls even trying to cover up weaknesses 16 years ago when she was pregnant with her first child, so as not to show any weakness. 'So I think that I've been a bit of a denier of the realities of the female body and the impact it has on you. 'But then what happens is perimenopause and menopause comes along and just smacks you right in the face. And you have to kind of [realise] this isn't just me who's dealing with all these wobbles and issues and physical symptoms that don't make sense and worrying you're losing your mind. This is hormones and I can't deny it any longer. 'So in some ways it's been a bit of a reckoning for me.' In the past few years, Wainwright has noticed a big change in these types of conversations. Mamamia put together a summit about perimenopause recently, and the company was blown away by the response to it. She's even seeing the impact it is having on younger generations. 'The young women I work with, they talk all the time about what phase of their cycle they're at, how they're feeling about it. It's really shifted and, and I'm really delighted about that.' And while she is glad that these conversations are being had, Wainwright also wants to ensure that it's not the sole thing defining women. 'I don't want every conversation around women in their 40s and 50s and beyond to be about hormones.' She said many women about her age have experienced a lot, surviving numerous challenges, and have reached a stage where they have a lot of experience and wisdom to share. 'Exactly that moment, you are kind of pushed aside by the culture and society, whatever that means, and sort of pitied a little bit, and it's like you're not really relevant anymore, are you? 'So I really wanted to make a show that explored all these different parts of 'mid' but with a positive feel to it.' Listen to the full episode of The Little Things for the full conversation with Holly Wainwright about celebrating 'mid' – including the best parts of this time, challenging the feeling of being 'invisible', beauty standards and what her advice to younger women is.
CBS News
23-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
City of Oakdale explores if it can pull plug on PG&E for new electric provider
OAKDALE — Oakdale city leaders are exploring whether they can move all residents under one electric provider, potentially cutting ties with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) in favor of the Modesto Irrigation District (MID). The city currently operates under a dual-provider system. About 7,000 households get electricity from PG&E, while around 1,000 are served by MID. But the difference in cost between the two is substantial. Interim City Manager Jerry Ramar said PG&E customers in Oakdale pay an average of $250 more per month than those on MID service. That adds up to more than $3,000 annually per household. Citywide, that gap could mean up to $21.5 million in potential annual savings, according to Ramar's estimates. Those numbers prompted the Oakdale City Council to unanimously direct staff to move forward with a feasibility study examining the legal and logistical path to citywide consolidation under MID. "I was asked to look into it because PG&E rates are exceptionally high right now, and they seem to continue going higher," Ramar said. "Whereas we have about 1,000 homes on MID, and their rate increases are much lower." Ramar said he contacted several experts who recommended a consulting firm to lead the study. The consultants returned a proposal faster than expected, and Ramar plans to bring it to the council on June 2 for funding approval. He estimated the study would cost between $50,000 and $75,000 and would likely be paid from the city's general fund. However, PG&E has made clear it has no intention of selling its infrastructure. Company representative Eric Alvarez told the council that eminent domain would be costly, pointing to the South San Joaquin Irrigation District's ongoing $28 million battle to acquire PG&E infrastructure since 2008. "I understand where they're coming from," Ramar said. "They invested money to provide a service for the community. But our community thinks that their price is too high, and they want us to look at alternatives." The feasibility study won't guarantee a switch to MID, but it will determine whether such a move is possible.
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
watch: Mjaivo Jaiva takes over the streets of Joburg
Celebrating International Dance Day with rhythm, unity, and joy. Hundreds of dancers took to the streets for International Dance Day celebration. Picture: Screenshot/Facebook Hundreds of dancers flooded the streets of Johannesburg this Friday, 16 May, for Mjaivo Jaiva, a celebration of International Dance Day. The Johannesburg Inner City Partnership (JICP), in collaboration with Moving Into Dance (MID) and the Maharishi Invincibility Institute (MII), hosted the event starting at the Magistrate's Court in Main Street, Johannesburg. Although International Dance Day is officially marked on 29 April, the celebration was moved to line up with South Africa's public holidays, allowing for greater participation and public engagement. ALSO READ: WATCH: ULTRA South Africa celebrates 10 years of dance music Mjaivo Jaiva for International Dance Day More than 1 000 dancers, choreographed by the renowned MID team, turned the pavements into lively stages filled with joy, music and shared creativity. JICP CEO David van Niekerk said collaborations like these are crucial for transforming the city from the inside out. 'This is more than a dance event – it's a living, breathing example of what happens when culture, creative expression and community power intersect. This is Jozi showing the world what it's made of.' MID, a Newtown-based pioneer of Afro fusion and edudance since 1978, has trained hundreds of participants over the past weeks in a choreographed routine that speaks to identity, movement and inclusion. 'This is dance for everyone. Whether you know the choreography or just want to move your body, we invite you to join in – follow the rhythm, feel the vibe, or simply soak up the spirit of Mjaivo Jaiva,' said Nadia Virasamy, CEO of MID. MII, a non-profit educational hub in the inner city since 2007, brought its own cohort of students to join the performance. NOW READ: Not just 'Lazy, rich housewives'! Louise Volschenk claps back at Afrikaans critics on The Mommy Club
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oakdale explores switch from PG&E to MID. How much might residents save on power?
Oakdale leaders, alarmed by recent spikes in PG&E power bills, are looking to switch to the Modesto Irrigation District. The City Council voted 5-0 on Monday, May 5, to recruit a consulting firm to explore the idea in detail. It came over a protest from PG&E, which said rate relief is coming and the system is not for sale in any case. Interim City Manager Jerry Ramar said homes could save $257 a month on average based on the current rate structures. He cautioned that the transition costs could cancel out the benefits. Supporters told of residents paying several hundred dollars a month for air-conditioning during heat waves. 'I do live next to people who have to run their fans all summer, and they are actually hot, very hot,' Councilmember Kayleigh Gilbert said. About 7,000 of Oakdale's homes, the vast majority, have PG&E hookups. Some of the newer subdivisions are in MID because of a circa-2000 effort to bring competition to the California grid. The switch would need approval from the MID board, the Stanislaus Local Agency Formation Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission. The process could mean several years of legal wrangling. As a public agency, MID can charge less for electricity than PG&E because it does not have to earn profits for investors. It also does not serve mountainous areas, where PG&E has incurred huge costs for wildfires sparked by its wires. Oakdale would have three main obligations before joining MID, said an email from Melissa Williams, the utility's public affairs manager. One is paying for an analysis of how this would affect the overall system. The city also would have to cover the cost of extending MID service and reimburse PG&E for its infrastructure. Those assets includes poles and wires along city streets and Oakdale's share of PG&E power plants and transmission lines around the West. Monday's vote was for Ramar to contact firms that could do a feasibility study, which he said might run $50,000 to $75,000 and take a year. The council would have to approve the contract at a future meeting. MID was founded in 1887 to provide Tuolumne River water to farms, as was the neighboring Turlock Irrigation District. Both began in the 1920s to generate cheap hydropower for sale to local homes and businesses. Population growth prompted them to add other sources, first fossil fuels and later wind and solar. MID's original service area takes in much of the zone bounded by the Tuolumne, Stanislaus and San Joaquin rivers. Oakdale lies within the Oakdale Irrigation District, which generates Stanislaus hydropower for sale to distant users rather than city residents. MID gained its Oakdale customers as part of a grid reform that also gave it access to part of the Ripon area and to all of Mountain House. The latter was an entirely new town northwest of Tracy. MID and TID now have close to a quarter-million electricity customers between them. PG&E also evolved over the past century-plus and today serves about 16 million users of power, gas or both. Electricity bills have one charge to cover fixed costs, such as salaries, and rates that vary with monthly consumption. Users are penalized for high use. Ramar said his estimate was based on average MID consumption of 850 kilowatt-hours per home in a month. The district charges 18 cents for each of the first 500 kilowatt-hours and 21 cents for the other 350. PG&E's rates are 63 cents per kilowatt-hour during peak demand 40 cents at other times, the city manager said. The speaker from PG&E was Eric Alvarez, government affairs representative for Stanislaus and four other counties. He is a Modesto City Council member but recuses himself from matters involving that city. Alvarez acknowledged that high summer bills 'cause a hardship for many of our Central Valley customers.' But he said no rate hike is planned this year and 2026 will bring a drop of about 5 cents per kilowatt-hour. Alvarez also mentioned a $15 billion federal loan guarantee that will help PG&E's upgrade its sources and transmission capacity. PG&E has paid major settlements following wildfires and also is burying the lines in many vulnerable areas. During winter, it contends with snow and wind in the mountains. The council said Oakdale residents need help sooner than PG&E offered. Member Jared Pitassi said this could especially aid renters hoping to become owners. He added that his own house is on MID power, never topping $160 per month. 'I think it's fair for us to stand up for the residents,' Pitassi said. '... It really ticks me off how much they have to pay.' Alvarez warned Oakdale against trying to acquire the system through eminent domain, which happens when governments cannot get owners to sell. And he noted the ongoing attempt by the South San Joaquin Irrigation District to take over PG&E customers within its boundaries. SSJID generates hydropower on the Stanislaus River in a partnership with OID. It has proposed since 2008 to use it as a cheaper source than PG&E in Manteca, Ripon, Escalon and other towns. Alvarez said this has cost SSJID about $28 million in legal and other costs so far. He concluded with these words for the Oakdale council: 'We are committed to providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable energy to our customers in Oakdale, and while we understand the focus on affordability, exploring a public takeover that isn't viable and would create additional risk and costs will not benefit residents and customers.'
