Author: space4knews

A passenger ship, Bhargo Transport 8, carrying 240 people has been missing in Indonesia’s Java Sea since Sunday. According to the Search and Rescue Office in Banjarmasin, the ship encountered communication system issues which prompted an immediate search operation. Rescue officials stated that the ship’s last known location was approximately 148 kilometers from Banjarmasin port, and so far, no reports of casualties have been received.

The vessel was en route from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin, the capital of South Kalimantan province on the island of Borneo. Authorities launched a rapid search effort immediately after the ship was reported missing. The Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Office confirmed that the ship’s communication system experienced problems during the journey, and no contact has been established since.

Rescue teams are conducting an extensive search operation in the area. Until now, no information has been reported regarding any injuries or fatalities among the passengers. Indonesia has experienced numerous ship accidents in the past, primarily due to adverse weather conditions, maritime storms, overcrowding beyond capacity, and lax enforcement of safety regulations.

Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands, with a significant portion of its population residing across these islands. Consequently, passenger ships remain a key mode of transportation. The region frequently experiences heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high sea waves, making travel particularly challenging for small and medium-sized vessels.

By June 2026, the number of individuals holding multiple jobs in Australia has reached one million, marking the highest level recorded so far. In July 2026, Australia welcomed 710,080 foreign tourists, although this figure remains 10 percent below the number recorded in July 2019. Meanwhile, over 1.25 million Australian residents traveled abroad and returned within July, representing an 11.4 percent increase compared to 2019. (Kathmandu, September 14)

The population engaged in multiple employment is growing steadily, setting new records, while foreign tourist arrivals are gradually returning to normal levels. According to the latest official data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the total number of multiple job holders had reached one million by June 2026. Additionally, more than 710,000 foreign tourists visited Australia in July. Women and young people are primarily active in holding multiple jobs. The data indicates that 6.9 percent of those employed hold more than one job, the highest proportion recorded to date.

In March, this number was 984,200. Among multiple job holders, 6.2 percent are men, while 7.7 percent are women. Young adults aged 20 to 24 have the highest engagement in multiple employment, with a rate of 11.2 percent. In contrast, those aged 65 and above have a rate of only 3.1 percent. Multiple job holders work an average of 39.3 hours per week across all jobs, compared to an average of 34.8 hours for those with a single job. Currently, 14.1 million Australians hold a single job.

Comparing metropolitan regions to others, the rate of multiple jobholding is higher in regional and rural areas. From 1994 to 2019, this rate ranged between 5 and 6 percent. It declined during the COVID-19 pandemic but has since been rising again. July’s figures showing 710,080 foreign arrivals reflect short-term visits, which remain 10 percent lower than pre-pandemic levels in July 2019.

Among foreign tourists visiting Australia, the largest share comes from New Zealand citizens (18.9 percent), followed by visitors from China and the United States. By state, New South Wales received the most tourists (247,410), while Tasmania recorded the fewest (84,320). More than 1.25 million Australians traveled abroad and returned in July, a figure 11.4 percent higher than in 2019. Indonesia was the most popular destination among Australian travelers, attracting 15.1 percent of those traveling overseas, followed by New Zealand and the United Kingdom as preferred choices.

September 13, Kathmandu – The BRICS Summit has issued a strong condemnation against the unilateral tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on other nations. The declaration from the BRICS Summit expressed serious concern over unilateral tariffs that violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, non-tariff measures, and protectionism. The summit warned that such actions could negatively impact global trade and supply chains, as well as exacerbate economic inequality.

BRICS also criticized unilateral economic sanctions and other coercive measures that contravene international law. Leaders from BRICS countries voiced deep concern that these sanctions disproportionately affect the poor and vulnerable populations. In the context of global peace, BRICS emphasized the need to prioritize conflict prevention, dialogue, diplomacy, and mediation.

Highlighting concerns about rising military expenditures, nuclear risks, and arms races, the group underscored the necessity of strengthening disarmament, arms control, and non-proliferation regimes. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of nuclear-weapon-free zones. BRICS further expressed profound concern over the unilateral sanctions and strict blockade imposed on Cuba, firmly demanding the immediate lifting of all economic, trade, and financial restrictions against Cuba.

Kathmandu, September 13 – The BRICS summit has expressed support for Palestine in the Middle East. The declaration issued at the summit held in New Delhi stated that a just and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict can only be achieved through peaceful means. BRICS countries reaffirmed their backing for the two-state solution, advocating the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state within the internationally recognized borders of 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The BRICS nations strongly oppose any unilateral actions that alter the legal and historical status of Jerusalem under Israeli occupation. They appealed to respect the sanctity of all religious and sacred sites within the city and urged that every individual be guaranteed unhindered access to these locations to observe their religious traditions and practices. The summit also expressed grave concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, condemning attacks on civilians, health facilities, and other civil infrastructure, as well as the obstruction of humanitarian aid.

BRICS called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance. The group opposed any forced displacement of Palestinians or changes to the geographic or demographic makeup of Gaza. Welcoming the ceasefire in Lebanon, BRICS urged all parties to adhere strictly to its terms and to fully implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. Expressing serious concern about rising tensions in the Middle East and West Asia, they urged all stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint and avoid activities that could further escalate the situation. BRICS also voiced concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and resolution through dialogue. The declaration reiterated support for Syria’s sovereignty and an inclusive political process involving all parties.

September 13, Kathmandu — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting on Saturday evening in New Delhi, coinciding with the BRICS summit. The leaders engaged in an extensive dialogue on recent advancements in the relationship between their two nations. According to Indian media reports, the discussion focused on the continuous improvement in India-China relations following the talks held in Tianjin, China, in August 2025.

Both leaders shared a consensus that their relationship should be viewed through a strategic and long-term lens. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that both sides expressed a mutual view that differences should not escalate into disputes. Modi emphasized the need to advance bilateral relations based on three key ‘mutualities’—mutual respect, sensitivity, and interests.

Furthermore, Modi reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability in border areas, stressing that both parties must adhere to existing border agreements and understandings. Citing the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, it was noted that both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to seeking a just, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution to the border dispute through political consensus.

President Xi expressed that he regards the India-China relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective, emphasizing the need to advance ties for the enduring benefit of both nations. He also highlighted the necessity of joint efforts between India and China to strengthen cooperation among BRICS member countries.

Xi shared his belief with Modi that both countries can achieve shared development by learning from each other’s strengths. Both leaders underscored the importance of leveraging their capabilities and advancing toward common development goals through cooperation.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated at the opening session of the BRICS summit in New Delhi that the BRICS group is not against anyone. He emphasized that over the past 20 years, BRICS has secured a significant position on the global stage and that it is time to transform unity and consensus into tangible results.

Modi presented a 10-point roadmap for reforming the global governance system and stressed that reforms in the United Nations Security Council can no longer be delayed. He said, “We respect each other’s perspectives and move forward with consensus. Now it is time to convert our unity and agreement into concrete outcomes on the world stage.”

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

Modi underscored the necessity for the Global South to not only comply with rules but also have a role in creating them. He stated, “Today, the Global South is at the forefront of global crises, yet its position in decision-making processes remains secondary.”