Joaquim Barbosa: Brazil’s First Black Supreme Court Justice

Joaquim Barbosa became the only black ever to become Supreme Court Justice of Brazil.

Barbosa will have a 2-year tenure as Supreme Court president. The election of the President of Supreme Court is done on the basis of the length of period a justice has served on the bench. The justice who has served on the bench the longest is elected.

Barbosa made news when he presided over a high-profile corruption trial involving a congressional cash-for-votes scheme. The court has convicted 25 people including the former chief of staff of ex-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva honoured with Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development

President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development on former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

This was for his outstanding contribution to the developing world. During Lula’s presidency, relations between India and Brazil steadily progressed. It was during Lula’s presidency that the seeds were also sown for several international fora such as IBSA, BRICS, G-20 and BASIC.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (known popularly as Lula) was President of Brazil from January 1, 2003 – December 31, 2010.

Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development