With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements: 1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009. 2. South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Let's analyze the statements regarding BRICS:

1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009: This statement is incorrect. The concept of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) emerged in 2001. The first BRIC leaders' summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in June 2009. South Africa joined the group in 2010, after which it became BRICS. Rio de Janeiro hosted the 4th BRICS summit in 2012, not the first.

2. South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping: This statement is correct in the context of the original five members. South Africa officially joined the BRIC group in December 2010, leading to the formation of BRICS. No other country joined this original grouping of five after South Africa until the expansion announced in 2023 for 2024.

Therefore, only statement 2 is correct.