Rourkela (Odisha), Feb 11 (IANS) Former World and Olympic champions Belgium produced a thrilling second-half comeback to defeat Argentina 5–3 in the FIH Pro League men’s hockey match at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium on Tuesday.

Argentina started the match on a strong note and took an early lead through Tomas Domene, who converted a penalty corner in the 2nd minute. Nicolas della Torre doubled the advantage in the 9th minute with another penalty corner. Argentina added their third goal in the 24th minute, once again from a penalty corner, to go 3–1 ahead and dominate the first half.

Belgium, however, responded with determination and resilience. Star forward Tom Boon led the comeback with a brilliant hat-trick, including a spectacular overhead strike just before the end of the first quarter, which lifted his team’s morale and changed the momentum of the game.

In the second half, Belgium intensified their attacking play and displayed clinical finishing. Two successful penalty strokes further strengthened their lead and sealed the victory for the Red Lions.

Despite several acrobatic saves by Argentina goalkeeper Tomas Santiago, the South American side could not stop Belgium’s relentless pressure in the latter stages of the match.

The Belgian players wore black armbands as a mark of respect for teammate Thibeau Stockbroekx’s father, who recently passed away, adding emotional significance to their impressive performance.

With this victory, Belgium strengthened their position in the Pro League standings. At the same time, Argentina will look to bounce back quickly in their upcoming matches, including their next encounter against hosts India.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 11 (IANS) Days after the Janakpuri incident, a man died after falling into an open sewer in north-west Delhi's Rohini area on Tuesday, police officials said.

According to initial information, the sewer lid was left open.

The incident occurred on Monday.

Begumpur Police Station received information about the matter at around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, following which a police team reached the spot, officials added.

The deceased has been identified as Birju Kumar, a labourer from Bihar's Samastipur and was aged around 32-years.

The tragic accident occurred due to the open sewer, resulting in the loss of his life, officials said.

Local residents said another person was present with the victim at the time of the incident.

However, he did not inform anyone initially.

When the search for the missing man began, he finally disclosed the incident following which the police were alerted.

Officials from various concerned departments later reached the spot.

Local residents alleged gross negligence on the part of the authorities.

Local advocate Tejpal Yadav told IANS that the two friends worked as labourers.

One of them fell into the sewer, which had been left uncovered.

He added that none of the nearby sewers had lids at the time.

After the incident, sewer covers were hurriedly installed.

Advocate Yadav said that when he arrived around 7 p.m., Delhi Development Authority (DDA) officials were already present, bringing sewer lids and placing them.

He became suspicious when he noticed private tankers at the site and questioned the DDA officials.

When he called the emergency helpline '112', he learned that no department had officially been informed about the incident.

The wife and children of the deceased victim did not live in Delhi. He had planned to return to his native village soon.

A local resident said that children often play in the area, the road connects to the colony, and none of the sewers had covers.

After this fatal incident, residents warned that more accidents could occur if the issue is not addressed urgently.

The latest death has once again drawn attention to safety failures around open drains and construction sites in the capital, especially in the wake of the recent Janakpuri tragedy.

In that case, Kamal Dhyani, an assistant manager at the Rohini branch of HDFC Bank, died after his motorcycle fell into a deep pit dug by the Delhi Jal Board for sewer work. The site was allegedly left inadequately secured at the time of the accident.

--IANS

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Colombo, Feb 11 (IANS) Pakistan captain Salman Agha appeared relaxed and satisfied after leading his team to a 32-run victory over the United States in their Group A match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Tuesday. He called the performance clinical but also highlighted the potential for further improvement.

Asked about his demeanour after the victory, Agha brushed it off with trademark humour before turning his attention to the team’s all-round effort, particularly the improvement in the middle overs with the bat.

“I always smile. When have you seen me not smile? (laughs). Clinical win. Last game, we didn't bat well in the middle overs, but today we did. Once we scored 190, we knew we could defend that,” Agha said during the post-match presentation.

Agha said he would have opted to bat first regardless of the toss, backing Pakistan’s bowling resources to defend even modest totals while underlining the team’s distinctive approach to the game. “I would've batted first after winning the toss. With the kind of bowling we have, we know we can win even with 160-170. We are Pakistan, we do things differently from the world,” he said.

Despite his preference, the skipper stressed that Pakistan were equally comfortable chasing, pointing to the adaptability within the batting unit as he said, “We're comfortable with chasing as well. Our batting order is flexible. First three will probably go in the same order, but we're flexible after that.”

Explaining the depth and versatility in the lineup, Agha said Pakistan’s options allowed them to respond to different match situations without compromising intent. He was pleased with the overall performance and reiterated that the side was far from complacent, highlighting areas that could still be sharpened as the tournament progresses.

“We have finishers who can go early if we don't get too many wickets at first. But if you get early wickets, we still have a batter who can go and obviously take the game to the deep and then allow the finishers to come and finish the game as well. Always room for improvement. We like to bowl well in Power-play. In patches, we were good, but we can be more clinical,” Agha concluded.

--IANS

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Surat, Feb 10 (IANS) India’s pharmaceutical industry has welcomed the interim trade agreement framework between India and the US, which offers tariff relief on medicines and several other Indian exports.

Ketan Zota, chairman of Zota Healthcare and Dawa India, said the Indian pharmaceutical sector remained confident throughout the negotiations due to its critical role in the global supply of medicines.

“Due to lower labour costs in India, drug production is cheaper, and the U.S. will benefit,” he told IANS.

He highlighted India’s extensive exports, noting, “India has the largest U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved plant outside the United States, exporting substantial volumes of generic, life-saving, and chronic disease medicines, including treatments for diabetes, thyroid disorders, and blood pressure.”

Describing India’s outcome in the trade deal as a “major win,” Zota emphasised that the United States had previously never compromised on tariffs.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through proper protocol, successfully negotiated favourable terms. The volume of medicines exported from India is due to lower labour costs, while the U.S. benefits from reduced prices,” he added.

The interim framework, announced earlier this month, is designed to reset tariffs and provide clearer rules for trade between the two countries.

Under the agreement, the United States has committed to reducing tariffs on Indian goods, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, gems, and aircraft parts, with some categories potentially becoming duty-free once fully implemented.

The framework also seeks to address non-tariff barriers and enhance regulatory cooperation, offering greater certainty for exporters and supporting long-term trade relations.

Zota also pointed to the anticipated trade deal between India and the European Union, describing it as “highly beneficial” for Indian pharmaceutical exporters.

“Export duties have been reduced to zero per cent, and technology, business, and trade cooperation are expected to increase,” he said.

“Medicines will be produced in India, taking advantage of lower labour costs, which benefits both producers and global consumers," he noted.

India remains the leading supplier of generic medicines to the United States, with the pharmaceutical sector continuing to be a priority of the country’s global trade profile.

The interim trade agreement is expected to strengthen India’s position in the global pharmaceutical market while providing greater clarity and stability for future exports.

--IANS

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Pune, Feb 10 (IANS) Tvesa Malik fired the only bogey-free round of the first day of the third leg of the Women's Pro Golf Tour 2026 at Oxford Golf Resort to take the sole lead. Trying to get back the form and rhythm that made her one of the best players in India, Tvesa had one birdie on each side of the course. A total of 44 players teed up for the Rs.17 lakh event.

Lying second was Anvitha Narender (71), who, after three birdies and two bogeys in the first eight holes, parred the last 10 holes.

Two amateurs, Priya Kumari and Lavanya Gupta, carded even par 72 each to be tied third. Lavanya may well have been in a shared lead but for the two closing bogeys on the 17th and the 18th.

Tvesa, who is hoping to get some starts on the Ladies European Tour (LET) later in the season, birdied the Par-5 fourth and the Par-3 14th. She also missed a few other birdie chances as the putts did not fall.

Anvitha opened birdie-birdie for a great start, but gave away back-to-back bogeys on the sixth and the seventh before picking her last birdie of the day on the Par-3 eighth. She parred the rest of the holes.

Three players, Riya Jadon, Shagun Narain, and Ananya Garg, were tied for fifth place with 1-over 73 each.

As many as five players led by Amandeep Drall, besides Durga Nittur, Karishma Govind, amateur Aradhana Manikandan, and Khushi Khanijau carded 74 each to be tied eighth. Ridhima Dilawari was Tied-13th alongside Prakruthi, Rhea Purvi, Shweta Mansingh, and Nayanika Sanga. They shot 75 each.

Saanvi Somu heads a strong list of new professionals for the calendar year 2026. The 10 new pros joining this year qualified through the qualifier, and four came from the IGU Ladies OOM and WAGR. The WGAI now has a record 62 registered pro players, and it includes 14 new pros joining this year.

--IANS

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Washington, Feb 10 (IANS) The United States on Tuesday said that it does not take sides in Bangladesh’s elections and underscored that the choice of the country’s next government rests solely with the Bangladeshi people.

“The United States does not take sides in Bangladesh’s elections. The choice of Bangladesh’s next government is a sovereign decision for the Bangladeshi people alone,” a State Department spokesperson told IANS ahead of the elections in Bangladesh.

“The choice of Bangladesh’s next government is a sovereign decision for the Bangladeshi people alone,” it said in response to a question.

The State Department said that Washington remains committed to maintaining relations with Dhaka regardless of the electoral outcome.

“The United States is committed to working with whichever government is elected by the Bangladeshi people,” the statement said.

The remarks come amid continued international scrutiny of political developments in Bangladesh, including concerns raised by rights groups and civil society organisations about political stability and the protection of minority communities.

The US also addressed the issue of religious violence, stressing its opposition to attacks targeting any faith group. “The United States condemns religious violence in all its forms,” the statement said.

Washington welcomed steps being taken by the current interim authorities to protect vulnerable communities.

“We welcome measures the Bangladeshi Interim Government is taking to ensure the safety and security for all communities in Bangladesh,” the statement added.

The State Department did not specify the measures taken by the interim government but said the protection of all religious and ethnic groups remains a key concern in US engagement with Bangladesh.

--IANS

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Colombo, Feb 10 (IANS) USA captain Monank Patel felt his side lost control of things, with both bat and ball, during the middle overs after suffering a 32-run defeat against Pakistan in their Group A match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Tuesday.

Assessing the bowling effort while defending 190, Monank said the USA started reasonably well but failed to sustain pressure through the middle phase, even though the pacers recovered towards the end.

“We bowled decently in the Power-play but didn't bowl well in the middle overs. Came back in the last four overs, where the pacers bowled well. We were still in the game with 190,” Monank said during the post-match presentation.

Monank felt a similar pattern unfolded during the chase, with the USA unable to maintain intent once the field spread, allowing Pakistan’s spinners to dictate terms. He said, “Played well in the Power-play, but couldn't show intent in the middle overs. While batting, we didn't show intent. Their spinners were not giving enough pace, and it was hard to hit the boundary options. We panicked a bit, and that cost us the game.”

Despite the loss, the USA skipper emphasised the progress his side has made over the past year and said the group's confidence remained high heading into the contest.

“We've been playing really good cricket for the last 12-15 months. Coming here for the second game, we were confident enough. Just small mistakes in the game,” he said.

Looking ahead to the remainder of the tournament, Monank stressed the importance of finishing strongly while adapting quickly to changing conditions and venues.

“Want to make sure we finish this World Cup strong with two wins. It's not easy playing at different venues. Now we'll go to Chennai. We'll have one session there. Will work hard to come back stronger,” the USA skipper concluded.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, Feb 10 (IANS) Gujarat BJP engaged social media influencers in Ahmedabad on Tuesday to ensure widespread awareness of the Union Budget 2026-27 and its provisions for youth, startups, women empowerment, and technology.

The Social Media Influencers Meet, held at Karnavati Club in the presence of state BJP President Jagdish Vishwakarma, aimed to strengthen the link between policy announcements and public understanding through digital platforms.

Vishwakarma described the budget as a roadmap for skill development, industrial growth, and innovation.

“This budget will empower content creators, advance skill development, transform 'Make in India' into 'Make for World', and accelerate innovation from information to practical solutions. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is establishing a new global identity,” Vishwakarma said.

He urged influencers to act as conduits for accurate information, policy decisions, and development schemes, highlighting the role of social media in reaching citizens effectively.

“In today’s digital era, influencers are critical in ensuring that factual and policy-driven information reaches the public,” he added.

The meeting encouraged active participation, with influencers sharing ideas and perspectives on promoting awareness of the budget’s initiatives.

The programme also included remarks by Jainik Vakil, Pradesh In-Charge of the Union Budget Public Awareness Campaign, on mobilising citizen engagement.

On the same day, the Gujarat BJP announced that February 11 will mark the ‘Samarpan Diwas’, the death anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.

Floral tributes and lectures will be held at statues and district offices across the state, focusing on his philosophy of Ekatma Manavdarshan, his life, and his contributions to national development.

BJP office-bearers, elected representatives, and party workers are expected to participate in the events.

By combining digital outreach with public recognition of historical figures, the BJP’s initiatives aim to link citizens directly with both current policy and ideological heritage.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) Calling it a major boost to bilateral ties, Bihar BJP State President Sanjay Saraogi on Sunday said the India-US Interim Trade Agreement marks a new chapter in economic cooperation between the two nations.

Reacting to the development, Saraogi said, “The India-US interim trade agreement gives a new direction to economic cooperation between the two countries. This agreement will strengthen trade, investment, technology, and supply chains, helping India achieve its Viksit Bharat goals. It is not just a trade agreement but also a step to elevate the strategic and economic friendship between India and the United States.”

His remarks came after the US and India announced a framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade, aimed at paving the way for a comprehensive bilateral trade pact. As part of the announcement, the White House formally confirmed a reduction in tariffs on imports of Indian products from 25 per cent to 18 per cent, offering immediate relief to Indian exporters and industries.

According to a joint statement issued by both sides, the framework reaffirms India and America’s commitment to negotiations on a US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement, talks launched by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2025. Officials said the interim arrangement is designed to deliver early outcomes while supporting more resilient and diversified supply chains.

“The Interim Agreement between the United States and India will represent a historic milestone in our countries’ partnership, demonstrating a common commitment to reciprocal and balanced trade based on mutual interests and concrete outcomes,” the announcement noted.

Earlier this week, President Trump also spoke with Prime Minister Modi and later wrote on 'Truth Social' that both countries had agreed on a trade deal. He highlighted reciprocity, expanded market access, and efforts to address long-standing trade imbalances, while underlining the broader strategic importance of economic ties with New Delhi.

Under the proposed framework, India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and on a wide range of American food and agricultural products. These include dried distillers’ grains, red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruits, soybean oil, wine and spirits, among others.

On another matter, reacting to the arrest-related developments involving MP Pappu Yadav, Sanjay Saraogi said, “Pappu Yadav has had ongoing cases for years and is currently absconding, with orders for attachment and seizure already issued. The court has emphasised that an absconding accused must surrender, and if warrants or attachment orders are executed, the administration must ensure their arrest and imprisonment.”

--IANS

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Kuala Lumpur, Feb 8 (IANS) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "unequivocal" peacekeeping efforts and thanked him for his firm commitment to support diplomatic talks regarding the same in the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East.

In his remarks during the joint press meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian PM Ibrahim said, "I must express my appreciation, because my discussions with Prime Minister Modi are not just normal diplomatic exchanges, but those between true friends, full of trust and understanding."

"Therefore, I must also take this opportunity to express my regard and thanks to him for his firm commitment to support all peace efforts, be it in Ukraine-Russia or in the case of the Middle East, particularly Gaza. His efforts in peacekeeping are unequivocal," he added.

"We consider this meeting and these exchanges very vital, very strategic and critical to advance and enhance relations between India and Malaysia... We had long-standing relations since 1957, but we have elevated it to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024," he said, and highlighted the "deep historical ties, strong people-to-people linkages, and ever-expanding economic cooperation".

"We'll continue to deepen collaboration in all fields -- trade and investment, semiconductor, digital economy, trade in local currency, connectivity, energy, agriculture, food, security, defence, education, healthcare, tourism, culture and people-to-people. It is really comprehensive, and we believe that we can advance this and execute in a speedy manner with the commitment of both our governments, both foreign ministers," he said.

The Malaysian PM said that both nations exchanged 11 documents, including MoUs, in an exchange of letters which "extended beyond normal bilateral arrangements" as the peacekeeping cooperation on semiconductor, healthcare and security cooperation has also been covered in it.

Malaysian PM Ibrahim further expressed hope in expanding trade cooperation with India, extending beyond the $8.59 billion figure that was achieved in 2025. He also called the use of local currency -- the rupee and the Malaysian ringgit -- a "remarkable feat".

"India is growing by leaps and bounds, which is one spectacular rise in the international economic trade scene, and therefore Malaysia, in the ASEAN context, certainly benefits immensely if we could secure more ways and opportunities to collaborate with India to extend beyond the $18.59 billion that we achieved in 2025.

He said that the educational ties remain "pivotal" as many Malaysians were educated in India, and there is a growing number of Indian students in Malaysia too.

"Since the last decade or so under the premiership of my good friend Prime Minister Modi, you have seen the spectacular recognition of Indian centres of excellence in education. That's not only comparable, but many of them have achieved outstanding recognition beyond the known institutions in the West. Therefore, we would certainly explore this to increase the number of students in the disciplines and fields to study in India," the Malaysian PM said.

He also stressed the need to focus on tourism and connectivity.

"As a sign of our good relations, I have immediately agreed to support the decision of the Government of India to open a consulate of India in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah," he concluded.

Earlier in the day, both leaders held delegation-level talks, discussing ways to enhance bilateral ties across several sectors, including defence and security.

PM Modi accorded a ceremonial welcome at Perdana Putra in Putrajaya.

PM Modi's visit is being seen as a significant step toward further deepening the enduring friendship between India and Malaysia, rooted in mutual trust, shared values and common aspirations for the future.

--IANS

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Kuala Lumpur, Feb 8 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India's stance on terrorism is firm -- "no double standards and no compromise" -- and also stressed that New Delhi will continue to expand cooperation with Malaysia in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and maritime security.

Addressing a joint press meet with his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, in Kuala Lumpur, PM Modi said, "First of all, I thank my friend, Anwar Ibrahim, for this warm welcome. Last year, I was not able come to Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit, but I had promised my dear friend that I would soon visit Malaysia. For my first foreign visit of 2026, I have come to Malaysia."

Highlighting the "special" India-Malaysia relations, he said, "We are maritime neighbours. For centuries, there have been deep ties between people of our two nations. Today, Malaysia is the second biggest nation in the world that has an Indian-origin population. Our civilisations are connected to shared cultural heritage and democratic values."

He credited the Malaysian PM for his "significant contributions" in providing a "new pace" to the India-Malaysia ties in the past few years.

"Our cooperation in energy, infrastructure and manufacturing has strengthened. Mutual investment has also increased in the digital economy, biotech and IT. Tourism and people-to-people ties have also deepened. By drawing inspiration from these achievements, we have decided to bring in unprecedented speed and depth in our partnership," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister further mentioned that the security cooperation between the two nations will be further enhanced by strengthening the cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and maritime security.

"We will also make defence cooperation more comprehensive," he said.

Along with AI and digital technologies, he said that India and Malaysia will further advance the partnership in semiconductor, health and food security.

"The CEO forum organised today has thrown open new opportunities for trade and investment. We will pave a path to economic transformation through strategic trust," he said.

On terrorism, PM Modi said, "We will continue to support all peacekeeping efforts. However, our stance on terrorism is very firm -- no double-standards and no compromise. I appreciate your (Malaysian PM Ibrahim) commitment to enhancing India-Malaysia ties. I hope that together we will continue to work towards achieving the resolutions of Prosperous Malaysia and Viksit Bharat."

PM Modi called the Indian diaspora living in Malaysia a "living bridge" between the two nations.

"Yesterday, I received the opportunity to meet the Indian diaspora living in Malaysia. With his presence, my friend PM Anwar Ibrahim enhanced the prestige of this event. This living bridge of 30 lakh people is a major power. Measures taken for their welfare provide a humanitarian focus to our relations," he said.

He also mentioned that steps like the Social Security Agreement for the protection of Indian workers in Malaysia, and a gratis e-visa, as well as a UPI digital interface for tourism in Malaysia, will "simplify the lives of citizens of both nations".

"Any partnership succeeds when the benefit reaches people directly," the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi highlighted the interest in the Tamil language in Malaysia and said, "Shared love for the Tamil language also connects India and Malaysia. In Malaysia, the strong and living presence of Tamil can be seen in education, media and cultural life. I am confident that with today's Audio Visual Agreement, film and music, especially Tamil films, will bring our hearts closer."

Emphasising that the Indo-Pacific region is emerging as a "hub of global growth", the Prime Minister said, "We are committed, along with ASEAN, to development, peace, and stability across the Indo-Pacific. India gives priority to ASEAN centrality."

"I once again congratulate Malaysia on its successful ASEAN leadership. With the support of friendly countries like Malaysia, India will further strengthen its ties with ASEAN. We agreed that the review of the ASEAN-India trade agreements should be completed soon," he added.

Earlier in the day, both leaders held delegation-level talks, discussing ways to enhance bilateral ties across several sectors, including defence and security.

PM Modi accorded a ceremonial welcome at Perdana Putra in Putrajaya.

PM Modi's visit is being seen as a significant step toward further deepening the enduring friendship between India and Malaysia, rooted in mutual trust, shared values and common aspirations for the future.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) The manufacturing of electronic components is growing rapidly and 46 approvals have been granted — with Karnataka is set to receive investments exceeding Rs 10,000 crore, according to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

In Budget 2026-27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman increased the budget for the electronic component manufacturing scheme from Rs 22,000 crore to Rs 40,000 crore.

This will significantly accelerate the electronics manufacturing journey.

“Our Prime Minister has set a production target of $500 billion by the 2030-2031 financial year. Therefore, we all need to move very quickly in that direction,” said Vaishnaw as he inaugurated Zetwerk Electronics’ new world-class manufacturing facility for defence, automotive, and IT hardware electronics built in Bengaluru.

“Today, people are designing complete '2-nanometer' chips in India, which is a major achievement for the country, and equipment manufacturers have also started coming to India,” said Union IT Minister.

He mentioned that Applied Materials and Lam Research have been brought to India, and the next goal should be to bring ASML.

The minister further stated that commercial production will begin this year. In the coming days, the first commercially produced chip from a semiconductor plant will be in our hands.

'Semicon 2.0' will be effective, focusing on design, equipment manufacturing, chemicals, gases, validation, and yield improvement — all functions required for a sustainable semiconductor journey.

“We aim to prepare 85,000 silicon engineers over 10 years, and in four years, we have already trained 67,000. Consequently, a large part of chip design will practically happen in India. This will be a major shift in the coming years,” said Vaishnaw.

He stated that with the arrival of the 'fab,' we have now mapped a path from 28- nano meter to 7-nano meter, which will be part of Silicon 2.0.

“We believe in a cooperative system and that the country grows only when all states grow,” he added.

Vishal Chaudhary, Co-founder and Managing Director (Aerospace and Defence), Zetwerk, said that electronics manufacturing today demands deep integration across design, engineering, suppliers, and scaled production.

"This facility has been built to bring those capabilities together seamlessly, enabling faster validation, stronger quality control, and predictable, high-reliability execution across the product lifecycle," he added.

—IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 10 (IANS) Telugu superstar Allu Arjun has slammed the claims made by a certain brand strategist about her professional interaction with the actor.

On Tuesday, the actor’s team took to their X, formerly Twitter, and shared a note denying the claims made by the brand strategist.

They wrote, “Certain recent comments made about Mr. Allu Arjun are completely baseless and untrue. He has always conducted himself with the utmost dignity and honour. We take these false allegations seriously”.

They further mentioned, “Our legal team is initiating defamation proceedings against those responsible. We request everyone to refrain from spreading unverified information”.

Recently, the brand strategist claimed in a podcast that meeting the actor involved navigating a large entourage, multiple managers, and highly structured protocols. She said that the team allegedly enforces as many as 42 dos and don'ts for those who meet the star. She further stated that these rules include restrictions such as not shaking hands and avoiding direct eye contact with the actor.

Earlier, Allu Arjun has penned a congratulatory message for Ram Charan and Upasana Konidela as the couple welcomed twins, a baby boy and a baby girl. Congratulating the happy couple for embracing parenthood for the second time, Allu Arjun shared on social media, "Congratulations to @AlwaysRamCharan & @upasanakonidela on being wonderful parents once again. Immense joy and celebration all around (sic)".

Talking about 'dada' Chiranjeevi, AA added, "The pride and happiness are radiating on @KChiruTweets garu’s face and Chittika’s as well. So happy to see them and the entire family’s smiling faces. The little ones have brought in so much delight to the world with their entry. Double the love, double the joy, for a beautiful new beginning”.

AA's father, Allu Aravind, and Ram Charan’s mother Surekha are siblings.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Feb 10 (IANS) The makers of actor-director Ravi Babu's upcoming grim, action drama 'Razor' on Tuesday announced that the unit had wrapped up the film's shooting.

To announce the wrapping up of filming, the makers unveiled a poster along with a special glimpse video.

In the video that was released, Ravi Babu appears in a brutal, violent avatar, killing a villain with a car engine valve cover- establishing the film’s raw and savage tone. The teaser features some really violent scenes that include decapitation. The film has a tagline that reads "Justice will be brutal."

'Razor' not only features Ravi Babu in the lead, it is also being directed by him.

The storyline promises to be a first-of-its-kind attempt in Telugu cinema. For the unaware, Ravi Babu, who has always carved his own path in Telugu cinema, constantly reinventing himself as a filmmaker, technician, and actor, is known for his offbeat ideas and fearless experimentation.

His upcoming film 'Razor' marks a sharp shift from the light-hearted tone of his previous film 'Enuguthondam Ghatikachalam'. 'Razor' appears to be set in a world of tension, violence, and psychological intensity.

Backing the film as its presenter is well known producer Suresh Babu, continuing his long-standing association with Ravi Babu under the prestigious Suresh Productions banner. The film is being produced by a production house called Flying Frogs.

On the technical front, the film has cinematography by Madhavaneni and music by SS Rajesh. Action sequences for the film have been choreographed by Satish Poloju.

It may be recalled that the makers had earlier unveiled a title glimpse, which drew a terrific response, especially from thriller lovers.

Sources close to the unit of the film say that post-production work is progressing at a brisk pace, and that the makers have reiterated that 'Razor' will hit theatres this summer.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 10 (IANS) As another schedule for "Silaa" comes to an end, actor Harshvardhan Rane is thankful to be a part of director Omung Kumar's envisioned realm.

Sharing a few photos of himself from the shoot, Harshvardhan wrote on his official Instagram handle, "#Silaa the film...Today will be the last day of the schedule. (just one song left) Am so grateful to be a part of Omung sirs envisioned realm and imagined domain which none of you have ever seen me in. (sic)."

Appreciating his co-stars Sadia Khateeb and Karanveer Mehra, he went on to add, "So amazed to witness Sadias relentless performance and grace under grind, Ipsitas warm nature and ruthless focus, and Karans quiet excellence and monumental effort."

Lauding the technical crew of "Silaa" Harshvardhan penned, "Big shout out to Camera, Art, Costume, Action, Direction, Production, Make up, Hair, Sound and Light teams respectfully!"

"I am going to walk out of this set tonight as a fan of all these people, with a calm craving to meet them again on another set soon!," the post concluded.

Touted to be an intense action romance with layered characters and high-stakes drama, "Silaa" has been presented by Zee Studios.

Jointly backed by Omung Kumar, Umesh KR Bansal, Pragati Deshmukh, Himanshu Tiwari, Ajay Singh, Dhananjay Singh, Abhishek Ankur, and Captain Rahul Bali, under the banners of Blue Lotus Pictures, Stark Entertainment, and Innovations India, "Silaa" has been co-produced by Rahhat Shah Kazmi.

Meanwhile, Harshvardhan's last release, “Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat,” received a lot of love from movie buffs.

Marking the first anniversary of his collaboration with the actor, filmmaker Milap Zaveri penned a heartfelt note on social media.

Celebrating a journey built on faith, friendship, and mutual respect, Zaveri said that he has gained “a brother and a friend for life.”

Reciprocating the love, Harshvardhan replied, “I am really lucky to find you, maalik! You have the goodness that always looked for.”

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 10 (IANS) The underworld seems to be tightening the noose around the neck of the country’s entertainment capital. After the firing incident outside the house of superstar director Rohit Shetty, Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has now received a threat from the unidentified source.

The actor received the threat in the form of a WhatsApp voice-note. The security has been beefed up outside Ranveer Singh's house after the voice-note was sent to him, demanding crores of rupees through the message, after which the Mumbai Police was informed. Police have launched a manhunt for the sender of the threatening voice note.

This marks another day of crumbling law and order situation in the city. Earlier, shots were fired outside director Rohit Shetty’s house. The investigation by the Mumbai Crime Branch has revealed that the vehicle used in the firing was sourced from Pune. The vehicle used in the firing belongs to a man from Pune, who sold it to Aditya Gayki, one of the arrested accused, for Rs 30000 a few days ago.

Later, Aditya Gayki and another accused, Samarth Pomaji, left the vehicle at a pre-decided place in Juhu area of Mumbai. According to the Crime Branch, the people who bought the vehicle and reached Mumbai do not know who the shooter is, later it was Shubham Lonkar who ordered the shooter to pick up the vehicle from where it was left and fire. According to the police, in previous crimes, a similar modus operandi is followed in which several small groups are hired for a crime but it is also taken care that one group does not know about the other group.

For the uninitiated, five rounds of bullets were fired at filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Juhu residence. An exclusive footage, shot by IANS, shows three bullet holes on the building. Rohit Shetty's home has two gates, and more than 10 CCTVs can be seen across the tower.

After the shooting, the suspects managed to escape from the scene. As soon as the incident was reported, senior officers of the Mumbai Police and teams from the Mumbai Crime Branch reached the scene.

--IANS

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