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Seoul, Aug 22 (IANS) Hyundai Motor and Kia have partnered with South Korea's leading battery producers -- LG Energy Solution Ltd., Samsung SDI Co. and SK On Co. -- to advance electric vehicle (EV) safety technologies, the companies said on Friday.

At Hyundai and Kia's Namyang research and development (R&D) centre in Hwaseong, south of Seoul, the companies unveiled the results of a yearlong collaboration with the battery makers on EV battery safety and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand their cooperation going forward, reports Yonhap news agency.

The ceremony was attended by Hyundai-Kia R&D chief Yang Hee-won, LG Energy Solution chief executive officer (CEO) Kim Dong-myung, Samsung SDI CEO Choi Joo-seon and SK On CEO Lee Seok-hee, as well as officials from the transport and industry ministries.

The joint efforts began last August when Hyundai-Kia proposed setting up a task force on battery safety in the wake of a then public EV battery safety scare prompted by a massive fire incident.

Friday's MOU calls for the companies to continue joint research, share patent rights and develop new safety technologies, with the aim of setting industrywide safety benchmarks.

The companies have identified five priority projects covering safety-related patents, digital battery passports, design quality, manufacturing quality and firefighting technology.

"This collaboration was possible thanks to the determination of our leadership, the dedication of our researchers and support from government ministries," said Yang. "We will continue to work closely with battery makers to deliver safer and more reliable EVs."

LG Energy Solution's Kim said, "With the government and industry working as one team, LG Energy Solution will keep pushing to secure Korea's future competitiveness."

Choi of Samsung SDI called the initiative "a breakthrough that redefines industry safety standards and technological direction," pledging further work on sustainable battery technologies.

"This collaboration will take battery safety quality to the next level," SK On's Lee added.

--IANS

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Seoul, Aug 22 (IANS) Hyundai Motor and Kia have partnered with South Korea's leading battery producers -- LG Energy Solution Ltd., Samsung SDI Co. and SK On Co. -- to advance electric vehicle (EV) safety technologies, the companies said on Friday.

At Hyundai and Kia's Namyang research and development (R&D) centre in Hwaseong, south of Seoul, the companies unveiled the results of a yearlong collaboration with the battery makers on EV battery safety and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand their cooperation going forward, reports Yonhap news agency.

The ceremony was attended by Hyundai-Kia R&D chief Yang Hee-won, LG Energy Solution chief executive officer (CEO) Kim Dong-myung, Samsung SDI CEO Choi Joo-seon and SK On CEO Lee Seok-hee, as well as officials from the transport and industry ministries.

The joint efforts began last August when Hyundai-Kia proposed setting up a task force on battery safety in the wake of a then public EV battery safety scare prompted by a massive fire incident.

Friday's MOU calls for the companies to continue joint research, share patent rights and develop new safety technologies, with the aim of setting industrywide safety benchmarks.

The companies have identified five priority projects covering safety-related patents, digital battery passports, design quality, manufacturing quality and firefighting technology.

"This collaboration was possible thanks to the determination of our leadership, the dedication of our researchers and support from government ministries," said Yang. "We will continue to work closely with battery makers to deliver safer and more reliable EVs."

LG Energy Solution's Kim said, "With the government and industry working as one team, LG Energy Solution will keep pushing to secure Korea's future competitiveness."

Choi of Samsung SDI called the initiative "a breakthrough that redefines industry safety standards and technological direction," pledging further work on sustainable battery technologies.

"This collaboration will take battery safety quality to the next level," SK On's Lee added.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) The US tariff hike of 50 per cent would hit Indian corporates unevenly, with the labour-intensive textiles and gems and jewellery segment expected to see only a moderate impact while pharmaceuticals, smartphones and steel are currently relatively insulated because of exemptions, existing tariffs and strong domestic demand, according to a report on Friday.

However, capital goods, chemicals, automobiles, and food and beverage exports would face the toughest adjustment, the S&P Global report states.

The fallout from a US move to double tariffs on Indian goods -- from 25 per cent to 50 per cent from August 27 -- in retaliation for New Delhi's oil trade with Moscow will not be uniform, in S&P Global Ratings' view. This will be the highest tariff in the region and will affect 50 per cent-60 per cent of India's total exports to the US.

However, the macroeconomic impact of the hike in tariffs would be cushioned by the large size of the India’s domestic market.

A recent Morgan Stanley report had stated that India is the “best placed country in Asia,” amid the global uncertainty triggered by US President Donald Trump’s threat to jack up tariffs, because of the nation’s low goods exports to GDP ratio.

“While India is exposed to direct tariff risks, we believe on balance India is less exposed to global goods trade slowdown considering that it has the lowest goods exports to GDP ratio in the region,” the report stated.

According to a Fitch report, the large size of India’s domestic market, which reduces reliance on external demand, is expected to insulate the country from the US tariff hike, with the economy expected to maintain a growth of 6.5 per cent in FY26.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar firmly defended India’s oil trade with Russia, stating that India is neither the largest importer of Russian crude nor isolated in its dealings with Moscow.

The Trump administration has claimed that the increased tariff is a direct response to India’s “increased purchases” of Russian oil during the Ukraine conflict.

Addressing a press briefing during his visit to Russia, EAM Jaishankar emphasised that India has increased its oil imports from the United States as well, and has acted in accordance with national interest and global market stability.

Jaishankar also made it clear that India is not the biggest purchasers of Russian oil, that is China. “We are not the biggest purchasers of LNG; that is the European Union. We are not the country that has the biggest trade surge with Russia after 2022; I think there are some countries to the South," Jaishankar remarked.

The minister also highlighted that India is not overly reliant on any single source and has significantly increased imports of oil from the US as well.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) The US tariff hike of 50 per cent would hit Indian corporates unevenly, with the labour-intensive textiles and gems and jewellery segment expected to see only a moderate impact while pharmaceuticals, smartphones and steel are currently relatively insulated because of exemptions, existing tariffs and strong domestic demand, according to a report on Friday.

However, capital goods, chemicals, automobiles, and food and beverage exports would face the toughest adjustment, the S&P Global report states.

The fallout from a US move to double tariffs on Indian goods -- from 25 per cent to 50 per cent from August 27 -- in retaliation for New Delhi's oil trade with Moscow will not be uniform, in S&P Global Ratings' view. This will be the highest tariff in the region and will affect 50 per cent-60 per cent of India's total exports to the US.

However, the macroeconomic impact of the hike in tariffs would be cushioned by the large size of the India’s domestic market.

A recent Morgan Stanley report had stated that India is the “best placed country in Asia,” amid the global uncertainty triggered by US President Donald Trump’s threat to jack up tariffs, because of the nation’s low goods exports to GDP ratio.

“While India is exposed to direct tariff risks, we believe on balance India is less exposed to global goods trade slowdown considering that it has the lowest goods exports to GDP ratio in the region,” the report stated.

According to a Fitch report, the large size of India’s domestic market, which reduces reliance on external demand, is expected to insulate the country from the US tariff hike, with the economy expected to maintain a growth of 6.5 per cent in FY26.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar firmly defended India’s oil trade with Russia, stating that India is neither the largest importer of Russian crude nor isolated in its dealings with Moscow.

The Trump administration has claimed that the increased tariff is a direct response to India’s “increased purchases” of Russian oil during the Ukraine conflict.

Addressing a press briefing during his visit to Russia, EAM Jaishankar emphasised that India has increased its oil imports from the United States as well, and has acted in accordance with national interest and global market stability.

Jaishankar also made it clear that India is not the biggest purchasers of Russian oil, that is China. “We are not the biggest purchasers of LNG; that is the European Union. We are not the country that has the biggest trade surge with Russia after 2022; I think there are some countries to the South," Jaishankar remarked.

The minister also highlighted that India is not overly reliant on any single source and has significantly increased imports of oil from the US as well.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) After a disappointing campaign last time around, Gujarat Giants have assembled a strong squad filled with top talents to challenge for the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 title. One of them is Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui, who was last season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Shadloui played a pivotal role in guiding Haryana Steelers to their maiden PKL triumph last season. Having established himself as one of the top overseas players, He earlier registered 99 tackle points and 27 raid points to help his former side Puneri Paltan to PKL Season 10 glory.

Ahead of Season 12, where he will captain Gujarat Giants, the all-rounder is confident of giving his best for the new franchise, saying that no raider can challenge him or his team.

“It’s very simple. I am going to play well, tackle well, and the players here love me, and I love them back. This season is very important for me. I can do everything for the team, I can raid, I can defend. I’m very confident, and I don’t see any raider who can challenge me. I can push the players to give their best," said Shadloui on PKL 12 Media Day facilitated by JioStar.

The Giants also possess a top-class raiding unit to compete for the PKL Season 12 title. Ahead of the auction, the two-time runners-up retained raiders Rakesh Sungroya, Parteek Dahiya, Himanshu Singh, and added Shridhar Ananda Kadam from the nominated New Young Players category. They have further bolstered their attack by roping in experienced raider Ajith V Kumar and adding young raiders K. Harish and Ankit at the auction.

"Our team is ready for everything. We have some excellent new raiders; they have speed, power, courage, and everything this sport needs. I think they will be extremely important for us this season, and I don’t think any team can challenge us. Only Giants can challenge the Giants," he added.

Ahead of the new season, the two-time PKL finalists appointed Jaivir Sharma as their new head coach and Varinder Singh Sandhu as assistant coach for Season 12.

Speaking about his learnings from new coach Jaivir, the Iranian said, "I have learned so many things from my teammates and my coach. I’ve also found some new friends in India. This season, I’m working with coach Jaivir Sharma, and he is a very good coach. He has already taught me many things about kabaddi in this short span of time. I love his coaching style, and I think his training will be very important in helping us win this year’s title.”

--IANS

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Sydney, Aug 22 (IANS) Two men have been hospitalized with serious injuries and a third has been arrested following a stabbing in the northern suburbs of Brisbane, Australia.

Police in the Australian state of Queensland said in a statement that emergency services received reports that two men had been stabbed by another man inside a property in the northern Brisbane suburb of Zillmere at 6:14 pm local time on Thursday night, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Emergency services arrived at the scene and found two men, one aged in his 20s and the other in his 30s, with serious injuries. Both were transported to the hospital.

A 51-year-old man was arrested a short time later and hospitalized under police guard to be treated for a laceration to his finger.

The Queensland Police Service said that investigators believe the three men are all known to each other and that there was no threat to public safety.

A crime scene was declared at the property and an investigation into the incident was ongoing.

Earlier on August 11, a man was charged over a stabbing attack during a dispute with neighbours northeast of Sydney.

Emergency services were called to a street in Killarney Vale, 60 km northeast of Sydney in the Central Coast region of the state of New South Wales (NSW), around 2 pm on August 11 where they found two women, aged 23 and 33, and a 20-year-old man with stab wounds.

The 23-year-old woman was airlifted to the hospital in a critical condition, while the 33-year-old was taken to the same hospital by ambulance paramedics in a serious condition.

The man was placed under arrest and taken to the hospital in a stable condition. Upon being released from the hospital, he was taken to a local police station and charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, affray, and possessing a prohibited drug.

NSW Police said in a statement that the stab wounds were sustained during a fight following an alleged neighbour dispute.

All three people involved were known to each other, police said.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 22 (IANS) The makers of Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa’s upcoming film “Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat” unveiled the teaser, which runs high on emotions, heartbreak, love and even hate.

The over a minute long teaser begins with Harshvardhan and Sonam crossing paths after they separated even though love between them can be sensed. It shows Sonam and Harsh heading to get married. However, heartbreak follows and the journey of getting back together follows. The movie explores intense emotions such as love, obsession, and heartbreak.

Harshvardhan took to Instagram, where he shared the teaser and wrote as the caption: “Ab Dekhega Zamaana PYAAR, DARD aur NAFRAT, ab Dekhega Zamaana #EkDeewaneKiDEEWANIYAT! Teaser out now, Link in Bio. Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat in cinemas this #Diwali – 21st Oct."

The release of the film has been pushed as it is set for a Diwali release. The movie will now light up the screens on October 21.

The film was earlier scheduled to release on October 2. The makers of the passionate love story also treated the fans with the first look of the movie featuring Sonam and Harshvardhan.

Billed as a musical obsessive romantic drama, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is produced by Anshul Garg under his banner Desi Music Factory and co-produced by Raghav Sharma.

The film is written by Mushtaq Shaikh and co-written by Milap Milan Zaveri, who also directs the project.

Directed by Milap Zaveri, the project is co-produced by Raghav Sharma. The upcoming film marks Harshvardhan Rane’s first on-screen collaboration with Sonam Bajwa.

The film, which marks the production debut of Play DMF founder Anshul Garg, said: “DEEWAANIYAT is about emotions that are extreme and unforgettable. The teaser captures some of that fire, and I hope audiences connect with its intensity as much as they have with its music.”

--IANS

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Seoul, Aug 22 (IANS) South Korean National Assembly on Friday passed another controversial broadcasting bill that would revamp governance of public broadcasters, with the ruling Democratic Party (DP) railroading the bill despite opposition by the main opposition People Power Party (PPP).

The amendment to the Korea Educational Broadcasting System Act passed in a 179-1 vote at a plenary session. PPP lawmakers who had been staging a filibuster to block the bill boycotted the vote.

Under the bill, the board of directors at EBS will be expanded from nine members to 13.

The legislation is the last of three contentious broadcasting bills pushed by the DP that would eventually alter the governance structure of the three public broadcasters -- KBS, MBC and EBS -- by significantly increasing the number of their board directors and granting media and broadcasting associations, as well as related professional organizations, the right to recommend board members.

Under the revised Broadcasting Act and the Foundation for Broadcast Culture Act, which both passed the Assembly earlier this month, the KBS board will be expanded from 11 to 15 members, while the board members of the Foundation for Broadcast Culture, a major shareholder of public broadcaster MBC, will be expanded from nine to 13.

With Friday's passage of the EBS Act, all three bills have been approved by parliament.

The PPP had launched a filibuster to block the bill Thursday, but the DP, which holds a majority, swiftly put the bill up for a vote after the PPP's 24-hour filibuster ended.

A filibuster involves lawmakers holding the floor for extended periods as a way to prevent a parliamentary vote or delay the passage of a bill. Under the National Assembly Act, a filibuster can be stopped after 24 hours if at least three-fifths of all parliament members, or 180 lawmakers, consent to it.

The rival parties had clashed over the broadcasting bills, with the PPP arguing they will only increase the presence of progressive figures on the boards of public broadcasters.

The DP plans to push ahead with other key bills within the August extraordinary session, including the "yellow envelope bill" aimed at broadening labor protections and a revision to the Commercial Act, Yonhap news agency reported.

The PPP has warned it will stage a filibuster for each of the bills.

--IANS

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Sao Paulo, Aug 22 (IANS) Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva rebuked US President Donald Trump, saying he "should not meddle" in Brazil's internal affairs.

"We need to know how to give people what they need: affection, comfort and treat them with love. That is the difference between governing and caring, because the right word is not governing, but caring," he said at an event in Sorocaba, a city in the state of Sao Paulo on Thursday, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Lula added that he wants to care for Brazil, and Trump should not meddle in the country's affairs.

Stressing that the defence of sovereignty goes beyond protecting borders and resources, Lula said, "It is about protecting the people. That is what the sovereignty of a country is all about. That is why we are not afraid of being shouted at. In fact, we are polite. I don't yell at anyone."

Last week, Trump called Brazil a "horrible trading partner," saying the trial against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was a "political execution."

On July 30, the Trump administration announced plans to impose tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Brazilian exports and sanction Alexandre de Moraes, a justice of Brazil's Federal Supreme Court. Moraes is currently overseeing the case against Bolsonaro, who is accused of attempting to seize power following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election.

Earlier on August 14, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Brazil will not bow down to the United States, countering the claim by his US counterpart Donald Trump that Brazil is "a horrible trading partner."

"It is a lie when the US President says that Brazil is a bad trading partner. Brazil is good, it just won't bow down to the US government," Lula said during an event in the northeast state of Pernambuco.

Earlier, Trump said Brazil is a "horrible trading partner," calling the trial against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro a "political execution."

Lula said that "democracy is judging Bolsonaro."

--IANS

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