Bengaluru (PTI): Ahead of the Bengaluru Tech Summit, a high-level Russian trade delegation met Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday here to explore opportunities for tech collaboration with the state, officials said.

The delegation comprising senior officials and representatives from leading Russian IT and technology firms will explore opportunities for technology collaboration between Russian and Indian companies in Electronic Design Automation (EDA), Smart City Technologies, and Digital Engineering Solutions, they said.

According to an official statement, the delegation leader, Oxana Agafonova, Attache for IT Issues and Electronics, Russian Trade Commission, Embassy of Russia in India, is an expert in smart city solutions, artificial intelligence, video analytics, and digital transformation.

Agafonova actively connects Russian IT companies with India's fast-growing digital ecosystem and promotes Russian IT and electronics collaborations internationally.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister Kharge said, "Karnataka is happy to welcome and support all the companies who are looking at market access, partnership or collaboration building or even setting up their manufacturing units here."

According to him, potential areas for collaboration include EDA software, AI-based analytics, urban digital infrastructure, and advanced electronics, offering strong opportunities for joint research, product development, and technology exchange.

"The delegation's visit ahead of Bengaluru Tech Summit offers an excellent opportunity to explore partnerships between Russian technology companies and Karnataka's startups, industries, and academic institutions," he said.

Bengaluru Tech Summit organised by the Department of Electronics, IT and BT will be held from Nov 18-20, officials said.

Kharge assured the state's support to Russian companies looking to establish or expand their presence in Karnataka.

"Through the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA), the Government of Karnataka is committed to facilitating partnerships with the Centre of excellence, academic institutions & research institutions and conducting meetings during the Bengaluru Tech Summit," he added.

Karnataka is the largest and the most advanced technology hub in the country with a thriving ecosystem encompassing semiconductors, artificial intelligence, robotics, and smart infrastructure technologies, the statement said.

"The trade mission is coordinated by the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Russia and the Moscow Export Center, with support from the Government of Moscow," it added.

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Karwar: Uttara Kannada police have cracked a murder case in which a Belagavi youth was killed and his body burnt inside a car to make it appear like a road accident.

Addressing a press meet in the city, Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. said three accused from Old Hubballi have been arrested in connection with the case. The crime was a pre-planned act driven by personal enmity, he said.

The case came to light on April 8 morning when a car (KA-04/MJ-8996) was found completely burnt in a roadside ditch near Talekumbri bus stand in Yellapur. Only charred human remains were found inside the vehicle. Initially, it was suspected to be an accident caused by overspeeding, and a case was registered at Yellapur police station based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s father, Jagannath Dhapale.

However, the father later expressed suspicion that his son’s death was not accidental, prompting a detailed investigation.

Taking the matter seriously, two special teams were formed under the leadership of Yellapur Inspector Ramesh Hanapur. On analysing technical evidence and CCTV footage, police found that it was a planned murder.

The accused have been identified as Abdul Raheem Basheer Ahmed Mujawar (32), Maulasab Bavahan Wada (36) and Dadapeer alias Aftab Mehboob Saab Balasangi (22), all chicken traders from Old Hubballi.

Police have seized the car used in the crime along with two scooters. The accused have been remanded to judicial custody.

Investigations revealed that the accused killed Nitesh Dhapale due to personal enmity and later set the car on fire along with the body to project it as an accident.

SP Deepan M.N. appreciated the efforts of Inspector Ramesh Hanapur, PSIs Rajashekhar Vandali and Siddappa Gudi, and the entire team for solving the complex case.