IPC lifts partial suspensions on Russia, Belarus
Seoul: The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has voted to lift the partial suspensions on Russia and Belarus, restoring their full membership rights.
At its General Assembly in Seoul on Saturday, the IPC rejected proposals for both full and partial suspensions. For Russia, the motion for a full suspension was defeated 111-55 with 11 abstentions, while the partial suspension was rejected 91-77 with eight abstentions. Similarly, for Belarus, members voted 119-48 against full suspension and 103-63 against partial suspension, with nine and ten abstentions respectively, the Associated Press reported.
“This decision means NPC Belarus and NPC Russia now regain their full rights and privileges of IPC membership, in accordance with the IPC Constitution,” the IPC said in a statement, adding that arrangements would be made to implement the decision promptly.
Russia and Belarus were banned from international sporting events following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Russian Paralympic Committee welcomed the move as a “fair decision” to “fully reinstate” its membership.
However, Ukraine’s sports minister Matvii Bidnyi strongly criticized the decision, urging European host nations not to permit the Russian flag at upcoming events, including the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympic Games scheduled for Feb. 6–22, 2026.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has already confirmed that Russian athletes will be allowed to compete as neutral participants, as seen at the Paris Olympics last year.
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K'taka govt, Taiwan's Allegiance Group sign MoU to establish industrial technology innovation park
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka government on Friday signed an MoU with Allegiance International Co Ltd of Taiwan to establish an Indo-Taiwan Industrial Technology Innovation Park (ITIP) in the state, with a proposed investment of around Rs 1,000 crore.
The MoU was signed by Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur, Director, Department of Electronics, IT, BT and Lawrence Chen, VP, Allegiance Group in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Minister for Electronics, IT & BT Priyank Kharge, and senior officials.
The project will be undertaken by the Allegiance Group with a proposed investment of around Rs 1,000 crore, leading to the creation of about 800 direct jobs via the companies setting up operations in ITIP over a period of 5 years, the IT&BT Minister's office said in a statement.
The ITIP will serve as a dedicated hub for Taiwanese companies in electronics and semiconductors, fostering advanced manufacturing, R&D, and innovation. This collaboration aims to strengthen Karnataka's position as India's leading destination for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) and accelerate the growth of the semiconductor ecosystem in the state.
Key highlights of the MoU include establishment of a world-class industrial park to house Taiwanese firms in electronics and semiconductor sectors; development of a robust supply chain ecosystem for components, PCBs, and chip design; creation of high-value jobs and skill development programmes in collaboration with academic institutions; and promotion of technology transfer and global best practices to enhance India's competitiveness in electronics manufacturing.
CM Siddaramaiah said this partnership marks a significant step towards realising Karnataka's vision of becoming a global hub for electronics and semiconductor innovation.
"The ITIP will attract cutting-edge technology and investments, creating opportunities for our youth and strengthening India's position in the global value chain," he said.
Minister Priyank Kharge said Karnataka has led India's technology revolution and continues to dominate in innovation, deep-tech talent, and semiconductor design.
"This partnership will accelerate our efforts to build a robust electronics and semiconductor ecosystem. We are committed to creating a level playing field and ensuring that Karnataka remains the preferred destination for global investors in advanced technologies," he said.
Lawrence Chen said, "We are excited to collaborate with Karnataka, a state known for its technology leadership. The ITIP will be a catalyst for Taiwanese companies to expand in India and contribute to the growth of the semiconductor and electronics ecosystem."
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