Washington, July 11 (IANS) US President Donald Trump on Friday (US time) dismissed recent reports that Israel had provided information about an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate him.”No, no. Israel came up with nothing. No, no,” Trump told the New York Post.However, the president said he has “left instructions” should Iran succeed in an assassination plot against him, Xinhua news agency reported.”I’ve been No. 1 (on Iran’s kill list) for a long time, and it’s the way life is, you know,” Trump …

Auckland, July 11 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held bilateral talks with his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon in Auckland, with the two leaders agreeing to elevate India-New Zealand ties to a Strategic Partnership. Describing the two countries as “natural partners” that are “made for each other”, PM Modi said the historic visit would give new momentum to bilateral ties.The meeting marked a significant milestone as PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visi…

Los Angeles, July 11 (IANS) Spain teenager Lamine Yamal has turned up the heat ahead of Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup semi-final against France, declaring that Didier Deschamps’ side should be the ones fearing Spain as the European champions prepare for another heavyweight showdown with Kylian Mbappe’s team.Yamal made bold comments after playing a key role in Spain’s 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium. This victory set up an exciting match against France in Dallas on July 14. Fresh from another Playe…

Los Angeles, July 11 (IANS) Substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner for the second consecutive match as Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 here on Friday to book its first FIFA World Cup semifinal appearance since 2010, setting up a last-four clash against France in Dallas next Tuesday.Merino had also come off the bench to score the winner in Spain’s 1-0 victory over Portugal in the round of 16, while the Red Devils cruised past co-host the United States 4-1 to reach the quarterfinals, reported Xin…

London, July 11 (IANS) Novak Djokovic insisted he has no plans to walk away from Wimbledon despite suffering a crushing straight-sets defeat to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the semifinals on Friday, saying he hopes to return to the All England Club “at least one more time” as he continues his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title.The seven-time champion’s hopes of making it into a 39th Grand Slam singles final were shattered as he succumbed 6-4 6-4 6-4 to Sinner in a comprehensive victory fo…

Auckland, July 11 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm ceremonial welcome at the Government House in Auckland as he began the final leg of his three-nation tour. The ceremony featured a traditional Maori powhiri, a significant indigenous welcome that reflects New Zealand’s rich cultural heritage and values. The reception underscored the growing warmth in India-New Zealand ties during the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades.“Prime Min…

Bengaluru, July 11 (IANS) Bengaluru Blasters booked their place in the final of the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 tournament after defeating Coastal Kings Mangaluru by 12 runs in Qualifier 1 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday.After slipping to 52/5 inside eight overs, the Blasters recovered spectacularly through an unbeaten 133-run partnership between captain Shubhang Hegde and Praveen Dubey to post 185/5. Samit Dravid then led the defence with figures of 3-30 as the Coastal Kings f…

London, July 11 (IANS) India’s current Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill joined cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in the Royal Box at the Centre Court at Wimbledon to watch the two men’s singles semifinals at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London on Friday.Tendulkar and Gill were among the celebrities who visited Wimbledon on Friday, and both were welcomed by the Club. Tendulkar was accompanied by his wife, Anjali.A picture of Gill with Anjali and Sachin Tendulkar sitting in the R…

Panaji (Goa), July 11 (IANS) Taneesha Kotecha held her nerve to beat much-fancied Diya Chitale 2-1 (11-7, 11-2, 9-11) in a thrilling finish to give her side HVR Kolkata Thunder Blades an 8-7 victory in their Season 7 clash in the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) in Goa on Friday.The 19-year-old Kotecha showed far better composure and determination to win the first two games against the world No 77 Chitale, giving her side the decisive lead in the tie, which was placed tantalisingly close at 6-6. Earl…

London, July 10 (IANS) An absorbing and highly competitive opening day of cricketing action unfolded in the first-ever historic Women’s Test at Lord’s on Friday, leaving the match beautifully poised at stumps with England reaching 21/1 and trailing by 264 runs after bowling out India for 285, especially when they were cruising at 190/3.Sophie Ecclestone and Mady Villiers ran through the middle order after Smriti Mandhana top-scored with 83 in what was also her 300th international appearance. In …