New Delhi, Aug 10 (IANS) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will host a dinner for MPs of the INDIA bloc on Monday, sources said, as the opposition alliance intensifies its efforts to present a united front against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and alleged large-scale rigging in polls.According to sources, Kharge will host the dinner at Taj Palace in Chanakyapuri, which is likely to be attended by the INDIA bloc MPs.The move follows a show of opposition unit…

Hyderabad, Aug 10 (IANS) Former MLA Guvvala Balaraju, who recently quit the BRS, joined the BJP on Sunday. A two-time former MLA from Achampet was welcomed into the BJP by the party’s state president Ramchander Rao at a programme held at the BJP office here.Balaraju was one of the four BRS MLAs who figured in the horse-trading case in 2022. The then BRS government had accused the BJP of trying to poach its four MLAs by offering huge money ahead of the by-elections to the Mungode Assembly seat.BJ…

Bengaluru, Aug 10 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s pleasant conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Bengaluru on Sunday has become a topic of discussion among the public and the state’s political circles. CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM Shivakumar are known for often criticising Prime Minister Modi with sharp remarks.The interaction began with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah holding Prime Minister Modi’s hand while pr…

Chennai, Aug 10 (IANS) Head coach Ben Sawyer, who is overseeing New Zealand women’s camp in Chennai as part of preparation for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup, said the experience so far of practicing in spin-friendly conditions at the Chennai Super Kings Academy has been an amazing one.Seam-bowling allrounder Jess Kerr, batters Georgia Plimmer and Brooke Halliday, who were in the New Zealand team winning last year’s Women’s T20 World Cup, are a part of the ongoing trip in Chennai. Iz…

London, Aug 10 (IANS) Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta issued a warning for defenders after their marquee summer signing Viktor Gyokeres hit the ground running with his first goal for the club against Athletic Club on Saturday.Goals by the Swedish striker, coupled with Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz saw the Gunners win 3-0 in their final pre-season friendly. Arsenal will begin their season with a stern test against Rivals Manchester United at the Old Trafford Stadium on August 17.Arteta warned oppos…

Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) Veteran actress Rekha, who had a special appearance in ‘Parineeta’, has spoken up about her song from the film ‘Kaisi Paheli’. The song featured the actress in retro outfit, and was sung by Sunidhi Chauhan. Talking about the song, Rekha said, “‘Kaisi Paheli’ was not just a song, it was a mood, a vibe, and a metaphor for life. The song was so atmospheric; it reminded me of the time gone by and a certain enigma of a woman who owns her narrative”.She further me…

Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) Broader indices lagged behind benchmark indices, declining for the third consecutive week as US President Donald Trump threatened 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods. BSE largecap and midcap indices fell 1 per cent each this week, while the BSE smallcap index declined nearly 2 per cent.The Nifty smallcap 100 dropped 8.31 per cent in a month, closing at 17,478. The Nifty midcap 100 fell 5.62 per cent in a month ending at 57,094.PG Electroplast, Kitex Garments, Titagarh, Ramc…

Beijing, Aug 10 (IANS) China’s national observatory renewed a yellow alert for rainstorms on Sunday, warning of downpours in some regions of the country. From 8:00 a.m. Sunday to 8:00 a.m. Monday, heavy rain and rainstorms are forecast to hit parts of Jiangsu, Shanghai, Anhui, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Sichuan, Chongqing, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang, the National Meteorological Centre said.Parts of Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan are expected to experi…

Seoul, Aug 10 (IANS) The commander of the US Forces Korea (USFK) said taking “shortcuts” for the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON) to Seoul from Washington could imperil the readiness posture on the Korean Peninsula. Gen. Xavier Brunson stressed the need to adhere to bilaterally agreed-upon conditions for the OPCON transfer, as the issue could emerge as a key agenda item related to “alliance modernisation” during the first-ever summit between the South Korean President Lee Jae My…

Yaounde, Aug 10 (IANS) Former Chadian Prime Minister Succes Masra was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a criminal court in the capital N’Djamena.Masra was found guilty of inciting the public to hatred and hostility, according to the ruling handed down by Chad’s criminal court, Xinhua news agency reported.Masra’s lawyers called the verdict “an ignominy” and said they will appeal.Following the verdict Kadjilembay Francis, Masra’s lawyer, told reporters: “He has just been subjected to ignomin…