Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday strongly defended his government's decision to invite International Booker Prize winner writer Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara, and said majority people of the state have accepted it, and it has brought respect for the state.

The Supreme Court on Monday said a bench led by Justice Surya Kant would hear pleas challenging Karnataka's decision to withdraw consent to investigate a disproportionate assets case against Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

International Booker Prize-winning writer Banu Mushtaq, who inaugurated Mysuru Dasara on Monday, called the festival a symbol of Karnataka's collective culture.

Belur Police have arrested a woman, identified as Leelamma, under charge of desecrating the idol at the Ganesha temple on the Belur Town Municipality premises by putting a garland of footwear on it.

Consumers can expect lower prices on popular Nandini dairy products such as ghee, butter, and paneer starting Monday, as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on these items comes down.

A 16-year-old girl Sania Tamboli died and four other children sustained serious injuries in an incident of wall collapse due to intense rainfall reported from Yadrami town on Monday.

The famous Mysuru Dasara festival commenced in the city and palaces on Monday with religious and traditional fervour, with International Booker Prize-winning writer Banu Mushtaq inaugurating the festivities.

Social and Educational Survey, popularly known as the 'caste census' in Karnataka, is to get underway on Monday, though the exercise may be delayed by a day or two in Greater Bengaluru area in order to impart training and ensure necesary preparations.