India, UK launch Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory

IANS | June 4, 2026 5:44 PM

New Delhi, June 4 (IANS) The India–UK Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory (GSCO) was formally launched here on Thursday, said G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, and Yvette Cooper, the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.

One peacekeeper killed, two injured in Lebanon: UN

IANS | June 4, 2026 5:40 PM

Beirut, June 4 (IANS) A United Nations (UN) peacekeeper died on Thursday after mortar shells struck his position near Marjayoun, southeastern Lebanon, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) revealed.

Solomon Islands to review security agreement with China

IANS | June 4, 2026 5:33 PM

Canberra, June 4 (IANS) Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has announced that he would review a security agreement signed with China. Addressing a joint press conference with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Canberra, Wale said he had to remove "certain people from key positions" to gain access to the document and got a copy of it just a day before leaving for Australia. Wale's visit to Australia is his first overseas visit since assuming office in May.

US-China calm may prove temporary: Former top-ranking diplomat

Lalit K Jha | June 4, 2026 5:14 PM

Washington, June 4 (IANS) The United States and China appear to be pursuing a period of stability in their relationship, driven largely by economic considerations, but the fundamental sources of friction between the world's two largest economies remain unchanged, former Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal has said.

China factor limits US-Pakistan ties: Former US Assistant Secretary of State

IANS | June 4, 2026 4:25 PM

Washington, June 4 (IANS) Pakistan may have skillfully exploited openings with the Trump administration to raise its profile in Washington, but deep-rooted strategic ties between Islamabad and Beijing will ultimately limit how far the US-Pakistan relations can advance, former Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Nisha Desai Biswal, said in an exclusive interview with IANS.