Japan wary of possible US-China ‘deal’ despite agreement on rare earths, says expert

IANS | October 29, 2025 5:58 AM

Washington, Oct 29 (IANS) As Japan and the United States signed a critical minerals and rare earths agreement in Tokyo on Tuesday, experts in Washington believed that despite the agreement, Tokyo feared that the US President may “soften his stance on China” when he meets his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, later this week in South Korea.

Nepal halts treks to Annapurna Base Camp as snowfall poses risk

IANS | October 28, 2025 11:41 PM

Kathmandu, Oct 28 (IANS) The local administration in Nepal’s Myagdi district, located in western Nepal, has barred the entry of people to the famous tourist destination—Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)—until October 31, citing snowfall in the area that could put the lives of trekkers at risk.

14 killed in US strikes targeting narco-traffickers

IANS | October 28, 2025 8:20 PM

Washington, Oct 28 (IANS) The US military carried out three strikes on four vessels allegedly trafficking narcotics in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing 14 people and leaving one survivor, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced on X on Tuesday.