China's deepening role in Iran conflict signals 'dangerous escalation': Report

IANS | April 13, 2026 9:24 PM

Washington, April 13 (IANS) China does not benefit from an outright Iranian win but from Tehran's continued ability to distract, complicate, and impose costs on United States power projection. This makes the relationship between Beijing and Tehran "more dangerous than simple arms sales" as it evolves into a form of strategic burden-sharing against the US, sustained through proxies, sanctions evasion, and plausible deniability, a report said on Monday.

Pakistan: Textile workers subjected to exploitative wages, hazardous environment

IANS | April 13, 2026 9:23 PM

Islamabad, April 13 (IANS) A new study conducted by the Labour Education Foundation (LEF), in collaboration with Arisa, a Holland-based rights body, has found labour rights violations in Pakistan's textile recycling industry, sparking critical questions about the true cost of "sustainable fashion", local media reported.

India and France hold Foreign Office Consultations in Paris, focus on expanding ties across sectors

IANS | April 13, 2026 9:23 PM

Paris, April 13 (IANS) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri co-chaired the India–France Foreign Office Consultations with Secretary General of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Martin Briens in Paris on Monday. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions covered a wide range of topics, including defence, civil nuclear energy, space, cooperation in cyber and digital domains, AI, innovation, as well as initiatives aimed at strengthening human and cultural ties, in connection with the latest global and regional developments.

Pakistan acted as 'courier', not 'mediator' during US-Iran ceasefire negotiations: Report

IANS | April 13, 2026 9:02 PM

Kabul, April 13 (IANS) Pakistan's mediating role between the United States and Iran resembled that of a courier rather than a mediator, lacking leverage, proposed solutions, and the ability to push both sides toward compromise. Pakistan acted as a diplomatic channel through which big powers like China communicated their positions without any direct engagement, a report highlighted on Monday.

Trump warns Iran ships amid blockade​

IANS | April 13, 2026 8:47 PM

Washington, Apr 13 (IANS) U.S. President Donald Trump Monday warned Iran that any naval vessels approaching American ships enforcing a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz would be “immediately ELIMINATED,” as tensions escalated following the collapse of peace talks.​

Steven Spielberg reveals the reason behind shelving ‘Robopocalypse’

IANS | April 13, 2026 8:42 PM

Los Angeles, April 13 (IANS) The three time Oscar-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg has revealed the reason behind shelving the sci-fi epic ‘Robopocalypse’. The director shared that he shelved the film because it was on course to become "the most expensive movie" he'd ever made.