China competition now drives nearly every US diplomatic conversation, says Rubio

IANS | June 4, 2026 8:11 AM

Washington, June 4 (IANS) Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that concerns over China's dominance in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing and strategic supply chains have become a central feature of virtually every major US diplomatic engagement, underscoring how competition with Beijing increasingly shapes American foreign policy worldwide.

1st World Yogasana Sports Championship to be hosted in Ahmedabad today, PM Modi to attend virtually

IANS | June 4, 2026 8:04 AM

Ahmedabad, June 4 (IANS) The 1st World Yogasana Sports Championship will take place in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, starting Thursday.

Quad moves from dialogue to action: Rubio

IANS | June 4, 2026 7:56 AM

Washington, June 4 (IANS) The United States, India, Japan and Australia are moving beyond diplomatic consultations and launching practical initiatives on maritime security, infrastructure and regional resilience, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said, signalling a more action-oriented role for the Quad in the Indo-Pacific.

Shilpa Shinde reacts to demands for her arrest post confession of fake molestation charges against producer

IANS | June 4, 2026 7:52 AM

Mumbai, June 4 (IANS) Actress Shilpa Shinde has responded to the calls for her arrest after she recently admitted that the sexual harassment allegations she had levelled against the producer of 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain!' in 2016 were false.

Israel, Lebanon agree to ceasefire deal

IANS | June 4, 2026 7:51 AM

Washington, June 4 (IANS) Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire following two days of US-brokered talks in Washington, with both sides committing to continue direct negotiations and advance security arrangements aimed at preventing the return of armed non-state groups in southern Lebanon.

Trump says US held first talks with Hezbollah

IANS | June 4, 2026 7:44 AM

Washington, June 4 (IANS) President Donald Trump has said that the United States had spoken directly with Hezbollah for the first time, adding that the group had agreed not to fire on Israel as Washington seeks to stabilise multiple conflicts across the Middle East.

Three killed in massive hospital fire in Bihar's Muzaffarpur

IANS | June 4, 2026 7:41 AM

Muzaffarpur, June 4 (IANS) At least three people lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries after a massive fire broke out at Prasad Hospital, one of North Bihar's prominent private healthcare facilities, located under the jurisdiction of the Brahampura police station area in Muzaffarpur, officials said on Thursday.

Hormuz Strait will open immediately upon signing deal with Iran, says Trump

IANS | June 4, 2026 7:28 AM

Washington, June 4 (IANS) US President Donald Trump has said that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen immediately upon the signing of a proposed agreement with Iran, signalling what he described as progress in negotiations aimed at preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and potentially easing tensions in one of the world's most strategically important waterways.

Rubio denies receiving Pakistan's 'warning' on Iran

IANS | June 4, 2026 6:56 AM

Washington, June 4 (IANS) Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied reports that Pakistan had conveyed a message "warning" that Iran was prepared to demonstrate a nuclear weapon if the current conflict escalated further, dismissing suggestions that such a communication had reached the Trump administration.

Trump customs order tightens scrutiny of imports, crack down on tariff cheats

IANS | June 4, 2026 6:26 AM

Washington, June 4 (IANS) President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order to strengthen customs enforcement, impose stricter requirements on foreign importers and crack down on tariff evasion, forced labour imports and supply-chain fraud, signalling tougher oversight for companies exporting goods to the United States.