News for '-eastern'

What Made Colonel Sonam Wangchuk A Legend?

What Made Colonel Sonam Wangchuk A Legend?

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, a decorated Kargil War hero known as the 'Lion of Ladakh' and recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra, has passed away. He was celebrated for his gallantry and leadership in securing the Chorbat-La in the Batalik sub-sector during Operation Vijay in 1999.

Iranian Oil Tanker Changes Course from India to China Amid Payment Concerns

Iranian Oil Tanker Changes Course from India to China Amid Payment Concerns

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

A US-sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian crude oil has rerouted mid-voyage from its previously indicated destination of India to China, raising questions about payment issues and the future of India's Iranian oil imports.

Drunk Driving Challans Issued in Delhi During Holi Celebrations

Drunk Driving Challans Issued in Delhi During Holi Celebrations

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Delhi Traffic Police issued over 1,200 challans for drunk driving during a special enforcement drive on Holi, with the western range recording the highest number of violations.

5 Times When Trump Extended His 'Or Else...' Deadline for Iran

5 Times When Trump Extended His 'Or Else...' Deadline for Iran

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Each time a deadline almost runs out, President Trump hands out a new one.

Sri Lanka rejects landing request by US warplane

Sri Lanka rejects landing request by US warplane

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the country refused permission for the US to land two warplanes at Mattala International Airport, citing a commitment to neutrality amidst rising tensions in the Middle East.

Nagaland CM Calls for Stronger Naga Unity Across All Spheres

Nagaland CM Calls for Stronger Naga Unity Across All Spheres

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has called for strengthening Naga unity across political, cultural and social spheres, emphasising the importance of preserving collective identity.

Trump signals winding down Iran ops as US sends more troops

Trump signals winding down Iran ops as US sends more troops

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

In a post on Truth Social, Trump outlined key goals of the campaign, including degrading Iran's missile capabilities, dismantling its defence industrial base, eliminating naval and air power, preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear capability, and protecting United States allies such as Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

8 Of India's Most Famous Eidgahs

8 Of India's Most Famous Eidgahs

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

A space designated or reserved for communal Eid day prayers, year after year is called an Eidgah or an Idgah and many an Indian city has a landmark, historic Eidgah.

Iran War: Pakistan Was Flimsy, Face-Saving Fig Leaf

Iran War: Pakistan Was Flimsy, Face-Saving Fig Leaf

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Nobody takes Pakistan seriously and therefore Pakistan's sudden mediating with almost immediate results of a ceasefire seems more contrived than real, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Vikram Doraiswami appointed as India's ambassador to China

Vikram Doraiswami appointed as India's ambassador to China

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Vikram Doraiswami, a seasoned diplomat, has been appointed as India's new ambassador to China, succeeding Pradeep Kumar Rawat. This decision comes as both countries attempt to improve bilateral relations following a period of strain.

India's Reliance On Strait Of Hormuz Exceeds Global Average

India's Reliance On Strait Of Hormuz Exceeds Global Average

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

'The West Asia or the Gulf crisis has shown that what we develop as national infrastructure when things are not as bad as they could be, we forget to plan for adversities.'

Will Trump Attend Islamabad Peace Talks?

Will Trump Attend Islamabad Peace Talks?

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The intriguing bit is that Trump is likely to attend the talks in Islamabad this weekend -- if he does, it will be the clearest signal yet that the US is ready to exit the war with some sort of win to show, since he cannot afford to go for the talks and return empty-handed, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War

India's Oil Reserves Can Cover 40-45 Days If Hormuz Flow Disrupted

India's Oil Reserves Can Cover 40-45 Days If Hormuz Flow Disrupted

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

India possesses approximately 100 million barrels of commercial crude oil stocks, capable of covering 40-45 days of its requirements if flows through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted, according to Kpler.

US urged India to buy Russian oil: Trump's Energy Secretary

US urged India to buy Russian oil: Trump's Energy Secretary

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The United States has encouraged India to purchase Russian oil already at sea to mitigate supply shortages and price increases amid the West Asia conflict, according to Energy Secretary Chris Wright. This move is described as a short-term effort to stabilise the market without altering Washington's policy towards Russia.

Iran begins new 'heavy strikes' in region: IRGC

Iran begins new 'heavy strikes' in region: IRGC

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The IRGC had announced earlier that it was carrying out an intense wave of attacks on US and Israeli positons throughout the region since dawn, using missiles as well as drones.

Is China Itching For War?

Is China Itching For War?

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

The Chinese People's Liberation Army's eastern theatre command continued its military drills around Taiwan for a second consecutive day on December 30, involving naval, air and ground forces in what it described as a demonstration of joint operational and blockade capabilities.

Iran launches 5 multi-warhead missiles, hits Tel Aviv

Iran launches 5 multi-warhead missiles, hits Tel Aviv

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

After the Israeli attack on Iran's South Pars Gas Field on Wednesday night, in retaliation, Iran struck Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City, resulting in extensive damage, as per the country's Ministry of Defence.

CBSE Postpones Exams in Middle East Amid Conflict

CBSE Postpones Exams in Middle East Amid Conflict

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has postponed the class 10 and 12 board exams scheduled for March 5 in the Middle East region due to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.

UP Families Anxious as US-Israel Strike on Iran Raises Middle East Conflict Fears

UP Families Anxious as US-Israel Strike on Iran Raises Middle East Conflict Fears

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Families in Uttar Pradesh express anxiety over the safety of their relatives in the Middle East following a joint US-Israel military strike on Iran, which has triggered retaliatory actions and heightened regional tensions.

BCCI won't intervene in Sunrisers' signing of Pakistan's Abrar Ahmed for The Hundred

BCCI won't intervene in Sunrisers' signing of Pakistan's Abrar Ahmed for The Hundred

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said the BCCI cannot intervene as the signing is related to a foreign league and it is up to the franchise to take a call.

Middle East conflict: 28 Indian ships with 778 crew stuck in Persian Gulf

Middle East conflict: 28 Indian ships with 778 crew stuck in Persian Gulf

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

28 Indian vessels carrying 778 seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf, prompting government monitoring and coordination to ensure their safety and security.

'Just for fun': Trump warns of more strikes on Iran's Kharg Island

'Just for fun': Trump warns of more strikes on Iran's Kharg Island

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump indicated the possibility of further military operations against Iran's Kharg Island, a key oil export hub, claiming previous strikes had significantly damaged its infrastructure.

India and China good neighbours, friends and partners: Xi Jinping

India and China good neighbours, friends and partners: Xi Jinping

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping described India and China as "good neighbours, friends and partners", saying that achieving "dragon and elephant dancing together" is the right choice for both countries.

US pulls non-essential staff from consulates in Pakistan

US pulls non-essential staff from consulates in Pakistan

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The United States has ordered the withdrawal of non-emergency staff from its consulates in Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan, citing security concerns amid regional tensions and protests.

Winter storm chaos: Over 14,000 flights cancelled across US

Winter storm chaos: Over 14,000 flights cancelled across US

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

US President Trump has issued emergency declarations for 10 states as authorities continue to prepare for frigid cold which will sweep across the eastern two-thirds of the country.

Trump livid as NATO allies refuse help on Hormuz Strait

Trump livid as NATO allies refuse help on Hormuz Strait

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

President Trump asserts the US military has decimated Iran's forces and no longer requires assistance from NATO allies to secure the Strait of Hormuz, despite earlier requests for support.

Stock Market Today March 6, 2026: Sensex, Nifty dive over 1% on boiling crude price

Stock Market Today March 6, 2026: Sensex, Nifty dive over 1% on boiling crude price

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Indian stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant decline, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East and rising crude oil prices.

'India, China should view each other as partners and opportunities'

'India, China should view each other as partners and opportunities'

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on India and China to view each other as partners rather than rivals, emphasising the importance of cooperation for regional stability and development.

Tracing Boong's Magical Journey

Tracing Boong's Magical Journey

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

'In Manipur, we have this thing called shaman where you get possessed. Making Boong possessed us.'

Tata Steel to gain from India growth, lower global costs

Tata Steel to gain from India growth, lower global costs

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Tata Steel is strategically positioned for growth, leveraging India's robust steel demand, significant cost transformation programmes, and favourable protectionist policies in the EU and UK. The company is expanding its India capacity and optimising operations in its European units to enhance profitability and reduce debt.

Iran sought nod to dock 3 ships in Indian ports, was approved: Jaishankar

Iran sought nod to dock 3 ships in Indian ports, was approved: Jaishankar

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

It is for the first time that a senior minister has said that Iran requested permission for docking three of its ships in Indian ports.

'Indians have been good actors': Trump aide on Russian oil waiver

'Indians have been good actors': Trump aide on Russian oil waiver

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The US has granted India permission to buy Russian oil already in transit to ease global supply pressures amidst the West Asia conflict. This decision comes after India agreed to halt sanctioned Russian oil purchases and substitute them with US oil.

India's 2nd LPG tanker 'Nanda Devi' reaches Gujarat port amid crisis

India's 2nd LPG tanker 'Nanda Devi' reaches Gujarat port amid crisis

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Despite ongoing tensions in West Asia, the successful arrival of the LPG carrier 'Nanda Devi' in Gujarat ensures a steady supply of liquefied petroleum gas to India, highlighting the country's efforts to secure its energy needs.

Israel strikes 200 targets, Iran warns of retaliation

Israel strikes 200 targets, Iran warns of retaliation

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) said it struck several targets in Tehran, Shiraz and Ahvaz simultaneously over the past 24 hours, targeting sites linked to Iran's ballistic missile programme, air defence systems and military headquarters.

TMC manifesto bets on women voters, ramps up welfare push

TMC manifesto bets on women voters, ramps up welfare push

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has released its manifesto for the West Bengal elections, focusing on welfare politics and women's empowerment with pledges to expand existing schemes, improve healthcare, and develop infrastructure.

Gulf War: Missile Threat Forces Sailors to Flee

Gulf War: Missile Threat Forces Sailors to Flee

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

'After we were alerted about the war, none of us could sleep for the next two nights while sailing through those waters.'

Earthquake in Myanmar causes tremors in Kolkata

Earthquake in Myanmar causes tremors in Kolkata

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

An earthquake of magnitude 6 with its epicenter in Myanmar jolted Kolkata and its adjoining areas, causing tremors and concern among residents.

'Illegal': India rejects China's infrastructure push in Shaksgam valley

'Illegal': India rejects China's infrastructure push in Shaksgam valley

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

India has lodged a strong protest with China for carrying out construction activities in the Shaksgam Valley, asserting its claim over the territory and rejecting the China-Pakistan boundary pact of 1963.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Does The US Plan To Continue This War For 'One Or Two Years'?

Does The US Plan To Continue This War For 'One Or Two Years'?

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

This weekend, Donald Trump has begun to say the quiet part out loud -- that he wants to take control of Iran's oil, a formulation more in line with his robber-baron style of international relations.