News for '-the-straits'

Is US-Israel-Iran War Entering Endgame?

Is US-Israel-Iran War Entering Endgame?

Rediff.com1 days ago

To be sure, Trump is furious, as the trajectory of the war is in a state of Zugzwang, as chess players call it. Trump and Netanyahu stare at two choices -- retreat in humiliation and concede Tehran's demands -- recognition of its rights, reparations, and binding security guarantees -- or perish in a quagmire, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Boots on ground in Iran not ruled out: US

Boots on ground in Iran not ruled out: US

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday said that the United States has not ruled out the option of sending troops on the ground in Iran and that military operations in the Persian Gulf nation would end once the objectives of Operation Epic Fury are achieved.

LPG crisis: Restaurants cut menu, increase prices

LPG crisis: Restaurants cut menu, increase prices

Rediff.com5 days ago

Indian eateries are adapting to the LPG crisis by cutting menus, increasing prices, and switching to alternative fuels like coal, as LPG supplies are disrupted due to global events. State authorities are cracking down on hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders.

Ramping up domestic LPG production to ensure supply: Sitharaman

Ramping up domestic LPG production to ensure supply: Sitharaman

Rediff.com2 days ago

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces increased domestic LPG production to offset import disruptions caused by Middle East tensions, alongside assurances of fertiliser availability and the clearing of UPA-era oil bonds.

Indian national killed in Iranian attack on US oil tanker

Indian national killed in Iranian attack on US oil tanker

Rediff.com7 days ago

An Indian national has reportedly been killed in an attack carried out by Iran using a 'suicide' boat against a US-owned oil tanker near Iraq. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of seafarers in the region.

Trump's War Has Crossed Energy Rubicon. And There's No Turning Back

Trump's War Has Crossed Energy Rubicon. And There's No Turning Back

Rediff.com14 hours ago

For weeks, the war skirted the edge of catastrophe without tipping over. Missiles flew, there was much destruction, commanders were assassinated, cities across the Gulf and even in Israel struggled to absorb the shock. But one line held: Energy infrastructure, the arteries of the global economy, remained largely untouched. That is no longer true. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

'For region to be secure....': Iran urges American exit from West Asia

'For region to be secure....': Iran urges American exit from West Asia

Rediff.com4 days ago

On Saturday, it was reported that a drone strike had targeted the Fujairah Port in the UAE, triggering a fire.

Govt Rejigs Gas Allocation: LPG, CNG, piped cooking gas get top priority

Govt Rejigs Gas Allocation: LPG, CNG, piped cooking gas get top priority

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Indian government has revised its natural gas allocation priorities, placing LPG production alongside CNG and piped cooking gas at the top, due to disruptions in imported gas supplies caused by the conflict in West Asia.

Iran wanted to talk, I said 'too late': Trump

Iran wanted to talk, I said 'too late': Trump

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Trump said that Iran's leadership, along with its air defence, Air Force, and Navy are 'gone'.

Iran lists three conditions to end war

Iran lists three conditions to end war

Rediff.com7 days ago

Iran on Thursday spelled out three conditions to end the war with Israel and the United States, which entered its thirteenth day today. Taking to X, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said he reaffirmed the country's commitment to peace during talks with leaders of Russia and Pakistan.

Rupee hits record intra-day low in early trade, falls 12 paise/USD

Rupee hits record intra-day low in early trade, falls 12 paise/USD

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Indian rupee fell to a record low against the US dollar due to rising crude oil prices, foreign institutional investor selling, and weak domestic equity market sentiment.

Nomura, Citi slash year-end Nifty 50 target

Nomura, Citi slash year-end Nifty 50 target

Rediff.com2 days ago

Foreign brokerages have started to cut their year-end targets for the Nifty 50 index amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

1,000 Indians still in Iran: MEA to Parl panel

1,000 Indians still in Iran: MEA to Parl panel

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Ministry of External Affairs informed a parliamentary committee that nearly 1,000 Indians remain in Iran amidst the West Asia conflict, and 23,000 students in the Gulf region missed CBSE exams due to the turmoil.

US warns of 'largest strike package' against Iran, says...

US warns of 'largest strike package' against Iran, says...

Rediff.com5 hours ago

Hegseth said the military campaign, code-named Operation Epic Fury, against Iran is "laser focused" and "decisive," with objectives set directly by the US administration remaining unchanged since the start of operations.

US missile strike targets school, homes in Iran: Report

US missile strike targets school, homes in Iran: Report

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

A United States missile strike has reportedly hit an educational facility in Khomeyn in central Iran, according to a report by Al Jazeera citing Iran's Mehr news agency. The site was identified as the Dr Hafez Khomeyni School.

We will determine end of war: Iran responds to Trump

We will determine end of war: Iran responds to Trump

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Iran has issued a defiant response to United States President Donald Trump's claims regarding the conclusion of hostilities, asserting that it alone will 'determine' the end of military actions against American and Israel targets.

War Reveals Brutal Math Of Cheap Drones Vs Missiles

War Reveals Brutal Math Of Cheap Drones Vs Missiles

Rediff.com15 hours ago

The modern war is about quality over quantity, points out Mihir S Sharma.

Allies in India have been good actors: White House

Allies in India have been good actors: White House

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The US has temporarily permitted India to accept Russian oil already on ships to ensure energy supplies amid the conflict with Iran. This short-term measure is not expected to significantly benefit Russia financially.

A War Of Attrition Is The Last Thing Trump Expected

A War Of Attrition Is The Last Thing Trump Expected

Rediff.com5 days ago

As days turn into weeks and America loses more planes, as the destruction of trillions of dollars worth military assets piles up, and dead bodies of soldiers return in ever greater numbers in coffins, Trump will have to answer some very difficult questions to save his presidency, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

FPIs sell-off continues; pull out Rs 52,704 cr last fortnight amid West Asia conflict

FPIs sell-off continues; pull out Rs 52,704 cr last fortnight amid West Asia conflict

Rediff.com4 days ago

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) withdrew a substantial amount from Indian equities in the first half of March, driven by geopolitical tensions, rupee depreciation, and concerns about crude oil prices.

French soldier killed, several injured in attack in Iraq

French soldier killed, several injured in attack in Iraq

Rediff.com6 days ago

A French soldier was killed while several others were injured in an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed. Macron, in a post on X, confirmed that Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion of the 7th Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins lost his life in the attack.

Gulf War: Missile Threat Forces Sailors to Flee

Gulf War: Missile Threat Forces Sailors to Flee

Rediff.com2 days ago

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

Middle East conflict: 2 Indians killed, 10 hurt by drone debris in Muscat

Middle East conflict: 2 Indians killed, 10 hurt by drone debris in Muscat

Rediff.com6 days ago

Two expatriate workers were killed after debris from a downed drone fell in an industrial area in the Sohar province of Oman.

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Rediff.com3 days ago

India's merchandise exports experienced a slight decrease in February, while imports surged due to increased gold and silver purchases, leading to a widened trade deficit. The West Asia crisis is expected to further impact trade in the coming months.

Govt bars LPG for households with piped gas connections

Govt bars LPG for households with piped gas connections

Rediff.com4 days ago

India restricts subsidised LPG connections for households with piped natural gas (PNG) to ensure equitable distribution and address global energy supply concerns, pushing for faster PNG adoption.

F1 drops Bahrain, Saudi Arabia races over Middle East crisis

F1 drops Bahrain, Saudi Arabia races over Middle East crisis

Rediff.com4 days ago

Formula One has cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix scheduled for April due to escalating Middle East tensions, reducing the 2026 F1 calendar from 24 to 22 races.

No shortage whatsoever of petrol, diesel, kerosene, assures govt in LS

No shortage whatsoever of petrol, diesel, kerosene, assures govt in LS

Rediff.com7 days ago

Responding to concerns raised by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri said it is the foremost priority of the government that the kitchens of over 33 crore families, especially the poor and the underprivileged, do not face any shortage of gas.

FPIs withdraw Rs 21,000 cr in last four trading sessions amid West Asia conflict

FPIs withdraw Rs 21,000 cr in last four trading sessions amid West Asia conflict

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Foreign investors pulled out Rs 21,000 crore (around $2.3 billion) from Indian equities over the last four trading sessions amid deteriorating global risk sentiment triggered by the West Asia crisis.

Gulf War: How To Manage Investments, Household Budget

Gulf War: How To Manage Investments, Household Budget

Rediff.com2 days ago

Households should moderate large discretionary expenses for the time being.
'They should prioritise essential spending. They should maintain an emergency fund covering 6 to 12 months of expenses.'

'US Won't Repeat China Trade Mistake With India'

'US Won't Repeat China Trade Mistake With India'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

'India should understand that we are not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago.'

India shifts majority of Indian students out of Tehran

India shifts majority of Indian students out of Tehran

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

India has relocated the majority of its students from Tehran due to the escalating conflict in West Asia. The Indian embassy has arranged for their transportation, food, and accommodation outside of Tehran. An advisory remains in place for other Indian nationals in Iran to stay indoors and exercise caution.

Allowed 'friend' India to take oil already on ships: US

Allowed 'friend' India to take oil already on ships: US

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that long-term oil supplies are 'abundant' and there are no worries regarding that, but in the short term, there is a need to get oil on the market.

Rupee falls 18 paise to close at 91.82 against US dollar

Rupee falls 18 paise to close at 91.82 against US dollar

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The Indian rupee weakened against the US dollar due to rising crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and foreign fund outflows.

Rs 14 Trillion Investor Wealth Wiped Out

Rs 14 Trillion Investor Wealth Wiped Out

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Sensex and Nifty post steepest weekly loss in over a year, falling nearly 3 per cent.

Extended Iran conflict may hit order inflows of L&T

Extended Iran conflict may hit order inflows of L&T

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

While investors would focus on the results and guidance for the third quarter of financial year 2025-26 (Q3FY26) in the normal course of business, the US-Israeli attack on Iran and the latter's retaliation at Gulf allies of the US has forced them to weigh the consequences of the event.

Petrol Prices Stay Put For Now

Petrol Prices Stay Put For Now

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

If the conflict continues for a prolonged period, State-run oil companies may have to review retail fuel prices accordingly.

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Rediff.com1 days ago

Israel has for more than two decades and several US presidencies worked to draw the United States into a full-scale war with Iran. Having finally achieved that, the last thing it wants is Trump declaring victory and going home, as he is prone to do. Ali Larijani was the figure most capable of handing Trump a negotiated exit with something to show for it. Without Larijani, the road to an exit gets considerably narrower. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Iran war impact: LPG shortage threatens hotels, restaurants closures across India

Iran war impact: LPG shortage threatens hotels, restaurants closures across India

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Indian restaurants are grappling with a severe LPG shortage due to the West Asia conflict, forcing them to innovate with menus and cooking methods or face potential closures, impacting the food industry and consumers across the country.

India 'well stocked' with crude oil to meet supply disruptions: Puri

India 'well stocked' with crude oil to meet supply disruptions: Puri

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

India is well-stocked with inventories of crude oil and key petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), to deal with short-term disruptions as the war intensifies in West Asia, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said on Tuesday.

Fighting 'existential war' against US, Israel: Iran

Fighting 'existential war' against US, Israel: Iran

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Amid escalating tensions, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh declares Iran's unwavering commitment to a 'heroic nationalist defence' against perceived American and Israeli aggression, vowing to resist what he calls an 'invasion' to the very end.