News for 'Straits Times'

Strait of Hormuz shut, 37 Indian-flagged ships stuck

Strait of Hormuz shut, 37 Indian-flagged ships stuck

Rediff.com1 days ago

Dozens of Indian-flagged ships and over a thousand seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and surrounding areas due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing military actions involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

Iran claims 'complete control' of Strait of Hormuz

Iran claims 'complete control' of Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com14 hours ago

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims control of the Strait of Hormuz and reports striking a US destroyer, escalating tensions in the Middle East following retaliatory strikes between Iran, the US, and Israel.

China dares Japan with military drills in Taiwan Strait

China dares Japan with military drills in Taiwan Strait

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

The Chinese military on Monday started new major drills in the 'middle areas' of the Taiwan Strait amid rising diplomatic tensions with Japan over Taiwan that Beijing claims as its territory.

Qatar halts LNG production amid Iran attack, supply to India disrupted

Qatar halts LNG production amid Iran attack, supply to India disrupted

Rediff.com10 hours ago

Qatar has halted liquefied natural gas (LNG) production after its facilities came under attack amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, disrupting supplies to India and squeezing feedstock availability for key domestic sectors.

India shifts majority of Indian students out of Tehran

India shifts majority of Indian students out of Tehran

Rediff.com1 days ago

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.

Singapore PM removes Indian-origin Pritam Singh as LoP

Singapore PM removes Indian-origin Pritam Singh as LoP

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has removed Indian-origin Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh as Leader of the Opposition (LoP), and asked the opposition party to nominate another Member of Parliament (MP) to fill the position following Singh's conviction for lying to a parliamentary committee.

Markets bleed; Sensex tumbles 1,236 pts on selling in RIL, HDFC Bank

Markets bleed; Sensex tumbles 1,236 pts on selling in RIL, HDFC Bank

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Benchmark Sensex tumbled 1,236 points or 1.5 per cent while Nifty closed near 25,450 on Thursday following an across-the-board sell-off amid escalating geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran.

Strait of Hormuz closure: How it will impact India

Strait of Hormuz closure: How it will impact India

Rediff.com22 Jun 2025

US strikes on Iran's three main nuclear facilities have once again raised concerns that Tehran might shut down the Strait of Hormuz - one of the world's most critical chokepoints, through which a fifth of global oil and gas supply flows.

8 To 1 Trump Won't Start A Gulf War

8 To 1 Trump Won't Start A Gulf War

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The threat of wars hovers over the negotiations in Oman, but the good part is that Trump called the talks to be 'very good' and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian responded that they 'constitute a step forward', points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Which Of These Gorgeous Animal Pix Do You Like?

Which Of These Gorgeous Animal Pix Do You Like?

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

The Natural History Museum, London, has officially unveiled the 24-image shortlist for the 2026 Nuveen People's Choice Award. This prestigious contest, a key part of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition and supported by lead sponsor Nuveen, invites the public to decide which image will be crowned the winner.

Iran shutting Hormuz Strait will impact Indian economy: Experts

Iran shutting Hormuz Strait will impact Indian economy: Experts

Rediff.com22 Jun 2025

The Israel-Iran conflict has entered a 'decisive phase' after the United States bombed three major Iranian nuclear sites Sunday morning, feel strategic affairs experts with some of them arguing it was Washington, DC's 'responsibility' to not get involved in the military standoff.

China sanctions 20 US defence firms over Taiwan arms sales

China sanctions 20 US defence firms over Taiwan arms sales

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

China has imposed sanctions on 20 US defence firms in response to the Trump administration's approval of a record USD 11.1 billion arms sales package to Taiwan.

No plan to attack Europe, but response will be devastating, warns Russia

No plan to attack Europe, but response will be devastating, warns Russia

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia does not intend to attack Europe, but any attack on Russia would face a devastating response. He also accused the EU's 'war party' of hindering Ukraine peace efforts and pledged support for China on Taiwan.

Ukraine's underwater drones hit 2 Russian oil tankers in Black Sea

Ukraine's underwater drones hit 2 Russian oil tankers in Black Sea

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Ukraine claimed responsibility after explosions hit the vessels on Friday and Saturday.

Zubeen Garg died in Singapore while swimming: Report

Zubeen Garg died in Singapore while swimming: Report

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Singapore police clarify that musician Zubeen Garg died after swimming off Singapore Island, not scuba diving. An autopsy report has been shared with the Indian High Commission, and foul play has been ruled out.

China commissions 3rd aircraft carrier: Should India worry?

China commissions 3rd aircraft carrier: Should India worry?

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

China has commissioned its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, featuring advanced electromagnetic catapults, amidst rising tensions and military modernization efforts.

Arunachal Key To India-Japan Strategy Against China

Arunachal Key To India-Japan Strategy Against China

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

If they act now, they can reshape the strategic map of Asia without firing a shot. If they wait, the next opportunity will come only after a serious Taiwan Strait incident -- by which time the price will be far higher, and the room for boldness far smaller -- the opportunity may well be lost by then. The question is no longer whether this can or should be done, points out Varun Arya.

'He knows the consequences': Trump threatens Xi

'He knows the consequences': Trump threatens Xi

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

United States President Donald Trump said that China 'knows the consequences' if it attacks Taiwan, asserting that Chinese President Xi Jinping understands the situation 'very well'.

'When I Can't Take Nonsense Any Longer Then Sparks Begin To Fly'

'When I Can't Take Nonsense Any Longer Then Sparks Begin To Fly'

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

'Look after your own mother before looking after your neighbour's mother.' 'I don't believe in starving my own mother and feeding sweets to the neighbours.'

India's energy sector battles taxes, global turmoil

India's energy sector battles taxes, global turmoil

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

India's brittle energy security is inextricably linked to two opposing paradigms - fossil fuels, and the transition to green energy. The first powers the present; the second paves the way for Viksit Bharat in 2047.

Iran-Israel war could hurt exports; increase freight rates

Iran-Israel war could hurt exports; increase freight rates

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

The Iran-Israel conflict has further increased global economic uncertainties, impacting world trade, including India's exports, as it is expected to drive up both air and sea freight rates, exporters say. They said that India's exports to Europe and counters like Russia may get impacted due to this war.

Iran-Israel war: India ramps up oil imports from Russia, US in June

Iran-Israel war: India ramps up oil imports from Russia, US in June

Rediff.com22 Jun 2025

Indian refiners are likely to import 2-2.2 million barrels per day of Russian crude oil in June - the highest in the last two years and more than the total volumes bought from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait, preliminary data by global trade analytics firm Kpler showed.

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Singapore's long-ruling People's Action Party (PAP), led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, has secured a landslide victory in the country's general election. The PAP won 87 of 97 seats, with voters endorsing the party's focus on stability and economic security amidst global uncertainties. Wong expressed gratitude for the strong mandate and vowed to tackle concerns about the cost of living and housing. The results mark a significant win for the PAP, which has been in power since Singapore's independence in 1965.

Putin: Ukraine War Wouldn't Happened If Trump Had Been President

Putin: Ukraine War Wouldn't Happened If Trump Had Been President

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

'We had very narrow negotiations that were quite useful.'

India's Oil Reforms Aim To Counter US, EU Pressure

India's Oil Reforms Aim To Counter US, EU Pressure

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

The government has no say in where the country's refiners source oil from because these are commercial transactions.

Tension escalates as Iran seizes Israel-linked ship near Strait of Hormuz

Tension escalates as Iran seizes Israel-linked ship near Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com13 Apr 2024

The MSC Aries was last seen on Friday, sailing towards the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Dubai, according to The Times of Israel.

'Impact Of War On India Could Be Dramatic'

'Impact Of War On India Could Be Dramatic'

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

'With the US having entered the war, raising the risks of a wider conflict, those impacts could be even more damaging.'

Trump Is Closer Than Ever To Win The Nobel

Trump Is Closer Than Ever To Win The Nobel

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

Trump couldn't care less anymore about the Israeli demand for Iran's 'de-nuclearisation' and 'de-militarisation.' Trump pins hopes on a grand bargain with Iran as a partner in America First, argues Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Pakistan's Evil Designs: What India Must Do!

Pakistan's Evil Designs: What India Must Do!

Rediff.com26 May 2025

'Will this near-war, India's strongest military response so far, buy India another seven years of deterrence?' asks Shekhar Gupta.

Sri Lanka releases 14 Indian fishermen after Modi's appeal

Sri Lanka releases 14 Indian fishermen after Modi's appeal

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Sri Lanka has released 14 Indian fishermen as a special gesture, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for resolving the issue with a "humane approach." The fishermen issue figured prominently during talks between Prime Minister Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday. The fishermen issue is a contentious matter in India-Sri Lanka ties, with several alleged incidents of Sri Lankan Navy personnel using force against Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait. Modi stressed the need for a humane approach and the immediate release of the fishermen and their boats.

China conducts precision strikes over Taiwan Strait

China conducts precision strikes over Taiwan Strait

Rediff.com5 Aug 2022

The Chinese military on Thursday said it has conducted precision strikes over the Taiwan Strait and 'expected results' were achieved, in apparent retaliation to the United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taipei disregarding Beijing's vociferous warnings.

'In a way the India-Pakistan war is already on'

'In a way the India-Pakistan war is already on'

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

'Pakistan cannot sustain a war with India for more than four days. They are in such dire straits. At best they can sustain war for one week.'

Krunal-Kohli Lesson On How To Chase On Tricky Wicket

Krunal-Kohli Lesson On How To Chase On Tricky Wicket

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

Although Kohli and Krunal made the chase look simple, it was anything but, especially on a pitch that offered some help for the bowlers.

US, China aircraft carriers in rare showdown in Taiwan Strait

US, China aircraft carriers in rare showdown in Taiwan Strait

Rediff.com6 Apr 2023

China and the US flexed their naval might by deploying aircraft carriers in a rare showdown in the Taiwan Strait, the narrow channel that separates the Chinese mainland from Taiwan, as Beijing fumed over US House Speaker's meeting with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in Washington.

'Alaya Wants None Of The Nepotism'

'Alaya Wants None Of The Nepotism'

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'Alaya has kept her career disconnected from me in every way.' 'She wanted to achieve success by herself without any help or interference.'

Operation Sindoor: 'Don't Mess With India'

Operation Sindoor: 'Don't Mess With India'

Rediff.com11 May 2025

'This strike has certainly enhanced your image.' 'Otherwise, people would have called you a damp squib, capable of doing nothing except talking big.'

US sends 2 warships via Taiwan Strait, first transit since Pelosi's visit

US sends 2 warships via Taiwan Strait, first transit since Pelosi's visit

Rediff.com28 Aug 2022

It said that the transit was "ongoing" and that there had been "no interference from foreign military forces so far."

Sri Lankan navy arrests 32 Indian fishermen, seizes 5 boats

Sri Lankan navy arrests 32 Indian fishermen, seizes 5 boats

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 32 Indian fishermen and seized five fishing boats for allegedly venturing into the island nation's territorial waters. This incident is the latest in a series of arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy for alleged illegal fishing activities. The issue of fishermen is a contentious one in the relationship between India and Sri Lanka, with past incidents involving firing at fishermen and seizures of boats. This latest incident follows an earlier arrest of 10 Indian fishermen earlier this month and an incident in January where five Indian fishermen were injured after the Sri Lankan Navy fired on them. India has expressed its displeasure regarding the use of force by Sri Lanka.

22 Singapore Airlines passengers suffered spinal injuries

22 Singapore Airlines passengers suffered spinal injuries

Rediff.com24 May 2024

The oldest patient at the hospital is 83, while the youngest is a two-year-old child who suffered a concussion.

Sudhir Ghosh: The MP Who Foresaw Quad

Sudhir Ghosh: The MP Who Foresaw Quad

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

After the 1962 War with China, there was a demand to forge greater defence cooperation between India and the West. One such voice was that of Sudhir Ghosh, a distinguished MP, to tie up strategic cooperation with the USA immediately after the Chinese attack on India, recalls Rup Narayan Das.