News for 'The Straits'

'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'.

What if Tehran blocks Strait of Hormuz...

What if Tehran blocks Strait of Hormuz...

Rediff.com21 Apr 2024

Oil and LNG prices are likely to shoot up if Iran is to block Strait of Hormuz, through which countries like India import crude oil from Saudi Arabia, Iraq and UAE, leading to a spike in inflation, analysts said on the Iran-Israel conflict. The Iran and Israel conflict has escalated over the last few days. Iran first launched drone and rocket attacks on Israel, which retaliated by firing a missile. Crude oil prices have hovered around USD 90 per barrel since the conflict.

Tensions flare as Chinese, Philippine ships collide near South China Sea

Tensions flare as Chinese, Philippine ships collide near South China Sea

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

China calls the shoal Huangyan Dao. China has already deployed some of its biggest CCG vessels in the area to assert its claims.

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.

Women's World Cup: Mooney masterclass sinks Pakistan

Women's World Cup: Mooney masterclass sinks Pakistan

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Star batter Beth Mooney struck a magnificent hundred and led a remarkable Australian fightback along with tailender Alana King to set up a crushing 107-run win over Pakistan in their ICC World Cup match, in Colombo, on Wednesday.

How Iran-Israel conflict affects India's overseas trade

How Iran-Israel conflict affects India's overseas trade

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

The commerce ministry on Friday held consultations with key stakeholders, including shipping lines, exporters, container firms, and other departments, to assess the impact of the Iran-Israel conflict on India's overseas trade, an official said. The meeting was chaired by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal.

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.

'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.'

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.

Analysts see oil shooting up to $150/bbl if Iran, Israel fighting intensifies

Analysts see oil shooting up to $150/bbl if Iran, Israel fighting intensifies

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Brent crude oil prices can touch $150 a barrel (bbl) - up a whopping 103 per cent from the current levels - in the worst-case scenario if the Israel-Iran geopolitical tensions escalate, suggest analysts.

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.

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.'

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.

US hit deep inside Iran nuke sites with 'bunker busters'

US hit deep inside Iran nuke sites with 'bunker busters'

Rediff.com22 Jun 2025

In a high-risk military operation early Sunday, the United States launched coordinated airstrikes on three of Iran's most fortified nuclear sites -- Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan -- marking a decisive escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

'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.'

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.

'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.'

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.

Modi launches India's first vertical lift sea bridge in TN, Stalin opts out

Modi launches India's first vertical lift sea bridge in TN, Stalin opts out

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Pamban sea bridge, providing rail link between Rameswaram island and the mainland and flagged off the new Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) train service. The bridge is India's first vertical sea-lift bridge, spanning 2.08 kilometers, and includes a 72.5-meter-long vertical lift span that can be raised up to 17 meters, allowing the smooth passage of large ships while ensuring seamless train operations. Built at a cost of over Rs 550 crore, the bridge features stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade paint, and fully welded joints, enhancing durability while reducing maintenance requirements. The bridge is a remarkable blend of tradition and technology.

China holds 'warning' drills around Taiwan

China holds 'warning' drills around Taiwan

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

China on Monday conducted day-long large-scale military drills aimed at surrounding Taiwan by deploying an aircraft carrier group, besides army, navy, air force and missile forces, in an apparent response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's remarks that Beijing has no authority to represent Taipei.

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.'

Can China Successfully Challenge The US?

Can China Successfully Challenge The US?

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

If Beijing succeeds in this multipronged effort to challenge the current dominant power, it will have not just economic but political and security consequences. There is no let-up in the South China Sea nor any de-escalation moves on the India-China border. This portends to ominous signalling from Beijing, observes China expert Srikanth Kondapalli.

Ranji Trophy: Vidarbha trounce TN, set up Mumbai semis

Ranji Trophy: Vidarbha trounce TN, set up Mumbai semis

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Vidarbha made a grand entry into the Ranji Trophy semi-final after outclassing Tamil Nadu by 198 runs on Day 4.

Ranji Trophy: Vidarbha take huge lead against Tamil Nadu

Ranji Trophy: Vidarbha take huge lead against Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

Vidarbha took a commanding 297-run lead against Tamil Nadu on Day 4 of their Ranji Trophy quarter-final on Monday.

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.

What Will Modi Discuss At Quad Meeting?

What Will Modi Discuss At Quad Meeting?

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

Saturday's Quad meeting in Delaware is taking place against the backdrop of China's assertive behaviour in the South China Sea, its sabre-rattling in the Taiwan Strait and increasing footprints in the Pacific and Indian Ocean, asserts Rup Narayan Das.

Nitish's Dad Touches Gavaskar's Feet

Nitish's Dad Touches Gavaskar's Feet

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

'I am really very proud of my son. He made our family very proud.'

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.

Will China wage war over Taiwan in 2025? Xi's remark raises alarm

Will China wage war over Taiwan in 2025? Xi's remark raises alarm

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

President Xi Jinping has said that no one can ever stop Taiwan's reunification with China as he signed off 2024 amid growing anxieties in the country over the continued slowdown of the economy and the return of Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose punitive tariffs and trade measures against Beijing in his second term.

PIX: Reddy leads India's fightback with gritty hundred

PIX: Reddy leads India's fightback with gritty hundred

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Images from Day 3 of the fourth Test between Australia and India at the MCG on Saturday.

One Month Of Trump: The World Is In Shock

One Month Of Trump: The World Is In Shock

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The US is currently Earth's most powerful country and a certain latitude of understanding -- a world view -- is popularly expected from its leadership. From a country identified with freedom, constitution, debate, democracy and the likes of Abraham Lincoln even as it had the most powerful military around, the US, following Trump's actions, seemed repositioned as militarily powerful with other qualities secondary, observes Shyam G Menon.

Chandrika Tandon Wins A Grammy

Chandrika Tandon Wins A Grammy

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Chennai-born Indian-American businesswoman and musician Chandrika Tandon, 71, won a Grammy in the Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category for her album Triveni, a blend of ancient chants and world music, at the 2025 Grammys.