News for 'The Straits'

This War May End US Military Presence In Middle East

This War May End US Military Presence In Middle East

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

'The entire US ecosystem built over decades at the bases in the Gulf region, especially the UAE, costing trillions of dollars have been decimated, dealing a mortal blow to the US Central Command's war capability,' points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

With the Iran war escalating sharply and crisis deepening in the global energy market, India on Monday unveiled a coordinated plan to support exporters and shippers caught in the fallout.

Shami leads Bengal's fightback vs J&K in Ranji Trophy

Shami leads Bengal's fightback vs J&K in Ranji Trophy

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Shami grabs three but J&K need 131 more to take first innings lead

Valencia coach Martin dies in Indonesia boat accident

Valencia coach Martin dies in Indonesia boat accident

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Fernando Martin, a coach with Valencia CF, has died with three members of his family after their boat capsized in Indonesia, Spanish football clubs said.

US warns Beijing as Chinese vessels encircle Taiwan

US warns Beijing as Chinese vessels encircle Taiwan

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

The United States has warned China against escalating tensions as Taiwan detected multiple Chinese naval vessels, official ships and balloons operating around the island amid Beijing's large-scale live-fire military drills.

Middle East Crisis: The New Fog of War

Middle East Crisis: The New Fog of War

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

When everyone has footage and no one can verify it, the loudest voice wins, notes Prem Panicker who begins a daily blog on the War in the Middle East.

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Israel and the United States had a plan. Iran punched back. And now the Gulf is reeling, the world is beginning to feel the pain and, as on date, no one in Washington or Tel Aviv appears willing to admit that the punch has landed, notes Prem Panicker, continuing his must-read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Massive fleet heading towards Iran, warns Trump

Massive fleet heading towards Iran, warns Trump

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

United States President Donald Trump has said that Iran is under close watch and a 'massive fleet' is heading towards the Gulf region.

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.

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.

China mulls military base in Pakistan: Pentagon

China mulls military base in Pakistan: Pentagon

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

In its annual report to Congress on Tuesday on 'Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2025', the US Department of War said the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is actively considering and planning for additional military facilities.

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.

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.

'China could suffer up to 100,000 casualties in failed Taiwan invasion'

'China could suffer up to 100,000 casualties in failed Taiwan invasion'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The report evaluates the likely military, strategic and international fallout for China under scenarios ranging from a "major war" to a "minor conflict" with Taiwan, Focus Taiwan said.

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.

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.

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.

US LPG pact may shield India from geopolitical shocks

US LPG pact may shield India from geopolitical shocks

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

India's decision to import LPG from the US helps it to diversify sources as it reduces almost full reliance on West Asian countries for supply of the country's primary cooking fuel.

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.

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'.

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.

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.

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: 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.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.'

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.