Explainers

Centre releases draft CAFE III norms: What India’s new emission rules could mean for consumers

The Centre has released draft CAFE-III norms for passenger vehicles. These rules intended to come into force from April 1, 2027 will govern the fuel efficiency of cars in India. The purpose behind this is to further push manufacturers to introduce technologies like hybrids, flex-fuel vehicles, and electric models to their fleet

Trump approves nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia. Here’s what is in 30-year agreement

US President Donald Trump has approved a landmark 30-year civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, allowing US companies to build the kingdom’s nuclear infrastructure and potentially a uranium enrichment facility. Here’s why it is controversial, and what it could mean for security in the region

0% now, 200% later: What Trump’s phased generic drug tariffs mean for India

US President Donald Trump has announced that generic drugs will face zero tariffs for two years from August 1, before a 100 per cent levy takes effect in August 2028 and rises to 200 per cent a year later. This move could impact India, as it supplies nearly 40 per cent of all such drugs to the nation

Who is Vijeta Dahiya, the Cockroach Janta party spokesperson sacked over burger video?

The satirical Cockroach Janta Party has announced the removal of Vijeta Dahiya as its spokesperson after a video showed him eating a burger amid the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march in Delhi. The viral visual triggered criticism, with many questioning the timing of his actions

Why has Nepal removed the disputed map from its new coin? Is this a signal to reset with India?

Nepal has approved a new one-rupee coin that removes the disputed map featuring Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, replacing it with the Lo Ghyakar Monastery. While Kathmandu cites technical reasons, the move has turned heads over whether it signals a thaw in India-Nepal relations

Is Iran rebuilding its nuclear programme at Pickaxe Mountain?

Israeli and US intelligence assessments say Iran moved thousands of centrifuges to Pickaxe Mountain after the June 2025 war. The underground complex, located near Natanz, remains inaccessible to IAEA inspectors, while satellite imagery shows continued fortification and construction through July this year

Fact-check: Did CJP protest in Delhi really see Sunita Williams and Naseeruddin Shah joining the ranks?

The Cockroach Janta Party’s protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has become fertile ground for misinformation, with several false claims being posted on social media. One such instance shows a video claiming former Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams joining the demonstrators in the national capital. Another shows Bollywood veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah quietly participating in the agitation. But there’s no truth to these visuals

Houthis declare naval blockade of Saudi Arabia: Will this trigger the world’s next oil shock?

The Houthi blockade targets Saudi Arabia's Yanbu export hub and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, threatening oil flows representing nearly 7 per cent of global production. Combined with Hormuz disruptions, longer tanker routes and higher shipping costs could escalate the global energy crisis

Two Indian-origin MPs appointed in Andy Burnham’s Cabinet: Who are Kanishka Narayan and Lisa Nandy?

Britain's new prime minister Andy Burnham has begun to form his Cabinet, and has included two Indian-origin MPs — Kanishka Narayan as AI minister as well as Lisa Nandy as culture secretary. While Narayan was born in Bihar and moved to the UK at the age of 12, Nandy has an Indian father

‘He was set to get married in 2 months’: Who was Kerala sailor among 4 killed in Russian attack on ship at Odesa?

Four Indian sailors have died after Russia attacked a commercial cargo ship departing Ukraine’s Odesa port. Of the four, one of them has been identified as Akhil Joyan, a resident of Kerala’s Kasargod. The 26-year-old mariner was set to marry soon and change jobs after sailing for more than seven years

Why Tulsi Gabbard's brother is facing police charges

Batarti Gabbard, former US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's older brother, has been charged after Honolulu Police said he attempted to lure children to his hotel room. According to his family, he is undergoing psychological treatment

From 'coolest girl in college' to 10 Downing: Who is Andy Burnham's wife, Marie-France van Heel?

The newly appointed UK prime minister Andy Burnham's wife Marie-France van Heel is Dutch-born and raised in Belgium. Van Heel met Burnham at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, and was considered 'the coolest girl in college.' The couple are parents to three kids: Jimmy, Rosie and Annie

Inside Pakistan’s HIV outbreak: What’s going on in Sindh as 130, mostly children, test positive?

A whopping 130 people, mostly children have tested positive in Pakistan’s Sindh province. An inquiry has revealed that improper use of syringes and other safety lapses by the medical staff at Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital are to blame for these infections

CJP protest: Who are the 3 students, who have called off their indefinite hunger strike?

Neha Bora, Manish Kumar, and Aameen Amitoj concluded their 23-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, according to All India Students' Association (AISA) on Monday (July 20). On Friday (July 17), Neha's blood sugar level dropped drastically, while Aameen and Manish also developed serious health complications