Explainers News - Page 11
What’s the multi-crore donation ‘scam’ at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir being probed by SIT?
A three-member SIT formed by the Uttar Pradesh government is currently at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya investigating allegations of missing donations. The entire scandal first broke when former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav alleged that crores of money given by devotees had been embezzled. The case became murkier when authorities arrested two temple officials and recovered Rs 10 lakh in cash from one of their residences
Hormuz won’t have tolls but transit fees. Can Iran charge for passage?
The Strait of Hormuz carries about 20 per cent of global oil and 25 per cent of LNG trade. While US President Donald Trump says the waterway will remain toll-free, Iran plans to charge service-related fees. But is this legal as per international law?
How a 9-year-old Australian girl was mistakenly shot dead by Pakistan police in Punjab province
On Wednesday (June 10), Hania Ahmed, a nine-year-old Australian girl, was killed, and two members of her family were seriously injured after police opened fire on their vehicle in Pakistan’s Punjab province. The officials mistook the family's car for one being used by armed robbers. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for Pakistan to conduct a transparent investigation into the incident
US B-52 bomber crashes: Why ‘Buff’ still remains one of America’s most valuable aircraft
Eight people died on Monday after a B-52 bomber crashed in southern California. The incident has once again raised questions about the long-range aircraft, which was first inducted into the American military in the 1950s. Since then, it has been heavily involved in many of the US operations, including Epic Fury against Iran
Fans defy FIFA ban on Iran’s pre-revolution flag. What’s the controversy all about?
When Iran’s national football team took to the field against New Zealand, many fans in the stadium held up the country’s pre-revolution flag, featuring the lion-and-sun symbol. This came despite FIFA banning this version of the flag, with a Los Angeles court upholding the decision. But what’s the history behind this flag?
Is a $300-billion reconstruction fund part of US-Iran deal? Vance says yes, but Trump says 'fake news'
A new US-Iran peace agreement reportedly includes a $300-billion reconstruction fund for Tehran. While Donald Trump dismissed the claim as 'fake news', Vice President JD Vance acknowledged Iran could access such funding if it complies with nuclear, security and ceasefire commitment
Why Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu is the biggest loser in Trump’s peace deal with Iran
The war against Iran brought Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu closer together. However, the US peace deal with Tehran may unsettle this alliance. The agreement calls for Israel to fully withdraw from Lebanon, which critics note is a disaster for the Jewish nation’s security. Many have now turned on Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing an election in October
Why a massive ‘cold blob’ in the Atlantic is putting scientists on edge
While most of the world’s oceans have steadily warmed over the past century, a region in the Atlantic known as the ‘cold blob’ has cooled. Scientists have long wondered what is causing this phenomenon
Why the Iran-US peace deal is being slammed by hardliners in Tehran
Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Iran to march against a peace deal with the US. Many of the protesters directed their ire at Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. But why are so many people, activists and lawmakers opposing negotiations with the US?
After Australia, why is the UK banning social media for under-16s? How will it work?
The UK is set to introduce one of the world's toughest online safety measures by banning social media access for under-16s. Inspired by Australia's model, the proposal would also restrict gaming, livestreaming and AI chatbot features, as governments worldwide move to protect children from online harms
TMC rebels to merge with Nationalist Citizens Party. What is it?
The Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) is a little-known political outfit registered in Bengal but based in Tripura. TMC rebels have decided to merge with the NCPI to avoid any legal issues under the anti-defection law. They will back the NDA
From fuel to food prices, how India will benefit from US-Iran peace deal
After 107 days of fighting, the world is heaving a sigh of relief as the US and Iran announced that they have finalised a deal to end the war. The two warring nations will sign the agreement on Friday (June 19), allowing for the Strait of Hormuz to open. This is good news for India, as it heavily depends on the vital waterway for the supply of oil and other necessary items
Iran-US deal: How the next 60 days will decide the fate of Tehran’s nuclear programme
The US-Iran peace framework has ended months of conflict, but Tehran’s nuclear programme remains unresolved. With a 60-day negotiation window ahead, talks will focus on enriched uranium stockpiles, nuclear facilities, sanctions relief and international inspections that could determine whether peace endures
Bandi jackets and beret: What’s in Indian Army’s new uniform code?
The Indian Army has rolled out a new uniform policy to align military traditions with contemporary Indian values. The manual titled ‘The Army Uniforms–2026’ introduces bandi jackets in formal settings, drops archaic terms like ‘royal’ in a title and brings a new winter dress, comprising an angola shirt with a battle jacket and beret, for all ranks
From erotic Ukrainian model to elite diver: Did ‘Freya’ help blow up Russia’s Nord Stream pipelines?
Investigative reports link a Ukrainian technical diver known as 'Freya' to the September 2022 Nord Stream sabotage. German investigators reportedly found forensic evidence connected to a yacht allegedly used in the operation, while the pipelines remain inactive amid ongoing disputes
Why Trump’s UFC event at White House upset Michelle Obama supporters
Donald Trump’s mixed martial arts event, the Freedom UFC 250, held on the lawns of the White House, has run into controversy after a fighter made rather unsavoury and sexist comments about Michelle Obama. The internet is quite angry after Josh Hokithas referred to the former First Lady as ‘a man’
The US-Iran war is over. Who won, and who lost?
The US-Iran war has ended with a ceasefire brokered by Pakistan and Qatar, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and triggering a global market rally. With Trump registering a domestic win, Iran comes out on top with mixed outcomes, given the humanitarian loss, and Israel sees a diminishing posture in the region
US and Iran finalise deal to end war. What have both sides agreed upon?
After months of fighting, the US and Iran announced that a deal had been reached to end the war between the two nations. Announcing the agreement, President Donald Trump said that the Strait of Hormuz would now be fully open. However, the future of Tehran’s nuclear programme and other details still remain unclear
Fifa World Cup: Why do we still argue over ‘soccer’ vs ‘football’?
The term ‘soccer’ originated from ‘association football’ in 1860s Britain and was widely used in the UK for decades. Donald Trump’s comments at the 2026 World Cup draw renewed debate over the word, despite its historical British origins and global acceptance
Trump turns 80: If you think that’s old, there are 16 world leaders senior to him
As Donald Trump turns 80 on Sunday (June 14 2026), he joins a small group of the world's oldest leaders. A Pew analysis found only 16 world leaders are older than the United States president. Firstpost examines how the United States compares with countries governed by ageing leaders across the globe
Orders that are never delivered: How South Korea’s Gen-Zs are turning to ‘dopamine sites’ to ease stress
According to reports, South Korean Gen-Zs are increasingly using 'dopamine sites,' online platforms that mimic shopping and food delivery apps, but never complete real purchases. The youth argues that the process relieves stress and helps resist late-night cravings
Trump at 80: From Argentina to Japan, the rise of ‘mini-Trumps’ across the world
Since entering US politics as a novice in 2015, Donald Trump has completely reordered American politics. Little wonder then that he has spawned a number of imitators from Brazil to Argentina and Japan
'World Cup' is the Word of the Week: Why this Beautiful Game continues to unite billions worldwide
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Firstpost explores the origins of the phrase 'World Cup', its linguistic evolution, India's paradoxical football relationship, and why the Beautiful Game continues to unite billions worldwide
This Week in Explainers: Is a peace deal with Iran Trump’s biggest birthday gift?
The war in West Asia could be nearing its end. After Donald Trump’s 39 declarations that a deal with Iran is on the cards, this time it could be for real. All this, as the US president celebrates his birthday today
‘All the President’s Men’: Why is Donald Trump obsessed with good-looking men?
While Donald Trump's fawning over the bodies of men he meets have sparked much online commentary about his sexuality, some experts link the US president's fascination with attractive men to his broader glorification of virility
France, a Slovakia first, and the G7 Summit: What to expect from Modi's Europe visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's six-day visit to France and Slovakia includes talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, a historic first visit by an Indian PM to Slovakia, participation in the G7 Summit in Evian, and possible discussions with US President Donald Trump on trade, visas, energy and strategic cooperation
Trump says US killed Tren de Aragua boss Niño Guerrero: What is this feared Venezuelan gang?
US President Donald Trump announced the killing of Tren de Aragua leader Niño Guerrero in a joint US-Venezuela operation. Here's how a prison-based group evolved into one of Latin America's most feared transnational criminal organisations
As Iran-US deal nears reality, what challenges lie ahead?
The US and Iran are reportedly close to a deal that could end months of conflict, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and launch fresh nuclear negotiations. But major disputes remain over highly enriched uranium, Hezbollah, Lebanon, Israel's position and long-term regional security arrangements
This Week in Explainers: Why is Elon Musk jittery about India’s declining fertility?
Fewer babies are being born in India per woman. The decline in total fertility rate (TFR) to 1.9 births per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1, has caught the attention of Elon Musk. Here’s all this and much more in our weekly wrap
Did Pakistan overpromise and underdeliver on Iran-US peace deal?
Pakistan, in the early days of the Iran war, passed messages between Tehran and Washington. Its top officials, including Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir, made repeated visits to Iran. However, as Donald Trump declares that the war has ended, Islamabad seems to be sidelined from the peace process