Explainers News - Page 13
After Japan, Nepal bans Indian mangoes. What’s wrong?
Nepal has imposed restrictions on the import of Indian mangoes after border quarantine inspectors found excessive pesticides. The ban could impact exports of premium Indian varieties such as Alphonso, Kesar, Langra, Banganapalli, among others
How unmanned drone boat rescued downed US Apache pilots in a world-first mission
A US Navy Corsair drone boat rescued two American Apache helicopter crew members after their aircraft crashed near the Strait of Hormuz. This is the first known US personnel recovery involving an unmanned vessel
Who is Neeraj Sharma, Indian-born CEO set to lose US citizenship for H-1B visa fraud?
Neeraj Sharma is among 17 Americans facing the loss of their US citizenship due to alleged fraud in the naturalisation process. The US Justice Department said that Sharma submitted 11 fraudulent H-1B visa applications and falsely claimed workers would be placed at a major global financial institution
How downing of US Apache helicopter led to fresh strikes on Iran
The US targeted Iranian air-defence and radar sites after an Apache helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with attacks on US-linked targets in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, while ongoing disputes over sanctions, uranium stockpiles and Hezbollah continue to complicate peace efforts
Meenakshi Natarajan: The Rahul Gandhi loyalist whose Rajya Sabha nomination was rejected
Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination for one of the three Rajya Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh was rejected on Tuesday (June 9). Her paper was dismissed on claims that she concealed information related to a legal case in her affidavit, according to reports
Blood on the streets in PoK: What's triggered Pakistan’s deadly crackdown on protesters?
The latest crisis in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir erupted in Rawalakot when violence broke out after supporters of the recently banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) gathered outside a hospital morgue where the body of an activist had been taken. Security forces attempted to disperse the crowd, leading to clashes. However, the seeds of this crisis have been sown for years
How PM Modi’s foreign honours and parliament addresses surpass those of other Indian PMs
Narendra Modi is set to become India's longest-serving prime minister, completing 4,399 consecutive days in office on Wednesday (June 10). Let's take a closer look at the foreign honours conferred upon PM Modi, his addresses to parliaments around the world and how it compares with previous Indian prime ministers
‘Indians taking over’: How hate campaigns are targeting diaspora from Singapore to US
Indians are at the centre of growing hatred for immigrants across parts of the world. From the US, Singapore to Ireland, the Indian community is being targeted, accused of changing the demography or ‘stealing’ jobs from natives. But what’s driving this animosity?
Beyond connectivity: Why Zojila Tunnel is India’s counter to China and Pakistan
The Zojila Tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The tunnel also has major strategic and security implications as Ladakh borders both China to the east and Pakistan to the west
AI talk! Why Silicon Valley millionaires are paying escorts Rs 21.86 lakh a day
Silicon Valley’s AI millionaires are paying whopping rates of up to $6,000 (around Rs 5,74,242) an hour — and $23,000 (around Rs 21,86,484) a day — for escorts. These eye-popping rates are only for those who can talk about AI and other hot-button futurist issues
Khan sir vs Raushan sir: Inside Bihar’s heated coaching centres war
The battle between Patna-based educators, Faisal Khan, popularly known as ‘Khan sir’, and his nemesis Raushan Anand, has grabbed widespread attention. Their rivalry has led to Raushan of Gyan Bindu Coaching Centre being arrested, while Khan is at risk of arrest. Their rift, whose defining feature has become violence, started over a banner
Israel to install Shivaji statue. What's the link between the Maratha king and Jews?
Yaniv Revach, Israel's Consul General in Mumbai, has said the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Israel will help strengthen people-to-people ties. He added that the decision was influenced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Israel and that it would help create awareness about Shivaji among Israelis
Nuclear arms race hits $119 billion: Who are the top spenders, and where does India stand?
Global spending on nuclear weapons surged to nearly $119 billion in 2025, with the United States leading by a wide margin. From China and Russia to India and Pakistan, nations are investing heavily in modernising their arsenals, raising questions about security priorities and the future of deterrence
Why Lakshadweep just lifted its 47-year-old liquor ban
The Centre has lifted Lakshadweep’s 47-year-old total liquor ban to boost tourism, generate regional revenue, and streamline excise administration in the UT. For nearly five decades, Muslim-majority Lakshadweep was one of India's few territories where alcohol sales were largely prohibited. However, locals oppose the decision
US judge blocks $100,000 H-1B visa fee: What does it mean for Indians?
A US federal judge has struck down the Trump administration’s controversial $100,000 H-1B visa fee, calling it an unlawful tax imposed without congressional approval. The ruling offers major relief to Indian professionals, employers, universities and hospitals that depend on skilled foreign talent
Who is Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, leading the TMC revolt against Mamata Banerjee in Bengal?
As the crisis within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) deepens, at its centre is party MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar. Her relationship with former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee came under strain after she was removed from the post of the whip
No free lunch? Why Air India is rethinking economy meals
Air India is considering ending serving complimentary meals to economy-class passengers on domestic flights. The development comes amid the carrier looking to cut costs amid mounting financial pressure in a difficult operating environment for airlines
Will rainfall be below normal in India this season? Is it a matter of concern?
India’s monsoon forecast has been revised down to 90 per cent of the Long Period Average, with a 60 per cent chance of a deficient season. Here’s what these numbers mean
Now MPs are quitting the Trinamool. Can Mamata Banerjee’s party survive?
What began as a rebellion among MLAs in West Bengal after the TMC's defeat in the Assembly polls by the BJP has now spread to Parliament. Around 20 dissident MPs have written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking to join the NDA, while senior leader Sukhendu Sekhar Ray has declared that the party 'will not survive'
Why Indian Navy wants indigenous 80-mm aero rockets for its MiG-29K fighters
The Indian Navy has called on defence firms to participate in designing and manufacturing 80-mm aero rockets for MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB carrier-based fighter jets. The move is part of India’s broader goal of becoming self-reliant in defence
India’s birth rate is falling, but why is Elon Musk worried?
According to the United Nations Population Fund’s State of World Population Report 2025, India’s total fertility rate (TFR) currently stands at 1.9 births per woman. This is below the replacement level of 2.1 required to maintain a stable population over time. But why are some, including billionaire Elon Musk, worried?
Is Israel ‘spying’ on US negotiators working on Iran deal?
According to US intelligence assessments, American officials are increasingly worried that Israeli intelligence agencies may be trying to listen in on sensitive discussions involving top members of the Trump administration working on peace talks with Iran. The Pentagon has raised the counterintelligence threat posed by Israel to its highest category, according to reports
Why are Iran and Israel trading strikes again? Will this derail peace talks?
Israel and Iran carried out tit-for-tat strikes on Monday (June 8) despite US President Donald Trump reportedly telling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refrain from further attacks. This is the worst flare-up since the US reached a ceasefire with Tehran on April 8. Will the escalation upend peace talks between the US and Iran?
Massive solar storm is hitting Earth today: Will India witness auroras?
A massive solar eruption has launched a fast coronal mass ejection (CME) towards Earth. Nasa has issued a G3 geomagnetic storm watch, with auroral displays possible across northern India, Europe, and Australia
Why Xi Jinping’s North Korea trip is really about Russia
Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in North Korea for a two-day visit, the first such trip in seven years. Xi will be meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after hosting him in Beijing last year. The trip assumes significance amid Pyongyang’s growing ties with Russia, which have made China wary
DU professor murder: How cops tracked Bengal couple who travelled 1,400 km to kill the woman
Delhi Police has arrested Ramprasad Das (42) and Banshree Das (36) in connection with the murder of Debosmita Paul, a Delhi University assistant professor in East Delhi, on Wednesday (June 3). The couple, who were tenants living in Paul's house in Bengal, killed the professor over a property dispute worth crores
How donkey therapy is helping patients in Paris
A psychiatric unit near Paris is using therapy donkeys to support patients with mental health conditions in a programme said to be unique in France. Set within the wooded grounds of the Ville-Evrard hospital complex, the initiative allows patients to walk, groom and care for the animals. Participants say the interaction has a calming effect comparable to medication
Skip the sports drinks: Can honey be the ultimate sweet secret to fuel your workouts?
Honey, long-time valued as a natural source of sweetness, has recently regained popularity as a pre-workout fuel, with some fitness enthusiasts touting it as a natural energy booster. Research suggests that honey can provide energy comparable to that of commercial sports drinks and gels
How to make perfect holiday choices? A Nobel winner’s math formula may help
A newly decoded mathematical solution devised by Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman may help travellers make better choices on holiday. Researchers found that balancing exploration and commitment — rather than endlessly searching or settling too soon — is the most effective strategy when choosing restaurants and other opportunities
Word of the Week is CBSE... as India’s largest school board faces its biggest crisis in years
The removal of CBSE’s top leadership amid the On-Screen Marking controversy has raised questions about accountability, exam reforms, and governance. As millions of students await results, Firstpost takes a look at how CBSE evolved into India’s largest school education board and why it is under the scanner now