Explainers News - Page 21
Power of Siberia 2: What's the massive Russia-China gas pipeline that Putin and Xi discussed?
Russia and China have renewed focus on the massive Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline during Vladimir Putin’s Beijing visit. The proposed 2,600-km project would transport Russian Arctic gas to China via Mongolia
Parle vs Parle: How Modi-Meloni video resulted in price rise of namesake stock
The video of PM Narendra Modi gifting his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni a packet of Melody toffees during his visit to Rome has gone viral. But that’s not the only effect that the clip has had. Shares of Parle Industries hit the upper circuit on Wednesday after investors piled into it. However, there’s just one small issue. Parle Industries has nothing to do with the makers of Melody
Why this year’s ‘super El Niño’ could be devastating for India
Temperatures across India are scorching, with experts linking them to the development of a ‘super El Niño’ in the Pacific Ocean. India is particularly vulnerable to this weather phenomenon, owing to its connection with the southwest monsoon, which supports agriculture in the country
Who is Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, US and Israel's pick to lead Iran?
At the outset of the Iran war, US President Donald Trump and Israel declared ‘regime change’ as the goal. Now, it has been revealed that they wanted Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to lead the country. Ironically, during his time in office, the former president was widely derided in the West for his anti-American and anti-Israeli stance
Fact-check: Did Sasha Obama wear a Maga hat?
An alleged viral photo on X showing Sasha Obama, daughter of former US President Barack Obama, wearing a Maga hat has gone viral. The now-viral post also claims that she denounced her father's presidency while supporting US President Donald Trump. So, did Sasha actually wear a Maga hat as the alleged photo showed?
Will Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman pick China over India for his first foreign visit?
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is likely to choose China as his first foreign destination after taking office, signalling Dhaka’s deepening ties with Beijing. The possible visit comes as India and Bangladesh attempt to stabilise ties after Sheikh Hasina’s dramatic political ouster in 2024
Melody hai diplomacy: The story of memes, hashtags and the Modi-Meloni friendship
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni are again generating buzz online. After he arrived in Rome, the two leaders visited the Colosseum and took a selfie that has since gone viral. Then, in a nod to ‘Melodi’, PM Modi gifted India's popular Melody toffee to Meloni
Norway cartoon depicts Modi as snake charmer: How Western media leans into racial stereotypes to depict India
There’s fresh outrage after a Norwegian newspaper depicted PM Narendra Modi as a snake charmer in a cartoon to accompany an opinion piece titled, ‘A clever yet annoying man’. This isn’t the first time that Western media has used racial stereotypes to depict India, highlighting prejudices and a deep-rooted colonial mindset
Deepika Nagar ‘dowry’ death case: From ruptured spleen to brain clot, what chilling autopsy report reveals
The autopsy report of Deepika Nagar, a 24-year-old from Noida, is consistent with severe physical assault leading to critical external injuries. The examination found severe bruising on her face, thigh, forearm, chest, abdomen and arms. She was married to Hrithik, also identified as Ritick Tanwar, around one and a half years ago
Why Thomas Massie's loss in Kentucky’s Republican primary is a win for Trump
Donald Trump-backed candidate Ed Gallrein defeated Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie in one of the most expensive House primaries in US history. Massie’s loss highlighted Trump’s continued dominance over Republican politics and highlighted the risks faced by GOP lawmakers who openly challenge the US president
PM Modi kept using the word ‘sambandh’ in Oslo. Here’s why
In the Norway leg of his Europe tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi often repeated the word ‘sambandh’. By using this Hindi word, the Indian leader highlighted the country’s linguistic and cultural connection with Nordic countries. Sambandh, which means connection, relationship, or bond in Hindi, carries a similar meaning in several Nordic languages as well
San Diego mosque shooting: Who was Amin Abdullah, the ‘hero’ security guard killed in attack?
Amin Abdullah, a father of eight and a security guard at the Islamic Center of San Diego, was fatally shot along with two others during the shooting at the mosque on Monday. The police note that Abdullah exchanged gunfire with the suspects in the parking lot, delaying and distracting them, and saving at least 140 lives
Chemist strike: Why are India’s pharmacies shut today?
More than 12 lakh chemists and druggists in India will keep their medical stores shut today (May 20) as part of a nationwide strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists. According to the chemists’ body, this protest is against e-pharmacies, which they claim operate under weak regulation and are hurting small chemists. But will this affect the supply of medicines?
Why US, Iran standoff at Hormuz is dragging on with no deal in sight
The United States wants Iran to halt uranium enrichment for 20 years and ship out its stockpiles to the US. Iran wants an end to strikes, security guarantees, war reparations and recognition of its sovereignty over Hormuz — terms Washington has rejected. Experts are wondering how long tensions can persist before a miscalculation triggers fresh conflict
From K9 Vajra to missiles, how India and South Korea are becoming solid defence partners
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to South Korea – where he is set to hold talks with his counterpart Ahn Gyu-back – is set to boost defence ties, particularly in areas such as manufacturing, the K9 Vajra-T artillery programme, and collaboration in missiles and air defence systems. Let’s take a closer look at how defence cooperation has evolved over the past decade
Pint over rosé: Why French are drinking more beer than wine
France, known for its wine culture, seems to be falling out of love with the ‘noble grape’. For the first time in history, beer has become the French people’s choice of drink over wine. Young people are also increasingly drinking non-alcoholic beverages
Noida women deaths: Why India still reports 7,000 dowry deaths every year
The deaths of two young women, Twisha Sharma and Deepika Nagar, both belonging to Noida, who were allegedly harassed by their respective in-laws over dowry, have once again brought the illegal practice to the limelight. Every year, between 2017 and 2022, an average of 7,000 dowry death cases were reported across India
Explained: The abduction case of 2-yr-old Insiya Hemani that Dutch PM raised with Modi
The decade-old Insiya Hemani abduction case resurfaced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the Netherlands after Dutch PM Rob Jetten raised the issue in bilateral talks. The case, involving a Dutch child allegedly and violently taken to India by her father in 2016
From brain to gut, what 45 degrees Celsius temperature does to your body
Delhi and parts of north India are scorching in extreme heat. The weatherman announced that the temperatures would rise beyond 45 degrees Celsius. With the mercury rising, the entire body is forced to work much harder than normal, which can affect one’s overall health
S-400 dispatch from Russia: Where will India’s ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ be deployed?
India is set to receive the fourth S-400 air defence squadron from Russia this week, strengthening the Indian Air Force’s long-range aerial shield. From transportation logistics and deployment locations to Operation Sindoor and future procurements, here’s everything about India’s 'Sudarshan Chakra' defence system
Euthanise rabid dogs, remove strays from school and hospitals: Decoding the Supreme Court verdict
The Supreme Court, dismissing petitions against its landmark November 2025 order directing authorities to remove stray dogs from public places, has said that growing attacks from canines threaten public health. It added that it cannot remain a ‘passive spectator’ to the crisis and allowed authorities to euthanise rabid and aggressive stray dogs
Krishan Nagar in Lahore: Why the city is returning to pre-Partition roots by changing street names
Pakistan’s Lahore has started replacing official signboards in the city bearing Islamic names with older Hindu, Sikh, Jain and colonial ones. Islampura is now Krishan Nagar, while Babri Masjid Chowk is being called Jain Mandir Chowk. But what’s behind the renaming?
What comes next as Musk vs Altman trial ends? Is the AI battle only just beginning?
Elon Musk’s courtroom battle against OpenAI and Sam Altman has ended in defeat, but the explosive trial exposed major divisions over AI safety power in Silicon Valley. With OpenAI’s IPO plans moving ahead and Musk promising an appeal, the AI industry’s biggest rivalry is far from over
Two-faced Pakistan? Why is Islamabad, a mediator in Iran war, sending troops to Saudi Arabia?
Is Pakistan playing a double game in the Iran war? That’s the question many are asking after it has been reported that Islamabad has secretly deployed 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets and an air defence system to Saudi Arabia. The move comes as the Shehbaz Sharif-led country tries to project the image of a peacemaker in the Iran-US war
Who is Sibi George, MEA secretary who gave a stinging reply on press freedom in Norway?
During a media interaction in Oslo, Norway, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George hit back at questions on press freedom, minority rights and human rights in India. George firmly defended the nation's democratic framework and said foreign observers often misunderstand India by relying on selective reports. Here is what we know about the diplomat
Why is Putin visiting China days after Trump’s Beijing trip?
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China, coming days after US President Donald Trump’s trip, spotlights Beijing’s growing influence. Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to discuss energy, trade, and Ukraine
How 2 teens carried out shooting at San Diego mosque, killing 3 people
Two teenagers, aged 17 and 18, entered the Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in the area, and opened fire, killing three people. The gunmen then turned their weapons against themselves. Police officials have revealed that hate speech was scribbled on the weapons. Moreover, a suicide note that contained writings about racial pride was discovered
Twisha Sharma case: Drug addict vs dowry harassment, how contrasting claims have deepened death mystery
Bhopal court has denied anticipatory bail to Twisha Sharma’s husband, Samarth Singh, who is allegedly absconding. The court observed that the FIR, witness statements and WhatsApp chats placed on record indicated that the ‘main allegations’ were against him. However, the defence have provided a contrasting image, accusing her of drug abuse
Iran unveils Bitcoin-backed ‘Hormuz safe’ to offer ships safe passage via chokepoint. How does it work?
Iran has unveiled its ‘Hormuz safe’, a Bitcoin-backed scheme that would offer ships safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for cryptocurrency. Iranian authorities have said it could raise as much as $10 billion (Rs 96,610 crore) in revenue. But what is it? How will it work?
Sacked by Imran Khan, now Trump’s ‘favourite’: How Asim Munir returned to power
A new report shows how Asim Munir, who US President Donald Trump has called ‘my favourite Field Marshal’, returned to power after falling out with Imran Khan and being sacked as ISI chief in 2019. It is also bringing fresh attention to a leaked diplomatic cable from 2022, known as the ‘cipher’ in Pakistan, which Imran has long claimed shows the hand of a foreign power behind his ouster