Explainers News - Page 6
Cyclosporiasis outbreak: What's this ‘explosive diarrhoea parasite’ on the rise in the US?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that’s found in human faeces. It can lead to 'explosive' diarrhoeal illness, but is not usually life-threatening. Cyclosporiasis has sickened hundreds of people in Michigan and other parts of the US
5 cities, 6 days and millions of mourners: Inside Iran’s funeral plans for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Months after he was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes, Iran will bid adieu to its former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with a weeklong funeral spectacle, which will culminate on July 9. The ceremonies are being held across five cities in two countries, including Iraq. Millions of his supporters are expected to attend in what is being described as the biggest funeral in the Islamic Republic
US turns 250: Has Donald Trump hijacked Independence Day celebrations?
As the United States marks its 250th Independence anniversary, the celebrations have exposed a divide between Congress' bipartisan America250 Commission and the Trump-backed Freedom 250 initiative. There are funding disputes, state boycotts, competing celebrations, and the president has branded the event as 'the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all'
Why 'meat-loving' Kashmir is facing a mutton shortage
The mutton crisis in Kashmir is caused by Punjab's levy on vehicles carrying livestock to the Valley. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to his Punjab counterpart, Bhagwant Singh Mann, urging an end to the 'illegal' imposition of a fee of up to Rs 25,000 on each truck. This has led to supply disruption amid peak wedding season
Why Pakistan risks losing World Heritage site tag for Vedic-era Taxila complex
Taxila, the ancient archaeological site in Pakistan, is at risk of losing its Unseco World Heritage Site tag. This comes after the UN’s cultural arm found that Islamabad had carried out ‘reconstruction’ work which could ‘undermine the integrity’ of the site. The world agency noted that in the name of conservation, the country had used cement to erect walls at the spot
How one man survived under tonnes of rubble for 8 days after Venezuela earthquake
Rescue officials have called it a miracle. After eight days of being trapped under 140 tonnes of rubble after the devastating Venezuela earthquake, a 43-year-old security guard, Hernán Alberto Gil Flores, has been pulled out alive. An air pocket and a whole lot of positivity helped him to stay alive when almost all hope was lost
Why Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is likely to skip father’s grand funeral
Iran has planned an extensive funeral, across six days, for the former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Over a million people and dignitaries from across the world are expected to attend. However, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared in public since being named supreme leader, is likely to be absent because of security concerns
What’s the Chinese app that Indian govt is probing for dangerous e-rickshaw ‘pranks’?
Several viral videos showed pranksters remotely switching off moving e-rickshaws in India using a Chinese app, BAT-BMS. Developed by Shenzhen Grenergy Technology, BAT-BMS is a battery management tool. The incidents have led to concerns about passenger safety and security of connected battery systems used in the vehicle
What did Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's India visit deliver for both nations?
Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's first official visit to India produced about $12.5 billion in fresh investments, 129 MoUs, a new economic security roadmap, a first military hardware co-development project, AI cooperation, a 1,000-biogas plant initiative and expanded collaboration on semiconductors, critical minerals, high-speed rail and the Indo-Pacific
‘Not Indian’: Why Assam man was declared ‘foreigner’ despite 15 documents to prove citizenship
The Gauhati High Court has upheld the decision of a Foreigners Tribunal declaring an Assam resident a 'foreigner', holding that, despite his submission of 15 documents and oral testimony to prove his Indian citizenship, the evidence failed to meet legal standards. According to the court, his National Register of Citizens (NRC) copies and voter lists lacked legal validity
Can Europe’s brutal heatwave affect the Indian monsoon?
Weather patterns can sometimes connect places thousands of kilometres apart. The intense heatwave in Europe is shattering records, but can its impact be felt as far as India?
Hot seat: What are Chandigarh chairs pulled out of Paris auction after Indian govt stepped in?
The auction of two Chandigarh chairs in Paris was halted at the last minute after the Indian government stepped in. These items of furniture were originally designed by Pierre Jeanneret, the cousin of Le Corbusier, in the 1950s. They are considered a part of the city’s heritage
Mystery of Green Boots on Everest solved: Inside the ‘high risk’ mission to bring his body back after 30 years
After 30 long years, the identity of unknown Mount Everest climber dubbed ‘Green Boots’ has been solved, with official verification confirming him to be ITBP Lance Naik Dorje Morup. Now, India plans to launch an expedition to retrieve his body. A tender document states that the mission should include at least six sherpas and complete it by October
At Capgemini creche, toddlers dumped in washing machines: How safe are India's daycare centres?
Every parent’s nightmare came alive when videos surfaced of abuse of children by attendants at Capgemini’s crèche in Bengaluru. Visuals show toddlers being pushed into a washing machine and locked inside toilets to stop them from crying. The incident has raised questions about regulations for India’s daycare centres
Why has India halted WhatsApp’s username feature before launch?
India has halted WhatsApp’s planned username feature, citing concerns about cybercrime, impersonation, and law enforcement challenges. As Meta races to address security concerns, here’s why MeitY has paused the rollout, what the feature does, and how it could influence privacy and online safety in India
Why critical minerals have become the new oil in India-Japan ties
From lithium and cobalt to rare earths, the two countries are looking to secure the resources that will power the next generation of industries and cut down dependence on China
World’s first man-made cell can eat, grow, and reproduce. Why this is a big leap for science
Scientists have created the world’s first man-made cell that can eat, grow and reproduce. Called SpudCell, it is the work of Kate Adamala and her team of researchers at the University of Minnesota. This creation gives scientists a better understanding of the origins of life, could help create new medicines, and solve some of the world’s biggest biological problems
Trump’s more than $1 billion crypto profits has a Pakistan link. Here’s how
US President Donald Trump’s latest financial disclosure reveals that cryptocurrency generated about $1.4 billion of his 2025 income. The report also highlights Pakistan’s partnership with World Liberty Financial, raising serious questions over crypto diplomacy, ethics and foreign influence
Empire State Building proposal: Who is the Russian couple arrested for scaling New York tower?
They climbed the Empire State Building; they unfurled a banner, got engaged, and then arrested. Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus are rooftoppers and the subject of a Netflix movie. They are famous for scaling high buildings, such as the Merdeka 118 in Malaysia, the world’s second-tallest
Delhi's 41°C feels like 53°C: What is the Pakistan connection?
It is not a heatwave but Delhi is battling extreme temperatures. On Tuesday, it was 41°C but felt like 53°C. According to experts, the dry westerly winds from Pakistan are keeping temperatures high, while southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea are also reaching the region
US turns 250: What is the Declaration of Independence? Is it a symbol of freedom or America's greatest paradox?
On the US' 250th anniversary, the Declaration of Independence remains fiercely contested over slavery, Indigenous dispossession, constitutional interpretation, and competing narratives like the 1619 Project and the 1776 Commission. Here's why America's founding document continues to shape and divide the nation
Ketan Agarwal case: What’s gait analysis that can help crack the Lohagad Fort murder?
As Pune Police intensify the probe into the murder of realtor Ketan Agarwal, investigators argue that gait analysis, a key scientific tool, can help them identify one of the accused in the camera footage. Chetan Chaudhary, Siya Goyal’s ‘lover’, will wear the same clothes as on the day of the killing and walk along the same route to Lohagad Fort. The recreation will be compared with the original footage
Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict: Is another major war coming to Asia?
Pakistan and Afghanistan have entered their most dangerous military confrontation in years, with cross-border airstrikes, drone attacks and escalating violence raising fears of a wider conflict. Here's how the crisis unfolded, why both neighbours are fighting, and whether a full-scale war can be prevented
Hiding money in washrooms, evading CCTVs: Inside the Ram Mandir donation theft
During the investigation into the Ram Mandir donation theft case, the eight accused have revealed how cash was stolen. One of them told authorities that the money would be stashed in washrooms and moved out of the premises later. The probe has even put a spotlight on the long-drawn process that the shrine follows for counting donations
Stripped and tortured: How a Hindu temple priest was held captive, assaulted in Bangladesh
Subhash Deuri, a Hindu student who also works as a temple priest, was allegedly abducted, assaulted and tortured by unidentified men in Bangladesh's Dhaka on Monday night (June 29). After being rescued, Deuri reportedly told his friend that he was stripped and forced to demand money from his family members
‘Happy birthday to this future president’: Why White House is mocking Hillary Clinton with her old post
On the occasion of Social Media Day, the White House mocked Hillary Clinton by revisiting a 2016 social media post. In it, the former Democratic presidential candidate shared a black-and-white childhood image of herself with the caption, ‘Happy birthday to this future president’. Days later, she lost the presidential race to Donald Trump. But the post remains unforgettable and continues to haunt her
AI, yen-rupee trade and Indo-Pacific ties: Why Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's India visit matters
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's first visit to India since taking office goes beyond diplomacy. From AI cooperation and a proposed yen-rupee trade settlement to defence, infrastructure, investment and Indo-Pacific strategy, here's why the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit could shape the future of bilateral ties
Why US Supreme Court’s ruling on birthright citizenship is a huge relief to Indians
The US Supreme Court has ruled against Donald Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship, delivering a major blow to the president. The decision provides much-needed relief to Indians, as it protects US-born children of temporary visa holders
How France's fast-fashion law targets brands like Temu
The French parliament has passed a bill aimed at curbing the rise of 'ultra-fast fashion ' and e-commerce platforms such as Temu. The company will now have to pay an environmental fee on every item they sell in France. It also imposes a ban on advertising for ultra-fast fashion brands, including by social media influencers
US turns 250: How did the Dollar become so powerful, and can it keep its crown?
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, we take a look at how the US dollar became the world's most powerful reserve currency. Explore the history of Bretton Woods, the petrodollar, and whether modern de-dollarisation threats will finally dethrone this global financial hegemon