Explainers News - Page 9
US citizenship likely to cost 75% more: What does this mean for Indians in America?
The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed raising citizenship application fees by up to 80 per cent while scrapping reduced-fee options and waivers. With nearly 290,000 India-born green card holders eligible for naturalisation, the move would increase the financial burden on these immigrants
Is Nancy Guthrie dead? The mystery of her disappearance deepens after second note
A second note to media outlets in the disappearance case of US anchor Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, claimed that she had died. The note was one of two addressed to the 84-year-old woman's family in the days after her January kidnapping. The existence of this message had previously been reported, but its contents were not disclosed until now
US lifts sanctions on Iranian oil. Why this could be good news for India
The United States’ decision to grant a 60-day sanctions waiver allowing the production, delivery and sale of Iranian oil could have huge implications for India. Increased oil availability will reduce prices, which in turn will lower India’s import bill. Moreover, it gives New Delhi access to yet another source of crude
7 UK prime ministers in 10 years: Why the leadership keeps collapsing
Keir Starmer’s resignation has put Britain on course for its seventh prime minister in a decade. From Brexit and party rebellions to economic turmoil and shifting voter loyalties, here’s how the UK entered an era of unprecedented political instability and leadership turnover
Lucknow fire: How a three-storey building turned into a death trap, killing 15
A day after a blaze ripped through a three-storey building, killing 15 people in Lucknow, preliminary investigations reveal that fire safety measures had been ignored. The building was to be a residential property, but was used for commercial purposes. Moreover, there was only one access, which was crowded with AC panels, tangled wires, and other equipment
From call centre to WhatsApp CEO: How CRED’s Kunal Shah joined elite club of Indian CEOs in tech
In a surprise move, Meta has named CRED founder Kunal Shah to be the next CEO at WhatsApp, replacing Will Cathcart. This is a big moment for Indians — Shah’s elevation marks yet another entrant to the ever-growing club of Indians leading tech giants globally
What is a heat dome that has left Europeans sweltering in the heat?
An extreme heatwave has tightened its grip across large parts of Europe, with temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius. Authorities in Italy issued red alerts for eight cities. France is among the countries worst affected by the heatwave. In Germany, too, warnings remain in place as temperatures have climbed to 38°C
6 PMs in 10 years: How British politics has seen a decade of chaos
Embattled British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced today (June 22) that he is stepping down as UK prime minister and leader of the Labour Party, paving the way for Andy Burnham. Since David Cameron resigned in 2016 after the Brexit referendum, UK has seen five prime ministers: Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and Keir Starmer
Keir Starmer resigns: What went wrong for the British PM? How will his successor be chosen?
Two years after he was sworn into power, Keir Starmer has announced that he is resigning as British PM and leader of the Labour Party. His departure comes as questions mounted over his leadership abilities. Now, the party will hold a leadership race, with Andy Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, looking to be the seventh leader of the country in 10 years
How Australian police made its biggest bust of cocaine from underground bunkers
Australian Federal police (AFP) have uncovered 2.7 tonnes of cocaine hidden inside underground bunkers beneath shipping containers at a property near Sydney. The drugs had an estimated value of about $816 million (Rs 7,697.52 crore). Two men aged 21 and 25, who allegedly attempted to flee from police, were arrested at the scene and charged
Who is Chris Butler, Tulsi Gabbard’s ‘spiritual guru’ who helped shape her decisions as a politician?
A year-long investigation by the Washington Post has uncovered 25,000 documents that uncover Tulsi Gabbard’s close ties to controversial spiritual guru Chris Butler. The probe shows that the leader of Science of Identity Foundation (SIF), which is referred to as a cult by many, exerted pressure on the outgoing Director of National Intelligence by sending mails on what policies she should support when she was in Congress, as well as how she should present herself to the media
‘Encouraging progress’, threats and snubs: Inside round 1 of US-Iran talks in Switzerland
After hours of discussions, during which US President Donald Trump threatened Iran, the US and Iranian negotiators agreed to set up a high-level committee, with communication mechanisms for the Strait of Hormuz in round one of the Geneva talks. Curiously, following the conclusion of the negotiations, the Iranian delegation walked out to protest Trump’s threat as Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif and JD Vance watched on
Safe Travels! Your guide to surviving extreme heat this holiday season
From dehydration to life-threatening heat stroke, travelling during extreme heat can expose you to serious health risks. Experts suggest staying flexible, planning activities around cooler hours, and recognising early signs of heat illness to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip
Do companies need Chief Purpose Officers? What is their role?
A new executive role has quietly emerged in the corporate world – the Chief Purpose Officer (CPO). Ubisoft, Virgin Atlantic, Cisco, Sephora, and KPMG, to name a few, have introduced purpose-focused leadership roles in recent years. Their task is simple in theory but difficult in practice: making sure a company’s stated purpose influences real decisions
Inside the world of ‘digital parents’ who care for young Chinese looking for solace
Many young Chinese are unable to connect with their parents, feeling stressed and lonely. They have now resorted to ‘digital parents’, online parenting influencers, who help provide the youth with the intimacy they crave
Trillionaire is our Word of the Week. How did Elon Musk make so much money?
No one has ever been worth $1 trillion — until now. After SpaceX witnessed a record-breaking stock market debut late last week, Elon Musk’s wealth has been propelled to unfathomable heights. In our ‘Word of the Week’ series, we explore what it means to be a trillionaire
This Week in Explainers: Did Trump gain little and lose more from the Iran war?
Donald Trump has signed a 14-point deal that brings an end to the war after over 100 days of fighting. But did the US president succeed in the objectives he had laid out at the start of the battle? We discuss this and more in our wrap-up of the news this week
India takes FATF vice presidency: Why does this global watchdog matter so much?
India has been elected vice-president of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the first time since joining the body in 2010, with IAS officer Vivek Aggarwal leading the position. Here's everything you need to know about the global watchdog, its role in fighting terror financing and money laundering, and why India's new position matters
Project Sunrise: What the longest flight from Sydney to London will feel like
Qantas is preparing to launch the world's longest non-stop commercial flight, connecting Sydney and London in up to 22 hours. From wellness zones and jet lag-reducing lighting to redesigned cabins and premium-heavy seating, here's everything passengers can expect aboard the ambitious Project Sunrise service
Nipun Aggarwal or Vinod Kannan: Who will lead Air India through its biggest challenges yet?
Air India is nearing a crucial leadership decision as Tata Group evaluates Nipun Aggarwal and Vinod Kannan for the CEO role. The next chief executive will inherit a carrier navigating financial losses, fleet expansion, operational challenges, and the aftermath of the Ahmedabad crash investigation
Meloni ‘begged’ for photo: Is Trump going too far in poking world leaders?
From Giorgia Meloni and Emmanuel Macron to Keir Starmer, Mark Carney and Pope Leo XIV, US President Donald Trump's second term has been marked by public insults, diplomatic clashes and policy disputes. Global leaders are increasingly pushing back as questions grow over the impact of his confrontational approach
This Week in Explainers: Why PM Modi’s France visit was a big geopolitical win
The India-UK FTA rollout was announced, there is a thaw in ties with the US, and progress has been made on several other trade deals. All this at the sidelines of the G-7 Summit in France, courtesy of PM Narendra Modi. We talk about the visit and more in our weekly wrap
How Trump’s $14 million Reflecting Pool revamp turned into a leaky, algae-covered disaster
Days after the costly renovation of the Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool, blue material started peeling off from its bottom. This came after Donald Trump sought to repaint it with a colour he called 'American flag blue.' That is not all. This famous body of water has been plagued by algae and leaks
Sauerkraut diet: What’s this fermented food that top Trump aides are taking for weight loss?
Sauerkraut diet has become a favourite among several members of US President Donald Trump's Cabinet. Senior officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, are loading up on fermented cabbage. The goal is to trim down the fat
Who is Andy Burnham, and could he replace Keir Starmer as UK PM?
Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election with 54.8 per cent of the vote, returning to British Parliament after nine years. The Greater Manchester mayor is now eligible to contest Labour's leadership as Keir Starmer faces growing pressure following Labour's local election setbacks and internal party unrest
Did Moscow receive ‘black rain’ after Ukraine hits oil refinery in biggest strike since war?
On Thursday (June 18), Ukraine launched its biggest drone attack on Russia, hitting the strategic Moscow oil refinery in Kapotnya. Following the strike, residents reported black rain falling from the sky. Authorities advised people to stay indoors. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky defended the operation and justified the strike as an answer to Russia's attack on Kyiv last week
How Indian teen’s death could end New York’s love affair for horse carriages
The death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan from India after a horse bolted away from its owner has intensified calls to end one of New York’s most famous tourist attractions. Many tourists from around the world arrive in the city to enjoy a horse-drawn carriage drive, which first began in 1832
Does China have a caste system? Inside the country's hukou divide
Introduced in 1958, China's hukou system classifies citizens as rural or urban residents and historically linked public services to registration status
Why did Accenture's stock crash to a 9-year low?
Accenture's shares have fallen to their lowest level since 2017 after weak bookings, reduced growth guidance, slowing outsourcing demand and rising concerns over AI's impact on traditional consulting. The selloff rattled global markets and also triggered sharp declines across Indian IT stocks
What did Trump actually achieve in his war with Iran?
More than three months after launching military operations against Iran, US President Donald Trump is moving toward a peace deal that ends one of the West Asia's most consequential conflicts. But did the war achieve its goals on missiles, nuclear ambitions, regional proxies and regime change?