Explainers News
Roofs tremble and nerves fray: How a volcano has Mexico City on edge
The Popocatepetl volcano near Mexico City is spewing intense ash, smoke and gas. Flights have been cancelled and schools shut. Its last major eruption happened more than a thousand years ago. Is a big disaster coming?
Milk Wars: Now it’s Amul vs Aavin in Tamil Nadu. The controversy explained
It was Amul vs Nandini in Karnataka last month, as the Gujarat firm’s announcement to enter the fresh dairy market in Bengaluru triggered a political storm. Now there are similar concerns in Tamil Nadu with CM Stalin saying that Amul is infringing on Aavin
Happy Meal: How eating green veggies can drive away all blues
Years and years of study have found that eating more vegetables is good for our physical health. But now it is learned it can also enhance mental health. As per a study, eating recommended amount of vegetables each day for healthy adults has a favourable effect on happiness
A ‘sorry’ encounter: Why US zoo apologised to New Zealanders over kiwi petting video
Zoo Miami faced the wrath of New Zealanders after a video of visitors handling a male kiwi went viral. After online backlash, the zoo soon issued an apology and shelved its paid ‘kiwi encounters’
New Parliament building and the many controversies surrounding the structure
The inauguration of the new Parliament building has snowballed into a political slugfest between the government and the opposition. But this is now the first row over it. From construction during the COVID-19 pandemic to the national emblem sitting atop, the Sansad has triggered many debates
Trimbakeshwar Temple Row in Maharashtra: The communal tension over a ritual explained
A religious procession taken out by a group of Muslims stopped outside the famous Trimbakeshwar temple in Nashik to spread incense in the direction of the deity, as per tradition. However, security guards refused to let them climb the steps. Here’s how it snowballed into a controversy
Why is Madeleine McCann, the 3-year-old who went missing 16 years ago, back in the news?
Portuguese police started searching a reservoir this week about 50 km from where the British girl Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007. Here’s what we know about the case so far
How Tina Turner's fight against domestic abuse made her a feminist hero
Pop legend Tina Turner was in an abusive relationship with her former husband Ike. The star, who has hits like 'What's Love Got to Do with It' under her name, survived the toxic marriage, opened up about it at a time when few spoke of domestic abuse
The City of Lies: How Paris wants to hide its homeless ahead of the Olympics
The French government plans to move homeless people out of Paris ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in the capital, sparking criticism from some mayors of regional towns and villages which are expected to house them
Pakistan Crisis: Why Imran Khan’s PTI is seeing an exodus?
Imran Khan’s key aide Fawad Chaudhry is the most recent leader to quit the party. Since the 9 May violence, there has been a flurry of resignations with at least 35 leaders parting ways with the firebrand Pakistani politician, as his stand-off with the military continues. What’s going on?
Parliament building row: Who is attending, who is boycotting?
Political parties are divided over the inauguration of the new Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While NDA allies and some other parties – Naveen Patnaik’s BJD and Shiromani Akali Dal – will be present during the event, at least 20 Opposition parties have decided to stay away
Explained: How a US debt default will affect everyday Americans
If the US treasury hits the debt ceiling and prioritises debt repayments, it will be forced to halt spending on federal programmes such as social security, Medicare, and Medicaid, which offer critical financial assistance to tens of millions of Americans
Explained: The row over the 95-year-old Australian woman who died after being tasered
The death of 95-year-old Clare Nowland, who was allegedly tasered by police at an Australian nursing home, has sparked a controversy in the country. The use of stun guns by the New South Wales state police, has also come under scrutiny
Can young blood stop people from getting old?
Tech billionaire Bryan Johnson spends $2 million a year to look 18. Now he is using his teenage son’s blood in the endeavour. But he is not alone. Several scientific start-ups are researching if the ageing process can be slowed down or even reversed by injecting young blood into older people
How Sydney lit up in 'tiranga' for PM Modi after snubbing King Charles
Australia's Sydney Opera House was illuminated in the colours of the Indian flag on Wednesday in honour of PM Narendra Modi. The decision has raised eyebrows as the 50-year-old building's sweeping curves remained black for King Charles' coronation, who is also the country's head of state
Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui terms depression as an urban issue: How accurate is he?
Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui recently said, ‘Depression doesn’t exist in villages; it’s an urban issue with people glorifying minor problems’. His statement has evoked a sharp response as millions battle with mental health issues in India. But do people in cities suffer more than those in villages?
Who is the Indian-origin teen, who crashed a truck near White House, and wants to 'kill President Joe Biden'?
Sai Varshith Kandula, a 19-year-old Indian-origin teen, has been arrested for purposefully ramming a rented U-Haul truck into a White House barrier. He told investigators he wanted to go into the residence to ‘kill’ US president Joe Biden and ‘seize power’
How Bernard Arnault, the world’s richest man, lost $11 billion in a day
Bernand Arnault, who owns LVMH – which includes luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Moet & Chandon, and Christian Dior – saw a considerable drop in his fortune after shares of the conglomerate declined five per cent on Tuesday. Arnault’s net worth is currently at $192 billion
THESE are the world’s most miserable countries (some may surprise you)
Unemployment and inflation are plaguing the world. According to an annual misery index, Zimbabwe is the most miserable country because of the high cost of living. Happiness is elusive in Venezuela, Lebanon, Syria, and Sudan
Does Joe Biden have the mental fitness to run for US presidential elections in 2024?
US president Joe Biden is gaffe-prone and this may hurt his chances in the 2024 US presidential elections. When asked if the 80-year-old had the mental sharpness to run for a second term, 62 per cent of Americans expressed concern. This is 11 points higher than that for his rival Donald Trump