Explainers News - Page 2

Why the US is divided over daylight saving time

Daylight saving time ended on Sunday (November 2) for 2025. The semiannual clock changes have split the US, with a bill to make them permanent blocked in the Senate last week. Experts suggest ending the clock changes and staying in standard time permanently. Here’s why

Why Mehli Mistry took Tata Trusts case to Charity Commissioner instead of courts

After TVS chairman emeritus Venu Srinivasan was unanimously reappointed to the board of Tata Trusts, which controls two-thirds of the stake in Tata Sons, all eyes were on Mehli Mistry. After the Noel Tata camp successfully stymied Mistry’s reappointment, the former confidant of Ratan Tata has taken his case to the Charity Commissioner. But why?

Have Pakistan, China and Russia secretly conducted nuclear tests as Trump claims?

Donald Trump continues to confound with his nuclear testing order. While defending his decision to resume nuclear testing, the US president claimed that other countries such as China, Russia, North Korea and Pakistan were carrying out such tests. But does science agree with him?

Will New York City elect Indian-origin Zohran Mamdani as mayor?

New York City is a day away from a landmark election that could reshape its political identity. Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Indian-origin democratic socialist, leads the polls against Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. His promise of affordability and social equity has inspired working-class voters but unsettled business leaders across the nation’s financial hub

Why is Donald Trump threatening military action in Nigeria?

Donald Trump has ordered the US Department of War to be ready for fast military action in Nigeria. Taking to social media, the US president called Nigeria a ‘disgraced country’. But why is the US president threatening the West African nation?

How 22-year-old Indian-Americans became world’s youngest self-made billionaires

Adarsh Hiremath and Surya Midha, all college dropouts, along with Brendan Foody, have become the world’s youngest self-made billionaires at just 22. The three are founders of Mercor, the San Francisco startup that helps improve top AI models. Here’s a look at their journey

Now Russia launches nuclear submarine Khabarovsk: What is Putin trying to signal?

Russia has unveiled its long-delayed nuclear-powered submarine Khabarovsk, the first vessel built to carry the Poseidon underwater nuclear drone. Launched at Sevmash shipyard, the development comes amidst rising tensions with the US and follows recent tests of the Poseidon and Burevestnik nuclear-powered weapons

Another earthquake rocks Afghanistan. What makes the country so vulnerable to temblors?

Afghanistan has been rattled once again by an earthquake — this time, a 6.3-magnitude temblor has caused 20 deaths so far and another 150 injuries. Studies show that an average of 560 people die and damages estimated at $80 million are caused by quakes in the South Asian country each year. But why is it that the nation sees so many tremors?

Will Trump’s nuclear testing for US include explosions?

Donald Trump’s plans to test nuclear weapons for the country will not include nuclear explosions. Talk over the testing of nuclear weapons began when the US president took to his Truth Social account earlier and hinted that he’s getting ready to reverse the decades-old policy on testing the nation’s nuclear weapons

‘Kill me, kill me’. Who’s the 32-year-old suspect in the UK train stabbings?

An evening train journey from Doncaster to London’s King’s Cross descended into chaos and horror on Saturday when a man went on a stabbing spree, with eyewitnesses saying there was ‘blood everywhere’. The police have arrested a 32-year-old Black British national for the crime but are still determining the motive behind the incident that has hurt 11 people, with one being critically injured

History Today: When Nehru spoke for a new India for first time at UN

On November 3, 1948, Jawaharlal Nehru delivered his first speech at the United Nations, outlining India’s independent foreign policy and vision for global peace. The day also saw milestones — Panama’s 1903 independence and the 2014 opening of One World Trade Center

FirstUp: Hegseth to visit South Korea and other big headlines of the day

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth will visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas and also meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. In India, the Supreme Court will hear the matter of stray dogs

Get artsy: How creativity might slow down the brain from ageing

Creativity plays an important role in keeping the brain active. Now, a study shows that creative experience might even slow down brain ageing. Scientists found that creative activities, like dance classes, art classes or music lessons or a hobby like gaming, had a positive impact on an artificial intelligence (AI) ‘brain clock’

What is ‘vibe working’? Is it the future of AI productivity?

'Vibe working', a term popularised by Microsoft, is helping AI and humans collaborate — from automating office tasks to aiding in creativity and productivity. But as the 'vibe' spreads across industries, questions arise about its real value

This Week in Explainers: What is Russia’s Burevestnik missile that prompted US to resume nuclear testing?

The US is restarting nuclear testing after more than 30 years. Donald Trump’s decision comes days after Russia tested the Burevestnik missile that ‘no other country possesses’. We talk about a possible new arms race and more in our weekly roundup

History Today: How King Saud Al Saud was dethroned after a coup in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia witnessed a coup on November 2, 1964, which led to the removal of King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud from power. The coup, carefully orchestrated by the King's younger brother, Crown Prince Faisal, transferred power within the royal family. On this day in 1936, the BBC launched the world's first regular high-definition television service in London

What led to the Andhra temple stampede that claimed the lives of at least 10?

At least ten people, including women and children, lost their lives in a stampede at Andhra Pradesh’s Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Srikakulam during the Ekadashi rush. Over 25,000 devotees crowded into the privately run ‘Mini Tirupati,’ exposing glaring lapses in safety at the under-construction temple

Who is Bankim Brahmbhatt, the Indian-origin CEO accused of a $500 million BlackRock fraud?

Bankim Brahmbhatt, an Indian-origin telecom executive, is accused of orchestrating a $500-million loan fraud that allegedly deceived BlackRock’s private-credit arm, HPS Investment Partners. According to court filings, his firms fabricated invoices and fake receivables to secure massive loans, later filing for bankruptcy

Why US food aid benefits will continue in November despite govt shutdown

The US government shutdown has stretched into its second month and two federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap). The rulings offer temporary relief for 42 million Americans relying on food aid

This Week in Explainers: Why India is bringing home more of its gold reserves from abroad

The Reserve Bank of India has brought back 64 tonnes of gold in the first six months of this year. Now, 65 per cent of the country’s gold reserves are held domestically — a record high. But what’s the reason for this shift? We explore this in our weekly roundup of the big stories from India

History Today: When the Sistine Chapel opened its doors to the public for the first time

It was on November 1, 1512,  that public entry was first allowed in the Sistine Chapel. Built between 1473 and 1481, the chapel walls feature scenes from the lives of Moses and Jesus Christ, painted by many legendary artists, including scenes on the ceiling by Michelangelo. On this day in 1993, the European Union (EU) was officially established with the enforcement of the Maastricht Treaty

Is United States planning air strikes in Venezuela?

A report quoted a source familiar with the situation as saying that the administration is planning to take out military installations inside Venezuela used for drug trafficking. Officials say this will likely send a message to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro that it is time to step down. The US has previously targeted boats, which it alleges are ferrying drugs, in the region. But will this really happen?

Do nuclear weapons need 'testing' to ensure they function properly?

US Vice President JD Vance has defended his boss Donald Trump’s move to restart US nuclear testing. Trump, who made the announcement during his recent Asia tour, said the process will begin immediately. Vance has said it is important to know that the arsenal ‘functions properly’ and added that testing will ensure this. But what do experts say? – main excerpt

Are Russian soldiers in Ukraine dying at the hands of their own commanders?

A major investigation by Russian outlet Verstka has uncovered evidence of systemic executions, torture, and 'zeroing out' within the Russian military. Soldiers who disobey orders are allegedly being killed or sent on suicide missions by their own commanders

Why do Americans still think 1969 Moon landing was fake? Kim Kardashian is newest conspiracy theorist

A growing number of Americans think the 1969 Moon landing was faked. The latest high-profile celebrity to tout this conspiracy theory is reality star Kim Kardashian. The billionaire has said she got the idea from TikTok and pointed out several ‘inconsistencies’ people have raised over the years about the Nasa Moon mission

Does JD Vance want his Hindu wife Usha to convert? The row over his remark and his journey with Christianity

At a Turning Point USA event on Wednesday, JD Vance said he hoped his wife, Usha, who comes from a Hindu family, might one day embrace Christianity, though he respects her choice not to. His candid comments, alongside his own conversion story from atheism to Catholicism, have put his personal relationships in the spotlight

Did Kash Patel use $60 million FBI jet to watch his girlfriend sing at an event?

FBI Director Kash Patel faces scrutiny for allegedly using a taxpayer-funded jet to watch his girlfriend Alexis Wilkins' sing at a wrestling event in Nashville. The move has sparked a controversy with many questioning whether the FBI chief is using government resources for personal reasons, especially at a time when the US is grappling with a government shutdown

Is Pakistan training Islamic State fighters? What are the regional implications?

The Taliban has released a video of a captured Islamic State (IS) fighter saying he was given training in Pakistan before he crossed over into Afghanistan. The video was shared online by a channel related to Afghanistan’s intelligence agency

By the numbers: What’s behind the gummy takeover this Halloween?

This Halloween, trick-or-treaters are likely to get more fruity candy than chocolate. This may be more suitable for younger consumers, who have been gravitating toward gummies, freeze-dried treats and other sweets. But why is there a shift in the first place?

Will India help Afghanistan build a dam on cross-border river with Pakistan?

A new water war is brewing, and India may find itself involved. New Delhi has extended its support to Afghanistan, which has announced that it plans to build a dam on the Pakistan-bound Kunar River. What would this move mean for Islamabad? Will the country be left thirsting?