Explained

US midterms 2026: What is at stake for Trump, Republicans and Democrats

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate are up for election; republicans currently control both chambers of Congress

Explained: What laws protect Indian seafarers working in conflict zones

Indian seafarers often work on foreign-flagged ships in conflict zones. Here is how Indian and international laws, flag states and government agencies assist them during emergencies

Explained: What preventive detention, arrest and detention mean under law

Three CJP leaders were detained during protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Here is what preventive detention, arrest and detention mean and how they differ

Explained: What the law states about internet shutdown orders in India

Delhi's internet shutdown has brought the 2024 Telecom Rules into focus. The rules specify who can order a shutdown, what the order must contain and how long restrictions can remain in force

ECINET, ERONET explained: How Election Commission's voter roll systems work

ECINET and ERONET help the Election Commission manage electoral rolls. Here's how the systems work, the role of EROs and why their functioning has come under scrutiny

From anti-national to offensive content: What are CBFC's new film rules?

The CBFC has revised its film certification guidelines, setting out new rules on what films can show and how they will be classified for different age groups

Explained: What is Article 371(K) and what could it mean for Ladakh?

The Centre and Ladakh representatives have made progress on a proposed new political framework, with key questions on powers, safeguards and the role of local bodies still under discussion

UPI Tap and Pay explained: How it works, key features, and its benefits

Digital payments are getting a new option. Here's what RBI's new UPI Tap and Pay feature is all about, how it works and what it could mean for users:

Explained: Why are MBBS, BDS interns on an indefinite strike in J&K

J-K medical interns staged dharnas in Jammu, saying their ₹12,300 monthly stipend has remained unchanged for nearly seven years despite inflation and the workload they shoulder

Explained: What is surrogate advertising and what does the law say?

Maharashtra FDA notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over a Vimal Elaichi ad have put the spotlight on indirect promotion of pan masala and liquor brands

From Rasuwa to Bihar: How Nepal's flash floods can travel into India

A flash flood in Nepal's Rasuwa district has raised flood concerns in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Here's how the Trishuli-Narayani-Gandak river system connects Nepal to India

Operation Economic Outcast explained: How the US plans to isolate Iran

The US has launched Operation Economic Outcast to isolate Iran by targeting its oil, shipping, technology and financial networks, while warning countries and firms trading with Tehran of sanctions

US national debt crosses $40 trn: What govt debt means and how it works

US national debt has crossed $40 trillion. Here's a guide to how government debt works, why governments borrow, who they owe money to, how they repay it and what debt ceilings mean

FCNR(B) swap window explained: Why RBI opened it, then advanced deadline

RBI has brought forward the deadline for its special FCNR(B) swap window to August 31. Here's what it means

Explained: Why shipping costs through Panama Canal are soaring now

Panama Canal transit fees have surged to record levels, with auction prices for some shipping slots crossing $3 million as global demand for the key trade route rises

Explained: The Mecca Joint Deterrence Agreement and its key provisions

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a defence pact that treats an attack on one as an attack on all, with Egypt and other countries seen as possible future members

Explained: What is NCDC (Amendment) Bill 2026 & what it proposes to change?

The Centre has proposed changes to the law governing NCDC, seeking to give the institution greater flexibility in supporting co-operative development

Explained: Why the US and Japan joined hands to support the falling yen

The yen fell to its lowest level in nearly 40 years against the US dollar, prompting Japan and the US to jointly intervene in currency markets

Explained: What are the SOPs regarding use of pellet guns in India?

The Supreme Court said pellet guns can be used only in exceptional cases under existing rules. Here is what the SOPs say about their use

Trump's proposed $100,000 OPT fee and what it means for Indian students

Trump foreign student work fee: Everything you need to know