Explained

US to automatically register eligible men for military draft by December

The US plans to auto-enrol eligible men aged 18-26 into the military draft database, ending the current self-registration process and using federal data to identify those required to register

Artemis II explained: Inside NASA’s first crewed Moon mission in 54 years

NASA’s Artemis II mission has launched, sending four astronauts around the Moon for the first time since 1972. Here’s what makes this mission historic, what went wrong after liftoff

Iran warns Bab al-Mandeb could shut: What it means for global trade routes

Iran's warning over a possible Bab al-Mandeb closure has raised concerns over global trade. The strategic strait carries oil and goods between Asia, Europe and West Asia

Oracle's mass layoffs explained: 30,000 jobs cut globally, over 2,500 hit in India | Job cut

Oracle’s global layoffs, impacting up to 30,000 employees, have now reached India, with over 2,500 jobs cut. As the tech giant doubles down on AI and data centres,

Petrol excise cut: How fuel taxes fill govt coffers and who gets the money

The Centre's excise duty cut has put the spotlight back on petrol and diesel taxes, a major revenue source for both Centre and states and a key pillar of government finances

Explained: New digital payments rules | UPI payment | Online payment | Card payment | RBI

India’s digital payments system will see tighter security from April 1, 2026, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) making two-factor authentication (2FA) compulsory for all transactions.

Why Credit Suisse AT1 bond fallout has returned to haunt HDFC Bank

HDFC Bank faces fresh scrutiny after its former chairman's exit revived concerns over client losses from Credit Suisse AT1 bonds mis-selling allegations and regulatory lapses

Explained: What are Iran's nuclear capabilities and where are its sites?

US and Israel have struck Iran's nuclear-linked sites, raising tensions. Here's a look at Iran's nuclear capabilities, uranium stockpile, and key facilities at the centre of the conflict

Explained: How the Iran-Israel war could shake India’s energy lifeline | US-Iran war

As tensions explode in West Asia after US-Israel strikes on Iran, global oil routes are under threat. But why is India especially vulnerable?

Explained: Why Russian oil is returning to India

As tensions escalate in West Asia and the Strait of Hormuz faces disruptions, global oil flows are shifting fast. India, the world’s third-largest oil consumer,

Explained: How the West Asia war wiped ₹70,000cr off LIC’s portfolio | Share market news

The escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict is shaking global markets and India is feeling the impact. India’s largest institutional investor,

RBI's reassurance on HDFC Bank: What are systemically important banks?

RBI reassures on HDFC Bank after board exit, highlighting its D-SIB status and strong governance while explaining why systemically important banks are key to financial stability

Explained: What South Pars-North Field is and why it matters to Iran, Qatar

Israel's strike on South Pars has put focus on the world's largest gas field shared by Iran and Qatar, a key source of energy that powers both economies and influences global gas supply

Explained: What are Iran’s 3 conditions for peace? | US-Iran war | West Asia conflict | Crude oil

As the US–Israel war with Iran intensifies, Tehran has laid down three clear conditions for a ceasefire: recognition of its rights, payment of reparations, and guarantees against future attacks.

Induction cooktops explained: Why they work only with certain utensils | LPG crisis | West Asia war

Rising tensions in West Asia are triggering fears of LPG supply disruptions in India. As concerns grow over the Strait of Hormuz shipping route, many households are buying induction

What are ethanol cookstoves and can they serve as an LPG alternative?

As LPG supply concerns grow due to the West Asia crisis, ethanol producers have proposed ethanol cookstoves; here's what they are, how they work and whether they can replace LPG in homes

What is Essential Commodities Act invoked by govt amid LPG shortage?

The Centre has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prioritise natural gas and LPG supply for domestic, industrial, and vehicular use amid global energy disruptions

What is force majeure and why are global energy firms invoking it now

As tensions in West Asia disrupt oil and LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz, Indian energy firms are invoking force majeure clauses to suspend contractual obligations amid rising maritime risks

Explained: What is the Strait of Hormuz and why it is vital for oil trade

Tensions in West Asia have put the Strait of Hormuz in focus; here's what this narrow sea route is, why it is crucial for global oil and gas supplies and how any disruption can affect prices worldwide

E20 petrol with RON 95 mandatory from April 1: What it means for your car

From April 1, all petrol pumps will sell E20 fuel with minimum RON 95; the government has kept the option open to grant temporary exemptions