Explainer

Ancient cultures, including those of Zeus and Jupiter, viewed lightning as divine power, though thinkers like Seneca sought natural explanations. Modern science now explains lightning, though its awe-inspiring impact still endures

The Strait of Hormuz, an international waterway, faces growing tensions due to Iran's control and its impact on global oil and trade. Under international law, neutral ships have passage rights, but wartime laws complicate the legality of convoys and ship movements

Israel’s targeted killings of senior Iranian and militant leaders weaken command structures but often fail to end conflicts, sometimes radicalising successors. Experts warn decapitation strikes work only with sustained political strategy, as underlying grievances and regional tensions persist

Indonesia faces pressure to exit Board of Peace amid the US-Israel-Iran conflict. Prabowo Subianto is reviewing its role, balancing neutrality, mediation efforts, and strategic ties with the United States

A projectile reportedly struck the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran, operated with Russian assistance, amid Tehran’s ongoing war with Israel and the US. No radiation leak or casualties were reported, but regional safety concerns and geopolitical tensions have intensified

Following US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian oil depots, reports of “black rain” and toxic smoke have raised alarm among scientists. The rainfall likely contains hydrocarbons, PM2.5, acids, and carcinogenic pollutants, posing serious short- and long-term health and environmental risks for nearby populations

Death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during Ramadan could mark a historic shift as his son Mojtaba Khamenei emerges as a likely successor. His rise may strengthen the security establishment and reshape Iran’s politics amid regional tensions

The US-Iran conflict, rooted in the 1980s hostage crisis and Iran-Iraq War, has evolved through naval, proxy, and air wars. Recent escalations, including US-Israeli strikes and Iranian retaliation, mark the latest phase of this long, undeclared military confrontation

The Trump administration faced criticism for delayed public communication on the Donald Trump-led attack on Iran. While the Pentagon briefed select pro-Trump media, mainstream outlets reported limited clarity, highlighting an unconventional communications strategy during the initial stages of the conflict

The death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei triggers a complex succession process led by the Assembly of Experts, with potential interim leadership and speculation over contenders, including his son, amid heightened regional tensions and political uncertainty

US President Donald Trump ordered sweeping strikes on Iran after failed nuclear diplomacy and intelligence assessments, despite doubts about an imminent threat. Backed by regional allies including Mohammed bin Salman, Washington pursued military escalation to curb Tehran’s enrichment ambitions

Norwegian-US firm 1X unveiled Neo, a $20,000 consumer humanoid robot promising household help but relying partly on remote human operators. While advances in AI and hardware fuel development, experts warn privacy risks and limitations hinder widespread home adoption

Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was arrested over alleged misconduct while UK trade envoy, overshadowing King Charles III’s reign. Andrew has been stripped of titles; historical royal crises and family tensions highlight the monarchy’s vulnerability to public scrutiny

With reciprocal tariffs lowered to 10%, think tank GTRI urges India to reassess the trade pact. “Deals are not charity. Both sides must gain,” founder Ajay Srivastava said 

The Medaram Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara, Asia’s largest tribal festival, embodies centuries-old Koya traditions of resistance and worship, but state involvement raises concerns of cultural dilution, identity loss, and marginalisation of custodians

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash near Baramati, joining a tragic list of political leaders and prominent figures in India, including YS Reddy, Sanjay Gandhi, and General Bipin Rawat, who lost their lives in air accidents

India has safeguarded sensitive sectors, including dairy, cereals, poultry, soymeal, certain fruits and vegetables, balancing export growth with domestic priorities

Russia is recruiting both locals and foreigners, including prisoners, through contracts offering high pay, benefits, and citizenship to fight in Ukraine, avoiding a full mobilization. Many are misled, coerced, or trafficked, highlighting rising costs and human rights concerns

Seashells, the durable skeletons of marine animals, are abundant and long-lasting, offering scientists vital clues about ancient ecosystems, climates and species interactions. Through biomineralization and fossilization, shells act as natural archives, revealing how marine life lived, evolved and died

Late January 2026 winter storm threatens central and eastern U.S. with snow, sleet, freezing rain, outages and emergencies. Scientists link impacts to jet stream dynamics, Arctic air, Gulf moisture and stratospheric polar vortex interactions amid a warming climate trend concerns

Donald Trump’s threats to annex Greenland now appear shaky amid public opposition, Republican resistance, European military reinforcements and fears of economic retaliation. With diplomacy stalled and force deeply unpopular, Trump faces shrinking options and risks lasting damage to U.S.–Europe relations

At Davos, Donald Trump seeks to launch a “Board of Peace,” expanding from a Gaza ceasefire body into a forum. Allies are skeptical, some decline participation, while others weigh joining amid controversy over mandate, membership, and implications for United Nations

Indian intelligence agencies have warned of an ISI-backed plot to infiltrate terrorists into India via Bangladesh ahead of Republic Day, citing links with smuggling syndicates and relaxed controls there, as Pakistan-based groups seek alternative routes amid tighter LoC security

Ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, an Oxfam report warned that billionaire wealth hit a record USD 18.3 trillion in 2025, deepening economic and political inequality, with billionaires far more likely to hold power while global poverty, hunger and unrest intensify