Explainer

Wars have existed for over 10,000 years, often caused by power, fear, or resource competition. “Just war theory” guides fair conduct, protecting civilians and essential infrastructure, while modern international laws aim to encourage negotiation, compromise, and peaceful conflict resolution

Dementia extends beyond memory loss, affecting language, behavior, and daily functioning. Rare forms are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed, highlighting the need for increased awareness, early detection, and specialized care to manage diverse cognitive, emotional, and neurological symptoms effectively

April Fools’ Day, celebrated with pranks worldwide, likely dates back over 600 years. Its origins are unclear, with theories linking it to medieval England, French “Poisson d’Avril,” and calendar changes under King Charles IX in the 1500s

World Trade Organization members failed to extend the TRIPS moratorium on non-violation complaints at MC14, ending a safeguard in place since 1995. The lapse raises uncertainty, risking disputes over intellectual property policies, especially for developing nations like India

Global tensions remain elevated as diplomatic efforts continue across multiple regions. Economic uncertainty persists with fluctuating markets, while technological advancements drive industry shifts. Climate concerns intensify after recent extreme weather events, prompting renewed policy discussions and international cooperation initiatives

Declassified transcripts reveal Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger refused to condemn Pakistan’s 1971 crackdown in East Pakistan despite genocide warnings from Archer Blood, exposing US reluctance to criticise an ally during the crisis

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