Explainer

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

In Gaza, the “yellow line” established under the October ceasefire has become a deadly zone for civilians. While intended as a buffer between Israeli troops and Palestinians, its shifting and poorly marked boundaries have led to at least 77 deaths from gunfire near the line, including children and teenagers

Australia said social media platforms have removed or restricted 4.7 million child accounts since banning under-16s in December, marking early success of the landmark law. Officials said enforcement is working, encouraging other countries to consider similar child safety measures

The WHO urges higher taxes on sugary drinks, fruit juices, and alcohol to combat non-communicable diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions. Low taxation keeps these products cheap, boosting consumption and profits while straining global health systems

Nobel Laureate Jack Szostak highlighted telomeres’ key role in ageing, cancer, and cell repair, explaining that stress shortens them. He emphasized genomics, including the Genome India Project, to understand disease susceptibility and guide healthier lifestyles and therapeutic development 

Small lifestyle changes such as five extra minutes of sleep, brief moderate exercise, and slightly improved diet can significantly extend lifespan, studies suggest. Research published in The Lancet shows combined improvements in sleep, activity, and nutrition deliver outsized benefits to population health

New Australian research finds hot takeaway coffee cups shed microplastics, especially all-plastic cups. Heat, not soaking time, drives release, with millions of particles possible. Material choice and cooler drinks can reduce exposure, globally consumed daily by billions of people worldwide

Nationwide protests over Iran’s collapsing economy have triggered a deadly state response, internet blackouts and fresh tensions with the United States