Explained Desk

Introduction

The Explained Desk of The Indian Express writes analyses and explanatory articles on a range of topics, including current affairs, politics, global events, sports, health and...Read More

The Explained Desk of The Indian Express writes analyses and explanatory articles on a range of topics, including current affairs, politics, global events, sports, health and lifestyle.

Explained Desk NEWS AGENCY

Articles by Explained Desk

Tip for Reading List: How the Modern World EatsSubscriber Only

February 3, 2020

In essence, the book explains how modern food has transformed our lives

February 3, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak Explained: Nearly 15,000 cases worldwide, still mostly in one China provinceSubscriber Only

February 3, 2020

Explained: There have been 305 deaths while 348 of the patients have recovered. Of the latest count of 14,628 cases, China accounts for 14,480 (14,451 in mainland China and the rest in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau).

February 3, 2020

As India evacuates from Wuhan, why is Pakistan insisting on keeping its citizens at coronavirus ground zero?Subscriber Only

February 2, 2020

Last week, Dawn quoted a senior aide to Prime Minister Imran Khan as saying: “We believe that right now, it is in the interest of our loved ones in China [to stay there]. It is in the larger interest of the region, world, country that we don’t evacuate them now".

February 2, 2020

Explained: Why US has imposed immigration curbs on more countriesSubscriber Only

February 2, 2020

The Donald Trump government started imposing travel bans from 2017. The number of countries facing restrictions now extends to 13.

February 2, 2020

As 15th Finance Commission report is tabled in Parliament, a look at what this body is — and what it doesSubscriber Only

February 2, 2020

Article 280 of the Constitution requires that a Finance Commission be constituted to recommend the distribution of the net proceeds of taxes between the Centre and states, and among the states.

February 2, 2020

Explained: What is Archimedes Principle, used in Jharkhand to rescue an elephantSubscriber Only

February 2, 2020

The baby elephant was stuck in a well in Gumla district. Jharkhand forest officials have been receiving praise since the video of the rescue operation went online.

February 2, 2020

Explained: From Tamil Nadu to Kashmir — Meet the poets the FM quoted in her Budget speechSubscriber Only

February 1, 2020

The Kashmiri nationalist poet Dinanath Nadim was at the centre of Kashmir's progressive movement, especially in the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Nadim was born in 1916, and passed away in 1988. Nadim wrote in Kashmiri, Hindi and Urdu, and inspired a powerful tradition of Kashmiri poetry.

February 2, 2020

Explained: The five ‘iconic’ archaeological sites mentioned in the BudgetSubscriber Only

February 1, 2020

From remains of ancient civilisations to relics of royal opulence, these archaeological sites offer a gateway to our magnificent past. Here’s what makes these sites special.

February 1, 2020

Explained: Why LIC divestment is a big, bold decision but will need a law change firstSubscriber Only

February 1, 2020

LIC IPO: On an average, LIC invests Rs 55,000 crore to Rs 65,000 crore in stock markets every year and emerges as the largest investor in Indian stocks.

February 1, 2020

Budget 2020 Explained | Your deposits in the bank are now safer: here’s whySubscriber Only

February 1, 2020

Budget 2020 Explained: Currently, in the (unlikely) event of a bank going bust in India, a depositor has claim to a maximum of Rs 1 lakh per account as insurance cover — even if the deposit in their account far exceeds Rs 1 lakh.

February 1, 2020

Explained: What is Economic Survey’s strategy for boosting wealth creation?Subscriber Only

January 31, 2020

Economic Survey reiterates PM Narendra Modi's call for increasing “wealth creators” in the economy.

January 31, 2020

Explained: What is anticipatory bail, for which SC has removed time limits?Subscriber Only

January 31, 2020

The protection granted under Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPc) "should not invariably be limited to a fixed period”, a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra had said.

January 31, 2020

Explained: What is Economic Survey, and why is it important?Subscriber Only

January 31, 2020

While the government is not constitutionally bound to present the Survey or follow its recommendations, it is an important document that summarises the government's own take on the economy.

January 31, 2020

Explained: What makes WHO declare a disease outbreak a public health emergencySubscriber Only

January 30, 2020

The international body has not yet declared the novel coronavirus infection, which has claimed more than 100 lives, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

January 30, 2020

Explained: European Parliament approves Brexit deal; what next?Subscriber Only

January 30, 2020

The European Parliament vote marked the final stage in the ratification process of Brexit, or Britain's exit from the EU, a process that has been going on for more than three years.

January 30, 2020

Explained: The debate over UN’s new rules for ships in the Arctic regionSubscriber Only

January 30, 2020

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), the shipping agency of the United Nations, has banned ships from using fuels with a sulphur content above 0.5 per cent, compared with 3.5 per cent previously.

January 30, 2020

Explained: As demand for Kobe Bryant on NBA logo grows, history of its originSubscriber Only

January 30, 2020

A petition to use Kobe Bryant’s image as the new logo for the National Basketball Association (NBA) has received over two million signatures.

January 30, 2020

Explained: How to read the AYUSH ministry advisory on coronavirus infectionSubscriber Only

January 29, 2020

The advisory listed several "preventive management steps" as per ayurvedic practices, and several "Unani medicines useful in symptomatic management of Corona Virus infection".

January 30, 2020

Explained: The significance of the Beating Retreat ceremonySubscriber Only

January 29, 2020

The military tradition began in 17th century England, when King James II ordered his troops to beat drums, lower flags and organise a parade to announce the end of a day of combat.

January 30, 2020

Explained: US Supreme Court allows Trump’s new Green Card policy, what it meansSubscriber Only

January 29, 2020

Critics have alleged that the move has a racial bias, as it would target immigrants from developing countries while prioritising more affluent applicants from the global North.

January 29, 2020

Explained: Why India wants to bring the African cheetah to IndiaSubscriber Only

January 28, 2020

The plan for this was first mooted in 2010. On January 28, the Supreme Court allowed the Centre to introduce the animals in 'carefully chosen locations'.

February 8, 2020

Suspected coronavirus in Delhi: What is India’s disease outbreak investigation protocol?Subscriber Only

January 28, 2020

The National Health Portal of India lists a 10-step procedure to investigate an outbreak, including preparing for fieldwork, establishing the existence of an outbreak, verifying diagnosis, defining and identifying cases, and communicating findings.

January 28, 2020

Andhra Pradesh moves to scrap Vidhan Parishad — why some states have Legislative CouncilSubscriber Only

January 27, 2020

Opposition to the idea of Legislative Councils is centered on three broad arguments. One, they can be used to park leaders who have not been able to win an election. Two, they can be used to delay progressive legislation. Three, they would strain state finances.

January 28, 2020