Thursday, Sep 29, 2022
Journalism of Courage
Rishika Singh
Rishika Singh is a journalist with The Indian Express, working in the Explained section. She tweets at @RishikaS_
Authors you can follow
More From Rishika Singh
With Putin’s nuclear threat, what are Russia’s ‘strategic’ and ‘tactical’ nuclear weapons?
Speculation over Putin’s next move in terms of weaponry has begun, with the terms 'tactical' and 'strategic' nuclear weapons making the rounds. We explain what these weapons are.
Thu, Sep 29, 2022
Who is Edward Snowden, the American granted Russian citizenship by Putin?
Many people wondered about Snowden joining in the Ukraine war after a partial mobilisation of troops was ordered by Putin last week, under which 300,000 military reservists were called.
Tue, Sep 27, 2022
Why has Delhi HC asked Amazon to stop selling Rooh Afza made in Pakistan?
The current issue is about the rights over 'Hamdard', a name associated in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh with rooh afza, having common origins.
Thu, Sep 15, 2022
Charles III is King of Great Britain. Here’s what will happen now
A public declaration of Charles III as the new King will be made from a balcony above Friary Court in St James’s Palace, by an official known as the Garter King of Arms. The formal coronation of the King will, however, happen only later.
Thu, Sep 15, 2022
Dancing, drums, and cultural displays: What’s planned for Kartavya Path’s inauguration?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of Kartavya Path in Delhi's Central Vista will see performances from Kerala, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, and more.
Thu, Sep 08, 2022
Barack Obama is now half an ‘EGOT’, what does this mean?
On winning an Emmy for his narration of the Netflix nature documentary, Our Great National Parks, former US president Barack Obama has achieved half 'EGOT' status.
Thu, Sep 08, 2022
The history and debates about ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the preamble of the Constitution
The Supreme Court will hear on September 23 a petition seeking the removal of the words “socialist” and “secular” from the preamble of the Indian Constitution. Here's the story behind their inclusion.
Sun, Sep 04, 2022
How the death of a pregnant Indian woman led to Ireland changing its abortion law
The death of a pregnant Indian woman in Portugal has led to the resignation of the country's Health Minister, Marta Temido. The tragedy recalls that of Savita Halappanavar, who died in an Irish hospital 10 years ago.
Thu, Sep 01, 2022
Explained: What is the NCRB’s ‘Crime in India’ report, and how to read its findings
By its own admission, the NCRB says there are limitations to data, such as dependence on FIRs registered, and the 'Principle Offence Rule'.
Tue, Aug 30, 2022
Explained: What is the UN High Seas Treaty, and why have countries failed to agree on it?
Negotiations involving 168 countries, including the European Union, to agree on a UN treaty for protecting oceans failed Saturday. What is this treaty, and what are the risks of countries failing to reach an agreement?
Tue, Aug 30, 2022
Explained: Swiggy’s moonlighting policy that allows staff to take up gigs beyond regular job
Swiggy has announced a new "moonlighting" policy for its delivery personnel, which allows its employees to take up gigs or projects outside of their regular employment at the company. A look at the policy, and why more people are taking it up.
Thu, Aug 25, 2022
Explained: Who was Pandurang Khankhoje, Ghadarite revolutionary and a hero of Mexico?
Speaker Om Birla will unveil a statue of the freedom fighter and agricultural scientist during his visit to Mexico.
Mon, Aug 22, 2022
Explained | From Donald Trump to St Xavier’s prof: what does it mean to launch a ‘witch hunt’ against someone?
What are the origins of the centuries-old term, and why does it continue to resonate across geographies and cultures even today?
Mon, Aug 22, 2022
Explained: The first case of a dog being infected with monkeypox via humans
Monkeypox cases have topped 35,000 globally, but limited information is known about the spread from humans to animals and pets.
Fri, Aug 19, 2022
Explained: What is the new Omicron-specific vaccine approved by the UK?
The United Kingdom is the first country to approve a booster vaccine aimed at the Omicron variant of Covid-19. How will the new ‘bivalent’ vaccine work? How effective is it? How has Omicron responded to existing vaccines?
Thu, Aug 18, 2022
Explained: Why India is commemorating Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on August 14
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day: What happened during Partition, when India was divided into two nations amid terrible violence and upheaval? What is the relevance of those horrors of 75 years ago today?
Sun, Aug 14, 2022
Black in history, culture, politics — a symbol of protest, a colour of mourning and racism, and of sporting greatness
Why is black seen as a marker for things that seem negative? How has it been used in modern culture and language?
Sat, Aug 13, 2022
Explained: Why do athletes go ‘missing’ from international sporting events?
The history of players disappearing, extending stays, or even attempting to defect to another country is long, with cases being reported during several international sporting events.
Wed, Aug 10, 2022
Explained: What is Lumpy Skin Disease, the viral infection killing cattle in Gujarat, Rajasthan
Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle, Lumpy Virus in Rajasthan and Gujarat: Over the last few weeks, nearly 3,000 cattle have died in Rajasthan and Gujarat due to LSD. What is the disease, and how dangerous is it?
Fri, Aug 12, 2022
Explained: What is China’s problem with Nancy Pelosi visiting Taiwan?
Nancy Pelosi is a long-standing and vocal critic of China's policies with regard to a range of issues. Beijing is extremely touchy about Taiwan, and has objected strongly to her visit to the island.
Thu, Aug 04, 2022
Explained: The $280 billion US CHIPS Bill for boosting semiconductor production to compete with China
In a rare show of unity, the bill was passed with the help of some Republican lawmakers despite their party’s general position on subsidies. Many republicans opposed the bill on this principle while some democrats, like Bernie Sanders, opposed the extension of what he called “welfare” to corporations in a time of inflation.
Sat, Jul 30, 2022
Explained: Why have Africa, Asia seen so many dangerous viruses emerge recently?
How are viruses detected, and is any particular region more prone to new viral outbreaks? We explain
Sat, Jul 30, 2022
Explained: What is a kangaroo court, where and how did the phrase come about?
Chief Justice of India N V Ramana has said “kangaroo courts” run by the media are causing harm to the health of the democracy. What is the meaning of the phrase? When did the usage begin, and why ‘kangaroo’?
Fri, Jul 29, 2022
Who is Liz Truss, the new UK Prime Minister
Liz Truss, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, was the frontrunner against her fellow Conservative Party member Rishi Sunak, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Mon, Sep 05, 2022
Explained: New study that suggests depression is not caused by serotonin imbalance in brain
For decades, a “chemical imbalance” in the brain has been widely seen to be responsible for depression. Now, researchers have reported there is "no convincing evidence" for the same. What is the serotonin theory? What is the conclusion of the new research?
Fri, Jul 22, 2022