Everyday Explainers

What is a polygraph test, which police wants Aaftab Poonawala to undergo?

November 22, 2022 6:02:39 pm

A polygraph test is based on the assumption that physiological responses (heartbeat, sweating, etc.) triggered when a person is lying are different from the normal state. How is it administered? Are its results admissible as evidence? We explain.

What is CDSL, India’s registered share depository?

November 21, 2022 9:33:56 pm

Certain services at CDSL were disrupted due to a suspected cyber attack over the weekend.

What is a narco test, given to Aaftab Poonawalla?

December 1, 2022 8:21:19 pm

Aaftab Poonawalla, who allegedly chopped up Shraddha Walkar's body and disposed of them in a wooded area in Delhi over several weeks, will be made to do a narco test as part of the police's investigation in the case.

UPSC Special: What are Vostro accounts, 9 of which have been opened with 2 Indian banks? (And what is a Nostro account?)

November 17, 2022 7:38:17 am

A Vostro account is an account that a domestic bank holds for a foreign bank in the domestic bank’s currency, i.e., rupee. The idea is to get around Western sanctions against Russia by carrying on trade in rupees.

What is the East Asia Summit, which V-P Dhankar attended recently

November 14, 2022 8:33:54 pm

The EAS is an ASEAN initiative and refers to the annual Meeting of Heads of States/Governments of these countries, where they are able to discuss common concerns and interests.

Everyday Explained: What is ASEAN, the 10-member grouping of Southeast Asian nations?

November 14, 2022 11:13:29 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said ASEAN is central to India’s Act East policy, which focuses on the extended neighbourhood in the Asia-Pacific region.

Supreme Court flags ‘sealed cover’ again, says it is vague, opaque. What is this practice frequently seen in courts?

November 12, 2022 9:15:31 pm

CJI Chandrachud has criticised sealed covers earlier too — as has former CJI N V Ramana. However, it is also the Supreme Court itself that has given legitimacy to the practice.

Centre constitutes 22nd Law Commission: what role does this body play?

November 8, 2022 4:07:47 pm

After two and a half years, the 22nd Law Commission of India has been constituted with Justice (retd) Rituraj Awasthi as its head. What is the Law Commission of India, and what does it do?

An anti smog gun fitted on a modified truck is used to spray water to curb pollution due to smog, in New Delhi.

What is AQI, the number that signifies how polluted the air is?

November 6, 2022 7:35:02 pm

Based on the levels, the governments in areas like Delhi announce measures. As the AQI in NCR dipped to the ‘severe’ category on Thursday, stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan was set in motion.

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What is GRAP, Delhi-NCR’s action plan to combat rising air pollution?

November 5, 2022 8:07:29 am

Delhi pollution: With Delhi's air quality deteriorating to hazardous levels, measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have been invoked with immediate effect. What's changing?

DMK wants Tamil Nadu Governor gone: What does the law say on how a Governor can be sacked?

November 5, 2022 5:43:00 pm

DMK leader TR Baalu has urged “all like-minded MPs” to support a proposal to remove Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi. How are Governors removed from office?

After Uttarakhand, Gujarat seeks to bring Uniform Civil Code: what is it?

October 31, 2022 11:10:38 am

Bringing in the Uniform Civil Court relates to questions of personal laws, the directive principles of state policy and the Indian constitution. We explain these issues.

PM Narendra Modi calls for ‘One Nation, One Uniform’ for police: who decides what the police wear on duty?

October 29, 2022 7:12:19 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'One Nation, One Uniform' suggestion is in line with his broader attempt to introduce a uniform set of policies across the country.

Who are the President’s Bodyguard, and what are the Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner?

October 28, 2022 7:33:08 am

President Droupadi Murmu honoured the Indian Army's oldest regiment, the legendary mounted unit that serves as the President's own splendid Guard.

What is ‘general consent’ for CBI, restored by Eknath Shinde’s Maharashtra government?

October 22, 2022 8:30:28 am

Traditionally, almost all states have given CBI general consent. However, since 2015, several states have begun to act differently.

Who is actor Anna May Wong, the first Asian-American to be featured on US currency?

October 20, 2022 5:02:12 pm

Regarded as Hollywood’s first Chinese-American star, Wong’s decades-long career in motion pictures, television and theatre came at a time of widespread racism.

What is the Global Hunger Index and why is India trailing?

October 15, 2022 9:47:58 pm

Jointly published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerlife, the GHI lists countries by ‘severity’. How is hunger measured? Why has India ranked so poorly? We explain.

What are the Iranian kamikaze drones, allegedly deployed by Russia in Ukraine?

October 17, 2022 4:37:00 pm

Three kamikaze drones struck the small town of Makariv, situated west of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, on Thursday. These drones are not new, and have also been supplied by the US to Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia.

What is a ‘split verdict’, and what happens next in such cases

October 14, 2022 9:58:16 am

With the Karnataka hijab case seeing a split verdict from a two-judge Supreme Court bench, we explain what happens next in such judgements.

India’s request for action against Pannun rejected: What is the Interpol, and what is a Red Notice?

October 12, 2022 1:43:56 pm

Saying India has failed to provide sufficient information to support its case, the Interpol has rejected its request to issue a Red Corner Notice against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. What is the interpol, and what is a Red Corner Notice?

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Rijiju says Collegium system ‘opaque’: What is the Supreme Court Collegium, how does it work?

November 5, 2022 4:40:00 pm

The collegium system is not rooted in the Constitution or a specific law promulgated by Parliament but has evolved through judgments of the Supreme Court.

What are the functions of the Attorney General for India?

September 28, 2022 9:36:57 pm

The Constitution of India places the post of the A-G on a special footing. The A-G is the Government of India's first law officer, and has the right of audience in all courts of the country.

What to expect during the UNGA General Debate

September 20, 2022 1:32:28 pm

More than 150 delegates will deliver speeches from the UNGA podium, in the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions, a climate crisis and global food shortages.

What are subpoenas that are being used in Capitol riot case against Donald Trump?

September 14, 2022 1:23:07 pm

A subpoena is a writ issued by a government agency, usually a court to compel someone to appear before court or a parliamentary inquiry committee, or provide documents that they possess.

What is a constitutional monarchy, which King Charles III has vowed to uphold?

September 13, 2022 12:29:06 pm

While Britain does not have a single constitutional document, it still has laws and carefully documented traditions that together form a Constitution, one that binds the king.

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