News18 Explainers

Following the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22nd, India took the unilateral decision to put the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance until Pakistan takes decisive action against cross border terror. A senior Chinese policy adviser has now shot a veiled threat to India over possible manipulation of the flow of the Brahmaputra – flexing its upstream advantage. Can China unleash a water war against India. Tune in to News18 Explainers to decode the implications.

Two years after the World Health Organisation officially announced the Covid 19 pandemic was over, India is now witnessing a resurgence of Covid-19 cases. The number of infections has risen 15-fold in 10 days. The current spike is being attributed to more transmissible Omicron sub-variants like NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. As the caseload surges, is there reason for alarm?

Elon Musk’s premature departure from DOGE or the department of government efficiency has set off speculation about a potential fallout between the billionaire buddies – the SpaceX, Tesla owner and US President Donald Trump. What prompted Musk’s exit at this point and what implications do Trump’s policies have on big businesses in America? Tune in as we investigate these questions on the latest episode of News 18 Explainers.

India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy and is expected to climb to rank 3 by 2028, overtaking Germany. How does India’s position on the global economic pecking order translate to ground reality? What are we doing right? Where do the challenges lie in order for India to push forward and possibly dislodge rival China from rank 2? We decode these questions in this explainer.

US President Donald Trump has revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll foreign students, striking a blow to thousands of foreign nationals admitted there, including at least 788 Indians. As the elite institution grapples with a funding freeze and stands to lose tuition payments as well, it has pushed back against the US administration order. Caught in the crossfire are hundreds of Indian students who now face an uncertain future.

Why would a government known for centralised foreign policy messaging empower a Congress MP to lead a diplomatic delegation abroad? And why now? This episode unpacks the Modi government's surprising move to send a multi-party parliamentary team to engage on issues of terrorism and democratic resilience. We ask: Is this a genuine show of national unity or a strategic play on matters of global consequence? Tune in.

Why has an Indian influencer been arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan? From YouTube videos and diplomatic dinners to cross-border tensions and intelligence leads, we unpack the arrest of Jyoti Malhotra, and what it reveals about the murky intersection of content, politics, and national security.

With India raising the red flag over Pakistan’s nukes, old fears are back in focus. Why is Pakistan’s vague nuclear posture drawing international concern? What makes sites like Kirana Hills suddenly crucial? And has Islamabad’s long-used deterrence strategy started to lose its edge? This episode breaks down the shifting nuclear calculus, the risks of ambiguity in Pakistan's nuclear policy, and the growing calls for global oversight.

Turkey’s alleged supply of kamikaze drones to Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack, has pushed New Delhi to reassess its bilateral ties with Ankara. This explainer breaks down the evidence, Pakistan’s tactics, India’s possible responses, and the wider implications for regional security and global norms.

This explainer breaks down what the bailout package includes, why India abstained, and how IMF rules left little room for protest, all in the middle of rising regional tensions.

A 25-minute precision strike at 1:05 AM on May 7. Nine terror camps hit. India’s Operation Sindoor has shaken Pakistan. We break down what really happened, debunk fighter jet rumours, assess border tensions, the shelling situation, global reactions, and whether war is on the horizon. Tune in.

In the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, India’s response is shifting gears, from instant retaliation to calibrated strategy. This explainer breaks down the government’s multi-pronged approach: the visible defence posture, diplomatic manoeuvres, internal security drills, and the emerging long game to dismantle Pakistan’s terror infrastructure. Tune in.

After over seven decades, India is preparing to bring caste back into the national census. What does this seismic shift mean for social justice, political power, and affirmative action? We decode the history, the politics, and the road ahead, from the Mandal moment to Bihar’s bold survey and the BJP’s surprising nod. We ask: Why now? What’s at stake? And how will the numbers shape the nation?

After the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a move that’s rattled Pakistan into issuing nuclear threats. Could this water war spiral into a full-blown conflict? We break it down.

"Terrorists only need to be lucky once, while security forces must be unlucky just once." This is what occurred in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where a deadly terror attack on April 22 resulted in the deaths of at least 28 tourists. In this explainer, we discuss what happened, who is responsible, and what the future may hold. Tune in.

Pope Francis, the first pontiff from the Americas and to lead the Catholic Church, has died at 88. As the world mourns, we revisit his life, legacy, and controversies. What happens now? Who might succeed him? We unpack the days ahead.

As US Vice-President JD Vance visits India with his family, behind the warm optics lies a high-stakes trade negotiation. With tariff-pause deadlines looming, can India and the US strike a deal in time? We discuss.

With rising emotional fatigue and loneliness, many Indians are turning to AI companions like Bezu for comfort, empathy, and connection. But what drives this shift: Convenience, cost, or a deeper need to feel heard without judgment? This episode explores the emotional, ethical, and societal questions surrounding India’s newest mental wellness trend and whether AI friends are bridging gaps or creating new ones. Tune in.

President Trump’s sweeping tariffs have put India in a tight spot. A 90-day pause offers temporary relief, but what comes next? In this episode, we unpack the ripple effects: which sectors are worst hit, how rare earth tensions with China could derail India’s tech ambitions, and why the services sector may be India’s strongest buffer. We also explore a surprising opportunity in textiles, the growing threat of cheap Chinese imports flooding Indian markets, and whether a US-India trade deal could soften the blow. Tune in!

It started with dreamy Ghibli-style avatars. Now it’s fake Aadhaar cards and court appearances by AI avatars. In this episode, we dive into the wild rise of AI-generated images — the hype, the harm, and the urgent need for guardrails. Tune in.