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.