News18 Explainers

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.