Explained Archive
Every Explained article we’ve published, in one place. Filter by category to revisit in-depth breakdowns of the policies, events, and ideas behind the headlines.
The Buck Stops Where? Unpacking Ministerial Responsibility in Indian Democracy
Following a high-profile resignation, a look at the constitutional principle of ministerial accountability, its historical application, and its relevance in contemporary Indian governance.
Beyond the Reserve: India's New Frontier in Tiger Conservation
With nearly 40% of its tigers now living outside protected areas, India is launching a new initiative to manage human-wildlife coexistence in shared landscapes. What is the 'Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves' policy, and what does it mean for the future of the national animal?
Tehran's Tightrope: Decoding Iran's Strategic Calculus in Taliban-led Afghanistan
Five years after the fall of Kabul, Iran pursues a complex policy of pragmatic engagement with the Taliban while keeping ties with the opposition, a delicate balancing act with deep regional implications.
India's Fuel Efficiency Puzzle: Why Weak Norms Could Cost the Climate and Economy
A deep dive into the proposed CAFE III regulations, the 'flexibility mechanisms' that may dilute their impact, and the implications for India's energy security and industrial future.
AI and the Invisible Workforce: The Promise and Peril for India's Informal Women Workers
As India builds its national AI infrastructure, the design choices made today will determine whether the technology empowers or further marginalises the millions of women in the informal economy. A look at the opportunities, the governance challenges, and the path forward.
US 'Forced Labour' Tariffs on India: Human Rights Concern or Trade Protectionism?
The U.S. has invoked forced labour concerns to impose new tariffs on Indian goods. An analysis of whether the measure is a genuine rights-based policy or a strategic tool to secure a trade advantage.
India's Strategic Dilemma: Navigating Autonomy Between a Volatile U.S. and an Assertive China
A volatile U.S. political climate and an assertive China are forcing New Delhi to reassess its foreign policy. This explainer breaks down the economic compulsions, security risks, and the doctrine of strategic autonomy defining India’s tightrope walk.
The Monsoon's New Mandate: How Climate Volatility is Forcing a Rethink of India's Governance
Beyond agriculture, the increasingly erratic monsoon is now a critical test for India's federal structure, urban planning, and disaster response, demanding a new political and policy consensus.
The Cauvery Conundrum: Unpacking the Politics, Law, and Ecology of an Enduring Water Dispute
A new political initiative by Tamil Nadu to hold direct talks with Karnataka has once again brought the century-old dispute into focus. We explain the history, the established legal mechanisms, and what is at stake.
The Cloud Kitchen Economy: Reshaping India's Plate, Policies, and Livelihoods
Beyond the convenience of a tap, the surge of delivery-only kitchens is creating a new economic ecosystem, presenting complex challenges for regulation, labour rights, and urban planning.