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 Unfulfilled Promise: J&K’s Long Wait for Statehood
Seven years after its special status was revoked and over two years after a Supreme Court directive, the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir remains a contentious issue, testing India’s federal structure and democratic commitments.
The Fraying Nuclear Order: Why the Non-Proliferation Treaty is in Crisis and What it Means for India
The global framework designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons is under unprecedented stress, challenged by geopolitical rivalries, selective enforcement, and the unfulfilled promise of disarmament. A look at the NPT's core contradictions and India's unique position.
Beyond the Monthly Numbers: Decoding the Structural Shift in India's Foreign Trade
While a widening trade deficit in June 2026 caused alarm, a deeper look at the data reveals a deliberate policy shift towards building manufacturing capacity, especially in electronics, by strategically managing imports and boosting diversified exports.
The Promise and Peril of India-U.S. Defence Tech Cooperation: Why Ambition Outpaces Delivery
A deep dive into the structural challenges, from export controls to differing strategic goals, that have stalled landmark projects like the GE jet engine deal despite growing political alignment.
India's Generational Handover: The New Guard and the Remaking of Politics
A new generation of digitally-native citizens is moving from the margins to the centre of India's political discourse, forcing established parties to adapt to a new language of engagement, participation, and accountability.
The Algorithmic Classroom: When Social Media Influence and Pedagogy Collide
A trend of 'teacher-influencers' is blurring the lines between education and content creation, raising complex legal, ethical, and pedagogical questions about student safety and the nature of teaching itself.
The Judiciary and Electoral Rolls: Scrutiny, Delay, and Democratic Stakes
A recent Supreme Court judgment on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has brought into focus the judiciary's role in safeguarding the right to vote. We explain the process, the controversy, and the implications.
India's Nuclear Future: Balancing Energy Ambition, Self-Reliance, and Safety
As India targets a massive scale-up in nuclear power to 100 GW by 2047, it faces a critical choice between its proven, cost-effective domestic technology and expensive foreign imports, a decision that will shape its energy security and industrial future.
The Political Economy of Welfare: Deconstructing Populist Doles in Tamil Nadu
With a new government in power, Tamil Nadu confronts a legacy of populist welfare schemes that have strained its finances. We explain the history, the economic impact, and the political tightrope the state must walk.
Justice on Hold: The Colonial Legacy of Court Vacations and India's Pendency Crisis
With over five crore cases pending, the practice of long, en masse court holidays, a relic of the British Raj, is facing intense scrutiny. We explain the history, the arguments for and against, and the potential paths to reform.