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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 Dragon's Fire: Assessing India's Need for a Dedicated Rocket Force

With China's expanding missile arsenal along the LAC, a debate is intensifying within India's strategic community on the necessity of creating a unified command for all long-range conventional strike assets. We explain the threat, the proposal, and the implications.

Security & Defence

Beyond Punishment: Reforming India's Drug Policy Through Harm Reduction

As India grapples with new trafficking routes and technologies, a debate is intensifying over its punitive drug laws and the need for a public health-centric approach focused on harm reduction and rehabilitation.

Social Issues

AI and the Constitution: Building Digital Guardrails for Indian Democracy

As artificial intelligence reshapes the information ecosystem, the debate shifts from mere regulation to a constitutional imperative to protect democratic values. We explain the threats, the legal vacuum, and the proposed frameworks.

Polity

The India-U.K. FTA Explained: Decoding the 'Gold Standard' Trade Deal

Set to come into force on July 15, 2026, the comprehensive trade agreement aims to significantly boost bilateral trade. We break down its key provisions, economic projections, and long-term implications for both nations.

Economy

Beyond Disputes: Can the Tungabhadra Model Solve India's Water Wars?

An examination of the Tungabhadra water-sharing arrangement, its current challenges, and its potential lessons for resolving India's protracted inter-state river disputes.

Governance

The Vanishing Help: India's Domestic Work Sector at a Socio-Economic Crossroads

With rising education and new economic opportunities, the traditional supply of domestic workers is shrinking, forcing a fundamental shift in urban Indian households and posing a major policy challenge.

Economy

Beyond Marks: The New Fear of Irrelevance in Indian Higher Education

An analysis of the shift in student anxiety from academic failure to professional obsolescence, driven by technological disruption and a changing job market.

Education

Beyond the Headlines: The Real State of the Indian Economy

While official figures project rapid growth, a closer examination reveals significant structural vulnerabilities, from energy import dependency to a changing global landscape for services and remittances.

Economy

The India-New Zealand FTA: Decoding the Strategic and Economic Stakes

Beyond tariff cuts, the proposed trade pact signals a shift in India's trade policy, focusing on facilitation, compliance, and deeper integration into global supply chains. An analysis of the agreement's components and implications.

International Relations

The Chilling Effect: Decoding the FCRA and the Future of NGOs in India

Recent amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act have tightened the regulatory framework for non-governmental organisations. We explain the key changes, the government's rationale, and the concerns over shrinking civic space.

Polity