WION Explains
5G vs airlines: Do 5G telecoms pose a threat to airline safety?
The US telecom industry and the airline industry have been arguing over the potential impact of 5G wireless services on aircrafts. This is in stark…
Read Article →
South India is being asked to have more babies. Is it sitting on a population time bomb?
Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have flagged a possible decline in the states' population. Can and should governments tell people to have more babies? Is population decline a…
Read Article →
US Elections: Why do all elections take place on Tuesday of November’s first full week?
The tradition of holding presidential elections on a Tuesday was instituted in 1845 when Congress directed that Election Day be designated “on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November…
Read Article →
US Presidential Election 2024: What key issues are driving the polls? Where do Harris and Trump stand on them?
US Elections 2024 Key Issues: Driving the 2024 US Presidential elections are a number of issues of importance to voters. Let's take a look at some of the key issues and where the…
Read Article →
Explained | Hurricane Helene to Milton: Why and how hurricanes get their names—find out here
Hurricanes are named to make it easier for people to communicate about…
Read Article →
Know about Chagos Islands, whose control UK has reliquished, and which hosts Diego Garcia military base
Chagos Islands UK-Mauritius sovereignty transfer: In a historic decision this week, the UK transferred sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after more than 200 years of…
Read Article →WION Explains
Welcome to WION’s explainers page.
At WION, we strive to answer your questions on the most complex of global issues and developments, in the simplest language. Our effort here is to cut through the clutter, and make global news and information accessible and understandable to everyone.
Through various formats like questions and answers, photo galleries, and videos, we break down the facts, people, places and institutions making the news.
Keep checking back on this page for our lucid explainers on areas ranging from geopolitics, defence, international affairs, to entertainment, health and sports.
Explained: Georgia adopts ‘foreign agents’ law after overriding presidential veto
The law now requires organisations, including media outlets, nonprofits and other non-governmental organisations receiving more than 20 per cent of their funding from abroad to register as bodies…
Read Article →
Explained: A murder trial, dramatic car chase, a heist and more! The scandalous legacy of OJ Simpson
OJ Simpson, an American football star turned actor, has left behind a controversial legacy, that boasts of a gruesome murder, police chase and "the trial of the century". Let's have a look at who…
Read Article →
Explained | How are Russia’s low-cost glide bombs changing the nature of the war in Ukraine?
Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow is updating and deploying extremely dangerous, highly lethal Soviet-era weapons, launching them from locations where Ukraine's air defence systems…
Read Article →
Explained: What is Agni Prime, the new-generation ballistic missile test-fired by India
What is Agni-Prime?: The solid-fuelled Agni-Prime is a surface-to-surface missile capable of hitting targets at ranges of 1200-2000 kilometres. Having such a range puts it in the…
Read Article →
Explained: Israeli military's use of AI tool 'Lavender' to generate kill lists
Israel, as per a recently unveiled investigation, has been using an AI tool to generate kill lists during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Here's all we know about the AI-based tool, named '…
Read Article →
Explained: Why is Taiwan prone to earthquakes and how its technology, policies help in disaster mitigation
Taiwan earthquake: The island lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” the line of seismic faults which encircle the Pacific Ocean and is characterised by active volcanoes and…
Read Article →
Explained: How the row over Katchatheevu island between India and Sri Lanka was diffused and revived
The row has become very much political, with Tamil Nadu's Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party chief MK Stalin saying it's the BJP's 'diversionary' tactic.
Read Article →
Explained: BCCI’s policy to sustain and boost domestic cricket amid focus on IPL
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been praised for its effort to host the IPL in the nation despite the ongoing buzz of the general elections. However, the BCCI has also earned…
Read Article →
Explained: Logistical and security hurdles in US bid to set up temporary port for aid to Gazans
The plan involves Joint Logistics Over The Shore (JLOTS) equipment. This will be akin to a large LEGO system and will comprise 40-foot-long steel pieces that interlock to create a pier and…
Read Article →
Explained – How BCCI’s new ‘incentive scheme’ initiative will change cricket dynamics in India
The emergence of T20 cricket and the money that comes with it has led to budding cricketers picking the newest format over Test cricket.
Read Article →
Explained: Who is Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Chérizier, Haiti gang boss who threatened civil war
Who is Jimmy Chérizier? The 46-year-old is one of the five gang leaders who face sanctions by the UN and the United States. During his time as a police officer, he allegedly…
Read Article →
Explained: Why IPL is cricket's equivalent version to English Premier League
Considered the biggest tournament in the world in terms of financial power, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has well and truly captured the imagination of the global audience. For many, it is the…
Read Article →
Rare Disease Day: Challenges in protecting newborns from rare growth-affecting conditions
Rare diseases are conditions that affect a small percentage of the population. Despite their rarity individually, and collectively, rare diseases affect millions of people worldwide
Read Article →
Explained: Why India’s Test series triumph over England should be rated highly
IND vs ENG: Rohit Sharma-led India won the fourth and penultimate Test versus England to take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series. Here is why the series triumph should be rated …
Read Article →
Explained: How AI-generated propaganda poses a real threat this historic election year
A study conducted by researchers at Stanford University and Georgetown University in the US has found that AI-generated propaganda is just as effective as propaganda written by humans. Researchers…
Read Article →
Explained: Ukraine discusses security deals with allies as war enters third year. What are they?
The war between the two countries started on February 24, 2022, and there are no signs of the conflict ending anytime soon.
Read Article →
Explained | What’s the buzz over America’s first private moon landing? Is it a success?
The robotic craft Odysseus appears to have landed tilted. Perhaps, it broke a leg while landing. It does qualify as a soft landing, but the craft's operational capabilities could be impacted in…
Read Article →
Explained: Whose saree is it anyway? Bangladesh cries foul as West Bengal claims Tangail saree as its own
Tangail saris, known for their unique handwoven techniques, designs, and motifs, have been traditionally produced in the Tangail district of Bangladesh. The saree originated in the late 1800s. The…
Read Article →
Explained: What's Eagles' 'Hotel California' stolen lyrics trial all about?
If you love rock music, there's no chance you haven't heard "Hotel California'' by the Eagles. But guess what, there's a trial going on over stolen lyrics of the cult favourite. Here's us breaking…
Read Article →
Explained: Proposed reforms that have led South Korea’s doctors to walk out
South Korean doctors' strike: Around two-thirds of the country’s young doctors have joined the protests since they began earlier this week raising fears of further disruptions to…
Read Article →
Trump 2.0: What will his 'revenge cabinet' do to the US and world? Who can stop him?
Donald Trump's 'revenge cabinet': The US president-elect aims to reshape domestic and global role of the US government. His team selection is a reflection of what he wants to…
Read Article →
South India is being asked to have more babies. Is it sitting on a population time bomb?
Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have flagged a possible decline in the states' population. Can and should governments tell people to have more babies? Is population decline a…
Read Article →
US Elections: Why do all elections take place on Tuesday of November’s first full week?
The tradition of holding presidential elections on a Tuesday was instituted in 1845 when Congress directed that Election Day be designated “on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November…
Read Article →
US Presidential Election 2024: What key issues are driving the polls? Where do Harris and Trump stand on them?
US Elections 2024 Key Issues: Driving the 2024 US Presidential elections are a number of issues of importance to voters. Let's take a look at some of the key issues and where the…
Read Article →
Explained | Hurricane Helene to Milton: Why and how hurricanes get their names—find out here
Hurricanes are named to make it easier for people to communicate about…
Read Article →
Know about Chagos Islands, whose control UK has reliquished, and which hosts Diego Garcia military base
Chagos Islands UK-Mauritius sovereignty transfer: In a historic decision this week, the UK transferred sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after more than 200 years of…
Read Article →
Explained: How were the deadly Hezbollah pager explosions carried out in Lebanon?
Hundreds of pagers of Hezbollah fighters suddenly exploded and killed nine people while injuring another 2,800 in an attack which was allegedly orchestrated by Israel
Read Article →
Explained: How dangerous is the 'strange noise' from Starliner?
This noise, which emanated from Starliner's speakers has given rise to wild speculations and technical debates on the likely causes
Read Article →
How to manage asthma and win like Olympian Noah Lyles? Exclusive expert tips
Nearly two in 10 Olympians are living with asthma, which is the most common chronic condition among Olympic athletes, according to the American Lung Association. Experts told WION how the athletes…
Read Article →
UK riots: Who are far-right groups organising over Telegram, Facebook, X, TikTok? What you should know
UK Southport stabbing riots: Far-right fringe groups, influencers and conspiracy theorists became active on social media soon after last week's stabbing attack on a Taylor Swift-…
Read Article →
US rolling back its nuclear stockpile even as China doubles down on increasing arsenal
The number of US non-strategic nuclear weapons has declined by more than 90 per cent since September 30, 1991
Read Article →
Explainer: The rules for transgender athletes at 2024 Paris Olympics
The framework instituted by IOC focuses on ensuring fairness in the women's category
Read Article →
Explained | Donald Trump survives assassination attempt: A history of US Presidents targeted by gunmen
Donald Trump is not the only US President or leader to have been the target of an assassination attempt, but he is one of the lucky few to escape it relatively unscathed. Here's a look at others…
Read Article →
Explained: Does Biden have Alzheimer's? Nancy Pelosi says both him and Trump should undergo mental acuity test
The Biden vs Trump election fight has not just one but two senior citizens. On the one hand, it is 81-year-old Biden and on the other 78-year-old Trump. Is either fit for the most important office…
Read Article →
Explained: Is forgetfulness a key indicator of Alzheimer's disease? Experts tell when to seek help
While age is one of the prominent factors resulting in Alzheimer's disease, other reasons such as genetics and trauma also play a major role
Read Article →
Explained: More people are avoiding news, turning to social media for information, finds study
The annual Reuters Institute Digital News Report noted that while this has been a growing trend observed for years now, selected news avoidance is at its highest levels ever recorded.
Read Article →
Global Gender Gap Index Explained: Will India and the world ever be 'gender equal?'
The Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI) is an annual report produced by the WEF that measures gender-based gaps in access to resources and opportunities in countries.
Read Article →
Explained: Biden details Israel’s new three-phase ceasefire proposal amid Gaza war. What is it about?
Israel-Hamas war: Israel’s ceasefire proposal will have three phases which will begin with a six-week complete ceasefire, see the return of hostages in Gaza, the release of…
Read Article →
Pride Month Explained: How it started, why it's observed in June, and what challenges does the community face?
Pride Month 2024: A total of 64 countries still criminalise homosexuality, and 12 countries have the death penalty as the punishment for consensual same-sex sexual activity.
Read Article →
Explained: Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognise Palestinian statehood. Here’s why it matters
Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognised Palestinian statehood as they believe that by acting together other European countries will follow suit for a diplomatic push to help secure a…
Read Article →
Explained: Germany stands against coal mine expansion, Greta Thunberg joins the protest
In the German village of Luetzerath, on Saturday, thousands of protestors marched through mud and rain demonstrating against the expansion of an opencast lignite mine.
Read Article →
Construction of SKA a.k.a world's biggest telescope begins; We might finally have an answer to 'are we alone?'
Construction of the world's biggest radio telescope, spanning two continents officially begins today. Let's look at the telescope, and its components and explore why it is a significant breakthroug
Read Article →
Rafale jets make 'technical stopover' in India: All you want to know about IAF's fighter
French Air and Space Force contingent, including three Rafale jets, made a strategically crucial stopover at the IAF's Sulur base in Tamil Nadu.
Read Article →
How France rescued the beluga whale trapped in Seine river
After nearly six hours of work, the stranded beluga whale was lifted from France's Seine river by a net and crane and placed on a barge under the immediate care of a dozen veterinarians.
Read Article →
China to display military might near Taiwan: How deadly is the J20 fighter?
The PLA will reportedly enter within 12 nautical miles of Taiwan which is just a few miles away from the island nation.
Read Article →
Big brands like Coca Cola found guilty of 'greenwashing', what is this and why is it problematic?
As per new research, major corporations like Coca-Cola and Unilever are deceiving customers by engaging in "greenwashing". The Changing Markets Foundation (CMF) points out that "the number of prod
Read Article →
Roe v Wade overturned: Here's what the ruling means for millions of American women
In a landmark decision that overturns 50 years of constitutional safeguards on one of the most contentious and violently contested topics in American politics, the United States Supreme Court on Fr
Read Article →
How the Northern Ireland protocol divides Britain and the European Union
As Britain gears up to present a summary of its legal advice over new legislation to change the Northern Ireland protocol governing post-Brexit trade rules alongside the bill on Monday, here is why
Read Article →
In Pics | #PrideMonth: The many flags and colours of the LGBTQIA+ movement
When you think of the LGBTQIA+ community, what colours/flags come to mind? Surely, you've conjured up images of the classic rainbow flag.
Read Article →
America's love for military style weapons and AR-15, the assault rifle used in Texas school shooting
The killer's employment of a military-style assault rifle that is inexpensive, easy to use, and deadly efficient has been a recurrent thread in America's worst mass shootings, including the one thi
Read Article →
America's gun culture kills hundreds every day. Is 2nd amendment worth the lives lost? Here's the data
On May 24, 19 children and two adults were killed and 16 others were injured in a shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
Read Article →
Mission to Moon: How US and Japan plan to once again send humans to the lunar surface
As the allies increase their cooperation on space initiatives, Japan and the US said Monday that they plan to send the first Japanese astronaut to the Moon.
Read Article →
Explainer-A guide to the Philippines election this year
The Philippines holds an election on Monday to decide thousands of positions across the archipelago, including who will take over from Rodrigo Duterte and become its president for the next six year
Read Article →
What is a heatwave, how is it declared, and what are the many types of alerts in India?
May has arrived, after April scorched large parts of India, setting a 122-year record. The country is experiencing a heatwave, with numerous states issuing orange alerts.
Read Article →
Tesla CEO pulls out of $44 bn deal; Here's the Elon Musk-Twitter saga; from hostile bid to the abandoned deal
It has been a whirlwind of a situation, featuring controversial Twitter polls, a will he - won’t he situation with Elon Musk joining the Twitter board, a ‘poison pill’ plan and finally the purchase
Read Article →
Pink Moon 2022: Where to watch and what it means!
The pink moon will shine during the weekend through early Monday and may be visible in most parts of the world.
Read Article →
Russia using phosphorus bombs in Ukraine? incendiary weapons & its use
World War I saw the first widespread use of incendiary weapons, just as the air force began to play a significant military role.
Ukraine to get US Stingers, Javelin, anti-armour systems; is it a gamechanger?
The US package includes 800 Stinger anti-aircraft systems, 2,000 Javelin, 1,000 light anti-armor weapons, and 6,000 AT-4 anti-armor systems.
Read Article →
Ukraine claims to capture Russia's Pantsir-S1 missile system; is it a rich catch?
The Ukrainian forces said it had captured a "special’ trophy" in the form of the anti-aircraft missile system.
Read Article →
Battle analysis: Russian tank armada vs Ukraine - who will win?
Ukraine uses the T-64 battle tank with a crew of three which entered into service in 2005 with a range of 385km.
Read Article →
What is greenwashing, the practice major companies are accused of engaging in?
What does 'greenwashing' mean and why is it a problem? Why do big brands like Coca Cola engage in it? Greenwashing serves as a smokescreen which hides the continued exploitation of the planet and allows those responsible to get away with it. "The number of products labelled as sustainable or green has increased exponentially in recent years, with many household brands guilty of greenwashing. Yet, as businesses claim progress towards sustainability, emissions continue to rise, extraction increases, and overproduction spirals," says Changing Markets Foundation (CMF) Read Article →
