TOI Explains Stories
Why did Pakistan raise fuel prices by an ‘unprecedented’ 40-50% in one go?
Usually, Pakistan goes populist and softens the blow. So, what forced it to let prices jump all at once?
- Team TOI Plus
- TIMESOFINDIA.COM
Why Karnataka’s proposed Freedom Of Choice in Marriage law matters
The state has proposed a law that would protect consenting adults if they choose to get married from opposing family and community groups
- Team TOI Plus
- TIMESOFINDIA.COM
Can Trump really pull the US out of Nato – and what happens if he tries?
Trump says he is “absolutely” considering leaving Nato. But can a US president actually do it — and what would it mean for Europe, global security, and India if the alliance begins to unravel?
Bab el-Mandeb: The narrow strait that could trigger the next global trade shock
With tensions rising near the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb — another maritime chokepoint — is coming into focus over fears that it could become the next shipping lane to be targeted, especially with the entry of the Houthi group into the current conflict. For India, the repercussions will be significant
- Team TOI Plus
- TIMESOFINDIA.COM
Trump’s pause buys time. But the Gulf’s deepest vulnerability is now exposed
While Trump has signalled a willingness for negotiation, Tehran’s warning has exposed a deeper risk: the Gulf countries' heavy reliance on desalination plants, where any disruption could trigger a devastating crisis for millions
- Rajesh SharmaDevyani Mohan
- TIMESOFINDIA.COM
US temporarily eases Iran oil sanctions. How and why this matters for India
Indian refiners will hope they can purchase Iranian oil to ease pressure on domestic fuel prices, inflation and rupee. However, it may be easier said than done. With other US sanctions on Iran still intact, there will be issues relayed to payment mechanisms, insurance, shipping and logistics
- Devyani Mohan
- TIMESOFINDIA.COM
Who gets to decide your gender? Why the new trans Bill is under fire
India’s proposed Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, 2026 has sparked a fierce backlash over its shift from self-identification to medical scrutiny. Activists and legal observers say the changes could narrow protections, complicate recognition and test the constitutional promise of dignity
- Alka Dhupkar
- TIMESOFINDIA.COM
Love jihad, prison term: Inside Maharashtra’s anti-conversion law
The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, seeks to criminalise conversions through coercion, fraud, inducement or marriage. However, the proposed bill has reopened a wider debate over privacy, inter-faith marriage, religious freedom and the expanding reach of the state
- Bhavika JainSunil Baghel
- TIMESOFINDIA.COM
Why Trump may find it hard to reopen Hormuz - with or without allies
Trump side-stepped diplomacy on way to war in Iran. Now, he wants all to help. But even if even if he can assemble a major coalition, although unlikely, it could prove very hard to end Iran's blockade. Here's why
Explainer: The effect US attacks on Iran’s main oil export hub could have
Military installations on the island near the Iran mainland were bombarded by the US and President Donald Trump has threatened to target oil infrastructure on the island next.
How the US-Iran war is quietly squeezing India’s gas supply
As conflict between the United States and Iran disrupts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, India faces rising energy risks. Nearly half its crude imports and large volumes of LNG pass through this narrow corridor, making distant tensions suddenly relevant at home
- Team TOI Plus
- TNN & Agencies
Right to choose a partner: Why police must protect interfaith couples
Delivering its judgment in a batch of 12 writ petitions, the Allahabad High Court recently held that the law cannot discriminate on the basis of faith, and unequivocally affirmed that the State has no authority to ‘veto’ the personal lives of its citizens
- Sunil Baghel
- TIMESOFINDIA.COM
Why a Delhi court discharged Arvind Kejriwal, 21 others in liquor scam case
The court was critical of the CBI’s investigation and the Enforcement Directorate’s role in the case
Explained: How the IDFC First bank Rs 590 cr fraud unfolded
IDFC First Bank has held some employees of a Chandigarh branch responsible and said they worked with others to siphon funds out of state government accounts
Explained: Why a US map of India spoke louder than the trade deal
The United States Trade Representative's announcement on February 6 of the interim US-India trade deal was accompanied with a map that depicted the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as part of India. The catch is that three days later, the post isn't visible on X
Trump warns of Chinese warships near Greenland. Is that actually true?
China’s presence in Greenland remains thin. The US fear appears to really be about future leverage — over minerals, infrastructure and Arctic routes — especially as China-Russia ties deepen
Why Trump's threats to seize Greenland could end world’s biggest security alliance
If the world's most powerful country, the United States, were to annex Greenland, the territory of another ally, it would set a dangerous precedent that could trigger the end of NATO
- AP
A 500% tariff on Russian oil buyers? Why a US bill could shut India out of its biggest export market
First 25%, then another 25%....now a possible 500% tariff. The number sounds extreme because it is designed to end commerce, not tax it. If a 500% tariff is imposed, it would effectively be a trade embargo that for all practical purposes halt all Indian exports to the US.
As China holds war games, what does 'Taiwan's independence' actually mean?
China claims Taiwan as its own territory, and it has not ruled out using force to take it under Chinese control. Taiwan rejects China's claims. With China recently holding its war games around Taiwan, here's an explainer about Taiwan's history and what independence really means for Taiwan
- Agencies
Explained: How your child can qualify to get $1000 under ‘Trump Accounts’
“Trump Accounts”, a lesser-known provision of Trump's tax legislation, gives $1,000 to every newborn, so long as their parents open an account. Here's how it works, where the money will be invested and who all will benefit
- Agencies