Decoded

India's solar boom faces a new test as rising costs squeeze returns

Solar developers face higher costs from domestic cells, commodities and rupee depreciation, while competitive tariffs leave little room to absorb the increase, putting project economics under pressure

From anti-national to offensive content: What are CBFC's new film rules?

The CBFC has revised its film certification guidelines, setting out new rules on what films can show and how they will be classified for different age groups

India's Russian oil imports: From war-era discounts to Trump-era shifts

US lawmakers' push to name India in a Russia sanctions bill puts its Russian oil purchases back in focus. Here's how the trade has changed since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine

How an Indian-origin CEO with no gaming experience is 'fixing Xbox mess'

Seven months into the job, Asha Sharma is overseeing a series of changes across Xbox's gaming business, from a 3,200-job restructuring to changes in cloud gaming and new partnerships

Airtel, Jio accuse Vi of blocking mobile number porting: What do rules say?

Airtel and Jio have accused Vi of making it harder for customers to port out. The dispute recalls a 2021 row that led Trai to order telcos to enable port-out SMS on all plans

Explained: What is Article 371(K) and what could it mean for Ladakh?

The Centre and Ladakh representatives have made progress on a proposed new political framework, with key questions on powers, safeguards and the role of local bodies still under discussion

Food safety law: Can authorities suspend a restaurant licence immediately?

Food safety authorities can suspend a restaurant licence over violations, but the law lays down a process for rectification, appeals and cancellation

UPI Tap and Pay explained: How it works, key features, and its benefits

Digital payments are getting a new option. Here's what RBI's new UPI Tap and Pay feature is all about, how it works and what it could mean for users:

What is superalignment and why are AI researchers raising concerns?

Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon's warning about self-improving AI has raised concerns over superalignment. Here's what it means and why it matters

India joins US-led 6G initiative: How does it fit with Bharat 6G Mission?

India has joined a US-led 6G initiative even as it pursues its own Bharat 6G Mission. What does the new framework cover, and how does it fit with India's existing 6G plans?

Isro's private-sector push: How close is India's space model to Nasa's?

Isro is expanding private-sector participation while retaining core responsibilities. Is its emerging model similar to Nasa's approach?

4G phones are back in India as memory costs make 5G more expensive

As memory prices nearly quadruple, India's budget smartphone market is shrinking and 4G phones are gaining ground as a cheaper option. Is this the start of a new trend?

Centre plans overhaul of company filings under Companies Act: 5 key changes

The Centre is consulting stakeholders on a revamp of the filing architecture under the Companies Act, 2013. Here are five changes being considered and what they could mean for companies

TMC, Shiv Sena breakaway put focus back on anti-defection law, mergers

Recent political shifts have revived the question of how the Tenth Schedule's two-thirds merger exception operates, and whether numerical strength alone can shield legislators from disqualification

Irdai's insurance registry: What data will it link and who can access it?

From policy and claims records to intermediary and grievance data, Irdai's proposal sets out what the registry could connect and how access would be controlled

AI-generated work can be original, so why can't AI be its author?

Why did an AI-generated artwork qualify as original but still fail to get copyright registration? A recent order draws a clear distinction between originality, authorship and ownership

Decoded: What is Anthropic's MHS and why does it matter for Physical AI

Anthropic's Model Hardware Standard aims to give AI agents a common way to understand and operate programmable hardware, potentially simplifying integration across robotics, labs and manufacturing

What does the EU's 'very large search engine' tag mean for ChatGPT?

The designation follows ChatGPT reporting more than 45 million average monthly users in the EU -- the threshold for classification under the DSA

Delhi SIR 2026 draft: 13 constituencies had over 40% electors not included

As many as 13 of Delhi's 70 Assembly constituencies saw more than 40% of electors not included in the SIR 2026 draft. Tughlakabad recorded the highest share at 47.8%, followed by Okhla at 45.2%

Explained: Why are MBBS, BDS interns on an indefinite strike in J&K

J-K medical interns staged dharnas in Jammu, saying their ₹12,300 monthly stipend has remained unchanged for nearly seven years despite inflation and the workload they shoulder

Why India may revive 'Most-Favoured-Nation' rule in bilateral treaties

India dropped the MFN clause from its 2016 Model BIT after an investment dispute raised concerns over its broad use. Now, a limited MFN rule is reportedly under consideration

Meta's new teen safety rules: What changes on Instagram and Facebook

The new protections will first apply in participating US states and territories, subject to judicial approval. Meta has not announced these measures as a global rollout

Can Meta lose safe harbour over AI moderation? What Sec 79 of the IT Act says

Instagram's temporary removal of a PM Modi video has revived questions over intermediary liability, AI-led content moderation and the limits of safe harbour protection under Section 79 of the IT Act

PM Surya Ghar: Why govt is tightening tracking of solar generation data

The government has long required generation data from rooftop solar systems. A new MNRE order now tightens inverter-level reporting, requiring daily output data to be shared with the National Portal

Why prosecutors in Delhi are challenging mandatory biometric attendance

Why are Delhi's public prosecutors opposing mandatory biometric attendance? The dispute centres on whether a fixed attendance system fits the nature of their court duties

Celebrity food endorsements under FSSAI scrutiny: What do the rules say?

FSSAI's warning to celebrities has put food endorsements under the lens. Here's what endorsers must check, disclose, and verify before promoting a food product

Zoox vs Tesla: How Amazon's 'toaster-shaped' robotaxi differs from Cybercab

Zoox and Tesla are taking different routes to driverless taxis. Here's how their robotaxis differ in design, regulation, manufacturing and deployment

Operation Economic Outcast explained: How the US plans to isolate Iran

The US has launched Operation Economic Outcast to isolate Iran by targeting its oil, shipping, technology and financial networks, while warning countries and firms trading with Tehran of sanctions

Who owns Lakshadweep? HC ruling settles a key pandaram land dispute

For decades, Lakshadweep's pandaram land has been at the centre of an ownership dispute. A recent Kerala High Court ruling has now clarified the rights of those who hold the land. Read on

US national debt crosses $40 trn: What govt debt means and how it works

US national debt has crossed $40 trillion. Here's a guide to how government debt works, why governments borrow, who they owe money to, how they repay it and what debt ceilings mean