Sports
How spinners decide Test matches on Indian pitches
On most Indian grounds the pitch changes more over five days than almost anywhere else in cricket. That change is what turns spin bowlers from supporting actors into match-winners.
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Lifestyle
How to plan a trip around the monsoon
Travelling during the monsoon can mean green landscapes and lower prices, with a little extra planning. Rain patterns vary a lot. Some regions are at their wettest while others nearby stay drier.
Politics
How coalition governments are formed
In a parliamentary system, the government needs the support of more than half the members of the lower house. If no single party has a majority, two or more parties can agree to support one government together.
Business
How small shops decide which payments to accept
Walk into any small shop and you'll see a mix of QR codes, card machines and cash drawers. Card payments usually carry a fee for the merchant, while UPI payments in India generally don't.
Business
SIPs, explained in five minutes
A systematic investment plan, or SIP, puts a fixed amount into a mutual fund at regular intervals — usually monthly. When prices are low your fixed amount buys more units; when they are high it buys fewer.
Politics
How a parliament turns a bill into a law, step by step
Most parliaments follow a similar path, even if the names of the stages differ. A bill is introduced and debated in principle before members look at the detail.
Technology
How two-factor authentication keeps accounts safe
Two-factor authentication asks for something you know, like a password, and something you have, like your phone. Passwords leak in data breaches and get reused, so someone else may already know yours.
Sports
The impact player rule, explained simply
The impact player rule lets each side bring in one substitute during a T20 match who can bat and bowl fully — unlike a traditional substitute fielder. Teams name a few possible substitutes before the toss.
Lifestyle
Appam and stew: why Kerala's classic pair works so well
Some food pairings are simply legendary. For anyone who has explored the cooking of Kerala, vegetable stew with appam is one of them.
Politics
What a budget speech actually changes
A budget speech is the government's yearly statement of what it plans to spend, how it will raise money and what taxes will change. Most tax changes are written into a finance bill.
Entertainment
How films get their age ratings
Before a film is released in cinemas, it usually needs a certificate saying who it's suitable for. In India, the Central Board of Film Certification reviews films and issues certificates such as U, UA and A.
Climate
Why power cuts happen more on the hottest days
Power cuts often cluster during heatwaves, and it's not a coincidence. Fans, coolers and air conditioners push electricity demand to its highest levels of the year.
Health
What a 'waiting period' in health insurance means
Most health insurance policies don't cover everything from day one. The waiting period is the time before certain claims are paid. Many policies don't pay for illnesses that start in the first weeks, though accidents are usually covered straight away.
Entertainment
Why most films release on a Friday
In India and many other countries, most new films open on a Friday. Cinemas are busiest on weekends, so a Friday opening gives a film three strong days straight away.
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