Explainers News

Bombay High Court refused to stay FSSAI's order banning Old Monk rum's sale in Maharashtra. The case stems from FSSAI's objection to Old Monk's use of "7 years old blended" and "very old vatted" on its bottles, which contain rum-flavoured spirits and not actual rum. Marketing a spirit with 2-5% actual rum as 'pure rum' could mislead consumers, FSSAI argued.

Nike will exit the S&P 100 before US trading opens on September 21, 2026, following the index’s quarterly rebalance. While it will remain in the S&P 500, its removal from the S&P 100 could trigger selling by funds tracking the index. Nike shares have already fallen more than 75% from their 2021 peak.

Equal Earth projection was developed by a team of cartographers in 2018. Unlike Mercator projection, instead of focusing on navigation, Equal Earth tries to show relative size of landmasses more accurately. It gives a better idea of how much land different parts of the world actually occupy. UN has backed a move to replace Mercator map with Equal Earth projection.

EPFO members generally need at least 10 years of eligible service to qualify for a monthly pension under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS). Superannuation pension starts at 58, while early pension is available before 58 with a reduced amount. Pension is calculated using pensionable salary and service, with a minimum pension of ₹1,000 per month under applicable rules.

Central Government employees who opted for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) can switch to the National Pension System (NPS) only once, before retirement. The switch must be made at least one year before superannuation or three months before voluntary retirement, as applicable. Once exercised, it is legally final and the employee loses claims to UPS benefits.

Before buying a lab-grown diamond, one should check its origin and ensure it isn't a simulant. Buyers should ask for a reliable certification or grading report and understand the production technology. They should also pay attention to the cut, as it affects the diamond's sparkle, and check the retailer's policies on returns, warranties, upgrades and servicing.

India backed a UN resolution to adopt a new world map as part of its push for fairer global representation and to correct historical geographic biases affecting developing nations. The non-legally binding resolution was passed by a 164-to-1 vote. The widely used Mercator projection stretches landmasses farther from the equator, making India appear drastically smaller than Europe or Russia.

REITs may suit investors seeking regular real-estate exposure without buying or managing a property, while a rental flat offers ownership and potential appreciation. For those with ₹20-30 lakh, REITs can be more practical after considering property costs, including stamp duty and registration. A rental flat may suit investors with more capital, local market knowledge and time to manage tenants.

One should ideally cover 9-12 months of essential expenses, near-term commitments and medical needs through their emergency fund. The amount should also reflect income stability, EMI burden and insurance coverage. A credit card can serve as a short-term option but should not replace the fund. Sole earners should keep 12 months of expenses in reserve to manage unexpected shocks.

Eiffel Tower in Paris became the centre of controversy after staffers went on strike over allegations that female workers were asked to move out of the premises during a visit by a delegation from Hindu group BAPS. Female employees were asked to "leave their places of work to place men there". They were reportedly given instructions “to make themselves invisible".

The Bihar government has asked people not to consume fish caught in floodwater, amid rising water levels in ponds, lakes and rivers after the Nepal floods. The government said the fish may have come into contact with sewage, dead animals, and other contaminated substances and consuming them can prove harmful. People were asked not to eat unusually appearing fish.

Paying health insurance premiums on time does not guarantee a claim payout, as coverage depends on policy terms and exclusions. Claims may be rejected if a pre-existing disease was not disclosed, the applicable waiting period has not ended, or the treatment falls under an exclusion. An insurer may also deny claims if it determines the treatment was not medically necessary.

One may increase an existing SIP if the portfolio is already adequately diversified, the fund aligns with their risk profile and it continues to perform reasonably against its benchmark and peers. Starting a new fund is ideal when additional diversification is needed or an existing fund consistently underperforms. The increase should also consider income, goals, risk tolerance and inflation.

Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has gone viral for giving a straightforward response when China tried to bully him by sending an intimidating note mid-event. A lawyer and business executive, Teodoro assumed the role in 2023. He's an outspoken critic of China's expansionist actions in the South China Sea. He has played key role in strengthening military ties with US.

The 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling had declared China’s 'Nine-Dash Line' claim as legally invalid. The tribunal found that China encroached on the Philippines’ sovereign right by constructing artificial islands. China had declared the judgement "null and void". Notably, a Philippines minister has slammed China for handing him a note mid-speech explaining its position on South China Sea.

Before moving into a PG facility, compare its actual number of floors with the sanctioned building plan and completion or occupancy documents. Watch for warning signs such as fresh excavation, exposed foundations, dampness, water accumulation, major cracks or falling plaster. Also check that emergency exits are clear and uncrowded, and ask the landlord for applicable fire-safety clearance.