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Wednesday, January 7, 2026
TopicThe Conversation

Topic: The Conversation

Why it’s so difficult choosing a career for yourself — and 3 things you can do about it

Career decisions are a balancing act. You have to align your interests and aptitudes with the current demands of the labour market, neither of which are static entities.

The UFO buzz is passe—NASA has a new term for it. Here’s why we’re still fascinated

Like political scandals and high-waisted jeans, UFOs trend in and out of collective awareness but never fully disappear.

How astronomers use ‘dead stars’ to measure gravitational waves of ancient black holes

Gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime caused by massive accelerating objects.

Prigozhin set a precedent by forcing Putin to blink. It’s not lost on Russian elites

It can be argued that elements of virtually every one of Russia’s security services were complicit in Prigozhin's move – or at the very least apathetic to it.

Aspartame is as carcinogenic as aloe vera leaves or exhaust fumes. No reason for concern yet

Regulators agree that it’s safe for a person to consume about 2.8g for a 70kg adult, which is much more than most people consume.

High-society fashion became gender-bending in the 1920s. It was the ‘freaking’ parties

Gender-bending fashion became first-page news after World War I. There was a circle who were keen to try out new looks, no matter how bizarre.

How scammers use psychology to pull off internet cons – ‘pig butchering’ to fake app alerts

These scams all have one thing in common – they insidiously take advantage of people’s cognitive biases and psychological blind spots.

Bread isn’t as bad as you think. It’s more than an ultra-processed food

Bread, even flat breads or pitta, which contains seeds or bits of grain may have the added benefit of taking longer to digest. This can help to make you feel fuller.

West sees overcrowded trains as a classic Indian trope. But they are a colonial relic

A journalist was even convinced that railway facilities weren't the problem. Indian passengers lacked the 'self-possession' necessary to travel like 'sane human beings'.

Here’s a new magnet therapy for depression and anxiety in the UK

People who have tried antidepressants but they haven’t worked, may be offered TMS. It involves zapping areas of the brain associated with depression with pulsing magnetic fields.

On Camera

How artificial intelligence is reshaping terrorism and state security risks

Terrorist groups are increasingly using AI for propaganda, recruitment and attacks, forcing states to rethink security strategies.

Underlining sluggish exports, NITI Aayog flags need to jump-start India’s automotive market

Govt think tank flags India’s skewed auto export mix, warns domestic focus and high tariffs are limiting its global footprint; also highlights how auto components are a bright spot.

Bangladesh-Pakistan look to expand ties to defence procurement as Dhaka shows ‘interest’ in JF-17s

Pakistan military said it has assured Bangladesh of fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft during high level defence meet held Tuesday.

A year-end Mea Culpa in National Interest—The Army-Islam combo doesn’t kill democracy

Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.