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Wednesday, January 7, 2026
TopicThe Conversation

Topic: The Conversation

What is ADHD diagnosis actually based on? ‘Functional impairment’ is the keyword

Some popular social media channels provide online 'tests' for ADHD and are sponsored by private clinics. This has raised concern about potential overdiagnosis.

Why do we sweat when we are nervous?

The amount a person sweats varies from one person to another and is determined by a huge number of variables, including the number of sweat glands, the amount of adrenaline produced, and their emotional state.

Why Trump’s sanctions won’t change Russia’s war calculus

The sanctions do hurt the Russian economy – lifting sanctions is always the most important demand anytime Russia is consulted about a ceasefire – but not so much that the war economy is slowing down.

People trust podcasts over social media

A study analysing more than 36,000 political podcast episodes found nearly 70% contained at least one unverified or false claim.

All birds use the same sound to warn against threats. It changes our understanding of language

A new study shows that over 20 species of birds, separated by 50 million years of evolution, use the same call when they see their respective brood parasite species.

Ukraine to Iran, a deadly honeybee parasite is on the rise. Old treatments won’t work

Research is underway in Thailand and China to develop management strategies. Unless effective treatments are found soon, the spread of this new mite could be catastrophic.

Gravitational waves proved Einstein right 10 yrs ago. Now, black holes are taking us further

Future gravitational wave observations will allow us to test more exotic scientific theories, and maybe even probe the missing components of the universe—dark matter and dark energy.

What is conscious sleep? East always knew it, West is about to catch up

Conscious sleep has been widely described for centuries by different Eastern traditions. The Indian philosophical school of the Advaita Vedanta called it 'sushupti'.

Was Israel’s attack on Gaza’s Nasser hospital a war crime? What the laws say

Even if it were argued that the hospital was a lawful target due to its being used by Hamas fighters, the collateral damage would have been vast, violating the rule on proportionality.

AI doesn’t get sarcasm in Indian English. Why this is a problem

Sarcasm is challenging not only as a linguistic phenomenon but also as a challenge for AI. Large language models could detect it in Indian English only 57 per cent of the time.

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.