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Wednesday, January 7, 2026
TopicThe Conversation

Topic: The Conversation

Doughnuts, alcohol, falling in love—how dopamine drives us to pursue pleasure

Dopamine is most known for its role in short-term pleasure. But it also assists with learning, maintaining focus and attention, and helps us store memories.

Why Emperor Penguins are in more trouble than we thought

The British Antarctic Survey examined satellite images from 2009 to 2024 to assess fast-ice conditions at 16 emperor penguin colonies south of South America—and noted an average 22% fall in numbers.

Shein to Temu, Trump’s tariff war is supercharging fast fashion industry

When US President Donald Trump introduced sweeping new tariffs on Chinese imports the goal was to bring manufacturing back to American soil and protect...

Those ‘what I eat in a day’ videos aren’t fun. They do more harm than good

Very few of these creators have formal qualifications in health or nutrition, increasing the potential for misinformation.

Hangover cures are big business. Do they actually work?

IV drips are now offered at clinics and 'drip bars' for hangovers. But unless you’re severely dehydrated, there’s little evidence they work any better than water, food, and rest.

Putin keeps bombing Ukrainian civilians. Is he desperate or impatient?

What Putin sees when he surveys the international scene is weakness. In his thinking, such weakness needs to be exploited – now is the time to hurt Ukraine as much as possible.

What makes somebody a narcissist? Evidence shows links to insecure attachment styles

Fearful attachment involves negative views of both the self and others. Those with this style typically crave connection while at the same time fearing it.

Want to lose weight without Ozempic? Turn to your kitchen

Fibre — predominantly found in beans, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds — is the most notable nutrient that can significantly increase GLP-1.

Why is world obsessed with sports? Ancient history has answers

If you walked down a city street in ancient Greek and Roman times, it’s likely you’d come across children or even adults playing a ball game.

Can Bangladesh afford electoral democracy right now? Stability should come first

Whether this moment of political flux leads to real transformation or yet another cycle of disillusionment will depend on how boldly — and how sustainably— the interim government and new actors like the NCP act.

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.