Omicron was in Europe way before South Africa flagged it. Where did the new variant come from? Is banning flights from South Africa even helping? What should the World do? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: What the world can learn from the Omicron surge

China's ambassador to Sri Lanka is touring Jaffna, days after cancelling a solar project in the region. With his shirt off and veshti tucked in, the ambassador tried desperately to woo Lankan Tamils. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Shirt off, Veshti in - Chinese envoy woos Lankan Tamils

Pyongyang has issued fresh diktats to its citizens. For 11 days, North Koreans can't drink alcohol, go out shopping or laugh. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: North Koreans can not laugh for 11 days

CNN has been hit by another scandal. Weeks after its former star-anchor Chris Cuomo was accused of sexual misconduct, a CNN producer has been accused of 'luring underage girls' into 'unlawful sexual activities'. Plaki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: This CNN producer 'lured underage girls' into unlawful sexual activities

Global debt surged to a record USD226 trillion last year. This is the largest one-year surge since World War II. Can this trigger the next financial crisis? Palki Sharma tells you about the risks.

Gravitas: This giant tsunami of debt could trigger the next financial crisis

Is UK PM Boris Johnson on his way out? After multiple scandals and a rebellion by his own MPs, he has suffered a humiliating defeat in North Shropshire bypolls. Reports suggest that Tory MPs are now planning to hold a no-confidence vote. Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: Boris Johnson to face no-confidence vote soon?

French defence minister Florence Parly is visiting India with an eye on boosting defence ties. Has the AUKUS snub pushed Paris closer to New Delhi? Is France more reliable than the United States for India? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: France offering nuclear submarines to India?

Modern-day wars will be about controlling people's minds. China is already taking steps to get ahead. From "brain control weapons" to "bioweapons" and disinformation - the PLA is getting new tools to wage unconventional wars. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: China's unconventional war - 'Brain Control weapons' for Super Soldiers?

There are more than 20,000 mental health apps on the market. Are your therapy session notes safe on these platforms? Is there a real person or a robot on the other side talking to you? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Mental health apps and privacy risks

Joe Biden's pick for U.S. envoy to India Eric Garcetti says he 'will actively raise human rights issue'. Garcetti's own record as Mayor of Los Angeles is abysmal. He's not a seasoned diplomat either. Palki Sharma asks: Is the selection based on merit or his closeness to President Biden?

Gravitas: US ambassador-designate to India will 'actively raise human rights issue'

This week, a photograph showing 6 giraffes lying lifeless in Kenya went viral. The drought in Kenya is taking a toll on humans too. Over two million people are starving. Reports claim the drought is igniting communal tensions. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: This heartbreaking picture sums up Kenya's drought horror

Alina Chan told British MPs that a lab leak is "the most likely" source of the Wuhan virus. She also asked the Lancet to share the research it received from Chinese scientists. Palki Sharma tells you how the lab leak theory is back in focus.

Gravitas: Lab leak "most likely" source of Covid-19, British MPs told

Bangladesh marked 50 years of liberation with an impressive parade in Dhaka. Watching on from the dais was the guest of honour - Indian President Ramnath Kovind. Palki Sharma gets you a report on 50 years of Dhaka-Delhi ties.

Gravitas: Bangladesh celebrates 50 years of liberation

India's Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to raise the legal age of marriage for women from 18 to 21. Will this reform end the scourge of forced early marriages in India? Palki Sharma tells you why this decision is a good start.

Gravitas: India to raise legal marriage age for women

The global auto industry is facing a crisis. It could lose $210 billion in revenue due to an acute shortage of chips. In India alone, over 700,000 buyers are waiting for delivery. Can India's $10 billion plan solve this crisis? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Can India's $10 billion booster save the global economy?

In a proud moment for India, UNESCO has inscribed 'Durga Puja' on its list of 'intangible cultural heritage of humanity'. The international honour only adds to the festival's prominence. Palki Sharma tells you how.

Gravitas: UNESCO says Durga Puja is an 'intangible cultural heritage of humanity'

Virat Kohli has broken his silence after being sacked as India's ODI captain. What Kohli said, reveals a culture of unprofessionalism and communication gaps in the BCCI. Could the cricket board have handled the issue better? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Virat Kohli at odds with the Indian Cricket Board?

For the first time in human history, a spacecraft has made contact with the sun. NASA's Parker Solar Probe flew into the sun's atmosphere. Palki Sharma tells you how the probe is unlocking the secrets of the sun.

Gravitas: A NASA spacecraft has reached the sun

The UAE has threatened to scrap the F-35 deal with the United States. The warning comes amid America's efforts to make the UAE scrap deals with China. Palki Sharma tells you how the sheikhdom is caught in the US-China rift.

Gravitas: U.S-UAE rift? Emiratis threaten to scrap F-35 deal

The Deputy Governor of the Bank of England has issued a warning. Sri Jon Cunliffe has said bitcoin could be worthless, and investors should be prepared to lose everything. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Bitcoin could become "worthless", Bank of England Warns

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping held virtual talks amid rising tensions with the West. Topping the agenda was a joint Russia-China security policy. Can the two ambitious and volatile leaders agree to work together? Is the West facing a two-front threat? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: A Russia-China military alliance against NATO?

From the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq to Guantanamo Bay near Cuba, American soldiers have left a trail of blood and death. Their war crimes are well-documented, yet ignored. Palki Sharma lists out America's crimes in the last two decades.

Gravitas: From Iraq to Afghanistan: America's trail of deaths

A "top secret" strike cell of the US military dropped more than 100,000 bombs and missiles in Syria. Reports claim the military unit inflicted many civilian casualties - while American US military leaders looked the other way. Palki Sharma asks: Is America hiding its war crimes in Syria?

Gravitas: Secret American Death Squad "bombed civilians at will"

Move over debating in parliament, 2 politicians in Brazil stepped into a ring to settle political scores. How? Through a bout of #MMA. Shouldn't all lawmakers who often lose their temper be made to step inside a ring and settle their beef? Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: These politicians stepped into a ring to settle political scores