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Explainers

Illustration: Davies Christian Surya

Explainer | What is the ‘Blue Wall’ and how can it be breached?

Among the fiercest battlegrounds in this year’s US presidential election are three states Donald Trump won in 2016 but lost in 2020.

Explainer | The heated US-China cable competition under the seas

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Explainer | Hong Kong zoo melioidosis outbreak: what is this disease and how does it spread?

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Explainer | What is Hong Kong’s plan to eradicate its worst subdivided flats?

Critics say government legitimising problem by only eliminating 30 per cent of problem homes, despite Beijing order to ‘bid farewell’ to them.

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Subdivided homes must be at least 86 sq ft in size under the new rules. Photo: May Tse

Explainer | How can new policies help young Hongkongers stop ‘lying flat’, be homeowners?

Applicants aged under 40 will get extra ballot number in flat draws, a move that is expected to increase their chances of being selected.

Explainer | How does Hong Kong’s liquor tax cut work and why do some find it hard to swallow?

Drinkers with a taste for pricier spirits will benefit most from new framework, but health concerns are also top of mind.

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Explainer | How Hongkongers can stop thieves stealing their valuables while flying

The Post learns why direction your bag faces in overhead compartment can offer protection, among other advice, amid spike in on-board thefts.

A recent theft case involved a passenger losing a watch valued at HK$4.16 million. Photo: Shutterstock

Explainer | 2024 US congressional races: what to expect and how China plays a role

Concerns about Beijing loom in some contests as Democrats seek to hang on to the Senate and Republicans eye expanding their House majority.

Explainer | How do US ‘swing states’ decide presidential elections?

The seven states where Democrat Kamala Harris or Republican Donald Trump will win – or lose – the White House.

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Explainer | How are votes counted in the US presidential election?

The Post looks at the timeline and issues that may affect the American election result and transition to a new White House administration.

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Illustration: Davies Christian Surya

Explainer | What to know about lithium-ion batteries after 1 caused fire on Hong Kong train

The Post looks at how you should take care of the batteries that charge your mobile phones and laptop computers.

Electronic products should always be placed in a cool and dry place to avoid being directly exposed to sunlight, which would hinder heat dissipation. Photo: Shutterstock

Explainer | What were the risks involved in Hong Kong’s cancelled drone shows?

The Post breaks down what went wrong with the National Day events, the technology involved and why neighbouring Shenzhen was able to carry on with its shows.

Explainer | What happened to Hong Kong’s pre-National Day drone show? The Post talks science

Consultant working with organisers attributes decision to significant ionospheric interference affecting GPS signals used to control drones.

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Explainer | How do Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific, other airlines deal with unruly fliers?

Incident involving drunk passenger on Chicago-bound Cathay flight puts safety back under microscope, as industry body warns of legal loophole.

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An incident involving a drunk passenger on a Chicago-bound Cathay flight has put air safety back under microscope. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Explainer | All you need to know about waterspouts after rare sighting in Hong Kong harbour

A waterspout was seen in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour for the first time since records began in 1959, so what caused the phenomenon?

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The waterspout formed in the sea off Hung Hom and dissipated shortly after hitting a wall. Photo: Government Flying Service

Explainer | Unsure how to spend National Day break in Hong Kong? The Post has you covered

Hong Kong has lined up series of activities to mark 75th anniversary of country’s founding, including discounts and an evening drone show.

Explainer | Hong Kong’s HK$3 million Scameter raffle: how to participate and what you can win

The Post breaks down this unprecedented publicity drive by police and what sweeteners are available for participants.

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Explainer | Why banks ‘call’ mortgage loans, and what your options are if they do

What to know about when and why a bank might call your loan, and why falling interest rates create more options for strapped borrowers.

People enjoy a park in Kai Tak near the Oasis Kai Tak residential development on July 7, 2024. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Explainer | To recline or not? A look at in-flight rules after Cathay bans Cantonese couple

The Post unpacks protocols, common misconduct on flights and what can get you blacklisted.

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Explainer | Israeli-Hezbollah conflict escalates – but is this war?

Israel and Hezbollah have repeatedly traded fire in the last year, but neither side is calling it a war – yet.

Explainer | Who is Hong Kong scientist Dennis Lo and what is he best known for?

Molecular geneticist with a ‘stellar reputation’ is the only candidate in the running to take over as head of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Professor Dennis Lo has been at Chinese University since returning from Britain in 1997. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

New roster of owners on The Peak as famous and hidden tycoons steal bargains

Rare fire-sale deals in Hong Kong’s exclusive residential enclave have brought famous and hidden tycoons to the fore.

An aerial view of a residential building on Peak Road. Photo: Roy Issa

Explainer | How does Hong Kong handle psychiatric patients?

Experts explain circumstances under which psychiatric patients are required be hospitalised or can be discharged.

Explainer | China has raised its retirement age. How does this compare to other countries?

Recently announced increases to China’s retirement age have received global attention – but what have other countries done?

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Explainer | What are Hong Kong police’s gun rules and how did fatal shooting happen?

The Post looks at how guidelines compare with other jurisdictions and recent cases such as officer’s shooting of man on Peng Chau last year.

Hong Kong police must undergo training to fully understand the legitimate uses of force. Photo: May Tse

Explainer | Drone show, sampan rides: what’s new in Hong Kong this Mid-Autumn Festival

The Post explores this year’s line-up of traditional and modern activities for the annual event, gives hints on when to catch the ‘supermoon’.

An elaborate lighting display at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. Photo: Eugene Lee

Explainer | How to protect yourself after recent deadly fish-linked infection in Hong Kong

City’s health chief has urged residents to be careful when handling freshwater fish after 27 people were infected with Group B Streptococcus.

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Explainer | Hongkongers will soon need to pay to enter the UK. How does the ETA system work?

The Post breaks down electronic travel authorisation (ETA) documents and the places where they are used.

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Explainers
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Explainers. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
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