Climate Realism is a doctrine by some environmentalists in the U.S. that believes current global climate goals (such as those in the Paris Agreement) won't be achieved, and that U.S. domestic emissions cuts will have limited global impact. It also argues that the current clean energy transition, as it stands, risks weakening U.S. geopolitical standing by benefiting China, as compared to current messaging which claims it is beneficial for the US.

Instead, it advocates short-term policies for managing domestic climate impacts (such as internal climate migration and natural disasters). It also supports long-term policies for investing significantly in the domestic clean energy industry (instead of global cooperation), while using U.S. diplomatic and economic tools to influence Global South countries to reduce emissions by adopting American-made technologies.

Balkanization refers to the process of a larger state fragmenting into smaller, ethnically homogeneous entities.

Charlie Bucket grew up in deep poverty, sharing a tiny home with his family and surviving on the bare minimum. His life changed forever when he found a Golden Ticket inside a Wonka chocolate bar, granting him entry into the most famous and mysterious chocolate factory in the world. Inside, he witnessed rivers of chocolate, impossible machines, and sweets that defied the laws of nature.

The factory was a dazzling wonder, but it was also a demanding empire on which thousands of workers and millions of customers relied. Every recipe, every invention, every decision about production and secrecy came from the person in charge. The entire system depended on a single mind to keep it alive and thriving. Willy Wonka had carried this weight for decades, pouring his genius into constant experimentation, managing a global operation, and sustaining the sense of marvel that defined his brand. The role consumed him completely, leaving little room for connection with the outside world.

Growing old, isolated, and increasingly aware of his mortality, Wonka could no longer sustain the empire alone. In the final act of his life, he named Charlie as his successor, entrusting him with both the marvels and the immense burdens of the factory.

Behavioral economics and psychology studies show that most people prefer avoiding losses over acquiring equivalent gains (known as loss aversion). This means people are more motivated to avoid losing ₹100 than to gain ₹100, leading to cautious decision-making in uncertain situations.

Debating 'meta' refers to the rules (written and unwritten) that govern parliamentary debating, as well as the consumption and adjudication standards for parliamentary debating. Parliamentary debating meta has had many changes in its long history.

You are a 24 year old debater. You are renowned in your country's circuit, and people generally tell you that you are quite skilled. You have never debated at a 'major' (an annual international tournament that serves as a continental/world championship) in your life. You also have a day job as a consultant in a mid-tier consultancy firm. You are at a crossroads, where you can either double down on parliamentary debating, or quit and focus solely on your life ahead.

In recent decades, Hinduism in India has witnessed a gradual rise of female priests challenging male-dominated ritual spaces. Women are increasingly performing weddings, funerals, and temple ceremonies, often emphasizing inclusivity and modern reinterpretations of scripture.

Hijras in India, recognized as a third gender, have long faced exclusion and marginalization. They often capitalize on public unease by appearing at weddings, childbirths, or marketplaces, loudly offering blessings or hurling curses. Refusal to comply risks public embarrassment or bad fortune, making fear of disruption their bargaining tool for dignity and livelihood. A parallel can be seen with early Jewish communities in Europe, who, facing hostility and exclusion, sometimes invoked narratives of divine retribution or collective unrest if sacred practices or burial grounds were desecrated. Both groups show how fear can be strategically mobilized to claim space and resources.

The Catholic Church requires celibacy for its priests as a spiritual discipline designed to enable them to serve God and the Church with undivided dedication, modeling their lives on the example of Jesus Christ, who was himself celibate.

Avoidant escapism refers to the use of activities such as entertainment, daydreaming, or substance use to distract oneself from confronting stress, problems, or difficult emotions.

The ‘tortured genius’ archetype depicts brilliant but deeply flawed or mentally unstable protagonists whose suffering is romanticized as part of their creativity. This trope shapes perceptions of mental illness as inseparable from artistic greatness.  For example, in A Beautiful Mind (2001), John Nash’s mathematical brilliance is interwoven with his battle against schizophrenia, with his genius and mental illness portrayed as inextricably linked.

An adhocracy emphasises decentralised decision-making cross-functional teams, and internally encourages rapid adaptation to new opportunities or challenges. In contrast, a hierarchy is a structured system with clear lines of authority, formal roles, and established procedures, prioritizing stability control and consistent processes.

LGBTQIA+ visibility has expanded across Southeast Asia, with Thailand advancing a marriage equality bill and countries like Vietnam and the Philippines showcasing strong queer presence online. Tourism increasingly features queer-friendly destinations, from Bangkok cabaret shows and Phuket Pride to Manila drag festivals and Bali nightlife. Alongside tourism, migration reflects economic and social shifts: LGBTQIA+ individuals often relocate to hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok seeking jobs in the hospitality and creative sector.

“Respectability politics” refers to the strategy of presenting marginalized groups in ways that align with dominant cultural norms (e.g., family-friendly, professional, monogamous). In the LGBTQIA+ context, this often means promoting images like same-sex married couples or queer parents while downplaying expressions seen as “too radical” (e.g., drag, kink, non-traditional relationships).

For the purpose of the debate, gamification of reading refers to the process where reading becomes a more interactive and competitive social experience. Examples of this includes online reading Apps such as Fable, including features of personalized reading stats, daily reading streaks, and an integrated e-reader that enables users to highlight, annotate, and discuss books in real-time with others.

The American Dream is the belief that in the U.S., everyone has the opportunity to succeed and achieve a better life through hard work and perseverance, regardless of their background or social status. 

A new piece of research has been conducted that credibly shows that the avg. IQ of women is 20 points above that of men. This research is currently secret.

For the purpose of this debate, ‘intentional ugliness’ refers to the trend where young people worldwide deliberately embrace aesthetics traditionally deemed ugly (e.g. chaotic outfits, distorted selfies, or intentionally messy hairstyles) to rebel against beauty standards amplified by technology.

Trends leading up to this includes but are not limited to 'deinfluencing' (posting deliberately messy or unedited content to mock highly curated online perfection) and 'baggy feminism' (using oversized clothing to reject gendered fashion rules)

For the purpose of the debate, misandry is an ideology that centers around hating and being antagonistic towards men.