In Focus by The Hindu
News & Politics
About
A podcast from The Hindu that delves deep into current developments with subject experts, and brings in context, history, perspective and analysis.
Episodes
- In Focus-Parley | Do abortion laws in India need overhauling?
This episode of In Focus by The Hindu discusses abortion laws in India, focusing on the Supreme Court's recommendation to amend the law regarding medical terminations. It explores the current state of abortion access, the limitations, and…
- Tamil Nadu Election Results 2026: Can TVK break the DMK–AIADMK Duopoly?
The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election results show the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerging as the single largest party, disrupting the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK. This episode discusses whether this signals a fundamental r…
- Assembly poll results: How do they alter the political calculus in India?
This episode of In Focus by The Hindu discusses how recent assembly election results have altered India's political landscape, with changes in power in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. The outcomes are analyzed for t…
- Why are negotiations between the U.S. and Iran stalled?
Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are stalled due to disagreements over Iran's nuclear program, economic sanctions, and regional influence. Historical mistrust and ongoing Middle East tensions further complicate efforts to reach an ag…
- Can high temperatures influence the sex of your baby?
This episode explores the potential link between high temperatures and sex ratio at birth, referencing a research paper that suggests a connection between extreme heat and fewer male births. It discusses the health concerns relating to cli…
- In Focus-Weekend | What do tech disruption and stagnant wages mean for India’s middle class?
This episode discusses the economic challenges faced by India's middle class, focusing on technological disruption, wage stagnation, and increasing household debt. It explores these issues through the lens of Saurabh Mukherjea's book, 'Bre…
- What are the political implications of 7 AAP MPs ‘merging’ with BJP?
Seven Aam Aadmi Party MPs have reportedly merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party. The episode discusses the political and legal implications of this development, including challenges to anti-defection laws and potential court cases from AA…
- In Focus-Parley | Does the PIL jurisdiction need to be reconsidered?
This episode of In Focus by The Hindu discusses the question of whether the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) jurisdiction needs to be reconsidered. It delves into the origins of PIL, its aim to widen access to justice, and concerns that ha…
- India’s temporal inequality: Why the poorer you are, longer the queue
This episode of In Focus by The Hindu discusses temporal inequality in India, examining how the poor spend more time waiting for essential services. It explores whether digitization has addressed this issue or if it has further impacted th…
- What are the key challenges in PoSH reporting and implementation?
This episode discusses challenges in PoSH reporting and implementation, featuring Advocate Geeta Ramaseshan. It covers how the PoSH Act works, limitations of internal committees, and reasons women may not report sexual harassment, in light…
- Why are Haryana's farmers resisting the new digital verification rules at mandis?
Farmers in Haryana are opposing new digital verification rules for crop procurement at mandis, which include mandatory registration and biometric verification. The government states these measures aim to curb fraud, while farmers argue the…
- In Focus-Weekend | How AI could reshape the future of species
Adrian Wolfson, in "On the Future of Species," discusses how AI could reshape the future of species, potentially surpassing natural selection and creating new life forms. He explores the concept of artificial biological intelligence and it…
- Noida protest: Why do labour disputes get treated as ‘law and order’ issue?
This episode of In Focus by The Hindu examines the Noida protest where workers' demands for better wages led to conflict. It delves into the reasons behind treating labor disputes as law and order issues, the events of April 13, and the im…
- In Focus-Parley | Has a weakening of unionisation hurt workers?
This episode of In Focus-Parley discusses if a weakening of unionisation has hurt workers. It covers topics such as protests for minimum wages, expansion of social security, and contractualisation of jobs, with guests Kingshuk Sarkar and F…
- How to make India's metro systems serve our cities better?
This episode of In Focus by The Hindu examines challenges and opportunities for India's metro systems to enhance urban mobility. It explores factors beyond scale, such as last-mile connectivity, station design, fare policies, and integrate…
- How will 'Indian Ozempics' change treatment for diabetes and obesity?
With the patent for semaglutide expired in India, nearly 40 generic versions of Ozempic are now available or soon to be released. This episode of In Focus by The Hindu discusses how these more affordable GLP-1 drugs will affect diabetes an…
- Can a cancer therapy help treat autoimmune diseases?
This episode discusses the early promise of CAR-T cell therapy in treating autoimmune diseases, originally a cancer treatment. It examines the therapy's mechanism, challenges in treating autoimmune diseases, and its potential for long-term…
- As polls near, how is Tamil Nadu's economy doing?
This episode of In Focus by The Hindu examines Tamil Nadu's economic performance, exploring its growth drivers and challenges. The discussion covers the state's economic strengths and areas for improvement as elections near.
- Israel-Lebanon 10-day ceasefire: Will it hold?
This episode discusses a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, effective April 16, 2026, announced by US President Donald Trump. It explores the truce's potential impact on Lebanese civilians, the role of Hezbollah, and the prospect…
- In Focus Parley | Should the Mythos AI model raise cybersecurity alarms at governments and companies?
Anthropic's new Mythos AI model is powerful at finding cybersecurity vulnerabilities, leading to concerns for governments and companies. Project Glasswing involves sharing the model with tech firms to identify and patch bugs. The Indian go…
- Justice Kurian Joseph Committee Report explained: what are its recommendations?
Ashok Vardhan Shetty, a member of the Justice Kurian Joseph Committee, explains its recommendations regarding Union-State relations. The report was submitted to the Chief Minister and subsequently tabled in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
- US-Iran war: Why did the Islamabad peace talks fail?
The episode discusses the failure of the Islamabad peace talks between the US and Iran, examining the reasons for the deadlock and its impact on the ceasefire. It also explores how the US might attempt to blockade Iranian ports.
- Why are Central banks not raising interest rates despite rising oil prices?
This episode discusses why central banks are not raising interest rates despite rising oil prices and inflation, examining the complexities and potential economic consequences. It explores the different factors influencing current central…
- Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections: Can DMK retain power amid BJP’s push, AIADMK’s challenge, and Vijay’s TVK entry?
This episode discusses the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections, analyzing the ruling DMK\'s performance, the AIADMK\'s efforts to consolidate opposition, and the BJP\'s attempts to expand its presence. It also considers the potential influence o…
- Can Cuba weather its worst crisis in decades?
Cuba is experiencing its worst crisis in decades due to a de facto naval blockade, leading to electricity outages and medical backlogs. Cuba's Ambassador to India, Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera, discusses the impact and seeks Indian partners…
- Have elections in India become plutocratic?
This episode of "In Focus by The Hindu" examines whether elections in India are becoming plutocratic. It discusses the increasing expenses in Indian elections and the growing concern about the role of money in shaping electoral competition…
- What is behind U.S.- Iran ceasefire?
This episode of In Focus by The Hindu discusses the fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, analyzing the agreement's contents and the differing perspectives of Washington, Tehran, and mediator Pakistan. It questions whether the cease…
- Will the 'No Kings' protest be a defining moment in Trump's second term?
The 'No Kings' protest saw millions take to U.S. streets, addressing civil liberties, immigration, foreign policy, and cost of living. This episode explores its nature as a grassroots uprising or network-driven mobilization, its global rea…
- Should privacy be a tradable right?
This episode explores the question of whether privacy should be a tradable right, particularly in the context of India being "data-rich." It discusses the "consent regime" and questions the commodification of personal data using the econom…
- West Bengal elections: How will SIR voter deletions and anti-incumbency shape outcomes?
This episode discusses the West Bengal assembly elections, examining the impact of voter deletions and anti-incumbency. It explores the political strategies of the Trinamool Congress and BJP in shaping the election outcome.
- Is cinema a positive influence in Tamil Nadu politics?
This episode of In Focus by The Hindu discusses the historical entanglement of cinema and politics in Tamil Nadu, examining the influence of film on political figures and movements, and its role in shaping the state's political landscape.
- Why has the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 sparked such outrage?
The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, aims to amend the FCRA Act, 2010, by introducing a ‘Designated Authority’ with power to take over NGO assets. This episode explores the implications of this bill for civil society organizations and human righ…
- Assembly elections: Can the Left overcome anti-incumbency in Kerala?
This episode discusses the upcoming Assembly elections in Kerala, focusing on the Left Front's bid for a third consecutive term and the challenges posed by anti-incumbency. It also examines the roles of the Congress-led UDF and the BJP in…
- The Tamil Nadu way: How to reverse India's creeping centralisation
In this episode, Ashok Vardhan Shetty, a member of the Justice Kurian Joseph Committee, discusses the committee's report on Union-State relations. The conversation explores Tamil Nadu's historical advocacy for decentralisation and federali…
- Has gold lost its safe haven status?
This episode of In Focus by The Hindu discusses the recent drop in gold prices. Experts analyze factors including shifting interest rate expectations, a stronger U.S. dollar, and global market liquidity pressures to determine if gold has l…
- Does India have enough health professionals to care for its rising senior population?
This episode explores India's capacity to care for its increasing senior population. It discusses the availability of health professionals, geriatricians, and community care systems as the country ages.
- How do you make a living will?
This episode of In Focus by The Hindu discusses living wills, also known as advanced medical directives. It explains what they are, what steps are involved in making one, and how they relate to the Supreme Court's ruling on the right to di…
- In Focus-Parley | Should men get paternity leave in India?
This episode of In Focus by The Hindu discusses the Supreme Court's call for a formal law recognizing paternity leave for fathers in India. The discussion explores whether men should be granted paternity leave.
- What happens to the FIFA World Cup if Iran were to withdraw?
This episode of In Focus by The Hindu examines the potential withdrawal of the Iran national football team from the FIFA World Cup due to escalating geopolitical events. It discusses the implications for FIFA, the host nations, and the tou…
- Is trump making a u-turn on Iran war?
This episode of In Focus by The Hindu discusses Donald Trump's pause on striking Iran's energy infrastructure, exploring if it is a tactical U-turn or a limited pause. It notes that U.S. attacks on other Iranian military targets continue d…
- Is the U.S. running out of missiles in the Iran-Israel war?
This episode of In Focus by The Hindu explores the sustainability of the Iran-Israel conflict, focusing on US missile stockpiles and the economics of modern warfare. It examines whether US weapons systems are being used faster than they ca…
- West Asia conflict: Under what conditions would Iran agree to a ceasefire?
This episode of In Focus by The Hindu discusses the West Asia conflict, focusing on Iran's perspective amidst ongoing attacks. It also touches upon India's concerns regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Guest Mehdi Razmahang, Assistant Professor…
- Why was the National Transgender Council kept in the dark about the 2026 Amendment Bill?
Kalki Subramaniam, Southern Regional Representative of the National Council for Transgender Persons, discusses the Transgender Persons Amendment Bill 2026. She reveals concerns about the Union Government drafting changes without consulting…
- How far should governments go in using AI?
Governments globally are deploying AI in public administration, national security, and policymaking, prompting questions about safe usage and accountability. This episode of In Focus by The Hindu discusses the tensions between governments…
- Assam Assembly elections: Is Himanta all set for a second term as CM?
This episode discusses the Assam Assembly elections, examining Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's pursuit of a second term. It explores potential election pivots such as identity politics, economic issues, and the impact of the 2023 deli…
- LPG crisis: Is the Strait of Hormuz blockade India's biggest energy security test yet?
This episode of In Focus by The Hindu discusses the LPG crisis in India triggered by the Strait of Hormuz blockade. It explores India's energy security challenges, including its reliance on imports and vulnerability to global disruptions,…
- US-Israeli war on Iran: Will Trump escalate or exit?
Smriti Sudesh and Stanly Johny discuss the expanding US-Israeli war on Iran, the rising casualties and regional risks, and America's potential responses. The conversation covers the escalating stakes with American troops targeted.
- When a godman takes over your life: In Conversation with Priyamvada Mehra
In this episode of In Focus by The Hindu, Priyamvada Mehra discusses her memoir, "The Cost of a Promised Afterlife." She shares her experiences growing up in a family devoted to a godman, her liberation from the cult, and her path to self-…
- Why are farmers protesting against an India-US trade deal?
Farmers in India are protesting a proposed trade deal with the United States. They express concerns that the agreement could lead to an influx of cheap American produce, negatively impacting local markets and farmers' incomes. The Indian g…
- In Focus-Parley | Is India tailing the U.S. in its West Asia policy?
This episode discusses India's West Asia policy in the context of the ongoing conflict involving Israel, the U.S., and Iran. It explores whether India is aligning with the U.S. and the potential implications of this stance for India's econ…