In Focus by The Hindu
A podcast from The Hindu that delves deep into current developments with subject experts, and brings in context, history, perspective and analysis.
Episodes
Ukraine war: Is Russia testing NATO’s resolve?
As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its fifth year, the conflict shows little sign of ending. Russia and Ukraine continue to intensify drone and missile attacks, while efforts for a possible diplomatic breakthrough remain uncertain. Is Vladimir Putin under growing pressure? How has the nature of the war changed, what is driving the escalation?
Guest: Stanly Johny, International Affairs Editor, The
More sugar, different labels: How global food brands treat the Indian market
“Do you not want people to be healthy?” That was the question the Supreme Court put to the FSSAI earlier this month, while hearing a case over warning labels on the front of packaged food, for foods high in sugar, salt, and fat. The Court questioned why the regulator had delayed implementing stronger warnings, particularly when the issue directly concerns public health and children.The question be
Weekend Bonus episode: The Mathematics and Loneliness of DD Kosambi w/Prof. Ram Ramaswamy
This is a special weekend crossover episode featuring the Hindu's Rearview podcast.
Did Damodar Dharmananda Kosambi solve the Riemann Hypothesis - one of mathematics's greatest puzzles? Was Kosambi, who wrote one of the most influential books on studying Indian history, ignored by both mathematicians and historians? Is he India's Alan Turing?
This week we interview Prof Ram Ramaswamy, whose biog
What a waste: Can India get rid of its garbage mountains?
India has a waste management problem. Though we reportedly collect 90% of our municipal solid waste, nearly 40% does not enter formal processing. Due to this large share that is out of the formal processing system, most Indian cities have garbage mountains – open dump sites and landfills. These dump sites have been linked to groundwater contamination and other public health risks. Critically, they
In Focus-Parley | Is English a foreign language in India?
The Supreme Court has been discussing linguistics this month, while hearing challenges to the CBSE’s three-language formula, which mandates that two of the three must be native Indian languages, a category that does not include English. The Bench has been debating whether English should be considered a foreign language in India, given its long history in the country, and its role as a link languag
Cash transfers for women: Do they challenge gender norms on unpaid care work?
Unconditional cash transfers (UCTs) for women have become extremely popular. So far, more than 14 states have done it, benefiting 120 million women. The monthly payouts range from Rs833 to Rs2,500. State governments spend more than Rs2 lakh crore annually on such schemes.
But at the same time, at least six such states projected a revenue deficit for 2025-26, pointing to the growing fiscal pressur
Can you get dementia from long-term exposure to traffic noise?
Road traffic noise is a major environmental pollutant. Indian cities are cacophonous. They are not designed to insulate residents from sustained exposure to traffic noise. A new research paper has found a worrying link between traffic noise exposure and dementia, and also cognitive impairment. The paper, titled ‘Association of road traffic noise exposure with dementia or cognitive impair
How water stressed are Indian cities?
This year, residents in several Indian cities -from Mumbai to Bengaluru - have experienced a shortage in water supply. India's big cities are expanding in terms of size and population. This has also meant a strain on existing resources such as land and water. We have already seen cities such as Bengaluru attempting to implement restrictions on use of potable water for non-potable purposes. But do
Chronic kidney disease: Why has a Parliamentary committee called for mandatory testing?
It’s one of those conditions that has no symptoms during its early stages, meaning that by the time it is diagnosed, it could be very late: chronic kidney diseases, or CKD, has been in the news recently after a Parliamentary Standing Committee tabled a report on this condition in the Rajya Sabha earlier this month, and made a series of 66 recommendations. Significantly, the committee recommended d
Are IAS officers in key positions the biggest hurdle to police reforms?
“The biggest hurdle to police reforms comes from the bureaucracy itself – IAS officers who hold key positions at the Centre and in all departments of the governments and local bodies in the states,” writes Yashovardhan Azad in his new book, ‘Policing the Republic: An Inside View of How India Fights Corruption and Crime, and Protects Rights.’
Mr Azad, a former IPS officer who has served as specia
In Focus-Parley | Can free public technology break the private coaching industry?
In his 2026 Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government will roll out free online coaching for competitive exams using India’s digital public infrastructure. The announcement was made in a bid to reach out to the Gen-Z youth, especially following the widespread student protests against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak. The object
Bonus episode: Yemen explained: How the Houthis shook the U.S.-Saudi axis
In this bonus episode of the In Focus podcast we have an excerpt from Global Faultlines, the Hindu's international affairs podcast.
Yemen is no longer just the site of a devastating civil war. The Houthis have emerged as a powerful regional actor, capable of threatening Saudi Arabia, Israel and one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
In this episode, we examine how the Houthis tr
Do metro cities have space for pedestrians?
What does it say about our cities when the Supreme Court has to remind governments that people have a fundamental right to walk?
The Court’s recent judgment on footpaths has put a very basic question back on the table - who does the city actually make space for, the pedestrian or the vehicle?
In cities like Bengaluru, the answer is visible on the street. Footpaths are taken over by parking,
Why are tribal students still dropping out of school in Kerala?
Kerala is known for its high literacy rate and strong public education system. Yet, several tribal communities in the State continue to face barriers in accessing and completing education. According to the 2011 Census, the Cholanaickan community in Kerala had a literacy rate of just 15.3%, pointing to the wide gaps that persist within the State.In this episode, we look at which tribal communities
Three common medicines have been declared carcinogenic. What does this mean for patients?
Last week, startling headlines hit the news. Three commonly prescribed medicines, hydrochlorothiazide, used to treat high blood pressure, voriconazole, an antifungal medicine and tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant were classified as carcinogenic, or cancer causing, to humans. The classification was made by the International Agency for Research on Cancer or IARC, which is the World Health Organizatio
Are Satellite Towns the way ahead to decongest our megacities?
The Karnataka Government has been championing a project to build a nearly 10,000 acre Live-Work-Play greenfield city on its outskirts in Bidadi, which has become a political flashpoint as farmers oppose land acquisition.
All our mega cities seem to be saturated, overpopulated and congested. As a country we seem to be looking at ways of decongesting them. As Bengaluru seeks to embark on a similar
In Focus-Parley | Are traditional parties unable to understand the grammar of Gen Z politics?
Days after India’s youth-led protests forced the resignation of India’s Union Minister of Education, Members of Parliament found themselves speaking in the language of the protestors. For instance, Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde accused the opposition of being “MIA” - missing in action - and feeling the “FOMO”, or the fear of missing out, before eventually becoming “delulu”.
However, the Gen Z were
How does India view the Mecca pact?
The Mecca Defence Pact between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan marks a significant shift in West Asia’s security landscape. What does the agreement mean for India, and could it reshape the regional balance of power? In this episode of In Focus, we look at how India views the Mecca Pact, its implications for India-Pakistan tensions, Türkiye’s role, Saudi Arabia’s strategic calculations, and the
MDR charges on UPI transactions: Necessity or revenue grab?
Indians make around 24 billion UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transactions a month. The combined value of these payments is nearly Rs30 trillion. UPI is at the heart of India’s digital public infrastructure. The best thing about UPI payments: they are free.
But now this could change. The government recently passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha. This Bill,
Girl's death in China: Does gene editing therapy need better regulation?
The scientific world was rocked last month, when the case of a six-year-old girl who died in China, surfaced. The child was believed to have Snijders Blok-Campeau syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a mutation in the CHD3 gene. The condition affects intellectual development, but its severity varies widely. The girl’s parents sought an experimental treatment led by neuroscientist
The Ken-Betwa protest: Is there really surplus water to transfer?
The Ken-Betwa Link Project, India's first river-linking project, has once again come under the spotlight amid protests by villagers, many from tribal communities, who fear displacement and question the rehabilitation process. But beyond the immediate protests lies a larger debate over the science, hydrology and long-term viability of the project. In this episode, we unpack how the project is
In Focus-Parley | Should the Commonwealth Games be scrapped?
The recently concluded Commonwealth Games were unlike the usual multidisciplinary sporting extravaganzas that we are used to seeing. A late replacement to Victoria as host, the Glasgow Games were more akin to an abridged version with fewer events and fewer participants. India finished fourth on the medal table, a commendable performance given that most of the sports that over the years have formed
Why has India's hockey jersey turned saffron?
For decades, blue has been synonymous with Indian sport. So why has Hockey India decided to replace it with saffron as the primary colour of the men's national team's jersey ahead of the FIH Hockey World Cup? The move has sparked criticism from former players, administrators, fans and politicians, raising questions that go far beyond the design of a kit.
In this episode of In Focus, we look at ho
In Conversation with Neha Bora: Does NEP-2020 aid or destroy GenZ’s dreams?
Neha Bora has emerged as a charismatic student leader and one of the key faces of the Jantar Mantar protests. She is the national president of AISA, the All India Students Association, which is affiliated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation.
We speak with her about the impact of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 on India’s higher education system, what it mean
Article 370 abrogation: Seven years on, what has changed in Kashmir?
Exactly seven years ago on August 5th, 2019, the Union government abrogated Article 370, and subsequently, Jammu & Kashmir became a Union Territory, ruled directly from New Delhi.
Legislative assembly elections were held in September 2024 but the newly elected government did not have meaningful legislative or administrative powers.
When it revoked Article 370, the government made two promises:
Is India's consumption story powering growth or hiding risks?
What is the driving force of any economy? It is you and me! It’s the money we work so hard to earn and have fun spending. In fact, private consumption accounts for nearly 61.5% of India's GDP. Last year alone, consumer spending grew by 7.7%. This makes households one of the biggest contributors to India’s growth story.
Meanwhile, household debt has climbed to 45.5% of GDP, with unsecu
When livelihoods melt away: Should heat stress be recognised as a human rights issue?
Through three harsh summer months this year, about 40 households across Delhi maintained a 'Garmi Khata' — a handwritten weekly log of what extreme heat did to their health, income and daily routines. That citizen documentation drive has now culminated in a formal submission to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in July.The submission asks the NHRC to admit the registries as evidence, for
In Focus-Parley | Have fast-track courts delivered on the promise of speedy justice?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement to set up fast-track courts to hear paper leak cases has once again brought these specialised courts into focus and revived the debate over whether they are the silver bullet to India's chronic judicial delays. Both the government and the judiciary have, over the years, relied on fast-track courts to expedite the trial of specific categories of high-prio
Maharashtra Farm Bill: Does it really empower women farmers?
Maharashtra has become the first state in India to bring about a legislation for the empowerment of women farmers. The Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Bill, 2026, has been passed by both the Houses. It gives a broader definition of women farmers and de-links agricultural identity from land ownership. But while the Bill claims to address decades of systemic economic exclusion of women, it lea
Right to peaceful protest: Is it being strangled by ‘permission raj’?
The right to assemble peacefully is a fundamental right guaranteed to every citizen under the Constitution of India. But more often that not, this right has diminished into something that can only be exercised with permission from the police or the government
The state can, and does, deny permission arbitrarily, and if the citizens go ahead anyway, it ends up giving a legal justification for rep
Why did Houthis join war?
Why did the Houthis enter the conflict now? This video explains the group's motivations, its ties with Iran, why it resumed attacks on Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping, and how the escalation could reshape the Yemen war and regional security. We also examine the impact on global trade, oil markets, and the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Guest: Stanly Johny, International Affairs Editor, The H
VB GRAM G vs MNREGA: Which burdens States more?
The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (or VB-G RAM G) has replaced the 21-year-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (or MGNREGA).
The VB-G RAM G Act provides a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment per financial year to rural households whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work (up from 100 days under MGNREGA). Howe
Listening to Cockroaches: Why the ‘GenZ’ Jantar Mantar protest is different from any seen before
“What if all the cockroaches come together?” That was the one-line tweet, put out by Boston-returned Abhijeet Dipke, on May 16, 2026. In less than two months, we are witness to the ‘cockroaches’ – India’s youth -- coming together to protest at Jantar Mantar, and in different parts of the country.
But this student protest against endemic exam paper leaks is not the first show of mass dissent
QDENGA: Can the new Japanese vaccine end the dengue menace in India?
India has finally approved a vaccine for dengue. This is significant because India, in the last five years alone, has recorded over 1 million cases and at least 1,500 deaths due to dengue.
Dengue is hyperendemic in India, which makes it a huge public health challenge. A vaccine, in this context, could make a big difference.
Named QDENGA, the new vaccine has been developed by Takeda Biopharmace
In Focus-Parley | Is corruption the biggest threat to India's future?
Corruption has shaped elections, toppled governments and sparked some of the biggest public protests in independent India.
Digitalisation has transformed the way citizens interact with the government. The Right to Information Act promised greater transparency. But has corruption reduced? Or has it evolved into a different leviathan, one that is far more difficult to detect?
This question i
Spain wins the World Cup, but did FIFA favour Argentina?
Spain are world champions once again after a dominant FIFA World Cup campaign, defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final. But beyond the result, the tournament has sparked fierce debate over contrasting footballing philosophies, refereeing decisions and the narratives that shaped the competition.In this episode of In Focus, we unpack Spain's rise under Luis de la Fuente, how their possession-based game
Fuelling a pushback: Is India mismanaging the switch to E20 petrol?
The nationwide rollout of E20 petrol has become a political issue. As people complain of engine damage and lower mileage, the Opposition has accused the government of forcing E20 petrol on people.
Citizens and consumers generally have two demands: one, do not force E20 on everyone but give people the option to buy pure petrol; and two, reduce the price of E20 petrol to reflect its lower calorifi
Bonus episode | How the war on Iran changed the Gulf security order
The war on Iran may be over, but its consequences are only beginning to reshape the Persian Gulf. For decades, Gulf monarchies have balanced security partnerships with the United States, pragmatic engagement with Iran, and ambitious plans to transform themselves into global economic hubs. The conflict has put that strategy to its biggest test yet.
In this episode of Global Faultlines, we examine
When Africa Comes to America: How will rising Black Immigration transform US
A new book by Neeraj Kaushal, Professor of Social Policy at Columbia University, titled When Africa Comes to America: How the Next Wave of Immigrants Will Transform the United States’, argues that “the future of the United States is in Black Africa”.
One revealing datapoint from the book: four times more Black African immigrants arrived in the US between 1990 and 2020 than were brought as slaves
How has the use of VAR impacted FIFA World Cup 2026?
In 2016, The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which oversees the laws of the game, approved trials for video referees. This edition marks the third time that VAR has been used in World Cups starting with the 2018 World Cup in Russia. This World Cup has also seen numerous instances where lovers of the game have been up in arms regarding the interventions of VAR. Nevertheless, the Ro
In Focus-Parley | Does national recognition come belatedly for south Indian artistes?
Are South Indians overlooked for the Padma Awards and national awards. The issue regained prominence following the death of legendary playback singer S. Janaki, who had declined the Padma Bhushan, arguing that the honour had come far too late in her career. She maintained that artists should be recognised when they are at the height of their creative powers rather than in old age or after their de
El Nino again: How to climate-proof Indian agriculture?
The El Nino phenomenon is back this year, which means, a deficient monsoon in India. This, in turn, means a challenging time for Indian farmers.
Less rainfall is bad news for India on multiple fronts -- it dampens agricultural output, dents rural demand, worsens heat stress, and affects hydropower generation, among other things, all of which together could have cascading effects on the economy.
Bonus episode | Did India read the war on Iran wrong?
Since October 7, West Asia has witnessed a cascade of crises, from the war in Gaza, attacks on Red Sea shipping, to the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, and direct military confrontation between Israel and Iran. Together, these events have reshaped the region’s geopolitical landscape.
For India, the stakes are particularly high. New Delhi has spent years cultivating close ties with Israel, Iran
B'lore abuse: Why is early childhood care an unregulated space in India?
Allegations of abuse and mistreatment of children at a daycare facility run on the campus of a tech company in Bangalore have sent shockwaves across the country. Videos of children allegedly being forced into washing machines and locked in bathrooms have emerged sparking widespread outrage and concerns.
The larger question here, is how safe are the hundreds of creches and daycare facilities bein
How does the Opposition's role change in an ‘electoral autocracy’? with Yogendra Yadav
In recent years, democracy research institutes have been categorising India as a ‘partly free’ democracy, with the V-Dem Institute of the University of Gothenburg classifying India as an “electoral autocracy” from as far back as 2019.
For India’s Opposition parties, will the business-as-usual electoral politics suffice in an ‘electoral autocracy’, especially when they can go longer count on a lev
In Focus-Parley | Should India restart dialogue with Pakistan?
India and Pakistan have not been in a dialogue since 2016 when talks broke after the terror attacks at Pathankot and subsequently at Uri. The previous twelve years have witnessed major attacks at Pahalgam (2025) and Pulwama (2019) and that apart there were several smaller terror attacks.
Earlier this month, a group of eminent citizens led by Gandhian O.P. Shah drafted a joint appeal to the leade
Are the U.S. and Iran returning to full-scale war?
President Donald Trump has declared the Iran ceasefire 'over', casting new doubt on the future of the June 17 agreement. With nuclear negotiations stalled, tensions rising across West Asia, and questions over sanctions, NATO divisions and the risk of renewed military action, what comes next? We examine the future of U.S.-Iran relations, Tehran's strategy, the prospects for diplomacy, and whether t
Is digitalisation aiding land grab from Dalit and tribal farmers?
The Indian state has been digitalising land records across the country for many years now, and more aggressively since 2016 as part of the Digital India Initiative. There is growing evidence, however, that rather than empowering vulnerable communities, digital governance has often had the effect of dispossessing them of their rights – seen most clearly in the context of Aadhaar and KYC-
Who is accountable for mistakes in the IVF sector?
A recent case of assisted reproduction hit the headlines a couple of weeks ago, after a couple from Gurugram alleged publicly that their twin babies, born through IVF, were not genetically theirs. The case has created shockwaves, and subsequently, a Delhi court to file a case and probe the allegation. The case has once again put the spotlight on the assisted reproduction sector in India, a sector
Should NEET be scrapped – Part 3: How does a paper leak happen?
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a high stakes, high pressure exam that can make or mar the careers and fortunes of entire families. At least 14-NEET-linked suicides were reported this year, and the Tamil Nadu government’s official position is that NEET should be scrapped.
In Part 1 of this series, we looked at whether NEET as a system is aligned with India’s social goals. In the
U.S.-Iran tensions return: is the MoU already failing?
The United States and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to halt fighting, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, ease the naval blockade, and reduce tensions in the Gulf. But within weeks, the agreement is facing conflicting interpretations, new security incidents, and growing uncertainty.
Guest: Raja Karthikeya, Head of West Asia studies, Takshashila Institution
Host: Smriti Sudesh
Produce
Should NEET be scrapped – Part 2: Does NEET undermine merit?
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a high stakes, high pressure exam that can make or mar the careers and fortunes of entire families. At least 14-NEET-linked suicides were reported this year, and the Tamil Nadu government’s official position is that NEET should be scrapped.
Is a highly centralised MCQ-format exam the best way to assess the merit of a medical education aspirant?
In Focus-Parley | Has the 48-team World Cup made the tournament better?
In January 2017, when FIFA expanded the World Cup to 48 teams, starting with the 2026 edition, there were mixed feelings. Many welcomed the move, arguing that the flagship event of the planet’s most popular sport should have more than just 32 outfits. But there was criticism too, for many felt that the increase would dilute the quality of football.
What does evidence from the ongoing World Cup i
Should NEET be scrapped – Part 1: How does NEET align with India’s public health goals?
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a high stakes, high pressure exam that can make or mar the careers and fortunes of entire families. At least 14-NEET-linked suicides were reported this year, and the Tamil Nadu government’s official position is that NEET should be scrapped.
Much of the recent commentary on NEET has focussed on the paper leak. But larger questions remain: Is NEET,
Why do industrial accidents keep happening in India?
Every time a major industrial accident occurs, compensation is announced, inquiry committees are formed and investigations begin. Yet similar tragedies continue to recur across factories, warehouses, construction sites and industrial establishments.Recent weeks alone have seen the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant explosion, the collapse of an under-construction warehouse in Kolkata, septic tank deaths in
₹200 Pension in 2026? A look at India's old age pension schemes
In this episode, we have a conversation with Neha Lodha, a a Senior Resident Fellow at the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, where she leads research and policy work on financial, economic, and corporate laws. We spoke about the future of social security in India, examining whether the country's pension framework is keeping pace with an ageing population. The conversation explores the constitutional
What does Starmer's resignation mean for Britain, Labour and India?
From a historic election victory to an early exit from Downing Street, Starmer's resignation highlights the growing challenges facing Britain's political system. In this video we discuss Labour's future, the race for new leadership, economic pressures, public services, and the implications for India-U.K. relations.
Guest: Sriram Lakshman, Foreign Correspondent, The Hindu
Host: Smriti Sudesh
E
Wimbledon 2026 preview: Is Sinner the overwhelming favourite yet again?
With Wimbledon 2026 set to start this Monday, there have been three hot topics of discussion: who will make the most of Carlos Alcaraz’s absence, can Jannik Sinner withstand the hot conditions, and Serena Williams’ return to the singles draw through a wild card.
We speak with former professional player and coach of India’s Davis Cup team, Nandan Bal.
Host: G Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The
In Focus-Parley | Should Indian seafarers stop serving on sanctioned ships?
While merchant ships across the world have been manned by Indian seafarers, officers, engineers and crew for years, recent conflicts have suddenly brought Indian seafarers into focus. A recent flashpoint was when the U.S. attacked three ships allegedly carrying Iranian cargo, on the grounds that they were sanctioned vessels. Three Indian seafarers were killed in those attacks.
More recently, whe
From Barcelona Messi to Argentina Messi: How has the football icon evolved?
Coach Pradhyum Reddy shares insights on Lionel Messi's late-career exploits at the FIFA World Cup, and how players like him and Cristiano Ronaldo continue to break records at their age
Lionel Messi has spent nearly two decades rewriting football’s record books. Yet, four years after finally lifting the World Cup with Argentina, the 39-year-old is once again captivating fans on football’s biggest
Decoding India’s polycrisis: Ailing economy, broken education system, acute unemployment
The term ‘polycrisis’ denotes a scenario where multiple crises occur at the same time. A new book titled ‘India Out of Work: Rethinking India’s Growth Story’, written by two economists, Santosh Mehrotra and Jajati Parida, argues that India is facing a polycrisis -- a structural economic crisis, an employment crisis, and the education system crisis, and looming overall of all of these, a potential
Did Trump’s Iran deal sideline Israel?
The first round of direct US-Iran talks has concluded in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, marking a major diplomatic development in the West Asia. Mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, the negotiations come as U.S. President Donald Trump pursues a dual-track strategy: engaging Tehran through diplomacy while keeping the threat of military action firmly on the table. But the talks have raised difficult questions
Iran, visas and politics: How is FIFA handling U.S. excesses at the World Cup?
A discussion with Srinivasan Ramani on the controversies surrounding the 2026 World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino's response and what ‘sportswashing’ looks like in this edition.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered dramatic matches, surprise results and compelling storylines. But beyond the football, the tournament has also become a flashpoint for debates about geopolitics, immigration an
In Conversation with Romila Thapar: Is Hindutva compatible with democracy?
Romila Thapar, an extraordinary scholar known for shaping our understanding of ancient Indian history, and for instituting critical inquiry at the heart of Indian historiography, has come out with an expansive memoir, titled ‘Just Being’.
In this special edition of InFocus-Weekend, she speaks about her new book, the past, the present, and traces the role and impact of Hindutva in India’s present
Cough syrups no longer OTC: who needs to take them and how?
Cough syrup is in the news again. Earlier this week, the Central government notified an amendment to the Drugs Rules of 1945. Under this amendment, the sale of cough syrups is only permitted at licensed pharmacies. Earlier, the sale of certain cough syrups was permitted over the counter in retail outlets in villages with small populations of less than 1,000 people, where licensed pharmacies may no
In Focus-Parley | Is India producing more graduates than what the economy can absorb?
India is witnessing an unprecedented expansion in higher education. Over the past decade, thousands of new colleges and universities have been established, producing millions of graduates every year. Yet unemployment of the educated remains a growing concern. Nearly one in three graduates are unemployed.
Is India producing more graduates than what the economy can absorb? Here, we discuss the que
How does the recent Supreme Court judgement redefine voluntary sex work in India
When someone says ‘sex work’ in India, what do you assume? That it is illegal and that everyone involved in it is probably a victim of trafficking? The reality however, is far more nuanced. An adult engaging in voluntary sex work is not a crime in India. Running a brothel, public solicitation, other activities connected to sex work and human trafficking, however, are crimes. About two weeks ago, t
Musk vs OpenAI: Why this case matters beyond the courtroom
Last week, OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, confidentially filed for an initial public offering in the United States. With a valuation of more than $850 billion, it could become one of the largest tech listings ever.
The move marks a significant milestone for a company that began in 2015 as a not for profit research lab. In 2022, ChatGPT was launched, and the company changed its structure and attac
Can the new U.S.-Iran deal hold?
After 100 days of conflict, the U.S. and Iran have agreed to a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war. But can the deal hold? We unpack the reported 14-point framework, ceasefire provisions, sanctions relief, nuclear commitments, the role of Pakistan and Qatar in mediation, Israel's response, and the challenges that could derail the agreement during the crucial 60-day negotiation peri
FIFA World Cup preview: Who will take home the trophy?
Journalist and author Sandeep Menon explores the tactics, form and what to expect from the top contenders and underdogs to watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off, the debate over who will lift football's biggest prize is intensifying. Are France truly the team to beat? Can challengers such as Spain, Argentina and Portugal dethrone them? Which dark horses and und
Political stability, India ties, economic crisis: Where is Bangladesh headed under BNP?
Bangladesh is at a critical political turning point under a BNP-led government. In this episode, we explore what the return of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party under Tarique Rahman means for political stability, governance, and institutions. We also examine India–Bangladesh relations, regional dynamics, and key economic challenges including inflation, reserves, and growth pressures.
Guest: Avin
In Focus-Parley | Should India incentivise bigger families?
For decades, Indian policymakers have encouraged population control, with the familiar slogan of ‘Hum Do, Humare Do’ (We two, our two). However, the recent drop in India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) — the average number of children a woman would have in her lifetime — has now dropped to 1.9, below the replacement rate of 2.1, with southern States seeing their TFR drop to 1.3. Last month, Andhra Pr
Foreign Portfolio exodus: What does it mean for domestic investors?
Foreign portfolio investors have taken out more than ₹2.6 lakh crore from Indian equities since January 2026. Aggregate foreign ownership in Indian stocks has fallen to 14.7% -- which is a 14-year low.
But domestic investors have pumped in around ₹4.5 lakh crore in the same period – the main reason why the markets haven’t collapsed due to the FPI withdrawals.
What is driving the record foreign
Falling fertility rate: Is India in danger of missing its demographic dividend?
India is going through a demographic transition. The proportion of its working age population is increasing, which means India has a great window of opportunity to boost economic growth – which is also known as the demographic dividend.
But without good governance and the right policies, India could miss this narrowing window.
In this episode, we unpack one question that could well determine I
Making history at Norway Chess: When Pragg beat Carlsen twice in his own backyard
R. Praggnanandhaa scripted one of the finest victories of his young career by becoming the first Indian to win Norway Chess, one of the world’s most prestigious classical tournaments. The 20-year-old fought back from near the bottom of the standings midway through the event, won four games in a row, and beat Magnus Carlsen twice on his way to the title in the Norwegian great’s own backyard.
What
Malviya Nagar hotel fire tragedy: Behind Delhi’s endemic failure to enforce safety norms
On Wednesday, 21 people were killed in a massive fire at a south Delhi hotel. And the next day, five people perished in another fire in the ICU of a hospital in Bihar. Such incidents are becoming too frequent in India.
The Delhi fire, in particular, has exposed huge gaps in the enforcement of basic fire safety and building norms. The Delhi government has now ordered all such commercial establish
India-Africa Summit and the lost decade: Can New Delhi catch up?
In this episode of In Focus, we speak with former diplomat Gurjit Singh about the evolution of India–Africa relations, China’s expanding footprint across the continent, India’s development partnership model, the role of the Indian diaspora in East Africa, and whether New Delhi has done enough to keep pace with Africa’s growing geopolitical and economic importance. A wide-ranging conversation on di
What you need to know about the Ebola outbreak
If it’s not one infectious disease, then it’s another. This month, the world was rocked with reports of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. On May 16, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a ‘public health emergency of international concern’ (PHEIC). So far, there have been 344 confirmed Ebola cases including 60 deaths in DRC, and 15 confirmed case
Making sense of TVK's victory: What does Vijay's win mean for Tamil Nadu's politics? | Part 2
In part two of this two-part interview, Pon Vasanth B.A., senior assistant editor with The Hindu, discusses with V. Geetha, feminist historian, translator and publisher, the campaign strategies used by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, the dominance of social media and campaign planners and the tendency to ridicule the supporters of Vijay as illiterates.
She also talks about the implications of TVK'
Making sense of TVK's victory: Why and how did Vijay win? | Part 1
In part one of this two-part interview, Pon Vasanth B.A., senior assistant editor with The Hindu, asks V. Geetha, feminist historian, translator and publisher, about her reading of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's victory in the 2026 Assembly election that stunned many.
She shares her thoughts on how Vijay's win represents a "contingent moment", the shortcomings of the DMK and the AIADMK, the sh
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