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
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
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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
IPL 2026 review: What defined a season of records, runs and repeat champions?
The 2026 Indian Premier League season ended with Royal Challengers Bengaluru becoming only the third team in tournament history to successfully defend their title, with a dominant victory over Gujarat Titans in the final.But beyond RCB's emergence as the league's newest powerhouse, the season also sparked debates about the balance between bat and ball, the diminishing impact of spin on increasingl
If you are a trauma survivor, what does it take to heal?
Do you have frequent panic attacks? Are there behaviour patterns that you know you need to change but you can’t? Is your day to day life ruled by fear? Then it’s possible – though not a certainty – that you’re displaying symptoms of trauma.
According to govt estimates, more than 15 crore live with a mental health condition, and four out of five receive no treatment. Trauma, in particular, is a s
What can India's open prisons unlock that conventional jails never have?
"Prisoners do not cease to be bearers of constitutional rights upon incarceration." — The Supreme Court, in a February 2026 order, was pointed in its language as it directed States and UTs to develop a time-bound protocol for filling vacancies in Open Correctional Institutions (OCIs). The Delhi government has since been tasked to start work on an implementation strategy to restructure the open pri
Is increasing the Supreme Court’s sanctioned strength an effective way to reduce pendency?
On May 17, the President promulgated an ordinance increasing the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges. The ordinance is expected to be tabled during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The move came just days after the Union Cabinet approved the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, stating that the addition of four judges would enable the apex court to fun
Meta's encryption rollback: what's the scope for privacy on Instagram and beyond now?
Meta has ended support for end-to-end encrypted messaging on Instagram, effective May 8, 2026. The policy reversal, citing low adoption, comes against a backdrop of mounting regulatory pressure worldwide to crack down on illegal content — terrorism, piracy, child abuse material — exchanged through encrypted channels.
The implications stretch well beyond one platform or a rarely-used feature. When
CBSE's On-Screen Marking fiasco: An evaluator and a parent explain how it unfolded
The CBSE has been facing flak for its re-evaluation process for Class 12 Board exams this year. Parents and students have complained of a dysfunctional website, blurred answer sheets, and missing pages. At the heart of the controversy is the newly introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM), with thousands of complaints of unfair evaluation and faulty marking. The education minister has announced that the
Heat stress: Why are Indian cities the world's hottest?
According to a global heat map that recently went viral, almost 95 of the world’s 100 hottest places were in India. This summer, Indian cities are recording higher temperatures than even the deserts of West Asia and Africa. How come?
Climate change is certainly a factor. But it doesn’t exhaust the explanation for why India is so much hotter in April – even before the start of peak summer.
Thou
10 years of Disability Rights Act: Where does India stand on digital inclusion?
India has 30-35 million people with disabilities. It’s now ten years since the enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Yet, accessibility remains a challenge – not only in the real world, but even in the digital one.
Most government websites have accessibility issues – meaning people with disabilities can’t fully use them. As India digitalises across public services, fina
In Focus-Parley | Should the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) be decentralized?
The cancellation and retest of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026 has exposed deep cracks in India’s examination system. Allegations of paper leaks, corruption and repeated lapses by the National Testing Agency (NTA) has pushed lakhs of aspirants into uncertainty, stress and emotional exhaustion, raising urgent questions about transparency, accountability and the credibility of
Cockroach Janta Party: What does it mean to represent India’s ‘cockroaches’?
Abhijeet Dipke, a student of public relations in the US, woke up from uneasy dreams one morning and found himself transformed into a ‘gigantic cockroach’. He then founded the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), as a joke. But it quickly acquired a momentum of its own. In less than four days, it notched up more than 1.6 lakh members and 2 million followers on Instagram.
What makes the CJP interesting is
Is the IPL losing its appeal?
As the 2026 IPL heads toward its playoffs, questions are growing around whether the tournament still holds the same cultural grip it once did. While the league remains hugely valuable and widely watched, concerns around viewer fatigue, repetitive contests, lack of international superstars and the changing audience habits have sparked debate about the IPL’s evolving appeal.
In this episode of In F
Why Trump is in a strategic gridlock over Iran?
President Trump’s latest remarks on Iran and the sudden shift in U.S. messaging have once again placed West Asia on edge. Reports suggest key Gulf allies, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, played a role in pushing for diplomacy over immediate military escalation. But is this a temporary pause or the beginning of a larger geopolitical confrontation?
Guest: Stanly Johny, International Aff
Can CBT prevent future NEET paper leaks?
India’s largest medical entrance examination, NEET, is once again at the centre of a national discussion. Conducted for more than 20 lakh aspirants in a single sitting, the exam represents one of the biggest logistical exercises in India’s education system involving the printing, transport and storage of millions of physical question papers across thousands of centres.
For years, the National Tes
What were the biggest breakthroughs of the Trump-Xi Summit?
The two-day Trump–Xi summit in Beijing marked the first U.S. presidential visit to China in nearly nine years, bringing global attention to the future of U.S.-China relations.In this discussion, we break down the key takeaways from the summit, from trade and technology tensions to Iran, Taiwan, rare earth supplies, and the larger geopolitical implications for India and the Indo-Pacific.
Guest: An
How has India’s approach to FTAs evolved over the years?
After years of slow-moving negotiations, India’s trade policy has shifted gears. Over the past three and a half years, the country has signed a string of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to increase market access for Indian goods and services.
The latest, with New Zealand, may appear modest in isolation, but it is significant when looking at what has been happening over the last five to six years. W
In Focus-Parley | Is this the end of the road for the INDIA bloc?
Following the recent electoral setbacks faced by two of the largest constituents of the INDIA bloc, the DMK and the TMC, there is renewed debate over the future of Opposition politics in India. Do these developments signal a turning point for the INDIA bloc, or are they part of a longer structural shift in Indian politics? T
Is this the end of the road for the INDIA bloc? Here, we discuss the que
What's behind PM Narendra Modi's austerity call?
For the second time in a couple of days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for the public to take some austerity measures: reduce fuel consumption, defer gold purchases, reduce foreign travel and consume less edible oil and fertilisers.
“The West Asia crisis is one of the worst in the decade; just as we overcame the COVID-19 pandemic, we will come out of this also,” he said while addressing an
Do India’s badminton stars deserve more recognition after Thomas Cup bronze?
Former India coach and Olympian U. Vimal Kumar joins the podcast to discuss India’s Thomas Cup campaign, player recognition, squad depth concerns and badminton’s new scoring system.
India returned from the Thomas Cup in Denmark with a bronze medal, its second podium finish in the last three editions of badminton’s premier men’s team event. But despite another strong campaign on the world stage, t
Hantavirus explained: The science behind the scare
A new health scare made headlines this week, after three persons died and several others fell sick aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship. The infection in this case, was hantavirus, something most people have not heard of. Passengers from the stricken ship disembarked today after it docked at the Canary islands, and are flying back to their home countries, many of which are imposing quarantine require
India-UK FTA: Does it pack enough to increase bilateral trade?
In this episode of In Focus podcast, London’s Lady Mayor Dame Susan Langley speaks with The Hindu’s Maharashtra Chief of Bureau Vinaya Deshpande about her maiden visit to India, the voices she heard from the financial and insurance service industry, and the opportunities for both the countries in view of the India – UK Free Trade Agreement. She is only the third woman to hold the Lord Mayor’s Offi
In Focus-Parley | Do abortion laws in India need overhauling?
The Supreme Court of India recently asked the Central government to amend the abortion law to remove the time limit on medical terminations of unwanted pregnancies in the case of minor rape victims. While this was observation was made while hearing the case of a 15-year-old rape survivor to terminate a 30-week pregnancy, it throws up broader questions of abortion access in India.
While in general
Tamil Nadu Election Results 2026: Can TVK break the DMK–AIADMK Duopoly?
The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election has delivered a verdict few anticipated. A political landscape long defined by the alternating dominance of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has been decisively disrupted. At the centre of this churn is the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, led by C. Joseph Vijay, which has emerged as the single largest party in its electo
Assembly poll results: How do they alter the political calculus in India?
The assembly election results have sharply changed the political landscape in India, with the BJP set to form a government on its own for the first time in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee, the three-term chief minister often spoken of as the ‘real’ Opposition leader to the BJP, has ended up losing her own seat.
In Tamil Nadu, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) a two-year-old political start-up, has e
Why are negotiations between the U.S. and Iran stalled?
Negotiations between the United States and Iran have stalled due to deep disagreements over Iran’s nuclear program, economic sanctions, and regional influence. The U.S. wants stricter limits on uranium enrichment, while Iran demands sanctions relief. Mistrust built over decades, especially after the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, has made compromise difficult. Ongoing tensions in the Mi
Can high temperatures influence the sex of your baby?
We know by now that extreme heat can impact pregnancies in many ways. And with climate change contributing to extreme heat in India – and with parts of the country already reeling under scorching heat – this has become a significant health concern.
But what do we know about temperature and its link with sex ratio at birth? Can exposure to intense heat during pregnancy influence whether you have
In Focus-Weekend | What do tech disruption and stagnant wages mean for India’s middle class?
Is India’s middle class facing an economic crisis? A new book, ‘Breakpoint: The Crisis of the Middle Class and the Future of Work’ by Saurabh Mukherjea says that it is.
It argues that three factors have upended the consumption-driven model that powered the prosperity of India’s middle class since 1991. These are: technological disruption eliminating white collar job creation, wage stagnation ero
What are the political implications of 7 AAP MPs ‘merging’ with BJP?
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is facing a crisis. Seven of its 10 MPs in the Rajya Sabha, led by Raghav Chadha, have joined the BJP. Mr Chadha has framed this move as a “merger” with the BJP. Rajya Sabja Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan has already accepted the ‘merger’ claim. AAP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha has dwindled from 10 to 3.
AAP leaders have called this merger ‘illegal’. They want the seven
In Focus-Parley | Does the PIL jurisdiction need to be reconsidered?
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) emerged in the 1970s as a transformative judicial innovation aimed at widening access to justice for the poor and marginalised. This was achieved by relaxing the strict rules of standing to permit representative actions, and by broadening the scope of judicial notice to allow courts to take suo motu cognisance of public issues and convert them into litigation. Over
India’s temporal inequality: Why the poorer you are, longer the queue
We all know that India is one of the most unequal societies on the planet. But most debates around inequality are focussed on wealth and income inequality. But there is another form of inequality that isn’t talked about much – temporal inequality.
How much time a person spends waiting – determines how much time she has for other life-critical activities. In India, it is the poor who spend more ti
What are the key challenges in PoSH reporting and implementation?
The recent allegations of sexual harassment by eight female employees in Tata Consultancy Services’ (TCS) office in Nashik has brought renewed attention to workplace safety and grievance redressals of sexual harassment complaints. In this episode, Advocate Geeta Rameshashan joins us to discuss how the PoSH Act works, the limitations of internal committees, and what prevents women from reporting se
Why are Haryana's farmers resisting the new digital verification rules at mandis?
By the time farmers in Haryana were ready to head to the anaj mandis (grain markets) to sell their Rabi harvest, the rules of entry had been revised. The Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board's March 28 directive introduced a new set of conditions for crop procurement — mandatory registration on the 'Meri Fasal Mera Byora' portal, Aadhaar-based biometric verification, and vehicle number regis
In Focus-Weekend | How AI could reshape the future of species
In this weekender episode, Adrian Wolfson talks us about his new book titled On the Future of Species. Artificial intelligence, he says, one day, could surpass Darwin’s evolutionary narrative on natural selection, and in this new world, he predicts AI not just editing, but authoring entirely new species using what he calls artificial biological intelligence.
While we have managed to piece togeth
Noida protest: Why do labour disputes get treated as ‘law and order’ issue?
Workers in the industrial belts of the NCR region and beyond have been agitating for better wages since February 2026
On April 13, a protest in Noida over salary disparities descended into violence. Around 50 vehicles were burn. Police resorted to lathi-charge. Over 300 workers were arrested. Many are still in jail, and serious charges have been framed against them. Trade union activists have cl
In Focus-Parley | Has a weakening of unionisation hurt workers?
Since March, the country has witnessed a number of agitations by workers, particularly by those in manufacturing sector. In the background of these protests for minimum wages, for expansion of social security ambit and against contractualisation of jobs, the role of trade unions have come up for discussion. There have been concerns about the impact of deunionisation on the workers.
In this episo
How to make India's metro systems serve our cities better?
India now operates the third-largest metro network in the world by length. But can scale alone make a transit system transformative? This episode explores whether the metros across 26 cities are being built to serve the larger needs of urban mobility.
We discuss what must align for metro networks to evolve from landmark infrastructure into the preferred, everyday choice for how most people move t
