In Focus by The Hindu

In Focus by The Hindu

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<p>A podcast from The Hindu that delves deep into current developments with subject experts, and brings in context, history, perspective and analysis.</p>

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West Bengal elections: How will SIR voter deletions and anti-incumbency shape outcomes?

West Bengal is gearing up for assembly elections. Mamata Banerjee will face her toughest challenge, given the anti-incumbency factor of three terms. The BJP, in 2021, had cemented its position …

Apr 03, 2026 · 36m
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Is cinema a positive influence in Tamil Nadu politics?

With elections in Tamil Nadu gearing up, one development drawing sharp attention is the entry of Vijay, whose political debut is expected to command a significant share of the vote. …

Apr 02, 2026 · 35m
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Why has the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 sparked such outrage?

The government introduced the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 on March 25. The Bill aims to amend the FCRA Act, 2010. The main thrust of the amendment is the …

Apr 02, 2026 · 28m
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Assembly elections: Can the Left overcome anti-incumbency in Kerala?

The Left Front has been in power in Kerala since 2016. It is looking for a historic third consecutive term in power. But can it overcome the anti-incumbency that has …

Apr 01, 2026 · 47m
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The Tamil Nadu way: How to reverse India's creeping centralisation

Ashok Vardhan Shetty is one of the three members of the Justice Kurian Joseph Committee, appointed by the DMK government headed by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to study Union–State relations. …

Mar 31, 2026 · 38m
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Has gold lost its safe haven status?

Gold usually rises during geopolitical crises, but this time, it’s falling. Why? In this episode of In Focus, we unpack what’s driving the recent drop in gold prices, from shifting …

Mar 30, 2026 · 43m
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Does India have enough health professionals to care for its rising senior population?

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the growing importance of the care economy – a rising demand for caregivers globally and an opportunity to train and skill young people …

Mar 28, 2026 · 38m
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How do you make a living will?

The Supreme Court’s recent verdict in the case of Harish Rana, allowing for the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, as the 32-year-old had been in a persistent vegetative state for over …

Mar 27, 2026 · 24m
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In Focus-Parley | Should men get paternity leave in India?

Last week, in a ruling on maternity leave for adoptive and surrogate mothers, the Supreme Court called on the Union government to examine the need for a formal law recognising …

Mar 26, 2026 · 33m
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What happens to the FIFA World Cup if Iran were to withdraw?

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just months away, an escalating war in West Asia has put FIFA in an unprecedented bind. With co-host United States directly involved in the …

Mar 25, 2026 · 19m
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Is trump making a u-turn on Iran war?

Donald Trump’s five-day pause on striking Iran’s energy infrastructure does appear like a tactical U-turn—but not a full reversal. Just days after issuing a 48-hour ultimatum, he cited “productive” talks …

Mar 24, 2026 · 30m
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Is the U.S. running out of missiles in the Iran-Israel war?

As the Iran–Israel conflict intensifies, a deeper question emerges: can the United States and its allies sustain this war? In this episode, The Hindu’s data team examines the hidden economics …

Mar 23, 2026 · 34m
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West Asia conflict: Under what conditions would Iran agree to a ceasefire?

The war in West Asia has now entered its fourth week. US and Israel have continued their aerial bombings of Iran, and Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Israel and the GCC …

Mar 21, 2026 · 37m
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Why was the National Transgender Council kept in the dark about the 2026 Amendment Bill?

The Transgender Persons Amendment Bill 2026 has sparked nationwide protests and a constitutional debate. In this exclusive interview, Kalki Subramaniam, Southern Regional Representative of the National Council for Transgender Persons, …

Mar 20, 2026 · 27m
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How far should governments go in using AI?

As governments begin deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in public administration, national security and policymaking, questions about its safe usage and accountability have taken centre-stage. The issue came into focus …

Mar 19, 2026 · 45m
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Assam Assembly elections: Is Himanta all set for a second term as CM?

The BJP has been in power in Assam for ten years. As the state goes to the polls, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is looking for a second term. Surprisingly, …

Mar 18, 2026 · 51m
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LPG crisis: Is the Strait of Hormuz blockade India's biggest energy security test yet?

The rapidly escalating crisis in West Asia has sent shockwaves through the world's energy supply. Iran has effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel through which nearly a …

Mar 17, 2026 · 49m
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US-Israeli war on Iran: Will Trump escalate or exit?

As the war between the United States, Israel and Iran enters its third week, the conflict is widening with rising casualties and growing regional risks. With more than 2,100 people …

Mar 16, 2026 · 37m
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When a godman takes over your life: In Conversation with Priyamvada Mehra

Indians by and large are a highly religious people. But there are many other cultures that are as religious, if not more. What makes India unique in this regard is …

Mar 14, 2026 · 58m
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Why are farmers protesting against an India-US trade deal?

Last month, thousands of farmers across the country burnt symbolic copies of the India-US trade deal. They were protesting against the interim framework for a trade deal that India had …

Mar 13, 2026 · 41m
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In Focus-Parley | Is India tailing the U.S. in its West Asia policy?

A major war has erupted in West Asia, with Israel, the U.S., and Iran locked in direct conflict. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel just before the country, along …

Mar 12, 2026 · 39m
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Trump's tariffs fail in the Supreme Court: How can India recalibrate its trade strategy?

A week after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the immediate shock has faded — but the …

Mar 11, 2026 · 44m
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Was the Ahmedabad pitch worthy of a World Cup final?

India clinched a historic third T20 World Cup title with a commanding win over New Zealand in Ahmedabad. Standout performances underlined India’s dominance, especially Sanju Samson’s remarkable run through the …

Mar 10, 2026 · 20m
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Was the SC's move to 'ban' the NCERT textbook an instance of judicial censorship?

Days after a three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant threatened that “heads must roll” for the “reckless, irresponsible, motivated, contemptuous conduct and manner” in which the …

Mar 09, 2026 · 21m
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From protests to power: Is Nepal entering a new political era?

Nepal’s latest general election appears to mark one of the most significant political shifts in the country’s recent history. For decades, Nepal’s politics has been dominated by a handful of …

Mar 07, 2026 · 27m
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Strait of Hormuz Crisis: How the U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran impacts global oil supply

The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical energy chokepoint. Every day, over 20 million barrels of oil which is roughly one-fifth of global supply pass through this narrow …

Mar 06, 2026 · 31m
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In Focus-Parley | Has the Supreme Court been effective in curbing hate speech?

Last month, the Supreme Court declined to entertain a petition seeking criminal prosecution of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over divisive and communal speeches, as well as a now-deleted …

Mar 05, 2026 · 1h 0m
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Does too much ultra-processed food affect mental health?

We all know by now that ultraprocessed food is bad for our health. Consumption of a lot of it, has been linked to a number of health issues including hypertension, …

Mar 04, 2026 · 21m
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