In Focus by The Hindu

India’s top human rights body, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), is going to have its accreditation status downgraded -- from ‘A’ to ‘B’. The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is the international body that mediates the relationship between national human rights institutions and the United Nations (UN).  In March this year, GANHRI’s Sub-Committee on Accreditation recommended that India’s accreditation status be downgraded to ‘B’. India appealed this move to the GANHRI bureau. Earlier this month, the appeal was turned down. This means that from April 2026, India’s NHRC will no longer enjoy the ‘A’ category accreditation that it has enjoyed till now – a major embarrassment for the institution, and also for India.  What were the reasons for this downgrading? Why was our appeal turned down? What can India do to get the ‘A’ accreditation back?  Guest: Henri Tiphagne, Working Secretary with the All India Network of Individuals and Organisations working with National and State Human Rights Institutions (AINNI). Host: G. Sampath Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone knows someone with diabetes or heart disease or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It’s impossible to find somebody who doesn’t have at least one victim of these diseases in their family or friends circle. That’s how widespread they’ve become. All these disorders share one thing in common – all are ‘lifestyle diseases’ linked to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. For the longest time, India’s biggest public health challenge was controlling infectious diseases. But now we have an epidemic of lifestyle diseases, causing millions of premature deaths. A new book ‘Sick Nation’, drills down to the root causes of this epidemic. What are the factors driving it? Why do people ignore the signs until it is too late? And what can you, as an individual, do to protect yourself from this growing epidemic of metabolic dysfunction? Guest: Karan Sarin, metabolic health coach, and author of ‘Sick Nation: Inside India’s Lifestyle Disease Epidemic and How to Fix it’. Host: G Sampath Recorded, produced, and edited by Jude Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Data shows that India’s exports increased by over 15 percent in November year-on-year, the country’s fastest growth in three years.  India’s total exports (Merchandise and Services combined) for November 2025 is estimated at $ 73.99 billion. This is a growth of 15.52 per cent, compared November 2024.  The rise comes at a time when U.S. has imposed steep tariffs on India. U.S. President Trump introduced reciprocal taxes ---the so-called “liberation day” tariffs -- in April. The U.S. slapped an additional 25 percent tariff on India in retaliation for its continued purchases of Russian oil, bringing total tariffs to 50 per cent. Despite all the new tariffs, exports to the US are booming. U.S. is still the largest destination for Indian exports, growing at 22 per cent in November, compared to last year. It reached approximately $7billion. Engineering, electronics, jewellery and gems, and pharmaceuticals are the top performing sectors. China, Spain, United Arab Emirates and Tanzania are the other top destinations.   This is pretty much the same in April-November this year. Data shows USA, China, Spain, the UAE and Hong Kong were the top destinations for Indian goods in this period. These numbers are pretty great, but there are some causes for concern too.  While exports are estimated at $ 562.13 Billion during April-November 2025, growing by 5.43 per cent, total imports jumped in this period. Total imports during April-November 2025 is estimated at $ 651.13 billion, up 5 per cent. Merchandise trade deficit during April-November 2025 was $ 223.13 billion as compared to $ 203.33 billion during April-November 2024. One way to tackle the ballooning trade deficit is to urgently diversify both products and trading partners. This plays into a larger context. 2025 will be remembered as they year of the return of protectionism. There is an urgent need to diversify both products and trading partners. How should India navigate this new normal?  Guest: Arpita Mukherjee, Professor, at Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) Host: Nivedita V Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Indian Premier League 2026 mini-auction delivered record spending and a clear shift in team priorities, as franchises splurged on Indian domestic talent alongside marquee overseas names. While Cameron Green became the costliest overseas buy in IPL history, the night belonged to uncapped players, several of whom attracted multi-crore bids and reshaped auction dynamics.In this episode of In Focus, The Hindu’s Amol Karhadkar reports from the auction venue in Abu Dhabi. Amol analyses the biggest purchases, the rise in demand for domestic uncapped players and strategies adopted by teams such as CSK and KKR.Guest: Amol Karhadkar, The Hindu’s sports reporter Host: Reuben Joe Joseph Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Global spending on Artificial Intelligence (AI) is projected to reach $375 billion this year and and $500 billion by 2026, according to the UBS. That raises a fundamental question: is AI’s value being driven by genuine technological progress, or by investor enthusiasm racing ahead of reality? Is the AI boom a bubble? Guests: Bhagwan Chowdhry and Anoop Kunchukuttan Host: Areena Arora Edited by Jude Francis Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 21st of November, the government of India has brought in 4 labour codes to reform and replace the 29 existing laws in the country They are Code on Wages, Code on Industrial Relations, Code on Social Security and Code on Occupation Safety, Health and working conditions. The government is touting these labour codes as India’s biggest labour reforms—brought in nearly eight decades after Independence and over five years it was passed in the parliament. These codes seek to ease work regulations, expand social security, and bring greater uniformity to wage structures. However, on 26th November, the Left parties in the country took to the streets to protest these reforms citing them as “anti-labour”. So, why are the left parties opposing these reforms? What are the changes brought by the four labour codes and how do they reshape the future of labour in India? Guest: Venkatesh B. Athreya, economist, and former head of department, Bharathidhasan University Host: Bhagavathi Sampath K J Edited and produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years, India’s political debates, parliamentary discussions, and health-policy arguments have leaned heavily on a simple figure of one doctor per 1000 people supposedly set by the World Health Organization or WHO But the WHO in a written reply to the Hindu has clarified that it has never actually recommended this ratio. This episode breaks down the history behind the 1:1000 myth, examines the WHO’s current SDG-linked framework for assessing health worker availability, and explores why India’s own data paints a far more uneven picture — from rural-urban gaps to ongoing disputes over counting AYUSH doctors. Guest: Siddhesh Zadey, health-systems researcher and co-founder of the Association for Socially Applicable Research (ASAR) Host: Devyanshi Bihani Edited by Jude Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In its recent assessment, the International Monetary Fund India’s national accounts statistics, which includes key figures such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross Value Added (GVA), a grade of ‘C’, the second-lowest grade there is. “National accounts data are available at adequate frequency and timeliness and provide broadly adequate granularity,” the IMF noted, adding, “However, some methodological weaknesses somewhat hamper surveillance and warrant an overall sectoral rating for the national accounts of C.” At a time when the government is celebrating 8.2% GDP growth, this grade has sparked uncomfortable questions. What is the IMF saying and is India truly growing as fast as the government claims?  Guest: Prof. B. Bhagwan Das, Former Associate Professor of Economics, Loyola College, Chennai Host: Nivedita V Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It will soon be four years since Russia invaded Ukraine. As the conflict drags on, neither side seems ready for a compromise. But President Donald Trump has been pushing for a peace deal. He recently released a 28-point peace plan. It basically asks Ukraine to cede territory it has already lost in exchange for security guarantees. But Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly ruled out giving up territory. He has also been talking of a revised peace plan. But Trump is impatient for a ceasefire. He is applying pressure on both sides to come to an agreement. What is at stake for the different parties involved, and what are the chances of a deal being reached? Guest: Stanly Johny, International Affairs Editor, The Hindu Host: G. Sampath Edited and produced by Sharmada venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Indigo’s mass cancellations have disrupted the lives of thousands of passengers. This company is not a newbie or a start-up. It is India’s largest airline, with 60% market share. In Financial Year 2024, it returned a profit of ₹8,000 crores. So, finances were not a concern.  Yet, it did not invest in preparing for the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms that kicked in from November 1. Following the mess with the cancellations, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has now created special Oversight Team which will be stationed at the Indigo headquarters and audit its operations.  Why didn’t Indigo prepare for the new FDTL norms? Could this operational crisis have been averted if it had hired pilots on time? Or is it true, as some analysts are claiming, that India’s aviation sector is inherently uncompetitive, and the odds are stacked against the airlines? We get to the bottom of the Indigo fiasco in this InFocus episode.  Guest: Jagriti Chandra, The Hindu’s aviation correspondent. Host: G. Sampath Edited and produced by Sharmada venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last few days, the rupee exchange rate has fallen below ₹90 a dollar and has largely stayed at that level. Now, with Parliament running, a lot of the discourse on this has been political. However, from a policy level, it is critical to understand the economics behind the fall. Why is the rupee falling? Is it falling worse than other currencies? Does the fall hurt or help the Indian economy? And finally, is this a cause for alarm? Guests: Madan Sabnavis and Ranen Banerjee Host: TCA Sharad Raghavan Edited by Jude Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

India’s home season against South Africa has been nothing short of dramatic, from a bruising Test whitewash to a spirited comeback in the ODIs. But beneath the results lies a deeper story about where Indian cricket stands today and where it is headed. In this episode of In Focus, we break down the biggest talking points from the tour. Why is India suddenly vulnerable in Tests at home? Are the pitches the problem, or is this part of a larger decline in red-ball skills? In contrast, what did the ODI win tell us about the squad’s depth — and is the Rohit-Kohli chapter far from over? We also discuss Gautam Gambhir’s leadership, the idea of split coaching roles, and what the upcoming T20s mean for India’s 2026 World Cup preparation. Host: Reuben Joe Joseph Guest: Amol Karhadkar, The Hindu’s sports writer Produced and edited by Jude Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A recent report released by the World Health Organization, stated something that experts in India have been warning about for years: antimicrobial resistance or AMR in our country the report said, “is a serious and escalating threat, with resistance rates among the highest in the world.” The government is taking this threat seriously: it has now brought out National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR 2.0) — (2025-29) to combat AMR at all levels. So what is India facing in terms of infections that may not be able to be cured? What sectors does AMR affect outside of hospitals? What are the gaps in the latest AMR plan and how can they be managed? And finally, what can we, as individuals do? Guest: Dr. Abdul Ghafur, Senior Consultant in Infectious Diseases, Apollo Hospital, Chennai, and Coordinator, Chennai Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance  Host: Zubeda Hamid Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every winter, India’s capital city turns into a gas chamber. There is a sharp spike in cases of people reporting respiratory complaints. Children’s schooling is disrupted. They can’t go out and play. The elderly can’t take their morning walks. And the state does very little to address what is evidently a public health emergency. Beijing had exactly the same problem – but no longer. It took measures to solve it. India has big claims to be a rising power. But our government and bureaucracy have been unable to deliver on the most basic of requirements for life – breathable air. Why are we in this situation? What can be done? Guest: Vimlendu Jha, environmentalist Host: G Sampath Recorded, produced, and edited by Jude Francis Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From high-altitude warfare, extreme weather and the shock of Pakistan’s surprise occupation of the heights, to the evolution of artillery tactics that changed the course of the conflict, his memoir Artillery’s Thunder: The Untold Kargil Story recounts the lesser-known, ground-level realities of Operation Vijay. In this conversation, he also reflects the parallels between Kargil and modern precision warfare, and shares insights into the operational challenges faced by soldiers in the world’s highest battlefield.  What made the artillery’s role so decisive? How did units innovate under fire? And what does this tell us about India’s preparedness for future high-altitude conflicts?  Guest: Major General (Retd.) Lakhwinder Singh, author of Artillery’s Thunder: The Untold Kargil Story  Host: Vinaya Deshpande Pandit, Maharashtra Chief of Bureau, The Hindu  Produced and edited by Jude Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the rise in telecom and internet penetration in India, technology-based crimes are on the rise. While financial fraud and digital arrests are the focus of the conversation, a less talked-about issue is that of digital gender-based violence. A new report, titled Experiencing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence in India: Survivor Narratives and Legal Responses, highlights testimonies from survivors who have experienced violence enabled by digital tools. The report highlights how digital tools are being used to harass and shame people based on gender or sexuality and shows that online violence is not just a virtual problem, it affects lives and has a profound impact on mental health and personal safety.   What is TFGBV, and who is most impacted? Why does justice remain out of reach for many survivors, and what systemic and social changes are urgently needed to tackle the issue.   Guest: Manjusha Madhu of Breakthrough, who is the lead co-author and co-researcher of the report, published by Equality Now and Breakthrough.   Host: mandira Moddie  Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earlier this week, the Department of Telecommunications ordered smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices. It also told them to ensure that the app’s functionalities are not disabled. It said this would protect users from cyber-fraud and phone theft. But within two days, the government revoked this order. It justified the withdrawal by citing a surge in acceptance of the app. But the revocation was preceded by a tremendous pushback against the original order – from digital rights activists as well as the Opposition. They said it was an attempt to vastly expand the scope of state surveillance. How do we contextualise this entire episode? Tune in! Guest: Apar Gupta, founder director of Internet Freedom Foundation. Host: G Sampath Produced and edited by Jude Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The rise of Zohran Mamdani as the Mayor of New York City in the United States has brought focus to the lack of visibility of similarly elected civic officials in Indian cities. Why do citizens in urban areas of India have no elected official to turn to in times of crisis or to help improve civic infrastructure and amenities? The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the governing civic body of Mumbai, is set to have elections in 2026 after several years. In Telangana, 27 municipalities are being merged into the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has been divided into five corporations. Will these measures help improve governance of cities? Do we need to change how cities are governed in India? Guests: Thoniparambil Raghunandan, Former IAS officer and a consultant on decentralisation and planning; Anant Maringanti, Director of Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change at the University of Minnesota Host: Serish Nanisetti Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

December 3 marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, an annual observance established by the United Nations in 1992. The 2025 theme is "fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress". In this episode, we examine India's Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and the principle of reasonable accommodation. Under Section 2(y), reasonable accommodation means "any necessary and appropriate modification and/or adjustment" that enables PwDs to enjoy their rights equally with others, without imposing a "disproportionate or undue burden."Yet despite clear policy mandates, it remains treated as a "nice to have" by many organisations and public institutions. Why do implementation gaps persist? What costs—physical, emotional, and social—do employees with disabilities bear? And what will it take to move beyond tick-box compliance toward genuine inclusion? Guest: Amran Ali, Executive Director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), and a prominent voice in the disability rights movement. Host: Vibha B Madhava Recorded by Jude Weston and Tayyab Hussain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2025 Formula One season has delivered one of the most thrilling championship battles in over a decade. What looked like a straight McLaren shootout between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri took a dramatic turn after the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where both drivers were disqualified for technical infringements.That stunning twist, combined with Max Verstappen’s late-season surge and seven consecutive podiums, has transformed the fight into a genuine three-way showdown going into the final race at Abu Dhabi.This episode of InFocus unpacks how the 2025 season shaped up into a captivating three-horse race, the team dynamics that defined McLaren’s back-to-back Constructors’ Championship, as well as a disappointing first year for Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari. Guest: Rishikesh Ramachandran, former racer and journalist Host: Reuben Joe Joseph Edited and produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices