In Focus by The Hindu

In Focus by The Hindu

Author: The Hindu Language: English Episodes: 100
Each week, the journalists at In Focus by The Hindu select one pressing story from the news cycle and slow it down. Rather than a rapid headline, you’ll hear a thoughtful conversation that unpacks the layers behind an event-the historical precedents, the economic forces, the political nuances, and the human impact. This podcast relies on conversations with reporters who have been on the ground and specialists who have spent years, sometimes decades, studying a particular issue. The result is a clearer, more substantive understanding of what’s happening in India and around the world. You might explore the roots of a regional conflict one episode, and dive into the complexities of a new environmental policy the next. It’s designed for anyone who feels that the daily news skim leaves too many questions unanswered. Tune in for a consistent, deep-dive format that prioritizes context over instant reaction, making sense of the week’s most significant developments through careful analysis and expert insight.
Episodes
Have elections in India become plutocratic? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:32
As Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry head to the polls, India's vibrant democracy is on full display once again. But behind the rallies and roadshows, there’s a growing concern: elections are becoming…
What is behind U.S.- Iran ceasefire? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:13
After a dramatic 24 hours that saw U.S. President Donald Trump shift from a stark warning of mass destruction to announcing a two-week pause in military action, a fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is now in pla…
Should privacy be a tradable right? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:27
India is a poor country, but it is ‘data-rich’. The dominant consensus today holds that data – including personal data -- should be exploited for economic growth. Is it possible that this consensus is wrong? One outcome…
Is cinema a positive influence in Tamil Nadu politics? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:20
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. He comes from a long line of figures i…
Why has the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 sparked such outrage? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:37
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 introduction of a ‘Designated Authority…
Assembly elections: Can the Left overcome anti-incumbency in Kerala? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:37
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 built up over these ten years? The poor performance in…
The Tamil Nadu way: How to reverse India's creeping centralisation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:44
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. The committee recently submitt…
Has gold lost its safe haven status? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:35
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 interest rate expectations and a strong…