What's behind PM Narendra Modi's austerity call?

What's behind PM Narendra Modi's austerity call?

Author: The Hindu May 13, 2026 Duration: 39:50
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 audience in Vadodara on May 11, 2026. On May 10, 2026, he called for collective participation to help the country withstand global economic uncertainties, supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures. He asked the public to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, promote the use of metro rail and public transport, car-pooling, and railway transport for freight movement, besides wider adoption of electric vehicles. He also spoke about strengthening India’s economic resilience and promoting responsible living. How worried should we be? Guest: Prof. B. Bhagwan Das, Former Associate Professor of Economics, Loyola College, Chennai Host: Nivedita V Producer and editor: Jude Francis Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.
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