In Focus by The Hindu

Karan Sarin, a metabolic health coach and author of 'Sick Nation', shares his journey into health after a family tragedy. He discusses the alarming rise of lifestyle diseases linked to insulin resistance in India. Karan explains how diabetes and heart disease are intertwined through insulin dysfunction. He highlights the role of modern diets and sedentary lifestyles in worsening metabolic health. Listeners learn about early signs of insulin resistance and practical lifestyle changes to combat this growing epidemic.

Dr. Arpita Mukherjee, a trade economist with expertise in international trade at ICRIER, dives deep into India’s export landscape amid challenging U.S. tariffs. She discusses the political incentives behind these tariffs and their impact on key sectors like auto and textiles. Arpita explores strategies for Indian exporters, including leveraging tariff exemptions for electronics and the potential for trade deals. Strategies such as market diversification and reviving a strong WTO role are highlighted as crucial for navigating the complexities of global trade.

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

Venkatesh B. Athreya, an economist and former head of department at Bharathidhasan University, dives into India's newly enacted labour codes that aim to consolidate 29 laws into four. He discusses the protests from trade unions claiming that these codes undermine worker rights and exclude many individuals from protections. Athreya traces the historical roots of these laws, critiques the neoliberal policies since 1991, and highlights the implications of reduced worker power and safety. He predicts potential mobilization as workers unite against these changes.

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

In this discussion, Stanly Johny, International Affairs Editor at The Hindu, dives into the complexities of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. He dissects Trump’s controversial 28-point peace plan, detailing its demands like territorial concessions and NATO limitations. The episode explores Ukraine's firm rejection and Russia's contrasting approval. Stanly highlights Europe’s exclusion from negotiations and the strain on its security if U.S. support diminishes. He also touches on the implications of shifting U.S. priorities from Europe to China, revealing the intricacies of this geopolitical stalemate.

Jagriti Chandra, an aviation correspondent at The Hindu, dives into the turmoil surrounding Indigo's recent mass cancellations. She examines how failure to prepare for new Flight Duty Time Limitation rules has led to operational chaos. Jagriti discusses the implications of pilot fatigue, regulatory shortcomings, and the competitive landscape of India's aviation sector. With the DGCA now monitoring Indigo's operations, she questions if systemic issues in the industry might have contributed to this current crisis.

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