In Focus by The Hindu

Private coaching in India has grown into a parallel education system. It is no longer just extra help after school, but the backbone of learning for millions of students. In the last seven years, tuition has surged across all levels - from primary to higher secondary. Among rural girls in higher secondary, the rise is especially sharp, while States in the east like West Bengal, and Odisha are seeing some of the highest numbers, with coaching starting as early as Kindergarten. In some cases, families are spending more on tuition than on school itself. The podcast explores the factors contributing to this dependence on private tuition in the east. What does it say about the state of our schools? And how is this reshaping education in India? Guest: Sabir Ahamed, Programme Director at the Pratichi Institute Host: Devyanshi Bihani Edited and produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Rajetha Damisetty explains how the entry of unqualified practitioners and a lack of regulatory oversight is impacting patient safety when it comes to skin and hair procedures being performed in India. The wellness sector is booming in India. Aesthetic, skin and hair clinics are everywhere, social media feeds are filled with advertisements and procedures such as hair transplants, skin lightening, botox and others are becoming increasingly common. In a few cases that have been reported in the news however, some of these treatments have gone horribly wrong – in May this year, two men from Kanpur died after botched hair transplants and another man in Kerala contracted a serious bacterial infection. Experts say that the problem is the lack of regulatory oversight – who is supposed to be able to perform these procedures and who is actually performing them in India? Are clinics where these procedures take place fully licensed and equipped to deal with emergencies? Are misleading claims and exaggerated advertisements contributing to the problem? And what is being done to ensure patient safety? Guest: Rajetha Damisetty, a senior dermatologist based in Hyderabad and national chairperson of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) Anti-Quackery, Legal and Ethics Committee. Host: Zubeda Hamid Edited by Jude Francis Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, Ashok Sahni, a leading palaeontologist in India, shares his groundbreaking discoveries that have transformed our view of the country's ancient history. He discusses the Rajasaurus narmadensis and the significance of India's diverse fossil landscape. Sahni highlights the urgent need for education and legal protections against the threats of theft and commercial trade that endanger these fossils. The conversation also touches on how studying these ancient remains can equip us to handle modern environmental challenges.

In this intriguing discussion, Dr. Aravind Reghukumar, Head of Infectious Diseases at Government Medical College Thiruvananthapuram, shares insights on the alarming spike in brain-eating amoeba infections in Kerala. He explains how the Naegleria fowleri amoeba infiltrates the body and the challenges in diagnosis and treatment. The conversation highlights the influence of climate change on these infections and underscores the need for robust public health initiatives and community awareness to combat this deadly threat.

Movin Jain, Co-founder of Skydo, a platform aiding Indian exporters, discusses the recent removal of the U.S. de minimis exemption and its impact on small businesses in India. He highlights the logistical challenges and increased costs exports now face. Jain emphasizes the necessity for Indian exporters to diversify geographically and improve operational efficiencies. The conversation also reflects on the resilience of Indian businesses, exploring how they can adapt to changing global trade dynamics while finding new opportunities in overseas markets.

Apar Gupta, Advocate and Founder Director of the Internet Freedom Foundation, and Jay Vinayak Ojha, Senior Resident Fellow at the Viti Center for Legal Policy, dive into the contentious issue of regulating commercial speech on digital platforms. They discuss the recent Supreme Court directive urging guidelines to protect vulnerable groups from offensive content. Key topics include the balance between free speech and societal responsibility, the complexities of online content moderation, and the importance of inclusive stakeholder consultation in shaping effective digital regulations.

Deepak Joshi, an Advocate-On-Record at the Supreme Court of India and a chartered accountant, dives into the newly enacted Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. He discusses the implications of the blanket ban on real money gaming, questioning its effectiveness and the government’s rationale regarding social harms. The conversation highlights potential constitutional challenges, especially around the differentiation between games of skill and chance. Joshi also addresses concerns over civil liberties linked to warrantless searches and the impact on the gaming industry.

Suhasini Haidar, Diplomatic Affairs Editor, and Ananth Krishnan, Director at The Hindu Group, explore the significance of Prime Minister Modi's visit to China at the SCO summit after seven years. They discuss whether the Modi-Xi meeting heralds a normalization in India-China ties amidst tensions with the US. The duo examines the evolving diplomatic landscape, potential economic collaborations, and the importance of understanding territorial disputes and security concerns while analyzing the future of these complex bilateral relations.

Shashank Pandey, a lawyer and founder of the Politics and Disability Forum, discusses the critical challenges faced by persons with disabilities in India. He highlights the importance of the Unique Disability ID card for accessing government benefits, emphasizing that only 39% of those eligible have one. The podcast delves into employment barriers, particularly the strict 40% disability threshold that limits job reservations. Additionally, Shashank addresses the educational hurdles for children with disabilities, including the lack of resources and support systems, and the gender disparities in disability representation.

Divya Jaishankar, founder of a specialty café in Chennai and a master roaster, dives into the world of coffee amid soaring global prices. She discusses the intricate journey of coffee from farm to cup, highlighting the challenges farmers face due to climate change. The conversation covers how rising costs could turn beloved brews into luxuries and explores alternative options like chicory. Divya also shares insights on emerging cafe culture as social hubs and offers tips for enjoying coffee while managing expenses.