In Focus by The Hindu

In this engaging discussion, Dr. A. Jaishree Gajaraj, a senior obstetrician and gynaecologist from Chennai, sheds light on the skyrocketing C-section rates in India, which have risen from 8.5% to 21.5% since 2005. She explores various factors, including demographic shifts, the impact of obesity, and changing societal expectations. Dr. Gajaraj highlights the risks of surgical deliveries and the cost implications, while advocating for improved pain relief during labor. She calls for better education and antenatal counseling to empower expectant mothers in their choices.

Peerzada Ashiq, a Kashmir-based journalist from The Hindu, delves into the escalating protests in Ladakh that turned violent, leading to the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent engineer and climate activist. He highlights the community's demand for statehood and constitutional protections amid fears over new domicile laws. Ashiq also discusses the impact of limited governance powers within Hill Councils and the youth's mobilization against perceived governmental failures. The conversation underscores the fragile balance of identity, environment, and local governance in the region.

In recent times, India has seen a sharp spike in the popularity of IB schools. In fact, having your kid in an IB school has become something of a status symbol, although that may or may not be the primary motive for most parents. But many parents, regardless of their reasons for choosing an IB school, face a number of confusing questions and dilemmas. For instance, how does the pace of learning for an IB student compare with that of a child in a CBSE school? Will an IB curriculum help a child who wants to sit for IIT or Medical entrance exams in India? If the idea is to prep the child for higher education abroad – when do you decide, how do you figure which stream, which country, and which university? Guests: Nayantara Handa, who leads the careers and university guidance team at The British School, New Delhi, and Sobhana K Nair from The Hindu’s Delhi Bureau. Host: G. Sampath Edited and Produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the World Wrestling Championships in Croatia, India’s Olympic medallist Aman Sehrawat was shockingly disqualified ahead of his opening bout on September 14. At the official weigh-in before his match, Aman was found to be 1.7kg over the 57kg limit. The Wrestling Federation of India on September 22 served a show-cause notice to Aman, asking his staff to explain his disqualification. This is the third time in just over a year that an Indian wrestler has failed to make weight, beginning with Vinesh Phogat’s infamous miss at the Paris Olympics. Neha Sangwan, who is just 18, was the other wrestler to not make weight at the U20 world championships. She was suspended for two years. Why does this keep happening despite the money and resources poured into Indian wrestling? What does it say about the system, and how will this episode affect a young star like Aman Sehrawat? Guest: Y.B. Sarangi from The Hindu sports bureau Host: Reuben Joe Joseph Edited and produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 19, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order, raising the H-1B visa fee to $1,00,000. Many fear that this will disproportionately impact Indian workers, especially those with lower median salaries. Although the White House has clarified that the fee applies only to new applicants and not those up for renewal or already in the country, there are concerns, especially against the backdrop of immigration control and protectionism. Is the American Dream dead for Indians? Here, we discuss the question. Guest: Arjun Appadurai and Ajay Srivastava Host: Saptaparno Ghosh Edited by Jude Francis Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bashir Ali Abbas, a Senior Research Associate at the Council for Strategic and Defence Research, delves into the recent Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. He unpacks the historical roots of their military ties and debates the significance of the deal for regional stability. Key topics include why Saudi Arabia, despite US ties, turned to Pakistan for defense, and what this means for India’s security dynamics. Abbas reassures that while the agreement is impactful, it won't destabilize India-Saudi relations, and emphasizes India's strategic approach in West Asia.

90% of the world’s natural diamonds are cut and polished by about 5000, largely family run businesses out of Surat in Gujarat, but the recent 50% US tariffs on India has led to deep anxieties about the very survival of this sector, which is part of the country’s sprawling gem and jewellery industry. Kunal Shankar, The Hindu’s Deputy Business Editor discusses the repercussions of the steep tariffs on the sector with Lalatendu Mishra who covers markets, finance and all things business for The Hindu, based out of Mumbai.  Guest: Lalatendu Mishra, Senior Deputy Editor, The Hindu  Host: Kunal Shankar  Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tanul Thakur, an independent journalist and author of "Wild Wild East," draws from his own experiences as a former H-1B worker to delve into the complexities of the H-1B visa program. He discusses the implications of President Trump's hefty fee increase and questions claims about visa abuse affecting American workers. Tanul reveals troubling practices among consultancy firms exploiting workers and illustrates systemic loopholes that continue to harm both Indian and American IT professionals.

Dr. Sacchidananda Mukherjee, an esteemed economist at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, delves into the evolution of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). He discusses the recent shift to a two-rate system aimed at enhancing purchasing power and stimulating domestic consumption. Mukherjee analyzes potential challenges like the exclusion of items from GST and its impact on businesses’ ability to pass benefits to consumers. He also touches on the balance between state revenues and growth, highlighting the ongoing debates about tax progressivity and compliance.

Sonalde Desai, a demography expert and Professor at NCAER, delves into India's declining fertility rates, which have recently dipped to 1.9. She highlights significant rural trends reaching replacement levels and the stark regional disparities across the country. Desai discusses the implications of an aging population, the effects of economic changes on family structures, and the challenges of migration and infertility. Ultimately, she explores how these shifts could shape India's future demographics and policy responses.