In Focus by The Hindu

In this insightful discussion, eminent advocate Tasneem Ahmadi delves into the Supreme Court's interim order on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. He explains the implications of the stay on key provisions, such as the five-year practice rule for Waqf creation and the power of District Collectors in determining Waqf status. Ahmadi highlights the challenges posed by deleting waqf-by-user and its potential impact on charities, while addressing the complexities of non-Muslim representation on Waqf boards and the associated legal landscape.

Vivek Katju, a former Indian diplomat with extensive experience in strategic affairs, joins Antara Ghosal Singh, a China scholar at the Observer Research Foundation, to delve into the complexities of India-China relations. They explore whether India should prioritize normalizing ties despite ongoing boundary disputes. Key discussions include historical precedents for engagement, the implications of the Galwan Valley clashes, and China's regional strategies. The duo weighs the benefits of rekindling trade against trust issues stemming from geopolitical tensions and past conflicts.

Pankaj Chadha, Chairman of the Engineering Exports Promotion Council of India, dives deep into the effects of U.S. tariffs on Indian factories. He highlights the struggles faced by engineering firms and small enterprises, emphasizing idle machines and the stress on exporters. The conversation touches on evolving trade conditions, including the need for strategic adaptation and potential government support. Chadha also discusses navigating new markets and the urgent challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, offering insights into India's economic future.

A few weeks ago, containers of frozen shrimp left Indian ports bound for the United States. By the time they were halfway across the ocean, U.S. tariffs had spiked, prompting buyers to cancel orders. The result: millions of rupees worth of seafood stranded at sea. The impact goes far beyond trade figures. Fishermen in Andhra Pradesh must decide whether it’s worth taking their boats out, while women in Mumbai’s Sassoon Dock who peel prawns by hand worry if there will be work tomorrow. In this episode, K.N. Raghavan walks us through how a decision in Washington is reshaping Indian fishing villages, markets, and homes—and what it means for the future of India’s seafood exports. This episode is part of Tariff Watch, a special series from In Focus examining how U.S. trade policy is affecting Indian industries and the people who depend on them. Guest: K.N. Raghavan, Seafood Exporters Association of India Host: Anupama Chandrasekaran Edited and produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Forest Rights Act (FRA) came into being in 2006. As we touch 20 years of its existence as a tool for tribal empowerment, the United Nations Development Programme, or the UNDP, has come out with a comprehensive new report, titled ‘Securing rights, Enabling Futures: Policy Lessons from Forest Rights Act and Future Pathways’. We know that the Forest Rights Act seeks to remedy a historical injustice against forest-dwelling communities, who have paid the heaviest price for ‘development’ through displacement and dispossession. This law restores the rights of these communities to live on forest land, and to use forest resources. While this sounds great in principle, it has run into many challenges in practice – including resistance from the forest bureaucracy itself. Recently, in a shocking development, thousands of forest rights titles disappeared from the records of the Chhattisgarh government. And in a stance that, on the face of it, would alarm forest-dwelling communities, the UNDP report suggests building a consensus for a ‘sunset clause’ that provides an ‘end date’ for the recognition and vesting of rights under the FRA – what does it mean? Why do we need a sunset clause for forest rights? Also, how can thousands of forest rights titles disappear all of a sudden? More broadly, how effective has been the implementation of the FRA so far, and what is required to make it more effective? Guests: Kanchi Kohli, well-known expert in environment and forest policy who has co-authored the UNDP report, and Abhinay Lakshman, who covers the FRA for The Hindu. Host: G Sampath Edited and produced by Jude Francis Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, N. Sudarshan, a seasoned tennis journalist with over a decade of experience, breaks down the thrilling rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. They examine how these two rising stars are reshaping men's tennis, having split the last eight Grand Slams and contested three major finals in one year. The impact of their contrasting styles and off-court controversies adds depth to their rivalry, promising an exciting future for the sport and highlighting the challenges faced by the legendary Big Three.

In this engaging discussion, Stanly Johny, the International Affairs Editor at The Hindu, analyzes Israel's unprecedented attack on Qatar and its implications for regional diplomacy. He unpacks Qatar's shifting role as a mediator in the peace process, raising concerns about the stability of negotiations with Hamas. The conversation also highlights the reactions of Gulf Arab leaders to the escalation and discusses the varying responses of European nations to the violation of international law, shedding light on the greater implications for the future of diplomacy in West Asia.

Soundariya Preetha M, Deputy Chief of Bureau at The Hindu and textile industry reporter, joins Thivya Rakini, State President of Tamil Nadu Textile and Common Labour Union, to discuss the impact of U.S. tariffs on India's textiles sector. They explore how new duties are squeezing export margins, leading to stalled orders and increased inventory pressures. The conversation reveals the struggles faced by workers, especially women, and highlights the urgent need for policy support to bolster this vital industry in the face of economic challenges.

In this discussion, Srinivasan Ramani, Deputy National Editor at The Hindu, dives into Nepal's political chaos. He explores the Gen Z uprising, ignited by frustration with corruption and media restrictions, and how it has escalated into violence. Ramani analyzes the fragmented political alliances that dominate Nepal's instability, and he emphasizes the urgent need for reform to restore faith in democracy. The implications of economic struggles and historical tensions on today's youth protests shed light on the challenges facing the nation.

In this discussion, Roman Gautam, Editor of Himal Southasian, shares insights on the recent violent protests in Kathmandu triggered by a social media ban and rampant corruption. He highlights the frustrations of young Nepalis and their demand for accountability. Gautam reflects on the socio-economic challenges facing the nation, including poverty and youth unemployment. The conversation also touches on the emotional impact of government repression and connects Nepal's unrest to a broader wave of youth activism across South Asia.