In Focus by The Hindu

Relations between India and Maldives seem to have hit a rough patch. First came some controversial remarks from Maldivian politicians on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lakshadweep visit, prompting a ‘boycott Maldives’ campaign on Indian social media. Then came a joint press communiqué with China, which committed to “elevating strategic cooperation” between Maldives and China. This was followed by remarks from Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, on his return from China, that although Maldives was a small country, it “won’t be bullied”, that the “Indian Ocean does not belong to any one country”, and that Maldives “is not in anyone’s backyard”.But for India, the most troubling development is Maldives setting a March 15 deadline – effectively an ultimatum -- to withdraw all its troops from the island nation. What exactly does all this mean for India? Is it purely an effect of Maldives’ domestic politics, with general elections due in March? Or should New Delhi be concerned about a more enduring shift in Maldivian foreign policy?Tune in to know more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Telecommunications Act, 2023 was passed by Parliament in the Winter Session of Parliament last year. The Act consolidates much of the telecom laws that existed beforehand, and repeals colonial-era laws that have been updated over the course of over 137 years. While the Act is short in length at just over 45 pages, much of its implementation will be done through notifications and orders that will be passed directly by the government, with no prior approval necessary from Parliament. What does this Act do differently from the colonial-era laws? Is it a revamp of telecom laws or just a consolidation of the status quo? What are the concerns around surveillance and regulation of messaging apps?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For at least a year and a half now, most of us have relegated Covid-19 to the back of our minds. Cases of the virus had drastically reduced, it was not mentioned in headlines any more, and life seemed to have got somewhat back to normal as we learnt to live with Covid. It’s difficult however to ignore the news of yet another coronavirus mutation – this latest sub-variant, JN.1, a descendent of the Omicron variant, has been classified by the World Health Organisation as a ‘variant of interest’ because it has led to a rapid rise in cases across countries.But the WHO has said that the risk to public health is low, and this has been echoed by the Union Health Ministry in India which has said that JN.1 is not a cause of immediate concern.India has seen a surge in cases over the past few days – as of December 27, a total of 109 cases of JN.1 have been detected in the country. Active Covid-19 cases now stand at over 4,000 and several deaths have been reported over the past few days.With winter having set in across north India, pollution levels on the rise and respiratory infections doing the rounds, do we need to be worried about JN.1? Is this sub-variant more infectious than previous variants? Does it have higher vaccine escape properties? Would a booster shot of the vaccine help? And do we need to mask up again? Tune in to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast explores the breakthrough in gene editing technology with a focus on treating blood disorders like sickle cell disease and thalassemia. It discusses the challenges of high costs, safety monitoring, and potential risks. The podcast also delves into the practical application of gene editing in altering stem cells to produce functional hemoglobin. It highlights the need for long-term monitoring and discusses controversies and ethical concerns surrounding gene editing technology.

Recent meta-analysis finds a link between excessive screen use and cognitive performance. Sustained attention is affected by screen time. Discusses addictive screen behavior, its impact on mental health and productivity. Explores the effects of excessive screen time on children, teenagers, and adults in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlights the need for larger-scale studies and recommended guidelines for screen time.

Analyzing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, US's historical backing of Israel, Biden's stance on Israel and the impact of his recent public statement, Democrats and Republicans' position on US Policy Towards Israel, protests against Israel's bombings, consequences of US support for Israel, and the economic impact of the conflict in Yemen on global trade.

Discussion on the three new criminal law bills in India, concerns regarding lack of public debate or consultation, potential impact on civil liberties, and misuse of the bills. Criticism of the bills for minor changes and vague offenses. Exploration of the implications of expanding police custody and comparisons with Western democracies. Analysis of reduced time for bail eligibility, inclusion of terrorism offenses, and similarities between BNS and UAPA. Examination of over criminalization and sedition law, highlighting the need for robust debate.

The podcast discusses the Supreme Court judgment on the abrogation of Article 370 and its implications for India's federal structure. It analyzes the reasoning behind the judgment, the role of the president in the abrogation, and the timing of the petitioners' challenge. The court's discussion on irreversibility and implications of the abrogation is explored, along with the possibility of further relief. The hosts also delve into the idea of a truth and reconciliation commission and the categorization of border states.

Discussion on the outcomes of COP-28 United Nations Climate Summit in Dubai, including the Dubai Consensus, progress on climate justice, and alternative decision-making. Criticism and historical significance of the COP-28 deal, as well as discussions on the loss and damage fund, energy transitions, global stock take, administration and control of the fund, and the concept of climate apartheid and intersectionality.

Argentina’s president-elect Javier Milei, a self-described ‘anarcho-capitalist’, has threatened to disband his country’s currency, the peso, and adopt the US dollar in its place.Argentina has been grappling with hyperinflation for a long time – it was above in November 2023. Milei has argued that dollarisation of the Argentine economy will bring inflation down, and usher in a stable climate favourable for investment. How exactly does dollarisation work? What are the risks it entails? And what has been the experience of countries such as Ecuador which have already tried it?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices