In Focus by The Hindu

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education has flagged its concerns over a key element of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 – the multiple exit and entry system for students in higher education.The Committee’s report, titled “Implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 in Higher Education,” says that a policy of multiple entry/exit for undergraduate students may not work well in the Indian context. It took this view following strong objections from students and teachers. Already, some states, including Kerala, have refused to implement the multiple entry/exit system.So, what is the rationale behind the government’s introduction of this feature in college education? How is it meant to work? And why are students and teachers opposed to it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The government introduced a new Bill in the Rajya Sabha in August – the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. It repeals the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991.This Bill was initially listed for discussion in the special session of Parliament this month, before being held back. But it has sparked a big debate about the implications of this Bill, especially the provisions that removed the Supreme Court Chief Justice from the selection panel, and altered the status of the Election Commissioner – from being equivalent to a Supreme Court judge, to that of a Cabinet Secretary.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accuses the Indian government of masterminding the killing of a Khalistani separatist leader, escalating tensions between India and Canada. The podcast explores the fallout of Trudeau's accusations, including diplomatic expulsions and suspension of visa operations. It also discusses the origins and concerns of the Five Eyes intelligence partnership and the impact of tensions on trade, strategic ties, and education between India and Canada.

A study reveals the rise of Ultra Processed Foods (UPFs) in India and their connection to non-communicable diseases. The podcast discusses the misleading marketing and detrimental effects of UPFs, distinguishing them from processed foods. Strategies to identify safe and harmful industrial packaged foods are shared. The impact of UPFs on children's health is emphasized, along with policy recommendations to tackle the issue in India.

N. Chandrababu Naidu, National president of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), discusses corruption cases driven by political rivalry, highlighting the recent arrest against him. The podcast explores high-profile cases, politicization of agencies, lack of independence in law enforcement, involvement of senior officers in post-retirement benefits, and the need for honest officers. It also exposes the trend of using corruption cases to recruit or weaken politicians for staying in power.

The G-20 Summit in India achieved big wins including addressing the Ukraine conflict, climate change, biofuels, and economic cooperation. Brazil will host the next summit. India played a key role in bringing the African Union as a member and launching the biofuel alliance. India's efforts for biofuels and the Middle East infrastructure corridor were discussed, along with winners and losers of the summit. Prime Minister Modi and Mr. Trudeau had strained interactions over the khalistan issue and foreign interference.

The Nipah virus is back in the news. For the fourth time in five years, Kerala is battling an outbreak of Nipah. The virus, first documented in Malaysia in 1998, is zoonotic, which means it is transmitted to people from animals, in this case the animals are believed to be the fruit bats of the Pteropus species. As of September 15, six people have tested positive for Nipah virus, and two have died. A Central government team is in Kerala at present and a mobile testing lab has been set up. In infected people, the World Health Organisation says, the virus can cause a range of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infections to acute respiratory illnesses and fatal encephalitis. But despite our many brushes with Nipah, there still remains a lot that is unknown – we still need to know more for instance, about how the virus spills over from bats to humans, and why this is happening. There’s also the growing concern of the surge in zoonotic infections across the country – scrub typhus and leptospirosis for instance, and why this is happening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The RBI has issued a new circular on how banks should go about resetting interest rates on floating rate loans. Interest rates have been rising throughout this year, and customers haven’t been too happy with the way banks impose changes on their loans.But the new RBI guidelines promise to increase transparency and clarity. For one, borrowers will now be given the option to shift from a floating to a fixed rate of interest. Secondly, banks have to offer them the choice of whether they want to raise the EMI or extend the loan tenure, or do a combination of both.What prompted the RBI to come up with these new rules? How will they benefit borrowers? And will it enable more equitable information-sharing between lenders and borrowers?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The G20 Summit under India’s presidency last week announced the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor. It aims to enhance connectivity and trade throughout this corridor, connecting India to Saudi Arabia and then onto Europe. The other signatories to this proposal are the UAE, France, the EU, the US and Germany. In some quarters, this is also seen as a sort of a challenge to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. That Italy has signalled to China its keenness to exit the Asian nation’s infrastructure initiative adds to the intrigue.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After two weeks of high octane tennis, the US Open has produced two new champions in men’s and women’s singles. Novak Djokovic has claimed a record 24th Grand Slam. And Coco Gauff has finally fulfilled her promise with a victory over the new world number 1, Aryna Sabalenka.Some of the match-ups were intriguing, and so were their outcomes – Medvedev versus Alcaraz, for instance, and also Karolina Muchova versus Coco Gauff. The tournament has also produced two new world number 1s – Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka. But how long are they likely to hold on to their perch? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices