In Focus by The Hindu

Professor Kumar Sanjay, a History professor at Swami Shraddhanand College in Delhi, analyzes Bihar's recent election results. He discusses the unexpected NDA victory and the role of caste dynamics in voting patterns, arguing it was a JDU-driven success rather than a saffron wave. Sanjay critiques the RJD's failure to connect with agrarian voters and the implications of the Special Intensive Revision on electoral outcomes. He warns about challenges for the Opposition in upcoming elections and questions India's trajectory towards one-party dominance.

Prof. Prabha Kotiswaran, a legal expert in reproductive law, dives deep into the complexities of surrogacy in India. She discusses the recent Supreme Court petition addressing restrictions in the Surrogacy Act, focusing on secondary infertility. The conversation explores constitutional rights, ethical concerns around exploitation, and the challenges of implementing the Act effectively. Kotiswaran advocates for better protections and compensation for surrogates, warning that strict regulations may drive the practice underground.

Delve into the surprising realities behind low conviction rates in POCSO cases. Discover how consensual relationships among minors can skew statistics and the impact of raising the age of consent. Hear about instances where state agencies file complaints against families' wishes. The conversation highlights the emotional and economic burden on accused families. Advocates call for a more nuanced understanding of the law and its implications, emphasizing the need for better education on POCSO among adolescents.

Vasabjit Banerjee, an Assistant Professor of Political Science specializing in India-Russia relations, dives into the complexities of U.S. sanctions against Russia and how they impact India. He discusses India's increasing reliance on discounted Russian oil amidst mounting Western pressure and the historical ties that underpin this relationship. Banerjee highlights the contrasting U.S. strategies under Biden and Trump, the implications for global energy stability, and India's unique leverage in this geopolitical chess game. The conversation raises critical questions about the sustainability of India’s balancing act in a shifting international landscape.

Dr. Rizwan Javed, a transfusion medicine expert from Kolkata, discusses the recent tragic incident in Jharkhand where contaminated blood led to HIV infections in children. He highlights the critical nature of blood safety, examining current testing protocols and the gaps in policy that allowed such lapses. Dr. Javed explains the importance of mandatory infection screenings, the differences between various HIV testing methods, and the challenges in accessing advanced tests like nucleic acid testing. He emphasizes the need for centralized oversight and equitable blood access across India.

Stanly Johny, International Affairs Editor at The Hindu, delves into the devastating civil war in Sudan, which has claimed over 150,000 lives and displaced millions. He discusses the strategic implications of the RSF's capture of El Fasher and the ongoing power struggle between military leaders Burhan and Dagalo. The podcast sheds light on the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by famine and malnutrition, critiques international inaction, and examines the complexities of potential ceasefire proposals and future political arrangements.

In this engaging discussion, historian Tanika Sarkar dives into the complexities of public religious expressions in India. She highlights the increase in visibility and noise of festivals, raising concerns about civic disruption and environmental impacts. The conversation also touches on the politicization of faith, competition between communities, and how aggressive religious symbols serve to consolidate group identities. Sarkar advocates for a return to more rational and meaningful expressions of devotion, critiquing the current trend of commercialization and divisiveness.

Suhasini Haider, Senior Journalist and National Editor at The Hindu, dives into the rise of female conservative leaders like Japan’s Sanae Takaichi. She discusses the complex reactions to Takaichi's leadership among Japanese women, highlighting mixed feelings of pride and indifference. Suhasini explores how gender intersects with other identities in politics and examines the implications of right-wing female leaders on traditional power dynamics. Ultimately, she emphasizes the importance of policy impacts over gender in evaluating leadership.

Prashant Bhushan, an advocate at the Supreme Court of India and electoral law specialist, dives into the complexities surrounding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. He discusses the legal battles over disenfranchisement and transparency, revealing issues like duplicate voter entries and the Election Commission's refusal to adopt deduplication methods. Bhushan emphasizes the need for social audits to ensure accuracy and warns of potential targeted exclusions. He also critiques ongoing court proceedings and insists on the necessity for reforms to restore the Election Commission's integrity.

Max Baucus, a former U.S. Senator and Ambassador to China, and James Chau, President of the China-United States Exchange Foundation, explore the implications of the recent U.S.-China agreement in Busan. They discuss the evolving dynamics of mutual respect and the role of Trump's personality in the negotiations. Insights into the potential durability of the truce highlight institutional maturity, while concerns about Taiwan's omission and decoupling from supply chains are examined. The need for inclusive dialogue emerges as vital for crisis prevention.