In Focus by The Hindu

Dr. Lancelot Pinto, a pulmonologist and epidemiologist from Mumbai's P.D. Hinduja Hospital, dives into the debates surrounding pigeons in urban India. He clarifies health risks linked to pigeons, distinguishing between infectious diseases and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The discussion touches on how prolonged exposure relates to symptoms often overlooked, like cough and breathlessness. Dr. Pinto advocates for practical measures to mitigate exposure, such as using pigeon nets and air purifiers, while emphasizing the importance of community engagement over culling.

Rebecca John, a senior advocate and criminal defense lawyer, discusses the Supreme Court's recent decision to quash multiple FIRs under Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion law. She exposes the legal flaws and procedural errors that marred the cases, particularly highlighting fabricated evidence. John reveals how the ruling not only safeguards individual rights but could also change how anti-conversion laws are enforced across India. She explores the implications for interfaith marriages, the challenges of legal accountability, and the ongoing debate over constitutional validity.

Aparajita Bharti, a public policy expert, and Viplav Bakshi, an EdTech innovator, dive into the contentious topic of integrating AI into school curricula. They clarify the difference between AI literacy and skills, emphasizing the importance of early literacy. Discussing past technology curriculum failures, they address the concerns of AI reliance among students. The pair advocate for continuous teacher training and highlight the need for context-sensitive approaches to AI education. Their proposed roadmap suggests foundational skills in early years, transitioning to AI literacy in middle school.

Vivek Menon, founder of the Wildlife Trust of India and the first Asian chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission, discusses urgent conservation issues in India. He highlights that climate change has surpassed hunting as a leading threat to wildlife. Menon covers the challenges of reviving endangered species like vultures and the great Indian bustard while tackling wildlife trafficking exacerbated by social media. He stresses the importance of engaging local communities and shares success stories in species recovery, underscoring a renewed focus on conservation priorities.

Siam Thangsing is an independent researcher focused on gender and health during the Manipur conflict, while Greeshma Kuthar is a reporter and lawyer with deep insights from conflict zones. They delve into the stark decline in reported crimes against women amidst widespread violence, questioning traditional narratives around safety and justice. The duo discusses barriers to reporting, the impact of customary laws, and the media's failure to highlight women's experiences early on. Their conversation sheds light on the complex realities faced by women in conflict-torn Manipur.

In a compelling discussion, Jean Drèze, a development economist known for his work on poverty and social policy in India, critiques the reliance on Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) in policymaking. He reveals their ethical limitations and risks of harm, highlighting the Bihar payment experiment as a cautionary tale. Drèze argues that overvaluing RCTs narrows the evidence pool and depoliticizes policy discussions. He emphasizes the need for values and deliberation beyond mere data, warning against aligning RCTs too closely with technocratic approaches.

Abhijit Das, an International trade and WTO expert, discusses China's surprising decision to drop its developing country status at the WTO. He explains how this move could reshape global trading dynamics, emphasizing its implications for India. The conversation reveals the complexities of WTO classifications, the benefits of special treatment for developing countries, and potential pressures for reform. Das also addresses the nature of plurilateral agreements and how they may impact India’s strategic interests amidst this shift.

Dr. Subramanian Swaminathan, an expert in infectious diseases and president of the Clinical Infectious Diseases Society of India, sheds light on the rabies crisis in India. He discusses the staggering discrepancy in rabies death tolls, emphasizing systemic gaps in vaccinations and surveillance. The conversation highlights the need for improved education on wound care, the complexities behind vaccine failures, and the importance of dog vaccination campaigns. Dr. Swaminathan also advocates for better animal surveillance and the potential benefits of making dog bites notifiable.

Sreeparna Chakrabarty, a dedicated journalist covering the Election Commission for The Hindu, dives into the complexities of the upcoming nationwide Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. She discusses the pitfalls of Bihar's controversial SIR, highlighting inaccuracies in voter lists and the implications for disenfranchisement. Concerns about migrant voter registration, the shifts in proving residency, and the practicalities of door-to-door checks are explored. Sreeparna also advocates for clearer, machine-readable voter rolls to enhance transparency.

In this engaging discussion, Hisham Mundol, Chief Adviser at the Environmental Defense Fund, and Ulka Kelkar, Executive Program Director at WRI India, delve into India's potential role in global climate leadership. They explore the challenges and expectations for COP30 amidst geopolitical shifts. The conversation highlights India's significant advancements in renewable energy and the need for tailored climate finance strategies. They also discuss practical measures for bridging the funding gap, framing climate action as an investment opportunity, and the importance of differentiated responsibilities in climate commitments.