In Focus by The Hindu

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

Reports of a spike in respiratory illnesses in China have recently caused some amount of panic. Perhaps this is not surprising considering that next month will mark four years since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out and changed the world as we knew it. The current surge of illnesses however, have been reported primarily among children. On November 22, the World Health Organisation requested information from China about these infections. Subsequently, Chinese authorities have said that the outbreak is due to a number of pathogens – all of them known, none of them new. On November 26, the Indian government asked State Governments to ensure that the influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illnesses (SARI) be closely monitored, particularly in children and adolescents. Several State governments have since then, stepped up their surveillance measures, especially as winter sets in, in many parts of India while parts of the south are experiencing heavy rains. We have since heard about RSV, adenoviruses and mycloplasma that have been the causes behind many of these infections.So what are these pathogens that have caused the Chinese outbreak? Why are they affecting children? Does India have cause for concern? And what measures can we take to safeguard ourselves? We discuss these and more in this episode. Tune in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The BJP has won the elections in three of the four states whose results were declared on Sunday. It has won in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, while the Congress bagged Telengana. In Mizoram, the Zoram People’s Movement is headed for a majority.The BJP has stamped its dominance in the Hindi heartland. The results, however, seem to have taken many by surprise – especially the margins of victory. What went wrong for the Congress, especially in Chhattisgarh, where it was expected to win? What were the deciding factors in MP and Rajasthan? What lessons can Congress draw from its win in Telangana? And what do the Congress’s losses mean for the INDIA alliance, in the context of the 2024 general elections? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices