In Focus by The Hindu

Another upgrade, another round of applause. OpenAI’s GPT-5 has arrived—sleeker, quicker and kind of the talk of the town. But peel back the glitz and questions pile up. In this episode, we will know who builds these systems, and at what cost? Who reaps the rewards? And what happens when a few voices decide how billions will live, work and learn? Guest: Payal Arora, Professor of Inclusive AI Cultures, Utrecht University; author of From Pessimism to Promise Host: Anupama Chandrasekaran Produced and edited by Jude Francis Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Human-rights activist Harsh Mander shares insights on María Corina Machado, Venezuela's first Nobel Peace Prize winner. Despite threats and exile, Machado continues to advocate for her people against authoritarianism. Harsh emphasizes the significance of honoring peace amidst global turmoil while reflecting on Machado's bravery as a symbol of democratic resistance. He highlights the importance of protecting minority rights and the need for grassroots efforts to promote peace. The conversation inspires a belief in hope and resilience in the face of oppression.

Stanly Johny, the International Affairs Editor at The Hindu, provides insightful analysis on Trump's ambitious 20-point Gaza peace plan. He unpacks how the plan links hostage releases to ceasefires and discusses the role of Hamas and proposed international governance. Key issues arise over Palestinian statehood and West Bank violence, alongside concerns about the plan's viability and Israel's military posture. Johny argues that real peace requires strategic governance changes and Israeli withdrawal, questioning whether this plan can truly deliver lasting tranquility.

Ruhi Tiwari, a journalist and author specializing in gender and electoral politics, joins Rajeshwari Deshpande, a Political Science professor with expertise in women's voting behavior. They discuss how welfare measures targeted at women, like cash transfers, are shaping electoral decisions. The conversation highlights the diversity among women voters, influenced by caste and class, and the paradox of celebrating their enfranchisement while facing systemic exclusion. Ultimately, they argue that women are becoming crucial in elections but remain part of a complex political landscape.

Ankit Mandholia, Head of Equity and Derivatives at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, shares insights on India's evolving investment landscape. He discusses why more Indians are transitioning from traditional fixed deposits to Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), highlighting behavioral factors like automation, trust, and consistent returns. Ankit explains how SIPs stabilize markets amid foreign investor exits and emphasizes the importance of informed investing. He also notes the rise of demat accounts and participation from smaller towns, pointing to a broader shift in financial habits.

Nearly 40 years ago, 14 patients died at Mumbai’s J.J. hospital, as the medication they took was contaminated with diethylene glycol, an industrial solvent that is toxic to human beings. Over the past few weeks, at least 16 children, a majority of them in Madhya Pradesh and a few in Rajasthan have died, and their deaths are suspected to be because of the same issue: a cough syrup, given to them for treatment, contained diethylene glycol. The issue of medicines being contaminated is not new – how it happens and how it can be stopped are both well known. And yet, India, which accredits itself as the pharmacy of the world, providing generic drugs to many parts of the globe, cannot seem to ensure that medicines for its own children are safe. What are the issues plaguing the drug regulatory system? Why do these deaths continue to take place with little accountability? And are cough syrups necessary at all for children? Guest: Anant Phadke who is with the All India Drug Action Network, a national network that advocates for rational and affordable drug policies in India Host: Zubeda Hamid Edited by Jude Francis Weston For more episodes of In Focus: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shreya Rastogi, Director of Death Penalty Litigation and Forensics at The Square Circle Clinic, dives into the intricate world of DNA evidence in India. She discusses the recent Supreme Court guidelines aimed at preserving sample integrity, emphasizing the vital role of chain of custody. Shreya sheds light on the challenges police face at crime scenes, including training gaps and contamination risks. She calls for significant reforms in forensic practices, advocating for better training and stronger courtroom scrutiny to ensure reliable DNA evidence.

Catherine Crockford, a primatologist specializing in chimpanzee behavior, and Neha Sinha, a wildlife biologist and conservationist, dive into Jane Goodall's revolutionary impact. They discuss Goodall’s groundbreaking methods in Gombe and the significance of naming chimps to challenge scientific norms. The duo explores the legacy of the 'Trimates,' women breaking into a male-dominated field, and how Goodall’s work inspires women in conservation today. They also reflect on the importance of involving local communities in wildlife conservation efforts.

In this engaging discussion, Stanly Johny, the International Affairs Editor at The Hindu, dives into the evolving public opinion surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict. He highlights the UK’s recent recognition of a Palestinian state and its surprisingly low public support. Stanly reveals a dramatic drop in American backing for Israel, citing perceptions of genocide. He skillfully connects protests to shifts in geopolitical stances, while examining the implications of military aid and public mobilization on Israeli policies.

Rangarajan R, a former IAS officer and author, teams up with Sajjad Kargili from the Kargil Democratic Alliance to tackle the pressing issue of Ladakh's statehood. They delve into the loss of political representation post-2019 reorganization and the potential benefits of Sixth Schedule protections. The duo discusses the urgent need for constitutional safeguards amid ongoing unrest, bureaucratic apathy in local governance, and whether empowered councils could effectively replace statehood. Sajjad passionately calls for dignified dialogue and justice for Ladakh.