In Focus by The Hindu

S. Chokalingam, the Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra, sheds light on the recent election results controversies. He addresses concerns around Electronic Voting Machines and voter turnout spikes, clarifying how the voting process works. The discussion unpacks allegations of electoral malpractices and the importance of protocols like VVPAT for transparency. By explaining EVM mechanics and the verification process, Chokalingam reassures listeners about electoral integrity. His insights offer a deeper understanding of maintaining a fair democracy.

Vinaya Deshpande, Maharashtra Chief of Bureau at The Hindu, breaks down the dramatic electoral shift in Maharashtra from June to November 2024. He explores how the Maha Yuti coalition's hyper-local strategies and financial promises influenced the landslide victory over the Maha Vikas Agadi. The analysis dives into voter perception, Narendra Modi's impact, and internal discord within the MVA. Deshpande also highlights concerns about the electoral process, voter turnout discrepancies, and the implications for future governance in the state.

Dr. Ennapadam S. Krishnamoorthy, a neuropsychiatrist and founder of Buddhi Clinic in Chennai, explores the fascinating gut-brain connection. He illuminates how gut health can predict neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, with symptoms sometimes appearing decades earlier. The discussion highlights the role of diet in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, emphasizing its impact on mental health and emotional wellness. He also touches on how stress can affect gut flora, underscoring the importance of dietary diversity for cognitive and emotional well-being.

Nagraj Adve, a founder member of Teachers Against the Climate Crisis, shares insights on the recent COP29 conference. He highlights the disappointment expressed by developing nations over inadequate climate finance commitments from developed countries, deeming them an 'insult.' The podcast dives into the complexities of new carbon market agreements and the ethical dilemmas they pose for indigenous communities. Adve also discusses the significance of the new methane reduction declaration and the critical need for fair funding solutions in the face of urgent climate challenges.

Kallol Bhattacharjee, a journalist from The Hindu’s New Delhi Bureau, delves into the complex extradition controversy surrounding Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Bangladeshi leader. He discusses the implications of political activities she continues from India, alongside Bangladesh's attempts to involve Interpol. Bhattacharjee explores the extradition treaty’s exemption clauses, the historical context of India-Bangladesh relations, and the current political turbulence in Bangladesh under Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. The dialogue captures the intersection of law, politics, and national security.

The National People’s Power (NPP), the ruling alliance led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has secured a historic mandate in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary elections. By winning 159 seats in the 225-member Parliament, it has secured two-thirds majority, a feat never achieved before in Sri Lanka’s proportionate representation system. This victory, coming two months after his election as President, leaves Dissanayake supremely well-placed to fulfil the expectations of a people exhausted by economic travails. But then, he will also be under pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stick with the program of permanent austerity. Can he navigate these contradictory pulls on his government? If so, how? And will he use his two-thirds majority to establish a new political culture, say, by abolishing the executive presidency? Guest: Dr Ahilan Kadirgamar from the University of Jaffna. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu.Edited by Sharmada venkatasubramanian. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sriram Lakshman, a foreign correspondent for The Hindu, dives deep into Trump's unexpected victory as the 47th President. He highlights the miscalculations by Democrats and the diverse voter support Trump garnered, including from traditionally Democratic groups. Lakshman discusses the implications of Trump's controversial staff picks, touching on potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy. The conversation also addresses the evolving Democratic strategies and the global ramifications of this election outcome, hinting at a rise in divisive politics worldwide.

Saurabh Bhattacharjee, an expert on migrant worker issues from the National Law School, unpacks the grim realities faced by Indian laborers in Saudi Arabia's Neom project, including shocking stats on deaths and disappearances. He delves into the oppressive kafala system, questioning why young Indians still seek jobs in the Gulf amid such risks. Bhattacharjee calls attention to outdated legal protections, the cycle of exploitation from recruitment to labor, and the urgent need for reforms to safeguard the rights of these vulnerable workers.

Negotiators, government representatives, and activists from across the world will assemble in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 for COP29, this year's U.N. climate summit.  This COP or Conference of Parties is dubbed the "climate finance COP" as it has a big goal - setting a new climate financing target. Negotiators will discuss ways to set up a fund to help developing countries fight against climate change. But, the issues of climate financing are not just about setting a target; it is about incentivising the private sector to invest in greener technologies, forming regulations to aid the process and finding ways to fund transition from fossil fuels.  Guest: Dr. Monika Gupta, Assistant Professor, Finance and Economics, SPJIMR Host: V Nivedita Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The much-delayed Census may finally be conducted next year, with the process being completed in 2026. Following the Census the Central government may go ahead with a delimitation exercise – re-drafting constituencies, based on updated population numbers. This seems to have sparked concern amongst some south Indian States, who believe that the number of seats they represent in Parliament could decrease, as their populations are lower than those of certain States in the north, as they have achieved population control milestones. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu recently expressed concerns about his State’s ageing population and called on residents to have more children. Two days later, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, while attending a mass wedding event, referred to a blessing about acquiring 16 different kinds of wealth, said in jest that with delimitation coming up, perhaps residents should rethink having small families.So what’s going to happen with the delimitation exercise? Will southern States lose out on a large number of seats while those in the north get more? Will these place a wedge between two halves of the country, driving ‘north-south’ politics? Is there are a fairer system to ensure adequate representation without penalising States that have performed better?Guest: Sonalde Desai: Professor at the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), and Distinguished University Professor, University of Maryland, U.S.Host: Zubeda HamidEdited by Jude Francis Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices