In Focus by The Hindu

The INDIA bloc comprising the National Conference (NC), the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist (CPM) has secured a clear majority in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. While the NC prevailed in 42 seats and the Congress won six, the BJP dominated the Jammu region, winning 29 seats in the 90-member assembly. So, what do these results mean for Jammu and Kashmir going forward? How did the delimitation affect the results? Where does the result leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), whose seat share has seen a major drop?  Guest: Peerzada Ashiq, The Hindu’s Srinagar correspondentHost: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The HinduEdited by Jude Francis Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All the exit polls had favoured a Congress victory in the Haryana assembly elections. But defying these predictions, the BJP has secured a clear mandate, winning 48 seats in the 90-member assembly.  How did the BJP manage to beat a strong anti-incumbency factor, not to mention issued such as the farmers’ protests, and the Brij Bhushan sexual harassment issue? What went wrong for the Congress? And what was the nature of the social coalition that carried the day?  Guest: Rahul Verma, political analyst and fellow at the Centre for Policy Research (CPR), New Delhi. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu.Edited by Jude Francis WestonListen to more In Focus podcasts: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On October 3, we saw that the government of India announced classical language status to four languages and Marathi was one of them. We have been hearing how there have been joyous and applauding reactions coming in from Maharashtra but there have been certain debates as well on whether Marathi should be given classical language status or not. How was the journey, and how did this whole process begin? What were the various landmark steps that were taken? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Gufran Beig, a prominent air quality expert and Chair Professor at NIAS, discusses the alarming state of Delhi's winter air pollution. He reveals how climate change and phenomena like La Niña worsen smog conditions. The conversation highlights the flaws in current government strategies like the Graded Response Action Plan and stresses the need for innovative, comprehensive solutions. With methane and black carbon playing critical roles, Beig calls for a shift in focus towards long-term emission strategies to safeguard Delhi's air quality and public health.

The Union Health Ministry issued a set of draft guidelines on a subject that has mostly remained somewhat taboo in India: passive euthanasia. The guidelines have stated that doctors should take considered decisions on the withdrawal of life support in terminally ill patients, or consider not giving life support measures in such patients – under certain conditions.This is not the first time passive euthanasia has come up in recent times – despite India not having any formal legislation around it, the Supreme Court allowed for it in a decision in 2018, stating that people had a right to die with dignity. The Court also allowed for citizens to make living wills or advanced medical directives.So what is passive euthanasia? Following the Supreme Court decision have living wills been made and are these being implemented in hospitals? What is the role of palliative medicine in end of life care and support? How can doctors and families ensure patients have compassionate and dignified deaths?Guest: Dr M R Rajagopal, chairman Emeritus of Pallium India and Adjunct Professor of Global Oncology, Queen's University, CanadaHost: Zubeda HamidEdited by Jude Francis Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this riveting discussion, Iftikhar Gilani, a seasoned journalist with extensive reporting experience from South Asia and the Middle East, analyzes the fallout from the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The conversation dives into Hezbollah's ability to endure this significant loss, the potential for a land invasion by Israel, and how U.S. troop movements could impact the region. Gilani further explores Israel's military strategies in Lebanon and Gaza, highlighting the intricate web of geopolitical tensions at play.

Explore the intriguing limitations of BMI as a health metric and discover the Body Roundness Index (BRI) as a promising alternative. Learn how BRI incorporates waist circumference for a better understanding of fat distribution, particularly for populations predisposed to abdominal fat. Dive into the impact of visceral fat on health issues like diabetes. Plus, get a practical guide on how to measure your own BRI at home, ensuring a more accurate representation of your health and risks.

In this exciting discussion, chess prodigies D Gukesh, R Praggnanandha, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and seasoned player P Harikrishna reflect on India’s historic double gold at the Budapest Chess Olympiad. They dissect their team strategies and the psychological aspects that fueled their triumph. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by their female counterparts and the importance of support for emerging talents. Gukesh also shares insights on his rise and upcoming rivalries, particularly as he prepares for the World Championship.

Akshay Shinde, at the center of a high-profile rape case, discusses the controversial circumstances surrounding his police encounter that resulted in his death. He delves into the legalities of this incident, challenging the justification of self-defense claims. Senior advocate Mihir Desai weighs in on the constitutional right to life and emphasizes the need for independent investigations into police actions. The conversation also critiques India’s 'encounter culture' and explores the crucial balance between justice and the rule of law, urging for accountability and reform in the system.

Anurag Kumara Dissanayake, the new President of Sri Lanka and JVP leader, shares insights into the dramatic shifts in Sri Lankan politics. Political analyst Nirupama Subramanian and journalist Meera Srinivasan analyze post-election sentiment, from excitement to skepticism among citizens. They discuss the complexities of ethnic dynamics, governance, and the need to address minority concerns. Additionally, they explore the delicate balance in foreign relations with India and China as Sri Lanka charts a new diplomatic course.