Parley by The Hindu

According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey, the unemployment rate among graduates is higher than in many other developing countries. Students who enrolled in college during the pandemic have now graduated and there are concerns over their employability and the quality of online education. Is higher education in India out of touch with the skill requirements in the job markets? Here we discuss the question. Guests: Furqan Qamar, Professor, Department Of Management Studies, at Jamia Millia Islamia; Santosh Mehrotra, Professor in Jawaharlal Nehru University Host: A.M. Jigeesh

Experts discuss the global resurgence of right-wing populism, analyzing its characteristics and differences from left-wing populism. The impact of Hindu-majority terrorism on public institutions in India is explored, along with the rise of right-wing populism in different countries and the collapse of center parties. The concept of resilience in the face of authoritarianism is discussed, as well as the challenges faced by democracies in the global context.

Recently, President Droupadi Murmu suggested that an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will help diversify the judiciary. In the same way that the Union Public Service Commission conducts a central recruitment exam and assigns successful candidates to cadres, the recruitment of judges of the district judiciary is being proposed to be made central, following which they will be assigned to the States. This idea has been discussed in the past and has also been a part of the Union government’s official policy for years. However, there has been no consensus on the proposal either from the High Courts or the State governments. Should an AIJS be created? Here we discuss the question. Guests:Alok Prasanna Kumar, co-founder and lead, Vidhi Karnataka; Bharat Chugh, a lawyer based in Delhi and a former civil judgeHost: Aaratrika Bhaumik 

In a historic first, all 198 signatories to the 28th United Nations’ Conference of the Parties (COP28) adopted to “transition away” from “all fossil fuels” as opposed to only coal, as was agreed upon at COP26, in Glasgow. India had played a pivotal role in Glasgow in modifying the language from “phasing out” coal to “phasing it down”. Unsurprisingly, it supported the incumbent COP President Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber of the UAE when he proposed to “transition away” from oil and gas, as opposed to “phasing out”, as demanded by several developed countries and small island nations. As the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, albeit with a drastically smaller per capita emission rate, should India set a higher bar to mitigate and adapt to climate change? Here we discuss the question.

The world has witnessed several disruptions in recent years. China’s phenomenal rise has unleashed a superpower competition between Washington and Beijing. Russia is challenging the post-World War security architecture in Europe through military means. In West Asia, Israel is engaged in a brutal war with Hamas. The world is also witnessing the rise of several middle powers such as India.Is the emerging global order bipolar? Here we discuss the question

Kerala, a State known for its vibrant public sphere, is now in the news for what film producers have termed as the phenomenon of “review bombing”. Makers of a couple of films have approached the Kerala High Court, seeking a gag on social media and YouTube reviews for at least seven days following a film‘s release; the claim being that these reviews can make or break films, and by extension the sustainability of the Malayalam film industry. The Kerala police have also booked some online reviewers and social media platforms, following complaints from producers. The State is now witnessing a heated debate with a groundswell of support for the reviewers, raising pertinent questions on freedom of expression. Here we discuss the issue. Guests: B.Unnikrishnan, a filmmaker and general secretary of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA); C.S. Venkiteswaran is a national award winning film criticHost: S. R. Praveen

The podcast discusses the validity of the electoral bonds scheme and the debate surrounding voters' right to information versus donor confidentiality. It explores the concept of state funding of elections and the potential for transparency in the electoral process. The chapter also delves into conditions and viability of state funding, including accountability and involvement of political parties. The speakers examine the issue of state funding for family-oriented parties, explore global perspectives on state-funded elections, and discuss the impact of public funding and one nation one election on reducing election costs.

Starting with the immediate aftermath of the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israeli targets, , the Israeli Defense Forces have carried out a relentless campaign bombing civilian locations across Gaza. The Israeli argument has been that it is focused on eradicating Hamas but the casualties are mostly women, children and infants which has drawn worldwide condemnation for Israel. Last Friday, the UN saw the adoption of a non binding Jordanian resolution in New York by large majority of member states. 120 members votes in favor, 14 voted against and 45 countries abstained. India was among those who abstained. The General Assembly adopted a major resolution and call for an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce, leading to a cessation of hostilities. It was proposed by Jordan and backed over 45 countries India of course abstain and was criticized for that domestically. But the conflict has continued as there is no call for bringing in a ceasefire. Is this failure going to end the UN and end the present global order? 

The Prime Minister recently said that India aspires to host the 2036 Olympics Games. This has been a dream for successive governments and sports officials. Hosting the Olympics would not only underscore India’s importance as a sporting nation, but also enable it to assert its geopolitical power and showcase development. Here, we discuss whether India is ready to host the Olympics? Guests: Manisha Malhotra, Head of Sports Excellence and Scouting with JSW Sports; Norris Pritam, journalist with over three decades of experience in covering multi-discipline events including six OlympicsHost: Uthra Ganesan

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister and Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha MP discuss the step-motherly attitude of the Union government towards southern states. They explore the issues of tax distribution, delimitation of constituencies, fiscal deficit, lack of effective mechanisms for sharing best practices, and the formula used by the Finance Commission. They advocate for equitable development, state representation, and a comprehensive approach to determine state shares.