In Focus by The Hindu

Kalki Subramaniam, Southern Regional Representative of the National Council for Transgender Persons and transgender rights activist, reveals how the Council was bypassed in drafting the 2026 amendment. She flags removal of self-identification, mandatory medical tests, exclusion of trans men, and harsh sentencing disparities. Kalki outlines protests, planned letters to leaders, and her readiness to resign if the bill becomes law.

Isha Suri, independent researcher on telecom and internet governance, and Raman Jit Singh Chima, digital rights lawyer focused on the Asia Pacific, debate government use of AI. They discuss where AI can help public services, risks of replacing humans, privacy trade-offs, data commodification, procurement pitfalls, and why India should build sovereign, public-interest AI capacity.

Angshuman Choudhury, a researcher doing doctoral work on Assam politics at NUS and King’s College London, breaks down the state's election dynamics. He discusses muted anti-incumbency and Himanta’s identity-driven approach. Delimitation’s impact on Muslim representation and shifting cleavages toward Hindu-Muslim politics are explored. He also touches on welfare schemes, alliance failures and the political fallout of Zubeen Garg’s death.

Narendra Taneja, an energy analyst focused on oil, gas geopolitics and India's energy security, weighs in. He discusses how the Strait of Hormuz closure sparked LPG shortages and why storage and tanker logistics make LPG especially vulnerable. He explores choices on supplier diversification, the geopolitical drivers in the Gulf, and the fiscal strains of cushioning consumers from rising fuel costs.

Stanly Johny, International Affairs Editor at The Hindu, unpacks US-Iran-Israel dynamics with sharp geopolitical context. He discusses Trump’s strategic dilemma, whether airpower can suffice or ground troops are needed. He examines Iran’s resilience, asymmetric tactics, and regional ripples including Russia and China’s roles. The conversation focuses on escalation risks and strategic levers like the Strait of Hormuz.

Priyamvada Mehra, author of The Cost of a Promised Afterlife, recounts growing up in a cult-like religious environment and finding a path to healing. She describes how total control, fear and censorship erased autonomy. She explains why capable people fall for charismatic godmen and how family bonds were redirected to the leader. She ends by sharing her present humanist outlook and reclaimed agency.

Dr Ashok Dhawale, veteran farmer leader and president of the All India Kisan Sabha, discusses why many are opposing the India‑US interim trade framework. He highlights fears about tariff cuts flooding markets with cheap imports. He outlines risks to cotton, horticulture and smallholders, concerns over federal override of state rights, and plans for intensified farmer and labour mobilisations.

Kabir Taneja, Observer Research Foundation Middle East executive director, breaks down Gulf strategies and stalled connectivity plans. Amb. Talmiz Ahmad, former Indian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE, critiques India's posture and regional diplomacy. They debate India’s responses, Gulf neutrality limits, and the wider strategic and economic fallout in West Asia.

Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy at the Hinrich Foundation and trade expert. She walks through why the U.S. used emergency tariff powers and what alternate U.S. authorities could be used next. She discusses who may get refunds, how businesses cope with tariff volatility, and the strategic choices India faces after the court ruling.

Pradeep Magazine, veteran cricket journalist and author, brings decades of reporting and context. He assesses India’s dominant World Cup run and Sanju Samson’s tournament impact. He digs into the controversy over Ahmedabad’s flat pitch and whether curators should shape finals. He also compares Ahmedabad with India’s storied venues and debates spectacle versus competitive balance.