In Focus by The Hindu

India’s home season against South Africa has been nothing short of dramatic, from a bruising Test whitewash to a spirited comeback in the ODIs. But beneath the results lies a deeper story about where Indian cricket stands today and where it is headed. In this episode of In Focus, we break down the biggest talking points from the tour. Why is India suddenly vulnerable in Tests at home? Are the pitches the problem, or is this part of a larger decline in red-ball skills? In contrast, what did the ODI win tell us about the squad’s depth — and is the Rohit-Kohli chapter far from over? We also discuss Gautam Gambhir’s leadership, the idea of split coaching roles, and what the upcoming T20s mean for India’s 2026 World Cup preparation. Host: Reuben Joe Joseph Guest: Amol Karhadkar, The Hindu’s sports writer Produced and edited by Jude Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Abdul Ghafur, a senior consultant in infectious diseases at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai and coordinator of the Chennai Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance, delves into the alarming issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India. He highlights India's high resistance rates and the complexities of AMR affecting humans, animals, and the environment. Dr. Ghafur reviews the National Action Plan on AMR and shares effective strategies used in Kerala. Ultimately, he emphasizes individual responsibilities in combating this growing threat.

Vimlendu Jha, an environmentalist and urban air quality advocate, dives deep into Delhi's severe air pollution crisis. He shares alarming insights about the health impacts, including lost life expectancy and stunted lung growth among children. Jha critiques government monitoring and emphasizes the need for accurate data to inform policy. He highlights the role of elite privileges in pollution disparities and discusses effective solutions like enhancing public transport and strict emission standards. Together with host G. Sampath, they explore how pollution might influence future elections.

Major General (Retd.) Lakhwinder Singh, a retired Indian Army officer and author of "Artillery's Thunder: The Untold Kargil Story," shares gripping insights into the Kargil War. He discusses the critical role of artillery in overcoming Pakistan's surprise occupation and the harsh challenges posed by Ladakh's environment. From innovative Bofors gun tactics to the tight coordination between artillery and infantry, his firsthand accounts reveal how these strategies shifted the conflict's tide. Singh also draws parallels with modern warfare, providing lessons for future high-altitude combat.

In this engaging discussion, Manjusha Madhu, a researcher with Breakthrough, delves into the harrowing realities of technology-facilitated gender-based violence in India. She sheds light on various forms of online abuse, such as doxing and deepfakes, and explores how social identities like gender and caste influence victims' experiences and access to justice. Manjusha emphasizes the mental health toll on survivors and the urgent need for awareness and systemic change, highlighting gaps in the legal framework and advocating for a survivor-centered approach to justice.

In this engaging discussion, Apar Gupta, founder of the Internet Freedom Foundation and a digital rights lawyer, tackles the controversial Sanchar Saathi app. Gupta highlights how the mandatory pre-installation raises serious privacy concerns and questions state surveillance. He argues that an app cannot replace systemic reforms in cybersecurity and critiques excessive data permissions. The podcast also explores broader issues of transparency in digital governance, warning about the risks of increasing state control over technology in India.

In this engaging discussion, Thoniparambil Raghunandan, a former IAS officer and expert in decentralization, teams up with Anant Maringanti, director of an urban studies center, to explore the pressing need for governance reform in Indian cities. They highlight the visibility gap of Indian mayors compared to their US counterparts and delve into historical municipal strengths. The guests discuss the failures of the 74th Amendment, the impact of citizen apathy, and the political motives behind municipal reorganizations. They propose that direct mayoral elections could enhance accountability and responsiveness in urban governance.

Amran Ali, Executive Director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People, brings his expertise in disability rights to the discussion. He emphasizes the importance of reasonable accommodation in the workplace, arguing that it's necessary for true equality. Amran critiques the prevalent charity mindset, advocating for rights-based approaches instead. He outlines practical, low-cost accommodations and highlights the urgent need for inclusive practices beyond major cities. With a vision for 2030, he calls for universal design and greater representation of disabled leaders in corporate settings.

The 2025 Formula One season has delivered one of the most thrilling championship battles in over a decade. What looked like a straight McLaren shootout between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri took a dramatic turn after the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where both drivers were disqualified for technical infringements.That stunning twist, combined with Max Verstappen’s late-season surge and seven consecutive podiums, has transformed the fight into a genuine three-way showdown going into the final race at Abu Dhabi.This episode of InFocus unpacks how the 2025 season shaped up into a captivating three-horse race, the team dynamics that defined McLaren’s back-to-back Constructors’ Championship, as well as a disappointing first year for Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari. Guest: Rishikesh Ramachandran, former racer and journalist Host: Reuben Joe Joseph Edited and produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professor Indranil M., a health economist at OP Jindal Global University, dives into the troubling mismatch between health insurance claims filed and those settled in India. He highlights a 21.8% rise in claims versus only a 12.88% settlement increase, focusing on the complexities faced by seniors and the impact of rising medical costs. Indranil discusses the need for better regulations, the role of public versus private insurers in claim approvals, and the pressing concerns around medical inflation affecting affordability and access.