In Focus by The Hindu

Soundariya Preetha M, Deputy Chief of Bureau at The Hindu and textile industry reporter, joins Thivya Rakini, State President of Tamil Nadu Textile and Common Labour Union, to discuss the impact of U.S. tariffs on India's textiles sector. They explore how new duties are squeezing export margins, leading to stalled orders and increased inventory pressures. The conversation reveals the struggles faced by workers, especially women, and highlights the urgent need for policy support to bolster this vital industry in the face of economic challenges.

In this discussion, Srinivasan Ramani, Deputy National Editor at The Hindu, dives into Nepal's political chaos. He explores the Gen Z uprising, ignited by frustration with corruption and media restrictions, and how it has escalated into violence. Ramani analyzes the fragmented political alliances that dominate Nepal's instability, and he emphasizes the urgent need for reform to restore faith in democracy. The implications of economic struggles and historical tensions on today's youth protests shed light on the challenges facing the nation.

In this discussion, Roman Gautam, Editor of Himal Southasian, shares insights on the recent violent protests in Kathmandu triggered by a social media ban and rampant corruption. He highlights the frustrations of young Nepalis and their demand for accountability. Gautam reflects on the socio-economic challenges facing the nation, including poverty and youth unemployment. The conversation also touches on the emotional impact of government repression and connects Nepal's unrest to a broader wave of youth activism across South Asia.

In this engaging discussion, Sabir Ahamed, Programme Director at the Pratichi Institute, dives into the booming private tutoring scene in Bengal and Odisha. He reveals how private tuition has evolved into a critical component of education, often eclipsing formal schooling. Ahamed sheds light on the socio-economic pressures driving families to invest heavily in coaching, sometimes outspending school fees. He explores the impact of competitive exams and the cultural implications of this shift, raising questions about the future of learning in India.

Dr. Rajetha Damisetty explains how the entry of unqualified practitioners and a lack of regulatory oversight is impacting patient safety when it comes to skin and hair procedures being performed in India. The wellness sector is booming in India. Aesthetic, skin and hair clinics are everywhere, social media feeds are filled with advertisements and procedures such as hair transplants, skin lightening, botox and others are becoming increasingly common. In a few cases that have been reported in the news however, some of these treatments have gone horribly wrong – in May this year, two men from Kanpur died after botched hair transplants and another man in Kerala contracted a serious bacterial infection. Experts say that the problem is the lack of regulatory oversight – who is supposed to be able to perform these procedures and who is actually performing them in India? Are clinics where these procedures take place fully licensed and equipped to deal with emergencies? Are misleading claims and exaggerated advertisements contributing to the problem? And what is being done to ensure patient safety? Guest: Rajetha Damisetty, a senior dermatologist based in Hyderabad and national chairperson of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) Anti-Quackery, Legal and Ethics Committee. Host: Zubeda Hamid Edited by Jude Francis Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, Ashok Sahni, a leading palaeontologist in India, shares his groundbreaking discoveries that have transformed our view of the country's ancient history. He discusses the Rajasaurus narmadensis and the significance of India's diverse fossil landscape. Sahni highlights the urgent need for education and legal protections against the threats of theft and commercial trade that endanger these fossils. The conversation also touches on how studying these ancient remains can equip us to handle modern environmental challenges.

In this intriguing discussion, Dr. Aravind Reghukumar, Head of Infectious Diseases at Government Medical College Thiruvananthapuram, shares insights on the alarming spike in brain-eating amoeba infections in Kerala. He explains how the Naegleria fowleri amoeba infiltrates the body and the challenges in diagnosis and treatment. The conversation highlights the influence of climate change on these infections and underscores the need for robust public health initiatives and community awareness to combat this deadly threat.

Movin Jain, Co-founder of Skydo, a platform aiding Indian exporters, discusses the recent removal of the U.S. de minimis exemption and its impact on small businesses in India. He highlights the logistical challenges and increased costs exports now face. Jain emphasizes the necessity for Indian exporters to diversify geographically and improve operational efficiencies. The conversation also reflects on the resilience of Indian businesses, exploring how they can adapt to changing global trade dynamics while finding new opportunities in overseas markets.

Apar Gupta, Advocate and Founder Director of the Internet Freedom Foundation, and Jay Vinayak Ojha, Senior Resident Fellow at the Viti Center for Legal Policy, dive into the contentious issue of regulating commercial speech on digital platforms. They discuss the recent Supreme Court directive urging guidelines to protect vulnerable groups from offensive content. Key topics include the balance between free speech and societal responsibility, the complexities of online content moderation, and the importance of inclusive stakeholder consultation in shaping effective digital regulations.

Deepak Joshi, an Advocate-On-Record at the Supreme Court of India and a chartered accountant, dives into the newly enacted Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. He discusses the implications of the blanket ban on real money gaming, questioning its effectiveness and the government’s rationale regarding social harms. The conversation highlights potential constitutional challenges, especially around the differentiation between games of skill and chance. Joshi also addresses concerns over civil liberties linked to warrantless searches and the impact on the gaming industry.