In Focus by The Hindu

Zohran Mamdani, an avowed socialist, will be sworn in as New York City’s new mayor on January 1. His rise has revived old debates about the future of the U.S. Democratic Party. For most of the last century, the Democratic Party offered a clear promise. If you worked hard, if you were new to the country, if the economy knocked you down, this was your political home. But today, that bond feels weaker. Registrations for the Democratic Party are slipping. Younger voters are drifting away. Many longtime supporters say that the party sounds less like a movement and more like a kind of a corporate meeting room, technical, a little distant. Their political rivals, the Republicans, champion smaller government and conservative values, and in recent years have been reshaped by Donald Trump’s brand MAGA politics. Into this moment came New York City’s surprise, Zohran Mamdani, promising affordability and everyday dignity to a metropolis exhausted by rent and inequality. His ascent to public office comes at a time when the Democrats are nationally seeking momentum. So what’s happening with the Democratic Party, and where is its future actually being written? Guest: Hadas Thier, a journalist, activist, and author of A People's Guide to Capitalism.  Hosts: Anupama Chandrasekaran and G Sampath  Edited and produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2025 tested India and the world on multiple fronts. Politics dominated the discourse, global trade shocks rattled economies, climate stress pushed cities to the brink, and public health and trust came under strain. From BJP’s continued dominance and a faltering Opposition, to Trump-era tariff pressures, the war in Gaza that claimed many lives, and sport offering brief relief, the year unfolded in stark fragments.In this In Focus year-ender, host Anupama Chandrasekaran brings together The Hindu’s journalists to reflect on the defining moments of 2025 and look ahead to the key questions of 2026 across politics, geopolitics, business, environment, health and sport. Guests:Nistula Hebbar, Political Editor; Suhasini Haider, Diplomatic Affairs Editor; TCA Sharad Raghavan, Business and Economics Editor; Jacob Koshy, Science Editor; Ramya Kannan, Health Editor; N Sudarshan, Sports Journalist, The Hindu Host:Anupama Chandrasekaran Edited and produced by Jude Francis Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Suvrat Raju, a physicist and nuclear policy commentator with the Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace, delves into the controversial SHANTI Bill. He discusses how it repeals key safety legislation and raises concerns over supplier liability exemptions. Raju highlights the risks of design flaws from past nuclear disasters like Fukushima and argues that new technologies do not justify reduced accountability. He also questions India's nuclear ambitions against the backdrop of increasingly affordable renewables, warning that profit-driven motives could compromise safety.

Dr. Monika Gupta, an Associate Professor at SP Jain Institute of Management & Research, dives into the impact of the Paris Agreement a decade later. She highlights the mixed outcomes, from rising emissions to accelerated clean energy efforts. Gupta compares its successes with the Kyoto Protocol, emphasizing the strategic diplomatic negotiations that secured major emitters' commitments. She also discusses the vital need for climate finance, India's renewable progress, and the importance of mandatory emissions disclosure to enhance corporate accountability in tackling climate change.

Zico Dasgupta, an economist specializing in exchange rates and RBI policies, explores the recent breach of the ₹90 mark by the Rupee. He examines how U.S. tariffs and falling exports have worsened India's trade deficit, contributing to forex pressure. The discussion includes rising precious metal imports and significant capital outflows, which have put further strain on the currency. Zico also discusses the RBI's strategy of managed depreciation and questions whether this will actually enhance exports, cautioning about global demand factors.

Around Christmas, reports of attacks on Christians surge across India, raising concerns about safety during festive celebrations. The discussion highlights patterns of ideological violence, with historical links to both Hindu and Christian festivals. Professor Apoorvanand explores how anti-conversion laws and social media amplify prejudices that enable aggression. The podcast also examines the troubling role of state authorities and local groups in these incidents, alongside the stark contrast between international outcry and domestic silence.

In this thought-provoking discussion, guests Prof. Asim Siddiqui, an English literature expert focusing on Muslim identity in film, and Sudhanva Deshpande, a noted theatre personality and actor, tackle the complex relationship between propaganda and artistic merit. They explore how films like Dhurandhar reflect contemporary nationalism while evoking historical biases against Muslims. The duo highlights the differences between state-backed propaganda and dissenting art, considering the ethics of appreciating films for their craft despite their ideological skew.

In this insightful discussion, guest Rajendran Narayanan, an Associate Professor at Azim Premji University, unpacks the controversial VB-GRAMG Bill that replaces MGNREGA. He explains how the new bill shifts from demand-driven work to central control, impacting funding and employment accessibility. Rajendran critiques the risks of centralized digital monitoring and discusses the potential fiscal burdens on poorer states. He alerts listeners to emerging protests and highlights the bill's rushed introduction, raising concerns about the rights of vulnerable populations.

Henri Tiphagne, a human rights advocate and Working Secretary with AINNI, discusses the downgrade of India's National Human Rights Commission from 'A' to 'B' status. He outlines the timeline of events leading to this decision and compares India's situation with that of Pakistan, which still holds 'A' status. Henri highlights the six main concerns that led to the downgrade and argues that superficial reforms won’t suffice. He emphasizes the need for structural changes and a collaborative approach with civil society to regain 'A' accreditation.

Karan Sarin, a metabolic health coach and author of 'Sick Nation', shares his journey into health after a family tragedy. He discusses the alarming rise of lifestyle diseases linked to insulin resistance in India. Karan explains how diabetes and heart disease are intertwined through insulin dysfunction. He highlights the role of modern diets and sedentary lifestyles in worsening metabolic health. Listeners learn about early signs of insulin resistance and practical lifestyle changes to combat this growing epidemic.