In Focus by The Hindu Podcast
1) Tariff watch Part 1: What does Trump’s duty-free perk mean for Indian businesses?
For years, the United States let low-value parcels enter duty-free under a rule called the de minimis exemption—literally “too small to matter.” By 2016, the limit had risen to $800, among the highest...Show More
2) In Focus-Parley | Should commercial speech on digital platforms be regulated?
On August 25, 2025, the Supreme Court urged the Union government to frame guidelines for regulating social media, noting that influencers often commercialise free speech in ways that may offend the se...Show More
3) Can India’s real money gaming ban withstand constitutional scrutiny?
Parliament last month enacted the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, establishing a comprehensive legal framework for India’s rapidly expanding online gaming sector. The legislation...Show More
4) Modi-Xi at Tianjin SCO summit: Does it signal a shift in momentum for India-China ties?
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit China for the first time in seven years. He had a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping, whic...Show More
5) Are persons with disabilities in India compensated well?
India has several policies designed to support persons with disabilities. Yet, data shows that many are still unable to access these benefits. A major reason is the lack of a Unique Disability ID Card...Show More
6) In Focus-Weekend | Coffee Blues: Will Record Price Surges Hurt Our Daily Fix?
Coffee is more than a beverage—it’s a sensory ritual. But in 2025, global coffee prices are at a fifty-year high, sending shockwaves down to Indian households. Even long-trusted South Indian brands, s...Show More
7) Is Wickremesinghe's trial a turning point in Sri Lankan politics?
In recent years, Sri Lanka has endured fuel queues, protests and the fall of the Rajapaksa political dynasty. Ranil Wickremesinghe stepped in and steadied the economy but angered many with austerity a...Show More
8) Trump tariffs: How can India gain from a pivot to China?
India-China relations have been bogged down by two major irritants: the border issue, and China’s close military collaboration with Pakistan. But now, both India and China are looking for a reset in b...Show More
9) Should States be compensated for revenue loss from GST reforms?
During his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a “Deepavali gift” to the people in the form of next-generation Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms. The Ministry of Finance...Show More
10) Can RBI's new guidelines regulate the use of AI, without slowing down innovation?
Banks and fintechs use Artificial Intelligence to detect fraud in credit scoring, but with new opportunities come new risks, including that of bias and accountability. The Reserve Bank of India recen...Show More