All Things Policy
Takshashila Institution
Ever wondered how automation will change the world? Maybe you puzzle over what India could do to ease traffic congestion, or how China's aircraft carriers will transform Indian Ocean geopolitics? All Things Policy, a daily podcast brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, brings you all the answers. Every weekday, our researchers break down complex economic and geopolitical ideas through the lens of current events. For everyone from the busy executive to the curious student, All Things Policy is all you'll need to understand the world (and appreciate your breakfast) better.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 9, 2025 • 34min
Is the 'Shanghai Spirit' the New 'Washington Consensus'?
Manoj Kewalramani, Chairperson at the Indo-Pacific Studies program of the Takshashila Institution and a China relations expert, dives into the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit. He discusses the summit's impact on a new global order, emphasizing the burgeoning Russia-India-China trilateral. Kewalramani analyzes India's strategic role, critiques media narratives, and explores emerging financial dynamics, including de-dollarization and local currency trade. The complexities of geopolitical tensions and regional security challenges are also critically examined.
Sep 8, 2025 • 37min
AI for All: Making the case for AI that is Open
Amanda Brock, CEO of OpenUK, brings 30 years of legal expertise to the table, advocating for open AI ecosystems. She discusses the pressing issue of AI sovereignty and the need for diverse representation in policy-making, especially from the Global South. The conversation delves into the challenges of centralized AI control and underscores the importance of open-source communities in promoting innovation. Brock highlights India's journey toward indigenous AI models, balancing digital sovereignty and collaboration against major tech firms.
Sep 5, 2025 • 32min
The Paradoxes in China as a Tech Power
Shobhankita Reddy, a research analyst at the Takshashila Institution, dives deep into China’s ascent as a tech superpower. The discussion reveals the tension between rapid growth and strict government control over private sectors like Alibaba. Reddy highlights the paradox of China’s tech innovation amidst geopolitical tensions, particularly with the U.S. She also addresses how Xi Jinping's leadership has shifted the balance towards a more centralized, techno-nationalistic state, replete with vulnerabilities that could impact its future.
Sep 4, 2025 • 24min
When Geopolitics Pulls the Plug on Technology
In this engaging discussion, Arindam Goswami from the Takshashila Institution explores how geopolitics influences technology decisions. He highlights a U.S. company that halted services to an Indian oil refiner due to EU sanctions. The conversation dives into historical lessons of tech denial, emphasizing tech sovereignty in critical sectors. Goswami argues for a balance between collaboration in areas like climate tech and self-reliance in military technology. The costs of compliance and trust issues in evolving global standards also take center stage.
Sep 3, 2025 • 32min
America's Endgame and the China Challenge
April Herlevi, an expert on Chinese security and foreign policy, dives deep into the geopolitical chess game between the U.S. and China. She discusses how China’s pan-securitization impacts global tech and economic exchanges. The conversation highlights tensions from the Trump era and the need for robust dialogue, especially regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea. Herlevi also sheds light on the internal purges in the Chinese military and the evolving landscape of U.S. national security strategies amid these challenges.
10 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 28min
The State of FOSS in India
Rashi Singhal, an Academic Fellow at NLSIU and co-author of the 'Rise of FOSS in India' report, dives deep into the evolution of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in India. She highlights FOSS's transformative effect on sectors like healthcare and education, emphasizing its benefits beyond cost savings, such as security and reliability. Rashi discusses the challenges of FOSS adoption, the need for policies like Open Source Program Offices, and strategies to enhance technical capacity, aiming to boost digital inclusion and self-reliance in India's tech landscape.
Sep 1, 2025 • 37min
India Navigates The 'Impossible Trinity' of Diplomacy
Amit Kumar, a researcher at the Takshashila Institution, discusses India's complex foreign policy dilemmas and its 'impossible trinity'—navigating relationships with the US, China, and Russia. He delves into historical contexts, particularly the India-US ties post-nuclear deal, and the necessity of maintaining stable India-China relations amidst economic interdependence. Kumar also addresses diplomatic concessions to China as strategic moves for regional stability, highlighting the importance of a flexible approach in today's shifting geopolitical landscape.
Aug 29, 2025 • 27min
India's Tryst with AI Data Centres
Anwesha Sen from the Takshashila Institution discusses India's burgeoning AI data center ecosystem. She highlights the crucial role of data centers in enhancing India's tech capabilities and reducing foreign dependency. The conversation delves into current and future data center capacities, forecasting a leap from 1.3 to 17 gigawatts by 2030. Anwesha also examines the challenges related to power transmission and renewable energy, underscoring the necessity for public-private partnerships to navigate these hurdles effectively.
Aug 28, 2025 • 36min
Lessons in Public Finance
Explore the fascinating journey through India's public finance, highlighting disparities between southern and northern states. Delve into historical context and the effects of subnationalism on regional identities. Discover the impact of population policies on political representation and fiscal transfers. Unravel the evolution of India's fiscal framework and the importance of accountability in governance. Learn about the policy pipeline's critical stages and the role of competition and bankruptcy laws in boosting economic activities.
Aug 26, 2025 • 37min
Tackling Oil Spills in India's Coastal Waters
Swathi Kalyani, a marine pollution expert from the Takshashila Institution, joins to discuss pressing oil spill incidents off Kerala's coast. She delves into the challenges of current oil spill management strategies and the critical need for improved coordination among response agencies. The conversation highlights the role of technology, advocating for advanced satellites and drones to enhance monitoring. Swathi also emphasizes the importance of updating India's oil spill disaster contingency plan to protect marine biodiversity and coastal communities from future threats.
