All Things Policy

Guest speakers Amrita Ganapathy and Anvitha Nambiyar are urban researchers at MOD, focusing on the pressing mobility challenges in Bengaluru. They discuss how mobility isn't just about roads; it involves people and governance. The conversation dives into equity in transportation, the need for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and the growing impact of technology. Addressing marginalized communities, they emphasize the importance of inclusive urban planning for enhanced livability and sustainability.

Surat Parvatam, a Senior Strategist at the Humane World for Animals with a PhD in cell biology, dives into the transformative shift away from animal testing. He discusses cutting-edge alternatives like organ-on-chip technologies and AI-driven models, emphasizing their potential for accuracy and ethics. The conversation also highlights India’s chance to lead in this global movement, pushing for innovative practices in the pharmaceutical sector. With a focus on policy changes and societal implications, Parvatam outlines a future where human-centric research takes precedence.

Join Atul Mishra, an esteemed academic and author of 'The Sovereign Lives of India and Pakistan,' as he delves into the intricate relations between India and Pakistan. He discusses how the shadow of Partition still influences their national identities. The conversation explores the dynamics of identity politics, the impact of colonial history, and the vulnerabilities of minority communities. Mishra also highlights possible pathways for reconciliation and regional integration, inviting listeners to rethink the narratives that shape this enduring entanglement.

Paul McGarr, a distinguished scholar in intelligence studies from King's College, shares his insights on the U.S. Intelligence Community's evolution and its fraught relationship with Trump. They discuss the significant impact of public mistrust and the risks of 'strategic blindness'. McGarr highlights how intelligence cooperation has been key to U.S.-India relations, even amid political turbulence, and urges for a nuanced understanding of India's history to strengthen ties. The dialogue also addresses the challenges of politicization in intelligence and its consequences for national security.

In this discussion, Y. Nithiyanandam, a leading expert in geospatial research, emphasizes the crucial role of high-resolution satellite imagery in assessing conflict impacts and national security. He outlines vulnerabilities posed by foreign imagery providers and advocates for India's accelerated development of indigenous satellite capabilities. The conversation also highlights the competitive landscape in geospatial intelligence, the importance of data accuracy, and how enhanced imaging and AI can empower decision-making and innovation in an increasingly satellite-dependent world.

Discover the shifting landscape of India-US relations amid Trump's hefty tariffs on Indian exports. The podcast highlights the economic impact on critical sectors like jewelry and textiles and delves into the complex negotiations surrounding trade policies. It discusses the historical context of tariffs and urges for a fair trade framework. As the duo navigates the intertwining of international relations and domestic politics, they reveal how agriculture influences elections and shape trade dynamics in a changing global economy.

Kyle Chan, a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton with expertise in industrial policy and clean technology, joins in for a captivating discussion on China’s manufacturing might. He reveals how China's strategic policies have reshaped global supply chains amid trade tensions. The conversation dives into the role of state-owned enterprises, the shift from low-end production to core technologies, and the country’s significant impact on the clean energy transition. Listeners gain insights into what this means for India and the future of global manufacturing.

In this discussion, Bhumika Sevkani, a research analyst at the Takshashila Institution, dives into the potential of the India-U.S. TRUST initiative. She highlights how it aims to enhance tech ties in AI, defense, and critical minerals amidst geopolitical tensions. The conversation explores India's journey toward technological self-reliance while shifting from Russian defense imports to American partnerships. Sevkani also dissects the implications of these changes on trade dependencies and trust-building between the two nations.

Rijesh Panicker, an Adjunct Fellow at the Takshashila Institution, shares his insights on the fascinating yet precarious world of options trading. He discusses a recent case involving Jane Street, highlighting the thin line between legitimate trading and market manipulation. The conversation dives into how retail investors navigate these complex markets and the psychological risks they face. Rijesh also emphasizes the regulatory challenges in maintaining market integrity and educates listeners on the importance of transparency and informed trading practices.

Laura Silver, Associate Director at Pew Research Center, shares insights from a recent global survey on attitudes towards China and the U.S. She discusses the rigorous methodologies behind capturing diverse opinions, particularly highlighting generational and regional differences. Notably, younger generations show more favorable views of China. The podcast also explores global leadership perceptions, indicating declining approval for Trump contrasted with Xi's image. Additionally, the complex dynamics between India, China, and the U.S. are examined, shedding light on the geopolitical landscape.