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
Jul 25, 2025 • 22min
Curious Case of the Elgin Marbles
Dive into the intriguing history of the Elgin Marbles, examining their contentious removal and the rising debates over ownership. Discover the clash between universal cultural significance and local heritage, while exploring ethical dimensions of colonialism. Learn about the compelling arguments for repatriation and the importance of appreciating art in its original context. The conversation highlights how evolving public sentiment is reshaping the responsibilities of museums in a globalized world.
Jul 24, 2025 • 23min
Under-Employment and a FASTER Idea to Solve It
Explore the issue of underemployment in India, where many graduates are stuck in low-skill jobs. Discover how innovative policies, like the FASTER initiative, aim to create industrial cities and enhance job opportunities. Learn about specialized trade regions designed to foster local economic growth. The discussion also highlights the strategic implementation of prototypes in union territories to combat underemployment, with potential to create millions of jobs annually. It's a deep dive into finding real solutions for a complex problem!
4 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 11min
DigiPIN: A New Address for Digital India
Gokul C V, Additional Director General at the Ministry of Communication and leader of the DigiPIN initiative, shares insights into this revolutionary addressing system. DigiPIN simplifies location sharing with a 10-digit alphanumeric code, enhancing service delivery and logistics. The discussion highlights its potential impact on health and emergency services while addressing privacy concerns. Gokul emphasizes the importance of collaboration and transparency in creating a user-friendly digital address ecosystem that serves all demographics across India.
Jul 22, 2025 • 29min
Akashteer AD System – A Shield in the Sky Pt.2
Brigadier Sandeep Tyagi, a veteran of army air defence who played a pivotal role in the Akashteer project, discusses India's cutting-edge air defense network. He highlights the challenges faced during its development and integration into existing military frameworks. Tyagi emphasizes the urgent need to enhance air defense capabilities amidst rising geopolitical threats. The conversation also touches on the integration of AI in aerial defense strategies, and the system's adaptability to evolving technologies, showcasing India's commitment to self-reliance in defense.
Jul 21, 2025 • 32min
Akashteer AD System – A Shield in the Sky Pt.1
Brigadier Sandeep Tyagi, a seasoned veteran of army air defense, shares his insights on India's Akashteer air defense system. He delves into its development by Bharat Electronics, highlighting its role in India's self-reliance and regional security. Topics include the evolution of air defense strategies to address threats like drones, the complexities of airspace violations, and lessons from a tragic friendly fire incident. Sandeep emphasizes the need for improved identification protocols and real-time data sharing to enhance defense effectiveness.
Jul 18, 2025 • 29min
India’s Big Cat Strategy: Balancing Conservation and Conflict Pt.2
In a compelling discussion, Anish Andheria, President of the Wildlife Conservation Trust, sheds light on India's complex big cat conservation landscape. He highlights the significant increase in the Asiatic lion population and the associated challenges of habitat saturation and human-wildlife conflict. The conversation also dives into the need for a collaborative approach to urban wildlife conservation, stressing the importance of integrating indigenous voices. Andheria advocates for an eco-centric development strategy that balances economic growth with ecosystem preservation.
Jul 17, 2025 • 26min
India’s Big Cat Strategy: Balancing Conservation and Conflict Pt.1
Dr. Anish Andheria, President of the Wildlife Conservation Trust and a leading voice in wildlife preservation, discusses India's big cat conservation journey. He highlights the success of Project Tiger and the rise of Asiatic lions in Gujarat. The conversation navigates the challenges of reintroducing cheetahs, including habitat adaptation and ethical dilemmas. Anish emphasizes the necessity of community involvement and customized conservation strategies while exploring the interactions between cheetahs and leopards in their new environment.
7 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 49min
The State of Urban Local Governance in India
Vachana V.R., Head of Municipal Law and Policy at Janaagraha, discusses the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 and its impact on urban governance in India. They delve into the challenges of functional devolution and fiscal empowerment faced by local governments over the last three decades. Vachana highlights issues like unstable mayoral tenures, financial dependence on external grants, and the necessity for robust training for officials. They also explore successful case studies and the importance of decentralization and citizen engagement to improve urban governance.
Jul 15, 2025 • 24min
Tibet Autonomous Region: China’s Solar Stronghold
Dr. Y. Nithyanandam, a geospatial expert and head of the Geospatial Program at the Takshashila Institution, dives into Tibet's solar energy boom. He reveals how these projects not only aim for carbon neutrality by 2060 but also serve strategic military purposes. The discussion touches on the impact of China's energy strategies on its neighbors like India and explores the ecological consequences of solar installations. Tune in to grasp the intricate link between energy development and geopolitical maneuvering in the region.
Jul 14, 2025 • 49min
Making Sense of the Geopolitics of Rare Earths
Dr. Julie Klinger, a Geography Professor from the University of Delaware and author of "Rare Earth Frontiers," joins the discussion on the fascinating world of rare earth elements. They debunk the myth of rarity, showcasing their abundance and geopolitical significance. The conversation touches on China's export controls, the need for alternative sourcing, and the historical context of India's monazite sands. The episode also emphasizes the role of recycling in creating sustainable supply chains and reducing dependency on any single nation.
