

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

Nov 17, 2025 • 25min
Global Politics in the Gaming World
In this episode of All Things Policy, Aishwaria Sonavane sits with audio director Rahul Ranganath to explore the convergence between global politics and the gaming industry. This episode unpacks how video games sometimes mirror geopolitical dynamics, potentially become vectors for propaganda and activism, and shape public perception on identity and conflict. Be a part of the conversation that unpacks the cultural and political weight of the gaming industry.All Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.Find out more on our research and other work here: https://takshashila.org.in/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in

Nov 14, 2025 • 24min
Changemaking Not a Solo Act
What does it take to build something bigger than ourselves? Join Sowmya Prabhakar and Shreya Ramakrishnan in this episode of All Things Policy, as they talk about collaborative changemaking, the often long, challenging, and inspiring process of communities learning, giving, and growing together. They unpack myths, share tools and frameworks, and reflect on what it means to make change in India today.All Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.Find out more on our research and other work here: https://takshashila.org.in/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in

Nov 13, 2025 • 40min
The Geopolitics of Rare Earths
Pranay Kotasthane, Chair of the high-tech geopolitics program at the Takshashila Institution, dives deep into the world of rare earths. He discusses America's race to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains and the implications of Beijing's export controls. The conversation touches on how quickly firms can diversify their sources and the importance of supply-chain resilience in the face of geopolitical tensions. Kotasthane also explores strategies for policymakers and businesses to navigate this complex landscape, urging proactive measures in a shifting global power dynamic.

Nov 12, 2025 • 25min
How Everyday Creativity Influences Public Policy
Astha Rastogi, Programme Manager for Defence & Foreign Affairs at the Takshashila Institution, shares insights on how everyday creativity drives public policy. She discusses civic projects like Bengaluru's walk audits and Chennai's lake art that empower local communities. Digital creators are reshaping perceptions through relatable content, making complex policies accessible. Astha highlights the power of narrative creativity in influencing welfare measures through storytelling in documentaries and films, emphasizing how creativity can make policy issues personal and urgent.

Nov 10, 2025 • 36min
Two Leaders, Too Many Tales
Anushka Saxena, a staff research analyst at the Takshashila Institution, dives into the complex US-China economic and technology tensions. She discusses the recent Trump-Xi meeting, emphasizing the temporary nature of their concessions and the ongoing rivalry. Anushka highlights the implications for India, suggesting strategies for negotiating better access and diversifying supply chains. The conversation also touches on TikTok's data issues and semiconductor controls, painting a vivid picture of the geopolitical landscape.

Nov 7, 2025 • 31min
Seniorcare: Planning for India's Elderly
Sowmya Prabhakar, the Chief Operations Officer at the Takshashila Institution, shares her insights as a primary caregiver. She and Malathi Renati explore India's demographic shift and increasing senior population. They discuss the emerging 'silver economy' and the vital role of assistive technologies. The conversation also touches on healthcare access challenges, financial preparedness, and societal changes affecting senior care. Together, they emphasize the necessity of active aging policies and community solutions to support the elderly.

Nov 6, 2025 • 34min
The Language of Intelligence
Om Shiv Prakash, a founding trustee of Servants of Knowledge, dives into the vital connection between language technology and Indian identity. He discusses the challenges of making AI inclusive for all languages, emphasizing the lack of digitized data and the importance of oral histories. Om critiques corporate solutions that overlook marginalized languages and champions grassroots initiatives for community-driven language models. He also highlights the need for government support in open data and accessibility to ensure that AI truly reflects India's diverse linguistic landscape.

Nov 5, 2025 • 21min
The Blunders of Our Governments
Maria Ann Philip, an intern at the Takshashila Institution, joins Vanshika Saraf to dissect the intriguing themes of governmental blunders in policy-making. They explore why even well-intentioned governments make avoidable mistakes, examining the UK ID card scheme and comparing it to India's Aadhaar initiative. The conversation dives into the importance of intentions versus implementation, and highlights the significant blunders in the NHS digitalization. Their insightful discussion reveals systemic issues that lead to policy failures across democracies.

Nov 4, 2025 • 22min
Teaching The Teachers
In this episode, Leah and Astha discuss the state of teacher training in government schools: what’s working, what isn’t, and how policy can do better. From the promise of DIETs to new models like mentorship programs and digital learning platforms, the discussion unpacks how thoughtful reform could transform the classroom experience for millions of children.All Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.Find out more on our research and other work here: https://takshashila.org.in/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in

Nov 3, 2025 • 36min
NISAR- New Era of Earth Observation Begins
Swathi Kalyani, a research analyst at the Takshashila Institution, delves into the groundbreaking NISAR satellite mission launched by NASA and ISRO. She highlights how this innovative technology enhances Earth observation by providing detailed insights into climate change, vegetation shifts, and geological activity. Swathi discusses the mission's implications for urban planning and disaster preparedness, as well as India's growing role in space leadership. NISAR is framed as a powerful symbol of global collaboration and commitment to better understanding our planet.


