

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 11, 2025 • 28min
Indira Gandhi - A Complex Legacy Pt.2
Srinath Raghavan, an esteemed author and historian, delves into Indira Gandhi's complex legacy. He discusses the surge of student activism that shaped Indian politics in the 60s and 70s. Raghavan highlights Gandhi's strategic decisions during the 1971 Bangladesh crisis, exploring her alliances and economic policies amidst global tensions. The conversation also examines the controversial Emergency era, revealing how political insecurities influenced her leadership and altered India's trajectory. This engaging dialogue challenges perspectives on a transformative period in Indian history.

Jul 10, 2025 • 32min
Indira Gandhi - A Complex Legacy Pt.1
Join Srinath Raghavan and Arindam Goswami in this episode of All Things Policy, where we explore the life and legacy of Indira Gandhi, one of India’s most influential and controversial leaders. Drawing on Srinath Raghavan’s insightful book, Indira Gandhi and the Years That Transformed India, we journey through the pivotal decades that reshaped Indian democracy, politics, economy and international relations. From her surprising rise to power and the 1971 war to the Emergency and economic transformations, this episode of All Things Policy will unpack the complex forces that defined her leadership and India’s transformation. Srinath's meticulous research and engaging narrative style bring fresh perspectives to Indira Gandhi’s era, challenging long-held assumptions and enriching our understanding of India’s evolution. His book, and this episode, will surely update our understanding of the "long 1970s" in India’s political, social and economic history.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

Jul 9, 2025 • 29min
Addressing Innovation: From Pin to DIGIPIN
Swathi Kalyani, a research analyst at the Takshashila Institution, dives into the revolutionary 10-digit DigiPIN introduced by India Post. This innovative system transforms geolocation by creating unique addresses, facilitating e-commerce and emergency services, especially in remote areas. Swathi discusses challenges such as privacy concerns and the need for community education around this new technology. She highlights the potential of DigiPIN to enhance land management and tourism, ultimately improving various sectors across rural India.

Jul 8, 2025 • 35min
Sportspreneurship: Narrating Those Untold Stories
Arshi Yasin, founder and CEO of The Bridge, shares her remarkable journey in sports media, advocating for voices often overlooked, especially beyond men's cricket in India. She discusses the evolution of her platform that champions diverse sports narratives. The conversation highlights the glaring gaps in public awareness about athletes outside cricket, strategies for promoting inclusivity, and the entrepreneurial mindset needed to navigate challenges in sports infrastructure. Arshi's insights inspire a new movement that emphasizes storytelling as a tool for social change.

Jul 7, 2025 • 36min
Exploring India's Defence Ecosystem
Yusuf Unjhawala, a researcher at the Takshashila Institution, and Aniket Vijayvargiya, an expert from the same organization, dive deep into India's defense ecosystem. They discuss the shift from Russian arms to Western sources and the push for self-sufficiency in military production. The episode highlights challenges in defense procurement reform, the importance of military modernization, and the potential of indigenous drone technology. Their insights reveal the dynamic nature of India's arms industry and its evolving strategies for national security.

Jul 4, 2025 • 35min
India’s Balancing Act: Between Regional Realities and Global Ambitions
Dr. Chietigj Bajpee, a Senior Research Fellow at Chatham House, shares insights on India's delicate balancing act between regional realities and global ambitions. He discusses India's charm offensive to enhance its international standing while grappling with complex ties to neighbors like Pakistan and China. The conversation also dives into India's unique geopolitical position as a voice for the global south and its evolving partnerships, particularly with European nations, amid shifting power dynamics.

Jul 3, 2025 • 42min
From Tragedy to Action - Beyond Carlton
In this engaging conversation, Uday Vijayan, Managing Trustee & President of Beyond Carlton, sheds light on fire safety in India, ignited by the tragic Carlton Towers incident. He discusses the cultural apathy towards fire hazards and the pressing need for awareness and training within communities. The chat explores innovative strategies for public safety, the urgent gaps in burn care, and the collective responsibility needed to reform fire safety standards. Uday emphasizes the power of citizen action and collaboration to drive change.

Jul 2, 2025 • 27min
A New SATHI in Battle
In this engaging discussion, Colonel KPM Das, a Jung Fellow with the Takshashila Institution, dives into the groundbreaking yet shelved SATHI handheld battle computer for the Indian Army. He shares insights on its development, purpose, and the lessons learned from the Kargil War. The conversation highlights the potential of Agentic AI and haptic interfaces to innovate military operations. KPM also addresses the challenges faced in military tech and proposes ideas for reviving the project, emphasizing the need for collaboration in modern warfare training.

4 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 30min
The Bangalore Bike Taxi Ban
Anupam Manur, a Professor of Economics at the Takshashila Institution, dives into the controversial bike taxi ban in Karnataka. He discusses how the ban reflects governance failures and affects commuters’ access to affordable transport. The conversation highlights the economic fallout, particularly for low-income workers who rely on bike taxis for jobs. Manur critiques the outdated regulations and the disproportionate impact on urban mobility while urging for innovative solutions to balance safety concerns with economic needs.

Jun 30, 2025 • 24min
An Island of Strangers? Why the UK is Pushing Migrants Away
In this episode, Maya Patra and Astha Rastogi break down the UK government's 2025 immigration white paper introduced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. They discuss how the proposed policies—from extended residency timelines to new restrictions on international students and care workers—reflect a broader shift toward nationalism. What’s at stake as the UK risks becoming less welcoming to immigration and global talent?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