

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

Feb 13, 2025 • 31min
Futureproofing AI: America's Play in Global Tech Control
In this episode, Vanshika Saraf sits with Ashwin Prasad to understand the strategic nuances of the U.S. AI diffusion framework, exploring how it aims to position America for technological leadership in a future dominated by advanced AI. They discuss the motivations behind these regulations, their geopolitical implications, and their potential impact on global innovation.The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll 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/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in

Feb 12, 2025 • 23min
China’s Yarlung Tsangpo Mega Dam: Power or Peril?
China has approved the construction of a massive hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo, yet key details about its impact assessment remain undisclosed. The recent earthquakes in Tibet and their associated damage highlight the potential risks of such large-scale initiatives. The latest edition of theTakshashila Geospatial Bulletin delves deep into the Medong Dam, exploring its implications for India as a lower riparian nation. In this ATP episode, Ms Swathi Kalyani quizzes Dr. Nithiyanandam on his latest research, discussing the dam's environmental risks, strategic challenges, and how it could escalate geopolitical tensions in the region.The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll 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/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in

Feb 11, 2025 • 20min
South Asia's battle with Locust
In today's episode of All Things Policy, Shree Keerthi and Swathi Kalyani discuss the world of locusts, exploring their origins, evolution, and swarming behaviour. Locust infestations pose significant challenges for both the government and farmers. Swarms threaten crops, but GIS technology and remote sensing can aid in monitoring, forecasting, and mitigating damage. These tools enable early interventions to protect livelihoods and safeguard ecosystems.The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll 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/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in

Feb 10, 2025 • 38min
Making Sense of the DeepSeek News Story
The big news story in artificial intelligence is the R1 model from DeepSeek, a chinese AI lab. Shobhankita and Rijesh from the Takshashila Institution's High-Tech Geopolitics programme explore why this is newsworthy and what this means for the AI community in India as well as globally.The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll 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/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in

Feb 7, 2025 • 38min
The Joy of Play: Nurturing Active Citizens (Pt.2)
This is the second of a 2-part series. Childhood is precious! How can we guarantee that India's youth receive a well-rounded and enriching education where play is seamlessly integrated into learning?
Malathi Renati hosts the authors of Get Kids to Play—Saumil Majmudar (CEO and Co-founder of SportzVillage) and Vijay Krishnamurthy (Sports Researcher and Executive Coach)—as they explore the vital themes of their book 'Space, Time, Child, Content, and Facilitator'.
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/...
Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in

Feb 6, 2025 • 38min
The Joy of Play: Nurturing Active Citizens (Pt.1)
Childhood is precious! How do we ensure India’s youth experience a fulfilling and holistic education, where play is part and parcel of learning?
Malathi Renati hosts the authors of “Get Kids to Play”, Saumil Majmudar (CEO and Co-founder SportzVillage) and Vijay Krishnamurthy (Sports Researcher and Executive Coach), and together they unpack the significance of the key focus areas in their book Space, Time, Child, Content and Facilitator.This is the first of a 2 part podcast series.
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/...
Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in

Feb 5, 2025 • 27min
India's Leap into Hypersonic: Scramjet Technology
In this episode of All Things Policy podcast, Ashwin Prasad and Avinash Shet discuss the scramjet engine technology. Motivated by the ground test of the scramjet engine by DRDL, a DRDO lab, we discuss the importance of this successful test. We unravel the technology behind the scramjet engine and explore its implication on regional and global geopolitics.
Link to the Jet Engine document mentioned in the podcast: https://takshashila.org.in/research/jet-engines-and-ecosystem
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/...
Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in

Feb 4, 2025 • 26min
Solving Mumbai's Urban Congestion
In this episode of All Things Policy, Miheer Karandikar and Anisree Suresh explore the latest proposed policy by the Maharashtra government to mandate individuals to own or secure a parking space to buy a car in Mumbai. They examine the intricacies of the proposed policy and suggest how congestion pricing can be an effective solution to traffic congestion woes.
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/...
Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in

Feb 3, 2025 • 33min
The Future of Work for Domestic Workers in India
Leah Govias, an Assistant Program Manager at Takshashila Institution's Policy School, sheds light on the harsh realities faced by domestic workers in India. Despite their crucial role in the economy, their working conditions are often precarious and invisible. The discussion delves into wage caps, lack of time off, and the imbalance of power between employers and workers. Leah explores innovative solutions and the importance of legal protections to create a thriving environment for these essential workers, emphasizing the need for systemic change.

Jan 31, 2025 • 47min
India's Challenges in the Air
Air Marshal T.D. Joseph, a retired fighter pilot, joins to discuss India's pressing aerial defense challenges. He highlights the widening technological gap with China, especially with its new sixth-generation fighters. The conversation reveals inefficiencies in India's defense sector and advocates for greater private sector involvement. Upgrading the Tejas aircraft with advanced engines is also explored. With evolving threats from neighboring countries, there's an urgent need for transformative strategies to enhance India's defense capabilities.