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
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.
Jan 30, 2025 • 19min
Reflections on the AI Guidelines Report
An advisory group is working on an India-specific AI regulatory framework. They discuss key recommendations like integrating legal measures into software code and enhancing data minimization practices. A light-touch regulatory approach is suggested, along with an open-access AI incident database for better transparency. The conversation highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement and the need for efficient collaboration among various government sectors to navigate the complexities of AI governance.
Jan 29, 2025 • 36min
Seoul-o? Policy Interventions to Tackle Loneliness in South Korea
Seoul's ambitious $325 million initiative to combat loneliness raises questions about government intervention in public health. The hosts discuss societal pressures contributing to the loneliness epidemic and the impact of technology on social connections. They explore how cultural factors and competitive norms exacerbate individual isolation, as well as the importance of meaningful community engagement. Insights from India reveal parallels in the struggle against loneliness, emphasizing innovative policy solutions and the need for intergenerational interactions.
Jan 28, 2025 • 36min
The Dealmaker Returns to Negotiate a New World Order
Joining Anushka Saxena is Manoj Kewalramani, Chairperson of the Indo-Pacific Studies Program at the Takshashila Institution and a US foreign policy expert. They discuss Trump’s vision for a 'Golden Age' and its implications for US alliances, particularly with India. Manoj dives into immigration policy challenges affecting the Indian diaspora and the evolving economic ties between the US and India. The conversation further explores the shifting dynamics in US-China relations and how they impact global politics in the Indo-Pacific region.
Jan 27, 2025 • 20min
Bus or Bus(t): Karnataka's Shakti Policy
The Karnataka Shakti program offers free bus rides for women and transgender individuals, enhancing access to work and education. While it increases ridership, challenges like overcrowding and harassment persist. Mixed outcomes arise, including tensions among commuters and private transport strikes. Political controversies also loom, with calls for reviews impacting state finances. Importantly, the scheme empowers women to reclaim public spaces and promotes equality, but there’s a need for further support for marginalized communities.
Jan 24, 2025 • 33min
A New Approach to the De-Risking Debate
Amit Kumar, a researcher at the Takshashila Institution, delves into the complexities of India-China trade and de-risking strategies. He emphasizes identifying vulnerable sectors, such as electronic components and machinery, to enhance India's trade resilience. Amit discusses the importance of strategic metrics like the Relative Impact Factor to inform decision-making. His insights reveal the delicate balance between national security and economic growth, emphasizing the critical need for domestic manufacturing to address import dependencies.
Jan 23, 2025 • 37min
China's Clean Technologies and Climate Commitments
Lauri Myllyvirta, co-founder and lead analyst at CREA and senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute's China Climate Hub, delves into China's ambitious climate goals. He discusses the projected peak of carbon emissions and the rapid rise of clean energy sources like solar and wind. Lauri highlights the challenges of integrating renewables into the power grid while confronting coal industry interests. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on energy consumption and contrasts India's air pollution crisis with China's strategies.
Jan 22, 2025 • 35min
Reapportionment and Delimitation: Key Issues and Possible Pathways
Miheer Karandikar, a researcher at the Takshashila Institution, brings deep insights into India's reapportionment and delimitation issues. The conversation dives into how upcoming changes could impact the democratic future, focusing on the balance of representation across states. They discuss the historical context and critical factors shaping political representation, especially for southern states. The importance of equitable federal representation and collaborative federalism is highlighted, advocating for an inclusive dialogue to navigate these pressing challenges.
Jan 21, 2025 • 34min
Economic Trajectory of India’s States
Rijesh Panicker, a colleague of Sarthak Pradhan at the Takshashila Institution, dives into the diverse economic trajectories of India's states. They discuss the stark disparities in growth, examining how states like Odisha have thrived while others, such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, face persistent challenges. The conversation highlights the need for tailored fiscal policies and accountability in state finances. Through analysis of recent studies, they reveal how educational resources and urban dynamics significantly impact regional prosperity.
Jan 20, 2025 • 36min
India's strategic dilemma in Myanmar's Civil war
The podcast delves into Myanmar's civil war and its implications for India, exploring national security challenges and counterinsurgency strategies. A historical overview highlights Myanmar’s political evolution and the humanitarian crisis faced by ethnic refugees. India's delicate balance between engaging with the military government and the national unity government is discussed, focusing on infrastructure and security cooperation. The complexities of the conflict, driven by ethnic ties and external influences, shed light on the ongoing struggle for democracy.
