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 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.
Jan 17, 2025 • 32min
Negotiating the India-China Standoff: 2020-2024
In this discussion, Saheb Singh Chadha, a senior research analyst at Carnegie India and author of a comprehensive paper on the India-China standoff, provides insights into the intricate negotiations from 2020 to 2024. He breaks down the conflict into three phases, revealing shifts in India's tactics from defensive to collaborative. Saheb also explores the complex communication channels between the two nations and the impact of China's view on India's border infrastructure regarding US-India relations, emphasizing the need for trust-building measures.
Jan 16, 2025 • 30min
Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions: Navigating the Future of Fragile Ties
In this discussion, Abdul Basit, a Senior Associate Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, sheds light on the fractious relations between the Taliban and Pakistan, fueled by recent border clashes and airstrikes. He explores the volatile connection with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and the broader implications for regional powers like India, China, and Russia. The conversation highlights the critical need for cooperation in trade and environmental concerns to alleviate tensions, while navigating the complex landscape of security challenges.
Jan 15, 2025 • 43min
India's PLI scheme - is it working?
In this discussion, Miheer Karandikar, a fellow researcher at the Takshashila Institution specializing in industrial policy, dives into India's Production Linked Incentive scheme. He assesses whether the scheme is truly enhancing domestic manufacturing or just creating dependency on imports. The conversation uncovers potential hidden costs and unintended consequences of the policy. Miheer also draws comparisons with global industrial policies, exploring lessons from countries like Thailand, all while advocating for more tailored support for small and medium enterprises.
Jan 13, 2025 • 25min
AI on the Battlefield: The Future of Military Power
Adhya Madhavan, a Research Analyst at the Takshashila Institution and military AI expert, joins to shed light on the rapid evolution of warfare through technology. They discuss the transformative impact of AI, from autonomous drones to predictive maintenance in military operations. Madhavan emphasizes the ethical challenges of militarizing AI and the need for human oversight. The conversation also covers India's position in the global AI arms race and what strategies might keep it ahead in this high-stakes competition for military dominance.
