All Things Policy
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.
Latest episodes
May 13, 2025 • 32min
Publishing in India
Why is it a task to get research and books funded and published? From acquiring agents, preparing manuscripts, approaching publishers and finally marketing the written word. In this episode of All Things Policy, Leah Govias and Kavitha Rao, the writer and journalist and the author of 'Spies, Lies and Allies: The Extraordinary Lives of Chatto and Roy, discuss the process of funding and publishing books and research. 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
May 12, 2025 • 50min
India–US Trade in the Trump 2.0 Era
In this dialogue, Anupam Manur, an international trade expert and economics professor, shares insights on the evolving India-US trade dynamics during Trump's second term. He discusses the potential for significant trade agreements and emphasizes India's eagerness to reduce tariffs. The conversation also touches on the complexities of trade policies, especially how local agricultural interests balance against liberal agreements. Manur highlights the dual nature of trade, exploring the relationship between national sovereignty and economic growth, and the importance of fair trade.
May 9, 2025 • 31min
Operation Sindoor: Rethinking India’s Military Doctrine Against Pakistan
In this episode of All Things Policy, Aishwaria Sonavane speaks with Dr. Happymon Jacob about Operation Sindoor and its implications for India’s evolving military doctrine against Pakistan. They unpack how the Pahalgam attack has catalysed a strategic shift in India’s response to terrorism, the blurring of conventional and subconventional warfare, and what this means for deterrence, diplomacy, and the future of India-Pakistan relations.Check out this X thread for more: https://t.co/F3zPTQrH6IThe 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
May 8, 2025 • 23min
Evolution of Mediation in India
In this episode of All Things Policy, Astha Rastogi, Programme Manager for Defence and Foreign Affairs, in conversation with Yamini J Kumar, who is the Assistant Programme Manager for Law Enforcement & Policing Fellowship, talks about the evolution of mediation, its challenges in India and suggested policies that could be implemented. From a court-referred mechanism to a recognised alternative dispute resolution tool, they explore how mediation is still a strange concept to people and how there is less accessibility because of the stigma around it.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
May 7, 2025 • 36min
Who Tells Your Phone the Time?
Your phone needs the right time, but so do robotic vacuum cleaners, drones, and countless other autonomous machines. So, who tells them all? Listen as Avinash Shet and Ashwin Prasad discuss the fascinating technology of timing satellites and their crucial, often invisible, role in synchronising our modern world.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
May 6, 2025 • 40min
Fiscally Federal or Flailing? The Case of China's Local Government Finances
With the ensuing trade and tariff war between China and the US, external economic hostility is mounting onto Beijing's ongoing economic woes. The major stakeholders responsible for powering China through this tumultuous economic period are China's local governments. In this episode of 'All Things Policy', Amit Kumar discusses with Anushka Saxena how China's local government financing model works, what its challenges are, and what policy measures are being experimented with to deal with the double whammy of falling revenues and expanding expenditure mandates. Amit also sheds light on how local governments have leveraged LGFVs and special purpose bonds over the past few years to deal with its targets, and why acknowledging and addressing the consequent off-the-book debt should be the big ticket agenda item for Beijing's economic priorities going forward.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
May 5, 2025 • 47min
India’s Science & Tech Journey: Past Lessons, Future Directions
In this episode of All Things Policy, Avinash Shet is joined by Aakash Kumar to trace the evolution of India’s science and technology ecosystem. The episode explores how India’s scientific foundations were laid post-independence under Nehru’s vision of state-led development, discusses the enduring legacy of colonialism, and assesses today’s challenges, including low R&D spending and the deep tech gap with countries like China. With historical context and policy insights, the episode urges a rethink of India’s S&T priorities to remain globally competitive.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
May 2, 2025 • 47min
Maritime Power in China's Grand Strategy
In this episode, Dr Y. Nithiyanandam, Professor at the Takshashila Institution, engages in an insightful discussion with Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla (Retd) on the themes explored in his recent book, "Maritime Power and China’s Grand Strategy". Together, they examine China’s growing maritime ambitions—from its naval expansion and the “String of Pearls” to grey zone tactics and the Belt and Road Initiative. Drawing on Admiral Chawla’s distinguished naval experience, the conversation delves into why maritime power is central to China’s ascent and the implications for India’s strategic outlook. An essential listen for students, professionals, and anyone interested in India’s maritime future and the evolving dynamics of the Indo-Pacific.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
Apr 30, 2025 • 32min
Trump's Tariff Pause and Implications for India
Trump's tariffs have been the talk of the geoeconomics town for the past few weeks. Most recently, he announced a 90 day pause on his own tariffs. What does this pause mean for the world and India? Are there any opportunities that India can catch onto amidst all the confusion that surrounds this tariff regime? Tannmay Kumarr Baid sits down with Anupam Manur and Anisree Suresh to discuss Trump's tariffs, the pause, and its implications for India and the rest of the world. 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
Apr 29, 2025 • 31min
Aryabhata at 50: The Satellite That Launched a Space Nation
Fifty years ago, a modest satellite named Aryabhata marked India's bold entry into space. In this episode of All Things Policy, ShreeKeerthi, Research Analyst and Prof. Dr. Y Nithiyanadam of the Geospatial Programme at Takshashila Institution, trace Aryabhata's journey from its creation in Bangalore to its launch from the Soviet Union during the geopolitics of the 1970s. They examine the scientific hopes it inspired and the lasting legacy it created for subsequent missions like INSAT, IRS, Chandrayaan, and Mangalyaan.On the 50th Anniversary of Aryabhata's launch, they talk about the fascinating stories behind its name, explore the Indo-Soviet collaboration in space, reflect on how this single mission transformed Bangalore into the hub of India's space ambitions of Aryabhata, the future of Indian space innovation, and the lessons that continue to be relevant today, at the centre of India's space aspirations.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
