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
10 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 28min
The State of FOSS in India
Rashi Singhal, an Academic Fellow at NLSIU and co-author of the 'Rise of FOSS in India' report, dives deep into the evolution of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in India. She highlights FOSS's transformative effect on sectors like healthcare and education, emphasizing its benefits beyond cost savings, such as security and reliability. Rashi discusses the challenges of FOSS adoption, the need for policies like Open Source Program Offices, and strategies to enhance technical capacity, aiming to boost digital inclusion and self-reliance in India's tech landscape.
Sep 1, 2025 • 37min
India Navigates The 'Impossible Trinity' of Diplomacy
Amit Kumar, a researcher at the Takshashila Institution, discusses India's complex foreign policy dilemmas and its 'impossible trinity'—navigating relationships with the US, China, and Russia. He delves into historical contexts, particularly the India-US ties post-nuclear deal, and the necessity of maintaining stable India-China relations amidst economic interdependence. Kumar also addresses diplomatic concessions to China as strategic moves for regional stability, highlighting the importance of a flexible approach in today's shifting geopolitical landscape.
Aug 29, 2025 • 27min
India's Tryst with AI Data Centres
Anwesha Sen from the Takshashila Institution discusses India's burgeoning AI data center ecosystem. She highlights the crucial role of data centers in enhancing India's tech capabilities and reducing foreign dependency. The conversation delves into current and future data center capacities, forecasting a leap from 1.3 to 17 gigawatts by 2030. Anwesha also examines the challenges related to power transmission and renewable energy, underscoring the necessity for public-private partnerships to navigate these hurdles effectively.
Aug 28, 2025 • 36min
Lessons in Public Finance
Explore the fascinating journey through India's public finance, highlighting disparities between southern and northern states. Delve into historical context and the effects of subnationalism on regional identities. Discover the impact of population policies on political representation and fiscal transfers. Unravel the evolution of India's fiscal framework and the importance of accountability in governance. Learn about the policy pipeline's critical stages and the role of competition and bankruptcy laws in boosting economic activities.
Aug 26, 2025 • 37min
Tackling Oil Spills in India's Coastal Waters
Swathi Kalyani, a marine pollution expert from the Takshashila Institution, joins to discuss pressing oil spill incidents off Kerala's coast. She delves into the challenges of current oil spill management strategies and the critical need for improved coordination among response agencies. The conversation highlights the role of technology, advocating for advanced satellites and drones to enhance monitoring. Swathi also emphasizes the importance of updating India's oil spill disaster contingency plan to protect marine biodiversity and coastal communities from future threats.
Aug 25, 2025 • 30min
Taking Stock of China Shock
Amit Kumar, a colleague at the Takshashila Institution and expert on China's economy, discusses the intriguing paradox of China's rising export figures amid economic slowdown. He highlights the ongoing shift towards domestic consumption and the challenges this presents. Amit warns about potential goods dumping from China as it tries to rebalance its economy. He critiques the drop in household consumption over decades and emphasizes the need for stable growth through increased consumer spending, all while examining China's lasting influence on global trade.
Aug 22, 2025 • 30min
At the Table with World Leaders
Join veteran foreign correspondent Shyam Bhatia, who has rubbed elbows with world leaders like Benazir Bhutto and Muammar Gaddafi. He shares captivating stories of personal connections that shaped political landscapes. Bhatia discusses the human side of leadership, revealing how private lives twist into public personas. He also dives into the evolution of leadership in the digital age and the importance of field experience for political analysis, providing an insightful look at how charisma and vulnerability play a role in governance.
Aug 21, 2025 • 20min
A Primer on China's Hydrogen Economy
Bhumika Sevkani, a Research Analyst at the Takshashila Institution focusing on green technologies, sheds light on China's hydrogen economy. She discusses the country's substantial investments in green hydrogen and its plans for carbon neutrality by 2060. The conversation highlights the vital role of state subsidies and regional strategies in boosting hydrogen production. Bhumika also notes China's ambition to not just lead in domestic production but to export technology, paving the way for its dominance in the global clean energy market.
Aug 20, 2025 • 32min
Canberra’s Choice? Between Alliance and Autonomy
In this engaging discussion, Peter Varghese, former Australian Foreign Secretary and Chancellor of the University of Queensland, shares insights on Australia's balancing act between its long-standing alliance with the U.S. and economic ties with China. He delves into the strategic implications of the AUKUS pact and the evolving Australia-China relationship under Prime Minister Albanese. Varghese also addresses how Australia navigates the complexities of trade and security amid shifting global dynamics, emphasizing the importance of a pragmatic approach to national interests.
Aug 19, 2025 • 47min
Mobility is More Than Moving Vehicles
Guest speakers Amrita Ganapathy and Anvitha Nambiyar are urban researchers at MOD, focusing on the pressing mobility challenges in Bengaluru. They discuss how mobility isn't just about roads; it involves people and governance. The conversation dives into equity in transportation, the need for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and the growing impact of technology. Addressing marginalized communities, they emphasize the importance of inclusive urban planning for enhanced livability and sustainability.
