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
Jun 17, 2025 • 26min
Indus Water Treaty: Rethinking Climate and Resource Diplomacy
In this episode of All Things Policy, Aishwaria Sonavane speaks with Ambika Vishwanath, Director at the Kubernein Initiative, to revisit the Indus Water Treaty, long regarded as a rare success in India-Pakistan cooperation. As tensions persist and climate change reshapes regional water dynamics, they explore whether the treaty can endure, what its suspension means for future diplomacy, and how both nations can reimagine climate-resilient water governance.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
Jun 16, 2025 • 33min
Sikkim at 50: Democracy, Identity, and Integration
In this episode of All Things Policy, Wini Fred Gurung is in conversation with Professor Mahendra P Lama to discuss the remarkable journey of Sikkim from a Himalayan monarchy to becoming India's 22nd state in 1975. Marking 50 years since that pivotal transition, they discuss internal push for democracy, regional strategic shifts, and Sikkim’s evolving identity. Professor Lama is a Senior Professor at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. He is also the Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of Sikkim and a former member of the National Security Advisory Board of the Government of India.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
Jun 13, 2025 • 27min
Why Did IMF Bail Out Pakistan?
In this episode of All Things Policy, Anwesha Sen and Anisree Suresh examine Pakistan's economic history with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and deconstruct why it never sparked a reform moment. They also unpack Pakistan’s political economy - its policies, weaknesses and potential. They also unpack Pakistan's political economy, exploring the interplay between its policies, inherent weaknesses, and potential. 'Introduction to Geospatial Science & Technology' - Join our 4-weekend expert capsule course starting June 14, designed to give you a solid foundation in geospatial science and technology— without disrupting your weekdays. Learn from top-notch experts covering critical topics and discover how geospatial tech can drive innovation across disciplines. Apply Now - school.takshashila.org.in/ecc-geospatialAll 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
Jun 12, 2025 • 35min
India's Cyber Defences and Operation Sindoor
In today’s episode of All Things Policy, Adya Madhavan speaks with Karthik Bappanad and Lokendra Sharma about India’s cyber defence capabilities. Karthik and Lokendra situate Operation Sindoor within the wider landscape of cyber defences. They look at successful models such as RBI’s ReBIT, and areas that require further capacity building. Lokendra and Karthik also shed light on some of the challenges India faces and the different kinds of cyber attacks that can cause harm to critical infrastructure.'Introduction to Geospatial Science & Technology' - Join our 4-weekend expert capsule course starting June 14, designed to give you a solid foundation in geospatial science and technology— without disrupting your weekdays. Learn from top-notch experts covering critical topics and discover how geospatial tech can drive innovation across disciplines. Apply Now - school.takshashila.org.in/ecc-geospatialAll 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
Jun 11, 2025 • 27min
India and the Age of Autonomous War
In this episode of All Things Policy, Shobhankita Reddy is in conversation with Adya Madhavan on her paper, "Revisiting Arms Control Paradigms in the Age of LAWS."They tackle the global debate over 'killer robots,' exploring the ethical and accountability dilemmas that arise when machines make lethal decisions. Adya breaks down why countries are so divided on governance; many advocate for a legally binding treaty, while major AI powers like the US and China resist strict limitations, all while pursuing the technology. The discussion focuses on India's strategic considerations, especially with China’s advancements in military AI. Adya proposes a way forward for India to champion human accountability in combat without restricting crucial domestic research and development.'Introduction to Geospatial Science & Technology' - Join our 4-weekend expert capsule course starting June 14, designed to give you a solid foundation in geospatial science and technology— without disrupting your weekdays. Learn from top-notch experts covering critical topics and discover how geospatial tech can drive innovation across disciplines. Apply Now - school.takshashila.org.in/ecc-geospatialAll 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
Jun 10, 2025 • 44min
Strengthening the Rule of Law: Role of the Finance Commission
In this episode of All Things Policy, Kripa Koshy (Programme Manager, Takshashila Institution) speaks to Surya Prakash (Programme Director and Fellow, DAKSH) and Rohith (Data Analyst, DAKSH) about the role of the Finance Commission in strengthening judicial reform. They discuss the budgeting process and the allocation of funds to the judiciary, and examine how fiscal decisions impact the functioning of India’s judicial system.'Introduction to Geospatial Science & Technology' - Join our 4-weekend expert capsule course starting June 14, designed to give you a solid foundation in geospatial science and technology— without disrupting your weekdays. Learn from top-notch experts covering critical topics and discover how geospatial tech can drive innovation across disciplines. Apply Now - school.takshashila.org.in/ecc-geospatialAll 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
Jun 9, 2025 • 34min
For India's Tech Future: Scientific Investments We Can't Ignore
In an era prioritising rapid technological output, this episode explores a crucial counterbalance: the need for deep investment in fundamental science. There is a symbiotic relationship between science and technology, which brings with it societal values and thinking. Join Shambhavi Naik and Ashwin Prasad as they discuss why a robust scientific foundation is indispensable for India's aspirations. Further Reading: https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/opinion/technology-may-shine-but-it-is-science-that-will-fuel-india-s-rise-13053098.html 'Introduction to Geospatial Science & Technology' - Join our 4-weekend expert capsule course starting June 14, designed to give you a solid foundation in geospatial science and technology— without disrupting your weekdays. Learn from top-notch experts covering critical topics and discover how geospatial tech can drive innovation across disciplines. Apply by June 7 - school.takshashila.org.in/ecc-geospatialAll 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
Jun 6, 2025 • 39min
Media Matters: You Are What You Consume
In this episode of All Things Policy, Manoj Kewalramani and Astha Rastogi unpack the shifting dynamics of media consumption — from the rise of emotional content and algorithmic curation to the erosion of trust in traditional news. Together, they explore what it means to engage meaningfully with media in an age of noise, distraction, and disinformation. 'Introduction to Geospatial Science & Technology' - Join our 4-weekend expert capsule course starting June 14, designed to give you a solid foundation in geospatial science and technology— without disrupting your weekdays. Learn from top-notch experts covering critical topics and discover how geospatial tech can drive innovation across disciplines. Apply by June 7 - school.takshashila.org.in/ecc-geospatialAll 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
Jun 5, 2025 • 45min
Rethinking India's Nuclear Liability Regime
After a lull of many years, there’s so much happening in India’s nuclear energy sector this year. On 1 Feb 2025, when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the first full budget of Modi 3.0, she made a major policy announcement related to nuclear energy: the intention to amend the liability law, also referred to as CLNDA in short. But what is this law about, why is it being amended? Would this amendment serve as a silver bullet for the Indian nuclear industry that has been stagnating for a long time now? In this episode of All Things Policy, Lokendra Sharma, a research analyst with Takshashila, discusses the various facets of nuclear liability with Parthasarathy and Siddharth, who just finished Takshashila’s Graduate Certificate in Public Policy. As part of this course, they examined nuclear liability in detail and made some recommendations on how to revise it. 'Introduction to Geospatial Science & Technology' - Join our 4-weekend expert capsule course starting June 14, designed to give you a solid foundation in geospatial science and technology— without disrupting your weekdays. Learn from top-notch experts covering critical topics and discover how geospatial tech can drive innovation across disciplines. Apply by June 7 - school.takshashila.org.in/ecc-geospatialAll 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
Jun 4, 2025 • 36min
A Geospatial Lens on Bengaluru's Floods
In this discussion, Y. Nithiyanandam, head of the Geospatial Program at the Takshashila Institution, shares his expertise on urban flooding in Bengaluru. He highlights the critical role of geospatial technologies like maps, sensors, and AI in effective flood management. The conversation delves into the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and poor drainage systems. Innovative solutions such as amphibious vehicles and advanced monitoring tools are discussed, emphasizing community engagement and sustainable practices to build a flood-resilient city.
