

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

Nov 30, 2023 • 40min
Haryana’s Local Reservation Law is Unconstitutional-Part Two
In continuation of yesterday’s episode of All Things Policy, Shrikrishna Upadhyaya speaks to Anupam Manur, Professor of Economics at Takshashila Institution, on the economic benefits of migration, the constrained economic freedom in India, and challenges with economic integration of Indian states. Anupam explains how demands for reservation are intrinsically related to unemployment and economic growth. Reading: Reservation For Locals: Whither jobs, economic freedoms, and economic unity?

Nov 29, 2023 • 27min
Haryana’s Local Reservation Law is Unconstitutional | Part One
The State of Haryana passed the Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020 which provided 75% reservation to local candidates in all private sector jobs in the state which paid less than Rs. 30,000 per month. Last week, the Punjab & Haryana High Court struck down the law as unconstitutional for violating the fundamental rights to movement, settlement and trade, occupation and business. In this episode, Saurabh Todi and Shrikrishna Upadhyaya dissect the issue of local reservation in the private sector, the anti-migrant sentiment associated with such policies, and the reasoning and implications of the High Court verdict.

Nov 28, 2023 • 1h 2min
The Third Way: India's Approach to Data Governance
Rahul Matthan joins Rijesh Panicker and Bharath Reddy for a chat about his new book, "The Third Way." Together, they unravel India's unique approach to data governance, embedded within its digital public infrastructure. Buy the book here on Amazon.

Nov 27, 2023 • 43min
Policing in Conflict Zones of India | Police Chowki
The Indian state has long witnessed separatism, often backed by militancy, in various regions across the country. We have had periods of militancy in Punjab, the North Eastern states, and Jammu Kashmir as well as Naxalite movements in Central India. In this episode of Police Chowki, Javeed Ahmad (ex-IPS and DGP of the State of Uttar Pradesh) speaks to Shrikrishna Upadhyaya regarding the unique challenges of policing in conflict zones, tactics employed by police forces, civilian counterinsurgency forces, and more.

Nov 24, 2023 • 28min
Canada-India Crisis: Impact on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
Kingshuk Saha and Manoj Kewalramani discuss the evolution of the Canada-India crisis and discuss how it has not only impacted the bilateral relations between both countries but also has cast a shadow on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Nov 23, 2023 • 17min
Is Namma Metro a Solution for Bengaluru Traffic?
In February 2023, the Tom Tom traffic index found Bengaluru to be the world’s second-most traffic congested city. In September, the city experienced massive traffic congestion with lakhs of commuters stranded for hours. October saw the Namma Metro's Purple Line fully operational to help ease traffic. But will the metro really suffice as the solution for Bengaluru's long-term traffic needs? Or are there other factors at play? In this episode, Ananya Desai and Rohan Pai discuss Namma Metro's role in solving Bengaluru's traffic problem.

Nov 22, 2023 • 32min
Doklam 3.0 - Developments in Recent Years
In this episode, Kingshuk and Dr. Nithyanandam delve deeply into the most recent events in the Doklam region, as reported in the most recent news article from Takshashila Geospatial Bulletin. Join them as they unravel the complexities surrounding the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and their strategic moves in this critical border area.

Nov 21, 2023 • 36min
Analysing India's Electric Vehicle Policy Landscape
India's Electric Vehicle ecosystem has grown remarkably in the last few years. However, questions arise about the sustainability of this growth and potential challenges. In this All Things Policy episode, Sarthak Pradhan engages in conversation with Manish Bhandari and Ashwin Kak, both current students of Takshashila's 48 week Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy, where they share their insights on the state of affairs in India's Electric Vehicle sector.

Nov 20, 2023 • 32min
Updates From India-US 2+2
In this episode of All Things Policy, Amit Kumar and Bharat Sharma speak to Anushka Saxena about the recent Indo-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue. They discuss deepening defence and security cooperation between India and the US, what it means for the Quad, and how it affects its agenda. Finally, they also discuss the China factor in the relationship, and what role China plays in the context of deepening technology cooperation between the two countries. Edited

Nov 17, 2023 • 30min
What Causes Gender Disparities in Organ Transplants?
A recent report suggested that Indian men outrank women as organ recipients. Meanwhile, women are far more likely to donate their organs to male counterparts within their families. Further, the proportion of organ donations from deceased persons is minuscule as opposed to living donors. In this episode, Saurabh Todi and Shrikrishna Upadhyaya discuss the reasons behind the gender disparities in organ transplants in India and certain solutions to solve the demand and supply mismatch in the organ transplantation market. Reading: 4 of 5 living organ donors in India are women, 4 of 5 recipients men: Study | Pune News