All Things Policy

In a compelling discussion, Anish Andheria, President of the Wildlife Conservation Trust, sheds light on India's complex big cat conservation landscape. He highlights the significant increase in the Asiatic lion population and the associated challenges of habitat saturation and human-wildlife conflict. The conversation also dives into the need for a collaborative approach to urban wildlife conservation, stressing the importance of integrating indigenous voices. Andheria advocates for an eco-centric development strategy that balances economic growth with ecosystem preservation.

Dr. Anish Andheria, President of the Wildlife Conservation Trust and a leading voice in wildlife preservation, discusses India's big cat conservation journey. He highlights the success of Project Tiger and the rise of Asiatic lions in Gujarat. The conversation navigates the challenges of reintroducing cheetahs, including habitat adaptation and ethical dilemmas. Anish emphasizes the necessity of community involvement and customized conservation strategies while exploring the interactions between cheetahs and leopards in their new environment.

Vachana V.R., Head of Municipal Law and Policy at Janaagraha, discusses the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 and its impact on urban governance in India. They delve into the challenges of functional devolution and fiscal empowerment faced by local governments over the last three decades. Vachana highlights issues like unstable mayoral tenures, financial dependence on external grants, and the necessity for robust training for officials. They also explore successful case studies and the importance of decentralization and citizen engagement to improve urban governance.

Dr. Y. Nithyanandam, a geospatial expert and head of the Geospatial Program at the Takshashila Institution, dives into Tibet's solar energy boom. He reveals how these projects not only aim for carbon neutrality by 2060 but also serve strategic military purposes. The discussion touches on the impact of China's energy strategies on its neighbors like India and explores the ecological consequences of solar installations. Tune in to grasp the intricate link between energy development and geopolitical maneuvering in the region.

Dr. Julie Klinger, a Geography Professor from the University of Delaware and author of "Rare Earth Frontiers," joins the discussion on the fascinating world of rare earth elements. They debunk the myth of rarity, showcasing their abundance and geopolitical significance. The conversation touches on China's export controls, the need for alternative sourcing, and the historical context of India's monazite sands. The episode also emphasizes the role of recycling in creating sustainable supply chains and reducing dependency on any single nation.

Srinath Raghavan, an esteemed author and historian, delves into Indira Gandhi's complex legacy. He discusses the surge of student activism that shaped Indian politics in the 60s and 70s. Raghavan highlights Gandhi's strategic decisions during the 1971 Bangladesh crisis, exploring her alliances and economic policies amidst global tensions. The conversation also examines the controversial Emergency era, revealing how political insecurities influenced her leadership and altered India's trajectory. This engaging dialogue challenges perspectives on a transformative period in Indian history.

Join Srinath Raghavan and Arindam Goswami in this episode of All Things Policy, where we explore the life and legacy of Indira Gandhi, one of India’s most influential and controversial leaders. Drawing on Srinath Raghavan’s insightful book, Indira Gandhi and the Years That Transformed India, we journey through the pivotal decades that reshaped Indian democracy, politics, economy and international relations. From her surprising rise to power and the 1971 war to the Emergency and economic transformations, this episode of All Things Policy will unpack the complex forces that defined her leadership and India’s transformation. Srinath's meticulous research and engaging narrative style bring fresh perspectives to Indira Gandhi’s era, challenging long-held assumptions and enriching our understanding of India’s evolution. His book, and this episode, will surely update our understanding of the "long 1970s" in India’s political, social and economic history.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/research-areas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our public policy courses here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://school.takshashila.org.in⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Swathi Kalyani, a research analyst at the Takshashila Institution, dives into the revolutionary 10-digit DigiPIN introduced by India Post. This innovative system transforms geolocation by creating unique addresses, facilitating e-commerce and emergency services, especially in remote areas. Swathi discusses challenges such as privacy concerns and the need for community education around this new technology. She highlights the potential of DigiPIN to enhance land management and tourism, ultimately improving various sectors across rural India.

Arshi Yasin, founder and CEO of The Bridge, shares her remarkable journey in sports media, advocating for voices often overlooked, especially beyond men's cricket in India. She discusses the evolution of her platform that champions diverse sports narratives. The conversation highlights the glaring gaps in public awareness about athletes outside cricket, strategies for promoting inclusivity, and the entrepreneurial mindset needed to navigate challenges in sports infrastructure. Arshi's insights inspire a new movement that emphasizes storytelling as a tool for social change.

Yusuf Unjhawala, a researcher at the Takshashila Institution, and Aniket Vijayvargiya, an expert from the same organization, dive deep into India's defense ecosystem. They discuss the shift from Russian arms to Western sources and the push for self-sufficiency in military production. The episode highlights challenges in defense procurement reform, the importance of military modernization, and the potential of indigenous drone technology. Their insights reveal the dynamic nature of India's arms industry and its evolving strategies for national security.