Everything is Everything

Sometimes, the data just ain’t enough. What’s going on in Russia? In fact, what’s going on in Karnataka — and all the rest of the world? Can we glean some insights in alternative sources of data?Yes we can. All hail nighttime lights!Welcome to Episode 116 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah.In this episode, Ajay discusses his pioneering work in using nighttime lights data from satellites to get crucial insights about the world — most recently, Russia. Watch!TABLE OF CONTENTS: 00:00 Packaging00:13 Intro: A poem! A poem!02:07 Chapter 1: The History07:07 Chapter 2: Getting Into the Details14:04 Chapter 3: Ajay’s Journey With the Data25:28 Chapter 4: The Russia-Ukraine WarFor full show notes, please click here!

Explore the intriguing ideas from James C. Scott's 'Seeing Like a State' as the hosts connect his insights to contemporary thinking. They delve into state legibility and the dangers of high modernism, highlighting how bureaucracies can misinterpret societal complexities. The pitfalls of reductionist approaches in governance and forestry are also critiqued, advocating for localized knowledge and humility in policymaking. Personal anecdotes and historical examples bring these concepts to life, encouraging listeners to rethink the relationship between citizens and the state.

The conversation dives into India's strategic response to a chaotic global order, examining the impact of U.S. tariffs and the complex India-U.S. trade relationship. Exploring historical economic growth from 1991 to 2011, the hosts advocate for globalization and foreign investment. They highlight the necessity for India to reform its economic policies, focusing on improved trade agreements and communication in policy-making. The discussion emphasizes the need for proactive engagement and innovation to thrive despite external pressures.

The Indian media landscape faces a series of crises, from relevance to trust, each affecting journalistic integrity. The shift from print to digital has altered how news is consumed, leading to financial pressures and degraded quality. The discussion delves into the historical resilience of journalists and the ongoing challenges of misinformation. With traditional media struggling, independent creators emerge as key players, highlighting the need for new support structures and innovative approaches in reporting. A critical examination of these dynamics reveals a complex future for journalism.

Human beings remain the same, while technology grows at a mad pace. This means that the face of war has changed forever. Everything we know now is already outdated.Welcome to Episode 112 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah.In this episode, Ajay & Amit discuss the future of war. It’s scary. Are we prepared?TABLE OF CONTENTS: 00:00 Packaging00:13 Intro: The Memory of Cities08:22 Chapter 1: Why Understanding War is Important11:41 Chapter 2: The Evolution of War18:03 Chapter 3: Naval Gazing25:19 Chapter 4: The Hellscape28:55 Chapter 5: Operation Spiderweb34:53 Chapter 6: Operation Rising Lion37:45 Chapter 7: The India-Pakistan Conflict40:11 Chapter 8: The Taiwan Question42:19 Chapter 9: Drone Swarms, Iron Beam and 3D Printers49:36 Chapter 10: Eight Principles1:09:41 Chapter 11: The Implications1:26:57 Chapter 12: Two Fears and One Exhortation1:37:25 Chapter 13: RecommendationsFor full show notes, please click here!

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is fully amaze — and also, sometimes, fully a maze. It should be something a country welcomes with open arms — and yet, India has often done fisticuffs with it. This should change.Welcome to Episode 111 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah.In this episode, Ajay explains why he loves FDI so much — and how India should embrace it and make it work for us.TABLE OF CONTENTS: 00:00 Packaging00:13 Intro: The Many Loves of Ajay Shah’s Life04:09 Chapter 1: What is FDI?08:20 Chapter 2: Measuring FDI11:06 Chapter 3: The Dream of FDI25:08 Chapter 4: What about Foreign Portfolio Investment?34:21 Chapter 5: The Political Economy Around FDI37:40 Chapter 6: Tariff-Jumping FDI40:58 Chapter 7: Building the Right Environment47:47 Chapter 8: Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman52:58 Chapter 9: A Remarkable Opportunity for IndiaFor full show notes, please click here!

Explore the complexities of retirement planning and why simply calculating a target number might be misguided. Discover the importance of diversification, a probabilistic approach to finances, and how technology is reshaping economic growth. Delve into the unique financial challenges women face and the need for financial independence. Emphasizing global diversification, the hosts advocate for engaging with finances throughout life rather than withdrawing from them in retirement, all served with a dose of humor and insightful analysis.

Dive into the world of economics as the hosts unpack Henry Hazlitt's classic book. They mix humor with enlightening insights about opportunity cost and the intricacies of economic growth versus wealth distribution. Discover how technological advancements reshape society and challenge traditional policies like rent control. Anecdotes from Bombay reveal the real impact of these economic principles on everyday life, emphasizing the necessity of a balanced and informed approach to public policy.

Discover the fascinating world of accidental politicians who never set out for political power. From Mark Carney's shift from central banking to the Prime Minister's office, to Jawaharlal Nehru's contrasting leadership style, the discussion is rich with insights. Explore Václav Havel's remarkable journey from playwright to political figure, and Volodymyr Zelensky's rise amidst chaos in Ukraine. The episode also examines the unique advantages these outsiders bring to governance, shedding light on authenticity, language, and the complexities of leadership.

Dive into the maze of political labels like liberal, conservative, and socialist, as two hosts unravel their meanings and historical roots. Discover how terms have evolved and become distorted, fueling confusion in political discussions. Explore the foundations of ideologies like Marxism and libertarianism, and the implications of nationalism versus patriotism. With thought-provoking critiques and essential readings, this conversation aims for a clearer understanding of today’s political landscape.