Everything is Everything

Gig work often faces criticism, but this discussion flips the narrative, highlighting its freedom and empowerment. The hosts define gig work's categories and link it to historical labor markets, exploring its role in the modern economy. They tackle criticisms with data and anecdotes, emphasizing how algorithmic management can improve worker conditions. Ten compelling reasons reveal gig work’s flexibility, inclusivity, and potential as a safety net, especially in the context of India’s employment challenges. The importance of teaching gig skills is also emphasized.

In this discussion, the hosts dive into whether crises genuinely create opportunities for reform. They explore historical examples, such as the Green Revolution and the 1991 economic reforms, revealing that successful change often hinges on pre-existing ideas and policies. The dangers of crises are also highlighted, showing how they can enable authoritarianism and poor policy responses. Incremental reforms are presented as a more effective approach than radical changes. Ultimately, the emphasis is on proactive planning and preparedness over waiting for a crisis.

The podcast explores the toxic nature of nationalism, unraveling its historical roots and modern implications. Amit defines nationalism and its paradoxes, from its rise in medieval times to its troubling role in 20th-century conflicts. They discuss India's diverse national identities and the cultural ramifications of nationalism in everyday life, including its impact on language and arts. The conversation underscores how nationalism can empower states while diminishing individual and collective freedoms, urging a more open and cosmopolitan worldview.

Dive into the intricate world of India's GST, where the hosts dissect its original intent and current failures. Discover how cascading taxes hinder economic growth and the importance of a well-designed VAT. Learn about the role of zero-rating exports in fostering global competitiveness. The discussion emphasizes the need for low rates and a broad base to minimize evasion. Tune in for a compelling argument on restoring seamless input tax credit and adopting effective tax strategies to reignite growth.

Discover the profound benefits of reading, from boosting empathy to enhancing creativity. The hosts delve into how literature can serve as therapy and a tool for self-understanding. Learn practical tips to cultivate a reading habit, including creating a conducive environment and embracing your identity as a reader. Hear about analytical techniques for engaging with texts and the joy of slow reading. Plus, find out how to balance quality over quantity and make reading a social experience!

Ajay Shah, an esteemed economist with decades of experience in financial crises, joins to unravel their complexities. He explains how crises impair financial functions and categorizes them into five types, from banking to securities-market crises. Delving into historical examples like India's 1991 crisis and the 2008 global turmoil, he discusses the role of state intervention and regulatory challenges. Ajay also promotes essential reforms, advocating for a robust financial resolution framework and improved data infrastructure to better prepare for future disruptions.

Dive into the fascinating world of gender dynamics! Learn how anonymized search data exposes the hidden desires of men and women. Discover unconventional metrics that shed light on women’s empowerment and public presence. Explore the intriguing findings from dating apps, revealing age preferences and the Tinder-Gini effect. Unearth the complexities of modern relationships, sexual dissatisfaction, and the impact of cultural quirks on search behavior. Can men and women truly be friends? This discussion offers a fresh perspective on our evolving connections!

Explore how genetic data reshapes our understanding of human history, revealing migrations and intermixing over millennia. Discover the fascinating connections between phone metrics and personal behavior, including insights from battery life. Delve into how new measurement techniques are reframing historical debates and enhancing economic predictions, using everything from satellite imagery to quirky indices like lipstick sales. The hosts connect the intricate dance of data with societal dynamics and individual choices.

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.