All Things Policy

India is opening core conservation to private participation. In this episode of All Things Policy, Arindam Goswami and Ashwin Prasad break down the rationale, the problems it aims to solve, the guardrails needed to prevent commodification and more. 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

Shreya and Anwesha explore the critical gender data gap that's woven into our policies and systems. They highlight how female-specific data is often overlooked, affecting everything from healthcare to urban design. Surprising examples illustrate the real-world implications, like post-disaster rebuilding biases. They discuss how user-centered design can bridge this gap, along with the need for equitable funding in women's health innovations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of inclusive research and policy that considers diverse experiences.

In this engaging discussion, Shobhankita Reddy, a high-tech geopolitics researcher at the Takshashila Institution, delves into China's newly unveiled AI+ Initiative. She highlights how this initiative marks a shift from past policies, emphasizing sector integration rather than mere connectivity. Reddy explores the significance of embodied AI in industrial policy, data as a strategic asset, and the ambitious targets set for 2027–2035. She also compares China's approach to the U.S., revealing both responses to external pressures and domestic goals unique to China's vision.

Yusuf Unjhawala, a mechanical engineer and adjunct scholar at Takshashila, dives into a groundbreaking defense pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. This agreement may redefine nuclear deterrence, marking the first time a nuclear state pledges its arsenal to defend a non-nuclear ally. Key discussions include the implications for regional power dynamics, such as India's economic ties with Saudi Arabia, and how perceptions may catalyze arms races. Unjhawala also explores the evolving landscape of nuclear sharing and the potential risks involved for both nations.

Mathew Idiculla, a lawyer and urban governance expert, discusses the implications of the Greater Bengaluru Authority. He explains the rationale behind restructuring Bengaluru's governance, outlining how it splits the BBMP into five corporations. Mathew dives into the functions of the GBA, including citywide planning and coordination. He evaluates the balance of power between the GBA and the state, and considers the potential benefits for citizens in service delivery. Comparing Bengaluru's model to other cities, he highlights the challenges and prospects of decentralization.

In this discussion, Constantino Xavier, a senior fellow focused on South Asia's dynamics, and Shruti Jargad, a specialist in China’s political landscape, explore the complex India-China relationship. They delve into how China views the subcontinent's identities through various lenses—ecological, economic, and geopolitical. The conversation highlights India’s skepticism toward China, regional perceptions, and the importance of mutual trust. With regional challenges and opportunities on the table, they uncover paths for potential cooperation and the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Srividya Jandhyala, an Associate Professor at ESSEC Business School and author of The Great Disruption, discusses how shifting geopolitics are impacting modern business strategies. She highlights that managers now need policy skills in their roles and identifies four key geopolitical factors influencing decisions. Jandhyala emphasizes the constraints of remote work and the rising importance of corporate nationality in determining geopolitical risks. She warns that focusing too much on geopolitical issues may distract CEOs from core operations.

Swathi Kalyani, a research analyst at the Takshashila Institution, shares her insights on India's geospatial portals. She explains their critical role in planning and disaster response, while discussing the barriers like policy gaps and institutional silos that hinder their effectiveness. Swathi emphasizes the potential of public-private partnerships and discusses global best practices from the US and China. She concludes with priority actions to enhance accessibility and innovation, making these tools sharper for citizens and businesses.

Rushali Saha, a Maitri Fellow at the United States Studies Centre, joins the discussion on the evolving India-US relationship and the Quad. They delve into the impact of recent visa fee increases on Indian workers, examining how it strains ties. Rushali also highlights the ongoing importance of the Indian-American diaspora in Washington. Additionally, the conversation explores the Quad's resilience amid leadership challenges, suggesting its working groups remain effective despite uncertainties. Tune in for insights into diplomacy and transnational dynamics!

Tannmay Kumarr Baid, a junior adjunct scholar at the Takshashila Institution, discusses the geopolitical issues surrounding Bengaluru's Yellow Metro line. He reveals how ties with a Chinese supplier led to significant delays and overcrowding woes post-inauguration. Tannmay discusses alternative suppliers, the financial ramifications of procurement choices, and strategic lessons for future infrastructure projects. He also contrasts Bengaluru's challenges with Delhi's metro, shedding light on procurement methods and the impacts of geopolitical factors on urban transport.