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
Dec 17, 2020 • 24min
Ep. 478: Surprises in the National Family Health Survey
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the findings of the first phase of the National Family Health Survey 5. While indicators on family planning and vaccination have improved, the trends of nutrition are concerning. Anirudh
Dec 16, 2020 • 30min
Ep. 477: Is the FTC Suit Against Facebook Fair?
The US Federal Trade Commission is suing Facebook for its acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram. Is Facebook monopolising the personal social networking marketplace? Anupam Manur and Rohan Seth weigh the evidence and
Dec 15, 2020 • 36min
Ep. 476: India-China Ties: The Strategic Dimension
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said this week that the relationship with China had been “significantly damaged” this year. In fact, as winter sets in, multiple rounds of talks at the Corps Commander level have failed to result in
Dec 14, 2020 • 21min
Ep. 475: Bear's Den: Why Does Russia Want A Naval Base in the Red Sea?
Russia is planning to lease a naval base in Sudan for at least 25 years. Aditya Pareek talks to Aditya Ramanathan about Moscow's underlying ambitions, the geopolitics driving this move, and the state of Russia's fleet, especially its flagship Admiral Kuzn
Dec 11, 2020 • 23min
Ep. 474: Is India Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine Soon?
Vaccines are being approved for emergency use in countries like the UK and Canada. Can India do the same? Sunila Dixit talks to Shambhavi Naik about the status of various vaccine candidates, a planned app to ease tracking of vaccine
Dec 10, 2020 • 42min
Ep. 473: Could Spies Avert the Next Pandemic?
As threats from disease outbreaks and ecological disasters grow, should intelligence agencies be tasked with tracking them? What are the potential benefits and pitfalls of such a move? Takshashila's director Nitin Pai joins
Dec 9, 2020 • 24min
Ep. 472: Is Corporate Ownership of Banks a Good Idea?
An internal working group set up by RBI recommended allowing corporate houses to own and operate banks. Sarthak Pradhan joins Saurabh Modi to discuss the reasoning behind the move and the new challenges it could create.
Dec 8, 2020 • 35min
Ep. 471: The Death of a Scientist and the Future of Iran’s Nuclear Programme
The killing of Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has dimmed prospects for a renewed nuclear deal with Iran. Will US President-elect Joe Biden be able to resume talks? And how will the killing affect India's relationship with Iran? Manoj
Dec 7, 2020 • 38min
Ep. 470: Does One Nation, One Election Make Sense?
Recently, on the Constitution Day, the Prime Minister called for replacing current election cycles with simultaneous elections. While this is not a new idea, does it solve the challenges of holding several elections? And are there better solutions?
Dec 4, 2020 • 25min
Ep. 469: Is India Really Closer to Achieving its Sanitation Goals?
A new WHO report, State of the World's Sanitation, reveals what progress has been made and what remains to be done. What are the social factors affecting the utilization of sanitation facilities? Is India actually 100% open-defecation free?
