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
May 6, 2025 • 40min
Fiscally Federal or Flailing? The Case of China's Local Government Finances
With the ensuing trade and tariff war between China and the US, external economic hostility is mounting onto Beijing's ongoing economic woes. The major stakeholders responsible for powering China through this tumultuous economic period are China's local governments. In this episode of 'All Things Policy', Amit Kumar discusses with Anushka Saxena how China's local government financing model works, what its challenges are, and what policy measures are being experimented with to deal with the double whammy of falling revenues and expanding expenditure mandates. Amit also sheds light on how local governments have leveraged LGFVs and special purpose bonds over the past few years to deal with its targets, and why acknowledging and addressing the consequent off-the-book debt should be the big ticket agenda item for Beijing's economic priorities going forward.The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll 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/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
May 5, 2025 • 47min
India’s Science & Tech Journey: Past Lessons, Future Directions
In this episode of All Things Policy, Avinash Shet is joined by Aakash Kumar to trace the evolution of India’s science and technology ecosystem. The episode explores how India’s scientific foundations were laid post-independence under Nehru’s vision of state-led development, discusses the enduring legacy of colonialism, and assesses today’s challenges, including low R&D spending and the deep tech gap with countries like China. With historical context and policy insights, the episode urges a rethink of India’s S&T priorities to remain globally competitive.The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll 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/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
May 2, 2025 • 47min
Maritime Power in China's Grand Strategy
In this episode, Dr Y. Nithiyanandam, Professor at the Takshashila Institution, engages in an insightful discussion with Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla (Retd) on the themes explored in his recent book, "Maritime Power and China’s Grand Strategy". Together, they examine China’s growing maritime ambitions—from its naval expansion and the “String of Pearls” to grey zone tactics and the Belt and Road Initiative. Drawing on Admiral Chawla’s distinguished naval experience, the conversation delves into why maritime power is central to China’s ascent and the implications for India’s strategic outlook. An essential listen for students, professionals, and anyone interested in India’s maritime future and the evolving dynamics of the Indo-Pacific.The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll 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/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
Apr 30, 2025 • 32min
Trump's Tariff Pause and Implications for India
Trump's tariffs have been the talk of the geoeconomics town for the past few weeks. Most recently, he announced a 90 day pause on his own tariffs. What does this pause mean for the world and India? Are there any opportunities that India can catch onto amidst all the confusion that surrounds this tariff regime? Tannmay Kumarr Baid sits down with Anupam Manur and Anisree Suresh to discuss Trump's tariffs, the pause, and its implications for India and the rest of the world. The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll 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/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
Apr 29, 2025 • 31min
Aryabhata at 50: The Satellite That Launched a Space Nation
Fifty years ago, a modest satellite named Aryabhata marked India's bold entry into space. In this episode of All Things Policy, ShreeKeerthi, Research Analyst and Prof. Dr. Y Nithiyanadam of the Geospatial Programme at Takshashila Institution, trace Aryabhata's journey from its creation in Bangalore to its launch from the Soviet Union during the geopolitics of the 1970s. They examine the scientific hopes it inspired and the lasting legacy it created for subsequent missions like INSAT, IRS, Chandrayaan, and Mangalyaan.On the 50th Anniversary of Aryabhata's launch, they talk about the fascinating stories behind its name, explore the Indo-Soviet collaboration in space, reflect on how this single mission transformed Bangalore into the hub of India's space ambitions of Aryabhata, the future of Indian space innovation, and the lessons that continue to be relevant today, at the centre of India's space aspirations.The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll 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/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
Apr 28, 2025 • 37min
Internet in the Space Age
In this episode of All Things Policy, Ashwin Prasad and Aishwaria Sonavane discuss satellite internet. We live in a hyper-connected world, and satellite internet mega constellations are the next leap. Thousands of Low-Earth Orbit satellites are working together to beam internet globally, representing a massive infrastructure and space tech innovation. This technology holds immense potential for military strategy and economic growth, but its dual-use nature also presents security and regulatory challenges that demand our attention.To understand the power and implications of satellite internet – whether for use, investment, or governance – it's crucial to grasp its fundamentals. My latest paper, the first in a series, explains precisely how this technology works and its current applications. Dive into the details: takshashila.org.in/research/satellite-internet-explainedThe PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll 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/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
Apr 25, 2025 • 41min
Maps: The New Mirrors to Our Society
Maps don't just guide us; they help in decision-making. From our food apps to how well we are prepared for disaster management, location is our new currency. In this episode, Y. Nithiyanandam & Sowmya Nandan from Takshashila talk about how geospatial work impacts our markets, governance and our everyday lives. Location isn’t just a pin—it’s power.The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll 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/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
Apr 24, 2025 • 24min
Rethinking Migration: Myths, Policies, and Global Realities
In this episode of All Things Policy, Aishwaria Sonavane sits down with Danish Zahoor to disentangle some of the myths surrounding global migration. The conversation explores the growing backlash against migration in developed countries, tracing its roots to globalisation and examining the potential consequences for global economic integration. It also delves into the so-called "dark side" of migration, including exploitation, inequality, and brain drain, offering thoughtful insights on how these challenges can be addressed without reinforcing xenophobic narratives.The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll 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/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
Apr 23, 2025 • 36min
Decoding India's Labour Codes
In 2019-2020, Parliament passed four labour codes which merged twenty-nine existing labour laws into four broad categories intended to ensure, inter alia, universalisation of wages and social security, ensuring a safe and healthy workplace and formalisation of employment. With the Union government announcing its intention for the implementation of these codes to begin across states by April 1, 2025, what are some of the hurdles that informal workers may face with these new codes? Join Kripa Koshy (Programme Manager, Takshashila) and Pankil Goswami (PhD candidate, McGill University, School of Social Work) as they unpack the implementation struggles, the case for welfare boards and other complex considerations in the Indian context.The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll 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/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
Apr 22, 2025 • 27min
Ripple and Rules: Rethinking the Indus Water Treaty
Arpan A Chakravarty, a Research Fellow at the India Foundation with expertise in law and national security, joins the conversation. They delve into the historical roots of the Indus Water Treaty and its relevance today. The discussion highlights the World Bank's role in mediating disputes and contrasts India's cooperative approach to water management against regional tensions. There’s emphasis on the need for treaty reforms to address modern challenges like climate change and the potential for hydropower solutions to benefit both nations.
