

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

Feb 6, 2025 • 38min
The Joy of Play: Nurturing Active Citizens (Pt.1)
Childhood is precious! How do we ensure India’s youth experience a fulfilling and holistic education, where play is part and parcel of learning?
Malathi Renati hosts the authors of “Get Kids to Play”, Saumil Majmudar (CEO and Co-founder SportzVillage) and Vijay Krishnamurthy (Sports Researcher and Executive Coach), and together they unpack the significance of the key focus areas in their book Space, Time, Child, Content and Facilitator.This is the first of a 2 part podcast series.
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/...
Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in

Feb 5, 2025 • 27min
India's Leap into Hypersonic: Scramjet Technology
In this episode of All Things Policy podcast, Ashwin Prasad and Avinash Shet discuss the scramjet engine technology. Motivated by the ground test of the scramjet engine by DRDL, a DRDO lab, we discuss the importance of this successful test. We unravel the technology behind the scramjet engine and explore its implication on regional and global geopolitics.
Link to the Jet Engine document mentioned in the podcast: https://takshashila.org.in/research/jet-engines-and-ecosystem
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/...
Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in

Feb 4, 2025 • 26min
Solving Mumbai's Urban Congestion
In this episode of All Things Policy, Miheer Karandikar and Anisree Suresh explore the latest proposed policy by the Maharashtra government to mandate individuals to own or secure a parking space to buy a car in Mumbai. They examine the intricacies of the proposed policy and suggest how congestion pricing can be an effective solution to traffic congestion woes.
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/...
Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in

Feb 3, 2025 • 33min
The Future of Work for Domestic Workers in India
Leah Govias, an Assistant Program Manager at Takshashila Institution's Policy School, sheds light on the harsh realities faced by domestic workers in India. Despite their crucial role in the economy, their working conditions are often precarious and invisible. The discussion delves into wage caps, lack of time off, and the imbalance of power between employers and workers. Leah explores innovative solutions and the importance of legal protections to create a thriving environment for these essential workers, emphasizing the need for systemic change.

Jan 31, 2025 • 47min
India's Challenges in the Air
Air Marshal T.D. Joseph, a retired fighter pilot, joins to discuss India's pressing aerial defense challenges. He highlights the widening technological gap with China, especially with its new sixth-generation fighters. The conversation reveals inefficiencies in India's defense sector and advocates for greater private sector involvement. Upgrading the Tejas aircraft with advanced engines is also explored. With evolving threats from neighboring countries, there's an urgent need for transformative strategies to enhance India's defense capabilities.

Jan 30, 2025 • 19min
Reflections on the AI Guidelines Report
An advisory group is working on an India-specific AI regulatory framework. They discuss key recommendations like integrating legal measures into software code and enhancing data minimization practices. A light-touch regulatory approach is suggested, along with an open-access AI incident database for better transparency. The conversation highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement and the need for efficient collaboration among various government sectors to navigate the complexities of AI governance.

Jan 29, 2025 • 36min
Seoul-o? Policy Interventions to Tackle Loneliness in South Korea
Seoul's ambitious $325 million initiative to combat loneliness raises questions about government intervention in public health. The hosts discuss societal pressures contributing to the loneliness epidemic and the impact of technology on social connections. They explore how cultural factors and competitive norms exacerbate individual isolation, as well as the importance of meaningful community engagement. Insights from India reveal parallels in the struggle against loneliness, emphasizing innovative policy solutions and the need for intergenerational interactions.

Jan 28, 2025 • 36min
The Dealmaker Returns to Negotiate a New World Order
Joining Anushka Saxena is Manoj Kewalramani, Chairperson of the Indo-Pacific Studies Program at the Takshashila Institution and a US foreign policy expert. They discuss Trump’s vision for a 'Golden Age' and its implications for US alliances, particularly with India. Manoj dives into immigration policy challenges affecting the Indian diaspora and the evolving economic ties between the US and India. The conversation further explores the shifting dynamics in US-China relations and how they impact global politics in the Indo-Pacific region.

Jan 27, 2025 • 20min
Bus or Bus(t): Karnataka's Shakti Policy
The Karnataka Shakti program offers free bus rides for women and transgender individuals, enhancing access to work and education. While it increases ridership, challenges like overcrowding and harassment persist. Mixed outcomes arise, including tensions among commuters and private transport strikes. Political controversies also loom, with calls for reviews impacting state finances. Importantly, the scheme empowers women to reclaim public spaces and promotes equality, but there’s a need for further support for marginalized communities.

Jan 24, 2025 • 33min
A New Approach to the De-Risking Debate
Amit Kumar, a researcher at the Takshashila Institution, delves into the complexities of India-China trade and de-risking strategies. He emphasizes identifying vulnerable sectors, such as electronic components and machinery, to enhance India's trade resilience. Amit discusses the importance of strategic metrics like the Relative Impact Factor to inform decision-making. His insights reveal the delicate balance between national security and economic growth, emphasizing the critical need for domestic manufacturing to address import dependencies.


