

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

Nov 22, 2023 • 32min
Doklam 3.0 - Developments in Recent Years
In this episode, Kingshuk and Dr. Nithyanandam delve deeply into the most recent events in the Doklam region, as reported in the most recent news article from Takshashila Geospatial Bulletin. Join them as they unravel the complexities surrounding the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and their strategic moves in this critical border area.

Nov 21, 2023 • 36min
Analysing India's Electric Vehicle Policy Landscape
India's Electric Vehicle ecosystem has grown remarkably in the last few years. However, questions arise about the sustainability of this growth and potential challenges. In this All Things Policy episode, Sarthak Pradhan engages in conversation with Manish Bhandari and Ashwin Kak, both current students of Takshashila's 48 week Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy, where they share their insights on the state of affairs in India's Electric Vehicle sector.

Nov 20, 2023 • 32min
Updates From India-US 2+2
In this episode of All Things Policy, Amit Kumar and Bharat Sharma speak to Anushka Saxena about the recent Indo-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue. They discuss deepening defence and security cooperation between India and the US, what it means for the Quad, and how it affects its agenda. Finally, they also discuss the China factor in the relationship, and what role China plays in the context of deepening technology cooperation between the two countries. Edited

Nov 17, 2023 • 30min
What Causes Gender Disparities in Organ Transplants?
A recent report suggested that Indian men outrank women as organ recipients. Meanwhile, women are far more likely to donate their organs to male counterparts within their families. Further, the proportion of organ donations from deceased persons is minuscule as opposed to living donors. In this episode, Saurabh Todi and Shrikrishna Upadhyaya discuss the reasons behind the gender disparities in organ transplants in India and certain solutions to solve the demand and supply mismatch in the organ transplantation market. Reading: 4 of 5 living organ donors in India are women, 4 of 5 recipients men: Study | Pune News

Nov 16, 2023 • 31min
Can AI Help the Cause of Liberal Democracy?
Many scientists and policymakers around the world are standing up and highlighting the potential harm that AI can do but Sridhar Krishna and Rijesh Panicker bring a different perspective and suggest AI can actually support the growth of liberal democracy. Readings: AI and its potential impact on liberal democracy, FRANCIS FUKUYAMA interview New UN Advisory Body aims to harness AI for the common good How Generative AI can help boost democracy HBR - 10 ways AI will change democracy Future does not have to be dystopian. Boston Review Rishi Sunak & Elon Musk: Talk AI, Tech & the Future

Nov 15, 2023 • 54min
Solid Waste Management: Best Practices
Rapid urbanization presents a pressing challenge for solid waste management as burgeoning cities generate increasing amounts of waste, necessitating innovative and sustainable solutions to handle the growing volume of solid waste. Effective solid waste management practices are crucial to maintaining urban hygiene, reducing environmental pollution, and ensuring urban populations' well-being in the face of urban expansion. Mubeena Mubarak and Malathi Renati speak about solid waste management's nuances and best practices.

Nov 13, 2023 • 34min
What does the Australian education template look like?
The journey of education is a combination of many experiences put together. What goes into the nuts & bolts of the Australian education system? Josiah Neal is in conversation with Sowmya Prabhakar to give us a fair idea about it from a student’s perspective.

Nov 10, 2023 • 39min
Looking Ahead to a Xi-Biden Meeting
In this episode of All Things Policy, Anushka Saxena discusses with Manoj Kewalramani and Amit Kumar tensions in US-China relations, and whether the upcoming Xi-Biden meeting at the APEC Summit signals a thaw in relations. Manoj and Amit also highlight the significance of the high-level diplomatic dialogue that has taken place between the two sides in the past few months, and its role in creating stability and guardrails in a largely tenuous relationship.

Nov 9, 2023 • 29min
India's role in the Israel-Hamas War
Hours after the horrific terror strike on Israel by Hamas on October 7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced unequivocal support to Israel in its hour of grief. Within days, India reiterated its stand on the two-state solution, and clearly differentiated between Hamas and the Palestinian people. On October 19, Modi spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Takshashila's Sachin Kalbag and Yusuf Unjhawala break down the unique position that India is in, and how it could use its diplomatic skill to get a place in the global high table.

Nov 8, 2023 • 30min
G’Day MATES! On the New Australia-India Visa
According to a 2021 census, 710,380 Indian-born people were living in Australia, effectively making them the second-largest migrant group in the country after those born in England. The Department of Home Affairs (Australia) granted 382,000 student visas between July 2022 and February 2023. This is a 41.3 percent increase compared to the same period of 2019-2020. Should immigration continue to be encouraged in Australia? What draws Indian students to Australia, as opposed to the US and the UK? In this episode of the All Things Policy, Rohan Pai and Josiah Neal engage in a discussion on MATES, or The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme, set up between India and Australia. They delve into a plethora of topics including the history of immigration in Australia as well as the widespread controversy of violence against Indian students in Australia.


