All Things Policy
1,361 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsEver 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.
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Episodes
Nestle Baby Food Controversy
April 23, 2024 00:30 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBIn this episode of All Things Policy, Kripa Koshy and Saurabh Todi discuss the recent controversy around the high sugar content in Nestle baby food in certain countries. They discuss the need for informed regulation and better compliance in India. A new course on Unpacking Urban Governance on OpenTakshashila is now accepting applications. Click here for more information.
Trilateral Technology Dialogue between India, U.S. & South Korea
April 22, 2024 00:30 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBIn this episode, Ashwin Prasad quizzes Saurabh Todi on the recent Trilateral Technology Dialogue in Seoul. With a focus on strengthening supply chain resilience and fostering trade partnerships, Saurabh provides insights into the significance of this event. Join them as they unravel the discussions, explore key outcomes, and analyze the implications for technology geopolitics.
Safeguarding the Integrity of India's Public Examinations
April 19, 2024 00:30 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBThe Parliament recently passed legislation called the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, aimed at curbing cheating and upholding the integrity of public examinations. How does the new law safeguard the public recruitment system against malpractices, such as paper leaks, and help to address the problem of state capacity shortfall? In this episode of All Things Policy, Carl Jaison speaks to Pranav Gupta about the context, causes, and consequences of the new law and th...
The Complex Contours of the Iran-Israel Conflict
April 18, 2024 00:30 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBTwo weeks after a suspected Israeli attack on the Iranian diplomatic mission in Syria, Tehran launched a massive drone and missile attack on Israel last Saturday. What does this mean for an already explosive situation in West Asia? Will the exchange of fire between the two countries lead to a larger regional conflagration? Sachin Kalbag and Yusuf Unjhawala discuss in the latest episode of All Things Policy. Check out Takshashila's public policy courses at https://school.takshashila.org.in/
Is Nepal Balancing or Tilting towards China?
April 17, 2024 00:30 - 35 minutes - 33.3 MBIn early April, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha travelled to China for his first foreign visit since taking office. While no major deals or breakthroughs were reported, this signalled a new proximity between the two countries. In this episode, Manoj Kewalramani talks to author and journalist Amish Raj Mulmi about the recent developments in China-Nepal ties. Check out Takshashila's public policy courses at https://school.takshashila.org.in/
Exploring the Hidden Power and Need for Wastewater Recycling in Urban Landscape
April 16, 2024 00:30 - 42 minutes - 39.9 MBJoin Dr Nithyanandam, a Professor from Takshashila Institution and Mr Varun Sridharan, Co-founder and CEO of Greenvironment Innovation & Marketing India (P) Ltd, in a captivating podcast episode where they delve into the critical need for wastewater management in the Indian context. Amid the water scarcity crisis affecting southern cities, they explore sustainable solutions and technological advancements for treating water at household levels. The discussion also covers the economic aspects...
Willingness to make a Will
April 15, 2024 00:30 - 49 minutes - 45.7 MBIn this episode, 'Willingness to make a Will,' Sowmya Prabhakar is in conversation with Niranjan Vemulkar & Nikhil Varghese to navigate through the why, what, how, and when of having a will in place. We draw insights from the Succession Act, data on unclaimed assets such as Demat accounts & the nomination process. It's important to understand the opportunity cost and the information asymmetry that exists in this landscape of emotions and the need to have a will. Tech solutions hold promise i...
China: Critical Player in Critical Minerals Supply Chains
April 12, 2024 00:30 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBIn this episode of All Things Policy, Anushka Saxena of Takshashila quizzes Neha Mishra, Executive Officer at CII and a fellow with the pioneer cohort of Takshashila's Network for Advanced Study of China (NASC) Fellowship, on China's dominance in critical minerals supply chains. Neha discusses the findings from her Fellowship paper vis-a-vis China's policy architecture on critical minerals, the changing global sentiment towards dependence on China for the same, and the way forward for China'...
Why China’s Economy May Never Grow at 6 Percent Again?
April 11, 2024 00:30 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MBIn this episode of All Things Policy hosted by Amit Kumar, Dr Michael Pettis, Professor of Finance at Peking University and Senior Fellow at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP), answers several critical questions about China's economy. Dr. Pettis weighs on what China's domestic consumption situation looks like; the underlying contradiction between domestic consumption and export policy, and the feasibility of new drivers of the economy and new productive forces. See omnystudio...
Analysing India’s Foreign Policy
April 10, 2024 12:10 - 27 minutes - 24.9 MBIn this episode of All Things Policy, Professor C Raja Mohan, Visiting Research Professor at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore, and Wini Fred Gurung, Communications Manager at the Takshashila Institution, discuss the complexities of India's foreign policy, exploring its perspectives on the global landscape, significant shifts in approach over the past decade, and the challenges and opportunities it faces in an ever-changing world.
Human-Animal conflict & their co-existence
April 09, 2024 06:43 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBhuman-animal conflict, wildlife conservation, India, Malathi Renati, Humane Society International, Vinod Krishnan, Shubhra Sotie, government, markets, society, wildlife experts, conservation efforts, environmental protection, biodiversity, conservation challenges, conservation successes, wildlife management, wildlife protection
Analysing India’s municipal finances
April 08, 2024 11:36 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MBWhat services do urban local bodies in India provide? Where do they get their revenues from? To what extent are these bodies self-reliant? What factors contribute to their financial vulnerability? In this episode of All Things Policy, Sarthak Pradhan and Suman Joshi give an overview of the state of municipal finances in India.
Are many more women reluctant to have children today?
April 05, 2024 00:30 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBIn the past, people had many more children than they do today. There has been a global decline in the fertility rate since 1950. India's fertility rate has been going down steadily from 5.9 in the year 1960 to 2 in 2021. In this episode of All Things Policy, Anushka Saxena, Shreya Ramakrishnan, and Sridhar Krishna discuss this and also the changing social norms and aspirations of women.
China’s Shifting Messages on Economic & Foreign Policies
April 04, 2024 00:30 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MBThe past few weeks saw two key forums being held China, the China Development Forum and the Boao Forum for Asia Conference. These shed light into China’s economic and foreign policy priorities. In this episode, Amit Kumar and Manoj Kewalramani decode the messages that Beijing is sending to the world.
Making Sense of “New” Chinese Chipmaking Breakthroughs
April 03, 2024 00:30 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBChina has issued guidelines for governmental procurement of laptops, PCs, and servers that will gradually replace Intel and AMD processors with homegrown CPUs. Join Rijesh and Satya in this episode of Siliconpolitik as they attempt to decipher China's chipmaking capabilities in the broader context of US sanctions against its semiconductor sector. Recommended reading: https://hightechir.substack.com/p/79-deciphering-chinas-move-against https://www.linkedin.com/in/satyashoovasahu/ https://tw...
Synthetic data and AI
April 02, 2024 00:30 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBSynthetic or artificially generated data is often an important input for training AI systems. As such systems make important decisions that affect our lives, Bharath Reddy and Shobhankita Reddy explore what it is and how it could impact us.
See You Again | Police Chowki
April 01, 2024 07:22 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MBIn the final episode of the special limited series Police Chowki, Javeed Ahmad (former IPS officer & DGP of Uttar Pradesh) and Shrikrishna Upadhyaya take stock of policing in India. They discuss the trajectory of the show and reflect on key takeaways from the conversations had so far, such as, policing as a public good, state capacity in police, social and economic cost of bad policing, and building trust between police and citizens. Find all the previous episodes of Police Chowki here: http...
Assessing India's Potential in Global Semiconductor Value Chains
March 28, 2024 00:30 - 40 minutes - 37 MBIs India ready to assume a greater role in global semiconductor value chains? In this edition of SiliconPolitik, Satya Sahu quizzes Stephen Ezell, VP of Global Innovation Policy, ITIF, on their recent report assessing the challenges and opportunities for India in this critical sector.
Tackling the Mobility Conundrum in Pune
March 27, 2024 00:30 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBPune is one of India's fastest growing cities, but also one that is crying for its transport infrastructure to be transformed, even overhauled. What are the areas of concern, and how can policymakers work with civil society and the government to make this happen? Sachin Kalbag of Takshashila and Pune's leading subject matter expert Sanskriti Menon, Senior Programme Director at the Centre for Environment Education, discuss this vital topic.
China’s Choice: Trump or Biden?
March 26, 2024 00:30 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MBIt is now clear that the 2024 US presidential election will once again feature a contest between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Beijing, of course, will be keenly watching the campaign unfold over the next few months. But as things stand today, who would the mandarins in Zhongnanhai prefer as the next occupant of the White House? Listen in as Takshashila’s China watchers debate China’s choice.
Financing Adaptation in India
March 22, 2024 00:30 - 44 minutes - 41.2 MBIndia urgently requires substantial investment in climate adaptation efforts to sustain progress on development. Recognizing the criticality of the impact of climate change for development and growth, India has anchored its adaptation approach within the country’s wider development goals. While the government has endeavoured to finance adaptation initiatives, adaptation investment needs at the national level are large and will increase in the future. In this episode of All Things Policy, Raks...
Chinese Border Settlements in Arunachal Pradesh
March 21, 2024 00:30 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBIn this podcast episode, Ms.Shreya Ramakrishnan and Dr.Nithiyanandam discuss recent developments along the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh, focusing on two specific settlements. Dr. Nithiyananda's recent article in the Takshashila Geospatial Bulletin provides significant insights highlighted in the discussion. The podcast covers geopolitical intricacies, emphasizes the importance of satellite imagery analysis, and discusses the historical progress in the two zones mentioned in the rep...
10,000 Genome Project
March 20, 2024 00:30 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBIn this episode of ATP, Shambhavi Naik and Saurabh Todi discuss the recent completion of the 10,000 Genome Project and the importance of collecting such data for medical research.
Will India’s Healthcare have its ‘UHI’ Moment?
March 19, 2024 00:30 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MBUnified Healthcare Interface (UHI) is India’s next digital public infrastructure (DPI), following earlier DPIs in payments (UPI), commerce (ONDC) and credit (OCEN). In this episode, Shrikrishna Upadhyaya speaks to Rhea Singh (Project Lead, ABDM, NHA) and Akhil Siddharth (Project Associate, NHA) from the International Innovation Corps on the potential of UHI, challenges and opportunities. They discuss how UHI will transform the healthcare experience of patients, enable innovation by private...
How is India Digitalising its Healthcare Ecosystem?
March 18, 2024 00:30 - 53 minutes - 49 MBAyushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), steered by India’s National Health Authority (NHA), is building the digital public infrastructure for healthcare in India. It aims to leverage technology to improve healthcare services and delivery in the country by enabling healthcare players to build on the digital foundation. In this episode, Shrikrishna Upadhyaya hosts Surbhi Arul (Associate Director, International Innovation Corps) and Rhea Singh (Project Lead, ABDM, NHA) for a conversation on the...
China's Space Program
March 15, 2024 00:30 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MBThe roots of China’s space ambitions go back to 1957 when the Soviet Union successfully launched the world’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik-1, into space. That year, Chairman Mao Zedong declared China would also launch its own satellite. With the help of Soviet technology and scientists such as Qian Xuesen, who studied and initially worked in the United States but was deported for allegedly being a communist sympathiser, the country established its space programme. In July 1964, China to...
What’s Next for the Space Sector After FDI Reforms?
March 14, 2024 00:30 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBLast week, the Union Government liberalised the foreign direct investment (FDI) norms for the space sector and introduced graded automatic route approval for different space sub-sectors. In this episode, Shrikrishna Upadhyaya quizzes Ashwin Prasad on the implications of the government’s move, a brief history of the space reforms in India, and the role the government should play in creating demand for space services in the country. Reading: How private sector can propel a new wave of space re...
India’s Deadly New Missile
March 13, 2024 00:30 - 28 minutes - 26 MBWhat does India’s Agni-5 test really mean for its competition with China? What exactly are MIRVs and how do they affect the nuclear balance? Saurabh Todi and Aditya Ramanathan delve into the politics of atomic catastrophe.
AI Models and Licenses
March 12, 2024 00:30 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBA recent advisory by MeitY about the deployment of AI models which has caused a lot of angst and pushback from industry. Satya Sahoo and Bharath Reddy discuss why its hard to put guardrails on gen AI and some of the consequences from the advisory.
Two Sessions, Once Again
March 11, 2024 00:30 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MBBetween March 5 and 11, the 'Two Sessions', which is an annual meeting of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, has been underway. The 14th NPC and CPPCC have met to discuss the economy, foreign policy, national defence, domestic politics, and more. In this episode of All Things Policy, Anushka Saxena quizzes Manoj Kewalramani on the key deliberations that took place at the 'Two Sessions', and what China's growth agenda looks like for 2024.
I Think, Therefore Am I?
March 08, 2024 00:30 - 29 minutes - 27.5 MBAs January drew to a close, the users of X were greeted with a startling announcement by the owner, Elon Musk. His company 'Neuralink' had successfully implanted its brain chip prototype in a human being for the first time, and the patient in question could manoeuvre a computer mouse using only their thoughts. But what about the risks? What helps a quadriplegic express their thoughts today may translate into a gross violation of human rights tomorrow. Does India require comprehensive legisla...
Understanding the MPCE
March 07, 2024 00:30 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBThe data on Monthly Per capita Consumption Expenditure was released last week. How should we read this data? How can it inform policy making at various levels? Sarthak and Suman discuss in this episode of All Things Policy.
The Political Promise of India’s Youth
March 06, 2024 00:30 - 32 minutes - 30 MBIn this episode of All Things Policy, Carl Jaison speaks to Sudhanshu Kaushik, author of “The Future is Ours: The Political Promise of India’s Youth”. Sudhanshu is an international youth activist and the founder of Young India Foundation (YIF). With a focus on youth empowerment, the highlights of his work at YIF included initiatives registering over 2.5 million youth voters, lobbying with over 200 sitting MPs and five state governments to decrease the age to contest elections as an MP/MLA and...
Science Funding in India
March 05, 2024 00:30 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBIn this episode of ATP, Saurabh Todi and Shambhavi Naik discuss the state of research and development funding in India, what ails it and what can be done to improve the situation.
SC Push to Fix Price Caps for Hospitals is a Bad Idea
March 04, 2024 00:30 - 51 minutes - 47.4 MBThe Supreme Court of India (SC) is entertaining a public interest litigation (PIL) asking for fixed rates for medical services in all hospitals in the country and has directed the Union Government to develop rates for each medical service. Otherwise, it proposed to fix rates charged under the Central Government Health Scheme as an interim measure. In this episode, Anupam Manur and Shrikrishna Upadhyaya break down the implications of the Supreme Court’s order to impose price caps for hospital...
The 'China Angle' in Indian Foreign Policy
March 01, 2024 00:30 - 36 minutes - 33.4 MBAs contemporary Indian foreign policy evolves to navigate an increasingly complex regional and global geopolitical environment, the China factor bears heavily upon some of its choices and priorities. In this episode of 'All Things Policy', Takshashila's Anushka Saxena seeks insights from Mr. Manoj Joshi (Distinguished Fellow at ORF Delhi) on military security perspectives in India’s foreign policy, especially vis-a-vis tensions along the LAC and India’s expanding partnership with the US. In a...
Are we going to be quicker on roads?
February 29, 2024 00:30 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBGet ready for an insightful journey with Dr Y Nithiyanandam and Shreya Ramakrishnan as they dive into the future of road travel with a focus on India's new Satellite-based toll collection system, set to launch in March 2024. This engaging podcast uncovers the effectiveness of this innovative system compared to the existing FASTag, addressing its technical challenges, limitations, and the necessary behavioural changes for smoother navigation. It also explores the hurdles of current toll system...
Indian Media and the 2024 Elections
February 28, 2024 00:30 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBThe world's largest democracy is going to the polls this year. As much as a logistical challenge it will be given the sheer size, it will also be a test for the Indian media. Will the media be fair? Will it be able to remain neutral amidst the audio-visual assault? What about fake news and misinformation? What about ideological balance? All of these questions and more, in a discussion between Sachin Kalbag and his guest Pradyuman Maheshwari. Do check out Takshashila’s public policy courses...
China's property crisis
February 27, 2024 00:30 - 32 minutes - 30.3 MBIn this episode. Manoj Kewalramani and Shambhavi Naik discuss the ongoing property crisis in China, the developing story of the Evergrande decline and the measures taken by the Chinese government to stem the impact of this crisis.
Can AI shift India from a "flailing" state to a more successful one?
February 26, 2024 00:30 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBLant Pritchett has described India as "flailing state", one where the limbs are not in sync with the head and the outcomes sought are not delivered. Sridhar Krishna talks to Bharat Reddy on how AI can be used to bridge the gap in state capacity and help Indians get the goods and services they desire from the government. Readings: Why does the Indian state both fail and succeed? By Devesh Kapur Is India a flailing state? By Lant Pritchett Breaking the Mould by Raghuraman Rajan and Rohit ...
China's History Learning Regulations
February 23, 2024 00:30 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBThe Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has released regulations on studying the Party's history. It outlines the key objectives and principles embedded in the newly introduced regulations, emphasising the need for regular, long-term study of the Party’s history. Comprising six chapters and 34 articles, the document outlines general principles, leadership structures, responsibilities, content, and methods for the study of the Party's history. In this episode of All Things ...
Fixed Cab Fares in Karnataka
February 22, 2024 00:30 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBRecently, the Karnataka government fixed uniform kilometre-based fares for all types of cabs plying in the state. In this light, Saurabh Todi speaks to Anupam Manur, Assistant Professor, Takshashila Institution, on the consequences of this policy.
Chinese Diplomacy at the Munich Security Conference
February 21, 2024 00:30 - 49 minutes - 45.8 MBThe 2024 Munich Security Conference has recently concluded on February 18, and key discussions surrounded both traditional and non-traditional security issues such as China's military capabilities, the Russia-Ukraine war, leaps in technology, and climate change. In this episode of All Things Policy, Anushka Saxena quizzes Manoj Kewalramani on the important insights from the Conference, and what they say about Europe's vision for its own role in the contemporary global order. Manoj also discus...
Why music education matters
February 20, 2024 00:30 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBMusic has played a complimentary role in all our lives. In this tuneful episode, Malathi Renati has a chat with Lakshmy Iyer, a music exponent in carnatic classical, veena and musical whistling. They talk about the importance of music education from primary to higher education and touch upon its resonating impact across a wide spectrum of areas from learning difficulties and therapy to neurological conditions like Alzheimer's and post trauma care.
Magic Tricks: Chinese Foreign Policy under Xi Jinping
February 19, 2024 00:30 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBIn this episode of All Things Policy, Anushka Saxena interviews Kerry Brown, professor of China studies and Director of the Lau China Institute at King's College, London, on the nature and drivers of Chinese Foreign Policy under Xi Jinping. Professor Brown shares keen insights on everything – from how Xi's supposed "all-powerful" authority manifests itself in policymaking, to the fundamental factors underpinning US-China and EU-China relations in the past few years. He also answers in brief t...
Is Mandatory Conscription the Way for India?
February 16, 2024 00:30 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBArticle 23 of India's constitution allows the union government to mandate conscription to secure the nation’s interest and public well-being. There are various social as well as political arguments on why we should or should not enforce such conscription, but what would either option mean for India's contemporary security approach? Should the military focus on officers' quantity or quality, or on technological advancements instead? Tune in with Ananya Desai as she speaks to Aditya Ramanathan ...
Understanding India's demographics
February 15, 2024 00:30 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBIn her interim budget speech, the finance minister announced that a high-powered committee will be constituted to consider the challenges arising from "fast population growth and demographic changes". In this episode, Suman Joshi and Sarthak Pradhan delve into India's population growth trajectory, examining future challenges and exploring potential solutions.
Why China Dominates Solar PV Supply Chains
February 14, 2024 00:30 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBTechnologies like Solar PVs have become critical to enabling shifts towards the use of more renewable energy. In this episode, Anushka Saxena quizzes Amit Kumar on the supply chains of the solar PVs, and China's role in it. Amit also highlights the key factors behind China's dominance of the supply chains.
The Quad in the Indo-Pacific
February 13, 2024 00:30 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBThe Quad's rise as a strategic grouping has received much attention in recent years. In this episode of All Things Policy, Bharat Sharma hosts Arzan Tarapore, a Research Scholar at Stanford's Center for International Security and Cooperation, to discuss what binds the grouping today, where the Quad countries stand in relation to China, and the Quad's prospects in the Indian Ocean Region. In this vein, challenges to greater cooperation are also discussed. This episode is part of a series of p...
Policing on Horseback in India | Police Chowki
February 12, 2024 00:30 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MBFrom anti-dacoity operations to crowd control to participation in equestrian games, mounted police enjoy a distinct position in Indian law enforcement. In this episode of Police Chowki, we delve into the fascinating world of mounted police, exploring their historical and modern-day role in law enforcement, public safety, and ceremonial functions. Tune in to Shrikrishna Upadhyaya speaking to former police officers S. Ramakrishnan and Javeed Ahmad, who share their rich experience.