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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.
1826 Episodes
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1AgriStack represents India’s ambition to build a digital public infrastructure for agriculture, linking farmer, land, and crop data to improve credit, insurance, and market access. But how ready is the state to build and govern such a system at scale? In this episode, Astha Rastogi and Arindam Goswami explore what it takes to operationalise AgriStack, the role of AI and data, and what this means for the future of India’s agricultural 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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
For decades, the Iranian nuclear programme has caused consternation in Western capitals. Despite US and Israeli efforts involving negotiations, cyber and aerial bombing over the years, Iran has managed to get to a stage where it has about 440 kgs of 60 per cent enriched uranium. In this episode of All Things Policy special series on Iran, tech geopolitics researcher Lokendra Sharma sits down with military historian Aditya Ramanathan and military tech researcher Adya Madhavan to discuss the past, present and future of the Iranian nuclear programme. 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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
Digital technology is often seen as a fix for inefficiency and corruption in government welfare programmes—but does it actually deliver on that promise?In this episode, Vanita Leah Falcao discusses her research on the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), with Suman Joshi and Ameya Naik explaining how technology-mediated systems are reshaping service delivery on the ground. Through the lens of “digitalwashing,” the discussion reveals how claims of transparency and efficiency can mask new forms of exclusion, administrative burden, and opacity.Read more: https://aisel.aisnet.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1025&context=itdAll 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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
Think about the last time you were in a crowded metro station. Did you consciously decide what to do, or did you simply follow what everyone else was doing?Public policy often assumes people are rational actors. But behaviour is shaped by something far more human: norms that tell us what others expect, habits that run on autopilot, and incentives that reward or punish us.In this episode, Arindam Goswami and Shreya Ramakrishnan unpack how these three forces interact to shape everyday behaviour, from queueing and traffic to littering and public transport. Drawing on behavioural science and real-world examples, they explore why rules alone often fail, especially in low-trust environments like India, and what it takes to design policies that actually workAll 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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
As the projectile war continues to rage on in West Asia, engulfing multiple Gulf states in addition to Israel, the US and Iran, fissures are developing in Trump's base (Make America Great Again or MAGA in short). Joseph Kent, a US counterterrorism official, has resigned, citing the ongoing war. Kent has joined a vocal section of the MAGA base that continues to criticise the US involvement in the war.In this episode of All Things Policy, tech geopolitics researcher Lokendra Sharma is joined by Abhishek Kadiyala from the Indo-Pacific Studies Programme to discuss how the Iran war is playing out domestically in the US.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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
In this episode of The Iran Brief by All Things Policy, we take a closer look at how the West Asian conflict is evolving as it enters its fourth week and why its consequences are now being felt far beyond the battlefield. The Takshashila team breaks down the growing energy anxieties triggered by attacks on critical oil and gas infrastructure and the disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. We try to answer some questions: What does this mean for global energy markets, and how vulnerable is India’s economic security in the face of a prolonged crisis in the Gulf? We also turn to the military and political dimensions of the war to discuss Iran’s theory of victory and the effectiveness of its current air defence and strike capabilities. What do Israel’s targeted killings of key Iranian leaders mean for the future of diplomacy?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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
In this episode of All Things Policy, Bhumika Sevkani speaks with Anushka Saxena, Staff Research Analyst at the Takshashila Institution, to unpack China’s interests amid the escalating Israel-Iran War. As China voices its opposition against the U.S. and Israel for launching military strikes against Iran, what are the economic and geopolitical stakes at play? Anushka Saxena argues that while the conflict keeps the American resources occupied, it is not in China's interest. As a result, it is highly unlikely that China directly supports Iran, going beyond arms sales. The episode also explores the diplomatic and strategic tools that China might deploy to shape the conflict’s trajectory in its favour. Tune in and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
In this episode, Sowmya Prabhakar is in conversation with Dr Y Nithiyanandam to vent about the heat. We will examine it through the lens of Society, Markets, and Government to determine possible solutions.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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
AI systems depend on vast amounts of labelled data, produced by “data workers” who tag images, categorise text, and review content so machine-learning models can function accurately and safely. While the data-annotation market is rapidly expanding, the labour behind it often remains invisible. Much of this work uses BPO firms in countries like India, where workers - frequently women - are recruited with promises of flexible work-from-home jobs. In reality, many face vague contracts and limited legal or mental-health protections. As AI scales globally, this raises urgent questions about the ethical sustainability of data annotation and who should be responsible for safeguarding the workers who power it. Join Kripa Koshy in conversation with Bharath Reddy and Suman Joshi as they unpack all this and more in this episode.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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
In this episode of All Things Policy, Pakistan researcher Aishwaria Sonavane speaks with peace mediation expert Ameya Kilara. Drawing on her experience facilitating dialogues between India and Pakistan, as well as in Syria, Kilara discusses what the day-to-day work of mediation actually looks like beyond the negotiating table. The conversation explores how mediators operate in low-trust environments between stakeholders and the patterns they often notice in peace efforts that policymakers sometimes overlook. The episode also reflects on whether the idea of a “peace process” still holds in today’s geopolitical climate, and how social media and domestic political pressures are reshaping the possibilities for conflict resolution.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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
In this episode of All Things Policy, Bhumika Sevkani and Anisree Suresh unpack India’s LPG supply challenges amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia. They examine how geopolitical disruptions affect India’s cooking fuel supply, assess the government’s interventions in managing LPG demand and supply, and discuss both the immediate responses and long-term solutions to strengthen India’s household energy security.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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
In this episode of All Things Policy, Malathi Renati gets an insider view from Anil Kumar, Founder of Great SportsTech, on Financing the Future of Sport in India. As India’s sports economy accelerates toward a projected $130B opportunity, they unpack what’s really driving growth — from the ₹4,480 Cr Union sports budget and Khelo India’s expanding footprint to CSR investments, PPP models, and the growing appetite of the society. Anil shares hard-earned insights on bridging public funding gaps, scaling private capital, and building resilient, future-ready facilities. If you're interested in the intersection of policy, markets, and sport, this conversation offers a ground-level view of where India is headed.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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
Federalism is a defining feature of India’s republic. It shapes the relationship between the Union government and the states. One of the important aspects of this relationship is how revenues are shared. This is where the Finance Commission comes in. It helps shape how money flows from the union to the states and how it is distributed among the states. In this episode, Sarthak Pradhan and Suman Joshi reflect and discuss the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission.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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
Two recent developments have thrust Anthropic into the centre of AI geopolitics. The company has accused three Chinese research labs of running “industrial-scale” campaigns to reverse engineer its frontier models. At the same time, it has been labelled a supply-chain risk by the Trump administration over safety guardrails for the use of AI. Bharath Reddy and Shobhankita Reddy, researchers in technology geopolitics at the Takshashila Institution, unpack what all this reveals about AI diffusion and the way forward in Military AI.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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
In this episode of All Things Policy, Shobhankita Reddy and Ashwin Prasad on satellite internet, smuggled Starlink terminals in Sudan and Iran, Africa's explosive adoption, and the argument that developing nations — not developed ones — will become the biggest customers of connectivity from space.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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
As China convenes its 'Two Sessions', the draft of Beijing's 15th Five-Year Plan is grabbing global attention. The plan features, among other domains, a heavy focus on building Science & Tech Self-Reliance and a modern industrial system. It also reiterates the party-states now-long time impetus for boosting domestic consumption and cracking down on involution and overcapacity.In this episode of All Things Policy, Amit Kumar discusses with Anushka Saxena the meat of the matter in terms of these socio-economic priorities of the Chinese party-state – what they are planning, how they plan to tackle both the challenges and the opportunities, and what the world can expect from Beijing in the next five years.Also check out Amit Kumar's latest paper with Manoj Kewalramani on previewing and decoding China's 15th FYP: https://eyeonchina.substack.com/p/china-at-the-cross-roads-of-the-14thAll 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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
In this episode of All Things Policy, Aishwaria Sonavane and Anisree Suresh explore India’s evolving trade strategy in a volatile global environment. We discuss whether India’s growing network of FTAs can help diversify export markets, how the EU agreement could reshape trade flows, and whether domestic reforms must complement deeper trade liberalisation.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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
The US and Israel struck Iran on the morning of February 28. Israel's Air Force said it flew over 200 fighter jets and fired 1,200+ munitions at Iran on Day 1 of the joint US-Israel campaign, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with top military commanders, including IRGC chief Mohammad Pakpour, Armed Forces Chief Abdolrahim Mousavi, Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, and National Security Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani. Iran retaliated by firing hundreds of missiles across the Gulf, hitting civilian targets in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman and even Cyprus —internationalising the conflict and inflicting economic pain on Arab states.Join Indian Air Marshal TD Joseph and Colonel KPM Das for a no-holds-barred military analysis: the breathtaking complexity of achieving air superiority over Tehran, the intelligence backbone that enabled precise leadership targeting, Iran's punishing counterstrikes, US-Israel objectives versus Tehran's survival play, the reaction of Gulf Arab countries, and what this fast-escalating war means for India’s energy security, diaspora, and if there is hint of strategic shift in India with respect to Iran.Recorded on Day 3 – March 2, 2026. Essential listening for understanding one of the most consequential conflicts of our time.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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
In this episode of the All Things Policy podcast, Vanshika Saraf and Abhishek Kadiyala examine the often-overlooked role of the U.S. Congress in shaping India–U.S. relations from independence to the present day. While the President is typically seen as the face of American foreign policy, the conversation highlights how Congress—empowered by Article I of the U.S. Constitution through its control over funding, trade, war powers, appointments, and oversight—has played a decisive role in influencing the trajectory of bilateral ties. Tracing shifts from the era of the “imperial presidency” and Cold War alignments to the rise of congressional caucuses, diaspora lobbying, and today’s hyper-partisan politics, the episode explores how internal dynamics within Congress have shaped perceptions of India. It also assesses how India has adapted its engagement strategy over time and evaluates Congress’s response to recent strains in the relationship, before looking ahead to what institutional flux in Washington and upcoming electoral cycles could mean for the future of India–U.S. ties.Read more on how the US Congressional perspectives on India have evolved since 1947 in Abhishek Kadiyala's latest discussion document "Evolution of US Congressional perspectives towards India: 1947-2024". To track the latest legislation in the US Congress impacting India, subscribe to our weekly newsletter, DC Dossier by Abhishek Kadiyala.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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
In this episode of All Things Policy, Arindam Goswami speaks with Shreya Ramakrishnan about the findings and lessons from his discussion document on technology denial regimes and the evolving tools of technological statecraft.Drawing on historical case studies from nuclear non-proliferation, space technology controls, and supercomputing sanctions, they examine what determines whether a technology blockade succeeds or fails. The conversation explores the concept of strategic reversal, the role of talent mobility, financial choke points such as SWIFT, standards-setting battles, and the growing difficulty of containing fast-moving knowledge technologies like AI.As tech wars intensify, what are the real trade-offs for both the imposing and the targeted country? And what does this mean for India’s strategic positioning?Read Arindam’s discussion document here: https://takshashila.org.in/content/publications/20260218-Technology-Denial-Regimes.htmlAll 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/research-areasCheck out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
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great podcasts, gives us the firsthand and expert information from the respective fields affecting the Indian Affairs. highly recommended.
A good blend of economics and philosophy.
Very Well Analysed.
hey I learnt a lot from the sinauli episode. Can u kindly do one episode on keezhadi excavation also?
ms.ahluwalia needs a better mic.
Good discussion Aniruddh and Rajat. I have read the book and wasn't sure if I should still spend the time listening to the podcast but I am glad I did. I liked the parts on historical aspects of Indian trucking, the difference that you saw between trucking in the north and the south, the structure of the industry and of course the characters and their stories. Rajat - Congratulations again on the book and looking forward to the next edition. There's a point in the discussion where you talk about book recommendations on the Battle of Kohima. I'd highly recommend reading "Road of Bones" by Fergal Keane (Aniruddh - you might disagree less with Subhash Chandra Bose after reading about the conduct of the Japanese soldiers and officers, at least before they started to run out of food)
Felt as if podcast was sponsored by Uber and Ola
It's not about the privacy issue it's about fair trade which China doesn't allow other countries app. So cut this crap of not being like another China. We shd fight it on all fronts
We all understand that these are unusual times with unusual challenges. But there is no point in coming up with a podcast episode if listeners can't listen.
RBI hinting depositors would ha have caused a run on the bank earlier.
Why two laymen are talking? I thought the idea is to have an expert. And what is Capital Adequacy again?
hello guys, can you please induct Q&A from your listen and allot 5 mins of each podcast in answering those queries. thank you Anand Sharma
Eye opening..good job
It's Kyasanoor not Kainasoor. It's a place near Jog Falls, Malnad region.
very comprehensive conversation :)
Interesting, Impressive and Inspiring 👍👍👍
great podcast! I didn't know about the green revolution causing air pollution
I am glad you mentioned the temporality of the process in the discussion. good discussion. thank you
certainly one of the best podcasts I have listed to
Very nerdy, very informative and very cool. One of the best professional podcasts from the Indian policy world - I'd highly recommend!