POPULARITY
304 episodes with takshashila institution
53 episodes with takshashila institution
54 episodes with takshashila institution
15 episodes with takshashila institution
12 episodes with takshashila institution
4 episodes with takshashila institution
4 episodes with takshashila institution
11 episodes with takshashila institution
7 episodes with takshashila institution
This week on Hafta, Newslaundry's Manisha Pande, Jayashree Arunachalam, and Shardool Katyayan are joined by Nitin Pai, co-founder and director of The Takshashila Institution, and senior journalist Hridayesh Joshi from Uttarkashi. Check out the Newslaundry store and flaunt your love for independent media. Download the Newslaundry app. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Kyle Chan and Arindam Goswami in this episode of All Things Policy, where we dive deep into the heart of global manufacturing. As the world grapples with shifting supply chains, trade tensions, and the race for technological dominance, understanding China's manufacturing powerhouse has never been more critical. From the persistent challenge of overcapacity to the strategic pivots triggered by the US-China trade war, we try to unpack the complexities behind China's rise - and what lessons India and the rest of the world can draw from this unfolding story. Whether you're a policymaker, industry insider, or curious listener, get ready for a fascinating conversation that goes beyond headlines to reveal the forces shaping the future of manufacturing.Our guest today, Kyle Chan, is a postdoctoral researcher in the Sociology Department at Princeton University and an adjunct researcher at the RAND Corporation, a US think tank. His research focuses on industrial policy, clean technology, and infrastructure in China and India, and his work has been published in peer-reviewed academic journals, including Current Sociology, Asian Survey, and the Chinese Journal of Sociology. He has also testified as an expert before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. He writes a fantastic, popular newsletter called High Capacity focused on current issues in industrial policy, technology, and economic competition, particularly in China. He has insightful views on how China has come to dominate key industries such as electric vehicles, solar energy, high-speed rail, and consumer electronics through a sophisticated and multifaceted industrial policy. His insights have been featured in various major international media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, The Washington Post, The New Yorker, India's Economic Times, and others.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 India–U.S. TRUST initiative promises to transform strategic tech ties, from AI to defence to critical minerals. But can it really deliver in a world of rising trade tariffs and tightening export controls? Is this partnership about genuine co-development or just another way to shift dependencies?In this episode of All Things Policy, Bhumika Sevkani and Anushka Saxena from the Indo-Pacific Studies Programme at the Takshashila Institution unpack the fine print of the TRUST initiative, launched earlier this year. They also break down what India stands to gain from the partnership, now revamped under Trump 2.0.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, Swathi Kalyani, Research Analyst with the Geospatial Program and Rijesh Panicker, Adjunct Fellow at the Takshashila Institution, delve into the recent incident where SEBI had temporarily barred Jane Street Group from accessing India's securities market for alleged market manipulation. They discuss the Options market, the sophisticated strategies used to gain profits from derivatives markets, and the broader implications for the financial marketplace. The conversation explores the fine line between legitimate arbitrage and market manipulation, examining how modern options markets function and the structural challenges facing regulators in maintaining fair trading environments for all participants.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, Anushka Saxena quizzes Ms. Laura Silver, Associate Director at Pew Research Center, on their latest Survey report assessing international views on China and the US, as well as their leadership. Ms. Silver highlights the methodology used to conduct the Survey and the countries covered, the differences in views of middle-income and low-income countries toward China, and the shifts in opinions caused by Trump's policies.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, Astha Rastogi, Programme Manager, Takshashila, and Sai Rahul Poruri, CEO of FOSS United, explore how open-source tools and shared knowledge are fueling the next wave of creativity and problem-solving. From award-winning animations made entirely on open platforms to public infrastructure projects that rethink scale and access, openness isn't just a license, it's a mindset. One that says free doesn't mean substandard; it means the freedom to innovate, remix, and build on what came before. 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, join Shobhankita Reddy, Researcher with Takshashila's High Tech Geopolitics Programme, in conversation with Rishabh Jain as they break down critical minerals for you. What are these minerals, and what makes them critical? What's the buzz about these minerals right now? And how is India placed as geopolitical tensions bring these minerals to the fore today?Rishabh leads the Technology Futures programme at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).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
Over the past few years, the practice of technology politics has outpaced its theory. As a result, fundamental questions remain unanswered: is technology the means or the ends for geopolitical contestation? Does technology denial work? What's the best strategy to outpace your adversaries? To get answers to these foundational questions, Pranay Kotasthane speaks to Ansgar Baums, the co-author of The Tech Cold War: The Geopolitics of Technology (https://www.techcoldwar.io/). Baums is Senior Advisor to Sinolytics and consults corporations on geopolitical risk managementAll 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
Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) has been a cause for concern in recent years. But current measurement methods fail to capture the full spectrum of women's work—especially unpaid, casual and gig labour, leading to a distorted picture of reality.In this episode of All Things Policy, Suman Joshi speaks with the authors of the paper "Visualising the Invisible"—Sarika Choudhary, Amaresh Dubey, and Surbhi Malhotra—to explore how we can better measure women's work. They discuss what needs to change in our data and surveys, and how more accurate measurements can inform policy. 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, Bharath Reddy and Carl Jaison speak to Pranav Gupta, Doctoral Candidate at University of California, Berkeley on initial findings from a survey conducted by the Centre for Policy Research & Governance (CPRG), which surveyed close to 6000 students across Delhi's universities and colleges to understand how AI is transforming higher education. They discuss the use cases for which students are increasingly turning to AI tools but also the challenges arising out of ethical concerns, trust issues, and technical hurdles. They also address the future pathways of AI adoption in higher education and whether government policy interventions need to be considered.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, Yusuf Unjhawala is joined by Anupam Manur for a deep dive into the evolving and unpredictable landscape of U.S. trade policy under Donald Trump. They talk about the credibility of the threat of secondary tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, the impact on India if the said policy goes through, and the policy options available to the Indian administration. They also discuss the effect of these and other ad hoc tariffs on the ongoing trade negotiations between India and the US and how it can undermine confidence in the trade deals. Finally, they examine the trade deals that the US has signed with the UK, the Philippines, Vietnam and Japan to find patterns in the agreements. They use these insights to speculate on how India could navigate through the bumpy terrain of Trump's tariffs.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
This episode will take a closer look at the case of the highly contested 2000-year-old Elgin Marbles, in a time when similar high-profile restitution cases may signal a shifting norm in favour of return of artefacts that were typically seized by colonial powers from their communities of origin.How should we think about such claims of ownership? What response should contemporary institutions such as museums have to such claims of ownership by foreign governments? Together, Kripa Koshy and Leah Govias will look at the example of the Elgin Marbles to unpack a few of the many complex considerations involved in this conversation on deaccession.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, Kannan and Anisree Suresh discuss an innovative proposal to enable growth of labour-intensive industries and large-scale employment in India. They unpack the problem of Underemployment on one hand, and the factor market barriers faced by industries on the other, and how creating exceptions may be the way forward to solving both. 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 special episode of All Things Policy, Dr Y. Nithiyanandam, Professor and Head of the Geospatial Research Programme at the Takshashila Institution, engages in a conversation with Mr Gokul C V, Assistant Director General at the Ministry of Communication, Government of India, who leads the DigiPIN initiative. They discuss how DigiPIN, a 10-digit alphanumeric code mapped to a 3.8 x 3.8 metre grid, is set to transform India's approach to location data, offering a precise, open-source alternative to traditional addresses and PIN codes. The discussion raises important questions about whether DigiPIN could gradually reduce reliance on conventional addressing systems, and examines concerns around data privacy, user consent, and the potential for unintended consequences if linked with personal information. The conversation also explores its applications in service delivery, disaster response, and geospatial planning - highlighting the need for policy attention and the importance of building a federated, consent-based digital address ecosystem for India's future.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
Join Brigadier Sandeep Tyagi, Colonel Vikrant Shinde and Arindam Goswami in this episode of All Things Policy, where we dive deep into one of India's most sophisticated homegrown defence innovations - the Akashteer air defence network. Born from India's quest for self-reliance in defence technology, Akashteer is a testament to Indian engineering prowess, capable of generating dynamic common air situational awareness for the air defence warriors.From its development by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) to its deployment across India's air defence architecture, Akashteer has transformed how India defends its airspace. But what makes this system truly remarkable isn't just its technical specifications - it's the story of how a nation built world-class defence technology from the ground up.So buckle up as we explore the science, strategy, and significance of India's Akashteer air defence system - a shield in the sky that's reshaping regional security dynamics.Our guest today, Brigadier Sandeep Tyagi, is a veteran of army air defence. He has contributed towards shaping the contours of project Akashteer, and has been closely associated with IAF throughout his service for AD operations.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
India's big cat conservation story has captured imaginations from the globally acclaimed Project Tiger to the contentious reintroduction of cheetahs and the growing Asiatic lion population in Gujarat. But behind the headlines lie complex questions about ecology, ethics, and policy. In this episode of All Things Policy, Aishwaria Sonavane speaks with Dr. Anish Andheria, President of the Wildlife Conservation Trust, to unpack the science, strategy, and politics behind India's efforts for its big cats. 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
India's big cat conservation story has captured imaginations from the globally acclaimed Project Tiger to the contentious reintroduction of cheetahs and the growing Asiatic lion population in Gujarat. But behind the headlines lie complex questions about ecology, ethics, and policy. In this episode of All Things Policy, Aishwaria Sonavane speaks with Dr. Anish Andheria, President of the Wildlife Conservation Trust, to unpack the science, strategy, and politics behind India's efforts for its big cats. 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 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 institutionalised urban democracy in India. The goal was to facilitate functional devolution and fiscal empowerment of Urban Local Self-Governments. It has been more than three decades since the amendment. Have these goals been met? In this episode of All Things Policy, Sarthak Pradhan speaks with Vachana V.R., Head of Municipal Law and Policy at Janaagraha.Link to the Compendium of Performance Audits on the Implementation of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 - https://cag.gov.in/uploads/StudyReports/SR-Compendium-067346fdd7000e9-76046538.pdfAll 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, Dr. Y. Nithyanandam and Swati Kalyani from the Geospatial Research Team at the Takshashila Institution delve into the rapid expansion of solar energy infrastructure in the Tibet Autonomous Region. They discuss how the solar projects serve both civilian and strategic purposes, help China move towards its 2060 carbon neutrality goal, and support the country's renewable energy plans. The conversation also touches upon the possible implications for India, given Tibet's unique geographic and strategic position.Tune in to understand the energy–strategy nexus at play in the Himalayas. For more details, check out the latest edition of the Takshashila Geospatial Bulletin.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
Rare earths are not really 'rare'. They are quite abundant in the Earth's crust, and some of them are as abundant as copper or gold. But the misnomer sticks and continues to influence our popular imagination. But why is this so? With China imposing export controls on rare earth metals and magnets, Shobhankita Reddy and Tannmay Baid chat with Dr. Julie Klinger, Professor of Geography at the University of Delaware and the author of "Rare Earth Frontiers - From Terrestrial Subsoils to Lunar Landscapes", to understand the historical and geopolitical context of the current trade escalations and what the way forward may be. They also discuss Nehru's ban on the exports of monazite sands, rich in thorium and rare earths, through the 1950s.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
Join Srinath Raghavan and Arindam Goswami in this episode of All Things Policy, where we explore the life and legacy of Indira Gandhi, one of India's most influential and controversial leaders. Drawing on Srinath Raghavan's insightful book, Indira Gandhi and the Years That Transformed India, we journey through the pivotal decades that reshaped Indian democracy, politics, economy and international relations. From her surprising rise to power and the 1971 war to the Emergency and economic transformations, this episode of All Things Policy will unpack the complex forces that defined her leadership and India's transformation. Srinath's meticulous research and engaging narrative style bring fresh perspectives to Indira Gandhi's era, challenging long-held assumptions and enriching our understanding of India's evolution. His book, and this episode, will surely update our understanding of the "long 1970s" in India's political, social and economic history.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 the 50th episode of Two by Two, hosts Rohin Dharmakumar and Praveen Gopal Krishnan examine the contrasting open-source trajectories of China, the US, and India in the context of AI, and where India fell short.While China, despite being authoritarian, has surged ahead in open-source AI leadership with models like DeepSeek R1, India has fallen behind. The 2010s are framed as a “lost decade” for Indian open source, characterised by a vibrant tech ecosystem that failed to foster a meaningful contribution culture.China's rise can be attributed to its unique mix of strategic intent, creative insecurity (following the Huawei ban in 2019), and human capital. It views open source as a geopolitical tool, not a philosophy. India, by contrast, is stuck in a “third way”—neither as open and capitalistic as the US nor as strategically pragmatic as China.What would it take for Indian to do the same?Bring academia to the forefront, fund open source efforts without restrictions, and build a developer culture driven by curiosity, not just career advancement. Open source needs to be viewed more broadly than just code—it's an innovation infrastructure and a form of digital autonomy. Without this shift, India risks missing the AI bus entirely.And joining them for the discussion are two wonderful guests.Pranay Kotasthane is deputy director at the Takshashila Institution and chairs its High Tech Geopolitics Programme. He co-writes Anticipating the Unintended, a newsletter on public policy ideas and frameworks, and co-hosts Puliyabaazi, a popular Hindi-Urdu podcast on politics, policy, and technology.Kailash Nadh is the CTO of Zerodha*. Kailash calls himself a developer, tinkerer and absurdist. Kailash is a hobbyist developer who has been working on open source projects for the last 25 years.-Additional reading:Why China is giving away its tech for free - https://www.economist.com/business/2025/06/17/why-china-is-giving-away-its-tech-for-freeAnticipating the Unintended (newsletter) - https://publicpolicy.substack.com/Deepseek, AI sovereignty, and India - https://nadh.in/blog/deepseek-ai-sovereignty-india/-This episode of Two by Two was produced by Hari Krishna. Rajiv CN, our resident sound engineer, mixed and mastered this episode.If you liked this episode of Two by Two, please share it with your friends and family who would be interested in listening to the episode. And if you have more thoughts on the discussion, we'd love to hear your arguments as well. You can write to us at twobytwo@the-ken.com.-*Zerodha's perennial fund Rainmatter Capital is an investor in The Ken. One channel. Every show. No more switching feeds.Follow The Ken on Apple Podcasts or tune in on The Ken app.
Join Srinath Raghavan and Arindam Goswami in this episode of All Things Policy, where we explore the life and legacy of Indira Gandhi, one of India's most influential and controversial leaders. Drawing on Srinath Raghavan's insightful book, Indira Gandhi and the Years That Transformed India, we journey through the pivotal decades that reshaped Indian democracy, politics, economy and international relations. From her surprising rise to power and the 1971 war to the Emergency and economic transformations, this episode of All Things Policy will unpack the complex forces that defined her leadership and India's transformation. Srinath's meticulous research and engaging narrative style bring fresh perspectives to Indira Gandhi's era, challenging long-held assumptions and enriching our understanding of India's evolution. His book, and this episode, will surely update our understanding of the "long 1970s" in India's political, social and economic history.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
Last month, India Post rolled out a 10-digit alphanumeric Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN), which represents geographic coordinates, developed by creating a uniform 4x4 metre grid of the country. This is a significant development in geolocation as well as the India Stack. In this episode of All Things Policy, Anwesha Sen and Swathi Kalyani discuss what this development means for goods and service delivery in India and possible concerns and challenges vis-à-vis privacy and implementation.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, Arshi Yasin, founder of The Bridge, chats with Malathi Renati on her inspiring sportspreneur journey, marked by grit, purpose, and a deep belief in the power of untold stories. From navigating the initial hurdles to amplifying the voices of India's diverse sporting ecosystem, her story is a testament to the growing role of markets, media, and society in shaping our sporting future. Tune in to this conversation on what it really takes to build a movement in Indian sport.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, Adya Madhavan, Yusuf Unjhawala, and Aniket Vijayvargiya delve into the intricacies of India's defence ecosystem. They explore the nation's defence imports and procurement processes, aiming to understand the needs of 21st-century warfare, the evolving requirements of the Indian armed forces, and the ongoing modernisation efforts within the sector.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, Vanshika Saraf is joined by Dr. Chietigj Bajpee, Senior Research Fellow at the Asia-Pacific Programme at Chatham House, London. They discuss how India is managing the intersection between its neighbourhood constraints and its global power aspirations. From India's recent charm offensive in the international realm to the illusion of regional peace and security, unravel how India is balancing its relationships with both the West and the non-West.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, Sowmya Prabhakar, COO of Takshashila Institution, is in conversation with Uday Vijayan, Managing Trustee & President of Beyond Carlton, a citizen-led fire safety initiative established after the 2010 Carlton Towers fire tragedy in Bangalore. We unpack lived experiences, gaps in the system, and the sparks of hope through citizen action, responsible governance and innovation. Stay with 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 'All Things Policy', Col. KPM Das and Anushka Saxena talk about the story of the SATHI Handheld Battle Computer—a pioneering but ultimately shelved project that could have transformed the Indian Army's battlefield operations. As a leading army officer for the project, KPM sheds light on how the product was developed, what SATHI aimed to do, and why it was a unique device for its time. He also sheds light on what might be needed to revive the project, and talks about use of Agentic AI and Haptic Interfaces to make the SATHI a truly new-age warfare device.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 final ban on bike taxis in Karnataka is the culmination of a legal tussle between the government and commercial operators. The ban is not only deeply misguided, but also a reflection of the gap in governance that exists in the state and how it has been exploited by incumbent vested interests. In this episode of All Things Policy, Leah Govias and Anupam Manur discuss the government's cited safety concerns and the effect this ban has had on commuters relying on affordable last-mile connectivity. 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, Maya Patra and Astha Rastogi break down the UK government's 2025 immigration white paper introduced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. They discuss how the proposed policies—from extended residency timelines to new restrictions on international students and care workers—reflect a broader shift toward nationalism. What's at stake as the UK risks becoming less welcoming to immigration and global talent?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
China's arms exports are enhancing, in both absolute numbers and quality. The construction of an expansive internal military-industrial complex is underway, fulfilling the purposes of both self-reliance and market capture. As war becomes the norm, how do China's arms sales fare? What is it selling, and to whom? And which are the conglomerates responsible for enabling Beijing's dominance in weapons exports?In this episode of 'All Things Policy', Anushka Saxena speaks to Amit Kumar to discuss China's defence exports philosophy and strategy. Taking Pakistan and Bangladesh as examples, they also conclude what challenges such sales pose for India in its neighbourhood.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, Swathi Kalyani, research analyst with the Geospatial Programme at the Takshashila Institution and Akhil Siddharth, Part of the Product Team for the Health Campaigns Management platform at eGov Foundation — helping governments in Africa run better vaccine and health campaigns, dive deep into the transformative intersection of geospatial technology and public health delivery across Africa. The conversation explores how spatial data analytics are revolutionising healthcare access and delivery in African nations, making critical services more efficient and equitable. They discuss the growing adoption of geospatial solutions in public health infrastructure, geospatial technology as India's emerging soft power tool and the challenges and opportunities ahead. 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
In this episode of All Things Policy, Anisree Suresh is in conversation with Sowmya Prabhakar to peel the unexpected ban on Thotapuri mango procurement from Karnataka & Tamil Nadu by Chittoor. What actually happened? Is it about quality, pricing, politics or all of these? We invoke all the stakeholders - States, factories & farmers. We also dwell in the dynamics of supply chains and livelihoods. A juicy story, ripe for debate.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
Join Yusuf Unjhawala and Arindam Goswami in this episode of All Things Policy, where we examine the escalating tensions and military exchanges between Israel and Iran. The Middle East today stands at a dangerous crossroads. In June 2025, the long-simmering shadow conflict between Israel and Iran erupted into open warfare, with Israel launching unprecedented airstrikes deep inside Iran and Tehran responding with a barrage of missiles against Israeli cities and military targets. This dramatic escalation has not only shaken the region but also raised urgent questions about the future of nuclear security, the risk of wider war, and the role of global powers like the United States. As the world watches anxiously, the stakes for regional stability, global security, and the evolving nature of modern warfare have never been higher. In this episode, we break down how we got here, what's happening on the ground, the strategic calculations on both sides, and what these events mean for the geopolitics of the Middle East and beyond, and for regional stability and international 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/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
Join Yusuf Unjhawala and Arindam Goswami in this episode of All Things Policy, where we examine the escalating tensions and military exchanges between Israel and Iran. The Middle East today stands at a dangerous crossroads. In June 2025, the long-simmering shadow conflict between Israel and Iran erupted into open warfare, with Israel launching unprecedented airstrikes deep inside Iran and Tehran responding with a barrage of missiles against Israeli cities and military targets. This dramatic escalation has not only shaken the region but also raised urgent questions about the future of nuclear security, the risk of wider war, and the role of global powers like the United States. As the world watches anxiously, the stakes for regional stability, global security, and the evolving nature of modern warfare have never been higher. In this episode, we break down how we got here, what's happening on the ground, the strategic calculations on both sides, and what these events mean for the geopolitics of the Middle East and beyond, and for regional stability and international 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/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
In this episode of All Things Policy, Carl Jaison sits down with Suryaprabha Sadasivan, Senior VP of Public Policy and FIPRA India Lead at Chase Advisors, to unpack what truly drives policy success in India's complex political economy. Drawing from her cross-sectoral experience, Suryaprabha reflects on navigating Union–State dynamics, building multi-stakeholder coalitions, and helping clients shift from reactive posturing to strategic influence. She offers candid perspectives on the human, political, and narrative forces that shape outcomes in the policy advisory 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/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
In this episode of All Things Policy, Anisree Suresh sits with Anupam Manur to analyse the verdict by the US Court of International Trade, which ruled his Liberation Day tariffs illegal. They discuss the legal possibilities, alternative scenarios, and what the new uncertainty offers to the global economy. 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
As global efforts to decouple from China intensify, there has been a lot of hope and optimism about India being the benefactor of a China+1 strategy. However, it is safe to say that this has not materialised for India. Instead, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and to some extent, Bangladesh have seen increased investments and manufacturing activity. Shobhankita Reddy sits down with Rahul Jacob, former South China Correspondent for the Financial Times and currently a columnist for the Mint, to demystify why India waits as global supply chains are on the move and how India can take advantage of this geopolitical opportunity.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
In this episode of All Things Policy, Aishwaria Sonavane speaks with Ambika Vishwanath, Director at the Kubernein Initiative, to revisit the Indus Water Treaty, long regarded as a rare success in India-Pakistan cooperation. As tensions persist and climate change reshapes regional water dynamics, they explore whether the treaty can endure, what its suspension means for future diplomacy, and how both nations can reimagine climate-resilient water governance.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
In this episode of All Things Policy, Wini Fred Gurung is in conversation with Professor Mahendra P Lama to discuss the remarkable journey of Sikkim from a Himalayan monarchy to becoming India's 22nd state in 1975. Marking 50 years since that pivotal transition, they discuss internal push for democracy, regional strategic shifts, and Sikkim's evolving identity. Professor Lama is a Senior Professor at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. He is also the Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of Sikkim and a former member of the National Security Advisory Board of the Government of India.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
In this episode of All Things Policy, Anwesha Sen and Anisree Suresh examine Pakistan's economic history with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and deconstruct why it never sparked a reform moment. They also unpack Pakistan's political economy - its policies, weaknesses and potential. They also unpack Pakistan's political economy, exploring the interplay between its policies, inherent weaknesses, and potential. 'Introduction to Geospatial Science & Technology' - Join our 4-weekend expert capsule course starting June 14, designed to give you a solid foundation in geospatial science and technology— without disrupting your weekdays. Learn from top-notch experts covering critical topics and discover how geospatial tech can drive innovation across disciplines. Apply Now - school.takshashila.org.in/ecc-geospatialAll 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
This episode of Two by Two was first published on 15 May 2025.Premium subscribers of The Ken have full access to ALL our premium audio. They are available exclusively via The Ken's subscriber apps. If you don't have them, just download one and log in to unlock everything. Get your premium subscription using this link.Not a Premium subscriber? You can subscribe to The Ken Premium on Apple Podcasts for an easy monthly price (Rs 299 in India). The channel includes ALL our premium podcasts.-The original big AI bus that came was Large Language Model, or LLMs, the foundational model bus. India missed it.Then the conversation became let others develop the foundational models, we'll just do a better job of building applications on top of it. We'll become the use case capital of the world. There are some startups from India in the space, but none of them are in the same league as their global counterparts.So in some ways, we've missed that bus, too.Today, the focus has shifted to the need to have compute, the need to set up large data centres, and the need to have our own sovereign data sets.The government of India is now providing subsidies to startups and large companies.It's taking equity. For example, Sarvam AI got a 220 crore grant from the government.But can we build massive and really expensive data centres at a scale like the United States and China?What does the future look like for India from an AI point of view?Host Rohin Dharmakumar and Praveen Gopal Krishnan discuss how India has missed many technological waves, including the latest one—AI. Joining them for the episode are Srinath Mallikarjunan, CEO and chief scientist at Unmanned Dynamics, and Nitin Pai, co-founder and director of Takshashila Institution.Welcome to episode 42 of Two by Two.–Additional reading:What China's cheap AI model tells us about India's future – https://the-ken.com/the-nutgraf/what-chinas-cheap-ai-model-tells-us-about-indias-future/India's AI mission needs many heroes. But it's settled for one—Sarvam – https://the-ken.com/newsletter/make-india-competitive-again/indias-ai-mission-needs-many-heroes-its-settled-for-one-sarvam/Inside the legal drama that may exile Ultrahuman from the US – https://the-ken.com/story/a-private-investigator-a-fabricated-logo-and-ouras-death-blow-to-ultrahuman/Is AI enhancing education or replacing it? – https://www.chronicle.com/article/is-ai-enhancing-education-or-replacing-itAdditional listening:Are Trump's tariffs a crisis or an opportunity for India? – https://the-ken.com/podcasts/two-by-two/no-easy-moves-is-india-facing-a-crisis-or-an-opportunity/Ultrahuman and Kukufm have broken out – https://the-ken.com/podcasts/two-by-two/ultrahuman-and-kuku-fm-have-broken-out/Sam Altman's initial comments on India building foundational models – https://youtube.com/shorts/xHVsk7d1L-0?feature=shared–If you are an existing Premium subscriber, you already have full access to ALL our premium audio. They are available exclusively via The Ken's subscriber apps. If you don't have them, just download one and log in to unlock everything. Not a Premium subscriber? You can subscribe to The Ken Premium on Apple Podcasts for an easy monthly price (Rs 299 in India). The channel includes ALL our premium podcasts.–This episode of Two by Two was produced by Hari Krishna. Rajiv CN, our resident sound engineer, mixed and mastered this episode.If you liked this episode of Two by Two, please share it with your friends and family who would be interested in listening to the episode. And if you have more thoughts on the discussion, we'd love to hear your arguments as well. You can write to us at twobytwo@the-ken.com.
In today's episode of All Things Policy, Adya Madhavan speaks with Karthik Bappanad and Lokendra Sharma about India's cyber defence capabilities. Karthik and Lokendra situate Operation Sindoor within the wider landscape of cyber defences. They look at successful models such as RBI's ReBIT, and areas that require further capacity building. Lokendra and Karthik also shed light on some of the challenges India faces and the different kinds of cyber attacks that can cause harm to critical infrastructure.'Introduction to Geospatial Science & Technology' - Join our 4-weekend expert capsule course starting June 14, designed to give you a solid foundation in geospatial science and technology— without disrupting your weekdays. Learn from top-notch experts covering critical topics and discover how geospatial tech can drive innovation across disciplines. Apply Now - school.takshashila.org.in/ecc-geospatialAll 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
In this episode of All Things Policy, Shobhankita Reddy is in conversation with Adya Madhavan on her paper, "Revisiting Arms Control Paradigms in the Age of LAWS."They tackle the global debate over 'killer robots,' exploring the ethical and accountability dilemmas that arise when machines make lethal decisions. Adya breaks down why countries are so divided on governance; many advocate for a legally binding treaty, while major AI powers like the US and China resist strict limitations, all while pursuing the technology. The discussion focuses on India's strategic considerations, especially with China's advancements in military AI. Adya proposes a way forward for India to champion human accountability in combat without restricting crucial domestic research and development.'Introduction to Geospatial Science & Technology' - Join our 4-weekend expert capsule course starting June 14, designed to give you a solid foundation in geospatial science and technology— without disrupting your weekdays. Learn from top-notch experts covering critical topics and discover how geospatial tech can drive innovation across disciplines. Apply Now - school.takshashila.org.in/ecc-geospatialAll 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
In this episode of All Things Policy, Kripa Koshy (Programme Manager, Takshashila Institution) speaks to Surya Prakash (Programme Director and Fellow, DAKSH) and Rohith (Data Analyst, DAKSH) about the role of the Finance Commission in strengthening judicial reform. They discuss the budgeting process and the allocation of funds to the judiciary, and examine how fiscal decisions impact the functioning of India's judicial system.'Introduction to Geospatial Science & Technology' - Join our 4-weekend expert capsule course starting June 14, designed to give you a solid foundation in geospatial science and technology— without disrupting your weekdays. Learn from top-notch experts covering critical topics and discover how geospatial tech can drive innovation across disciplines. Apply Now - school.takshashila.org.in/ecc-geospatialAll 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
In an era prioritising rapid technological output, this episode explores a crucial counterbalance: the need for deep investment in fundamental science. There is a symbiotic relationship between science and technology, which brings with it societal values and thinking. Join Shambhavi Naik and Ashwin Prasad as they discuss why a robust scientific foundation is indispensable for India's aspirations. Further Reading: https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/opinion/technology-may-shine-but-it-is-science-that-will-fuel-india-s-rise-13053098.html 'Introduction to Geospatial Science & Technology' - Join our 4-weekend expert capsule course starting June 14, designed to give you a solid foundation in geospatial science and technology— without disrupting your weekdays. Learn from top-notch experts covering critical topics and discover how geospatial tech can drive innovation across disciplines. Apply by June 7 - school.takshashila.org.in/ecc-geospatialAll 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
This week on Hafta, Newslaundry's Jayashree Arunachalam, Shardool Katyayan and Raman Kirpal are joined by Aditya Ramanathan, geopolitical expert research analyst at The Takshashila Institution.Check out the Newslaundry store and flaunt your love for independent media. Download the Newslaundry app. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why did the attacks in Pahalgam happen? What took place in the skirmishes after that? What have we learnt about geopolitics and our military preparedness? Pranay Kotasthane and Aditya Ramanathan join Amit Varma in episode 418 of The Seen and the Unseen to try to clear some of the fog of war. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also check out: 1. Pranay Kotasthane on Twitter, LinkedIn, Amazon and the Takshashila Institution. 2. Aditya Ramanathan on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and the Takshashila Institution. 3. Puliyabaazi — Pranay Kotasthane's podcast (with Saurabh Chandra & Khyati Pathak). 4. Anticipating the Unintended — Pranay Kotasthane and Raghu Sanjaylal Jaitley's newsletter. 5. All Things Policy -- The Takshashila Institution's podcast. 6. Pranay Kotasthane Talks Public Policy — Episode 233 of The Seen and the Unseen. 7. The India-Pakistan Conflict -- Episode 111 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Srinath Raghavan). 8. Democracy in Pakistan -- Episode 79 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Pranay Kotasthane and Hamsini Hariharan). 9. India in the Nuclear Age -- Episode 80 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Lt Gen Prakash Menon). 10. All previous episodes of The Seen and the Unseen w Pranay Kotasthane: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. 11. Aditya Ramanathan's piece on how India's air defence system performed. 12. Aditya Ramanathan's analysis of Operation Sindoor. 13. 9/11 and Pakistan's Economy (2006) -- Amit Varma's post on 'Al Faeda'. 14. Action Produces Information -- Brian Armstrong at Startup Archive. 15. Khushi Mukherjee on India, Pakistan and PoK. 16. The Israeli-Egyptian War of Attrition, 1969-1970 -- Yaacov Bar-Siman-Tov. 17. Inadvertent Escalation: Conventional War and Nuclear Risks -- Barry R Posen. 18. The People Next Door: The Curious History of India-Pakistan Relations -- TCA Raghavan. 19. The Sovereign Lives of India and Pakistan: Post-Partition Statehood in South Asia -- Atul Mishra. 20. Husain Haqqani on Amazon. 21. Empires of the Indus -- Alice Albinia. 22. Network for Advanced Study of Pakistan (NASP) Fellowship. This episode is sponsored by CTQ Compounds. Check out The Daily Reader and FutureStack. Use the code UNSEEN for Rs 2500 off. Amit Varma and Ajay Shah have launched a new course called Life Lessons, which aims to be a launchpad towards learning essential life skills all of you need. For more details, and to sign up, click here. Amit and Ajay also bring out a weekly YouTube show, Everything is Everything. Have you watched it yet? You must! And have you read Amit's newsletter? Subscribe right away to The India Uncut Newsletter! It's free! Also check out Amit's online course, The Art of Clear Writing. Episode art: ‘The Fog of War' by Simahina.
Data is apolitical and always useful, right? Then why is the caste census so controversial? Pranay Kotasthane and Raghu S Jaitley join Amit Varma in episode 417 of The Seen and the Unseen to discuss its history, context and implications. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also check out: 1. Pranay Kotasthane on Twitter, LinkedIn, Amazon and the Takshashila Institution. 2. Anticipating the Unintended — Pranay Kotasthane and Raghu Sanjaylal Jaitley's newsletter. 3. Missing In Action: Why You Should Care About Public Policy — Pranay Kotasthane and Raghu S Jaitley. 4. Puliyabaazi — Pranay Kotasthane's podcast (with Saurabh Chandra & Khyati Pathak). 5. The Long Road From Neeyat to Neeti — Episode 313 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Pranay Kotasthane & Raghu S Jaitley). 6. Pranay Kotasthane Talks Public Policy — Episode 233 of The Seen and the Unseen. 7. Raghu Sanjaylal Jaitley's Father's Scooter — Episode 214 of The Seen and the Unseen. 8. All episodes of The Seen and the Unseen w Pranay Kotasthane: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. 9. Some Slopes Are Slippery For Real -- RSJ and Pranay's last debate (Sep 2024) on the caste census. 10. जातीय जनगणना होनी चाहिए या नहीं? -- The Puliyabaazi episode (May 2023) on the caste census. 11. Other posts of Pranay and RSJ's newsletter that touch on this subject: 1, 2, 3. 12. Look Beyond Quotas for Equality -- Pranay Kotasthane and Nitin Pai. 13. Caste, Capitalism and Chandra Bhan Prasad — Episode 296 of The Seen and the Unseen. 14. Early Indians — Tony Joseph. 15. Tony Joseph's episode on The Seen and the Unseen. 16. Who We Are and How We Got Here — David Reich. 17. Alice Evans Studies the Great Gender Divergence — Episode 297 of The Seen and the Unseen. 18. The Forces That Shaped Hinduism -- Episode 405 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Manu Pillai). 19. How the BJP wins: Inside India's Greatest Election Machine — Prashant Jha. 20. The BJP's Magic Formula — Episode 45 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Prashant Jha). 21. Badri Narayan on Wikipedia and Amazon. 22. Terms of Trade: Mandal wins, por ahora -- Roshan Kishore. 23. Caste questions for Rahul Gandhi -- Pratap Bhanu Mehta. 24. The mirage of social justice -- Pratap Bhanu Mehta. 25. Affirmative Action Around the World: An Empirical Study -- Thomas Sowell. 26. The Grammar of Anarchy -- Babasaheb Ambedkar. 27. Policy Paradox -- Deborah Stone. 28. Why Does the Indian State Both Fail and Succeed? — Devesh Kapur. 29. The Life and Times of Vir Sanghvi — Episode 236 of The Seen and the Unseen. 30. The BJP Before Modi — Episode 202 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Vinay Sitapati). 31. The Forgotten Greatness of PV Narasimha Rao — Episode 283 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Vinay Sitapati). 32. An Area of Darkness -- VS Naipaul. 33. India: A Million Mutinies Now -- VS Naipaul. 34. Upstream -- Zheng Xu. 35. The Sea Hawk -- Manohar Malgonkar. 36. Ideas of India -- Shruti Rajagopalan's podcast. 37. The Great Power Show -- Manoj Kewalramani's podcast. 38. May December -- Todd Haynes. 40. Hard Truths -- Mike Leigh. 41. Secrets and Lies -- Mike Leigh. 42. A Real Pain -- Jesse Eisenberg. 43. Orbital -- Samnatha Harvey. 44. How Music Works -- David Byrne. 45. Visual Arts in the 20th Century -- Edward Lucie-Smith. Applications are open for the Takshashila Institution's Post-Graduate Programme in Public Policy, where Pranay will be one of your teachers! Amit Varma and Ajay Shah have launched a new course called Life Lessons, which aims to be a launchpad towards learning essential life skills all of you need. For more details, and to sign up, click here. Amit and Ajay also bring out a weekly YouTube show, Everything is Everything. Have you watched it yet? You must! And have you read Amit's newsletter? Subscribe right away to The India Uncut Newsletter! It's free! Also check out Amit's online course, The Art of Clear Writing. Episode art: ‘Count' by Simahina.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
