The recent talks between Russia and the US discussed reviving a maritime security arrangement in the Black Sea. This has been widely touted as a step in the right direction towards ceasing hostilities between Russian and Ukraine. In this episode of All Things Policy, Adya Madhavan and Anushka Saxena explore whether this is really the case, and discuss the promises and shortcomings of the potential agreement and explore what it could mean for the broader conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The P...
Apr 16, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 1478
On 24 March 2024, The Atlantic's editor published a story that broke the internet. He revealed being accidentally added to a Signal chat group called 'Houthi PC small group' in which the who's who of senior US national security leadership discussed striking the Houthis in Yemen. After the White House tried to downplay the issue, The Atlantic published another story, this time revealing more details about the bombing timeline. In this episode of All Things Policy, Lokendra Sharma sits down with M...
Apr 15, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 1477
Dr. Walter C. Ladwig III, senior lecturer at King’s College London, sits down with Vanshika Saraf and Tanmay Kumarr Baid to unpack the surprising findings of his latest research on India’s legislative behavior in the realm of foreign security. Drawing on a unique dataset of over 10,000 parliamentary questions from 2004 to 2019, Dr. Ladwig challenges the notion that Indian MPs are disengaged from defense and external affairs. Why do some members of Parliament prioritise foreign policy despite its...
Apr 14, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 1476
The last few years have been defined by an increased contestation between the US and China that increasingly spills into technological domains such as AI, semiconductors or even space. In addition to this tech warfare, developing countries are concerned about the security of their supply chains — especially in the chips and telecom sectors. Given both supply chain warfare and security concerns, how should India navigate tech geopolitics? Lokendra sits down with Avinash and Tannmay to discuss the...
Apr 11, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 1475
In this episode of All Things Policy, Yamini J Kumar, in conversation with Mr. Javeed Ahmad, talks about how technology is reshaping law enforcement and policing in India. From AI-based surveillance to cybercrime laws, we discuss both the opportunities and the challenges that come with tech-driven policing. Our guest, Mr. Javeed Ahmed, a seasoned IPS officer, shares insights on tools being used, privacy concerns, ethical questions, and the future of policing. Whether you're curious about facial ...
Apr 10, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 1474
In this episode of All Things Policy, Malathi Renati chats with Cmdr Rajesh Rajagopalan , the first CEO of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), as he shares insightful experiences from his pioneering role. From heartwarming stories of government-led efforts to support and uplift athletes to reflections on public-private partnerships (PPP) and his current work as CEO of the Dani Sports Foundation—this conversation dwells on the intersection of policy, passion, and podium dreams. The PGP is a ...
Apr 09, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 1473
Satellite internet is rewriting the rules of connectivity. In this episode of All Things Policy, Ashwin Prasad and Sowmya Prabhakar, COO at the Takshashila Institution, unpack the rise of Cloud Nomads and how beaming broadband from space will shift digital behaviours, challenge governance frameworks, and spark geopolitical issues. Monopolies in the sky? Check.Satellite insurance (yes, it’s a thing)? Check.Privacy when your data is literally out of this world? Double-check. Tune in as we orbit ar...
Apr 08, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 1472
When mainstream media turns a blind eye—or worse, reinforces exploitative power structures—protest movements turn to alternative channels to make their voices heard. From underground pamphlets and newsletters in colonial India to encrypted WhatsApp groups and digital zines in contemporary resistance movements, subversive media has long played a critical role in mobilising dissent. In this episode of All Things Policy, Maya Patra and Leah Govias discuss the past, present and future of alternative...
Apr 07, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 1471
China's tech innovation has excelled despite a heavy-handed state crackdown on the private sector. Disruptors like Deepseek have emerged, and policy signals from the recent private tech entrepreneurs' symposium and the National People's Congress seem to finally ease on businesses, promising only to "guide them on national priorities." In this video episode of 'All Things Policy', Anushka Saxena quizzes Shobhankita Reddy on the latest developments in China's Science and Tech policy and innovation...
Apr 04, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 1670
China has emerged as one of the world's leading developers of Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs). This is reflected in China's exports of UCAVs, especially across West Asia and Central Africa. In this episode of All Things Policy, Shobhankita Reddy sits down with Adya Madhavan, researcher with the Takshashila Institution, to discuss Adya's latest research work examining the factors that have enabled China to build such a robust export market, the politics of UCAV exports, and the implicatio...
Apr 03, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 1469
From France to Canada, headlines across the world are reporting consumer boycotts as a way for citizens to express their dissatisfaction with global economic policies. In France, for example, a widely cited poll in mainstream French media reported that 6 out of 10 French consumers supported a movement to reject American brands and products made in the US in response to the US' trade tariffs and growing anti-European sentiment. But what are economic boycotts exactly? And how effective are they? W...
Apr 02, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 1468
Wildfires are increasing in intensity and frequency—but do we know their extent? In this episode of All Things Policy, Swathi Kalyani and Keerthishree dissect India's wildfire hotspots, the shifting patterns of wildfires, and the challenges that come with them. We also look at California's catastrophic January 2025 wildfire to discuss what makes California so susceptible and if India is at risk of such incidents. From geospatial technology to policy solutions, we examine strategies for the preve...
Apr 01, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 1467
In this episode, Shobhankita (Research Analyst, Takshashila), Kripa and Suman (Programme Managers, Takshashila) discuss the dwindling number of movies with themes around dissent. They examine a timeline of Hindi films from the 50s onwards to analyse the reasons for this change and its implications for society. The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offer...
Mar 28, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 1466
In this episode of All Things Policy, Bharath Reddy and Rijesh Panicker discuss their upcoming report on AI governance. Stay tuned till the end for their predictions on the future of AI governance! The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum ...
Mar 27, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 1465
In this episode of All Things Policy, Maya Patra and Swathi Kalyani discuss Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Mauritius, analysing India’s strategic engagement in the Indian Ocean. The conversation contrasts India’s developmental approach—rooted in historical ties and security cooperation—with China’s large-scale infrastructure investments and economic influence. They explore how Mauritius serves as a microcosm of India-China competition in Africa and examine whether these partnerships foste...
Mar 26, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 1464
Startups are integral to the Indian growth story. From grocery delivery app Zepto to HR software Darwinbox, we frequently come across news of Indian startups raising millions of dollars from venture capital (VC) funds. But why are startups, including deep tech ones, funded by a specific class of investors called 'VC'? Why are the stock market and the traditional banks not playing this role? How does a typical VC fund operate in India? What challenges do they face? In this episode of All Things P...
Mar 25, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 1463
In this episode of All Things Policy, Anupam Manur, Shikha Tomar, and Anisree Suresh delve into the intricacies of India-US trade relations amidst reciprocal tariff threats from the US. They explore India's strategic options and propose that a bilateral treaty, coupled with the opening up of key sectors, would be a mutually beneficial arrangement for both India and the US. The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practic...
Mar 24, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 1462
Is Donald Trump truly remaking American foreign policy? How might his actions impact great power politics? In this episode of All Things Policy, Manoj Kewalramani and Aditya Ramanathan take a hard look at India's choices in an uncertain world. The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a wel...
Mar 21, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 1461
In this episode of All Things Policy, Adya Madhavan is in conversation with Malik Moin Abbas about identity in Pakistan Administered Kashmir. Moin delves into the historical narratives that were perpetuated and the many factors that led to a change. The 2024 protests in the region in particular, were a pivotal movement and saw many groups coming together and reclaiming a sense of collective identity. The conversation also touches upon how the state and governance have shaped identity. The PGP is...
Mar 20, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 1460
Community networks that function as media platforms—such as community radio, grassroots journalism, and digital collectives—are empowering people to take control of the narratives that shape their lives. From Sangam Radio in Telangana to Khabar Lahariya’s fearless rural journalism, these community-driven platforms are redefining civic engagement and governance at the grassroots level**. In this episode, Kripa Koshy and Shreya Ramakrishnan explore India’s grassroots media and community networks—h...
Mar 19, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 1459
In this episode of All Things Policy, Vaidehi Vaidya (Founder and MD - Women In Sports India) shares with Malathi Renati the toolkit her organization is developing to gather data-driven insights aimed at identifying and addressing barriers to women's leadership in sports. They also discuss the economic aspects and the role of society in effecting meaningful change. The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspec...
Mar 18, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 1458
In this episode of All Things Policy , Wini Fred Gurung and Sourav Mannaraprayil explore a critical question: Is AI quietly killing our curiosity and critical thinking or simply making us more efficient? As AI tools like ChatGPT become ubiquitous in education, work, and creative fields, the duo examines how this growing reliance on instant answers and automation might weaken our cognitive abilities. Read our opinion piece, “Curiosity in the Age of AI’ in the link below - www.deccanherald.com/op...
Mar 17, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 1457
The Indian Meteorological Department recently issued heatwave alerts for districts in Karnataka and Kerala. In this episode, Swathi Kalyani and Dr. Y. Nithiyanandam, part of the Geospatial Programme at the Takshashila Institution, explore the definition of heatwaves, its impact across sectors and communities, how cities are adapting to rising heat and what more needs to be done. The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and p...
Mar 13, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 1456
While global gender frameworks set crucial benchmarks, they often fail to capture the localised realities of the Indian subcontinent, where identity, mobility, and political structures shape women’s experiences in ways Western models overlook. In this episode of All Things Policy, AIshwaria Sonavane and Amna Nasir break down why one-size-fits-all policies fall short and explore what a more localized, intersectional approach could look like. The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tai...
Mar 12, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 1455
In India, many plants serve both as food and medicine. Shambhavi Naik discusses with Megha (@meghaphd), Varun from TDU, and Bob Allkin from the Royal Botanic Gardens about the use and regulation of medicinal plants. The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experienc...
Mar 11, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 1454
Donald Trump’s second term in the White House has resulted in allies and partners, like Australia and India, adjusting to new geopolitical realities. In this episode, Manoj Kewalramani speaks to Lisa Singh, the CEO of the Australia India Institute at the University of Melbourne, about how Australia is adapting to these changes and the future of India-Australia ties. The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspe...
Mar 10, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 1453
How walkable are India’s cities? Are our footpaths safe and accessible? In this episode, Kripa Koshy, Suman Joshi, and Sarthak Pradhan discuss the state of pedestrian infrastructure in Indian cities. They explore the key obstacles to walkability and reflect on potential solutions to make our cities more pedestrian-friendly. The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinar...
Mar 07, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 1452
In this episode, Vanshika Saraf sits down with Rushali Saha to unpack the shifting dynamics between Delhi and Dhaka. More than six months after Sheikh Hasina’s exit and a new interim leadership in Bangladesh, bilateral relations are at a crossroads. Can India recalibrate its strategy and move beyond megaphone diplomacy? How will Bangladesh’s warming ties with Pakistan and China reshape the neighbourhood? And is there a way to restore balance in this historically cyclical relationship? Join them ...
Mar 06, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 1451
In this episode of All Things Policy, Wini Fred Gurung and Rishabh Yadav discuss Rishabh’s paper “Do populists make populist foreign policy: Pakistan's foreign policy under Imran khan,” which looks at the linkages between Populism and foreign policy where civilian supremacy is lacking. The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth ra...
Mar 05, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 1450
Join Aishwaria Sonavane and Arindam Goswami in this episode of All Things Policy, where we explore one of the most consequential yet understudied strategic relationships in Eurasia. The Turkey-Pakistan alliance has evolved from cultural kinship to a comprehensive strategic partnership with profound implications for regional security, nuclear diplomacy, and counterterrorism efforts. As Turkey emerges as Pakistan's second-largest arms supplier after China, and as both nations provide unwavering di...
Mar 04, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 1449
