All Things Policy

In this episode, Rakshith quizzes Saheb Singh Chadha, a senior research analyst at Carnegie India, who recently authored a paper that meticulously examines the four-year period of heightened tensions and negotiations between India and China from 2020-2024. This paper divides the period into three distinct phases based on the negotiating positions of both sides. The analysis explores various communication channels, including high-level political meetings, diplomatic talks, and military commander discussions. It investigates the underlying reasons for the conflict, noting that China views India's border infrastructure as part of a US plan to contain China. The paper also provides policy recommendations to help resolve the standoff. Check out the podcast and let us know your comments.

Here is the link to the paper - https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2024/12/negotiating-the-india-china-standoff-2020-2024?lang=en¢er=india

Watching China is a 5-week weekend course starting February 1st, designed to help you decode the structures, ideology, and strategies of one of the world’s most influential nations. Perfect for professionals, students, or anyone curious about the forces shaping China today.

Make your weekends count! Apply Now! http://bit.ly/4ipHsWo

All Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of All Things Policy, host Aishwaria Sonavane sits down with Abdul Basit, Senior Associate Fellow at RSIS, to examine the future of Taliban-Pakistan relations, currently strained by periodic border clashes, the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) recent airstrikes in Paktika, and the longstanding refugee crisis. The discussion also delves into broader regional implications, including India’s strategic interests and the role of the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) amid escalating hostilities.

All Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join Miheer Karandikar and Arindam Goswami in this episode of All Things Policy, in which we unpack a scheme that was touted as a game-changer in India's industrial landscape—the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Launched to position India as a global manufacturing hub, these schemes aim to boost domestic production, attract investments, and reduce import dependencies. But is the PLI strategy delivering on its promises? Are there hidden costs or unintended consequences we need to consider? Join us as we unravel the complexities of PLI schemes and explore how these incentives are reshaping industries and India's economic trajectory.

Miheer has written a wonderful op-ed in this topic, which you can read here: https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/opinion/india-s-pli-scheme-challenges-and-the-path-forward-12904755.html

All Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The nature of warfare is rapidly evolving with advancements in technology. In this episode of All Things Policy, Avinash Shet and Adya Madhavan explore how Artificial Intelligence is shaping the military domain. From autonomous drones to predictive maintenance systems and lethal autonomous weapons, we unpack the transformative role AI plays on and off the battlefield. Join us as we discuss key global players in the AI arms race, the interplay between civilian and military AI technologies, and the unintended consequences of militarising AI. We also take a closer look at India's military AI and what lies ahead in the race for dominance.

Link to Discussion Document "A Survey of Military AI Technologies": Link

Question to audience: What is the future of military AI, and what should India focus on to stay ahead?

All Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Predictive policing is an AI use case in law enforcement wherein biometric technologies are used to “predict” crimes. There has been a considerable increase in deployment of such technologies across countries in the past decade and these are thought to be a way to reduce crime. However, while its effectiveness is debatable, increased surveillance and reduced privacy for all citizens is an immediate outcome which brings with it additional risks. In this episode, Anwesha Sen speaks to Disha Verma about how these technologies are being deployed in India and their various pitfalls.

All Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.

The appearance of Starlink in Manipur wasn't just about unauthorised internet access - it was a wake-up call. Rakshith Shetty and Ashwin Prasad explore the technology, its risks, and opportunities as India confronts the reality of global satellite internet.

Read more about this here: www.outlookbusiness.com/columns/how-satellite-internet-can-bridge-indias-digital-divide-and-expand-its-strategic-heft

All Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.

There is much talk about the state of India's air quality and the urgency of the problem. However, thus far, most mechanisms for its addressal focus on more short term solutions. In this episode, Dr. Sarath Guttikunda talks about the problem and its sources, the need for better air quality monitoring, and long term solutions that have worked elsewhere. He also explains the science behind trans-boundary pollution and the need for cooperative monitoring and mechanisms.

All Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.

Local government bodies are essential to grassroots democracy and effective governance in any country, much more so in a large country like India. However, their elections and functioning have been intermittent and delayed since the 1990s. In the second and final part of this episode, Miheer Karandikar talks to Rishvanjas Raghavan about the extent of, reasons behind and solutions for delays in municipal corporations in the country.

All Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.

Local government bodies are essential to grassroots democracy and effective governance in any country, much more so in a large country like India. However, their elections and functioning since the 1990s have been intermittent and delayed. In the first (of two) parts of this episode, Miheer Karandikar talks to Rishvanjas Raghavan about why Indians should care about municipal corporations and what their problems are.

All Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.

Sports in India is at a turning point. We are a young nation, holding alot of potential and promise across sectors. There is no better time than now to capitalise on how Sports can be a catalyst for social development, job creation, and overall wellbeing.

Listen in to what Malathi Renati and Nandan Kamath have to say about what’s in store for 2025 from a policy, innovation, and community perspective.

Join the marathon to transform India!

All Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.