In this episode of Zero Down Podcast's non member series, ZDP Shots, Devika, Bhadra, and Diya spill the tea (from the Stanley Cup) about why we feel the urge to buy things that we do not necessarily need. From engineered scarcity, sunk cost fallacy, to herd mentality and other concepts, join them as they explore different behavioural economics theories manipulating consumer demand - and why it works so well. Are we really choosing what we buy, or are brands choosing for us?

Women have been locked out of the literary arena - not because they weren't writing, but because they weren't being published, read, or remembered, Joanna Russ said. Through Virginia Woolf, Betty Friedan, Emily Dickinson, the Bronte sisters and others, this episode delves into the works and lives of women who almost got lost in time. Join Gargi and Manya as they explore the economics behind this phenomenon and tribute the forgotten.

In this episode of the Zero Down Podcast, Tanya, Usheer, and Vanshika explore "The Great Indian Brain Drain." While the news of someone of Indian origin becoming the CEO of a major global company often fills us with pride, it also raises an important question: does this reflect a significant loss of talent for India? Tune in for a deep dive into the causes behind this phenomenon and examine various government initiatives aimed at converting brain drain into brain gain.

In this episode of Zero Down, Join Kashish and Prapti piecing together the what-why-hows of labour migration in India. Using the Harris-Todaro model as a framework, we break down how migrants weigh expected income against the risks of unemployment in cities like Delhi and Bangalore. Why do millions leave their hometowns? What role does the informal sector play? And how does migration reshape India’s urban economy? From slums and political exclusion to the impact of COVID-19, we examine both the numbers and the human stories behind India’s migration wave. Tune in for a deep dive into one of the country’s most defining economic phenomena.

Ever wondered why people go gaga over Birkins and Bentleys worth hundreds of thousands of dollars? In this episode of Zero Down Podcast, we unravel why, even amidst wars, recessions, and widespread struggles for basic survival, the glamour of luxury remains unshaken. Why do consumers, despite economic uncertainty, chase the $4M Mustang? Is it about status, aspiration, or something deeper in human psychology? Join Yashika and Pranjali as they decode the economics of luxury goods and consumer behaviour.

Were the allegations against Adani true? How does Hindenburg create profit? When did SEBI get involved? In this episode of Zero Down, join Gargi and Manya as they analyse the Adani-Hindenburg controversy, its implications and how a single report can lead to so many consequences when the stock market is in question.

In this episode, join Tanvi and Usheer to explore the economics behind Ratan Tata's journey. They discuss the global expansion of Tata Group, the challenges and controversies faced along the way, and how these moves reshaped Indian business worldwide.

In this episode, Vanshika and Prapti introduce the concept of "Sunk Cost Fallacy," exploring relatable examples, and discussing reasons behind it and ways to avoid falling into its trap.

This episode is our first group discussion, dissecting one of the most debated topics in the field of economics: Trickle-Down Theory. Trickle-down economics refers to policies that directly benefit the rich by means of tax cuts, deregulation and subsidies, with the belief that these benefits will boost growth and therefore welfare for the entire economy. Originally popularised in the US economy in the 1980s, these theories have backed policymaking throughout the world, including India. How are they implemented? How have they affected geopolitical ideologies? Have they boosted economic welfare? Has that welfare really (wait for it) trickled down? Join Tanya, Prapti, Vanshika, Suryanshi, Gargi, Yashika, Pranjali, Manya, Usheer and Suhaani in this episode to find out!

In this episode of Zero Down Podcast, Tarushi Narayan Ojha and Prisha Chhikara will be interviewing Satvik Chauhan, the Founder and CEO of The South Asian Policy Initiative (SAPI). SAPI is a non-profit organization dedicated to policy research and advocacy across South Asia, founded with the objective of bridging the gap between academic research and practical policymaking, and encouraging young minds to contribute to the socio-economic development of South Asia.