All Things Policy Takshashila Institution

In this episode of "All Things Policy," Rakshith explores China's remarkable rise as a green energy superpower with Wanyuan Song, a section editor at the China Desk at Carbonbrief. China, the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has set ambitious targets to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Wanyuan traces the roots of these climate goals in China's national plans and discusses the key policies driving the country's clean energy transition. However, China's path to decarbonisation is not without challenges. The recent US tariffs on Chinese solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles have sparked concerns about a potential green trade war. Wanyuan shares her insights on these trade disputes. We also discuss China's innovative approaches to green finance, including the development of a innovative financing mechanisms and the role of private capital in funding the low-carbon transition. As the world races to combat climate change, China's success in greening its economy could have far-reaching consequences. Tune in to this engaging conversation to understand the complexities, challenges, and opportunities of China's green energy revolution. Also, checkout Carbonbrief's China Briefing newsletter - https://www.carbonbrief.org/china-briefing/

In this episode of All Things Policy, we are joined by Deepthi Bopaiah who is the CEO of GoSports Foundation, a National award winning non-profit organisation to support elite and emerging athletes across Olympic and Paralympic disciplines. Under her leadership in 2019, GoSports was bestowed with the prestigious ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar’ – National Sports Encouragement Award for identifying and nurturing budding young talent. Due to her incredible work in the field of athlete education, she is part of the National Committee for the creation of a National Sports Education Board and is currently overseeing the training and progress of India’s athletes gearing up for the Paris Olympics and Paralympics. The episode covers the journey of GoSports Foundation, the impact of CSR on sports promotion in the country, the social benefits of women’s participation in sport, perceptions of disability and inclusion in the context of the para-athlete community and working with governments at scale to achieve sporting outcomes.

Episode shownotes:

Impact of GoSports Foundation: https://www.gosportsfoundation.in/impact

Support GoSports Foundation here: https://www.gosportsfoundation.in/get-involved



GoSports Foundation, a 15-year-old nonprofit organization, has been conferred with the prestigious Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar award in 2019. So far, they have supported over 300 emerging and elite Indian athletes, and through their athlete scholarship program they have supported over 50 athletes to represent India at the Olympics and Paralympics, with an impressive 10 paralympic medalists among them. The foundation's mission is to Enable Sports Excellence, and use sports excellence as a vehicle for social change and a tool to improve the lives of individuals, communities and the state of our nation. They are also joined by the two Indian sporting stalwarts - the Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team, Mr. Rahul Dravid, and the Chief National Coach of the Indian Badminton Team, Mr. Pullela Gopichand - as the ambassadors of the foundation.If you want to support the GoSports Foundation programmes:
Play a part in our athletes’ journeys to the Olympics/Paralympics. Empower our able-bodied and para-athletes’ lives through sport. Who knows? The next athlete putting India on the global sporting map could be there because of your support. Donate Now!

In this episode of "All Things Climate Policy," Rakshith explores the complexities of climate policy and its global impact with Dr Simon Evans from Carbon Brief. As we navigate through a potential shift in the U.S. political landscape, Dr. Evans elaborates on how a Donald Trump victory could significantly increase U.S. emissions by 2030 compared to Joe Biden's plans. We also explore the historical emissions and responsibilities of various countries in contributing to the climate crisis. Dr. Evans provides a detailed overview of the UK's ambitious net zero policies and targets, discussing the primary goals, timelines, and strategies for a sustainable transition. Amid recent policy shifts under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, including the delay in banning new petrol and diesel cars, Dr. Evans assesses whether these changes could alter the UK's emissions reduction targets. Furthermore, we discuss how policymakers can ensure a just transition for workers and communities affected by the shift from fossil fuels. Dr. Evans also highlights recent technological breakthroughs in clean energy and dispels common myths about electric vehicles, addressing concerns like battery safety and longevity.

India is the second largest mobile phone market in the world and produces 97% of it's mobile phone demand locally. However, the sector is increasingly dependent on the imported components to manufacture it domestically. Mariam Azeemuddin and Anisree Suresh analyse whether the push towards domestic manufacturing is the right step to reduce the growing trade deficit.

The year 2023 was globally the hottest on record. India was no different. Temperature spikes in 2024 are indeed worrying policymakers, but the common citizen is perhaps the worst affected. To understand what is happening in our cities, Dr Y Nithiyanandanam and Sachin Kalbag discuss the Urban Heat Island effect and its impact.

The United States has accused Russia of developing a space-based "nuclear device" capable of targeting other satellites. What could such a device be and why would states want such weapons? Ashwin Prasad and Aditya Ramanathan delve into the frightening rationales for waging nuclear warfare in our orbits.