Dear Reader,
This week’s Policy Charcha is packed with everything from science policy shakeups to career goldmines, thought-provoking conversations, and an eye-opening climate-health link.
In our Quick Read, explore how India is reimagining its approach to science — moving beyond government-led research to fund private innovation. With 2025 poised as a game-changer, we break down what this shift means for public investment and scientific impact.
Our Resource Highlight takes you through PRS Legislative Research’s Annual Policy Review, a one-stop snapshot of India’s evolving governance priorities — from taxation and healthcare to aviation and elections.
Our Video Highlight features a deeply reflective kickoff to a new episode of Policy Panchayat. Rohit Kumar (YLAC & The Quantum Hub) shares his journey through policy, purpose, and pivots — a must-watch for anyone seeking a meaningful career in social impact.
And finally, in Community Updates, we’re thrilled to announce a second Mumbai meet-up with MP Priyanka Chaturvedi! And your kind reminder that admissions are open for the MPP at Kautilya School of Public Policy and 10 applicants who apply and get in through our link stand to receive up to 100% scholarships!
Do consider supporting PPI by buying us a coffee ☕ (or two!) if you’ve found our work to be valuable :)
With that, we bring to you: Policy Post #184!
Policy Charcha 💬
The best of Podcasts, Videos, Essays, Fellowships and other Career resources from the world of Policy and Governance from the week gone by!
💡 Quick Read:
India's science policy is undergoing a major shift — from government-led research to funding private firms and universities for innovation. With landmark moves like ANRF grants, MEITY’s GPU distribution, and ISRO sourcing rockets from private players, 2025 could be a turning point. This new model promises greater returns on public money and deeper integration of science into society. Curious how India plans to pull it off?
📚 Resource Highlight:
From a new Income Tax Bill and simultaneous elections proposal to expanded health coverage for senior citizens and revamped aviation laws — PRS’s Annual Policy Review captures the big policy shifts of 2024-25. Curious what's shaping India’s next policy phase?
🔎 Databases and Guides:
Discover your ultimate career resource sheets for everything related to public policy! Our comprehensive mega-lists include over 150 organisations that are always on the lookout for talent, 200+ scholarships for Indian students, and 150+ public policy courses. Dive in and unlock incredible opportunities!
▶️Video Highlight:
👉🏽 The all new episode of Policy Panchayat kicks off with Rohit Kumar, co-founder of YLAC and The Quantum Hub, in a raw, wide-ranging conversation on careers in public policy and social impact. From co-founding with a partner to navigating career pivots and building sustainable organisations, this episode blends sharp insights with emotional honesty. A must-listen for anyone exploring purpose-driven work — both the heart and the mind will find something here!
Climate + Health Corner
In Partnership With Swasti, The Health Catalyst
👉🏽 Is the 2C Climate goal dead?
Climate change isn't just altering the planet, it's quietly reshaping the gut microbiome, a key pillar of human health. From disrupted food quality to rising pathogen exposure and heat-induced gut stress, the ripple effects may heighten health risks, especially in low-income regions. This eye-opening review explores the hidden intersection of climate and microbiota — and why it matters more than ever.
👥 Community Updates:
Public Policy India (PPI), in partnership with Kautilya School of Public Policy, is excited to host our second in-person policy community meet-up and workshop engagement of the year in Mumbai! Join us on Saturday, 17th May, for an engaging discussion on policy-making, higher education in the field, and career opportunities in this space.
We’re delighted to be joined by Priyanka Chaturvedi, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) from Maharashtra and Deputy Leader of Shiv Sena (UBT). She is also a columnist, NGO trustee working on women’s empowerment, children’s education and health, and runs one of India’s top book-review blogs.
How to join? Simply join the PPI Mumbai City Chapter. More details on the same will be shared on the City Chapter!
Admissions are now open for the Master's Program in Public Policy (MPP) at Kautilya School of Public Policy. This 2-year, full-time residential program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to expand your knowledge and skills, while engaging with the real challenges of India. Apply now.
PS: 10 applicants who apply and secure an admit in the 2-year full-time MPP at Kautilya School of Public Policy through PPI’s link below - get a up to a 100% scholarship depending on your candidature!
Just mention Public Policy India (PPI) as the reference in your application process. Good luck!
All our communities are free to join, open to everyone and are continuously growing and evolving to maximise the opportunities and awareness about policy and careers in this broader space that we can create in cities across India’s 20 most vibrant cities.
The aim is to organise regular in-person meet-ups, workshops, and career activities throughout the year to support your growth and learning. Most knowledge in public policy and social impact resides with individuals, not institutions, and knowledge transfer happens most effectively when we meet and exchange ideas. Join us and help spread the word so we can grow this space together in your city and across India. :)
Join our absolutely free pan-India communities on WhatsApp and be a part of the next in-person meet-up!
Careers Corner 💼
A curated list of some of the best jobs and internship opportunities this week from the world of public policy, the development sector, impact consulting and communications at large.
📩 Best bit - if you know of a job/internship opening that’s not listed here, kindly just add that as a comment on the sheet: giving 20,000+ people immediate access to it!
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