India’s biggest digital payment shake-up is here as new rules introduce merchant fees on UPI. In this episode, hosts Pihu and Vanisha unpack why the government is intervening after years of subsidised transactions, and whether shopkeepers will start pushing back toward cash. Together, we explore the hidden economics behind every QR scan and what sustainability actually means for our payment infrastructure.

India’s biggest digital payment shake-up is here as new rules introduce merchant fees on UPI. In this episode, hosts Pihu and Vanisha unpack why the government is intervening after years of subsidised transactions, and whether shopkeepers will start pushing back toward cash. Together, we explore the hidden economics behind every QR scan and what sustainability actually means for our payment infrastructure.

Zero Down

The End of Free UPI: How India's Favourite Convenience Hit a Wall

How do economists actually measure poverty, and what does it take to design effective social safety nets? In this episode, hosts Ayansh and Anika sit down with Nayantara Sarma, a Miranda House economics alumna and economist at the World Bank.She walks us through her journey from Miranda House to the World Bank, how poverty lines are actually measured, the UBI vs. targeted assistance debate, and how safety nets are designed across the life cycle — plus her advice for economics students.

How do economists actually measure poverty, and what does it take to design effective social safety nets? In this episode, hosts Ayansh and Anika sit down with Nayantara Sarma, a Miranda House economics alumna and economist at the World Bank.She walks us through her journey from Miranda House to the World Bank, how poverty lines are actually measured, the UBI vs. targeted assistance debate, and how safety nets are designed across the life cycle — plus her advice for economics students.

The Economics of Poverty: In Conversation with Nayantara Sarma

In the current international climate, does material domination really imply an accumulation of power? As the distribution of material power disperses in the international arena, the narrative around these power dynamics also must ideally shift. Join Anjali and Manya as they perform a deep dive into the current geoeconomic dynamic between the BRICS+ and G7 groups, and whether the “developing” part of the world will eventually be able to hold an equal stake in the world market.

In the current international climate, does material domination really imply an accumulation of power? As the distribution of material power disperses in the international arena, the narrative around these power dynamics also must ideally shift. Join Anjali and Manya as they perform a deep dive into the current geoeconomic dynamic between the BRICS+ and G7 groups, and whether the “developing” part of the world will eventually be able to hold an equal stake in the world market.

86.Looking beyond the narrative: Analysing BRICs vs. G7 Power Dynamics

Why does the price of your seat spike right before you book it — and why does the passenger next to you always seem to have paid less? In this episode, Anusmita and Samaira break open the economics of airline pricing: from near-zero marginal costs and yield management to the psychological "fences" like anchoring, loss aversion, and drip pricing that shape every fare you see. They also unpack India's aviation duopoly, the 2025 IndiGo scheduling crisis, the state's four-decade experiment with nationalized airlines, and why the government still bankrolls regional air travel through schemes like UDAN.

Why does the price of your seat spike right before you book it — and why does the passenger next to you always seem to have paid less? In this episode, Anusmita and Samaira break open the economics of airline pricing: from near-zero marginal costs and yield management to the psychological "fences" like anchoring, loss aversion, and drip pricing that shape every fare you see. They also unpack India's aviation duopoly, the 2025 IndiGo scheduling crisis, the state's four-decade experiment with nationalized airlines, and why the government still bankrolls regional air travel through schemes like UDAN.

Sky High: Inside the Volatile Economics of the Airline Industry

Would you take ₹1,000 right now or ₹1,200 a month from now? Most people pick the cash today, and that's exactly why "Homo economicus," the perfectly rational decision-maker of traditional economics, doesn't actually exist. In this episode, Ridhima and Rajnandini unpack bounded rationality, cognitive biases like loss aversion and present bias, and why "70% off, only 2 hours left" beats hours of careful research every time. A quick "Rational or Human?" game proves just how far real behaviour strays from the textbook model.

Would you take ₹1,000 right now or ₹1,200 a month from now? Most people pick the cash today, and that's exactly why "Homo economicus," the perfectly rational decision-maker of traditional economics, doesn't actually exist. In this episode, Ridhima and Rajnandini unpack bounded rationality, cognitive biases like loss aversion and present bias, and why "70% off, only 2 hours left" beats hours of careful research every time. A quick "Rational or Human?" game proves just how far real behaviour strays from the textbook model.

The Myth of Rationality: Why Homo Economicus Doesn't Exist

Why does opening Netflix with a thousand options often end with you watching nothing at all? In this episode, Susmita and Rajnandini unpack the paradox of choice, how too many options can leave us more exhausted, less satisfied, and stuck chasing the "perfect" pick instead of a good one. They bring in the jam experiment, opportunity cost, decision fatigue, and how social media multiplies the number of lives we feel we're choosing between. Plus, a rapid-fire choice game that proves the point better than any theory could.

Why does opening Netflix with a thousand options often end with you watching nothing at all? In this episode, Susmita and Rajnandini unpack the paradox of choice, how too many options can leave us more exhausted, less satisfied, and stuck chasing the "perfect" pick instead of a good one. They bring in the jam experiment, opportunity cost, decision fatigue, and how social media multiplies the number of lives we feel we're choosing between. Plus, a rapid-fire choice game that proves the point better than any theory could.

83.The Paradox of Choice

What if every decision you made had to make you better off without making anyone else worse off? In this episode, Samaira and Riddhima put Pareto efficiency to the test, not as an abstract market model, but as a real seven-day personal operating system. From Delhi's daily commute chaos to household dinner disputes and workplace tea-break trade-offs, they trace how a framework built for static equilibria collapses under the weight of everyday choices. We also unpack the Kaldor-Hicks compensation principle and how Indian policy, from the Land Acquisition Act to Direct Benefit Transfers, deals with trade-offs that Pareto efficiency alone can't solve.

What if every decision you made had to make you better off without making anyone else worse off? In this episode, Samaira and Riddhima put Pareto efficiency to the test, not as an abstract market model, but as a real seven-day personal operating system. From Delhi's daily commute chaos to household dinner disputes and workplace tea-break trade-offs, they trace how a framework built for static equilibria collapses under the weight of everyday choices. We also unpack the Kaldor-Hicks compensation principle and how Indian policy, from the Land Acquisition Act to Direct Benefit Transfers, deals with trade-offs that Pareto efficiency alone can't solve.

82.Zero Loss Diaries

When platforms vanish overnight, how does a generation react? How did Gen Z turn online trends into protest, and what hidden rules might be guiding their moves? In this episode of Zero Down, join Muskan and Rama as they unpack Nepal’s social media ban, the Nepo Kids trend that exposed political privilege, and the hidden game theory behind youth action. From viral outrage to real world mobilization, we explore how mistrust, opportunity, and strategic choices collide to shape the responses of Nepal’s digital generation navigating a world where voices are suddenly silenced.

When platforms vanish overnight, how does a generation react? How did Gen Z turn online trends into protest, and what hidden rules might be guiding their moves?In this episode of Zero Down, join Muskan and Rama as they unpack Nepal’s social media ban, the Nepo Kids trend that exposed political privilege, and the hidden game theory behind youth action. From viral outrage to real world mobilization, we explore how mistrust, opportunity, and strategic choices collide to shape the responses of Nepal’s digital generation navigating a world where voices are suddenly silenced.

81. ZDP Shots: From Trends to Protest: Gen Z in Nepal's Crisis

In today’s episode, Nandini, Anika and Anusmita dive into the significance of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement, a landmark pact linking two of the world’s largest economic powers, India and the European Union. We’ll examine what this agreement means for global supply chains, investment flows, and strategic alliances in an era marked by protectionism and geopolitical uncertainty. From economic opportunities to regulatory challenges, and from trade diversification to the reshaping of globalisation itself, this episode explores how one deal could influence the future trajectory of international trade.

In today’s episode, Nandini, Anika and Anusmita dive into the significance of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement, a landmark pact linking two of the world’s largest economic powers, India and the European Union. We’ll examine what this agreement means for global supply chains, investment flows, and strategic alliances in an era marked by protectionism and geopolitical uncertainty. From economic opportunities to regulatory challenges, and from trade diversification to the reshaping of globalisation itself, this episode explores how one deal could influence the future trajectory of international trade.

80. Trade, Tariffs and Trust

Join Himanshi and Hardik for a conversation that looks beyond the scoreboard. This episode reimagines India’s Women’s World Cup victory as an economic turning point, unpacking women’s cricket through the lenses of sports economics, labour markets and investment theory. From match scarcity and income volatility to market failure and untapped consumer demand, the discussion reveals why women’s cricket is driven by powerful economic logic. Grounded in economic reasoning and attentive to questions of gender and equity, this episode offers a thoughtful lens on how markets, not merit, often determine value in sport and how that dynamic is beginning to shift.

Join Himanshi and Hardik for a conversation that looks beyond the scoreboard. This episode reimagines India’s Women’s World Cup victory as an economic turning point, unpacking women’s cricket through the lenses of sports economics, labour markets and investment theory. From match scarcity and income volatility to market failure and untapped consumer demand, the discussion reveals why women’s cricket is driven by powerful economic logic. Grounded in economic reasoning and attentive to questions of gender and equity, this episode offers a thoughtful lens on how markets, not merit, often determine value in sport and how that dynamic is beginning to shift.

79. ZDP Shots: Breaking the Boundary: Gender Economics of Cricket

Dive into the world of digital payments with this episode on UPI, as Yana and Sneha explore its transformative journey in India. From its humble beginnings to becoming more than a payment method, UPI is reshaping the way India transacts! Let's unpack Metcalfe’s law behind its rapid growth, the two-sided market dynamics, zero-MDR advantage, and innovations like UPI on feature phones, wearables, and future collaborations with AI. Today, UPI stands as a global benchmark, driving India’s economy toward modern financial development.

Dive into the world of digital payments with this episode on UPI, as Yana and Sneha explore its transformative journey in India. From its humble beginnings to becoming more than a payment method, UPI is reshaping the way India transacts! Let's unpack Metcalfe’s law behind its rapid growth, the two-sided market dynamics, zero-MDR advantage, and innovations like UPI on feature phones, wearables, and future collaborations with AI. Today, UPI stands as a global benchmark, driving India’s economy toward modern financial development.

78. ZDP Shots: UPI: India's Silent Economic Revolution

Ever wondered why you hesitate before texting first, overthink double texts, or feel stuck planning outings that never happen? Turns out, you’ve been using game theory all along. In this episode of the Zero Down Podcast by Arthashastra, Miranda House, Poorti and Mahak explore how economic concepts like the Prisoner’s Dilemma, Nash Equilibrium, Tit-for-Tat, free-riding, and signalling show up in everyday human interactions. From friendships to roommates, group projects, social media, and conflict resolution, we break down how strategic thinking shapes trust, cooperation, and decision-making. Light, fun, and deeply relatable, this episode connects economics to real life, because sometimes, understanding relationships is just about understanding the game.

Ever wondered why you hesitate before texting first, overthink double texts, or feel stuck planning outings that never happen? Turns out, you’ve been using game theory all along.In this episode of the Zero Down Podcast by Arthashastra, Miranda House, Poorti and Mahak explore how economic concepts like the Prisoner’s Dilemma, Nash Equilibrium, Tit-for-Tat, free-riding, and signalling show up in everyday human interactions. From friendships to roommates, group projects, social media, and conflict resolution, we break down how strategic thinking shapes trust, cooperation, and decision-making.Light, fun, and deeply relatable, this episode connects economics to real life, because sometimes, understanding relationships is just about understanding the game.

77. ZDP Shots : Game Theory in Relationships & Friendships: Strategic Choices in Everyday Human Interaction

Swipe into the chaos of modern romance with Devanshi and Tanvi as they unpack the Economics of Online Dating. From right-swipes to ghosting seasons, they explore how attention became a currency, why some profiles explode in demand while others get buried, and how apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge ended up running an oligopoly on our love lives. They dive into supply-demand curves on attraction, sunk cost fallacies in texting, and how freemium “premium love” became a business model. A fun, sharp look at why dating in 2025 feels more like a marketplace than ever.

Swipe into the chaos of modern romance with Devanshi and Tanvi as they unpack the Economics of Online Dating. From right-swipes to ghosting seasons, they explore how attention became a currency, why some profiles explode in demand while others get buried, and how apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge ended up running an oligopoly on our love lives. They dive into supply-demand curves on attraction, sunk cost fallacies in texting, and how freemium “premium love” became a business model. A fun, sharp look at why dating in 2025 feels more like a marketplace than ever.

76. ZDP Shots: Cupid's Market: The Price of a Perfect Match

Labubu isn’t just a collectable — it’s a billion dollar hype machine. In this episode we break down how Labubus made their way into the market, why blind boxes are so addictive and how Pop mart made a brilliant use of the hype.

Labubu isn’t just a collectable — it’s a billion dollar hype machine. In this episode we break down how Labubus made their way into the market, why blind boxes are so addictive and how Pop mart made a brilliant use of the hype.

75. Unboxing the Economics Of Labubus

Concerts aren’t just about the music anymore! they’re an entire economy of their own. In this episode, Nandinii and Vanshika explore the fascinating economics behind the rise of concert culture, especially in India. From the multiplier effect that fuels local businesses every time a major gig comes to town, to the booming resell culture and parallel ticket economy that fans either hate or can’t escape, we dive deep into the financial ripple effects of live music. We also talk about Coldplay’s much-awaited India show, and how Gen Z views concerts as part of the ‘experience economy’.

Concerts aren’t just about the music anymore! they’re an entire economy of their own. In this episode, Nandinii and Vanshika explore the fascinating economics behind the rise of concert culture, especially in India. From the multiplier effect that fuels local businesses every time a major gig comes to town, to the booming resell culture and parallel ticket economy that fans either hate or can’t escape, we dive deep into the financial ripple effects of live music. We also talk about Coldplay’s much-awaited India show, and how Gen Z views concerts as part of the ‘experience economy’.

74. Concert-o-nomics

A space aimed at exploring the world through the eyes of an economist, and making concepts fun, relatable, and real.

A space aimed at exploring the world through the eyes of an economist, and making concepts fun, relatable, and real.

hubhopper

Zero Down

hubhopper