Episodes
Are you struggling to manage stress and anxiety? Are you new to the practise of meditation? Want to learn how to meditate the right way? Join Dr. Shyam Bhat on SparX as we dive into the world of mental health and wellness. In this episode, we explore the benefits of meditation and debunk common myths surrounding this powerful practice. Discover how meditation can transform your life and improve your mental wellbeing. Don't miss this enlightening episode! Resource List - Videos by Dr....
Published 12/02/24
We're back with another solo episode of SparX and today we bring to you a topic that is personal to Mukesh. Today, we're talking about the simple yet powerful habits that can transform your health and wellbeing. From sleep to eating habits, we'll explore practical tips you can start using today to feel your best. Join us for a conversation that will inspire you to take control of your health. Resource List - Hacking Health, by Mukesh Bansal - https://amzn.in/d/g7AqZLI The Circadian Code,...
Published 11/25/24
Published 11/25/24
Join us for an insightful conversation with Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-Founder of Skyroot Aerospace, a leading player in India's space sector. Pawan shares his expertise on the transformative impact of space technology, innovative advancements, and the future of space exploration. Resource List - Skyroot Aerospace - https://skyroot.in/ Vikram Rocket by Skyroot - https://skyroot.in/launch-services.html What is SPADEX? - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPADEX ISRO’s Crew Module -...
Published 11/18/24
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has changed dramatically in recent years. Today, AI is improving many industries and changing how we live. AI is now a key part of our future, making our lives easier and more efficient. But what is it that we need to look out for? What are some necessary measures to be taken to ensure a smooth and safe adoption of this technology? Watch this episode to learn about the past, present and future of AI. Your host, Mukesh Bansal, not only takes us through the...
Published 11/11/24
Thinking about a career in physics? For the latest episode of SparX, we are joined by JEE AIR-1 achiever and Director of International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, Rajesh Gopakumar. Tune in for an insightful episode to learn more about a career in and the landscape of physics. Resource List - More about Rajesh Gopakumar - https://www.icts.res.in/people/rajesh-gopakumar ICTS YouTube Page - https://www.youtube.com/@ICTStalks Nobel Prize Winners for 2024 -...
Published 11/04/24
Join us on this episode of SparX as we welcome renowned theoretical physicist Dr. Claudia de Rham. Claudia shares inspiring stories from her journey, plus helps us understand how gravity affects space and time, what was the big bang, and more. Don't miss this enlightening conversation! Resource List - The Beauty of Falling, book by Claudia de Rham - https://amzn.in/d/7sYv6Q5 Publications by Claudia de Rham - https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/c.de-rham/publications4 Paper by Claudia de Rham...
Published 10/28/24
How did Gandhi's experiences in South Africa influence his political views? How did Gandhi's leadership impact the Indian National Congress? How were Gandhi's relationship with other significant freedom fighters and political leaders of India freedom struggle? After returning to India in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi led the country's struggle for independence from British rule through non-violent resistance, inspiring movements for civil rights and freedom globally. In this episode, Mr. Guha takes...
Published 10/21/24
How was Gandhi's early years and education? Who were Gandhi's role models and mentors? How was his relationship with his wife and children? For the latest episode of SparX, we are in conversation with historian, scholar and writer– Ramachandra Guha. Join us for an enriching discussion where Mr. Guha shares unheard and untold stories about Mahatma Gandhi. We delve into his life before the Indian freedom struggle, his life in South Africa, his family, and his mentors that shaped him into the...
Published 10/14/24
Data-driven insights are crucial to understanding a country's development across sectors, from economy and education to healthcare and infrastructure. Through rigorous research and analysis, we can uncover trends, identify challenges, and inform policy decisions. For the latest episode of SparX, we are joined by renowned data journalist Rukmini S, whose ground breaking work, in her latest book, has been instrumental in shedding light on India's complex development narrative. Her latest book...
Published 10/07/24
What significant advancements have been made in physics research in India in recent years? How does the Perimeter Institute support early-career researchers and encourage innovation? What opportunities or challenges are poised for the field of theoretical physics? Renowned theoretical physicist Rob Myers joins us to discuss his research on black holes and cosmology. He shares insights on string theory, holography, and landscape physics. We discuss the advancement of physics in India and the...
Published 09/30/24
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Neelkanth Mishra, renowned economist and strategist, as we delve into the dynamic world of India's deep tech sector. In this episode, we explore the evolving deep tech ecosystem in India, discussing its growth, challenges, and opportunities. We also examine India's Research and Development (R&D) landscape, comparing it with the US and China's deep tech sectors to identify key learnings and areas for improvement. Neelkanth Mishra shares his...
Published 09/23/24
What are some of the most important reforms or initiatives needed to achieve the vision outlined in "India@100"? How does the book address potential criticisms of its growth projections and policy recommendations? For the latest episode of SparX, Krishnamurthy Subramanian, renowned economist and author, joins us to discuss his latest book 'India@100'. Explore the vision and strategies for India's economic growth. From ancient economic texts to modern-day reforms, Subramanian offers unique...
Published 09/16/24
What solutions does Ruchir propose for capitalism's problems? Why does government intervention won't fix capitalism? Why is the overhype with America overshadowing other emerging economies? In the latest episode of SparX, we sit down for a conversation with economist and best-selling author Ruchir Sharma on the history, impact, and current state of capitalism. We break down the research and content from his latest book "What Went Wrong With Capitalism". We also explore Ruchir's personal...
Published 09/10/24
Why is the education sector not producing good results? How can illegal practises be reduced in healthcare? What is the main problem in India's job market? These are some of the questions we answer in the last part of our series with Karthik Muralidharan. In the last part, we look closely at India's human development sectors identifying problems and sharing solutions that can help solve these problems. We examine the education and healthcare sector and also touch upon the job market in India...
Published 09/02/24
How does the Central government and State governments divide tax collection? Why was ban on alcohol a bad decision by Bihar? Which government policies are really beneficial to the public? In this episode, Karthik breaks down the complexities of revenue and expenditure, explaining how taxes are collected, allocated, and utilized to drive India's growth. From infrastructure development to social welfare programs, discover how taxes shape the nation's future. Tune in for a fascinating...
Published 08/26/24
What makes Karthik Muralidharan a leading economist? What groundbreaking insights does he bring to the field of economics? How does his latest book, Accelerating India, address India’s development challenges? Karthik Muralidharan is a prominent economist known for his research on education and public policy. His work critically examines how policy interventions can drive economic growth and improve welfare outcomes, particularly in developing countries. His latest book, Accelerating India,...
Published 08/20/24
Join us for a captivating conversation with renowned British historian Matthew Parker as we delve into the rich tapestry of British history. In this episode, Parker shares fascinating stories and insights from his extensive research, bringing to life the people and events that have shaped Britain’s past. We also explore his acclaimed book One Fine Day, a detailed account of the pivotal moment when the British Empire reached its zenith on June 2, 1947. Parker uncovers the intricate dynamics...
Published 08/12/24
What are the fundamental particles that make up the universe? What role does the Higgs boson play in particle physics? Why is Harry's book about space titled with an apple pie? Harry Cliff, a particle physicist at the University of Cambridge, is deeply involved in the LHCb experiment at CERN. Committed to science communication, he has curated exhibitions at the Science Museum in London and authored the popular science book How To Make An Apple Pie From Scratch. Through lectures and media...
Published 08/05/24
What inspired Venki Ramakrishnan to transition from physics to molecular biology? How has Venki Ramakrishnan's groundbreaking research on ribosomes impacted the study? How does he envision the future of molecular biology? Venkatraman "Venki" Ramakrishnan is a leading molecular biologist whose groundbreaking work on ribosome structure has significantly advanced our understanding of protein synthesis. His discoveries earned him the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, making him one of the few...
Published 07/29/24
What personal experiences shaped Sriram Kalyanaraman’s approach to transformation? How can someone new to personal transformation begin their journey? What are some great resources, tips, and practises to transform oneself to become their best self? Awareness of our own mortality can sharpen our thoughts and desires, aligning us with our true selves. This concept, relevant from ancient Greek and Buddhist philosophies to modern thinkers like Steve Jobs, highlights the timeless nature of this...
Published 07/22/24
The AI and tech industry in India is rapidly evolving, driven by a surge in startups and significant investments. As the country advances in digitisation, AI innovations are central to sectors like healthcare and finance. Rajan Anandan, Managing Director of Peak XV Partners, advocates for this growth. He emphasises the need for startups to develop high-quality AI products that offer substantial improvements over existing solutions. Rajan believes that merely exploiting gaps in current AI...
Published 07/15/24
Sudha Murty is a distinguished Indian author and social worker, renowned for her contributions to literature and philanthropy. She has played a pivotal role in initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and rural development, significantly improving the lives of many. Beyond her professional achievements, she is celebrated for her humility and unwavering dedication to helping the underprivileged. Sudha Murty's life and work continue to inspire countless individuals across the globe. Join...
Published 07/08/24
What makes Ather Energy a pioneer in the Indian EV market? What factors are driving the growth of the EV market in India? How does Ather Energy contribute to the development of EV infrastructure in India? Before Ather Energy, the Indian EV industry faced challenges such as fragmented innovation and limited consumer confidence. The founding of Ather Energy initiated a transformative shift. Their visionary leadership and pioneering electric scooters have since reshaped perceptions, fostering a...
Published 07/01/24
Is there a real need for the product? Who is the target customer? Was there a product-market fit? Many start-ups falter because they neglect thorough market research, resulting in a misaligned product-market fit and tepid demand. Entrepreneurs fail to understand funding, building the right rapport with co-founders, having an unclear value proposition, so on and so forth. In this episode, we discuss the factors and reasons that lead to 90% of start-ups failing within the first five years....
Published 06/24/24