Episoder

  • Join us for an insightful conversation with Kris Gopalakrishnan, co-founder of Infosys and one of India’s foremost technology entrepreneurs. In this episode, we explore his remarkable journey — from the early days of building Infosys to his ongoing contributions to deep-tech research, innovation, and philanthropy.

    Mr. Gopalakrishnan shares his thoughts on the evolution of India’s IT industry, the importance of foundational research in artificial intelligence and brain science, and why he believes the next big leap for India must be led by academia and entrepreneurship. He also reflects on his work with institutions like IIT Madras and the Centre for Brain Research at IISc, and his efforts to nurture India’s innovation ecosystem.

    Whether you’re a student, a tech enthusiast, or someone interested in the future of Indian research and enterprise, this episode offers valuable perspectives on leadership, vision, and nation-building.

    Resource List:

    The Story of India - https://www.penguin.co.in/book/the-it-story-of-india/

    Awards and accolades won by Infosys - https://www.infosys.com/about/diversity-inclusion/awards.html

    Fax Machine - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fax

    Telex Machine - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telex

    What is a satellite link? - https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/satellite-link

    TIFRAC - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TIFRAC

    IBM Mainframe - https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/mainframe

    Itihaasa - https://itihaasa.com/History

    What is a single window clearance program? - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-window_system

    Government Budget on Research and Development - https://www.cnbctv18.com/budget/budget-2025-government-bears-the-bulk-of-indias-rd-budget-19550338.htm

    Technologies Readiness Level - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technology_readiness_level

    Axilor Ventures - https://www.axilor.com



  • What does it take to build one of India’s most important fintech companies from scratch?

    In this candid and deeply insightful conversation, Razorpay co-founder Harshil Mathur walks us through his journey, from coding at IIT Roorkee and working on oil rigs at Schlumberger to co-creating Razorpay, a company that has redefined digital payments in India. We dive into the early struggles of being taken seriously as young founders, the organic evolution of Razorpay from a side project, and the philosophy behind choosing a B2B path when the world was chasing B2C valuations. Harshil also unpacks the real complexity behind payment systems, the rise of UPI, the regulatory ecosystem, and what the future of seamless, biometric-based payments looks like.

    Whether you're a fintech enthusiast, aspiring founder, or just curious about how India's digital economy was built—this episode is packed with stories, strategies, and sharp insights.

    About SparX by Mukesh BansalSparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth. We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us. In a new episode every Saturday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder of Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career. This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you.Follow us on our Instagram: / sparxbymukeshbansal Also check out our website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.com You can also listen to SparX on all audio platforms!Fasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com

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  • In this in-depth conversation, historian and author Vikram Sampath discusses his comprehensive two-volume biography on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, one of India's most debated and influential political thinkers. Tracing Savarkar's journey from a young revolutionary in Maharashtra to his years at India House in London, and eventually to his imprisonment in the Cellular Jail, Vikram explores the ideological, cultural, and political dimensions of Savarkar's life. With a rich narrative supported by extensive research, this discussion sheds light on why Savarkar remains a polarising figure in modern India. Whether you are a student of history, politics, or simply curious about the foundations of contemporary Indian discourse, this episode offers valuable insights into the life and legacy of a man who shaped the trajectory of India's freedom struggle.

    About SparX by Mukesh BansalSparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth. We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us. In a new episode every Saturday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder of Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career. This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you.Follow us on our Instagram: / sparxbymukeshbansal Also check out our website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.com You can also listen to SparX on all audio platforms!Fasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com

  • What if the secret to better health isn’t just what you eat, but when you eat? In this episode, we sit down with renowned circadian biology expert Dr. Satchin Panda to explore the science behind time-restricted eating, body clocks, and how your daily routines can transform your metabolism, sleep, and overall well-being. From groundbreaking mouse studies to practical human applications, Dr. Panda breaks it all down in a way that’s eye-opening and actionable.


    About SparX by Mukesh BansalSparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth. We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us. In a new episode every Saturday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder of Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career. This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you.Follow us on our Instagram: / sparxbymukeshbansal Also check out our website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.com You can also listen to SparX on all audio platforms!Fasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com

  • Description -

    In the latest episode of SparX, your host, Mukesh Bansal, welcomes author and historian Vikram Sampath to discuss the contents of his book “Tipu Sultan: The Saga of Mysore's Interregnum.” He shares stories not only from Tipu Sultan’s reign and but also a background about his father Hyder Ali. We hear some unheard stories where Vikram paints a picture of truth and reality bringing to light Tipu’s unsee sides.

    Chapters -

    About SparX by Mukesh Bansal

    SparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth.

    We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us.

    In a new episode every Saturday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder of Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career.

    This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you.

    Follow us on our Instagram: / sparxbymukeshbansal

    Also check out our website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.com

    You can also listen to SparX on all audio platforms!

    Fasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com

  • Is money real, or is it just an illusion we all believe in? In this episode, Neelkanth Mishra takes us through his journey with studying and understanding money. We explore the concept of money—how it started, why it holds value, and why it might not be as real as we think. Neelkanth challenges everything we assume about wealth, explaining how inflation, trust, and government policies shape our financial system. Watch till the end to rethink how you see money!

    Resource list -

    What is Fort Knox? - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Knox

    Gold in Fort Knox - https://elements.visualcapitalist.com/how-much-gold-is-in-fort-knox/

    Bank run - https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/bankrun.asp

    CRR - https://www.idfcfirstbank.com/finfirst-blogs/finance/what-is-crr

    What was the 2008 Financial crisis? - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_financial_crisis

    https://www.britannica.com/money/financial-crisis-of-2007-2008

    Loan-to-Deposit ratio - https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/loan-to-deposit-ratio.asp#:~:text=The%20loan%2Dto%2Ddeposit%20ratio%20(LDR)%20helps%20you,expressing%20it%20as%20a%20percentage.

    Open market operations - https://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/openmarketoperations.asp

    Currency in circulation - https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/currency-in-circulation.asp#:~:text=Currency%20in%20circulation%20is%20all,in%20checking%20and%20savings%20accounts.

    What is EBLR? - https://www.kotak.com/en/stories-in-focus/loans/home-loan/eblr-interest-rate.html

    What is CBDC? - https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/central-bank-digital-currency-cbdc.asp

    How can RBI contain rupee depreciation? -

    https://www.icicidirect.com/research/equity/finace/how-can-rbi-contain-rupee-depreciation



  • In this episode of SparX, we dive deep into the complexities of the global economy, India's growth trajectory, and the impact of Trump's return to power. Neelkanth Mishra breaks down why forecasting the economy is as tough as predicting the weather, how crowd behavior shapes policy, and why AI is disrupting global markets.

    We discuss India’s economic challenges—monetary tightening, regulatory hurdles, and geopolitical shifts—while exploring potential solutions for achieving 7%+ growth. Are global markets headed for a crisis? How will AI reshape economic structures? And can India leverage this disruption to its advantage?

    Resource List -

    US President Trump and Ukraine President Zelensky - https://youtu.be/ajxSWocbye8?feature=shared

    Nixon and Kissinger meeting Indira Gandhi - https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1969-76ve07/d135

    https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/henry-kissinger-indira-gandhi-when-henry-kissinger-called-indira-gandhi-a-b-h-indians-bastards-4619944

    The Great Transformation, book by Odd Arne Westad and Jian Chen - https://amzn.in/d/0QllE5P

    India’s Quantitative Tightening by Neelkanth Mishra - https://tessellatum.in/?p=478

    What is the Overton Window? - https://www.mackinac.org/OvertonWindow

    More on Mrs. Watanabe - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrs._Watanabe

    https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rise-mrs-watanabe-how-japanese-housewives-became-force-moenga-alex-akg6f

    What is fiscal deficit? - https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/definition/fiscal-deficit?from=mdr

    What is base money injection? - https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/monetarybase.asp#:~:text=The%20money%20that%20they%20provide,of%20the%20Federal%20Reserve%20System.

    What is loan deposit ratio? - https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/loan-to-deposit-ratio.asp#:~:text=The%20loan%2Dto%2Ddeposit%20ratio%20(LDR)%20helps%20you,expressing%20it%20as%20a%20percentage.



  • Welcome back to another episode of SparX by Mukesh Bansal. Today our host Mukesh, founder of Myntra and Cure.fit is in conversation with Alok Sama, the former President and CFO of SoftBank Group International. In this episode, we dive into the concept of the "money trap" and how one can avoid its pitfalls. Alok discusses his latest book, "The Money Trap", and explores topics such as his inspiration behind the book, Masayoshi Son's investment strategies, SoftBank's investment pitfalls, and more.

    Resource list -

    The Money Trap by Alok Sama - https://amzn.in/d/g4Kpx8G

    Read more about Masayoshi Son -

    https://www.forbes.com/profile/masayoshi-son/

    https://group.softbank/en/about/officer/son

    SoftBank Vision Fund - https://visionfund.com/in

    Al Gore won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize - https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2007/gore/facts/

    Trump’s Gold Card - https://thedispatch.com/article/trump-gold-card-visa-immigration-explained/ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-gold-card-eb5-visa-5-million-immigration-oligarch-cbs-news-explains/

    DeepSeek AI -

    https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yv5976z9po

    https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/american-ai-firms-try-poke-holes-disruptive-deepseek-2025-01-28/

    https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/is-deepseeks-rise-a-threat-to-american-ai-dominance-here-is-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/117610064.cms?from=mdr

    Travis Kalanick’s Resignation -

    https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-40352868

    https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/21/technology/uber-ceo-travis-kalanick.html?smid=url-share

    WeWork’s Downfall - https://accountancycloud.com/blogs/weworks-2-billion-disaster-what-went-wrong#:~:text=Adam%20Neumann%2C%20WeWork's%20founder%20and,fund%20his%20own%20personal%20projects.

    https://www.vox.com/recode/2019/9/23/20879656/wework-mess-explained-ipo-softbank

    Sarvam AI - https://www.sarvam.ai/

  • We are back with Ajai Chowdhry as he launches his latest book, 'Just Aspire', a thought-provoking account of his entrepreneurial journey and insights on technology, innovation, and the future. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating story of HCL's rise to success, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a global IT leader. Join us as we explore HCL's pioneering achievements, its impact on Indian computing, and Ajai Chowdhry's vision for the future of technology in India.

    Resource list -

    Just Aspire by Ajai Chowdry - https://amzn.in/d/2c7uXE7

    The HCL story - https://hcl.com/hcl-story/

    HCL’s first computer - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/story-hcl-8c-first-personal-computer-india-rama-ayyar?utm_source=share&utm_medium=guest_desktop&utm_campaign=copy

    What is Unix? - https://www.hpc.iastate.edu/guides/unix-introduction

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unix

    HCL’s collaboration with Nokia - https://www.nokia.com/about-us/news/releases/2018/06/21/nokia-signs-five-year-global-it-infrastructure-and-application-services-deal-with-hcl-technologies/#:~:text=%22This%20expansion%20of%20the%20HCL,of%20key%20IT%20systems%20&%20processes.&text=We%20create%20the%20technology%20to,of%20products%2C%20services%20and%20licensing.

    https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/how-hcl-nokia-partnership-made-mobile-phones-affordable-for-indians-in-the-1990s/1517817/



  • Join us as we explore the fascinating world of ancient India's scientific and cultural legacy with Sanjay Anandaram, a visionary entrepreneur-turned-researcher. Driven by a passion to uncover the hidden treasures of India's rich heritage, Anandaram's research reveals the profound influence of ancient Indian innovations on modern mathematics, science, and philosophy. In this captivating conversation, we'll explore the pivotal moments in India's ancient scientific history, unlock the secrets of ancient Indian knowledge and philosophy, and discover the enduring impact of India's contributions on contemporary society.

    Resource list -

    Book review by David Mumford - https://www.dam.brown.edu/people/mumford/beyond/papers/2010a--PlofkerReview-AMS.pdf

    Mathematics in India - https://amzn.in/d/2lvk3Av

    The Mahavakyas - https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/sivaprakasam-study/d/doc1210740.html

    More about Chanakyaniti - https://chanakyaniti.in/#google_vignette

    Read more about the Yuktikalpataru - https://cahc.jainuniversity.ac.in/assets/ijhs/Vol11_2_5_MChaudhuri.pdf

    Who is Tu Youyou? - https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tu-Youyou

    Who was Sushruta Samhita? - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11527508/

    America’s Manifest Destiny - https://americanexperience.si.edu/historical-eras/expansion/pair-westward-apotheosis/

    Read about the Monroe Doctrine - https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/monroe-doctrine



  • ISRO has made remarkable strides in space technology, with multiple world records and milestones that prove time-and-again that ISRO is one of the leading space research institutions of the world. These achievements demonstrate ISRO's capabilities and commitment to advancing space research.

    And at the frontier of some of the great milestones is Dr. Somanath, former chairman of ISRO, who played a crucial role in shaping India's space program. Under his leadership, ISRO achieved numerous milestones, including the successful launch of several satellites and spacecraft. His vision and expertise have left a lasting impact on India's space research endeavors.

    Tune into this conversation with a visionary from India’s space program and gain some valuable insights on space exploration.

    Resource List -

    ISRO Official Website - www.isro.gov.in

    ISRO Missions Page - www.isro.gov.in/Mission.html

    ISRO Profile - www.isro.gov.in/profile.html

    ISRO History, Missions & Achievements - www.sriramsias.com/blog/isro-history-missions-achievements/

    About Dr. Somanath -

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S._Somanath

    https://pwonlyias.com/s-somanath-biography/

    https://www.iafastro.org/biographie/s-somanath.html

    Chandrayaan-3 -

    https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/chandrayaan-3#propulsionmodule

    More about PSLV -

    https://www.isro.gov.in/PSLV_CON.html

    https://www.isro.gov.in/PSLV_Launchers.html

    https://www.nsilindia.co.in/pslv-production

    NASA’s Scout Rocket Family - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scout_(rocket_family)

    Starship by SpaceX - https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/starship/

    More about NGLV -

    https://www.drishtiias.com/printpdf/isro-s-next-gen-launch-vehicle

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Next_Generation_Launch_Vehicle

    https://youtu.be/hcbpU6dtMTA?feature=shared

    What is a Semi-Cryogenic Engine? -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCE-200

    ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission - https://www.isro.gov.in/Gaganyaan.html

    More about Gaganyaan’s Test Vehicle - https://www.isro.gov.in/media_isro/pdf/TVD1/TVD1_Brochure_new.pdf

    Read more about ISRO’s SpaDeX Mission -

    https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2025/jan/doc2025116486201.pdf

    https://www.isro.gov.in/mission_SpaDeX.html

    https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-successfully-executes-spadex-docking-experiment-india-joins-elite-club-of-nations/article69103462.ece

    Chandrayaan-4 Mission -

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandrayaan-4

    https://www.isro.gov.in/UnionCabinetApprovesIndiasMission.html

    Aditya L1 Mission - https://www.isro.gov.in/Aditya_L1.html

    https://www.isro.gov.in/Aditya_L1-MissionDetails.html



  • Join us as we explore the complex challenges of "wicked problems" with Guru Madhavan, renowned engineer and author of "Wicked Problems: How to Engineer a Better World.” We uncover the fascinating story of Edwin Link, a pioneer who revolutionised aviation engineering with the invention of the first mechanical flight simulator. Guru Madhavan shares his insights on how historical and socio-cultural contexts shape engineering solutions, and highlights the critical role of systems engineering in tackling complex challenges that require a multifaceted approach.

    Tune in for engaging stories, expert insights, and a fresh perspective on the power of engineering to create positive change.


    Join us as we explore the complex challenges of "wicked problems" with Guru Madhavan, renowned engineer and author of "Wicked Problems: How to Engineer a Better World.” We uncover the fascinating story of Edwin Link, a pioneer who revolutionised aviation engineering with the invention of the first mechanical flight simulator. Guru Madhavan shares his insights on how historical and socio-cultural contexts shape engineering solutions, and highlights the critical role of systems engineering in tackling complex challenges that require a multifaceted approach.

    Tune in for engaging stories, expert insights, and a fresh perspective on the power of engineering to create positive change.

    Resource List -

    Wicked Problems: How to Engineer a Better World, Book by Guru Madhavan - https://amzn.in/d/5Yx6Rxs

    Applied Minds - How Engineers Think, Book by Guru Madhavan - https://amzn.in/d/5GMOzNn

    What are Wicked Problems? -

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicked_problem

    https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/wicked-problem/about/What-is-a-wicked-problem

    https://www.resonanceglobal.com/blog/the-characteristics-of-wicked-problems#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20the%20term%20'wicked,certainly%20a%20'wicked%20problem'.

    About Edwin Link -

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Albert_Link

    https://www.simulationinformation.com/hall-of-fame/members/edwin-albert-link/

    More about the Link’s ‘Link Trainer’ -

    https://www.nasflmuseum.com/link-trainer.html

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Link_Trainer

    https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196852/link-trainer/

    https://rastek.com/the-worlds-first-commercially-built-flight-simulator-the-link-trainer-blue-box/

    More about Chaplin Airlines -

    https://www.islapedia.com/index.php?title=Chaplin_Airlines,_Santa_Catalina_Island

    https://www.laalmanac.com/transport/tr707.php#google_vignette

    Read about Philosophy and Engineering -

    https://hbr.org/2024/04/why-engineers-should-study-philosophy

    https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/144214599.pdf

    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269921583_Philosophy_of_Engineering_What_It_Is_and_Why_It_Matters

    Read more about the Great Molasses Flood - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Molasses_Flood

    https://www.history.com/news/great-molasses-flood-science

  • Join us on the latest episode of SparX as we sit down with bureaucrat Amitabh Kant to discuss his experiences and insights on India's rise to global prominence. We'll take a behind-the-scenes look at the 2023 G20 Summit, exploring how India's presidency influenced its global relationships and positioned the country as a leader in international cooperation.

    Amitabh Kant will also share his journey boosting India's tourism sector, and necessary strategies the Indian government needs to implement to grow India's economy to $30 trillion. Tune in for discussions on present international relations, trade, and India's prospective economic growth. Don't miss this enlightening conversation!


    Resource List:

    About the G20 -https://www.india.gov.in/spotlight/group-twenty-g20

    India’s G20 Presidency -https://pmindiaun.gov.in/public_files/assets/pdf/India_Takes_World_Centre-Stage_with_G20_Presidency.pdf

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1980993

    Read about the current tariff war -

    https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn93e12rypgo

    https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg8zg7ll09o

    https://indianexpress.com/article/business/trump-pause-tariff-war-now-escalation-global-risk-9816406/

    https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/02/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-imposes-tariffs-on-imports-from-canada-mexico-and-china/

    Incredible India -https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en

    https://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/2020-04/PDF%20PIDDC%20Final%20report.pdf

    Start-Up India Website -https://www.startupindia.gov.in/

    More about Start-Up India Program -https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=147661

    About SparX by Mukesh Bansal

    SparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth.

    We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us.

    In a new episode every Monday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder of Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career.

    This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you.

    Follow us on Instagram: / sparxbymukeshbansal

    Website: https://www.sparxbymuk...

    You can also listen to SparX on all audio platforms

    Fasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com

  • What drew Shrinivas Kulkarni to physics? What's the current state of astrophysics and its future prospects? What major reforms need to be implemented to boost India’s progress in astrophysics?

    For the latest episode of SparX, we are joined by Shrinivas Kulkarni, a renowned Indian-American astronomer. Mr. Kulkarni has made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of the universe. His notable career milestones include the discovery of the first millisecond pulsar and the identification of the optical counterpart of a gamma-ray burst. Kulkarni's work has earned him numerous accolades, with a recent addition of the 2024 Shaw Prize in Astronomy to the list.

    Resource List -

    About Shrinivas R. Kulkarni - https://sites.astro.caltech.edu/~srk/

    The Discovery of the First Millisecond Pulsar: Personal Recollections by Shrinivas Kulkarni - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384500207_THE_DISCOVERY_OF_THE_FIRST_MILLISECOND_PULSAR_PERSONAL_RECOLLECTIONS

    About the Millisecond Pulsar - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millisecond_pulsar#:~:text=The%20first%20millisecond%20pulsar%2C%20PSR,200%20that%20have%20been%20discovered.

    What is a Beaming Fraction? - https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Beaming-fraction-as-a-function-of-the-mass-of-the-neutron-star-in-NGC-300-ULX1-The_fig2_353920284

    More about Brown Dwarf - https://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/questions/question62.html



  • We are joined by author and science journalist, Anil Ananthaswamy. Anil Ananthaswamy's "Through Two Doors at Once" looks at the mysteries of quantum mechanics, revealing its profound impact on our understanding of reality.

    Through his book, Ananthaswamy sheds light on the strange implications of quantum mechanics, from superposition to entanglement.

    By examining the latest experiments and theories, here’s another insightful episode that offers a fascinating glimpse into the quantum world and its potential to transform our understanding of the universe.

  • Anil Ananthaswamy is a renowned science writer and journalist who has written extensively on various scientific topics. In his latest book "Why Machines Learn", Anil explores the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and machine learning. He reveals the intricate mechanisms and complex algorithms that underlie these cutting-edge technologies. Join us for a fascinating conversation with science writer Anil Ananthaswamy as he shares insights from his book and sheds light on the rapidly evolving field of AI. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how these machines work at a basic mathematics level.Resource List - Why Machines Learn, book by Anil Ananthaswamy - https://amzn.in/d/bmirU45 Dartmouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence - https://home.dartmouth.edu/about/artificial-intelligence-ai-coined-dartmouth What is the Perceptron artificial neural network? - https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/what-is-perceptron-the-simplest-artificial-neural-network/ Read about the McCulloch-Pitts Artificial Neuron - https://towardsdatascience.com/mcculloch-pitts-model-5fdf65ac5dd1 Nobel Prize in Physics 2024 - https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/2024/press-release/ What is the Hopfield Neural Network? - https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/hopfield-neural-network/ Read about Backpropagation - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backpropagation “Learning representations by back-propagating errors”, paper by Geoffrey Hinton, David Rumelhart and Ronald Williams - https://www.nature.com/articles/323533a0 AlexNet by Geoffery Hinton and team - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AlexNet What is ImageNet? - https://www.image-net.org/about.php ‘Attention Is All You Need’, transformer architecture paper - https://proceedings.neurips.cc/paper_files/paper/2017/file/3f5ee243547dee91fbd053c1c4a845aa-Paper.pdfWhat are Neural Scaling Laws? - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neural_scaling_law NeuroAI - https://neuro-ai.com/ About SparX by Mukesh Bansal SparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth. We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us. In a new episode every Sunday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career. This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you. Follow us on Instagram: / sparxbymukeshbansal Website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.comYou can also listen to SparX on all audio platformsFasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com

  • William Dalrymple's "The Anarchy" is a historical account of the rise of the East India Company in India. The book explores how the EIC's ruthless pursuit of power and wealth led to the downfall of the Mughal Empire. In this episode, William shares some interesting stories about the East India Company with some lesser known facts about this corporation that grew powerful. Tune in for a wonderful episode on Indian and British history. Resource List - The Company Quartet, by William Dalrymple - https://amzn.in/d/eiBRXByWilliam Dalrymple Website - https://williamdalrymple.com/Mongol Invasions of India - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongol_invasions_of_India Read more about the Red Dragon ship - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Dragon_(1595) Charles II and Catherine of Braganza - https://thehistorypress.co.uk/article/charles-ii-and-catherine-of-braganza-a-loveless-marriage/ Read more about the First Carnatic War - https://www.pw.live/exams/ssc/first-carnatic-war/ Who were the Jagat Seths? - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/meet-jagat-seths-an-indian-family-so-rich-they-lent-money-to-the-british/articleshow/102916190.cms?from=mdr Read more about the Battle of Plassey - https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Plassey Read more about the Battle of Buxar - https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Buxarhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Buxarhttps://pure.jgu.edu.in/id/eprint/6264/1/thedailystar.net-The%20battle%20of%20plassey%20A%20Tale%20of%20Triumph%20and%20Betrayal.pdf What are Sepoys? - https://www.worldhistory.org/Sepoy/ About SparX by Mukesh Bansal SparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth. We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us. In a new episode every Sunday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career. This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you. Follow us on Instagram: / sparxbymukeshbansal Website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.comYou can also listen to SparX on all audio platformsFasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com

  • There is so much of India’s rich heritage and past that is yet to be discovered. But we have great historians like William Dalrymple who spend years researching on India’s history to bring us the most interesting and captivating stories about the country. In today’s episode, William Dalrymple discusses the stories and contents from his book "The Golden Road" which explores India's 1,500-year history as a hub of cultural and intellectual exchange.

    Resource List - William Dalrymple Website - https://williamdalrymple.com/ Empire Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/0sBh58hSTReUQiK4axYUVx?si=388684fdbe8f49a5 The Rest is History Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/7Cvsbcjhtur7nplC148TWy?si=09f97df360c1418e What are frescoes? - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresco More about the Silk Road - https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/silk-road/ Who was Ferdinand Freiherr von Richthofen? - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferdinand_von_Richthofen#:~:text=Ferdinand%20Freiherr%20von%20Richthofen%20The travels of Marco Polo - https://silk-road.com/artl/marcopolo.shtml https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Travels_of_Marco_PoloRead about the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea - https://www.worldhistory.org/Periplus_of_the_Erythraean_Sea/What is the Muziris Papyrus? - https://historicalleys.blogspot.com/2010/06/introducing-muziris-papyrus.html Read about the Suvarnabhumi - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suvarnabhumi What is the Mes Aynak - https://archeologie.culture.gouv.fr/afghanistan/en/a-propos/ainak Who was Xuanzang? - https://asiasociety.org/xuanzang-monk-who-brought-buddhism-east https://artsandculture.google.com/story/travels-of-xuanzang-629-645-ce-xuanzang-memorial-nava-nalanda-mahavihara/9gVR3GyICUOmKg?hl=enChina’s only female empress, Wu Zetian - https://artsandculture.google.com/story/the-first-and-only-woman-emperor-of-china/PQWR-NRltC6QFA?hl=en More about Angkor Wat - https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/668/ What was the Islamic Golden Age? - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_Golden_Age Al-Khwarizmi’s book on Algebra - https://www.loc.gov/item/2021666184/ What is the Fibonacci sequence? - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibonacci_sequence

  • Manu S. Pillai returns to SparX for another fascinating episode on history to give us a sneak peek into his latest book– "Gods, Guns and Missionaries". It shows us how how colonialism, religion, and identity have interacted in India over the past many years. Through 15 essays, Pillai shows how European missionaries and colonial powers changed Hinduism and its modern forms, revealing a more complex history than often told. The book also explores how these historical forces still shape Indian politics and society today.

    Resource List -

    Gods, Guns, and Missionaries - Book by Manu S. Pillai https://amzn.in/d/6njkWSc

    H-Pop - Book by Kunal Purohit https://amzn.in/d/26KnoHw

    What is Protestantism? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestantism

    What was the Protestant Reformation https://www.britannica.com/event/Reformation

    Read more about Francis Xavier https://www.jesuits.global/saint-blessed/saint-francis-xavier/

    Read more about Roberto de Nobili https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roberto_de_Nobili

    Read about Thomas Munro’s donation to Tirupati temple https://vocal.media/fyi/soldier-to-governor-of-madras-thomas-munro-who-captured-the-hearts-of-the-people

    Read about Rous Peter’s donation to Meenakshi temple https://indroyc.com/2024/04/12/unveiling-the-legends-of-madurai-the-tale-of-peter-pandian/#:~:text=In%20a%20gesture%20of%20gratitude,to%20adorn%20her%20celestial%20feet.

    Charles Wilkins translating the Gita https://www.mvnadkarni.com/files/Introduction%20to%20Charles%20Wilkins%20Gita.pdf

    About SparX by Mukesh Bansal

    SparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth.

    We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us.

    In a new episode every Sunday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career.

    This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you.

    Follow us on Instagram: / sparxbymukeshbansal

    Website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.com

    You can also listen to SparX on all audio platforms

    Fasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com

  • What's driving the current surge of interest in quantum computing? What are the main obstacles to scaling up quantum computing systems? What's the current state of investment in quantum research and development?

    For the latest episode of SparX, we are joined by theoretical physicist, Joel Moore. Joel's research has greatly improved our understanding of quantum materials and their unique properties. His work on condensed matter physics has led to important advances in the field, shedding new light on the behavior of complex systems. Join us as we discuss the field of quantum mechanics and understand the progress of quantum computing.

    Resource List -

    Einstein’s Theory of Relativity - https://www.space.com/36273-theory-special-relativity.html

    What is String Theory? - https://www.space.com/17594-string-theory.html

    What is a super conductor? - https://builtin.com/hardware/superconductor

    Superconductivity - https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainssuperconductivity#:~:text=Superconductivity%20is%20the%20property%20of,transition%20to%20the%20superconducting%20state.

    Read about EPR Paradox Paper - https://cds.cern.ch/record/405662/files/PhysRev.47.777.pdf

    What is Entanglement? - https://scienceexchange.caltech.edu/topics/quantum-science-explained/entanglement#:~:text=Entanglement%20is%20at%20the%20heart,scientists%20call%20an%20emergent%20property.

    More on SQUID - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SQUID

    What is a tokamak? - https://www.iter.org/machine/what-tokamak#:~:text=The%20tokamak%20is%20an%20experimental,the%20walls%20of%20the%20vessel.

    What is a stellarator - https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainsstellarators

    What is the ITER? - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITER#:~:text=Construction%20of%20the%20ITER%20complex,figures%20are%20disputed%20by%20ITER.

    For more on Quantum Computing - https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/quantum-computing/#:~:text=Quantum%20computing%20is%20a%20multidisciplinary,hardware%20research%20and%20application%20development.

    Google Quantum AI - https://quantumai.google/

    About SparX by Mukesh Bansal

    SparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth.

    We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us.

    In a new episode every Sunday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career.

    This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you.

    Follow us on Instagram: / sparxbymukeshbansal

    Website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.com

    You can also listen to SparX on all audio platforms

    Fasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com