In this compelling episode of SparX, we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as "Food Pharmer." A former McKinsey consultant and Wharton MBA, Revant left a high-profile corporate career to champion health literacy in India. He unpacks how misleading marketing and hidden ingredients are silently harming millions of Indians through widely consumed packaged foods. From analyzing the viral Bournvita video to discussing systemic issues in food regulation, this episode explores Revant’s courageous journey, his motivation to trigger policy-level change, and how a single Instagram reel sparked a nationwide debate. As India faces a growing health crisis marked by soaring diabetes rates, this conversation is both timely and necessary. Tune in to learn how awareness, education, and a willingness to speak truth to power can lead to real impact.

Resource List:-"If You Send Legal Notice, I'll Get You Noticed": Influencer On Bournvita 'Win' - https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/if-you-send-legal-notice-ill-get-you-noticed-influencer-on-bournvita-win-4751679Watch: Bournvita Reduces Added Sugar By 14.4% After Criticism, Influencer Calls It ''Big Win'' - https://www.ndtv.com/feature/watch-bournvita-reduces-added-sugar-by-14-4-after-criticism-influencer-calls-it-big-win-4733774

India’s consumption of Palm Oil - https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/healthcare/how-much-palm-oil-does-india-consume-19532883.htm

Health Governance Department in India - https://irdai.gov.in/health-dept

(Disclaimer - This podcast was recorded prior to the ceasefire announcement made on the evening of May 10, 2025. All discussions reflect the situation as it stood before that development. Viewers are advised to keep this context in mind while watching the episode.)

In this gripping episode of SparX, journalist Suhasini Haidar joins us to decode the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan amid a backdrop of global instability. With decades of experience covering foreign policy and conflicts, she unpacks the deeper dynamics of terrorism, military politics, and how regional players like China and global powers like the US are influencing outcomes.

We dive into how the international rules-based order is crumbling, the United Nations’ diminishing relevance, and the rise of transactional diplomacy. Can India navigate this multipolar world while securing its interests? Is peace with Pakistan even a realistic possibility anymore?

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

For the latest episode of SparX, we are joined by Neelkanth Mishra, Economic advisor to the Government of India, Chairman of UIDAI, and Chief Economist at Axis Bank. In this episode, Neelkanth dives into the unraveling of the post-WWII global order and what might replace it. From the fading influence of institutions like the UN, WHO, and NATO to the rise of new groupings like G20, BRICS, and QUAD, we explore why global power is shifting and what it means for countries like India.

We also examine the implications of US-China tensions, Europe’s struggle to rebuild military strength, and the global apathy toward conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza. If you're curious about where the world is headed, this conversation offers deep insights and bold perspectives.

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

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

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.