257: Temples As Financial Hubs? The Shocking Truth About Their Role In History | Sriram Balasubramanian (Author) Bharatvaarta podcast

1:03:33

In this episode, we delve into the rapid geopolitical changes with new governments in Delhi and the US, and Donald Trump's ambitious agenda. We discuss the impact of these changes, including the Ukraine war and its implications on global power dynamics. The focus then shifts to India, its defense strategies, and its need for fifth-generation fighter planes. We also explore China's military maneuvers, climate change, and the concept of World War III. The discussion wraps up with India's potential in AI, innovations in the tech industry, and the critical need for data-driven decisions for India to emerge as a superpower. Tune in for an engaging and comprehensive conversation on these pressing global issues. 00:00 Sneak peak 01:02 Introduction 01:40 Current Geopolitical changes 02:57 India's Defense Strategy: F-35 vs. Sukhoi 57 07:54 Challenges in India's Defense and Space Sectors 12:34 The American Empire: Decline or Dominance? 18:47 China-India Relations: Border Tensions and Trade 27:05 AI and Innovation: India's Technological Future 33:12 India's Historical Greatness and Brain Drain 33:34 Illegal Immigration and Its Consequences 35:35 Missed Opportunities in Indian History 37:50 Climate Change: Human Impact and Natural Cycles 40:55 Potential World War III and Nuclear Deterrence 43:40 Ancient Civilizations and Misconceptions 51:42 Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Humanity 54:48 Strengthening India's Military and Maritime Power 58:41 Revamping India's Education System 01:02:09 India's Path to Becoming a Superpower 01:03:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts…

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260: Is Trump 2.0 India’s Biggest Challenge or Greatest Opportunity? | Ruchir, Surya, Anang | Geopolitics 2:02:58

hace 11 días2:02:58

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In this episode of the Bharatvaarta podcast, host Roshan Cariappa is joined by panelists Ruchir Sharma, Surya Kanegaonkar, and Anang Mittal to discuss the potential impact of the Trump presidency on India and the broader world. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the potential for creative diplomacy, the state of India's indigenous military technology programs, and the effects of U.S. foreign policy on India's strategic autonomy. The panelists also discuss how India can take advantage of this period to reform its internal policies and redefine its role as a regional hegemon. With insights into defense, economic policies, and the evolving geopolitical landscape, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what India might expect and how it can best prepare for the future. Topics: 00:00 Sneak peak 01:21 Introduction 02:59 Trump's Policies and Global Reactions 08:15 India's Geopolitical Maneuvering 20:24 Modi's US Visit Highlights 27:40 Negotiating with Trump 37:09 Regional Powers and India's Role 45:13 Indian Talent Exodus and Innovation Challenges 01:00:29 Protectionism and Indian Industry 01:19:52 Multilateralism and Global Organizations 01:29:45 The Role of Non-State Actors in U.S. Influence 01:35:21 Opportunities for India Amid Global Shifts 01:38:30 The Need for Bureaucratic and Policy Reforms 01:41:19 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook…

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259: Uncovering Tipu Sultan’s Dark Past! | Vikram Sampath (Author/Historian) 1:06:16

hace 21 días1:06:16

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In this engaging episode of the Bharatvaarta Podcast, host Sharan is joined by Dr. Vikram Sampath to discuss his latest book on the controversial history of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan's contrasting reigns. The conversation covers various aspects including Tipu Sultan's controversial policies, the methodological challenges of historical writing, and the nuances of presenting an impartial account in a polarized field. Dr. Sampath also shares insights into the importance of documenting contemporary lives for future historians and discusses his initiatives to support upcoming historians through the FIHCR (Foundation for Indian Historical and Cultural Research). Topics: 00:00 Introduction 01:06 Meet Dr. Vikram Sampath 01:36 The Haider and Tipu Saga 03:47 Balancing Historical Perspectives 05:23 The Craft of a Historian 05:34 Tipu Sultan's Documentation 07:21 Contemporary and Oral Sources 18:05 Comparing Haider and Tipu 26:49 Tipu's Language Policies 30:55 Tipu's Dreams and Interpretations 34:34 Toxic Masculinity and Treatment of Women 37:24 Historical Movies and Controversies 39:29 Challenges in Indian Historical Cinema 42:21 Religious Policies and Temple Grants 51:07 Role of Brahmins and Administrators 55:21 Controversial Historical Figures 57:52 Future of Historical Research 01:04:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts…

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258: Fixing Poverty in India | Manish Sabharwal (ex-Independent Director, RBI) | Policy 53:37

hace 5 weeks53:37

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On this episode of the Bharatvaarta podcast, we talk to Manish Sabharwal, former independent director at the Reserve Bank of India, explores India's economic and educational reforms over the last few decades. He discusses the impact of city-based growth on GDP, the comparison between India's and China's stock market performance, and the complexities of creating mass prosperity. The discussion covers India’s reform agenda, including the significance of NEP 2020, the role of regulatory cholesterol, and the challenges posed by modern state populism. Sabharwal emphasizes the need for continuous, incremental reforms, formalization, and the crucial role of urbanization, industrialization, financialization, and human capital in ensuring sustained economic growth. He also touches upon the importance of skill development, overcoming regulatory barriers, and leveraging India’s demographic advantages and overseas diaspora to fuel future growth. Topics: 00:00 Introduction 00:29 India's Economic Transformation: Past and Future 01:40 Challenges and Reforms in India's Economic Policies 02:21 Political Freedom vs. Economic Prosperity 03:01 Fiscal and Monetary Policy: Overrated Solutions? 04:48 Populism and Its Impact on Economic Growth 05:23 The Role of Government, Private Sector, and Non-Profits 08:40 Upcoming Budget and Economic Reforms 10:49 Ease of Doing Business: Regulatory Challenges 16:05 Education vs. Employability: The Skill Gap 21:34 The Importance of English in India's Job Market 28:38 Challenges of Local Governance in India 29:19 The Rise of Bangalore as a Tech Hub 30:35 Infrastructure and Job Creation 32:26 The Future of Kirana Stores and Self-Employment 34:07 Regulatory Challenges and Economic Reforms 34:26 Unpredictability of Job Creation 35:52 Formalization and Urbanization for Economic Growth 37:42 India's Economic Potential and Global Position 46:15 Structural Reforms and Future Challenges 50:19 Leveraging India's Diaspora and Entrepreneurship 52:43 Conclusion: Seizing the Opportunity…

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257: Temples as Financial Hubs? The Shocking Truth About Their Role in History | Sriram Balasubramanian (Author) 51:47

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In this episode of the Bharatvaarta podcast, we sit down with Dr. Sriram Balasubramanian, a renowned economist and author, to discuss his latest book, 'Dharmanomics.' Dr. Balasubramanian delves into the historical role of temples as economic instruments and their impact on village ecosystems in India. He further explores ancient principles of Dharma and how they can guide modern economics towards sustainable growth. The conversation includes insights into the temple-based economies, the role of culture and norms in economic decision-making, and the influence of ancient economic models on contemporary policy. This discussion is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of India's rich cultural heritage and its economic framework. 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Exploring Dharmanomics 02:10 The Concept of Dharmic Capitalism 03:48 Historical Economic Frameworks 09:28 The Importance of Scholarly Research 13:57 Temple Economy in Bharat 17:38 Temple-Based Economic Models in Southeast Asia 19:27 The Role of Temples as Financial Institutions 20:07 Redistributive Functions of Temples 21:52 Liberating Temple Economies from State Control 24:26 Sustainability in a Dharmic Economy 25:05 Sustainability and Dharmic Economics 25:36 Prime Minister's Vision and Policies 26:51 Dharmic Responsibilities and Cleanliness 28:51 Historical Economic Interactions 30:14 Role of Corporate Guilds 31:56 Chola Dynasty's Geopolitical Influence 37:18 Policy and Dharmic Economic Model 46:17 Future Projects and Dharmic Nudges 50:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Buy his book "Dharmanomics" here: https://amzn.in/d/4CAZTEB…

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256: Who’s Really Getting Ahead in India’s Economy? | Saurabh Mukherjea (Manager, Marcellus Invest) 1:32:14

hace 10 weeks1:32:14

1:32:14

In this episode of Bharatvaarta, Roshan talks to Saurabh Mukherjea for an in-depth discussion on India's economic prospects, the transformative impacts of political and economic policies over the last two decades, and the rising number of new DMAT accounts. They explore the key themes from Saurabh's book 'Behold the Leviathan', touching on India's macroeconomy, market investing strategies, and the socio-economic shifts impacting the nation. The conversation delves into the consequences of educational and healthcare investments, the disparity between the North and South, and the evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Additionally, they discuss the impact of digital public infrastructure and direct benefit transfer schemes, and the future challenges and growth potential of India's middle class. Saurabh also provides valuable investing insights, shares personal anecdotes, and reflects on the importance of adaptability in the rapidly changing economic landscape. Topics: 00:00 Sneak Peak 00:51 Introduction 01:53 Capitalism vs. Socialism in 1947 03:01 The Impact of Education and Policy Choices 05:54 Digital Public Infrastructure and Political Vision 07:40 The Rise of Women and Non-Elite Entrepreneurs 11:14 Challenges and Opportunities in the Indian Economy 17:27 Direct Benefit Transfers and Welfarism 21:58 Formalization and Access to Credit 26:02 Economic Growth and Income Inequality 34:30 Challenges to India's growth 39:30 Lessons from China and the Role of AI 46:33 Policy Interventions and Future Growth 49:39 Employment Linked Incentives (ELI) 50:37 Role of Conglomerates in India's Economy 53:17 Rise of Challenger Companies 57:23 Investing in the Indian Market 01:09:10 Principles of investing 01:18:42 Personal Insights and Reflections…

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255: How Corruption Is Undermining India's Growth | Mohandas Pai (Chairman, Aarin Capital) 53:23

hace 11 weeks53:23

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In this Bharatvaarta episode, host Sharan engages in an insightful conversation with Mohandas Pai about India's pressing economic and political issues. He discusses the challenges in creating well-paying jobs, the misuse of taxpayer money, and the disparity in education funding. He critiques the 'freebie' culture among politicians, the systemic corruption, and inefficiencies in public infrastructure projects. Pai also highlights the necessity for better investment in youth education, the broken justice system, and the need for improved governance and infrastructure, particularly in Bangalore. Topics: 00:00 Sneak peak 01:26 Introduction 01:40 The Freebie Culture in Indian Politics 02:32 Economic Disparities Across Indian States 05:28 Challenges in Job Creation and Education 12:24 Corruption in Government and Bureaucracy 14:28 Political Strategies and Voter Frustration 26:20 Issues in Government Execution and Accountability 28:52 Navigating Bureaucratic Hurdles 30:32 The Broken Justice System 35:10 Political and Social Challenges 41:38 The Future of Bangalore 43:20 Improving Infrastructure and Public Transport 47:30 Conclusion: The Vision for Bangalore…

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Ep 254 - Can India's Army Keep Up with the Changing Threat Landscape? | Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla 1:29:26

hace 13 weeks1:29:26

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In this episode of Bharatvaarta, host Kamal Madishetty dives into the evolving landscape of security and military strategy with distinguished veteran Lt. General Raj Shukla. With over four decades of service experience, General Shukla discusses the profound changes in the nature of warfare, the importance of technology and adaptability in modern combat, and the strategic priorities for India amidst complex global geopolitics. The conversation covers a range of topics including cyber warfare, space, hybrid warfare, the military-industrial complex, and the significant role of innovation in defense. General Shukla also emphasizes the critical need for robust national security measures, strategic deterrence, and the importance of integrating civilian and military efforts through a comprehensive national security outlook. This insightful episode provides a deep understanding of the challenges and future directions for India's defense and strategic landscape. Topics: 00:00 Sneak peak 01:21 Introduction 02:43 Discussion on Military Modernization 05:20 Impact of Drones and Technology in Warfare 07:56 Geopolitical Realities and National Security 10:45 Limiting China's Rise 17:34 Non-Traditional Security Threats 23:02 Tech innovation and military 29:56 Welfare of Veterans and Resource Allocation 38:47 Integration and Reforms in the Military 47:21 Strategic Deterrence and Military Assets 50:11 Beyond the Border: Expanding Deterrence 54:06 Space and Cyber Warfare Priorities 56:07 The Deep and Sophisticated China Challenge 57:47 China's Military and Economic Strategies 01:04:59 The Importance of Fail-Proof Deterrence 01:11:10 The CREEC Axis: A Grim Challenge 01:22:38 Strengthening National Security…

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Ep 253 - How One Man's Greed Shook India's Last Great Empire | Dr. Uday S Kulkarni (Author) 1:03:12

hace 18 weeks1:03:12

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In this episode of the Bharatvaarta podcast, we explore the rich tapestry of Maratha history with Dr. Uday S Kulkarni, a naval surgeon turned historian, discussing his latest book, 'Raghoba, The Assassination of Narayana Rao Peshwa.' The conversation reveals the challenges and triumphs of historical research, including accessing archives and overcoming biases. Dr. Uday S Kulkarni sheds light on significant events during the Maratha Empire, such as the Battle of Panipat and the first Anglo-Maratha War, while addressing topics like discrimination under Mughal rule and the strategic evolution of Maratha artillery. With reflections on unity, leadership, and cultural renaissance, this episode presents a comprehensive narrative on the impact and legacy of the Maratha Empire. Buy the book: https://amzn.in/d/adSFe16 Topics: 00:00 Sneak peak 02:08 Introduction 04:04 Dr. Uday's Journey from Medicine to History 06:55 Importance of Maratha History 11:00 Process of writing history 16:40 Being an outsider to writing history 21:53 History and Politics 24:24 Cultural Renaissance During the Maratha Period 27:56 Unknown facets of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj 30:04 Temple Restoration Efforts 31:30 Decline of the Maratha Empire 33:18 Shivaji Maharaj's Tactics and Nationalism 34:31 Significance of Narayanrao Peshwa’s Assassination 35:37 Battle of Panipat and Its Aftermath 39:34 Raghunath Rao's Ambitions and Conflicts 44:52 Role of Anandibai and the Ghardis 50:16 Consequences and Decline of the Maratha Empire 54:25 Reflections on Indian History and Unity 57:39 Future of Historical Narratives 01:00:48 Dr. Kulkarni’s Upcoming Work and Conclusion…

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EP 252: “The entire World is at War” | Espionage, National Security, & Geopolitics with Vikram Sood - Former Head, R&AW | Bharatvaarta 1:52:53

hace 20 weeks1:52:53

1:52:53

In this episode of the Bharatvaarta podcast, we feature Vikram Sood, the former head of Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) of India. This conversation explores a comprehensive range of topics centered on global politics and media narratives. He talks about the decline of U.S. influence, with a focus on ongoing conflicts such as the Ukraine war and Israel-Palestine tensions, along with the difficulties authentic journalism faces due to media agendas. The dialogue also delves into India's evolving security in light of terrorism and geopolitical forces, the role of technology in intelligence, and the influence of private corporations on national defense. We are also joined by Sagorika Sinha from A Questioning Mind as a co-host for this episode. Topics: 00:00 Sneak Peak 01:49 Introduction 02:44 Life After Retirement 05:23 Media Representation and Frustrations 10:27 Terrorism and Security Challenges 27:44 Regional Stability and Political Tumult 57:04 India's Diplomatic Relations with Nepal 59:48 The Decline of the U.S. as a Superpower 01:03:49 The Deep State and U.S. Governance 01:07:24 Russia-China Alliance and Global Impact 01:16:26 Media Narratives and Influence 01:43:44 India's Rise Amid Global Chaos 01:50:08 Rapid Fire Round and Conclusion…

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EP 250: Can Maharashtra be the first $1 Trillion State? | Kaustubh Dhavse(Joint Secretary, Govt. of Maharashtra) 1:01:56

hace 24 weeks1:01:56

1:01:56

In this episode of Bharatvaarta, Sharan hosts Mr. Kaustubh Dhavse, the joint secretary to Maharashtra's deputy chief minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, to discuss Maharashtra's goal of becoming a $1 Trillion economy. The conversation delves into Maharashtra's significant contributions to India's economy, infrastructural projects, and the government's strategies for achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2028. Mr. Dhavse highlights the role of visionary leadership under DyCM Devendra Fadnavis and CM Eknath Shinde. He highlights the infrastructural advancements in maharashtra including the Samruddhi Expressway, the new airport in mumbai, underground metro among others. The conversation also covers the innovative approach taken to solving bureaucratic challenges, balancing economic growth with political stability and addressing regional disparities in development.Sharan Setty is a journalist covering politics, society and security for a magazine based in New Delhi. 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Conversation with Kaustubh Dhavse 02:15 Mumbai's Infrastructure Transformation 04:11 Challenges and Leadership in Development 10:08 Regional Imbalance in Maharashtra 15:10 Investment Strategies and Emerging Hubs 21:31 Balancing Development and Welfare 27:42 Personal Insights and Political Complexities 32:31 Navigating Government Challenges 33:12 Advice for Aspiring Civil Servants 36:14 Addressing Corruption in Government 40:18 Tendering and Vendor Selection 46:11 Maharashtra's Growth Strategy 53:28 Political Challenges and Optimism 58:35 Future Vision for Mumbai and Maharashtra 01:01:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts…

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EP 249: The Bangladesh Regime Change - What can India learn?| Ruchir Sharma & Surya Kanegaonkar 2:02:07

hace 28 weeks2:02:07

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In this episode of Bharatvaarta podcast, Roshan engages with geopolitical experts Ruchir Sharma and Surya Kanegaonkar to discuss the ongoing political, social, and economic turmoil in Bangladesh following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's deposition. The experts examine the geopolitical interests and meddling of powers like the USA and China, rise of Islamist movements, and implications for India's security and foreign policy. Historical contexts and potential scenarios for Bangladesh's interim government are discussed, along with India's strategic response. Additionally, the conversation broadens to address the need for structural reforms in India, drawing parallels with countries like China, Yugoslavia, and Rwanda, and highlighting the risks of secessionism, federal architecture, and sovereignty. Topics: 00:00 Sneak peak 01:50 Introduction 03:46 Discussion on Bangladesh's Political Turmoil 07:06 Economic Factors and Political Instability 12:01 US Involvement and Regime Change 28:30 China's Role and Regional Dynamics 45:12 Historical Context and Current Implications 01:02:14 History of Military Interventions 01:04:15 Modern Geopolitical Dynamics 01:07:50 India's Strategic Challenges 01:11:00 Potential for Foreign Influence in India 01:19:47 Economic and Political Reforms in India 01:25:26 Lessons from Global Examples 01:55:58 Future of India-Bangladesh Relations 02:00:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Guest bio: Surya Kanegaonkar is a trader specializing in natural resources, geopolitics, and economics, with bylines in major publications like The Hindu and CNN News18. He is an alumnus of Imperial College and Warwick University, currently based in Zug, Switzerland. He is also a returning guest of the podcast. Twitter: https://x.com/suryakane Ruchir Sharma is an international affairs and social entrepreneurship expert across India and Europe and commentator in the media, having been quoted in the New York Times, and contributing to the Huffington Post, FirstPost, Swarajya, and Russia Insider, with a keen interest in the BRICS, European politics, and international terrorism. Ruchir is also a returning guest of the podcast. Twitter: https://x.com/ruchirsharma_1…

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Weekly #174: Inheritance Tax: The fight for India's wealth! 27:58

hace 44 weeks27:58

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In this episode of the Bharatvaarta weekly, Roshan and Abhishek discuss the fight between BJP and the opposition parties and how India's politics of wealth affects the country, they also talk about the suppression of free speech in US Universities and India's reaction to it and more!

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Ep 248: How Ancient Wisdom can Shape Modern Bharat’s Economy | Sriram Balasubramanian (Author) 58:36

hace 44 weeks58:36

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In this episode of the Bharatvaarta podcast, host Roshan Cariappa speaks with Sriram Balasubramanian, an economist, author, and contributing columnist, about the importance of understanding economic history and its relevance today. They discuss India's potential to become a $5 trillion economy and the vision for a developed nation by 2047, termed as the Amrit Kaal by the Prime Minister. Sriram offers insights into GDP growth, unemployment, urbanization, and the informal economy's role. He highlights the rich economic philosophies from India's past, especially from Kautilya's Arthashastra, and applies them to present-day economic challenges. Sriram also discusses his upcoming book that explores economic models in ancient Indian kingdoms and outlines principles for integrating ancient economic wisdom into modern policy-making, aiming towards sustainable growth and comprehensive development. Topics: 00:00 Sneak Peak 00:54 Introduction 01:11 Unveiling Economic History's Relevance Today 03:11 Exploring Ancient Economic Principles for Modern Bharat 09:00 Applying Ancient Wisdom to Modern Economic Challenges 22:41 The Vision of Amrit Kaal: Steering Towards a Developed Economy 27:19 Understanding the Informal Economy's Role in Future Growth 30:01 Exploring the Informal Economy and Dharmic Capitalism 31:56 Policy Innovations and the Impact of Swachh Bharat 33:38 Understanding Informal Economy Dynamics and Policy Implications 34:24 Challenges of Formalization and Urban Migration 38:02 The Role of Culture in Economic Choices 39:29 Democratization of Economic Thought and Policy Making 47:27 Urbanization Strategies and Developing Tier 2, 3, 4 Cities 52:56 Addressing Employment and Job Creation 54:59 Geopolitics and India's Global Economic Strategy 57:24 Anticipating the Sequel to Kautilyanomics _______________________ Buy Kautilyanomics: https://amzn.in/d/gKNvAZE…

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Weekly #173: Exporting Power: India’s BrahMos Missiles Reach the Philippines 19:06

hace 45 weeks19:06