ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

Shambhavi Choudhary is the youngest Member of Parliament in the 18th Lok Sabha. At 26 years old, she represents the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) from Samastipur. Her father, Ashok Choudhary, is a JDU leader and a key minister in Nitish Kumar's cabinet. She holds a Master’s degree in Sociology from the Delhi School of Economics and graduated from Lady Shri Ram College. She is pursuing a PhD on the participation of women in active electoral politics in Bihar from Magadh University. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Shambhavi talks about the challenges Bihar faces, including unemployment, migration, and the lack of business opportunities. She also discusses the recent BPSC protests, addressing whether there was a paper leak or not and why students in Bihar are obsessed with government jobs. Shambhavi shares her views on caste politics in Bihar and weighs in on whether Prashant Kishor could make a difference in the state’s politics. She strongly criticizes Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Chief Minister, calling it a period of stagnation. More on the problem of floods in Bihar and whether Nitish Kumar switches sides again or not. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 01:01 – BPSC Exam Controversy 07:36 – Prashant Kishor & Bihar Politics 14:03 – Bihar Students' Obsession with Govt Jobs 20:18 – Lack of Employment Opportunities and Migration in Bihar 30:00 – Caste Politics in Bihar 35:40 – Tejashwi Yadav vs Chirag Paswan 43:13 – Political Representation of Women in India 49:05 – Portrayal of Bihar in Movies 53:12 – Will Nitish Kumar Quit the NDA Again? 1:02:11 – Women's Reservation in Indian Politics 1:10:37 – Liquor Ban in Bihar 1:21:44 – Low Literacy Rate in Bihar

The ANI Podcast is launching a new format with live audience interaction! In this version of the show, ANI employees and reporters will be part of the audience, asking questions and sharing their thoughts. Hardeep Singh Puri, a seasoned diplomat and the current Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, joins the discussion. He criticizes former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not tackling corruption and pollution in the city. Puri also talks about India’s oil imports and shares his views on how India-US relations might change with Donald Trump becoming the 47th President. 00:00 - Introduction 01:43 - BJP’s Delhi Candidate List 09:20 - Kejriwal's Tenure as CM 12:18 - BJP Not Ready for Delhi Polls? 16:34 - Delhi's Education System 20:31 - EC Captured by the BJP? 24:04 - BJP vs Congress 28:20 - Who Is BJP's Delhi CM Face? 33:20 - AAP's Pujari Granthi Samaan Yojna 34:46 - Kejriwal vs Home Ministry 41:42 - Mohalla Clinics in Delhi 43:20 - BJP's Strategy for Delhi Polls 49:51 - Delhi Breathes Poison 51:50 - 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Survivors 54:20 - Dollar-Rupee Exchange Rate in Oil Imports 56:10 - Sanctions on Russian Oil Imports 01:00:24 - Trump as President: Good for India? 01:02:48 - Trump's Offer to Canada 01:08:44 - Sikh Community in Canada 01:11:45 - Mahakumbh 01:13:25 - Tharoor, Soros, and Puri's Meeting 01:18:35 - Rivalry in INDIA Bloc 01:26:23 - Rohingya Issue in Delhi

In the last two Delhi Assembly elections, Congress failed to secure a single seat out of 70. Its vote share has dropped from 40% to just 4% in the last 18 years. Can the Grand Old Party make a comeback in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections? Can it rejuvenate its cadre in the National Capital? Was it a mistake to support AAP in 2013? In this ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sandeep Dikshit, Former MP and son of Ex-Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit, answers these pressing questions. He also shares untold stories about Arvind Kejriwal from the India Against Corruption movement in 2011. Sandeep Dikshit is contesting the Assembly elections against Kejriwal from New Delhi, dedicating his campaign to his late mother, whom Kejriwal had called corrupt. Dikshit does not hold back, calling Kejriwal a megalomaniac. He also addresses key issues like traffic, Yamuna pollution, air pollution, and the need for clean water in Delhi. He discusses the India Alliance, explaining its current position and why its partners are not backing Congress in the Assembly polls. Dikshit predicts that Congress will secure a double-digit vote share in this election and that it won’t be a cakewalk for Arvind Kejriwal. 00:00 – Introduction 01:06 – Kejriwal vs. Sandeep Dikshit 11:22 – Kejriwal's Attack on Sheila Dikshit 17:48 – How Congress Lost the 2013 Delhi Polls 26:01 – Is Kejriwal Losing? 33:23 – How Delhi Votes 40:20 – INDIA Alliance 'Backs' AAP 46:52 – Congress' Delhi Nyay Yatra 50:16 – What's Wrong with Delhi Congress? 56:46 – Congress’ CM Face in Delhi 1:07:04 – ‘Megalomaniac Arvind Kejriwal’ 1:15:12 – 'Sheesh Mahal' Controversy 1:22:17 – Will CAG Reports Impact Delhi Polls? 1:29:11 – The Role of the Opposition in Delhi

Jaideep Ahlawat is a talented Indian actor known for his powerful performances. Born and raised in Rohtak, Haryana, he studied acting at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). He gained early recognition with films like Aakrosh (2010) and Khatta Meetha (2010), but it was Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) that helped him establish a foothold in the Hindi film industry. His big breakthrough came with Paatal Lok (2020), where he played Inspector Hathiram Chaudhary. The role won him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series and earned him widespread praise. In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Jaideep Ahlawat talks about the success of Paatal Lok 2, how his character has evolved, and the transformation he went through for the role. He also opens up about his relationship with his father and how it shaped his life and career. He shares his experiences working with top directors like Anurag Kashyap and actors such as Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Ranbir Kapoor. He also discusses Bollywood’s reality, including nepotism and the media’s obsession with celebrities’ personal lives. Jaideep reflects on his career, his favorite directors, and what it was like working with Shah Rukh Khan. He also talks about his interest in South Indian films and the much-awaited The Family Man 3 with Manoj Bajpayee. 00:00 - Introduction 01:41 - Paatal Lok 2 Success 08:13 - Hathi Ram Chaudhary’s Character Explained 11:34 - Jaideep Ahlawat vs. Hathi Ram Chaudhary 12:11 - Relationship with His Father 18:40 - Transformation for Paatal Lok 2 24:07 - Hathi Ram’s Famous Dialogues 28:35 - Real vs. Reel Life 32:40 - Hathi Ram’s Journey Over the Years 34:28 - Viral Photo from FTII Days 38:20 - Anurag Kashyap as a Director 40:44 - Sharing Screen with Kareena, Alia & Ranbir 42:07 - Reality of Bollywood 45:20 - Nepotism 46:57 - Media Focus on Celebrities' Personal Lives 51:42 - Career Path 54:03 - Favorite Directors 55:04 - Working with Shah Rukh Khan 57:43 - Handling Fans 01:04:05 - Unforgettable Experience in Life 01:05:05 - South Indian Movies 01:13:10 - Need for Family Support 01:17:20 - Favorite Actors 01:21:20 - The Family Man 3 with Manoj Bajpayee 01:24:50 - Upcoming Projects

Dr. Shamika Ravi is a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and a Secretary to the Government of India. Her research focuses on the economics of development, including Finance, Healthcare, Urbanization, Gender Equality, Welfare and Poverty. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Shamika Ravi talks about India’s economic outlook for 2025 and whether the world’s fastest-growing economy is slowing down. She also discusses women’s participation in the workforce in India and how it has changed over the past decade. Dr. Ravi highlights the challenges posed by an ageing population in southern states and explains why leaders like CM Stalin and Naidu are encouraging families to have more children. She shares insights on the fertility rates of Hindus and Muslims in India and how population changes can impact national security and policymaking. She also speaks on NRC whether India is or not and if there is a need for anti-conversion laws. Dr. Ravi raises concerns about election freebies and discusses whether MSP (Minimum Support Price) can be provided to farmers for all crops. 00:00 – Introduction 02:11 – Food Consumption Patterns in India 08:56 – India's Economic Outlook 12:05 – Gender Discrimination at Work 22:53 – Female Participation at work in India 33:42 – Naidu, Stalin's Call for 'More Children' 36:29 – Fertility Rates of Hindus, Muslims in India 46:16 – Impact of Demographic Changes on Policy-Making 56:34 – Is India Ready for the NRC? 1:02:46 – Anti-Conversion Law 1:08:34 – Are Freebies Sustainable? 1:14:19 – RSS Chief Bhagwat’s Call for ‘3 Kids’ 1:19:31 – Can MSP Be Given on All Crops? 1:22:50 – Conducting the Census in India

Will the BJP end the schemes run by the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi? What will happen to Mohalla Clinics and free bus rides for women? Will free education for all continue? Is the BJP offering freebies to win power in Delhi? In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Baijayant Jay Panda, BJP National Vice President and MP from Kendrapara, joins us. He has been appointed as the Delhi BJP election in-charge and answers questions about AAP’s schemes and the BJP's manifesto. Panda accuses AAP of focusing on drama and claims that Delhiites want a double-engine government that works without conflict. He also talks about the three-way contest in Delhi between the BJP, AAP, and Congress. He shares the BJP’s plans to tackle Delhi’s air pollution and explains why the party is releasing its manifesto in three parts. He also discusses why leaders like Smriti Irani, Nupur Sharma, and Meenakshi Lekhi haven’t been given tickets for the Delhi Assembly polls. More on the Sheesh Mahal controversy, law and order in Delhi, and the liquor scam. 00:00 - Introduction 00:50 - Delhi Assembly Polls 03:21 - BJP Karyakarta vs. AAP Karyakarta 06:51 - Lok Sabha & Vidhan Sabha Voting Patterns 12:42 - Muslim Voters & BJP Saga 16:32 - "Samvidhan Badal Denge" Row 19:30 - CM-LG Rows 21:45 - AAP's 'Drama' Politics 23:02 - Honouring Congress' stalwarts 27:47 - A 3-Way Battle in Delhi? 34:11 - 'Fake' Voters in Delhi 36:02 - BJP's Plan to Tackle Delhi's Air Crisis 40:18 - Law and Order in Delhi 44:03 - Delhi 'Liquor' Scam 45:52 - BJP's Election Manifesto 49:35 - Is BJP Copying AAP's Schemes? 52:21 - Will BJP End AAP's Schemes? 55:00 - Poverty Issues in Odisha 58:25 - Are Freebies the Route to Power? 01:01:16 - Ayushman Bharat Scheme vs. Mohalla Clinics 01:04:50 - Is 'Hinduism' a Factor in Elections? 01:08:35 - BJP's In-Charge for Delhi Polls 01:10:49 - Is RSS Helping BJP in Delhi Polls? 01:12:50 - BJP's CM Face in Delhi? 01:15:05 - Smriti Irani, Nupur Sharma, Meenakshi Lekhi

Can the BJP break the 27-year jinx and form a government in the National Capital? Who has the edge in the 2025 Delhi Assembly polls? Where does the BJP stand in Delhi? Is RSS backing the BJP in the Delhi polls? Are freebies the route to power? Who is BJP’s main rival in Delhi—Congress or AAP? In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Parvesh Verma, former MP, answers all these questions. He is the BJP's candidate from New Delhi, contesting against Arvind Kejriwal and Sandeep Dikshit. Parvesh claims that the Aam Aadmi Party is riddled with corruption and has done nothing for the people of Delhi. He also discusses voter list manipulation charges and vote-buying allegations against him by the AAP. Parvesh Verma also shares the story when Rahul Gandhi offered him to join Congress and contest elections. He also discusses the Sheesh Mahal vs. Raj Mahal row and BJP’s CM face for Delhi Polls. Listen in for more on nepotism in the BJP and why Jat voters matter in Delhi. 00:00 – Introduction 01:50 – Kejriwal vs. Parvesh 07:56 – Voter List Manipulation Charge 15:26 – Why Jat Votes Matter in Delhi 19:04 – CAG Report on Delhi's Scrapped Excise Policy 24:07 – Sheesh Mahal vs. Raj Mahal 29:38 – BJP’s CM Face for Delhi Polls 32:41 – Bidhuri’s Controversial Remarks 34:20 – War Over 'Fake' Voters in Delhi 41:02 – BJP's Strategy in Delhi Polls 44:59 – Vote-Buying Allegations 49:29 – Third Party’s Role in Delhi Polls 56:58 – Nepotism in BJP and Other Parties 58:29 – RSS Factor for BJP in Elections

Why did Justin Trudeau resign? Is it a temporary tactic? What are Trudeau's scandals? Did Khalistanis prop up his government? What’s the impact on Canada after Trump won the election? To answer these questions, we are joined by Kushal Mehra, author and podcaster, and Daniel Bordman, senior correspondent for The National Telegraph and Geopolitical Analyst. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Kushal Mehra and Daniel Bordman discuss a range of topics, including who could succeed Justin Trudeau as the Liberal Party leader and the impact of Trudeau's immigration policies on Indian students. They also discussed Trump's influence on Canadian policies, Canadian trade relations with the USA, and the recent attacks on Hindu temples in Canada. Don’t miss this episode to learn about these critical geopolitical issues and the India-Canada row. 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – Foreign interference in Canadian politics 11:56 – Trudeau's leadership and media Influence 21:16 – Who could succeed Trudeau as Liberal Party leader? 32:22 – Impact of Trudeau's immigration policies on Indian students 42:35 – Trudeau's approach to Khalistan movement 53:22 – Trump's influence on Canadian policies 1:02:43 – Canadian trade relations with the USA 1:15:57 – Attacks on Hindu temple in Canada 1:23:37 – Backlash against Khalistani supporters in Canada 1:33:04 – Indian media's coverage and Canada's fear of foreign media 1:43:26 – Canadian 'Honk Honk' rhetoric 1:51:49 – Canada's view on Modi: A threat or a global leader?

What is Dharmic Capitalism? How can Dharma power India’s economy? What role do temples play in the modern economy? How has Dharma shaped India’s economy over the centuries? And how did Kautilya use Dharma to boost the economy and ensure political stability? Sriram Balasubramanian, an economist and author, explores these questions in the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash. Discussing his latest book, 'Dharmanomics: An Indigenous and Sustainable Economic Model', Sriram explains how India's economic frameworks once left the world in awe. This is his second book, following 'Kautilyanomics', which examined how Kautilya, also known as Chanakya's ideas have found resonance in today's world. Sriram also discusses the critical role of wealth creators in society. Based in the USA, Sriram also shares his thoughts on Donald Trump’s economic vision for America and his plans to steer the country’s financial future. 00:00 - Introduction 01:20 - Dharmanomics and Dharmic Capitalism 08:33 - How Governance and Economics are Linked 16:12 - Indian Influence on Southeast Asia 28:03 - Ayodhya Temple Land Acquisition 31:03 - Chola Empire Laborers and Temple Inscriptions Explained 41:00 - Role of Wealth Creators 56:14 - Trump's Economic Policies 59:24 - Working Class and a Billionaire President 01:01:53 - Inflation in the USA 01:05:49 - Why Kamala Harris Lost 01:08:49 - US-China Row 01:11:05 - Xi's Expansion Plans 01:13:09 - Musk's Doge

Do UFOs exist, or are they just illusions? What’s the truth behind sightings in New Jersey and California? Is the USA hiding something? And why is there no big UFO culture in India? Has the Indian Air Force ever encountered a UFO? In this latest episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Air Marshal Dilip Kumar Patnaik (Retd.), former Eastern Air Commander, answers all these intriguing questions. He also shares untold stories from the Kargil War, including flying some of the deadliest missions and dropping over two dozen bombs on enemy positions. Air Marshal Patnaik provides a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes action of the Balakot airstrikes, revealing the message the Indian government intended to send to Pakistan. Additionally, he discusses the future of drone warfare and how it could become a game-changer in modern conflicts. Wrapping up, he explains his decision to join the BJP and what he hopes to achieve in his new role. 00:00 - Coming Up 01:33 - Introduction 02:14 - Mysterious Sightings in the USA 07:24 - Indian Mythology & UFO Culture 10:03 - Indian Air Force's Role in the Kargil War 16:38 - 'Game Changer' Mirage in the Kargil War 26:25 - Attack on Muntho Dhalo 34:32 - Experience of Air Strikes in the Kargil War 36:58 - Battle Scars 38:24 - Balakot Operation 41:13 - Pincer Attack Explained 46:47 - Pre-War Pilot Instructions 49:16 - Cat's Paw in the Air Force Explained 53:00 - How Abhinandan Varthaman Was Captured 58:19 - Return of Abhinandan to India 01:03:51 - Indian Air Force vs Pak Air Force vs China's Air Force 01:10:58 - 'IAF Requires More Aircraft' 01:17:00 - Drone Attacks in Kazan, Russia 01:21:18 - India's Aging Aircraft 01:23:37 - Bangladesh Crisis 01:28:53 - Challenges for Border Security 01:36:28 - Bangladesh Crisis: Third Front War for India? 01:38:43 - How Pakistan Sees the Bangladesh Crisis 01:40:15- Joining BJP

From politics to dating, cricket to OTT shows, the ANI Podcast Team wraps up 2024 with a year-end special that's both entertaining and insightful. Every topic is seasoned with a pinch of wit and a dash of intrigue, making it a must-listen! In this special edition, hosted by Smita Prakash, the guests bring their unique perspectives to the table: Shehzad Poonawalla, National Spokesperson of the BJP, shares his take on the political highlights of the year. Kushal Mehra, an author and podcaster, weighs in on cultural shifts, Foreign Policy, and more. Vinamre Kasanaa, popularly known as Dostcast, dives into the world of content creation, podcasting in India, and dating culture. Together, they unpack a wide range of topics, offering sharp insights and plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you're a news junkie or just here for the banter, this episode has something for everyone! 00:00 - Introduction 03:13 - How Content Creation Has Evolved 08:15 - Podcasting in India 17:09 - When Views Drop on Podcasts 22:17 - Modi: The Best PM India Has Ever Had? 25:40 - Should India Legalize Same-Sex Marriage? 28:21 - Has India's Foreign Policy Improved Under the BJP? 32:23 - Is Free Speech Under Threat in India? 40:57 - Has India's Social Fabric Been Ruined in the Last 10 Years? 48:07 - Hindu Rashtra 51:03 - Caste-Based Reservation 55:58 - Best Daily Soap Serial and Why 57:36 - Marriage and Opposing Political Views 59:08 - Will You Stay Friends with Your Ex? 01:00:13 - Most Overrated Sports 01:01:21 - How Much Do You Spend on a First Date? 01:05:23 - What Makes You Proud to Be an Indian? 01:05:49 - Year 2024 in One Word 01:06:54 - Disrespecting Culture 01:10:28 - Does Religion Matter Before Entering a Relationship? 01:16:10 - Overrated Celebrity 01:17:32 - Picking India's Best Cricket Player 01:20:03 - Is It Okay to Cheat on Your Barber? 01:23:13 - Indian of the Year? 01:27:43 - Overrated Film 01:29:48 - The Kapoors Meeting PM Modi 01:37:44 - Online Trolling 01:39:21 - Favourite Podcaster 01:43:59 - Fame and Criticism 01:50:12 - Politicians and Their Attire 01:57:35 - Power Dynamics During Interviews 02:00:45 - Shehzad's 2025 Resolutions 02:02:53 - Kushal's 2025 Resolutions 02:04:08 - Vinamre's 2025 Resolutions 02:06:47 - Smita's 2025 Resolutions

The suicide of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash has brought the spotlight onto gender-biased laws in India. Why did suicide become the only option for Atul Subhash? Who is responsible for his death— the system, the judiciary, or the police? His tragic death has sparked a demand for gender-neutral laws in India. In an episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Priya Jain, a lawyer and co-founder of Finology Legal, discusses the legal challenges and how some sections of the law are not gender-neutral. Anil Murty, co-founder of the Save Indian Family Foundation, points out that Atul Subhash is not an isolated case. There are many others who face similar outcomes, highlighting a larger problem in India. Abhijit Iyer Mitra, senior fellow at the Institute of Peace & Conflict Studies, shares his perspective on how these laws are shaping India’s story. 00:00 - Introduction 02:01 - The Atul Subhash Case 08:52 - Men's Rights and Media Trials 16:31 - What Led Atul to Die by Suicide? 24:46 - Who Is Responsible for Atul's Death? 27:02 - Section 498A and Its Misuse 31:59 - The Indian Judiciary and Judges 34:51 - Marriage as an Institution 39:32 - Prenuptial Agreements Before Marriage 41:57 - Forced Marriages in Bihar 44:50 - UP Officer Booked for Exploiting IIT Kanpur Student 46:16 - The Police's Role in Forced Marriages 50:21 - The Role of Marriage Mediators in Settling Divorce Disputes 54:27 - The Need for Gender-Neutral Laws 58:43 - Kids' Role in Divorce Settlements 01:01:26 - Understanding Perjury in Divorce Cases 01:06:37 - Karnataka's Progressive Judgments 01:08:41 - Legal Pros and Cons of Marriage 01:13:32 - Gay Relationships 01:16:34 - The Role of Save Indian Family Foundation 01:22:46 - Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar 01:24:37 - Prenuptial Agreements

There seems to be no end to the Temple-Mosque disputes in India. After Ayodhya, claims have emerged regarding a mosque allegedly being built after the demolition of a temple in U.P.'s Sambhal. What does the Places of Worship Act, 1991, say about such disputes? Did the Ayodhya judgment set a legal precedent? And what about maintaining communal harmony? In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, J. Sai Deepak, a Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India and the Delhi High Court, delves into several pressing issues. He shares his insights on Tamil Nadu's political landscape, the broader dynamics of Indian politics, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's advocacy for the 'Secular Civil Code'. Additionally, he sheds light on the challenges faced by the Hindu community in Bangladesh and discusses the implications of these issues on India's socio-political fabric. 00:00 - Introduction 01:56 - Sambhal Mosque Row 06:58 - Conversion of Worship Sites 15:58 - Pending Cases in Mosque-Temple Disputes 19:32 - The Places of Worship Act, 1991 22:37 - Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb 26:11 - Historians and Temple-Mosque Disputes 30:49 - Justice R.F. Nariman on Ayodhya Verdict 33:48 - How Many Temples Were Destroyed 36:51 - Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh 47:06 - Snap Reaction on Asaduddin Owaisi 49:31 - Snap Reaction on D.Y. Chandrachud 52:26 - Snap Reaction on K. Annamalai 56:43 - Snap Reaction on PM Narendra Modi 01:03:07 - Snap Reaction on Omar Abdullah 01:05:30 - Snap Reaction on Rahul Gandhi 01:10:11 - Snap Reaction on Udayanidhi Stalin 01:11:11 - Thalapathy Vijay in Tamil Nadu's Politics 01:15:21 - Social Media Fan Following 01:16:40 - J. Sai Deepak's 3rd Book 01:18:26 - Senior Advocates and Junior Advocates in Court 01:21:22 - Nepotism in the Judiciary 01:25:06 - PM's Push for 'Secular Civil Code'

Why are mental health disorder cases rising in India? Why are so many young people struggling with depression and anxiety? What are the real causes of ADHD, and how can we break common myths about mental health? To answer these questions, we are joined by Dr. Achal Bhagat, one of New Delhi’s leading psychiatrists. He is a Senior Consultant Psychiatrist and leads a team of psychologists, social workers, and therapists. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr Bhagat talks about India’s mental health crisis, including stress at work, relationship struggles, and rising divorce rates. He also explains why children and teenagers are more affected by depression and how society often misunderstands mental health. Don’t miss this episode to learn how to manage stress, anxiety, and depression, and how to seek help from professionals. Audio Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:48 - Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist vs. Therapist 09:07 - Violence Against Women 12:15 - Depression Among Women 14:05 - Mental Health Stigma 17:21 - Mental Health Myths 22:38 - Time to Discuss Mental Health 23:12 - Suicide Cases in Kota 27:00 - Parental and School Pressure 28:44 - How Psychiatrists Handle Suicidal Thoughts 33:42 - Loneliness Among the Ageing Population 40:22 - Social Media Addiction 43:10 - Work-Life Pressure 50:22 - Managing Relationship Pressures 54:12 - Increasing Divorce Rates in India 58:00 - Alcohol and Smoking 01:00:09 - Pollution and Mental Health 01:02:38 - Depression and Anxiety 01:04:15 - Mental Illness: Diagnosis and Treatment 01:08:21 - Genetics and Mental Health Disorders 01:11:22 - Helping Someone in Mental Distress 01:30:10 - Mental Health Terms to Avoid 01:34:00 - Parenting for Boys and Girls 01:37:28 - Relationship Between Patients and Psychiatrists

What does it take to become a supermodel? How difficult is it to reach the top of the modelling industry? What role do diet and body image play in modelling? Why is there a rise in cosmetic surgeries among models and actors? What goes on behind the scenes during a fashion show? To answer these questions, we're joined by Alicia Kaur, a Mumbai-based model originally from Australia, who has made a name for herself in the fashion industry. In this ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Alicia talks about the challenges she faced in the modelling world and why discipline is key to success. She also shares her struggles while working in China and discusses the roles of designers, choreographers, and models in fashion events. Alicia opens up about a viral skit she did with actor Sidharth Malhotra, which led to a lot of criticism. She also speaks about her decision to undergo breast surgery and why some models feel the need to enhance their facial features. Plus, she shares her experience of working with Shah Rukh Khan on an ad campaign. Don't miss this episode to learn what it takes to be a supermodel. 00:00 - Introduction 00:38 - Modeling: A Childhood Dream 08:08 - Work Experience in China 15:08 - Struggling Due to Passport Theft in Hong Kong 17:52 - Journey to Becoming a Supermodel & Touring India 21:08 - Sidharth Malhotra & Alicia's Viral Video 23:58 - Role of Designers, Choreographers, and Models in Fashion Events 25:55 - What Happens Backstage During Fashion Shows 28:35 - Choosing Veganism 35:01 - Cosmetic Surgery Among Models 39:16 - The Reason for Undergoing Breast Surgery 42:06 - Celebrities Trolled for Botox 45:23 - Facing Acceptance Issues 48:16 - Favorite Designers 50:18 - Drug Issues in the Modeling Industry 51:38 - Is Modeling a Gateway to Bollywood? 52:41 - Working Experience with Shah Rukh Khan 55:53 - First Ad Shoot in India 57:36 - Addressing Skin Color Diversity in Modeling 01:02:58 - Advice for Aspiring Models 01:07:53 - Favorite Indian Food

Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore from 1782 to 1799, is often celebrated in history books as a freedom fighter and the "Tiger of Mysore." He was the son of Hyder Ali, a Muslim military officer who became the king of Mysore after overthrowing the Hindu Wadiyar dynasty. But was Tipu Sultan truly a freedom fighter, or was he an Islamist ruler known for his tyranny? In his latest book, 'Tipu Sultan: The Saga of Mysore's Interregnum (1760–1799)', historian and author Dr. Vikram Sampath challenges the popular narratives about Tipu Sultan. Drawing on detailed research, Dr. Sampath explains Tipu’s actions against Hindus and Christians, including the destruction of temples, forced conversion to Islam, and what he describes as "religious genocide." Dr Sampath, known for his two-volume biography of V.D. Savarkar and other notable works, discusses these controversial aspects of Tipu Sultan’s rule in this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash. He also criticizes political parties for celebrating Tipu Jayanti, arguing that Tipu’s legacy includes the torture and slaughter of thousands of Hindus and Christians and that he should be remembered for these actions, not glorified. Tune in to this episode to uncover the true history of Tipu Sultan and understand why he remains a figure of admiration in Pakistan and among its politicians. 00:00 - Introduction 02:10 - Why write a book on Tipu Sultan? 06:55 - Fire at the 'Sword of Tipu Sultan' set, 1989 09:50 - How did Vikram Learn Kannada 17:40 - Article on Mysore Dewans 22:21 - How long did the book research take? 29:45 - On Tipu Sultan's father, Hyder Ali 37:55 - How Hyder Ali overthrew the Wadiyars 48:05 - Tipu Sultan’s mother 56:35 - Naraka Chaturdashi Story 01:09:10 - Hyder Ali, a 'womanizer' 01:19:20 - Mass circumcision of 85,000 Kodavas (Coorgis) 01:25:30 - Was Tipu Sultan a freedom fighter? 01:34:10 - The first decade of Tipu's rule 01:45:40 - Shankaracharya's trick to save the Math 01:54:50 - The surrender of Tipu Sultan’s two sons 02:03:28 - The cannons of Tipu Sultan 02:08:20 - The reason behind writing the 984-page book 02:11:30 - Black magic

Sunil Chhetri is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players in India. Playing as a forward for the national team from 2005 to 2024, he became the country's all-time top goal-scorer and most-capped player. Internationally, he stands fourth on the list of all-time goal-scorers, behind legends like Messi, Ronaldo, and Daei. In Indian club football, Chhetri has been a star, representing teams like Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bagan, and Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League. Over his two-decade-long career, he has maintained exceptional fitness and performance, even into his late 30s. He retired from international football in June 2024. In this podcast with Smita Prakash, you'll see a new side of Sunil Chhetri. He talks openly about his struggles, why he chose football, the role his family played in his journey, and the importance of food and fitness in an athlete’s life. Chhetri also shares his thoughts on handling criticism on social media, his retirement plans, and his close friendship with Indian cricketer Virat Kohli. He even reveals whether he plans to enter politics after retirement. Don't miss this candid conversation with India's football legend, Sunil Chhetri, like you've never seen before! 00:00 - Introduction 02:06 - Childhood Memories from Delhi 08:04 - Growing Up: School Days in Delhi 11:52 - Why Chhetri Chose Football 15:33 - Getting into Mohun Bagan Club 21:40 - What Athletes Should Eat 26:25 - Chhetri's Love for Football 29:52 - Struggling in Foreign Clubs 36:05 - Good and Bad Days in Sports 37:59 - Experience Playing for Mohun Bagan 40:44 - How Football Fans Behave 45:29 - Handling Fans in Public 47:12 - Role of Money in Football 54:44 - Underprivileged Kids & Their Desire to Succeed in Sports 01:03:43 - Feeling After Scoring Against Pakistan 01:04:09 - Retirement Announcement 01:09:11 - Fans' Reactions During Matches 01:11:22 - Controversial Kick Against Kerala Blasters 01:14:38 - Dealing with Social Media Trolling 01:17:42 - Football Fans vs. Cricket Fans 01:20:40 - Does Chhetri Play Cricket? 01:21:38 - Common Traits Between Virat Kohli & Sunil Chhetri 01:24:17 - Feeling While Playing Against Pakistan 01:27:49 - Igor Stimac’s Astrologer Allegations 01:28:50 - Does Chhetri Believe in Astrology? 01:30:19 - Failures & Leading the Indian Football Team 01:35:11 - How India Can Beat the US & China in Sports 01:40:24 - Never Endorsing Gutka or Sugary Products 01:41:50 - Veg vs. Non-Veg Food in Sports 01:46:05 - Sleep, Food, and Timing 01:50:14 - Chhetri on His Son Becoming a Footballer 01:51:24 - Athletes Chhetri Admired 01:54:26 - School Days 01:57:39 - Peak Period of Career 02:00:37 - Plans After ISL & Joining Politics 02:03:57 - Benefits of Ice Baths 02:05:24 - Impact of Social Media Usage on Youngsters 02:07:07 - What After Ronaldo and Messi? 02:10:03 - Chhetri on Retirement 02:12:14 - Will Chhetri Become a Coach? 02:15:09 - Helping Underprivileged Kids in Sports 02:18:17 - Hard Work vs. Hunger vs. Talent in Sports 02:21:57 - Parents Watching Chhetri's Games 02:23:19 - Sledging in Football 02:27:55 - Role and Support of Family 02:31:56 - Why India Loves Chhetri

What is Brahma Kumaris? Is it a religious cult or a spiritual movement? How did a movement that began in the 1930s in Hyderabad, Sindh (now in Pakistan), grow to have over a million followers and 5000 centres in 135 countries worldwide? What is the purpose of Brahma Kumaris? How do its followers view religion, and why do women hold key administrative positions within the organization? In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, BK Shivani answers these questions. A practitioner and teacher of Rajyoga Meditation since 1996, BK Shivani is a well-known TV personality and the host of the show 'Awakening With Brahma Kumaris', which focuses on mental stress, happiness, and relationships. She also shares her thoughts on Ram Rajya, Akhand Bharat, and parenting in this insightful conversation. 00:00 - Introduction 01:56 - How Brahma Kumaris Began 10:58 - Ram Rajya & Akhand Bharat 15:18 - The Role of Religion in People’s Lives 21:20 - Why BK Shivani Joined Brahma Kumaris 28:02 - Adopting Celibacy 30:28 - Why Do Brahma Kumaris Wear White Clothes? 35:37 - Rules of Celibacy 40:45 - How to End Violence and Crime 47:17 - Garbh Sanskar Explained 54:22 - Outside vs. Home-Cooked Food 56:46 - Attachment vs. Love 01:03:08 - Can You Always Think Right? 01:09:08 - Why Don’t Brahma Kumaris Eat Outside? 01:14:06 - Is the End of Kalyug Near? 01:16:09 - What Is Forgiveness? 01:23:57 - How Are Atheists Taught Spirituality? 01:29:58 - Do Issues Vary Between the Rich and the Poor? 01:32:15 - Holidays: Before vs. Now 01:38:51 - Can Anyone Change Someone’s Thinking? 01:43:28 - BK Shivani’s Thoughts on Crime and Violence 01:46:35 - Is There Any Role of Destiny in Life? 01:52:50 - Talking to a Loved One at Life’s Final Stage 02:07:38 - Live-In Relationships 02:09:02 - Substance Abuse 02:15:58 - Social Media 02:17:19 - The Joy of Missing Out 02:19:54 - Divorce 02:28:37 - News Debates 02:30:18 - Sex Education 02:34:46 - What Is Love? 02:37:42 - Stress 02:40:43 - Therapy

This special podcast discusses two pressing issues involving India’s neighbours, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Since Sheikh Hasina's ouster, over 2,000 attacks on Hindus have been reported in Bangladesh. Is this part of a 'religious cleansing' against Hindus? Is Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus’s regime aligning with Islamist forces? Could India face a surge of migrants in the coming months? Meanwhile, Pakistan’s political chaos shows no signs of slowing down. PTI supporters, led by Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, marched towards Islamabad, resulting in dozens of deaths and many injuries. What lies ahead for Imran Khan? Will he ever be released from jail? To answer all these questions, the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash is joined by two experts Tilak Devasher, an author of three acclaimed books on Pakistan and a National Security Advisory Board member. Sushant Sareen, a senior fellow at ORF and a leading analyst on Pakistani affairs. The podcast also explores how the political and social turmoil in Bangladesh and Pakistan could impact India. 00:00 - Coming Up 00:00 - Introduction 04:25 - Recognition of Bangladesh & Pakistan 06:43 - Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh 13:36 - Muhammad Yunus and Jamaat 15:38 - Bangladesh Becoming a 'Taliban State'? 20:06 - Will Bangladesh Army Stop Violence Against Hindus? 23:31 - Role of the Deep State in Pakistan & Bangladesh 29:11 - Social Media and Political Mobilization 30:16 - Why Pakistanis Are Using VPNs 34:46 - Pro-Imran Khan Protests 42:10 - Who Is Bushra Bibi? 48:50 - How Crowd Control Works 56:18 - Why Did Imran Khan Marry Bushra Bibi? 1:02:31 - Pakistan Army vs. Imran Khan 1:09:20 - Pakistan Army Losing Its Hold on the Country? 1:13:30 - Saudi Arabia’s Connection to Imran Khan 1:16:18 - What Happens If Imran Khan Comes Out of Jail? 1:19:23 - Why Is Imran Khan Still Popular in Pakistan? 1:25:12 - What’s Next for Imran Khan? 1:28:27 - "Pakistan Is Running Dry" 1:31:30 - The Situation of Hindus in Bangladesh 1:36:30 - India’s Response to Bangladesh 1:41:30 - Pakistan’s Existential Crisis

Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud served as the 50th Chief Justice of India from November 9, 2022, to November 10, 2024. During his tenure, he was a part of several landmark judgments, including the Ayodhya verdict, the decriminalization of Section 377, entry of women into the Sabarimala temple, the fundamental right to privacy, and the constitutionality of the Electoral Bonds Scheme, among others. He is widely respected for making the judiciary more tech-savvy and accessible. Under his leadership, the court embraced technological advancements such as live broadcasting of hearings, digitalization of Supreme Court and High Court records, and AI for transcribing judicial proceedings. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the former Chief Justice shares his views on several key issues. He discusses the collegium system, the Ayodhya Ram Temple verdict, and the impact of online trolling on judges' mental well-being. He highlights the heavy scrutiny judges face in the age of social media, where every word and decision is closely examined. Justice Chandrachud also addresses the opposition's claim that the judiciary is under pressure. He emphasizes that one does not need to be an atheist to deliver unbiased and fair judgments and speaks about practising faith while upholding the law. The conversation also touches on his retirement, his choice to follow a vegan lifestyle, his family, and his thoughts on whether he might enter politics in the future. 00:00 - Coming Up 00:00 - Introduction 01:38 - Retirement Plans 04:16 - On Teaching Law 06:24 - Delhi Air Pollution 12:20 - Delhi Govt vs L-G Tussle 16:42 - On his legacy 18:35 - Why He Chose to Become a Judge 23:04 - Trolling of Judges 25:54 - SC Handbook on Gender Stereotypes 29:21 - Media Scrutiny 31:54 - Who Authored the Ayodhya Verdict 36:33 - Liberal vs Conservative Judge Labels 38:17 - When the Ex-CJI Prayed for a Solution 44:17 - Sambhal Mosque Row 45:51 - Ganpati Puja with PM Modi 48:37 - Is the Indian Judiciary Under Pressure? 56:20 - Article 370 Judgment 57:24 - Overturning His Father’s Judgment 58:37 - Why He Got into the Legal Profession 01:02:24 - Nepotism in the Indian Judicial System 01:06:04 - The Collegium System 01:09:21 - Pendency of Court Cases in India 01:18:10 - Advocates’ Affordability 01:27:24 - Decriminalization of Homosexuality 01:32:24 - Roe v. Wade Judgment 01:34:16 - Disability-Friendly Courts 01:39:00 - Choosing a Vegan Lifestyle 01:44:40 - Judges Entering Politics 01:49:58 - Supreme Court Prison Report 01:53:34 - Privacy Issues for Judges in the Digital Era 01:56:13 - Live Telecast of Hearings 02:04:30 - Caste Element in Judgments 02:08:04 - International Disputes 02:12:19 - How DY Chandrachud Relaxes 02:17:57 - Hindi vs English- language used in courts 02:23:09 - Interaction with PM, CM, and President