Podcast
ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash
Hosted by Asian News International (ANI) · EN
ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash gets eminent people from different walks of life to talk about issues that impact you and society at large. Join Smita Prakash as she brings important voices from the field of politics, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. Dive in for a great listening experience brought to you by India’s largest news agency.
55episodes
Episodes
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EP-418 | Desi Nostalgia, Truck Shayari, Politics & Friendship | ANI Podcast with Teen Taal
6d ago03:07:03Tap to summarizeIn the latest edition of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by Kuldeep Mishra, better known as Sardar, the Executive Editor of The Lallantop; Asif Khan, fondly known as Khancha, the Executive Editor of India Today Group Digital; and Kamlesh Singh, or Tau, a senior journalist and columnist. Together, the trio host Teen Taal, one of India’s most popular Hindi podcasts.From hostel tales and small-town stories to politics and friendship, the guests explain why sometimes the most meaningful conversations come from what they call “therapeutic bullsh*t.” Don’t miss this “most useless podcast ever.”Timestamps00:00 – Introduction04:06 – Melodi Trend05:48 – How Teen Taal Team Met09:26 – School Life: Then vs Now17:46 – Political Ideologies26:38 – Teen Taal's Show Format28:37 – How Teen Taal Started33:33 – The Lallantop & Teen Taal37:57 – How Kamlesh Tau Entered Journalism43:58 – Truck Wali Shayari47:06 – Kamlesh Tau's Childhood Stories49:08 – Original Idea Behind Teen Taal56:51 – Photography: Then vs Smartphone Era1:03:47 – Teachers & Schooling1:18:22 – Story Behind Teen Taal Characters1:26:08 – Journalism: Then vs Now1:32:17 – Weird Food Combinations1:36:16 – Culture & Tradition of Eating Paan1:43:18 – Urbanisation1:55:02 – India's Stray Dog Issue2:08:38 – India's Urban-Rural Divide2:11:40 – Two-Wheelers in India2:17:35 – NEET Paper Leak2:27:18 – Aditi Rao Hydari's Cannes Look2:34:51 – Incentives for Having More Children2:39:40 – Migration Within India2:58:36 – Criticism of Teen Taal
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EP-417 | UPSC Obsession, Dowry, Corruption, Bureaucracy, AI & Education System | Major SPS Oberoi
1w ago01:34:14Tap to summarizeMajor SPS Oberoi (Retd.) served as an Artillery Officer in the Indian Army for 11 years. He is currently a UPSC mentor and Academic Director at Ekam IAS Academy, Hyderabad.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Major SPS Oberoi (Retd.) shares his journey from serving in the Army to becoming a UPSC mentor. He challenges the popular belief that the UPSC is the toughest exam in India and explains the obsession surrounding it. He also discusses the issue of dowry, often associated with civil servants, and the social prestige attached to government jobs.He speaks candidly about discipline, success, AI, coaching industry, and the mental health challenges faced by UPSC aspirants.00:00 – Introduction01:08 – Childhood And Education04:24 – Army Officer To UPSC Mentor08:16 – UPSC Preparation Journey12:48 – Can AI Guide UPSC Students?16:20 – Ideal Study Time For UPSC Preparation18:23 – UPSC Study Materials21:33 – Digital Detox For Students23:53 – AI In Administration Work31:16 – Male vs Female Intelligence36:46 – Presence of Mind & Quick Reactions38:50 – Obsession With UPSC Preparation40:27 – Parental Pressure In Education45:25 – Scholastic Assessment Test48:01 – Career Options For Youth52:03 – Violence Against Children53:56 – Sikhism And Marriage Rules56:49 – Dowry In India1:00:16 – Why Civil Servants Become Corrupt1:06:50 – Views On Reservation1:09:31 – UPSC Craze In Bihar And U.P1:13:48 – Financial Independence For Graduates1:15:56 – Army Life Vs Civilian Life1:19:20 – Golden Rule For Study1:25:29 – Importance Of Language In UPSC1:30:43 – Learning From Students
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EP-416 | India’s Defence Sector: Tejas, AMCA, Drone Warfare & More | IAS Sanjeev Kumar
2w ago01:04:10Tap to summarizeFrom Tejas fighter jets and the AMCA programme to drones and missile systems. India is pushing aggressively towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Can India truly become “Aatmanirbhar” in defence? Or is complete self-reliance impossible in a world dependent on global supply chains? What role will private companies play in India’s growing drone ecosystem?In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by Sanjeev Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Defence Production. A 1993-batch IAS officer with a background in electronics engineering, communication technology, and financial management, he is leading India’s push towards indigenous defence manufacturing and technology modernisation.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:05 – Lessons from West Asia Crisis05:05 – India’s Drone Production Capacity05:52 – India’s Missile Production Capacity08:49 – India’s Ammunition Manufacturing Capacity14:27 – India’s Defence Exports17:20 – India’s Atmanirbhar Defence Capabilities19:45 – Success of ‘Make in India’ in Defence24:52 – India’s Defence Imports27:59 – Chinese Components & Data Security Risks29:02 – Use of AI in Modern Warfare29:52 – India’s Indigenous Fighter Jet Programme35:24 – Tejas Jet Delivery Status38:25 – India’s BrahMos Missile Programme39:35 – India’s Competitors in Defence Exports42:02 – India’s AMCA Project44:09 – Defence Firms Investing in R&D49:09 – Defence Talent and Innovation in India56:56 – India–Russia Defence Partnership1:02:04 – S-400 and Operation Sindoor
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EP-415 | Ramayana & Mahabharata in Urdu, and Art of Storytelling | Fouzia Dastango
2w ago00:58:28Tap to summarizeIn this edition of ANI Podcast, Smita Prakash speaks to India’s first female Dastango, Fouzia Dastango, about Urdu, theatre, storytelling, women in traditional art spaces, and her journey of keeping the 16th-century art of Dastangoi alive in modern India.She explains why people should not have any problem with her reciting the Ramayana and Mahabharata in Urdu, and how the art of storytelling must evolve with the current generation.00:00 - Introduction01:04 - What is Dastangoi?03:08 - Kathavachak vs Dastango04:37 - Real Identity of Urdu05:32 - Ramayana & Mahabharata in Urdu09:14 - Fouzia Dastango’s Story15:05 - Feminist Elements in Stories22:53 - Choosing Stories Based on Audience28:47 - Classical vs Folk Art33:14 - Inspiration Behind Performance37:05 - Gen Z Connect with Dastangoi42:03 - Hardest Emotion to Portray46:46 - Cultural Home of Dastangoi51:48 - Advice for Younger Generation
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EP-414 | Why Are India’s Roads So Dangerous? | IIT Delhi Professor Geetam Tiwari Explains
3w ago01:11:38Tap to summarizeGeetam Tiwari is an Emeritus Professor at the Transportation Research & Injury Prevention Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. She has over 25 years of experience in transportation planning, road safety, and urban mobility. Her work focuses on safer roads, better footpaths, bicycle infrastructure, and protecting pedestrians.In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, she talks about why Indian cities face traffic chaos, unsafe roads, and poor pedestrian facilities. She also discusses what India needs to do to build safer, smarter, and more efficient transport systems.00:00 – Introduction02:21 – Rising Road Deaths08:13 – International Driving Tests10:03 – Road Safety Rules11:49 – School Bus Safety13:38 – Highways & Expressways Design Flaws17:03 – Audible Road Markers21:12 – Why Indians Ignore Road Signs22:05 – Facilities on Expressways & Highways23:53 – Expressways & Highways for Two-Wheelers25:41 – Importance of Service Roads29:07 – Wrong-Side Driving31:26 – Pedestrians & Cyclists37:45 – Public Spaces Accessibility39:13 – Reality of Vendors on Indian Roads41:38 – Why Foot Overbridges & Underpasses Fail46:31 – The Pothole Problem49:58 – Corruption in Road Construction53:11 – Municipal Corporations and Dug-Up Roads55:02 – Labourers at Road Construction Sites58:18 – Road Reality Check Segment1:04:49 – Building Proper Bicycle Paths
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EP-413 | Collapse of Global Order? NATO, West & Emerging World System | Arvind Gupta & Veena Sikri
3w ago01:14:50Tap to summarizeDr Arvind Gupta is Director of the Vivekananda International Foundation and a former Deputy National Security Advisor of India.Ambassador Veena Sikri is a former Indian diplomat who served as High Commissioner to Bangladesh and Malaysia, with decades of experience in foreign policy.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the discussion focuses on how the global power structure is changing and whether institutions like NATO, the Quad, the United Nations, BRICS, and the G20 still remain relevant in today’s world.The episode also explores India’s foreign policy approach, including strategic autonomy, multi-alignment and the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, as well as Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role and its impact on South Asia.00:00 – Introduction02:04 – NATO Crisis07:15 – Decline of Post-Cold War Order13:34 – Gulf Countries’ Security Alliances18:25 – Germany and Japan’s Defence Reset21:48 – Future of US-China G227:09 – Global Sea Route Security30:47 – India’s Balancing Act in West Asia35:25 – Pakistan as Mediator Between the US and Iran39:34 – Can SAARC Be Revived?43:36 – India, Pakistan & Narrative War52:47 – India-Bangladesh Ties55:44 – India’s Strategic Role in BRICS1:02:13 – ‘Vishwamitra’ Doctrine Under PM Modi1:05:08 – India’s Geopolitical Challenges1:09:08 – Regionalisation & Global Power Shifts
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EP-412 | The 'Real' Samosa Caucus 8.0 Edition | Abhijit, Anand, Sushant & Tehseen
4w ago02:56:41Tap to summarizeThe much-awaited episode of The ‘Real’ Samosa Caucus – Edition 8.0 is here, packed with raw, uncensored, and no-holds-barred conversations.Joining the panel are:Sushant Sareen, Senior Fellow at ORFTehseen Poonawalla, TV personality and political analystAnand Ranganathan, author and scientistAbhijit Iyer-Mitra, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict StudiesThis episode discusses the recently conducted Assembly polls in Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam; the Iran war; the Trump phenomenon; Pakistan’s stature after the war.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:59 – Story of Anga, Banga & Kalinga03:14 – Cold-Pressed Oils & ‘Adult-Rated’ Banter06:17 – Fall of Mamata Banerjee’s Regime14:48 – Fragmentation of Communities19:30 – Nashik TCS Case21:24 – Impact of SIR in Bengal26:01 – BJP Started Mirroring the Left?29:48 – Indo-Bangladesh Border Fencing35:01 – Japanese & Bengali Food Connection39:31 – Vijay Benefitted From Annamalai’s Groundwork?50:40 – Politics of Fielding Controversial Candidates54:29 – Raghav Chadha’s BJP Entry59:46 – Rajnath Singh’s Comment on Terrorism1:01:41 – Indian Muslims’ Support for Iran1:11:02 – US Deputy Secretary’s Remarks on Trade Deal1:30:39 – Left-Liberal Ecosystem Debate1:53:29 – ‘Maach Bhaat’ Politics in Bengal1:59:07 – The Fall of INDIA Bloc ‘Titans’2:04:27 – Anand’s Parents’ Love Story2:11:24 – Importance of Punctuality & Time Management2:16:08 – Veg vs Non-Veg Discussion2:32:42 – Who Will Be Next Keralam CM?2:40:39 – India’s Economic Challenges Amid West Asia War2:46:20 – Why India Needs Big Reforms
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EP-411 | War, Tech & Strategy: Lessons Learned from Iran War & Operation Sindoor | Sushant & Tilak
May 201:26:32Tap to summarizeIn this live session of the ANI Podcast, the guests discuss the lessons India has drawn from the Iran war and the learnings from Operation Sindoor as it completes one year. The conversation explores military readiness, evolving threats, and the role of technology and strategy in shaping India’s defence posture.ParticipantsSushant Sareen, Senior Fellow, ORFTilak Devasher, Author; Former Member, National Security Advisory BoardModeratorsSmita Prakash, Chief Editor & Deputy CEO, ANINaveen Kapoor, National Bureau Chief, ANI*Timestamps*00:00 - Introduction00:34 - Lessons from Operation Sindoor13:46 - Pakistan’s Close Ties with the USA25:48 - How Pakistan Handles the Media31:26 - What Changed in Pak After Op Sindoor?35:56 - Dhurandar Operations in Pakistan42:35 - India’s Strategic Autonomy48:45 - How Pakistanis View Indians1:00:28 - India’s Reaction to Global Conflicts1:09:09 - India’s Defence Strategy1:20:10 - India’s Border Security
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EP-410 | Inside India’s Food Culture: Street Food, Cloud Kitchens & Kitchen Hygiene | Sanjeev Kapoor
May 101:53:54Tap to summarizeSanjeev Kapoor is one of India’s most well-known chefs, authors and entrepreneurs. From ‘Khana Khazana’ to global restaurants, and from cookbooks to food innovation, he has influenced how India looks at cooking and flavour over the last few decades.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Chef talks about how eating habits in India are changing, with busy lifestyles and ready-to-eat meals replacing home-cooked meals.He also explores India’s food culture, from street food and restaurant experiences to hygiene standards and cloud kitchens. Kapoor shares honest views on overhyped food trends, along with what makes a dish special.00:00 - Introduction01:23 - Choosing a Cooking Career13:43 - Starting the Restaurant Journey26:10 - Western Cooking vs. Indian Cooking34:13 - Curating Restaurant Menus38:38 - Indian Food Plating42:33 - Curating Airline Menus56:11 - Cooking in Modern Times1:01:22 – Restaurant Culture1:04:26 - Snap Reactions1:08:16 - Hygiene In Cloud Kitchens1:22:37 - Indian Food Culture1:44:02 - Underrated Indian Spices
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EP-409 | Inside Bastar: The Journalist Who Made 200 Naxals Surrender | Vikas Tiwari
Apr 2701:30:52Tap to summarizeVikas Tiwari, also known as Ranu Tiwari, runs the YouTube channel Bastar Talkies. He has helped over 200 Naxals surrender and return to mainstream society. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he talks about how Naxalism began in Chhattisgarh, the challenges of reporting from Bastar, and the goal set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to make India Naxal-free. He was awarded the Rameshwaram Hindi Journalism National Award in December 2025. This is a simple, first-hand account from a journalist reporting directly from the remote areas of Chhattisgarh.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction03:18 – From Truck Driver to YouTuber11:58 – Dangers in Naxal-Affected Areas15:34 – Naxalism and Its Causes22:07 – How Naxals Return to the Mainstream28:33 – Challenges of Reporting in Naxal Areas36:41 – Naxals in Bastar: What Has Changed41:10 – Thulthuli Encounter Explained44:41 – The Story of Mukesh Chandrakar50:58 – Why Maoists Resisted Development56:03 – The Reality of Salwa Judum58:28 – Life After Maoists’ Surrender1:00:53 – Youth and Maoist Ideology1:02:35 – Reporting from Naxal Areas1:07:22 – Stories from Families of Martyrs1:14:08 – When Maoists Started Losing Power1:16:36 – Attack on Congress Leader V.C. Shukla1:18:35 – Understanding “Urban Naxals”1:24:10 – Suggestions to Counter “Urban Naxals”1:27:15 – Reality of Bastar Villages
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