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.
68episodes
Episodes
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EP-431 | Hindu Terror Origin, 26/11 Attacks, Ishrat Jahan Case, Malegaon Blast, Beant Singh| RVS Mani
Yesterday01:42:17Tap to summarizeR.V.S. Mani is a former Under Secretary in the Internal Security Division of Ministry of Home Affairs and a public commentator on national security. He was conferred the Padma Shri in 2026 and is the author of The Myth of Hindu Terror: An Insider's Account of the Ministry of Home Affairs (2006–2010).In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, R.V.S. Mani speaks about the origins of the "Hindu Terror" narrative. He also discusses the truth behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Ishrat Jahan case, Beant Singh assassination, Pakistan-backed terror funding through fake currency and India's evolving internal security strategy.00:00 – Introduction00:54 – On Receiving Padma Shri Award 202602:34 – "Hindu Terror" Narrative12:22 – 2006 Malegaon Blast Case21:10 – 2007 Samjhauta Express Bombings32:56 – 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks51:32 – Pakistan's Fake Currency & Terror Network54:18 – Ishrat Jahan Encounter Case1:05:46 – CBI Questioning of R.V.S. Mani1:14:21 – Fake Currency Empire of Khanani Brothers1:33:53 – Cross-Border Drug Trafficking1:37:10 – Beant Singh Assassination Case1:39:34 – Lessons on National Security
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EP-430 | Economist Surjit Bhalla's Shocking Take on Indian Economy | ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash
3d ago01:43:40Tap to summarizeSurjit Bhalla is an economist, author, and columnist. He was a part-time member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Economic Advisory Council. He also served as Executive Director at the IMF for India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Surjit Bhalla shares his views on why India may not achieve its Viksit Bharat goal by 2047 if it continues with business as usual. He also says, "Senior babus who make decisions but are never held accountable are India's real deep state."The conversation covers Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's economy, the rupee, China, foreign direct investment, demonetisation, GDP, and the reforms India needs to accelerate economic growth.00:00 – Introduction 03:03 – India's Economic Future 12:51 – Why India Overprotects Its Industries 16:42 – Lessons From Vietnam 21:07 – Viksit Bharat 2047 Target Realistic? 24:25 – India's Growth Story 36:43 – Why India Hesitates to Reform 42:24 – Agriculture and Dairy Sector 50:14 – China's Agriculture Model 56:39 – Manufacturing in West Bengal 1:01:15 – India's Next Window for Reforms 1:09:46 – Why Isn't FDI Coming to India? 1:13:51 – India's Job Challenge 1:21:13 – The Freebies Debate 1:30:06 – Demonetisation 1:34:27 – India's Middle Class Really Growing? 1:38:11 – Advice for Prime Minister Modi
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EP-429 | India vs Pakistan Over Indus Waters Treaty: 'Water War' Coming Soon? | Tilak & Uttam
2w ago01:26:16Tap to summarizeTilak Devasher is the author of four widely acclaimed books on Pakistan and a former member of the National Security Advisory Board. He lives and breathes Pakistan, closely tracking its politics, military, and society.Uttam Kumar Sinha is a scholar and commentator on transboundary rivers, climate change, and the Arctic. He is a Senior Fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses and the author of 'Trial by Water: Indus Basin and India-Pakistan Relations' (2025) and 'Indus Basin Uninterrupted' (2021).In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the guests discuss the Indus Waters Treaty, signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, and how it has become the latest flashpoint between the two countries. Will Pakistan face a water crisis due to the suspension of the treaty? More on Ayub Khan, Nehru, Modi and Asim Munir.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction02:00 – Indus Waters Treaty Geography07:54 – Nehru's Vision14:39 – Importance of Chenab22:12 – Pakistan's Water Crisis27:50 – India's Dam Projects35:40 – Abeyance of Water Treaty40:07 – India's Water Storage Capacity46:20 – Chenab-Beas Link Project54:49 – Pak's Diplomatic Strategy1:03:20 – How Indus Waters Treaty Was Signed1:11:23 – Pakistan's Internal Water Conflict1:18:10 – India's Narrative
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EP-428 | "Energy Security Decides India's Future" Bank of America Chief India Economist Rahul Bajoria
2w ago01:05:47Tap to summarizeRahul Bajoria is the Head of India and ASEAN Economic Research at Bank of America (BofA).In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Rahul Bajoria discusses the impact of falling rupee, inflation, foreign investment, AI's impact on jobs, and what lies ahead for the Indian economy.He also explains why strengthening India's energy security is essential to protecting the economy from future global shocks.00:00 - Introduction 00:33 - India's Growth Story 03:18 - Manufacturing in India 07:21 - Foreign Investment 09:29 - Investment Boost 13:16 - Inflation vs. Growth 14:56 - Oil Prices & the RBI's Next Move 16:35 - Indian Stock Market 18:46 - Investment Strategy 25:09 - India's Consumption Story 30:15 - Make in India & Exports 34:37 - AI, Jobs & Unemployment 44:12 - Bank Lending vs. Deposit Growth 52:20 - Falling Rupee 55:28 - Lessons from ASEAN Economies 1:00:18 - Risks to India's Economy 1:03:21 - Top 3 Economic Reforms for India
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EP-427 | US-Iran Deal, Pakistan's Role, Trump's Retreat & India's Stakes | Former Envoy Talmiz Ahmad
3w ago01:05:04Tap to summarizeTalmiz Ahmad is one of India’s most experienced diplomats, with decades of work across West Asia, the Gulf, and global strategic affairs. A former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE, he has watched world politics change from the front row.In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he says Benjamin Netanyahu misled Donald Trump by promising a quick victory in Iran, only for the war to drag on. He calls Trump an unpredictable leader, argues that U.S.-Israel ties have suffered, discusses Pakistan's role in the peace talks, and explains why the Iran war is India's war because New Delhi's strategic interests lie in the Gulf.00:00 – Introduction 01:35 – US-Iran Talks 03:51 – Netanyahu's Influence 06:33 – Trump's Shift on Israel 10:26 – Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 14:18 – Hegemon in West Asia 21:25 – Trump Vs Netanyahu 26:59 – Pakistan's Role 33:49 – Netanyahu's War Strategy 37:27 – Gulf's Response to Israel 43:29 – Pakistan's Influence 52:36 – Why West Asia Matters to India 57:27 – New Multipolar World Order
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EP 426 | Dhaka to Kathmandu to New Delhi: Truth About Gen Z Protests | Sanjay Bhardwaj & Pathikrit Payne
3w ago01:53:14Tap to summarizePathikrit Payne has over 20 years of experience in journalism and policy analysis. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation.Sanjay Bhardwaj is the former Chairperson of the Centre for South Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University's School of International Studies. He specialises in India's foreign policy towards its neighbours, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and China.In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the guests discuss the Gen Z-led protests in India's neighbouring countries, the rise of the Cockroach Janata Party, and whether Gen Z has the power to influence or even topple a government in India.00:00 - Introduction01:40 - Youth in West Bengal & Tamil Nadu13:55 - Youth Protests Around the World21:44 - Challenges to Democracy33:53 - Are India's Youth Angry?46:04 - Gen Z Protests1:02:10 - The Sanatan Debate1:12:40 - Do Neighbours Distrust India?1:24:33 - India-Bangladesh Relations1:37:57 - The Aspirations of Today's Youth
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EP 425 | Narendra Modi 4.0 or Rahul Gandhi in 2029? | Neerja, Rasheed & Shekhar | ANI Podcast
3w ago01:48:44Tap to summarizeFrom Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal to Punjab, political equations are shifting across India. Is Prime Minister Narendra Modi still the defining force in Indian politics? Can Rahul Gandhi transform the Congress into a credible alternative? What role will regional parties play in shaping the next phase of Indian democracy? And is India moving towards a two-coalition political system? In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, senior journalists Neerja Chowdhury, Rasheed Kidwai and Shekhar Iyer join the discussion to analyse the changing political landscape.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:20 – TMC's Collapse08:05 – Defections in TMC15:10 – The Fall of Abhishek Banerjee23:31 – Congress & Regional Parties31:53 – Congress–TMC Merger?37:57 – TVK-Congress Alliance47:33 – Rahul Gandhi vs Modi in 2029?54:27 – BJP's Core Voters1:00:23 – Why Voters Relate to Modi1:08:19 – Modi's Feedback Mechanism1:14:44 – Rajasthan Congress & Sachin Pilot1:24:46 – Punjab Assembly Polls 20271:31:58 – UP Polls 20271:38:48 – Journalists and Politicians
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EP-424 | U.S.-Iran Deal, Hezbollah, Trump, Pakistan & India-Israel Ties | Israeli Envoy Reuven Azar
4w ago01:09:46Tap to summarizeReuven Azar is Israel's Ambassador to India. A career diplomat, he has held several key positions in Israel's foreign service and has been closely involved in shaping his country's foreign policy and international relations.In this edition of the ANI Podcast, Reuven Azar speaks to Smita Prakash about the Iran–U.S. peace deal, Israel's position on Lebanon, the future of the Middle East, and whether the region is moving towards peace or another phase of conflict. He also discusses India-Israel ties and what has changed under the leadership of PM Modi.00:00 – Introduction00:55 – U.S.–Iran Peace Deal07:45 – What Israel Wants Next09:22 – Defence vs Aggression18:00 – Trump & Netanyahu Relationship19:47 – Iran’s Nuclear Program24:32 – Strait of Hormuz Crisis29:05 – Buffer Zones in Gaza, Lebanon & Syria35:02 – Netanyahu Under Pressure?43:04 – Humanitarian Cost of War46:35 – Two-State Solution51:50 – India–Israel Relations53:10 – Israel’s Wartime Economy55:24 – Modi’s Visit & Iran Strikes59:18 – Six Shared India–Israel Values1:03:21 – Trade & Investment Future1:08:23 – Pakistan as a Mediator
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EP-423 | CEA V. Anantha Nageswaran on India's Economy, AI, Rupee, Freebies & China | ANI Podcast
Jun 1501:50:43Tap to summarizeDr. V. Anantha Nageswaran is the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India. He is also a writer, author, and teacher. He has taught at several business schools and management institutes in India and Singapore. He was a part-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India from 2019 to 2021.In this edition of the ANI Podcast, Dr. Nageswaran speaks to Smita Prakash about the future of the Indian economy, the impact of the West Asia crisis, the outlook for the rupee, and whether AI is a bubble. He also explains why he believes the era of the MBA is over.00:00 - Introduction00:56 - Foreign Investors04:14 - Rupee-Dollar Debate08:24 - Rupee Stability14:20 - Foreign Banks20:07 - Critics of India's Economy28:20 - China's Manufacturing33:09 - Unemployment in India35:09 - Freebies Debate44:24 - India's Aging Population50:41 - Demographic Dividend58:36 - The Skill Gap1:00:21 - Artificial Intelligence1:05:55 - India's Economic Strength1:09:52 - Myths About Indian Economy1:12:00 - India in 20471:18:22 - Per Capita Income1:22:56 - Viksit Bharat Target1:27:59 - Vision for India1:36:42 - Old Economic Beliefs1:38:07 - India's Economic Mindset1:44:52 - Advice vs. Execution in Govt1:48:40 - Fake News
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EP-422 | Pawan Kalyan Unfiltered: Politics, Spirituality, Gen Z, Movies, Modi & More | ANI Podcast
Jun 1001:25:53Tap to summarizePawan Kalyan is the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, the founder and chief of the Jana Sena Party, an actor, and a philanthropist. He is the younger brother of Telugu cinema megastar Chiranjeevi. Over the years, he has carved a unique place for himself in Andhra Pradesh politics and has become one of the biggest stars in Telugu cinema, with a devoted fan following that extends far beyond the silver screen. In his first-ever podcast appearance, Pawan Kalyan opens up about his journey from movies to politics, his plans for Telangana, his days in Srinagar, his spiritual beliefs, and several untold stories from his life. He also shares his views on Gen Z, nationalism, language politics, governance, and the future of India.Timestamps00:00 - Introduction00:48: - Story Behind His Name02:37 - Re-Entering Telangana Politics07:03 - Telangana Expansion Plan09:17 - "Outsider" Tag in Telangana12:36 - North-South Debate17:25 - Tax Allocation Debate20:17 - Cockroach Janta Party27:53 - Spiritual Journey45:19 - Freebies Debate48:54 - Hindi Imposition57:54 - Plans for IT Jobs1:00:15 - Brain Drain1:08:47 - Special Status for Andhra1:10:07 - Telangana Roadmap1:14:27 - What's Next in Life?1:16:59 - South vs North Films1:21:54 - Fitness Routine
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