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.
76episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EP-389 | Dhurandhar, Modi, Rahul, Vijay, DMK, Sanatana & ED Raids | Karti Chidambaram
Feb 1601:35:42Tap to summarizeKarti Chidambaram is an Indian National Congress MP representing the Sivaganga constituency in Tamil Nadu.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he discusses the Parliament Budget Session, DMK-Congress alliance, Actor Vijay, freebies politics, money laundering investigations against him, and BJP’s presence in Tamil Nadu.He also addresses the Dhurandhar controversy and his alleged cameo in it, highlighting the absence of official records related to it.*Timestamps*00:00 – Introduction01:47 – Parliament Deadlock12:33 – Congress-DMK Alliance20:04 – Congress in Tamil Nadu25:30 – BJP-AIADMK Alliance31:09 – Anti-Incumbency Against DMK37:36 – Legal Cases & Investigations43:40 – Sonia’s Role in UPA47:27 – Sanatana Debate51:23 – Freebie Politics59:09 – Dhurandhar Controversy1:05:16 – KYC, Re-KYC & Citizen Rights1:11:13 – Family-Centric Politics1:15:31 – Relations with Rahul Gandhi1:16:26 – Snap Reactions1:23:47 – Bonding with Father1:32:09 – South Indian Food
Transcribe →
EP-388 | Farmers, Jobs, Women’s Safety, Gurugram, Water Crisis & More | Nayab Singh Saini
Feb 1600:48:40Tap to summarizeNayab Singh Saini, the Chief Minister of Haryana, led the BJP to win a third term in the state, despite predictions of anti-incumbency against the party.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, CM Saini talks about the key issues shaping Haryana’s future, including farmers, job creation, and women’s safety. He also shares his vision for the development of Gurugram, focusing on better urban planning, improved drainage systems, and long-term growth for the city.00:00 – Introduction00:52 – No Anti-Incumbency in Haryana08:51 – Promises Made During the Polls13:27 – Farmers’ Protest18:08 – Crop Diversification in Haryana23:27 – Youth Skill Development & Women’s Safety26:06 – Gurugram’s Development28:28 – Punjab’s Drug Crisis35:49 – Jobs and Employment40:05 – Lado Lakshmi Yojana41:52 – Welfare Schemes44:38 – Yamuna Poison Controversy
Transcribe →
EP-387 | Social Media, Gaming & Risks Among Children | Dr Bhavna Barmi & Anshu Bedi
Feb 801:09:21Tap to summarizeCan gaming addiction push kids toward serious mental health crises? Does social media influence increase vulnerability to anxiety and depression in teens?To answer these questions, we are joined by Dr. Bhavna Barmi and Anshu Bedi. Dr. Bhavna Barmi is a Senior Clinical and Child Psychologist and the founder of Happiness Studio. Anshu Bedi is a teacher at Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School with over 32 years of experience mentoring preteens.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Bhavna Barmi explains that signs of stress or distress in children should never be ignored.Anshu Bedi talks about how many parents today expect perfection from their children and stresses that this can leave them unprepared for real-world challenges.00:00 – Introduction01:04 – Mental Health Challenges Among Kids07:32 – Holistic Development of Children11:32 – Attention Span Issues in Students15:07 – Modern Parent-Teacher Connections18:10 – Bullying and Peer Pressure21:27 – Emotional Signals in Children25:13 – Academic Stress in Children29:50 – Reduced Family Interaction on Children34:36 – Consequences of Body Shaming40:38 – Happiness Clinics & Mental Health Support42:54 – Social Media Impact on Young Minds49:52 – Current Parenting Challenges1:05:56 – Emotional Stress in Counsellors
Transcribe →
EP-386 | Delhi CM Rekha Gupta on Pollution, Education, Healthcare, Yamuna & Sanitation Crisis
Feb 600:56:59Tap to summarizeRekha Gupta is the Chief Minister of Delhi, following the BJP's return to power in the capital after 27 years. Her political journey began with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).She is an elected MLA from the Shalimar Bagh constituency and has previously served as General Secretary of the BJP Mahila Morcha in Delhi. She was also a member of the party’s national executive committee.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, CM Rekha Gupta speaks about Delhi’s pollution and her government’s plans to tackle it. She also discusses key priorities, including better public transport, stronger last-mile connectivity, and her vision for a cleaner, better-governed Delhi.*Timestamps*00:00 – Coming Up00:00 – Introduction01:13 – One Year as Delhi CM03:42 – Delhi’s Pollution Crisis08:36 – Dust Mitigation Measures10:26 – Garbage Mountains13:44 – Waste Treatment Plants15:01 – Solutions to Delhi’s Air Pollution17:51 – Lunch for Slum Dwellers20:45 – ‘Sheesh Mahal’ Controversy21:51 – School Admissions & Fee Regulation27:46 – School Safety & Monitoring31:14 – Expectations of Delhi Residents33:31 – Healthcare System37:10 – Parks for Children38:49 – Public Washrooms & Civic Sense43:29 – Hospital Bed Allocation45:55 – Two Female CMs Among 28 States47:01 – Being a Woman Leader53:38 – Priorities as Chief Minister
Transcribe →
EP-346 | Bangladesh, Infiltration & Future of Northeast India | Tripura King Pradyot Manikya
Sep 1701:35:01Tap to summarizePradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma is the titular King of Tripura and the founder of the Tipra Motha Party. His party runs the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council and is also an ally of the BJP at the state level, making him one of the key voices from the Northeast.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Pradyot talks about infiltration from Bangladesh, his demand for a separate state called Greater Tipraland, and why he feels the Northeast is facing a crisis of identity. He also explains why he wants a “Bihar-style SIR” in Tripura, slams vote bank politics, and raises concerns about the rights of indigenous people. Pradyot looks back at Tripura’s merger with India, the legacy of his royal family, and his own journey from student politics to leading a regional party.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:23 – Delay in the Tiprasa Accord06:10 – Demand for SIR in the Northeast13:52 – The Untold Story of Tripura’s Merger after Partition18:28 – Refugee Influx in Tripura32:43 – Local Identity vs. National Identity38:31 – NRC and the Demand for Greater Tipraland46:45 – Tribal Identity & Youth Aspirations in Tripura54:20 – Tripura Royal Family & Entering Politics1:00:24 – Snap Reaction Segment1:24:35 – Movies, Mimicry & Languages1:30:08 – Message to the Youth
Transcribe →
EP-345 | Tibet, India–China Thaw, Brahmaputra Dam, Dalai Lama’s Successor & Nepal | Lobsang Sangay
Sep 1401:34:48Tap to summarizeLobsang Sangay served as the Tibetan Prime Minister in exile from 2011 to 2021. He was the first person without a monastic background to hold this post. Born in 1968 in a refugee community in Darjeeling, India, he studied law at Delhi University. Later, he went to Harvard University to study international law and democracy, and is now an American citizen.In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he talks about how China interferes in the local affairs of South Asian countries, including Nepal. He warns New Delhi to be cautious about its thaw with China, reminding that Beijing follows an expansionist policy. He also shares his thoughts on the future of the Tibetan movement and what India and other nations can do to support it.Sangay speaks about the question of the Dalai Lama’s successor and what it would mean for Tibet and China. He also explains why China is building the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra and what risks it poses. Finally, he reflects on life in India and abroad, and what Tibetans living in exile continue to hope for.Link to Episode 131: https://youtu.be/8WXWYRNhBOw*Audio Timestamps:*00:00 - Introduction01:14 - PM Modi's China Visit03:15 - Tibet's Stance on India-China Relation07:51 - India's China Trade Balancing Act10:25 - China's Pressure on India's Activism13:18 - Tibetans Hurt by India's China Thaw?17:53 - Is China Threatening Taiwan, Tibet?20:18 - Why Does Xi Keep Visiting Tibet?25:05 - Truth Behind Tibet's Chinese Rule27:55 - What Do Exiled Tibetans Want?29:48 - 'Voice For The Voiceless' Book32:24 - Tibetan Buddhism Under Chinese Rules?39:11 - Young Tibetans and Their Identity?42:51 - Where Will Next Dalai Lama’s Successor Be Born?44:17 - Dalai Lama’s Reincarnation Process Explained?51:52 - Where Is the Real Panchen Lama?55:21 - China's Fake Dalai Lama Motives58:17 - Buddhist Nations and Dalai Lama's Future01:06:25 - Buddhist Festivals vs. China's Push01:11:42 - US Pushback on China's Narratives01:20:30 - Why Bollywood's Silence on Tibet Issue?01:23:15 - Does Lobsang Struggle with Identity?
Transcribe →
EP-344 | Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka: ‘Deep State’ Behind Regime Change? | Pavneet Singh
Sep 1001:22:52Tap to summarizePavneet Singh is an author, teacher, and content creator who makes videos on geopolitics, foreign affairs, and international relations. Over the years, he has carved a niche for himself by simplifying geopolitics into layman’s terms, making it easy for everyone to understand. He also runs a popular YouTube channel called SpyGamesPavneet.In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Pavneet discusses how governments are being toppled in South Asia, with Nepal serving as the latest example. Is there a foreign hand at play, or was it truly a people’s revolt? He also shares his views on the India–US trade dispute and why ties between the two countries have hit their lowest point in the last two decades.Pavneet further discusses Prime Minister Modi’s visit to China after seven years, and whether India should be cautious in resetting its ties with Beijing. The conversation also touches upon Pakistan, Operation Sindoor, the Russia–Ukraine war, and even the role of the so-called ‘Deep State’ in India.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:00 – Nepal’s Gen Z Protests05:22 – Social Media’s Role in Nepal Protests11:33 – Regional Politics and Nepal’s Stability17:24 – Foreign Influence in Nepal’s Crisis20:33 – Regimes Toppled in South Asia24:25 – India’s Approach to Regional Stability31:18 – China’s Vision and Regional Ambitions36:16 – India’s Strategic Autonomy & the SCO Summit42:26 – India–China Thaw & Nuclear Proliferation47:00 – America’s Deep Game in Pakistan49:37 – Regime Degradation in South Asia54:52 – The India–China Border Issue1:04:32 – Peter Navarro’s Anti-India Comments1:10:09 – India’s Adaptive Foreign Policy1:15:19 – Gen Z’s Geopolitical Awakening
Transcribe →
EP-343 | Inside India’s Biggest Cases: Rajiv, Indira, Jessica Lal & More | Ex-IPS Amod Kanth
Sep 602:06:59Tap to summarizeAmod Kanth is a former IPS officer who served in the Delhi Police and is known for handling some of India’s most high-profile and sensitive cases. He was the investigating officer in the Jessica Lal murder case and played a key role in probing the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Kanth also headed the Crime Branch and later founded Prayas, an NGO working for children and youth.In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Amod Kanth speaks about the motive behind Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination and what really went on behind the scenes. He also talks about the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the rise of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, and how the Jessica Lal case changed India, highlighting the crucial role of media activism. He shares first-hand accounts of policing during turbulent times, the challenges of maintaining law and order, and the lessons these landmark cases hold for India’s governance and society.00:00 – Introduction02:59 – Jessica Lal Murder Case11:09 – Big Names at the Party When Jessica Was Murdered20:08 – Jessica Lal Murder Investigation23:24 – Cover-Up in the Jessica Case30:16 – Manu Sharma's Surrender34:09 – Court Acquitted All Accused in the Jessica Case35:52 – How Media Scrutiny Reopened the Jessica Case44:15 – BMW Hit & Run Case57:28 – Sting Operation on BMW Hit & Run Case01:02:34 – Why the Witness Flipped in BMW Hit & Run Case01:07:11 – Romesh Sharma Chopper Case01:14:47 – Romesh Sharma's Connection with Mafias01:20:01 – Bhindranwale & Operation Blue Star01:30:00 – Indira Gandhi's Assassination01:32:44 – How Did Delhi Police Handle the 1984 Riots?01:42:28 – Rajiv Gandhi's Assassination01:48:58 – Why Rajiv Gandhi Neglected Security01:51:20 – Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Probe01:56:58 – Delhi After Rajiv Gandhi's Death01:59:08 – Amod Kanth's 'Prayas JAC Society'02:03:44 – Joining Politics
Transcribe →
EP-342 | Milind Deora on Trump’s Tariffs, Modi, Rahul, Mumbai, SIR Protests & National Security
Sep 301:36:27Tap to summarizeMilind Deora is a former Union Minister of State and prominent Mumbai politician who joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena after spending over two decades in the Congress. Known for his candid views on governance, democracy, and Mumbai’s development, Deora has often been at the centre of key political debates.In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he opens up on Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, why he left the Congress, and discusses Trump’s tariffs on India. He also speaks about democracy within political parties, while slamming the protests against the SIR issue.Deora shares his views on Mumbai’s lost decade due to internal party politics, explains why certain sections cannot digest Prime Minister Modi’s success, and talks about the road ahead for the Shiv Sena.Timestamps00:00 – Coming Up02:08 – Introduction03:29 – Why He Left Congress06:24 – Freedom of Speech in NDA07:36 – Reasons for Leaving Congress14:26 – Manmohanomics vs. Modinomics15:30 – Young Leaders Betraying Congress?18:00 – Hindi–Marathi Language Row22:08 – Mumbai’s Lost Decade28:54 – Mumbai’s Infrastructure32:38 – Garbage & Pothole Issues38:13 – Mumbai’s Development46:17 – Can Mumbai Regain Its Global Status?49:06 – Marine Drive vs. Bandra–Worli Sea Link50:38 – Mumbai’s Food Culture52:11 – Pani Puri vs. Bhel Puri53:05 – Udupi Hotel vs. Irani Café53:29 – Gateway of India vs. CSMT53:57 – Mumbai’s Local Trains54:29 – Puran Poli vs. Shrikhand56:55 – Mumbai’s Dabbawalas58:04 – Bollywood01:00:12 – All-Party Delegation on Operation Sindoor01:05:17 – ‘Vote Chori’ Controversy01:06:45 – Central Agencies Being Misused?01:12:57 – Remembering the 26/11 Attack01:22:04 – Why Didn’t India Retaliate After 26/11?01:24:48 – Munir’s Nuke Threat Against India01:27:30 – Should India’s Youth Enter Politics?01:30:22 – Meeting with PM Modi01:31:36 – Equations with the Gandhis After Leaving Congress
Transcribe →
EP-341 | Opposition’s Parliament Gameplan, Dhankhar’s Exit, Vote Chori Row & Constitution Club Polls
Aug 3101:23:55Tap to summarizeHow does the Opposition make its strategy to counter the ruling government in Parliament? Who is responsible for running the House? Why was the Monsoon Session of Parliament completely washed out? What led to Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden exit? Why has the Opposition made the ‘Vote Chori’ row its main weapon against the government? Was there really a BJP vs. BJP fight in the Constitution Club polls?To answer these questions and give you the inside scoop, this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash is joined by ANI correspondents who closely cover Parliament and political parties, Suchitra Mukherjee, Siddharth Sharma, Nishant Ketu, Amit Kumar, along with Naveen Kapoor, National Bureau Chief.00:00 – Introduction00:50 – Opposition’s Strategy in Parliament04:59 – Parliament Session Washout: Who Is to Blame?06:40 – Where is Jagdeep Dhankhar?09:12 – What is Zero Hour in Parliament?12:37 – BJP vs BJP in Constitution Club Polls?21:09 – Jaya Bachchan’s Selfie Chaos24:39 – Shashi Tharoor vs Congress?25:58 – Restrictions on Media at BJP & Congress HQs?30:59 – ‘Vote Chori’ Allegations by Opposition36:05 – Which MP Says No to Giving Bites?40:21 – Covering Parliament as a Reporter42:25 – Women MPs Bonding in Parliament48:00 – Congress Removes the ‘Alcohol Abstention’ Clause52:09 – Priyanka’s Role in Congress54:27 – Man/Woman of the Match of the Parliament Session57:44 – The Man Behind Dhankhar’s Resignation1:01:03 – Story Behind Akhilesh Jumping Barricades1:05:15 – BJP–RSS Bonhomie1:08:41 – Can NDA Lose Its Majority?1:11:27 – Impact of Operation Sindoor1:13:08 – Manish Tewari & Shashi Tharoor Sidelined?1:15:44 – Experience of Covering Operation Sindoor
Transcribe →