ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

Episode

• EP-419 | Trump, China & Pakistan: India's Foreign Policy Reality Check | Indrani Bagchi & C Raja Mohan 29.05.2026 1j 38mnt

  Indrani Bagchi is the CEO of Ananta Centre, a platform for dialogue, leadership and public policy. She has spent many years covering India's Ministry of External Affairs and is known for explaining global events from an Indian perspective.Prof. C. Raja Mohan is one of India's leading experts on foreign policy, national security and international relations. He has taught at major universities and has advised the Indian government on strategic and security issues.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash and Ishaan Prakash, the guests discuss where India's foreign policy is headed. They talk about the West Asia crisis, the Trump–Munir relationship, and how India should respond to China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean. They also discuss India's ties with the United States and China, as well as the Great Nicobar Project and India's long-term strategic challenges.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction 01:23 – Marco Rubio’s India Visit 07:02 – India–US Trade Deal 10:41 – Trump–Xi Summit 15:15 – Trump’s Second-Term Doctrine 18:31 – India–US Relations 29:08 – Trump–Munir Lunch 33:33 – India’s Geopolitical Challenge 37:45 – How Energy, Tech & Trade Shape Geopolitics 45:38 – India’s Supply Chain Crisis 55:22 – India’s Economic Challenge 1:00:31 – Why India Needs Private Players in Defence 1:07:58 – West Asia’s New Alliances 1:18:23 – The Great Nicobar Project 1:28:20 – Tata–ASML Deal
• EP-418 | Desi Nostalgia, Truck Shayari, Politics & Friendship | ANI Podcast with Teen Taal 27.05.2026 3j 7mnt

  In 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
• EP-417 | UPSC Obsession, Dowry, Corruption, Bureaucracy, AI & Education System | Major SPS Oberoi 25.05.2026 1j 34mnt

  Major 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
• EP-416 | India’s Defence Sector: Tejas, AMCA, Drone Warfare & More | IAS Sanjeev Kumar 20.05.2026 1j 4mnt

  From 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
• EP-415 | Ramayana & Mahabharata in Urdu, and Art of Storytelling | Fouzia Dastango 18.05.2026 58mnt

  In 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
• EP-414 | Why Are India’s Roads So Dangerous? | IIT Delhi Professor Geetam Tiwari Explains 14.05.2026 1j 11mnt

  Geetam 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
• EP-413 | Collapse of Global Order? NATO, West & Emerging World System | Arvind Gupta & Veena Sikri 10.05.2026 1j 14mnt

  Dr 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
• EP-412 | The 'Real' Samosa Caucus 8.0 Edition | Abhijit, Anand, Sushant & Tehseen 06.05.2026 2j 56mnt

  The 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
• EP-411 | War, Tech & Strategy: Lessons Learned from Iran War & Operation Sindoor | Sushant & Tilak 02.05.2026 1j 26mnt

  In 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
• EP-410 | Inside India’s Food Culture: Street Food, Cloud Kitchens & Kitchen Hygiene | Sanjeev Kapoor 01.05.2026 1j 53mnt

  Sanjeev 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
• EP-409 | Inside Bastar: The Journalist Who Made 200 Naxals Surrender | Vikas Tiwari 27.04.2026 1j 30mnt

  Vikas 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
• EP-408 | Indian Economy, Energy Crisis, Stock Market, AI & Power Politics | Nilesh Shah 24.04.2026 48mnt

  India’s financial markets are going through a complex global situation, shaped by changing geopolitics and shifts in domestic growth. To help us understand what lies ahead, the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash is joined by one of the most respected voices in the investment world, Nilesh Shah, Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company. He is also a part-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. With decades of experience across market cycles, he shares valuable insights on the economy, markets, and where investors should consider placing their bets. He also explains what lessons India can learn from the West Asia crisis.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction00:39 – Role in PM’s Economic Advisory Council03:49 – India’s GDP Ranking07:30 – India’s Economic Vulnerability12:30 – Progress of Banking in India16:16 – Impact of West Asia Conflict on India20:41 – How India Can Improve Its GDP25:22 – US Markets During Iran War27:44 – India–China Trade Explained31:07 – Monsoon Impact on Indian Economy32:30 – Why is Rupee Falling?37:55 – Role of AI in Indian Economy41:06 – Investor Trust in Indian Equities42:37 – IPO Rush in 2025 Explained44:09 – Buy or Sell in the Stock Market46:45 – How to Manage Money Better
• EP-407 | Delimitation, Women’s Quota Bill, North–South Divide & Census | Varghese K George & Swapnil 19.04.2026 1j 13mnt

  In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we take a deep dive into Women’s Reservation Constitutional Amendment Bill, which was defeated in the Lok Sabha on April 17, 2026.Joining the conversation are Varghese K. George, resident editor at The Hindu, and Swapnil Tripathi, lead at Charkha (Centre for Constitutional Law) at Vidhi.Together, they explain what the bill aimed to do and why linking it with delimitation and census data led to political disagreement.The discussion also covers concerns over North-South balance, population-based seat redistribution, and parliamentary accountability.*Timestamps*00:00 – Introduction01:47 – Political Timing of Women’s Quota Bill05:38 – Delimitation Debate11:02 – PM Modi’s Guarantee17:03 – Impact on South India20:24 – Chandrababu Naidu’s Stand25:49 – Furore Over Delimitation30:55 – Reserved Constituencies in India35:11 – Population & Tax Contribution40:28 – Tharoor’s Proposal49:23 – Political Consensus on Women’s Reservation52:44 – DMK’s Private Member’s Bill56:43 – Executive-Centric Governance in Democracies1:07:19 – Arvind Kejriwal & Mamata Banerjee in Court
• EP-406 | Kangana Ranaut on Women’s Reservation Bill, PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi & Bollywood 16.04.2026 1j 22mnt

  Kangana Ranaut is a BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi and an actress known for speaking her mind. In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, she shares her journey in Bollywood and reflects on whether her bluntness has cost her opportunities in the industry.She also speaks about her controversies with Karan Johar and her ‘tapori’ remark on Rahul Gandhi. The conversation covers the Women’s Reservation Bill, her upcoming film Queen 2, why she chose to become a parliamentarian, and more.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction00:53 – Salman’s Compliment06:21 – Bollywood Journey12:54 – Interview with Karan Johar16:14 – Turning Point in Career18:52 – Why Actresses Avoid Comedy Roles20:51 – First-Time MP Experience25:57 – ‘Tapori’ Remark Against Rahul Gandhi29:28 – Women’s Reservation Bill39:36 – Delimitation Debate43:41 – Mandi Constituency Challenges48:13 – Passion for Handloom Sarees53:15 – ‘Dhurandhar’ Effect on Bollywood59:23 – Snap Reactions1:06:37 – Career vs Marriage Choice1:17:35 – Journey from Mandi to Mumbai
• EP-405 | How Iran Stunned U.S. Air Force in Modern Air Warfare | Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor (Retd) 16.04.2026 1j 4mnt

  Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor (Retd) has served as the Director General (Inspection and Safety) of the Indian Air Force. He has also held the position of Commandant at both the Air Force Academy and the National Defence Academy. With over 7,800 hours of incident-free flying on various trainer, transport, and strategic aircraft, he is considered one of the stalwarts of Aerial Refuelling Operations in the Indian Air Force. He has also flown the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor explains how modern warfare in West Asia is driven by air power, missiles and drones, and how Iran’s air defence has challenged U.S. and Israeli air superiority.He also highlights that China’s J-20 stealth fighters in Tibet pose a serious challenge and India must develop strong fifth-generation capabilities, while also pointing out that India’s indigenous satellite navigation system needs to be strengthened further.*Timestamps*00:00 – Introduction01:16 – Iranian Air Defence Response05:47 – Iran’s Decentralised Command Structure09:57 – Iran’s Underground Missile Bases18:05 – Limits of Modern Interceptor Systems23:13 – Multi-Domain Warfare29:20 – US Aircraft Losses31:54 – India’s Satellite and Navigation Capability Gap43:53 – Role of Theatre Commands47:46 – Global Energy Supply Chains50:56 – Indigenous Defence R&D54:56 – Jamming and Spoofing57:42 – Rafale Source Code Access Debate
• EP-404 | Do Not Exit the Markets at All” Finance Writer Monika Halan’s Advice to Investors 13.04.2026 1j 2mnt

  Monika Halan is a finance writer, speaker, and author who helps families make better money decisions. She is the founder of Dhan Chakra Financial Education and the author of the best-selling book Let’s Talk Money. She also serves as the Chairperson of SEBI’s Advisory Committee for the Investor Protection and Education Fund.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Halan explains why investors often panic during situations like the Iran war. She says the key is to have a clear asset allocation and not enter the markets without proper understanding or research.She also highlights the importance of energy and food security for India. She advocates that India has enough coal reserves for the next 100 years and should use them wisely. At the same time, she points out that India cannot be expected to follow the same climate standards as developed countries with much higher incomes.00:00 – Coming Up00:00 – Introduction01:03 – Investor Anxiety Over Iran War07:41 – Asset Allocation Strategies14:15 – Where to Invest Amid War?19:11 – India’s Fiscal & Monetary Safety Nets25:11 – Financial Influencers30:30 – Home Loans & Emergency Funds34:12 – Financial Planning for Children’s Education40:11 – Behavioural Traps in Investing43:58 – Portfolio Management Tips50:30 – India’s Reform Priorities58:16 – AI and Financial Literacy
• EP-403 | 'PRAHAAR': India’s First National Counter-Terror Policy Explained | Ex-NSG Chief MA Ganapathy 05.04.2026 1j 6mnt

  M.A. Ganapathy is a former NSG Chief and senior IPS officer with decades of experience in internal security, counter-terrorism, and policing. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ganapathy breaks down ‘PRAHAAR’, India’s first national counter-terror policy, and explains what it means for the country’s security strategy. He talks about the lessons India can draw from the West Asia conflict, the importance of building capabilities as a deterrent, and why clear objectives are critical in any conflict. He also discusses the growing threats of drone warfare, cyber attacks, and radicalisation, and why India needs a “whole of society” approach to tackle terrorism. The conversation covers the role of intelligence agencies, coordination between police forces, and how sleeper cells operate in urban environments.*Timestamps*00:00 – Introduction00:46 – US & Israel’s Objectives in Iran05:08 – Role of Intelligence in Wars06:50 – India’s Approach to Iran War07:49 – ‘PRAHAAR’ Counter-Terror Policy13:48 – Interstate Coordination16:31 – State Police Forces20:39 – De-radicalisation in India29:12 – Naxal Networks32:27 – How Criminal Networks Support Terror34:28 – Can Police Tackle Tech-Driven Terror?40:00 – Surveillance and Apps in Modern Warfare45:57 – Tackling Sleeper Cells48:58 – Training Citizens to Recognise Terror52:24 – Role of the NSG56:41 – How the CBI Investigates Cases1:00:09 – Reality of OTT Series1:02:27 – Police Mental Health & Physical Fitness1:05:09 – Why Pakistan Isn’t Mentioned in ‘PRAHAAR’
• EP-402 | India Silent on Iran War: Strategy or Compromise? | Ex-Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran 02.04.2026 1j 26mnt

  Pankaj Saran is a former diplomat with over 40 years of experience in foreign policy, strategy, and national security. He has served as India’s Ambassador to Russia and Bangladesh, Deputy National Security Adviser, and worked in the Prime Minister’s Office under Dr Manmohan Singh. He has also been posted at the Indian Mission in Washington, D.C. He is currently the Convenor of NatStrat, a Delhi-based independent centre for research on strategic and security issues.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ambassador Saran explains why India’s silence on the Iran war is being seen as aligning with the US and Israel. He says Pakistan is not a mediator, but a messenger in the conflict. He also talks about how Pakistan built close ties with the Trump administration, and whether India missed a chance to play a bigger role in stopping the war. The conversation also touches on the film Dhurandhar and why India chose not to retaliate after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction00:53 – West Asia War Overview05:47 – Decision-Making in War09:18 – India’s Stand on Iran War12:16 – LPG Supply Crisis17:52 – Gulf Nations Under Attack19:55 – Warfare Strategies27:41 – Pakistan as Mediator in Iran War36:26 – Should India Mediate Iran War?38:44 – Iran’s Global Position42:26 – China & Russia's stand58:38 – India’s Strategic Silence1:04:45 – Can India Build AI Without U.S.?1:08:57 – Did India Misread Iran Situation?1:11:29 – 2008 Mumbai Attacks1:22:45 – Dhurandhar Movie
• EP-401 | Manickam Tagore on Tamil Nadu Polls, Vijay, Stalin, Modi, Rahul & Freebies 29.03.2026 1j 20mnt

  Manickam Tagore is an Indian National Congress MP representing the Virudhunagar constituency in Tamil Nadu. He serves as Whip of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha and is the All India Congress Committee in-charge of Andhra Pradesh.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he discusses the Opposition’s strategy in Parliament, the DMK–Congress alliance, actor Vijay, freebies politics, Congress’ organisational challenges, and the BJP’s presence in Tamil Nadu.*Timestamps*00:00 - Introduction 00:22 - Lok Sabha Suspension Revoked 04:25 - DMK–Congress Alliance 08:16 - National Parties in Tamil Nadu 16:28 - Modi vs Rahul Popularity 21:27 - Power Sharing with DMK 26:08 - The Vijay Challenge 35:58 - Tamil Nadu Media 37:21 - Alliance Dynamics in Tamil Nadu 40:24 - Politics of Freebies 46:57 - Rahul as Congress Face 49:42 - Why Rahul Gets Angry 53:50 - Digital Marketing by Political Parties 55:42 - Ravneet Singh Bittu 1:04:28 - Congress Cadre 1:14:23 - Caste Politics in Tamil Nadu
• EP-400 | S Gurumurthy on Tamil Nadu Polls, Vijay, Modi, Rahul, DMK, Sanatana & More 24.03.2026 1j 59mnt

  Swaminathan Gurumurthy is the editor of the Tamil political weekly Thuglak. An auditor by training and an ideologue by conviction, he has spent decades at the intersection of economics, politics and civilisational debate. From his investigations into corporate power in the 1980s involving Reliance Industries to his critique of globalisation and role in shaping the intellectual ecosystem of the RSS, he has remained an influential and outspoken voice in India’s public life.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he discusses the DMK-Congress alliance, actor Vijay, Sanatana Dharma, Tamil Nadu politics and RSS.Gurumurthy outlines the structural and ideological challenges the BJP faces in Tamil Nadu, shaped by decades of Dravidian politics and alliance-driven electoral dynamics.He also speaks candidly about Ramnath Goenka, Dhirubhai Ambani, Indira Gandhi-era politics and his clashes with corporate power in India.Timestamps00:00 - Introduction02:14 - Dravidian Politics14:43 - DMK-Congress Alliance21:25 - Can Vijay Challenge DMK?25:42 - Tamil Nadu’s Cultural Ethos33:56 - Electoral Shifts in Tamil Nadu40:43 - BJP’s Challenge in Tamil Nadu48:05 - Tamil Cultural Media51:46 - Anti-Hindu Politics in Tamil Nadu55:58 - Story Behind ‘Guru’ Movie58:51 - Ties with Ramnath Goenka1:08:20 - Dhirubhai Ambani Investigations1:10:35 - Advisory Role in Corporate Family Disputes1:17:12 - Political Engagement Across Parties1:24:28 - Congress’s Leadership Crisis1:32:58 - West Asia Conflict1:39:33 - BJP’s Outreach to Minorities1:49:03 - Views on the Gandhi Family1:54:21 - BJP-RSS Coordination