ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

Episodi

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  EP-449 I “India Looks So Poor”: Manu Joseph on Broken Cities, Gen Z, Jobs, CM Vijay & PM Modi 13.09.2026 2h 19min

  Manu Joseph is a journalist, columnist, novelist and screenwriter known for his sharp and often provocative observations on Indian society. He is the author of 'Why the Poor Don’t Kill Us' and the creator of the Netflix series 'Decoupled'.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he discusses India’s broken cities, the jobs crisis facing Gen Z, and the decline of civic sense. He also speaks about Noida versus Gurugram, Vijay’s rise in Tamil Nadu politics, freedom of expression, privilege, merit and why India “looks so poor”.0:00 – Introduction1:13 – Life in Gurugram2:33 – Village–City Divide3:55 – Civic Order vs Social Order5:47 – Why India Looks So Poor6:57 – Swanky Airports and Broken Cities10:51 – India’s Obsession With Useless Issues14:24 – Leaving Gurugram18:22 – Bengaluru Has Become a Hellhole19:36 – Why Indian Cities Are Unliveable22:30 – Is Goa India’s Most Cosmopolitan Place?29:30 – What’s Wrong With Kerala?33:42 – Kerala’s Healthcare35:58 – Kerala Mothers40:06 – Indian Parents and Education47:19 – North India vs South India52:51 – Servility, Saluting and Class in India55:10 – How Indians Treat Salespeople55:48 – How Indians Treat Waiters1:02:59 – Why the Poor Don’t Kill Us1:03:22 – The Attention-Span Crisis1:08:35 – Cockroach Janata Party1:13:11 – Why Gen Z Is Screwed by Equality1:13:52 – India’s Employability Crisis1:26:53 – Unemployment Among Educated Women1:31:54 – Exam Leaks and Student Protests1:35:42 – Freedom of Expression in India1:40:25 – “Vijay Was My Classmate”1:42:57 – Mani Ratnam and Tamil Cinema1:44:45 – Vijay’s Political Rise1:55:13 – Caste and Public Toilets1:59:46 – Manu Joseph’s Stand-Up Film2:04:48 – Left-Wing vs Right-Wing Politics2:09:11 – Why Ancient History Is Unreliable2:12:43 – Leaving Journalism and Writing Fiction2:15:50 – His Take on ‘Godi Media’
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  EP-448 | Samrat Choudhary on Bankipur, Migration, Alcohol Ban, Reservation, Jobs & Bihar’s Infra 09.09.2026 59min

  Samrat Choudhary is the first BJP leader to serve as the Chief Minister of Bihar. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he speaks about the Bankipur election result, Prashant Kishor, migration and jobs in the state. He also discusses the alcohol ban, reservation, infrastructure, the revival of sugar mills, and what his government plans to do next.00:00 – Introduction00:36 – Bihar Floods4:08 – Water Treaty with Bangladesh11:05 – Women’s Employment Scheme17:23 – Jobs in Bihar23:31 – Bihar’s Education System27:29 – Skill Development31:48 – Migration35:50 – Alcohol Ban36:50 – NDA Alliance43:00 – BJP’s Bankipur Defeat50:15 – Reservation53:40 – Road and Bridge Collapses
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  EP-447 | “I Thought I Wasn’t Right for Mirzapur Role”: Rasika Dugal on Bollywood, OTT & Patriarchy 06.09.2026 1h 13min

  Rasika Dugal is known for her performances in films and streaming series such as Mirzapur, Delhi Crime, Manto, Qissa and Out of Love. A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India, she is best known for playing Beena Tripathi in Mirzapur, a role that brought her widespread recognition. In this ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dugal discusses why she initially feared she was not right for Mirzapur and shares her experience of working with Pankaj Tripathi and Kulbhushan Kharbanda. She also remembers Irrfan Khan and explains what he taught her about being a good co-actor. Dugal speaks about how streaming platforms have transformed her career, the challenges women-led stories face, and the patriarchal expectations placed on women in the entertainment industry.*Timestamps*0:00 – Introduction0:34 – Acting Style3:05 – Family's Reaction to Acting4:12 – Moving to Mumbai6:58 – Studying at FTII9:49 – Beena Tripathi in Mirzapur15:07 – Intimate Scenes in Mirzapur22:17 – Working With Kulbhushan Kharbanda26:28 – Role in Delhi Crime29:03 – Long-Form Storytelling31:51 – Working With Irrfan Khan34:15 – Working in Manto37:25 – Scrutiny on Women Actors42:17 – Importance of Small Details44:11 – Violence in Mirzapur and Delhi Crime46:09 – Creative Freedom on Sets52:29 – Beena Tripathi’s Revenge in Mirzapur54:49 – Working With Saif Ali Khan59:07 – Being an Outsider1:03:07 – Women’s Stories in Indian Cinema1:04:13 – Working With Male and Female Directors1:09:07 – How AI Can Help Filmmakers1:12:43 – Conclusion
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  EP-446 | “China Had 20 Minutes to Warn People”: Lobsang Sangay on Nepal–Tibet Floods 03.09.2026 1h 28min

  Lobsang Sangay served as the democratically elected Sikyong, or President of the Central Tibetan Administration, from 2011 to 2021. He became its top political leader after the Dalai Lama gave up his political authority. Born in 1968, Sangay grew up in a Tibetan refugee settlement near Darjeeling, India. He studied at Delhi University and Harvard Law School before becoming an American citizen.In this ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sangay discusses the Nepal–Tibet floods and questions why China failed to issue a timely warning that could have saved hundreds of lives. He also alleges that Beijing censored videos and controlled the information coming out of Tibet. Sangay also speaks about Xi Jinping’s health, the purges within the PLA, China’s plans for Tibet, the Dalai Lama’s succession and the risk of China weaponising water.0:00 – Introduction1:34 – Tibet–Nepal Flash Floods2:24 – Internet Shutdown in Tibet4:17 – Could China Have Warned Nepal?6:51 – Why China Is Hiding the Truth9:02 – The Real Death Toll in Tibet10:58 – China Blocks Journalists and Scientists12:18 – Melting Glaciers and 2030 Warning15:06 – Dams, Earthquakes and AI Data Centres23:51 – Nepal’s Rescue Efforts28:12 – China’s Information-Control Playbook30:16 – International Water-Sharing Laws34:38 – China’s Mega-Dam on Brahmaputra36:52 – India–China Ties and Tibet39:17 – China’s Claims Over Arunachal43:15 – Purge of PLA Generals46:00 – Xi Jinping’s Health48:23 – Xi Jinping’s Succession Problem52:12 – China’s Ethnic Unity Law56:12 – Chinese Police Station58:31 – Dalai Lama’s Succession1:02:32 – Will There Be Two Dalai Lamas?1:12:17 – Chinese Pressure on Nepal1:14:59 – Tibet’s Future1:22:29 – Nepal Rejects Foreign Rescue Teams1:25:27 – The Human and Economic Cost1:27:05 – Conclusion
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  EP-445 I Baba Ramdev Unfiltered: Hindu Rashtra, Kangana Ranaut, Gen Z, Modi, Yoga & Deep State 30.08.2026 1h 35min

  Baba Ramdev is a yoga guru turned businessman, known for taking yoga into millions of homes in India and around the world. He runs Patanjali, an Indian consumer goods company that competes with major FMCG giants. Baba Ramdev also frequently makes headlines for his views on Hinduism, politics and national issues.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Baba Ramdev explains his idea of a Hindu Rashtra, responds to criticism over becoming a businessman, shares his views on the performance of the Modi government, and talks about how he sees Gen Z and protests in India.0:00 – Introduction1:55 – Hindu Rashtra7:30 – Religion and Conversion18:19 – Youth Protests and Unemployment25:00 – India Against Corruption and CJP28:29 – Gen Z and a Changing India33:57 – Black Money and Corruption36:00 – Modi Government’s Report Card44:39 – Youth’s Expectations from Modi49:36 – Yoga Guru Turned Businessman53:06 – Daily Routine54:22 – Patanjali Products and Legal Battles1:00:14 – Ayurveda vs Allopathy1:04:28 – Rahul Gandhi1:05:36 – Business Advice1:09:31 – A Caste-Free India1:13:48 – Gurukuls, Youth and Addiction1:19:13 – Free Speech and Godi Media1:22:38 – Deep State1:27:46 – Succession Plan1:29:46 – Ramdev’s Legacy1:32:29 – Sings a Song1:34:34 – Conclusion
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  EP-444 | How India Blinded, Numbed & Paralysed Pakistan’s Air Force | Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra 27.08.2026 1h 45min

  Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra is a former fighter pilot who served in the Indian Air Force for more than 39 years. In January 2025, he took charge of the Western Air Command, one of the IAF’s most important operational commands. Just months later, he led the command during Operation Sindoor.In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Air Marshal Mishra explains how India blinded Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and achieved air superiority, gaining the ability to strike anywhere inside Pakistan.He also speaks about the operational freedom given to the Indian Air Force and the role of women pilots in striking terror hubs in Pakistan. The conversation also covers drones, indigenous weapons and whether India is ready for Operation Sindoor 2.0.00:00 – Introduction01:36 – IAF’s Planning for Op Sindoor06:16 – IAF’s Precision Strikes11:37 – Op Sindoor’s Target Selection17:21 – Women Pilots in Op Sindoor21:25 – Mental Makeup of IAF Pilots28:09 – Decision-Making Behind Op Sindoor32:44 – Psyche of Pakistan’s Military39:00 – IAF’s 314-km S-400 Strike45:42 – Blinding Pakistan’s Air Defences54:30 – PM Modi’s Adampur Visit58:27 – IAF’s Core Team for Op Sindoor1:03:48 – BrahMos1:08:06 – Drone Warfare1:18:37 – Operation Safed Sagar1:29:58 – Pakistan’s Attempts to Find S-4001:29:58 – Narrative Warfare1:42:26 – Track 2 Diplomacy
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  EP-443 | FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani on Fake Paneer, Edible Oil, Misleading Labels & Quick Commerce 26.08.2026 1h 21min

  IAS Rajit Punhani is the CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the organisation responsible for setting food-safety standards and regulating the country’s food industry.In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Punhani explains what the FSSAI mark on a product actually means and why it does not mean that every product has been tested or certified by the regulator.He addresses concerns surrounding fake paneer, misleading food labels, excessive sugar in packaged drinks and baby food, palm oil, synthetic colours, protein supplements and ultra-processed food.Timestamps0:00 – Introduction1:29 – What FSSAI Logo Means8:31 – Misleading Food Labels14:14 – Drinks in Europe vs India20:57 – Palm Oil Reality25:27 – Sugar in Baby Food30:04 – Indian Thali32:54 – Nutrition Labels37:05 – ‘Zero Sugar’ Meaning39:36 – Food Industry Lobbying42:54 – Fake Paneer and Food Adulteration50:08 – Quick-Commerce Apps53:58 – Dark Stores and Cloud Kitchens58:17 – Street Food and Reused Cooking Oil1:00:27 – Shortage of Food Safety Officers1:04:16 – Food Recalls and Unsafe Products1:08:10 – Protein Supplements1:10:43 – Ultra-Processed Food1:14:06 – Synthetic Colours in Food1:16:53 – How Consumers Can File a Complaint1:21:10 – Conclusion
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  EP-442 | Sanjeev Sanyal on Education Crisis, Coaching Mafia, Youth Anger, Taxes, AI & Economy 19.08.2026 1h 33min

  Sanjeev Sanyal is a historian, economist and author. He currently serves as a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India.In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he explains why India’s education system is failing its youth and why Indian degrees no longer guarantee jobs. He also speaks about India’s large population, the future of the economy, the falling rupee, AI and income tax.The podcast also explores the story behind INSV Kaundinya and India’s forgotten maritime and civilisational history.Timestamps0:00 – Introduction1:00 – India's Education System4:28 – How China Conducts Exams9:36 – Youth Unemployment25:16 – Theory vs Real-World Skills29:04 – India's Economic Outlook32:01 – India's Private Investments36:08 – GDP Growth vs Consumption Gap39:22 – Foreign Media Narratives47:47 – India-US Trade Deal51:03 – Fall of the Rupee57:35 – India's Growth Story1:02:43 – Are Indians Overtaxed?1:05:47 – Global Birth Rate Crisis1:17:43 – INSV Kaundinya1:25:21 – Indian History1:29:27 – What's Next for Sanyal?
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  EP - 441 I The Parsi Story, Food & Culture | The 'Real' Samosa Caucus 9.0 Edition – Part 2 16.08.2026 2h 35min

  Stepping out of the ANI Podcast Studio, The ‘Real’ Samosa Caucus is back with Edition 9.0, Part 2, this time from Dorabjee & Sons in Pune.The 150-year-old Parsi restaurant has been serving generations of Punekars and is now run by the fifth generation of the Dorabjee family.Joining the podcast 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 StudiesDarius DorabjeeDallas DorabjeeIn this episode, the panel talks about how the Parsis made India their home, the evolution of Parsi food and culture, and what it takes to carry forward a 150-year-old restaurant legacy.Trade Crypto, Gold, Silver and US Stock Tokens in INR! Download app to get 10% off in Fees: https://deltaexchange.onelink.me/DIpL/zb5g0nh3Delta Exchange is India's leading Crypto Exchange, fully compliant and requiring only INR to trade Crypto.0:00 – Introduction0:34 – History of Dorabjee & Sons1:50 – Parsi Quirkiness3:49 – Parsi Food6:29 – Parsi Families and Marriage15:06 – What Independence Day Means24:21 – Exploring Parsi Food28:27 – Parsi Traditions and Attire32:50 – Iconic Parsi Dishes33:17 – Why Dorabjee & Sons Never Expanded35:48 – How Much Money Is Enough?47:27 – India’s Obesity Crisis49:10 – Protein vs Carbohydrates54:37 – Stray Dog Debate59:07 – Tukaram Mundhe’s Restaurant Crackdown1:11:14 – Fitness and Healthy Living1:25:50 – Wealth Creators1:27:29 – Workweek Debate1:28:08 – China’s Education Model1:31:11 – AI-Driven World1:39:11 – Is India Falling Behind in AI?1:42:10 – Pakistan’s ‘Islamic NATO’ Proposal1:46:51 – India–US Relations1:57:45 – Trump and US Midterm Elections2:03:05 – China’s Lead Over the US2:11:11 – Manufacturing in India2:18:40 – India’s Broken Systems2:20:16 – Delhi’s Governance Problems2:28:54 – Government Schools2:32:09 – Visas and India’s Foreign Policy2:34:30 – Conclusion
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  EP-440 | The 'Real' Samosa Caucus 9.0 Edition – Part 1 | Abhijit, Anand, Sushant & Tehseen 13.08.2026 2h 15min

  The ‘Real’ Samosa Caucus is back with Edition 9.0, Part 1 — bigger debates, sharper arguments and absolutely no filters.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 StudiesIn this episode, the panel discusses the rise of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), anger among the youth, protests in Jharkhand, ethanol blending in petrol, the Ramayana and The Odyssey, and much more.Trade Crypto, Gold, Silver and US Stock Tokens in INR! Download app to get 10% off in Fees: https://deltaexchange.onelink.me/DIpL/zb5g0nh3Delta Exchange is India's leading Crypto Exchange, fully compliant and requiring only INR to trade Crypto.Timestamps0:00 – Introduction4:03 – E20 Debate7:03 – Birth of CJP12:54 – BJP’s Political Moves18:35 – Cockroach Janta Party26:48 – NEET Protest29:42 – Traditional vs Social Media31:33 – Sonam Wangchuk35:24 – BJP vs Congress45:24 – Jantar Mantar Effect48:13 – FCRA Bill53:50 – Gen Z vs Political Parties55:02 – Bihar Bypoll59:58 – UP 2027 Polls1:00:46 – UGC Rules1:02:55 – Gen Z Debate1:07:26 – Digital Footprint1:20:11 – Politicians Who Adapt1:29:05 – E20 Blending1:39:39 – India’s New Consumption Story2:07:28 – Cinema
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  EP-439 I 90s Stardom, Life Lessons, Affairs, Iconic Dance & Bollywood’s Reality | Govinda 09.08.2026 1h 12min

  Govinda is one of Bollywood’s biggest superstars of the 80s and 90s. Known for his unique comic timing, energetic dance moves, colourful style and unforgettable performances, he became one of the most loved entertainers of his generation.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Govinda talks about his rise to superstardom, his work with David Dhawan and Kader Khan, highs and lows of his career, and memories of legends like Rajesh Khanna, Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand.This is Govinda like you have never seen him before - candid, emotional and completely unfiltered.00:00 – Introduction01:07 – 90s Stardom03:42 – Dilip Kumar’s Advice10:27 – Memories of Rajesh Khanna14:26 – Mother’s Influence21:20 – ‘Outsider’ Tag in Bollywood25:29 – Flop Movies32:18 – Working with David Dhawan34:49 – Upcoming Films37:53 – Love Affairs & Relationships41:14 – Suicide Attempt & Spirituality46:57 – Underworld Threats50:34 – Pairing with Kader Khan53:34 – Iconic Dance Style58:00 – Chemistry with 90s Leading Heroines1:03:34 – Global Fashion Trendsetting1:05:52 – Tips to Salman Khan1:07:58 – What’s Next for Govinda?
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  EP-438 | BJP’s Gen Z Disconnect, Youth Protests, Jobs & Social Media Elections | Amitabh, Mallika 05.08.2026 1h 23min

  Amitabh Tiwari is a political strategist, election analyst, author and commentator. He is the founder of Vote Vibe and a regular columnist and television panellist. Mallika Bajaj is a digital transformation expert who studies how technology affects the way people learn, behave and think.In this live edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, they discuss what Gen Z wants and why there is a disconnect between the government and young people. They also explain how algorithms work and why Instagram is becoming the next major platform for election campaigns.00:00 – Introduction00:58 – BJP Lost Gen Z Support?06:22 – Algorithms & the Digital Divide14:04 – BJP's Social Media Edge19:58 – Q&A with Gen Z20:51 – Foreign Apps & Data Leaks26:39 – Need for Younger Politicians34:08 – Fake Information in AI Age42:10 – Gen Z's Political Grammar45:35 – Job Creation49:28 – CJP's Future Role51:21 – Youth Representation in Parliament56:41 – Legacy vs Independent Media1:01:08 – Gen Z's Electoral Influence1:06:02 – Political Labels1:07:58 – Traditional Media1:11:46 – The Right Way to Protest1:17:26 – Political Influencers1:21:19 – CJP's Political Ambitions
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  EP-437 I Bollywood PR Culture, Typecasting, Political Films, Theatre & More | Pavan Malhotra 02.08.2026 1h 32min

  Pavan Malhotra is one of Hindi cinema’s finest actors, known for his powerful performances across films, television, theatre and OTT. In a career spanning over 45 years, he has delivered memorable roles in films like ‘Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro’, ‘Black Friday’, ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ and ‘Jab We Met’.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Pavan Malhotra talks about his journey in cinema, working with legendary actors and directors, Bollywood’s PR culture, typecasting, political films and changing approach of new actors.00:00 – Introduction 00:54 – Working On ‘Gandhi’ Film 05:32 – Theatre’s Marxist Influence 11:40 – Political Films & Selective Outrage 15:34 – ‘Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro’ Story 22:06 – Indian Parallel Cinema 27:04 – Amrish Puri’s Advice 31:36 – ‘Black Friday’ & Anurag Kashyap 38:52 – BTS of ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ 46:10 – Bollywood’s New-Gen Actors 49:46 – Legacy Of Om Puri 54:20 – Bollywood PR Culture 57:42 – OTT vs Theatre 1:02:23 – Rakesh Bedi’s Bollywood Journey 1:07:33 – Making Of ‘Punjab 1984’ 1:12:05 – Art Of Storytelling 1:19:48 – Indian Culture & Traditions
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  EP-436 | Education System, CJP, Degree vs Skills, AI, Movies, China & Startups | Ronnie Screwvala 29.07.2026 1h 17min

  Ronnie Screwvala wears many hats: entrepreneur, investor, film producer and philanthropist. He built UTV into one of India’s biggest media companies, co-founded upGrad and established the Swades Foundation.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ronnie Screwvala speaks about the student anger, paper leaks and what is wrong with India’s education system.He also discusses degrees versus skills, unemployment, AI, India’s competition with China, entrepreneurship, start-ups and why India must become a “no-collar nation”.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction00:45 – AI Bubble02:54 – China in AI Race06:54 – India’s Service Economy09:48 – Entrepreneurial Journey14:41 – Rang De Basanti16:46 – Licence Raj & Liberalisation22:30 – Education and upGrad26:39 – Quick Commerce30:02 – Advertising Agencies32:30 – India’s Television Revolution38:47 – Did OTT Save Indian Cinema?44:34 – Will AI Make Our Minds Dull?47:38 – Education & Rural Digital Divide52:56 – India’s Untapped Tourism55:52 – Student Protests & Education Reform1:03:15 – AI & Entry-Level Jobs1:07:31 – Blue-Collar Work1:13:11 – AI, Agriculture & Farming
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  EP-435 | 26/11 Attacks, Modi, LK Advani, Gujarat Riots & Judicial Reforms | Mahesh Jethmalani 27.07.2026 1h 53min

  Mahesh Jethmalani is a Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India and a former Rajya Sabha MP. He has represented the BJP in several high-profile legal battles over the past four decades.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Mahesh Jethmalani speaks about his father Ram Jethmalani's legacy.The conversation also covers 2002 Gujarat riots, 26/11 Mumbai attacks, judicial reforms, anti-defection law, Vande Mataram debate and NEET student protests.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction 00:54 – NEET protests 10:51 – Anti-defection law 22:35 – Article 370 & Ram temple 29:20 – Ram Jethmalani's legacy 39:20 – High-profile cases 43:45 – LK Advani's leadership 48:13 – 2002 Gujarat riots 1:00:20 – 26/11 terror attacks trial 1:05:16 – 'Cockroach' remark by CJI 1:11:17 – Ram Jethmalani's courtroom drama 1:15:19 – Handling BJP cases 1:18:11 – Modi-Trump relationship 1:27:30 – Indus Waters Treaty 1:31:28 – Judicial reforms 1:43:19 – Vande Mataram debate 1:49:06 – Harshad Mehta case
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  EP-434 | Manish Tewari on Cockroach Janta Party, NEET Protests, Police Action & Rahul Gandhi 24.07.2026 1h 35min

  Manish Tewari is a senior Congress leader, lawyer and Member of Parliament from Chandigarh. He previously represented Ludhiana and Anandpur Sahib in the Lok Sabha and served as Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting. He is also an author and has been active in Indian politics for over four decades.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he discusses the Cockroach Janta Party protest, the NEET controversy, police action against students, Rahul Gandhi’s protest and the Parliament deadlock. He also speaks about the Punjab Congress, the 2027 Assembly elections, Operation Sindoor, his viral interaction with PM Modi.00:00 – Introduction01:16 – Cockroach Janta Party06:01 – Political Involvement07:36 – INDIA Alliance14:36 – PM Residence Protest15:54 – Pradhan’s Resignation17:43 – Parliament Washout20:05 – Anti-Defection Law36:18 – Interaction with PM Modi40:28 – Journey Through Congress43:45 – Punjab Elections 202745:46 – Operation Sindoor51:32 – Father’s Assassination56:15 – Political Entry57:52 – Rajiv Gandhi01:01:53 – Punjabiyat01:05:32 – Punjab Partition01:10:43 – Satluj Movie01:12:26 – Accidental Prime Minister01:14:29 – Chandigarh Connection01:16:50 – Partition Trauma01:20:20 – Bittu Traitor Remark01:26:19 – Bhagwant Mann01:31:57 – US Trade Deal01:35:02 – Conclusion
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  EP-433 | Is the American Dream Dead? | Arnab Ray on Racism, H-1B & AI Layoffs 20.07.2026 1h 12min

  Arnab Ray, also known as Greatbong, is known for his satirical commentary on Indian politics, society, and popular culture. He is an author and holds a PhD in Computer Science.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Arnab Ray discusses racism against Indians, the H-1B visa crackdown, AI-driven job cuts, and the changing American Dream.00:00 – Introduction01:33 – Image of Indian Immigrants05:55 – Challenges for Indian Immigrants10:23 – Indian American Cultural Identity17:10 – Political Influence of Immigrants27:20 – H-1B Crackdown32:41 – Indian Students in U.S.40:01 – NRI Stereotype46:01 – Indian Politics and NRI Connection53:53 – Indian Diaspora and Political Polarisation59:09 – Jimmy Kimmel Controversy1:07:18 – Rise of BJP in Bengal
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  EP-432 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj vs Aurangzeb, Mughal History & Maharani Tarabai | Medha Bhaskaran 18.07.2026 1h 34min

  Medha Bhaskaran is an author and researcher known for her work on Maratha history. She has written extensively about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Maharani Tarabai.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Medha Bhaskaran explores the long conflict between the Marathas and the Mughal Empire.She also discusses Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaign, the destruction of temples, Shivaji Maharaj’s military leadership, Maharani Tarabai’s resistance, Tipu Sultan and the continuing debate over how Indian history has been written.Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction00:56 – Life in Dubai05:31 – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj10:16 – Mughal-era Violence15:36 – Aurangzeb's Deccan Wars22:27 – Aurangzeb's Family Conflicts31:25 – Idea of Hindavi Swarajya45:29 – Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s Legacy52:40 – Untold Story of Maharani Tarabai58:54 – Maratha Weapons1:02:43 – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Final Days1:07:34 – How Shivaji Maharaj Became Chhatrapati1:22:25 – Rewriting Indian History1:28:57 – Story of Tarabai’s Courage
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  EP-431 | Hindu Terror Origin, 26/11 Attacks, Ishrat Jahan Case, Malegaon Blast, Beant Singh| RVS Mani 14.07.2026 1h 42min

  R.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 12.07.2026 1h 43min

  Surjit 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