ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

Shambhavi Choudhary is the youngest Member of Parliament in the 18th Lok Sabha. At 26 years old, she represents the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) from Samastipur. Her father, Ashok Choudhary, is a JDU leader and a key minister in Nitish Kumar's cabinet.She holds a Master’s degree in Sociology from the Delhi School of Economics and graduated from Lady Shri Ram College. She is pursuing a PhD on the participation of women in active electoral politics in Bihar from Magadh University.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Shambhavi talks about the challenges Bihar faces, including unemployment, migration, and the lack of business opportunities. She also discusses the recent BPSC protests, addressing whether there was a paper leak or not and why students in Bihar are obsessed with government jobs.Shambhavi shares her views on caste politics in Bihar and weighs in on whether Prashant Kishor could make a difference in the state’s politics. She strongly criticizes Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Chief Minister, calling it a period of stagnation.More on the problem of floods in Bihar and whether Nitish Kumar switches sides again or not.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:01 – BPSC Exam Controversy07:36 – Prashant Kishor & Bihar Politics14:03 – Bihar Students' Obsession with Govt Jobs20:18 – Lack of Employment Opportunities and Migration in Bihar30:00 – Caste Politics in Bihar35:40 – Tejashwi Yadav vs Chirag Paswan43:13 – Political Representation of Women in India49:05 – Portrayal of Bihar in Movies53:12 – Will Nitish Kumar Quit the NDA Again?1:02:11 – Women's Reservation in Indian Politics1:10:37 – Liquor Ban in Bihar1:21:44 – Low Literacy Rate in Bihar

Dr. Shamika Ravi is a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and a Secretary to the Government of India. Her research focuses on the economics of development, including Finance, Healthcare, Urbanization, Gender Equality, Welfare and Poverty.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Shamika Ravi talks about India’s economic outlook for 2025 and whether the world’s fastest-growing economy is slowing down.She also discusses women’s participation in the workforce in India and how it has changed over the past decade. Dr. Ravi highlights the challenges posed by an ageing population in southern states and explains why leaders like CM Stalin and Naidu are encouraging families to have more children.She shares insights on the fertility rates of Hindus and Muslims in India and how population changes can impact national security and policymaking. She also speaks on NRC whether India is or not and if there is a need for anti-conversion laws.Dr. Ravi raises concerns about election freebies and discusses whether MSP (Minimum Support Price) can be provided to farmers for all crops.00:00 – Introduction02:11 – Food Consumption Patterns in India08:56 – India's Economic Outlook12:05 – Gender Discrimination at Work22:53 – Female Participation at work in India33:42 – Naidu, Stalin's Call for 'More Children'36:29 – Fertility Rates of Hindus, Muslims in India46:16 – Impact of Demographic Changes on Policy-Making56:34 – Is India Ready for the NRC?1:02:46 – Anti-Conversion Law1:08:34 – Are Freebies Sustainable?1:14:19 – RSS Chief Bhagwat’s Call for ‘3 Kids’1:19:31 – Can MSP Be Given on All Crops?1:22:50 – Conducting the Census in India

Will the BJP end the schemes run by the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi? What will happen to Mohalla Clinics and free bus rides for women? Will free education for all continue? Is the BJP offering freebies to win power in Delhi?In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Baijayant Jay Panda, BJP National Vice President and MP from Kendrapara, joins us. He has been appointed as the Delhi BJP election in-charge and answers questions about AAP’s schemes and the BJP's manifesto.Panda accuses AAP of focusing on drama and claims that Delhiites want a double-engine government that works without conflict. He also talks about the three-way contest in Delhi between the BJP, AAP, and Congress.He shares the BJP’s plans to tackle Delhi’s air pollution and explains why the party is releasing its manifesto in three parts. He also discusses why leaders like Smriti Irani, Nupur Sharma, and Meenakshi Lekhi haven’t been given tickets for the Delhi Assembly polls.More on the Sheesh Mahal controversy, law and order in Delhi, and the liquor scam.00:00 - Introduction00:50 - Delhi Assembly Polls03:21 - BJP Karyakarta vs. AAP Karyakarta06:51 - Lok Sabha & Vidhan Sabha Voting Patterns12:42 - Muslim Voters & BJP Saga16:32 - "Samvidhan Badal Denge" Row19:30 - CM-LG Rows21:45 - AAP's 'Drama' Politics23:02 - Honouring Congress' stalwarts27:47 - A 3-Way Battle in Delhi?34:11 - 'Fake' Voters in Delhi36:02 - BJP's Plan to Tackle Delhi's Air Crisis40:18 - Law and Order in Delhi44:03 - Delhi 'Liquor' Scam45:52 - BJP's Election Manifesto49:35 - Is BJP Copying AAP's Schemes?52:21 - Will BJP End AAP's Schemes?55:00 - Poverty Issues in Odisha58:25 - Are Freebies the Route to Power?01:01:16 - Ayushman Bharat Scheme vs. Mohalla Clinics01:04:50 - Is 'Hinduism' a Factor in Elections?01:08:35 - BJP's In-Charge for Delhi Polls01:10:49 - Is RSS Helping BJP in Delhi Polls?01:12:50 - BJP's CM Face in Delhi?01:15:05 - Smriti Irani, Nupur Sharma, Meenakshi Lekhi

The ANI Podcast is launching a new format with live audience interaction! In this version of the show, ANI employees and reporters will be part of the audience, asking questions and sharing their thoughts.Hardeep Singh Puri, a seasoned diplomat and the current Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, joins the discussion.He criticizes former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not tackling corruption and pollution in the city.Puri also talks about India’s oil imports and shares his views on how India-US relations might change with Donald Trump becoming the 47th President.00:00 - Introduction 01:43 - BJP’s Delhi Candidate List09:20 - Kejriwal's Tenure as CM12:18 - BJP Not Ready for Delhi Polls?16:34 - Delhi's Education System20:31 - EC Captured by the BJP?24:04 - BJP vs Congress28:20 - Who Is BJP's Delhi CM Face?33:20 - AAP's Pujari Granthi Samaan Yojna34:46 - Kejriwal vs Home Ministry41:42 - Mohalla Clinics in Delhi43:20 - BJP's Strategy for Delhi Polls49:51 - Delhi Breathes Poison51:50 - 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Survivors54:20 - Dollar-Rupee Exchange Rate in Oil Imports56:10 - Sanctions on Russian Oil Imports01:00:24 - Trump as President: Good for India?01:02:48 - Trump's Offer to Canada01:08:44 - Sikh Community in Canada01:11:45 - Mahakumbh01:13:25 - Tharoor, Soros, and Puri's Meeting01:18:35 - Rivalry in INDIA Bloc01:26:23 - Rohingya Issue in Delhi

In the last two Delhi Assembly elections, Congress failed to secure a single seat out of 70. Its vote share has dropped from 40% to just 4% in the last 18 years. Can the Grand Old Party make a comeback in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections? Can it rejuvenate its cadre in the National Capital? Was it a mistake to support AAP in 2013? In this ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sandeep Dikshit, Former MP and son of Ex-Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit, answers these pressing questions. He also shares untold stories about Arvind Kejriwal from the India Against Corruption movement in 2011. Sandeep Dikshit is contesting the Assembly elections against Kejriwal from New Delhi, dedicating his campaign to his late mother, whom Kejriwal had called corrupt. Dikshit does not hold back, calling Kejriwal a megalomaniac. He also addresses key issues like traffic, Yamuna pollution, air pollution, and the need for clean water in Delhi. He discusses the India Alliance, explaining its current position and why its partners are not backing Congress in the Assembly polls. Dikshit predicts that Congress will secure a double-digit vote share in this election and that it won’t be a cakewalk for Arvind Kejriwal. 00:00 – Introduction 01:06 – Kejriwal vs. Sandeep Dikshit 11:22 – Kejriwal's Attack on Sheila Dikshit 17:48 – How Congress Lost the 2013 Delhi Polls 26:01 – Is Kejriwal Losing? 33:23 – How Delhi Votes 40:20 – INDIA Alliance 'Backs' AAP 46:52 – Congress' Delhi Nyay Yatra 50:16 – What's Wrong with Delhi Congress? 56:46 – Congress’ CM Face in Delhi 1:07:04 – ‘Megalomaniac Arvind Kejriwal’ 1:15:12 – 'Sheesh Mahal' Controversy 1:22:17 – Will CAG Reports Impact Delhi Polls? 1:29:11 – The Role of the Opposition in Delhi

Can the BJP break the 27-year jinx and form a government in the National Capital? Who has the edge in the 2025 Delhi Assembly polls? Where does the BJP stand in Delhi? Is RSS backing the BJP in the Delhi polls? Are freebies the route to power? Who is BJP’s main rival in Delhi—Congress or AAP? In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Parvesh Verma, former MP, answers all these questions. He is the BJP's candidate from New Delhi, contesting against Arvind Kejriwal and Sandeep Dikshit. Parvesh claims that the Aam Aadmi Party is riddled with corruption and has done nothing for the people of Delhi. He also discusses voter list manipulation charges and vote-buying allegations against him by the AAP. Parvesh Verma also shares the story when Rahul Gandhi offered him to join Congress and contest elections. He also discusses the Sheesh Mahal vs. Raj Mahal row and BJP’s CM face for Delhi Polls. Listen in for more on nepotism in the BJP and why Jat voters matter in Delhi. 00:00 – Introduction 01:50 – Kejriwal vs. Parvesh 07:56 – Voter List Manipulation Charge 15:26 – Why Jat Votes Matter in Delhi 19:04 – CAG Report on Delhi's Scrapped Excise Policy 24:07 – Sheesh Mahal vs. Raj Mahal 29:38 – BJP’s CM Face for Delhi Polls 32:41 – Bidhuri’s Controversial Remarks 34:20 – War Over 'Fake' Voters in Delhi 41:02 – BJP's Strategy in Delhi Polls 44:59 – Vote-Buying Allegations 49:29 – Third Party’s Role in Delhi Polls 56:58 – Nepotism in BJP and Other Parties 58:29 – RSS Factor for BJP in Elections

Why did Justin Trudeau resign? Is it a temporary tactic? What are Trudeau's scandals? Did Khalistanis prop up his government? What’s the impact on Canada after Trump won the election? To answer these questions, we are joined by Kushal Mehra, author and podcaster, and Daniel Bordman, senior correspondent for The National Telegraph and Geopolitical Analyst. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Kushal Mehra and Daniel Bordman discuss a range of topics, including who could succeed Justin Trudeau as the Liberal Party leader and the impact of Trudeau's immigration policies on Indian students. They also discussed Trump's influence on Canadian policies, Canadian trade relations with the USA, and the recent attacks on Hindu temples in Canada. Don’t miss this episode to learn about these critical geopolitical issues and the India-Canada row. 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – Foreign interference in Canadian politics 11:56 – Trudeau's leadership and media Influence 21:16 – Who could succeed Trudeau as Liberal Party leader? 32:22 – Impact of Trudeau's immigration policies on Indian students 42:35 – Trudeau's approach to Khalistan movement 53:22 – Trump's influence on Canadian policies 1:02:43 – Canadian trade relations with the USA 1:15:57 – Attacks on Hindu temple in Canada 1:23:37 – Backlash against Khalistani supporters in Canada 1:33:04 – Indian media's coverage and Canada's fear of foreign media 1:43:26 – Canadian 'Honk Honk' rhetoric 1:51:49 – Canada's view on Modi: A threat or a global leader?

What is Dharmic Capitalism? How can Dharma power India’s economy? What role do temples play in the modern economy? How has Dharma shaped India’s economy over the centuries? And how did Kautilya use Dharma to boost the economy and ensure political stability? Sriram Balasubramanian, an economist and author, explores these questions in the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash. Discussing his latest book, 'Dharmanomics: An Indigenous and Sustainable Economic Model', Sriram explains how India's economic frameworks once left the world in awe. This is his second book, following 'Kautilyanomics', which examined how Kautilya, also known as Chanakya's ideas have found resonance in today's world. Sriram also discusses the critical role of wealth creators in society. Based in the USA, Sriram also shares his thoughts on Donald Trump’s economic vision for America and his plans to steer the country’s financial future. 00:00 - Introduction 01:20 - Dharmanomics and Dharmic Capitalism 08:33 - How Governance and Economics are Linked 16:12 - Indian Influence on Southeast Asia 28:03 - Ayodhya Temple Land Acquisition 31:03 - Chola Empire Laborers and Temple Inscriptions Explained 41:00 - Role of Wealth Creators 56:14 - Trump's Economic Policies 59:24 - Working Class and a Billionaire President 01:01:53 - Inflation in the USA 01:05:49 - Why Kamala Harris Lost 01:08:49 - US-China Row 01:11:05 - Xi's Expansion Plans 01:13:09 - Musk's Doge

Do UFOs exist, or are they just illusions? What’s the truth behind sightings in New Jersey and California? Is the USA hiding something? And why is there no big UFO culture in India? Has the Indian Air Force ever encountered a UFO? In this latest episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Air Marshal Dilip Kumar Patnaik (Retd.), former Eastern Air Commander, answers all these intriguing questions. He also shares untold stories from the Kargil War, including flying some of the deadliest missions and dropping over two dozen bombs on enemy positions. Air Marshal Patnaik provides a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes action of the Balakot airstrikes, revealing the message the Indian government intended to send to Pakistan. Additionally, he discusses the future of drone warfare and how it could become a game-changer in modern conflicts. Wrapping up, he explains his decision to join the BJP and what he hopes to achieve in his new role. 00:00 - Coming Up 01:33 - Introduction 02:14 - Mysterious Sightings in the USA 07:24 - Indian Mythology & UFO Culture 10:03 - Indian Air Force's Role in the Kargil War 16:38 - 'Game Changer' Mirage in the Kargil War 26:25 - Attack on Muntho Dhalo 34:32 - Experience of Air Strikes in the Kargil War 36:58 - Battle Scars 38:24 - Balakot Operation 41:13 - Pincer Attack Explained 46:47 - Pre-War Pilot Instructions 49:16 - Cat's Paw in the Air Force Explained 53:00 - How Abhinandan Varthaman Was Captured 58:19 - Return of Abhinandan to India 01:03:51 - Indian Air Force vs Pak Air Force vs China's Air Force 01:10:58 - 'IAF Requires More Aircraft' 01:17:00 - Drone Attacks in Kazan, Russia 01:21:18 - India's Aging Aircraft 01:23:37 - Bangladesh Crisis 01:28:53 - Challenges for Border Security 01:36:28 - Bangladesh Crisis: Third Front War for India? 01:38:43 - How Pakistan Sees the Bangladesh Crisis 01:40:15- Joining BJP

From politics to dating, cricket to OTT shows, the ANI Podcast Team wraps up 2024 with a year-end special that's both entertaining and insightful. Every topic is seasoned with a pinch of wit and a dash of intrigue, making it a must-listen! In this special edition, hosted by Smita Prakash, the guests bring their unique perspectives to the table: Shehzad Poonawalla, National Spokesperson of the BJP, shares his take on the political highlights of the year. Kushal Mehra, an author and podcaster, weighs in on cultural shifts, Foreign Policy, and more. Vinamre Kasanaa, popularly known as Dostcast, dives into the world of content creation, podcasting in India, and dating culture. Together, they unpack a wide range of topics, offering sharp insights and plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you're a news junkie or just here for the banter, this episode has something for everyone! 00:00 - Introduction 03:13 - How Content Creation Has Evolved 08:15 - Podcasting in India 17:09 - When Views Drop on Podcasts 22:17 - Modi: The Best PM India Has Ever Had? 25:40 - Should India Legalize Same-Sex Marriage? 28:21 - Has India's Foreign Policy Improved Under the BJP? 32:23 - Is Free Speech Under Threat in India? 40:57 - Has India's Social Fabric Been Ruined in the Last 10 Years? 48:07 - Hindu Rashtra 51:03 - Caste-Based Reservation 55:58 - Best Daily Soap Serial and Why 57:36 - Marriage and Opposing Political Views 59:08 - Will You Stay Friends with Your Ex? 01:00:13 - Most Overrated Sports 01:01:21 - How Much Do You Spend on a First Date? 01:05:23 - What Makes You Proud to Be an Indian? 01:05:49 - Year 2024 in One Word 01:06:54 - Disrespecting Culture 01:10:28 - Does Religion Matter Before Entering a Relationship? 01:16:10 - Overrated Celebrity 01:17:32 - Picking India's Best Cricket Player 01:20:03 - Is It Okay to Cheat on Your Barber? 01:23:13 - Indian of the Year? 01:27:43 - Overrated Film 01:29:48 - The Kapoors Meeting PM Modi 01:37:44 - Online Trolling 01:39:21 - Favourite Podcaster 01:43:59 - Fame and Criticism 01:50:12 - Politicians and Their Attire 01:57:35 - Power Dynamics During Interviews 02:00:45 - Shehzad's 2025 Resolutions 02:02:53 - Kushal's 2025 Resolutions 02:04:08 - Vinamre's 2025 Resolutions 02:06:47 - Smita's 2025 Resolutions