ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

The suicide of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash has brought the spotlight onto gender-biased laws in India. Why did suicide become the only option for Atul Subhash? Who is responsible for his death— the system, the judiciary, or the police? His tragic death has sparked a demand for gender-neutral laws in India. In an episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Priya Jain, a lawyer and co-founder of Finology Legal, discusses the legal challenges and how some sections of the law are not gender-neutral. Anil Murty, co-founder of the Save Indian Family Foundation, points out that Atul Subhash is not an isolated case. There are many others who face similar outcomes, highlighting a larger problem in India. Abhijit Iyer Mitra, senior fellow at the Institute of Peace & Conflict Studies, shares his perspective on how these laws are shaping India’s story. 00:00 - Introduction 02:01 - The Atul Subhash Case 08:52 - Men's Rights and Media Trials 16:31 - What Led Atul to Die by Suicide? 24:46 - Who Is Responsible for Atul's Death? 27:02 - Section 498A and Its Misuse 31:59 - The Indian Judiciary and Judges 34:51 - Marriage as an Institution 39:32 - Prenuptial Agreements Before Marriage 41:57 - Forced Marriages in Bihar 44:50 - UP Officer Booked for Exploiting IIT Kanpur Student 46:16 - The Police's Role in Forced Marriages 50:21 - The Role of Marriage Mediators in Settling Divorce Disputes 54:27 - The Need for Gender-Neutral Laws 58:43 - Kids' Role in Divorce Settlements 01:01:26 - Understanding Perjury in Divorce Cases 01:06:37 - Karnataka's Progressive Judgments 01:08:41 - Legal Pros and Cons of Marriage 01:13:32 - Gay Relationships 01:16:34 - The Role of Save Indian Family Foundation 01:22:46 - Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar 01:24:37 - Prenuptial Agreements

There seems to be no end to the Temple-Mosque disputes in India. After Ayodhya, claims have emerged regarding a mosque allegedly being built after the demolition of a temple in U.P.'s Sambhal. What does the Places of Worship Act, 1991, say about such disputes? Did the Ayodhya judgment set a legal precedent? And what about maintaining communal harmony? In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, J. Sai Deepak, a Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India and the Delhi High Court, delves into several pressing issues. He shares his insights on Tamil Nadu's political landscape, the broader dynamics of Indian politics, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's advocacy for the 'Secular Civil Code'. Additionally, he sheds light on the challenges faced by the Hindu community in Bangladesh and discusses the implications of these issues on India's socio-political fabric. 00:00 - Introduction 01:56 - Sambhal Mosque Row 06:58 - Conversion of Worship Sites 15:58 - Pending Cases in Mosque-Temple Disputes 19:32 - The Places of Worship Act, 1991 22:37 - Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb 26:11 - Historians and Temple-Mosque Disputes 30:49 - Justice R.F. Nariman on Ayodhya Verdict 33:48 - How Many Temples Were Destroyed 36:51 - Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh 47:06 - Snap Reaction on Asaduddin Owaisi 49:31 - Snap Reaction on D.Y. Chandrachud 52:26 - Snap Reaction on K. Annamalai 56:43 - Snap Reaction on PM Narendra Modi 01:03:07 - Snap Reaction on Omar Abdullah 01:05:30 - Snap Reaction on Rahul Gandhi 01:10:11 - Snap Reaction on Udayanidhi Stalin 01:11:11 - Thalapathy Vijay in Tamil Nadu's Politics 01:15:21 - Social Media Fan Following 01:16:40 - J. Sai Deepak's 3rd Book 01:18:26 - Senior Advocates and Junior Advocates in Court 01:21:22 - Nepotism in the Judiciary 01:25:06 - PM's Push for 'Secular Civil Code'

Why are mental health disorder cases rising in India? Why are so many young people struggling with depression and anxiety? What are the real causes of ADHD, and how can we break common myths about mental health? To answer these questions, we are joined by Dr. Achal Bhagat, one of New Delhi’s leading psychiatrists. He is a Senior Consultant Psychiatrist and leads a team of psychologists, social workers, and therapists. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr Bhagat talks about India’s mental health crisis, including stress at work, relationship struggles, and rising divorce rates. He also explains why children and teenagers are more affected by depression and how society often misunderstands mental health. Don’t miss this episode to learn how to manage stress, anxiety, and depression, and how to seek help from professionals. Audio Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:48 - Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist vs. Therapist 09:07 - Violence Against Women 12:15 - Depression Among Women 14:05 - Mental Health Stigma 17:21 - Mental Health Myths 22:38 - Time to Discuss Mental Health 23:12 - Suicide Cases in Kota 27:00 - Parental and School Pressure 28:44 - How Psychiatrists Handle Suicidal Thoughts 33:42 - Loneliness Among the Ageing Population 40:22 - Social Media Addiction 43:10 - Work-Life Pressure 50:22 - Managing Relationship Pressures 54:12 - Increasing Divorce Rates in India 58:00 - Alcohol and Smoking 01:00:09 - Pollution and Mental Health 01:02:38 - Depression and Anxiety 01:04:15 - Mental Illness: Diagnosis and Treatment 01:08:21 - Genetics and Mental Health Disorders 01:11:22 - Helping Someone in Mental Distress 01:30:10 - Mental Health Terms to Avoid 01:34:00 - Parenting for Boys and Girls 01:37:28 - Relationship Between Patients and Psychiatrists

What does it take to become a supermodel? How difficult is it to reach the top of the modelling industry? What role do diet and body image play in modelling? Why is there a rise in cosmetic surgeries among models and actors? What goes on behind the scenes during a fashion show? To answer these questions, we're joined by Alicia Kaur, a Mumbai-based model originally from Australia, who has made a name for herself in the fashion industry. In this ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Alicia talks about the challenges she faced in the modelling world and why discipline is key to success. She also shares her struggles while working in China and discusses the roles of designers, choreographers, and models in fashion events. Alicia opens up about a viral skit she did with actor Sidharth Malhotra, which led to a lot of criticism. She also speaks about her decision to undergo breast surgery and why some models feel the need to enhance their facial features. Plus, she shares her experience of working with Shah Rukh Khan on an ad campaign. Don't miss this episode to learn what it takes to be a supermodel. 00:00 - Introduction 00:38 - Modeling: A Childhood Dream 08:08 - Work Experience in China 15:08 - Struggling Due to Passport Theft in Hong Kong 17:52 - Journey to Becoming a Supermodel & Touring India 21:08 - Sidharth Malhotra & Alicia's Viral Video 23:58 - Role of Designers, Choreographers, and Models in Fashion Events 25:55 - What Happens Backstage During Fashion Shows 28:35 - Choosing Veganism 35:01 - Cosmetic Surgery Among Models 39:16 - The Reason for Undergoing Breast Surgery 42:06 - Celebrities Trolled for Botox 45:23 - Facing Acceptance Issues 48:16 - Favorite Designers 50:18 - Drug Issues in the Modeling Industry 51:38 - Is Modeling a Gateway to Bollywood? 52:41 - Working Experience with Shah Rukh Khan 55:53 - First Ad Shoot in India 57:36 - Addressing Skin Color Diversity in Modeling 01:02:58 - Advice for Aspiring Models 01:07:53 - Favorite Indian Food

Vikram Sampath, a historian and author renowned for his biography of V.D. Savarkar, discusses his latest work on Tipu Sultan. He challenges glorified perceptions of Sultan as a freedom fighter by revealing his brutal reign marked by temple destruction and forced conversions. Sampath argues for a nuanced understanding of Tipu's legacy, criticizing the political celebration of Tipu Jayanti. The conversation uncovers the complexities of historical narratives and questions how Tipu's violent actions are interpreted and commemorated today.

In this engaging conversation, Sunil Chhetri, one of India's greatest football players and former captain of the national team, reflects on his inspiring journey from childhood in Delhi to becoming an iconic athlete. He discusses his fitness regimen, the vital role of nutrition, and how his family shaped his career. Chhetri shares candid thoughts on handling social media criticism, his friendship with Virat Kohli, and unpacks his future plans post-retirement, including potential political ambitions—revealing a personal side of the football legend.

BK Shivani, a renowned Rajyoga Meditation teacher and TV personality, dives into the evolution of Brahma Kumaris, a spiritual movement focused on inner peace. She discusses the significance of celibacy and the roles of women in leadership within the organization. Shivani explores topics like Ram Rajya, the idea of a spiritual India, and the importance of compassion in healing societal violence. She reflects on love versus attachment and shares insights on parenting, forgiveness, and the transformative power of meditation.

Sushant Sareen, a senior fellow at ORF specializing in Pakistani affairs, and Tilak Devasher, an author and National Security Advisory Board member, delve into the alarming rise in attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, questioning the notion of 'religious cleansing.' They explore the potential for Bangladesh to destabilize further and the implications for India as migrant numbers rise. The discussion also tackles the ongoing political chaos in Pakistan, focusing on Imran Khan's plight and the role of military influence in shaping governance and unrest.

Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud served as the 50th Chief Justice of India from November 9, 2022, to November 10, 2024. During his tenure, he was a part of several landmark judgments, including the Ayodhya verdict, the decriminalization of Section 377, entry of women into the Sabarimala temple, the fundamental right to privacy, and the constitutionality of the Electoral Bonds Scheme, among others. He is widely respected for making the judiciary more tech-savvy and accessible. Under his leadership, the court embraced technological advancements such as live broadcasting of hearings, digitalization of Supreme Court and High Court records, and AI for transcribing judicial proceedings. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the former Chief Justice shares his views on several key issues. He discusses the collegium system, the Ayodhya Ram Temple verdict, and the impact of online trolling on judges' mental well-being. He highlights the heavy scrutiny judges face in the age of social media, where every word and decision is closely examined. Justice Chandrachud also addresses the opposition's claim that the judiciary is under pressure. He emphasizes that one does not need to be an atheist to deliver unbiased and fair judgments and speaks about practising faith while upholding the law. The conversation also touches on his retirement, his choice to follow a vegan lifestyle, his family, and his thoughts on whether he might enter politics in the future. 00:00 - Coming Up 00:00 - Introduction 01:38 - Retirement Plans 04:16 - On Teaching Law 06:24 - Delhi Air Pollution 12:20 - Delhi Govt vs L-G Tussle 16:42 - On his legacy 18:35 - Why He Chose to Become a Judge 23:04 - Trolling of Judges 25:54 - SC Handbook on Gender Stereotypes 29:21 - Media Scrutiny 31:54 - Who Authored the Ayodhya Verdict 36:33 - Liberal vs Conservative Judge Labels 38:17 - When the Ex-CJI Prayed for a Solution 44:17 - Sambhal Mosque Row 45:51 - Ganpati Puja with PM Modi 48:37 - Is the Indian Judiciary Under Pressure? 56:20 - Article 370 Judgment 57:24 - Overturning His Father’s Judgment 58:37 - Why He Got into the Legal Profession 01:02:24 - Nepotism in the Indian Judicial System 01:06:04 - The Collegium System 01:09:21 - Pendency of Court Cases in India 01:18:10 - Advocates’ Affordability 01:27:24 - Decriminalization of Homosexuality 01:32:24 - Roe v. Wade Judgment 01:34:16 - Disability-Friendly Courts 01:39:00 - Choosing a Vegan Lifestyle 01:44:40 - Judges Entering Politics 01:49:58 - Supreme Court Prison Report 01:53:34 - Privacy Issues for Judges in the Digital Era 01:56:13 - Live Telecast of Hearings 02:04:30 - Caste Element in Judgments 02:08:04 - International Disputes 02:12:19 - How DY Chandrachud Relaxes 02:17:57 - Hindi vs English- language used in courts 02:23:09 - Interaction with PM, CM, and President

A post on Twitter claiming that foreigners are 'avoiding' Goa due to 'bad services and treatment' has put the state government under scrutiny. Many blame Goa’s 'Taxi Mafia,' which charges high fares due to the lack of private app-based cab services. Some criticize the dirty beaches and the attitude of overcharging both domestic and foreign tourists. Many also argue that Goa is overpriced, and tourists can visit Thailand, Vietnam, or Sri Lanka on the same budget, where they offer a better and more pleasant stay. Is this the reality, or is there more to the story? In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte addresses all queries about tourism, including whether foreigners are abandoning Goa. He also discusses issues like drug trafficking, rave parties, and the casino culture in Goa. 00:00 - Introduction 01:41 - Goa Tourism in Trouble? 08:04 - Agenda Against Goa Tourism? 12:30 - 'Taxi Mafia' in Goa 19:22 - Commuters' Concerns in Goa 22:40 - Goa's Filthy Beaches 26:11 - Stray Dogs and Cattle on Beaches 28:24 - Fewer ATMs in Goa 30:45 - Power Cuts in Goa 32:44 - Goa's Road Infrastructure 35:20 - Is Goa an Expensive Tourist Destination? 37:25 - Chikhal Kalo Festival 42:20 - IFFI 2024 47:05 - Drug Trafficking in Goa 50:17 - Goan Culture 54:58 - Diversifying Goa's Economy 59:40 - Casinos in Goa 1:03:02 - Mopa vs. Dabolim Airport